Using 03 strategies to extend this Speaking answer has helped me achieve 6.0+ for Speaking skill

Strategies to extend Speaking answers #1: Explaining 'Why?' questions

Instead of just giving a simple answer, try to provide additional supporting ideas to make your answer longer. Pose yourself the question 'WHY' and answer it to develop longer ideas. This is an essential IELTS speaking tip in any situation.

Example 1

“What do you do after work?” “I usually cook” -> “Well, I usually cook. (WHY?) I don’t want to sit still and be useless after I get home from work, so I usually cook something for my family and friends as a way of relaxation”

Example 2

“What do people in your area do in their free time?” “Some people like watching TV to relax, other people prefer watching football matches together” “Well, there are tons of things that people often do in their spare time. One of them is to binge watch TV (WHY?) because it’s economical and relaxing when they can do it at home and whenever they want. Another thing could be to wine and dine in some luxury restaurant.

Strategies to extend Speaking answers #2: Providing multiple relevant examples

For Speaking part 1, you can give examples from your own experiences or those of your friends. As for Speaking part 3, broaden your examples to include young people, specific social classes, or professionals in certain fields...

Example 1

“Is spending too much time on a hobby harmful?” “Yes, I believe that excessive focus on personal interests can negatively impact individuals. It's easy to lose sight of important priorities such as family and work. For instance, I sometimes get so engrossed in watching Korean dramas that I completely forget about deadlines and household chores.”

Example 2

“What places should visitors to your town or city see?” “In my view, tourist attractions and historical sites are essential for first-time visitors to Hanoi, my hometown. For instance, they should definitely visit Hoan Kiem Lake. I believe these visits offer a deeper insight into Vietnam.”

Strategies to extend Speaking answers #3: Expressing feelings, emotions, or opinions

During exams, some candidates simply answer yes/no and forget that the examiner is asking about your life (in Part 1). Therefore, in some questions, you can include your viewpoint, feelings, or thoughts to make your answer more genuine.

Example 1

“Where do you intend to vacation in the future?” “… My preferred destination will always be Da Nang, a tourist city in Central Vietnam. So it would be a fulfilling experience for me to appreciate such beauty.”

Example 2

“Have you ever forgotten to take an umbrella or raincoat?” “Honestly, I am quite forgetful, so there have been many occasions when I left home without a raincoat or umbrella. So, when it suddenly rains, I usually rush home as quickly as possible, but still end up getting wet and trust me, it's quite bothersome!”

Commitment

If you only answer exactly what the examiner asks, you'll have a short and incomplete answer, which can lead to a lack of vocabulary and grammar demonstration. Consequently, the examiner won't rate your test highly. With these 3 tips to extend Speaking answers, you'll have the chance to showcase your English proficiency, aiming for a band 6+ in Speaking.