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Have you ever given a long answer in IELTS, only to realize later that it didn’t quite match the question? Many students speak fluently but still lose marks because they misunderstood what they were being asked. That’s why question decoding is such an important skill.
Question decoding means quickly figuring out what the question is really asking before you answer. It helps you stay on topic and give the right kind of response. But some students worry:
“If I take too long to think, will the examiner move on?”
Don’t worry. IELTS speaking is not a speed test. Taking 1–2 seconds to understand the question properly is not only okay—it’s smart.
Here are the common types of IELTS speaking questions you’ll hear:
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Opinion – “Do you agree…?” or “What do you think…?”
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Description – “Describe a time when…” or “What is your favourite…?”
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Comparison – “Do you prefer A or B?” or “How are X and Y different?”
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Reasons/Causes – “Why do people…?” or “What are the reasons for…?”
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Solutions or suggestions – “How can this problem be solved?”
By training your ear to spot these types of questions, you’ll feel more prepared. You’ll start answering with more confidence and accuracy—without rushing or freezing.
In class, we’ll practice how to decode quickly and naturally, so you don’t lose time or marks. Take the class in the link below for more practice and to level up your band scores.
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