The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Speaking test includes a crucial component: follow-up questions. These questions allow the examiner to assess your ability to provide extended answers, offer explanations, and showcase your fluency and coherence. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies to tackle follow-up questions in the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample question answers to illustrate these strategies. Let us dive in! Listen Carefully and Understand the Question:
Sample Question: “Do you think people today have more or fewer hobbies compared to the past?”
Response: “In my opinion, people today have fewer hobbies than in the past. In the past, leisure time was less structured, and people engaged in various activities to pass the time. However, in today’s fast-paced world, people are often occupied with work, technology, and other commitments, leaving less time for hobbies.”
Recap and Elaborate: Sample Question: “What are the advantages of traveling?”
Response: “As I mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of traveling is the opportunity to explore different cultures. Additionally, traveling allows individuals to broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world. By immersing oneself in diverse environments, travelers can develop tolerance, empathy, and a greater appreciation for cultural differences.”

Use Connectors and Discourse Markers:
Sample Question: “Should children be allowed to use smartphones at a young age?”
Response: “In my view, children should not be allowed to use smartphones at a young age. Firstly, excessive screen time can negatively impact their physical and mental health. Moreover, smartphones can hinder social interaction and impede the development of essential communication skills. On the other hand, limited and supervised use of smartphones can provide educational benefits, such as access to educational apps and resources. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and ensure that children engage in other activities to foster their overall development.”
Paraphrase and Reiterate:
Sample Question: “What are the benefits of regular exercise?”
Response: “Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. As I mentioned earlier, engaging in physical activities on a consistent basis helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, exercise boosts energy levels and improves mood, contributing to overall mental health and a sense of well-being.”
Be Specific and Provide Examples:
Sample Question: “What are the challenges of living in a big city?”
Response: “Living in a big city poses several challenges. For instance, one significant challenge is the high cost of living. Rent, transportation, and daily expenses tend to be considerably higher in urban areas. Another challenge is the fast-paced lifestyle, which can lead to stress, exhaustion, and a lack of work-life balance. Additionally, big cities often face issues like traffic congestion and pollution, impacting the quality of life for residents.” Follow-up questions in the IELTS Speaking test provide an opportunity to showcase your linguistic skills, coherence, and ability to engage in a conversation. By listening carefully, recapping and elaborating on your previous responses, using connectors and discourse markers, paraphrasing and reiterating the question, providing specific examples, and practicing active listening and reaction, you can confidently tackle follow-up questions and leave a lasting impression on
the examiner. Regular practice with sample questions will help you refine your skills and build your confidence. Embrace these strategies, and excel in the IELTS Speaking test with impressive follow-up question responses!