(A) Have lots of features The more features your topic has, the easier it is to keep talking or developing your
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Part Two. This is not always possible for every topic but generally it is easier to talk
about "bigger" things than "smaller" specific things.
(B) Be expandable This is similar to the point above, but yo' choose something that is expandable, i. e.
you can keep adding points on to the end of your speech (maybe by telling a story).
(C) Include some "invented" aspects (i.e.lies) The easiest things to describe are not always the true things. If you have only been
on a trip once in your life and you went to the West Lake in Hangzhou, this does not give
you much to talk about. I t would be a good idea to say that you spent a week in
Hangzhou, a week in Suzhou, a few days in Wuxi and a few days in Shanghai. You might
be lying-but by doing so you are making your Part Two much, much easier.
It might not be possible to cover all the 3 points above but if the topic seems
particularly difficult it is probably best to invent your content.
Ignore the adjective Many people get distracted by the adjectives which often appear in the topic
description, e.g., look at the following Part Two topic cards: ―An interesting building in
your city ... "
Don't try to think of a building that is particularly interesting. You don't lose marks
if your building is not very interesting and you don't get more marks if your building
seems very interesting. Just choose ―any building" that fits the topic loosely.
Don't go with the first idea Usually the first idea in your head is the worst idea. It is usually a good idea to
ignore the first idea in your head and go with the second or even third idea that you come
up with.
Activity Look at the following topics and use the selection method to choose "easy"
subjects to talk about.
An interesting trip you have been on
An important building in your city
A subject you liked at school
Something interesting or unusual you do in your free time
A walk you take regularly
Some travelling you would like to do
A happy event in your life
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Some examples of "easy selections" and "difficult selections"
