You will learn the key scoring expectations and step-by-step strategies: quickly identifying task words, organizing ideas, using helpful connectors (because, for example, overall), and choosing simple, accurate grammar and vocabulary. You will also practice with a realistic scenario and avoid common mistakes like stopping early, drifting off topic, or speaking too slowly.
Lesson Introduction
Del 1
In the Take an Interview task, you will participate in a simulated conversation with a prerecorded interviewer. You will answer four questions about a single everyday topic, such as cooking habits, travel experiences, hobbies, or reading preferences.
You have 45 seconds to answer each question. You should speak for the full 45 seconds so that you show complete ideas, clear organization, and natural speech.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 4 questions in one interview |
| Response time | 45 seconds per question — use the entire time |
| Progression | Q1: describe a personal experience or habit; Q2: state a preference/choice or describe a reaction/feeling, with reasons; Q3: give an opinion (agree/disagree) with support; Q4: discuss a broader issue, often a future prediction or value judgment |
| Scoring focus | Complete and relevant answer, logical organization, clear speech and rhythm, accurate and effective vocabulary and grammar |
Your goal is to answer the question, give a clear reason, add a simple example, and finish with a short concluding idea, while speaking naturally for the full 45 seconds.
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 5 |
|
Important: You can receive a high score even with simple words and grammar if your answer is complete, organized, clear, and uses the full 45 seconds.
Based on official ETS interview questions, the topics are always everyday personal subjects — not academic ones. Here are the most common topic areas:
| Topic Area | Example Questions You Might Hear |
|---|---|
| Education | Tell me about a project or course that made a topic click for you. Do you prefer learning a new skill by yourself or in a small group? Should taxpayers fully fund college degrees? |
| Cooking & Food | When does cooking fit into your rhythm? Do you follow a written recipe or taste and adjust as you go? Should schools require cooking lessons before graduation? |
| Daily Routine | How do you move from waking up through work to winding down? Would you block every hour, leave open gaps, or aim for something in between? Is a fixed daily rhythm a helpful tool or a cage? |
| Hobbies & Free Time | When obligations pause, what do you reach for first? On a free afternoon, do you choose a solo activity or one that needs at least one other person? Can a regular pastime genuinely change someone’s mood? |
| Reading | How do you satisfy curiosity — long-form text, podcasts, video, or a mix? Do you prefer total quiet or background noise when finishing a dense read? Is deep reading losing ground to faster formats? |
| Fitness & Exercise | What movement activities are catching on among people your age? Would you rather exercise inside or dress for the elements and stay outside? Can streaming workouts replace a trainer who corrects your form? |
| Travel | What do you refuse to leave behind when traveling? Do you sketch an itinerary or improvise? Will climate concerns and ticket prices shrink leisure travel, or will demand keep climbing? |
How to prepare: For each topic area, think of one personal experience and one opinion you could share. Having ready-made ideas saves valuable thinking time during the interview.
Before you can give a strong answer, you must first understand what kind of question the interviewer is asking. Every question in the Take an Interview task has a purpose, and recognizing that purpose helps you plan your response quickly and effectively.
1. Identify the Main Topic
Start by focusing on the main idea of the question. Listen for the key noun or phrase that tells you what the interviewer is talking about. This is usually the subject you will describe or discuss.
Examples:
- "Can you tell me about a project, mentor conversation, or short course that suddenly made a topic click for you?" → The main topic is your learning experience.
- "Do you push through alone first, or do you seek a study partner or tutor early?" → The main topic is your study preference (preference/choice).
- "What kind of reaction do you have to cities? Why do you think you react this way?" → The main topic is your personal reaction to cities (reaction/feeling).
- "Should taxpayers fully fund college degrees for qualified residents?" → The main topic is education funding policy.
By clearly identifying the topic, you avoid talking about unrelated ideas and keep your answer focused.
2. Recognize the Task Words
Next, pay attention to the task words — these are the verbs or phrases that tell you what kind of answer is needed. They help you know whether to describe, explain, choose, or express an opinion.
- Describe / Tell me about: Talk about what something is like. (e.g., "How do you move from waking up through work or study to winding down at night?")
- Do you prefer / Would you choose: Pick one option and explain why. (e.g., "On a free afternoon, are you more likely to choose something you can do entirely by yourself or an activity that needs at least one other person?")
- Do you agree / What do you think: Express an opinion and give a reason. (e.g., "Do you think a regular pastime can genuinely change someone’s mood, or is that idea overstated?")
