GivingLonger Answers
Adding reasons, examples and details · the PEEL formula
Your level · You are here
Get Talking · Section 1
5 minStart the conversation
Which is more natural: 'Yes' or 'Yes, especially when I've had a tough week'? Why?
Think of one strong opinion you have. Can you defend it in 30 seconds?
Share a recent experience that supports an opinion of yours. The more specific, the better.
Grammar · Section 2
8–10 minLinkers and softeners for longer answers
- Three families of words help you extend an answer naturally: REASON (because, since, the reason is…), EXAMPLE (for example, like, especially), and CONTRAST/SOFTEN (although, even though, having said that).
- Combine them for the 'PEEL' shape: Point → Explain → Example → Link back.
I love cooking, mainly because it helps me switch off.
I usually walk to work — for example, today I left early just to enjoy the sun.
I'm not really a fan of horror films, although I do enjoy a good thriller.
Having said that, I sometimes watch one with friends just for the experience.
Question 1.Which extended answer sounds most natural in spoken English?
Question 2.Choose the sentence that uses a softener correctly:
Question 3.Which linker best introduces a specific example?
Question 4.Which follows the PEEL shape (Point → Explain → Example → Link) most naturally?
Question 5.Which sentence uses 'Having said that' correctly to add a soft contrast?
Build the sentence → spot the natural chunks → say it aloud → reply like a real conversation.
1.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.
2.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.
3.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.
Quick check 1.Which is the WEAKEST answer?
Vocabulary · Section 3
5–7 minWords & phrases to learn
the main reason is…
introduces your most important reason
In context
"I love living here — the main reason is the people."
Now try it yourself
Why did you start learning English? Begin your answer with 'The main reason is…'.
for instance / for example
introduces a specific example
In context
"I'm quite organised — for instance, I plan every Sunday evening."
Now try it yourself
Say one thing you're good at, then immediately back it up with 'For instance…'.
especially
highlights one important case
In context
"I love autumn, especially the first cold morning of the year."
Now try it yourself
Name something you enjoy and use 'especially' to zoom in on the best part.
having said that
softens or balances a previous statement
In context
"I love my job. Having said that, the hours can be brutal."
Now try it yourself
Give a strong opinion, then use 'Having said that…' to add the opposite side.
to be honest
introduces a frank, personal opinion
In context
"To be honest, I find small talk quite tiring."
Now try it yourself
Answer your partner's next question starting with 'To be honest…' — make it genuinely personal.
it depends on…
shows nuance — your answer isn't fixed
In context
"Do I enjoy cooking? It depends on the day, really."
Now try it yourself
Use 'It depends on…' to answer: 'Do you prefer working alone or in a team?'
Pick at least three words from above and use each one in a sentence about your real life. Say each one aloud before you write.
Ask your teacher (or a partner) a question that uses one of today's words. They reply using a different word.
Rank today's words from most to least useful for you this week. Defend your top choice.
Finish: "Honestly, I'd say…" using one of today's words.
Tip: aim to reuse at least two of these words later in the Speaking and Writing tasks.
Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Pronunciation · Section 4
3–4 minLinking and chunking long answers
Break a long answer into short 'chunks' with tiny pauses. Speakers don't talk in one breath — they group 3–5 words and link them: 'I really love it / mainly because / it helps me relax'.
- • I really love it / mainly because / it helps me relax.
- • For example, / last weekend / I tried a new recipe.
- • Having said that, / I don't do it / every single day.
- • To be honest, / it depends on / how I feel.
Reading · Section 5
8–10 minWhy short answers hold you back
Many B1 learners can produce accurate sentences but still sound 'short' or even cold in conversation. The reason is rarely grammar — it's structure. Native speakers naturally pad their answers with reasons, examples and personal angles, which makes them sound warmer, more confident and more interesting.
A simple trick is the PEEL formula: Point, Explain, Example, Link back. Make your point in one sentence, explain why, give a quick example, then either link it to a wider idea or bounce the question back to the other person. Try it for a week and watch your conversations change — even if your vocabulary stays exactly the same.
Question 1.According to the passage, why do some B1 learners sound 'cold' in conversation?
Question 2.In the PEEL formula, what comes immediately after making your Point?
Question 3.The writer says conversations will improve 'even if your vocabulary stays exactly the same.' What is the main message?
