Description questions: (Strategy: divide into or parts) Sample answer

Types of Questions

1. 
   DESCRIPTION QUESTIONS: (Strategy: divide into 2 or 3 parts) 
   

Sample answer 
Tell me something about your hometown? 
Well as you can probably guess I come from Taipei and I have lived here all my life, although at the moment I’m studying in another city – Taizhong. I suppose if I had to describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that it’s very crowded, maybe even one of the biggest cities in Asia I guess. It’s so congested that even the locals have problems finding their way around! Another significant characteristic is that it offers splendid examples of contemporary architecture. Actually some of the renowned landmarks are in the middle of Taipei, such as the Taipei 101, the second tallest building in the world. 
Starting-off 
Ok, then; actually; alright; well, you know; generally speaking

Well, the main thing you need to know is that…(1) + (details)…

I can also add that (2)…+ (details)…
Something else that I need to say is that (3)…so actually…(detail)
Point 1 
The first thing I’d like to mention is …
The main thing you need to know is …
I’d like to begin by highlighting the fact …
Point 2 
In addition I suppose I should say …
Another interesting point …
Not only that, but _______is also exceedingly …..
Point 3 
And I shouldn’t forget to mention that…
I guess I could also say that (it’s) sort-of ……..
Finally I’d also like to mention ……..
Practice: 
Tell me something about your hometown? 
What does your neighborhood look like? 
What does your house look like? 

2. 
   LIKING (Strategy: General to specific)
   

Rephrasing “liking” 
I’m pretty fond of…
I’m really keen on…
I’m a big fan of…
I’m passionate about…
It is like my second oxygen (idiom)
It is a cup of tea (idiom)
Structure 

1. 
   Well in general I would say …
   
2. 
   To be more precise/specific…
   
3. 
   And I guess this is probably because…
   

Sample answer 
What kind of animals do you like? 
Well in general I would say small animals, to be more precise cats and dogs; and, I guess this is because we often kept them when I was growing up, and they were good companions for me. 
Practice:
What do you like about your hometown?
Do you like your job/studies?
What sort of music do you like?
Do you like reading?
Do you like shopping?

3. 
   DISLIKING (Strategy: General to specific)