- In the future / How important: Discuss a broader idea with reasoning. (e.g., "Do you predict average people will defend more hours for leisure, or will economic pressure squeeze hobbies even further?")
Understanding the task words ensures that your answer matches exactly what the interviewer is asking. For example, if the question says "Do you prefer," you must state a choice and explain why. If it says "What kind of reaction do you have," you must name your feeling and explain why you feel that way.
3. Understand the Four Question Stages in the Interview
Each Take an Interview task includes four questions that gradually become more complex. Understanding how each stage works helps you prepare your ideas and adjust the level of detail in your responses.
- Question 1 — Personal Experience or Description:
The first question is simple and focuses on your own experience, habits, or observations. It helps you start speaking comfortably. You will usually be asked to describe something familiar.
Example: "When obligations pause, what kinds of projects, games, or outings do you reach for first?"
Your answer should describe what you do and mention one or two details that make it meaningful to you. - Question 2 — Preference, Choice, or Reaction:
The second question usually asks you to choose between two options and explain why you prefer one. This is the most common pattern. However, it can also ask about your personal reaction or feeling toward something.
Preference example: "On a free afternoon, are you more likely to choose something you can do entirely by yourself or an activity that needs at least one other person? Why?"
Reaction example: "Cities affect people in different ways. Some find cities dynamic; others find them overwhelming. What kind of reaction do you have to cities? Why?"
For preference questions, clearly state your choice, then give reasons with a short example. For reaction questions, name your feeling directly, then explain why you feel that way. - Question 3 — Opinion or Agreement:
The third question asks for your opinion about a statement or trend. You often need to say whether you agree or disagree and explain your reasoning.
Example: "Therapists sometimes prescribe creative hobbies to manage stress. Do you think a regular pastime can genuinely change someone’s mood, or is that idea overstated?"
Your response should begin with your opinion, include at least one reason, and add an example or explanation to support it. - Question 4 — Broader Issue or Future Prediction:
The final question is the most challenging. It often asks about a future trend, the importance of something, or a wider social issue. You must show that you can think critically and express a logical opinion.
Example: "Over the next generation, do you predict average people will defend more hours for leisure, or will economic pressure squeeze hobbies even further? What evidence supports your guess?"
In your answer, state your prediction or position clearly, give two short reasons, and explain how your ideas connect to the question.
By recognizing the purpose of each question, you can prepare the right level of detail and language. Your answers should move from simple and personal in Question 1 to more thoughtful and reasoned by Question 4.
4. Listen for Hints and Keywords
Pay close attention to keywords in the interviewer's sentence that hint at what they want. These might include preference words (e.g., "prefer," "choose," "rather"), reaction words (e.g., "reaction," "feel," "affect," "find"), opinion triggers (e.g., "agree," "think," "believe"), or contrast patterns (e.g., "some people say... others believe..."). These clues help you understand the direction of the question and what kind of response is expected.
Example: "Some educators want mandatory cooking lessons before graduation; others say modern life no longer requires it. Where do you stand?"
What it means: The interviewer wants you to pick a side (mandatory cooking lessons or not) and explain why with reasons. The contrast pattern ("some... others say...") signals that both views are valid, but you must choose one.
When you understand the question type, topic, and task words clearly, you can plan your answer faster and speak with more confidence. This understanding also helps you avoid going off-topic or giving incomplete responses.
Use a simple four-part structure. Short sentences are fine. Connect them smoothly with easy linking words.
Four parts to include
- Main answer: State your idea directly.
- Reason: Explain why you think so.
- Example or detail: Give one specific support.
- Closing sentence: Summarize your point of view.
| Question Type | How to develop your answer |
|---|---|
| Q1: Personal experience or description | Say what happened or what you do, give one reason it matters, add a small detail, finish with a brief reflection. |
| Q2: Preference, choice, or reaction | For preference questions: state your choice, explain why, give an example, close with a summary. For reaction questions: name your feeling, explain the reason, give an example, close with a summary. |
| Q3: Opinion (agree or disagree) | State your opinion, give one or two reasons, include one example, end with a short restatement. |
| Q4: Broader issue or future prediction | State your prediction or position, give two short reasons, add a quick example, finish with a takeaway line. |
Model growth (Preference question):
Main answer: On a free afternoon, I would usually choose something I can do entirely by myself.
Reason: I find that solo activities let me recharge and follow my own pace without needing to coordinate with anyone.
Example: For instance, last weekend I spent a quiet afternoon reading and going for a walk. It helped me relax far more than a group outing would have.
