Introduction
As an English learner, taking a speaking exam can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, with the right preparation and practice, you can easily conquer the exam. This article provides some essential, universal phrases to help you feel more confident and prepare for any and every speaking exam.
Opening Phrases
To begin with, let's start with some opening phrases that will help you introduce yourself and your ideas:
"In my opinion..."
"I think that..."
"From my perspective..."
"From my point of view..."
"As far as I'm concerned..."
"Regarding this issue..."
Agreement and Disagreement Phrases
Agreeing or disagreeing with someone is a core component of many speaking exams. Here are some phrases to help you navigate those waters with ease:
"I completely agree with you."
"I see your point, but I respectfully disagree."
"I can understand where you're coming from."
"I'm afraid I have to disagree with that."
"That's a good point, but I have a different opinion."
"I'm not sure I agree with that."
Clarification Phrases
It's crucial to make sure you completely understand questions or prompts given in a speaking exam. Here are some phrases that will help you clarify:
"Could you please repeat the question?"
"Could you clarify what you mean by _____?"
"I'm not quite sure I understand what you're asking."
Utilizing Time Phrases
One aspect that is often graded during speaking exams is your ability to use time phrases correctly. Here are some phrases that can help:
"In the past, I _____"
"Currently, I _____"
"In the future, I _____"
"Over the years, I've _____"
"Looking back, I _____"
Conclusion
While there's no way to predict exactly what prompts you'll encounter during a speaking exam, these phrases will give you a toolkit for tackling whatever comes your way. The key to mastering any exam is preparation, practice and confidence.