Question Type 1: Basic Description Questions

Part Three Question Type 3: Why questions

There are some "why" questions in Part One of the speaking test but they are more commonly asked in Part Three. Look at the following question and answer:

Why do so many people want to be famous?

In my opinion there are many reasons. Firstly people think they can make more money, live in a big house, drive an expensive car and travel around the world.

The reasons in this answer are quite acceptable, but they are presented in a basic structure which lacks linking phrases. This answer also lacks complex vocabulary. Now look at the next answer:

In my opinion I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved. Primarily, one key motivation would be because they think they would be able to make more money. As well as this a subsequent incentive might be because they want to live in a big house and drive an expensive car.

This answer actually contains less ideas or reasons, but it presents the reasons with complex linking structures. The word "reason" is also replaced with 3 different complex vocabulary items (factor, motivation and incentive).

Now build your own "why" structure. Begin with a linking phrase:

• 
  Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that...
  
• 
  Well in my view, I suppose I would say that...
  
• 
  Well in my estimation, I guess that...
  
• 
  Well generally it's my belief that...
  

Now use a structure to say that "there are many reasons".

• 
  There are probably a number of factors involved.
  
• 
  There are obviously a number of motives surrounding this idea.
  
• 
  There are unquestionably a number of explanations for this.
  
• 
  There are undoubtedly a variety of justifications behind this.
  

Now introduce the first reason:

• 
  The chief cause might be that...
  
• 
  The main basis is probably because...
  
• 
  The key explanation is possibly because...
  

Introduce the second reason:

• 
  As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because...
  
• 
  At the same time, a secondary motive could be that...
  
• 
  Additionally, a further rationale might be due to the fact that...
  

If you want to talk about a third reason, you can use a similar structure to the ones above. Remember try not to repeal the vocabulary, i.e. if you have used "factor" in one sentence, in your next sentence use a different word, e.g., "motive". The more "reason" words you use, the higher your vocabulary score.

Now practise using your structure for the following "why" questions.

• 
  Why is it important to protect old / historical buildings?
  
• 
  Why do so many people move from the countryside to cities?
  
• 
  Why is it important to protect the environment?
  
• 
  Why do people like to know about the private lives of famous people?
  
• 
  Why do many people want to live abroad?
  
• 
  Why do people like travelling to foreign countries?
  
• 
  Why is it important to learn a foreign language?
  
• 
  Why do children find it easier to learn to play a musical instrument?
  
• 
  Why are supermarkets so popular nowadays?
  
• 
  Why is it important to play sports?
  
• 
  Why is watching TV so popular around the world?