Closing: So for me, having time alone is the best way to feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead.
Model growth (Reaction question):
Main answer: I usually feel excited and energized when I visit a city.
Reason: I think it is because there is always something happening, and being around many different people makes me feel like I am part of a bigger community.
Example: For example, the last time I visited a large city, I spent an afternoon walking through different neighborhoods and trying street food. The energy of the crowd was contagious, and I felt completely alive the whole time.
Closing: So I would say cities have a positive effect on me because the variety and energy keep me engaged.
Fluency and intelligibility are very important. Speak at a comfortable speed, not too fast and not too slow. Use short pauses between ideas, not inside words.
Fluency techniques
- Thought groups: Break your ideas into short phrases. Pause briefly at the end of each phrase.
- Helpful connectors: because, for example, also, however, in my opinion, overall.
- Natural intonation: Use rising and falling tone to show new points and conclusions.
- Keep going: If you forget a word, use a simple synonym and continue speaking.
Before: "I... like... cooking... it is... good."
After: "I really enjoy cooking at home because it allows me to try different recipes and eat healthier food."
Practice with a timer so that you comfortably reach and use the full 45 seconds without rushing.
Accuracy is more important than complex grammar. Use tenses correctly and avoid very long sentences. Replace repeated words with easy synonyms when possible.
Useful patterns
- Preference: I prefer…, I would rather…, I find it more…
- Reaction: I usually feel…, My reaction is…, It makes me feel…
- Opinion: I think that…, In my view…, I believe…
- Reason: The reason is that…, This is because…
- Example: For example…, For instance…, One time I…
- Contrast: However…, On the other hand…, Although…
- Future: I think in the future…, I predict that…, It is likely that…
Simple upgrade: "Exercise is good." → "I enjoy exercising outdoors because fresh air and natural scenery make the workout more enjoyable."
Scenario: Cooking Habits Research Study
Narrator: You have agreed to take part in a research study about your cooking habits. You will have a short online interview with a researcher. The researcher will ask you some questions.
Interviewer Q1 (Personal Experience): "I’d like to ask when cooking fits into your rhythm. Are you more likely to fire up the stove early in the morning, at midday, or late at night, and what triggers that choice?"
Interviewer Q2 (Preference/Reaction): "In the kitchen, do you measure ingredients carefully from a written plan, or do you taste and adjust as you go even when trying something new? Why?"
Interviewer Q3 (Opinion): "Some educators want mandatory cooking lessons before graduation; others say modern life no longer requires it. Where do you stand?"
Interviewer Q4 (Broader Issue): "Looking decades ahead, will meals revolve around efficiency and nutrient counts, or will shared recipes and cultural holidays still anchor how people eat?"
How to practice
- Read each question and plan for 2–3 seconds.
- Use the four-part structure to guide your answer: Main answer → Reason → Example → Closing.
- Speak for the full 45 seconds with clear structure and smooth pacing.
- Record your answer and listen for organization, clarity, and pronunciation.
- Check the rubric: Did you answer completely, give reasons and an example, and stay easy to understand?
Self-check after each answer:
- Did I directly answer the question?
- Did I include at least one reason and one example?
- Did I speak clearly with a natural rhythm?
- Did I use the full 45 seconds?
| Common mistake | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Stopping before 45 seconds or giving only one short sentence | Follow the four-part structure: Answer → Reason → Example → Closing. Add a second small point if time remains. |
| Answering the topic but not the exact question | Repeat the task words in your mind: "prefer," "agree," "describe," "in the future." Make sure your first sentence matches them. |
| Describing both options instead of choosing one (for Q2), or being vague about your reaction | For preference Q2: state your choice clearly in the first sentence ("I prefer..." or "I would choose..."). For reaction Q2: name your feeling directly ("I usually feel excited..." or "My reaction is..."). Then explain why. |
| Ideas are not connected | Use connectors: because, for example, also, however, overall. |
| Speaking too slowly with long pauses | Use short thought groups and keep a steady rhythm. Practice with a 45-second timer. |
| Using the same words again and again | Use easy synonyms: interesting → exciting, enjoyable; opportunity → chance; convenient → easy to use. |
| Grammar mistakes that change meaning | Use simple, correct sentences. Check tense: past for experiences, present for opinions, future for predictions. Do not make very long sentences. |
Target one mistake at a time. Record, review, and improve in your next attempt.
