Start and finish strongly
In this lesson, you will learn to start and finish your GCAS answers effectively. It's also useful whenever you answer a question or give an opinion in English.
Your teacher has a question for you. Answer it as you would in the GCAS.
Discuss your answer.
- How do you feel about your beginning?
- What about your ending?
A. How to begin
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First, immediately show that you understand.
- Respond immediately.
That's a good/interesting/tough/big question.
- Repeat a keyword (not a sentence).
Q: Do you think your company has good leadership practices?
A: Good leadership? Hmm, well, yes. My company has...
- Say yes/no.
- Simple questions can be answered immediately.
-
Then, give a clear claim (opinion).
- Can be strong:
I definitely think...
- Can be tentative/balanced:
I suppose...
I generally think that...
B. How to end
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Use a transition phrase.
- It's important to use a variety of phrases through the test.
- Brainstorm a few different ones.
NOTE: For short answers, you don't need a full transition phrase. You can simply say something like, "So, [+ conclusion]", or "Anyway, [+ conclusion]".
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Clearly and simply restate or paraphrase your claims.
This should be short and simple—just a few words per claim.
Remember:
- Don't repeat evidence or reasoning.
- Don't introduce new ideas.
- Don't repeat your introduction word-for-word.
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Add a "so what?"
This gives the energy back to the interviewer, and it has a lot of impact. Here are some examples:
- Recommendation:
So, if you have the chance, you should definitely visit my hometown.
- Wish/Hope:
So, I have a negative opinion of the economy in the long term, but, of course, I hope I'm wrong!
- Prediction:
So, solar power is going to be used more and more in the future.
Now that you have learned how to begin and end powerfully, let's do some practice!