In this teaching guide, we’ll explore how to use the topic of pens and pencils effectively in IELTS Speaking practice. We’ll break down each sample question and response, offering detailed explanations and additional examples to help students improve their fluency, vocabulary, and coherence.

### Question 1: What do you think if someone gives you a pen or pencil as a present?

Sample Answer Breakdown:

“Honestly speaking, I would appreciate receiving a pen or pencil as a present. For one thing, it’s a practical gift that I can use daily, whether for writing notes or signing documents. Moreover, a well-crafted pen or pencil can be a symbol of thoughtfulness and even elegance, especially if it’s a high-quality item. All in all, such a gift, though simple, can be quite meaningful and useful.”

Explanation and Teaching Points:

• Opening with an Opinion: The phrase “Honestly speaking” is an excellent way to begin a response by expressing a personal opinion. Encourage students to use similar expressions like “To be honest” or “Frankly speaking” to show their feelings.

• Providing Reasons: The phrase “For one thing” introduces a reason, which is followed by a detailed explanation. Teach students to always back up their opinions with reasons or examples.

• Adding Additional Points: “Moreover” is a great transition word for adding more information. Students should practice using such linking words to make their responses more coherent.

• Concluding the Response: The phrase “All in all” effectively summarizes the speaker’s overall opinion, a useful strategy for concluding responses.

Additional Practice Example:“To be honest, I would be quite pleased if someone gave me a pen as a gift. For instance, it would be a constant reminder of the person who gave it to me whenever I use it. Additionally, pens can be both practical and stylish, especially those designed with elegance in mind. All things considered, such a gift would be both useful and memorable.”

### Question 2: Do you usually use a pen or a pencil?

Sample Answer Breakdown:

“Generally speaking, I tend to use a pen more often than a pencil. For instance, I prefer the permanence and clarity of ink when I’m writing in my notebook or signing documents. However, I do switch to a pencil when I’m sketching or doing work that requires more flexibility and the ability to make corrections. In a nutshell, while I lean towards using pens, pencils still have their place in my daily tasks.”

Explanation and Teaching Points:

• Expressing General Habits: “Generally speaking” introduces a general habit or preference. Teach students to use such phrases to discuss their regular actions.

• Using Examples: The phrase “For instance” is crucial for giving specific examples to support a point. Students should be encouraged to use examples to make their answers more concrete and relatable.

• Contrasting Ideas: “However” is used here to introduce a contrasting point. It’s important to show students how to balance their answers by acknowledging different perspectives or situations.

• Summarizing with Key Points: The phrase “In a nutshell” succinctly summarizes the key points, an effective way to conclude an answer.

Additional Practice Example:“Frankly speaking, I use pens more often because I find the ink’s permanence reassuring when I’m taking important notes. On the other hand, I do switch to a pencil when I’m working on diagrams or need to make frequent corrections. In short, while pens are my go-to, pencils are indispensable for tasks that require flexibility.”

### Question 3: When was the last time you bought a pen or pencil?

Sample Answer Breakdown:

“As a matter of fact, I recently bought a pen just last week. Specifically, I needed a new pen for taking notes at work, and I opted for one that has a smooth ink flow and a comfortable grip. Moreover, I find that investing in a quality pen can make writing more enjoyable and efficient. All things considered, it was a small but worthwhile purchase.”

Explanation and Teaching Points:

• Starting with Specifics: “As a matter of fact” adds emphasis and immediacy to the response. It’s a good strategy for engaging the examiner with a specific detail.

• Elaborating on Details: The phrase “Specifically” introduces a detailed explanation, which is important for fleshing out responses. Encourage students to dive into the specifics of their experiences.

• Expressing Opinions on Actions: “Moreover” continues the explanation by adding the speaker’s opinion on the purchase. It’s a good habit for students to explain why a particular action was important or beneficial.

• Concluding Thought: “All things considered” wraps up the response by reflecting on the overall value of the action. This is a strong technique to summarize thoughts coherently.

Additional Practice Example:“Actually, I bought a pencil just a few days ago. Specifically, I needed it for sketching out some designs, and I chose one that had a firm yet smooth lead. Furthermore, I believe that investing in a good pencil can really improve the quality of my work. Overall, it was a small purchase, but one that I’m quite satisfied with.”

### Question 4: Which do you use more often, pen or pencil?

Sample Answer Breakdown:

“To be honest, I use a pen more often than a pencil. For one thing, I prefer the permanence of ink for most of my writing tasks, as it’s less likely to smudge or fade over time. Additionally, using a pen gives my writing a more polished and professional appearance, which is important in both personal and professional contexts. At the end of the day, while pencils are handy for sketching or drafting, pens are my go-to tool for most writing tasks.”

Explanation and Teaching Points:

• Honesty in Preference: “To be honest” introduces a personal preference. Students should be comfortable expressing their honest opinions, as this adds authenticity to their responses.

• Justifying Choices: “For one thing” provides a justification for the preference, followed by an explanation. This is a crucial skill for making responses logical and convincing.

• Adding Additional Justifications: “Additionally” is used to introduce a secondary reason, which helps in developing a well-rounded answer.

• Summing Up: “At the end of the day” offers a reflective conclusion, reinforcing the speaker’s main point.

Additional Practice Example:“Honestly, I reach for a pen more often because I value the lasting quality of ink for my notes and documents. Furthermore, pens tend to give my writing a cleaner and more professional look, which is important to me. That being said, while pencils are great for rough drafts, I rely on pens for the majority of my tasks.”

### Conclusion

By dissecting these sample answers, students can learn how to structure their responses effectively during the IELTS Speaking test. Practicing with similar questions and focusing on key phrases like “Honestly speaking,” “For one thing,” and “In a nutshell,” will help them develop a natural and coherent speaking style. Encourage students to elaborate on their ideas, provide specific examples, and use transitions to connect their thoughts smoothly.