Continue to next part:
Del 2
Question 1 is always about a personal experience, habit, or familiar situation. It helps you begin the interview in a relaxed way and allows the interviewer to hear how well you can describe real events. Your goal is to tell a short, clear story about what happened and why it was meaningful, while speaking naturally for the full 45 seconds.
How to Structure Your Response
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| 1) Introduction | Answer the question directly by stating what you do, where, or when. Use one short, clear sentence to set the scene. |
| 2) Reason or Purpose | Explain why you do it or what motivates you. This shows understanding and helps develop your idea. |
| 3) Details or Example | Describe one or two specific details from your experience, such as what you saw, did, or enjoyed. Use short, simple sentences. |
| 4) Reaction or Feeling | Say how you felt or what you learned from that experience. This adds emotion and helps you sound more natural. |
| 5) Closing Sentence | End with a short reflection that repeats your main point or shows why the experience was meaningful to you. |
Template in Action:
Question: "When obligations pause, what kinds of projects, games, or outings do you reach for first?"
Introduction: When I have free time, I usually reach for outdoor activities like basketball or hiking, and sometimes quieter things like reading novels.
Reason: Basketball helps me stay fit and release stress, while reading gives me a quiet way to relax after a long day.
Details: I usually play basketball with my friends every Saturday morning at a park near my house. As for reading, I have been working through a mystery series that I really enjoy.
Reaction: Both activities make me feel refreshed and happy, and I think having this balance is important for my well-being.
Closing: Overall, these hobbies help me maintain a good balance between being active and taking time to relax.
When answering Question 1, focus on clear storytelling and natural emotion. Avoid giving only short answers like "I like basketball." Instead, build a small story using details and reactions to fill the full 45 seconds smoothly.
Question 2 usually asks you to choose between two options and explain why you prefer one. However, it can also ask about your personal reaction or feeling toward something. Read the question carefully to decide which type it is, then follow the matching structure below. Aim to speak calmly and clearly for the full 45 seconds.
Variant A: Preference or Choice (most common)
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| 1) State Your Preference | Clearly say which option you prefer. Use phrases like "I prefer…," "I would choose…," or "I find it more…" Do not describe both options equally — commit to one. |
| 2) Give Your Main Reason | Explain why you prefer this option. Use simple cause-and-effect words like "because" or "since." |
| 3) Give a Short Example | Describe a situation or experience that shows your preference in action. This helps make your answer more real and personal. |
| 4) Add a Second Reason (Optional) | If time allows, give one more reason. This shows deeper thinking. You can also briefly mention why the other option is less appealing to you. |
| 5) Closing | End with a short summary that restates your preference. |
Template in Action (Preference):
Question: "On a free afternoon, are you more likely to choose something you can do entirely by yourself or an activity that needs at least one other person? Why?"
Preference: I am more likely to choose an activity that involves at least one other person.
Main reason: Being around friends and family gives me energy and makes activities more fun. I find that I laugh more and feel happier when I share experiences with others.
Example: For instance, last weekend my friends and I went hiking together, and we had a great time talking and taking photos along the trail. If I had gone alone, I probably would not have enjoyed it as much.
Second reason: Also, spending time with others helps me learn new things, because each person has different ideas and perspectives.
Closing: So overall, I find that shared experiences are more meaningful and enjoyable for me.
Variant B: Reaction or Feeling
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| 1) Name Your Reaction | Directly state how you feel or react. Use phrases like "I usually feel…," "My reaction is…," or "I tend to find it…" |
| 2) Explain Why | Give the reason behind your reaction. Why does this thing make you feel that way? |
| 3) Give a Short Example | Describe a specific time or situation that shows this reaction. This makes your answer concrete and believable. |
| 4) Add Nuance (Optional) | Briefly acknowledge the other side (e.g., "Sometimes it can be tiring, but overall…"). This shows balanced thinking. |
| 5) Closing | End with a summary of your reaction and why you feel that way. |
Template in Action (Reaction):
Question: "Cities affect people in different ways. Some people find cities dynamic and exciting. Others find that cities are overwhelming and drain them of energy. What kind of reaction do you have to cities? Why do you think you react in this way?"
Reaction: I usually feel excited and energized when I am in a city.
Reason: I think it is because there is always something happening, and being around so many different people makes me feel like I am part of a bigger community. I also love the variety of things to do and see.
Example: For example, the last time I visited a large city, I spent an entire afternoon walking through different neighborhoods, trying street food, and watching street performers. The energy of the crowd was contagious, and I felt completely alive the whole time.
Nuance: Sometimes it gets a bit tiring after a very long day, but overall I enjoy the dynamic environment.