Question 4.Why does the writer suggest 'try it for a week'?
Q1.PEEL only works for academic writing.
Q2.Adding examples makes your answers sound warmer and more interesting.
Listening · Section 6
8–10 minAn interview: do you enjoy living in a big city?
Listening audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Show transcript
Interviewer:So, Freddie, do you enjoy living in London?
Freddie:Yeah, on the whole I really do. The main reason is the variety — there's always something going on. For example, last weekend I went to a free jazz concert in a park I'd never even heard of.
Interviewer:And is there anything you don't like?
Freddie:Honestly? The cost. Rent is unbelievable, especially in central areas. Having said that, the transport is excellent, so I don't really need a car.
Interviewer:Would you ever move?
Freddie:It depends on the job, I think. If I found a really interesting role somewhere quieter, I'd consider it. But for now, London suits me.
Question 1.What specific example does Freddie give of London's variety?
Question 2.Why doesn't Freddie need a car in London?
Question 3.When Freddie says rent is 'unbelievable, especially in central areas,' what does he imply?
Question 4.Freddie says 'It depends on the job, I think' when asked about moving. What does this reveal?
Exam tip · Section 7
5 minSpeaking — extended answers using PEEL
Task
Answer an opinion question with at least 3 sentences using the PEEL formula.
Strategy
Point: state your answer. Explain: give your main reason. Example: a specific instance. Link back: a wider idea or bounce-back question. Aim for 25–35 seconds per answer.
Example
Q: Do you prefer eating at home or at a restaurant? — A: On the whole, I prefer eating at home. The main reason is that I really enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. For example, last weekend I made my first proper risotto, which turned out surprisingly well. Having said that, going out can be a nice treat, especially with friends.
Practice · Section 8
8–10 minFill in the blank
Question 1.I love yoga, ____ because it helps me sleep.
Question 2.I'm not really into clubs. ____ said that, I do enjoy a good party sometimes.
Question 3.I usually walk to work, ____ when the weather is nice.
Question 4.____ honest, I think the film was overrated.
There isn't one "right" answer — write a natural version, then compare with the model.
Q1.Extend: 'Yes, I like coffee.' (add ONE reason)
Q2.Extend: 'I love my city.' (add an example)
Q3.Soften: 'I don't like sport.' (add a balance)
Writing · Section 9
5 minPut it in writing
Your task
Choose ONE opinion question (e.g. 'Do you prefer cities or the countryside?'). Write a 70–90 word answer using the PEEL formula. Mark each step (P / E / E / L) in brackets.
Your answer
Your work saves automatically0 words
Show model answer
[P] On the whole, I prefer cities to the countryside. [E] The main reason is that I love the energy and the variety — there's always something going on. [E] For example, in my city you can have brunch in a Korean café, see an exhibition and end up at a salsa night, all in one Saturday. [L] Having said that, I really enjoy escaping to the countryside for the weekend, especially when work is stressful.
Speaking · Section 10
10–15 minMake it a real conversation
With your teacher (or a partner), take turns asking each other 3 opinion questions (e.g. 'Do you prefer cooking or eating out?'). Each answer must follow PEEL: Point + Explain + Example + Link back. Time each other (aim for 30 seconds). Group extension: swap partners after each question and compare how the same opinion changes audience to audience.
Useful phrases
- • On the whole I think…
- • The main reason is that…
- • For example / For instance…
- • Having said that…
- • It really depends on…
Speaking reflection & notes
Your work saves automatically0 words
- ADo you enjoy your job?
- B_______________
- AAnd is there anything you don't like?
- B_______________
Homework · Section 11
Take-homeTake it home
Record a 90-second answer to ONE opinion question using PEEL. Listen back and note any short answers you can extend.
Write 3 PEEL paragraphs (60 words each) about food, free time and your city.
Find an English interview (TED, podcast) and note 3 linkers you'd like to start using.
Homework notes
Your work saves automatically0 words
Recap · Section 12
2–3 minWhat you've learned
- Short answers feel cold — extended answers feel confident.
- Use PEEL: Point → Explain → Example → Link back.
- Three families of linkers: reason, example, soften/balance.
- Chunk your speech in small groups of words.
- Aim for 25–35 seconds per opinion answer.