1/6What the final question is
After your presentation comes a question on the same topic, with no preparation time and 45 seconds to answer. According to the guide, Parts 3 and 4 are a single task, and they are marked together.
The descriptors ask for a coherent answer for C1 and a clear and coherent one for the top mark. At the lower marks, the failing is not managing to answer the question: the first thing is to answer, and to make clear how it relates to what you said.
2/6No preparation: the first sentence
You have no time for notes: decide your position in two seconds and start with it. The first sentence should be the direct answer, without repeating the question: I'd say…, I think…, Personally, I'd go for…. The worst thing is to start with a long silence or with filler that says nothing.
I'd say the biggest challenge is…Personally, I'd go for a hybrid model.
3/6Picking up your presentation
The question is on the same topic, so link to what you have already said: As I mentioned in my presentation…, Building on what I said about…. This gives coherence and, besides, saves you from coming up with new ideas: you can expand a point you already have in mind.
As I mentioned in my presentation, flexibility and productivity are clear advantages…
4/6Expanding with an example
After your position, a concrete example with for example, and then a sentence that closes with a decision or a nuance: Having said that…, So, in my view…, If I had to choose…. That way the answer has a start and an end, and is not left open when the time runs out.
5/6Three model answers
Three answers to questions about a presentation on remote working. The first points out the biggest difficulty for companies: keeping the sense of team. The second predicts that hybrid models will prevail. The third gives a personal preference for a hybrid model.
6/6Why they work
Our reading: in all three, the first sentence is the answer. The first picks up the presentation with As I mentioned; the second uses a second conditional (If I had to predict…) and a concession (That said); the third closes with a decision (If I had to choose…). And none of them opens a new topic: each stays with what it was asked and finishes on time.
·For practice
For practice: give a short presentation on a topic and ask someone to put a question to you without warning. Answer within the exam time. Then check whether you started with the direct answer, whether you linked to the presentation, whether you gave an example and whether you closed.