Closing: So I would say that cities have a very positive effect on me because the energy and variety keep me engaged.
Whether the question asks for a preference or a reaction, the key is the same: give a direct answer in your first sentence. For preferences, commit to one option. For reactions, name your feeling. Then spend the rest of the time supporting your answer with reasons and an example.
Question 3 asks you to share your opinion about a statement, idea, or trend. You often need to say whether you agree or disagree and explain your reasoning. This question tests your ability to express viewpoints, use logical connectors, and support your ideas with examples.
How to Structure Your Response
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| 1) State Your Opinion | Clearly say whether you agree or disagree with the statement, or what you think about the trend. |
| 2) Give Your Main Reason | Explain one strong reason for your opinion. Use linking phrases such as "I believe that…" or "The main reason is…" |
| 3) Add an Example | Support your reason with a short example or experience that proves your point. |
| 4) Add a Second Reason (Optional) | If time allows, add one more short reason to strengthen your argument. |
| 5) Closing | Restate your opinion and summarize your key point in one clear sentence. |
Template in Action:
Question: "Therapists sometimes prescribe creative hobbies to manage stress. Do you think a regular pastime can genuinely change someone’s mood, or is that idea overstated?"
Opinion: I definitely think a regular pastime can genuinely improve someone’s mood. I do not believe the idea is overstated at all.
Main reason: Hobbies give people a break from their daily responsibilities and allow them to focus on something they enjoy, which reduces stress.
Example: For instance, I started painting during a very stressful period at university, and it helped me feel calmer and more focused. Even spending just thirty minutes on it made a noticeable difference in my mood.
Second reason: Also, hobbies often connect people with others who share similar interests, which helps reduce feelings of loneliness.
Closing: Overall, I believe regular pastimes are an important part of staying mentally healthy because they provide both relaxation and social connection.
For Question 3, use clear transitions like "because," "for example," "also," and "overall." This helps you sound organized and confident while speaking naturally for 45 seconds.
Question 4 is the most advanced. It often asks you to make a prediction about the future, evaluate the importance of something, or discuss a wider social issue. You must give your opinion clearly and support it with logical ideas, examples, or small arguments. Speak in a calm and confident tone, and try to connect your ideas smoothly.
Common Q4 patterns:
- Future prediction: "Do you expect climate concerns, remote work, and ticket prices to shrink leisure travel worldwide, or will demand keep climbing?" "Will meals revolve around efficiency and nutrient counts, or will shared recipes still anchor how people eat?"
- Importance/value: "When budgets are tight, how high a priority should cities place on keeping libraries and paper archives accessible?" "Should large employers be expected to fund on-site gyms or stretch breaks?"
- Agree/disagree on a broader claim: "Some nutritionists claim home-prepared food is almost always better for long-term health than restaurant portions. Do you accept that general rule?" "Is regular vigorous exercise the foundation of lifelong health, or are sleep and nutrition equally decisive?"
How to Structure Your Response
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| 1) State Your Position | Say your opinion, prediction, or assessment clearly. Use phrases like "I believe that in the future…," "I think this is very important because…," or "I strongly agree that…" |
| 2) Give Your First Reason | Provide a logical reason that supports your position. This should connect directly to the main issue. |
| 3) Add a Supporting Example or Explanation | Include a short example, observation, or personal experience to make your point stronger and more specific. |
| 4) Give a Second Reason or Broader View | Discuss another idea or mention the effect on people or society. This shows higher-level thinking. |
| 5) Closing | Summarize your viewpoint and add a final statement that shows insight. |
Template in Action:
Question: "Over the next generation, do you predict average people will defend more hours for leisure, or will economic pressure squeeze hobbies even further? What evidence supports your guess?"
Position: I predict that economic pressure will squeeze hobbies even further for the average person.
First reason: Technology is making work more connected, so many people now check emails and messages even after working hours. The boundary between work and personal life is becoming less clear.
Example: For instance, my older sister works from home, and she often ends up working until late in the evening because her phone keeps sending notifications. She has very little time left for her hobbies.
Second reason: Also, the rising cost of living in many cities means people may need to work longer hours or take second jobs, which leaves even less time for leisure.
Closing: Overall, I believe that unless people make a conscious effort to set boundaries, economic pressure will keep squeezing leisure time in the future.
In Question 4, focus on clarity, logic, and calm delivery. Even if your vocabulary is simple, make sure your reasoning is strong and your sentences connect smoothly to fill the full 45 seconds.
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