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Table of Contents
In this lesson I will show you different ways on how you can upgrade your spoken English.
I will give you 10 examples to illustrate how you can do this in different situations. Each example shows you
- A Basic Version
- An Upgraded Version
- An Explanation
If you are preparing for IELTS Speaking, these are great ideas to help you level up your answers from band 6 to band 7.
Giving Opinions
Basic
I think it’s good because it helps people.
Upgraded
I’d say it’s generally a positive thing, because it helps people in the long run.
Explanation
- Hedging (softening the message)
- Generally
- By and large
- Overall
- Time reference
- in the long run
- In the short term
Giving Reasons
Basic
I like it because it’s interesting.
Upgraded
I like it mainly because it keeps me engaged and its mentally challenging.
Explanation
- Hedging (softening the message)
- Mainly because
- Largely because
- Precise verb / adjectives
- Keeps me engaged
- Mentally challenging
- Physically challenging
Talking About Frequency
Basic
I often go to the gym.
Upgraded
I try to go to the gym two or three times a week, depending on my schedule.
Explanation
- More Specific
- Two or three times a week
- Twice a month
- Every single day
- Real-life constraint
- Depending on my schedule
- Time permitting
- If I can find the time
Adding Detail
Basic
I live in a big city. It’s busy in summer.
Upgraded
I live in a fairly large city on the coast, so it’s quite lively, especially in summer.
Explanation
- Adverbs of degree
- Fairly
- Quite
- Rather
- Connector of consequence
- So
- Which means
Describing Preferences
Basic
Upgraded
Overall, I prefer watching movies at home, mainly because it’s more comfortable and less expensive.
Explanation
- Hedging (softening the message)
- Overall / By and large / Generally speaking
- Mainly because / Largely because
- Using comparatives
- More comfortable
- Cosier
- Less expensive
- Cheaper
Expressing Uncertainty
Basic
I’m not sure.
Upgraded
I haven’t really thought about it before, but I’d probably say…
Explanation
- Thinking time
- I haven’t though about that before
- That’s a tricky question
- Polite hedging
- I’d probably say
Talking About the Past
Comparing Past and Present
Basic
My life is different now.
Upgraded
My life has changed quite a lot compared to a few years ago, especially in terms of work.
Explanation
- Comparison phrase
- Compared to
- In comparison with
- Topic narrowing
- Especially in terms of
- As far as ____ is concerned
Giving Examples
Basic
I like pop music, for example, Taylor Swift
Upgraded
I like pop music, take Taylor Swift for example, I think she is so creative and entertaining.
Explanation
- Natural
- Take _____ for example
- Take ______ as an example
- Such as _____
- Adding reason
- I think
- Because
Ending Answers Naturally
Basic
That’s it.
Upgraded
So yeah, that’s probably the main reason.
Explanation
- Hedging (softening the message)
- That’s probably _____
- I guess that’s _____
- I suppose that’s _____
Summary
You can upgrade your English in many situations by doing the following:
- Use hedging and softening
- Explain and give reasons
- Be more precise
- Use adverbs (of degree)
- Adding frequency or time frame
- Give more context
- Narrow the topic
Find out how to become a confident speaker of English with the IELTS Speaking Gold course.
FAQs
You can upgrade your spoken English by adding more precision, detail, and structure to your answers. Instead of giving short, basic responses, use hedging (e.g. I’d say, generally speaking), give clear reasons (mainly because, largely because), add time references (in the long run, two or three times a week), and include examples (take ___ for example). These small changes immediately make your English sound more natural and advanced.
Yes. To move from Band 6 to Band 7, you need more flexible vocabulary, better linking, and more developed answers. Upgrading basic sentences into more precise and detailed responses shows the examiner a wider range of vocabulary and grammar. These are both key criteria in the IELTS Speaking test. However, do be careful. You don’t always need to use complicated language; it’s more natural to use a mix of simple and complex language in spoken English.
Hedging means softening your opinion so it sounds more natural and less direct. Native English speakers often use phrases like I’d say, probably, generally speaking, or by and large. Using hedging makes your answers sound more conversational.
Start by taking common IELTS topics and questions (food, education, technology, hobbies) and speak out a basic answer. Look at the list of ways to upgrade your English and then repeat your answer, trying to upgrade it a little. You can try;
- Adding a reason
- Being more specific
- Adding frequency or time reference
- Using comparatives or adverbs of degree
- Giving an example
Practising this regularly trains you to respond more naturally in the test.
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