A student asked me whether the following formula is useful for
speaking part 2: - I guess I could begin by saying something
about (point 1) and I think I would have to choose... - Going on
to my next point which is (point 2), I really need to emphasise
that (explain point 2). - And now with reference to (point 3),
the point I want to make here is that (explain point 3). - And
so finally, if I have time, in answer to the question of (point
4), really I should mention that... So, are these 'formula
phrases' a good idea? My answer is no! As an English speaker and
ex-examiner, I find these phrases annoying. It's obvious that
they are memorised, and they do not address the question topic.
Please don't expect the examiner to be impressed by this kind of
thing. There are a couple of benefits to learning a formula: it
gives your answer some structure, and it might make you feel
more confident during the test. However, the disadvantages are
greater: - Your focus is on the phrases you have memorised, when
it should be