Hey everyone, Grant here from Kōjō Communication Academy 👋
You've reached Part F of the Versant Speaking & Listening Test — the final challenge! This is where you get to show your real English communication skills — not just listening and grammar, but how you think, organize ideas, and speak naturally under pressure.
There are no right or wrong answers here. What matters is how clearly and confidently you express your thoughts in English.
Let's go step by step through how to build a calm, structured, and fluent response that shows the best of your English ability.
🧠 1. What Part F Really Tests
You'll hear a question asking for your opinion — usually about everyday topics, personal experiences, or preferences.
Then, you'll have 40 seconds to share your opinion in your own words.
Part F measures your ability to:
- 🎧 Express clear personal opinions
- 🧩 Organize your ideas logically
- 💬 Use a strong range of vocabulary and accurate grammar
- 🗣️ Speak smoothly, confidently, and without long pauses
Kōjō tip: Treat this part like a friendly English conversation. Imagine someone just asked for your honest opinion — answer naturally and confidently!
💬 2. Example Question Types
Here are some sample Versant-style topics. Try answering them aloud as short practice drills:
🏡 Personal Preferences & Lifestyle
"Do you prefer living in a big city or a small town? Why?"
💪 Experiences & Achievements
"Describe a time you learned something new. What did you learn, and how did it affect you?"
💡 Practical Advice & Problem-Solving
"What are two things you can do to stay healthy during a busy week?"
⚖️ Comparisons & Critical Thinking
"What are two advantages and disadvantages of learning a new language online?"
🧩 3. How to Organize Your Answer — Use PREP
The best way to stay organized is to use the PREP method:
- P = Point — State your opinion clearly.
- R = Reason — Explain why you think that.
- E = Example — Give one short example or experience.
- P = Point — Restate your opinion to finish strongly.
Example:
Question: "Do you prefer to live in a big city or a small town?"
Point: Personally, I prefer living in a big city.
Reason: There are more opportunities for entertainment and jobs.
Example: For example, in a big city, you can go to concerts, museums, or restaurants any day of the week.
Point: So overall, city life feels more exciting and convenient for me.
Kōjō tip: Once you get comfortable with PREP, you'll never freeze again — it gives your answer a clear, confident rhythm.
🗝️ 4. Vocabulary & Grammar Insights
Your vocabulary and grammar choices show your language range — so aim for natural sophistication. Use the best words you can recall smoothly, not ones you have to translate in your head.
Here's what to aim for at each level:
- A2 – Simple & Direct: "I like reading because it's fun."
- B1 – More Detailed: "I enjoy reading because it helps me relax and learn new things."
- B2 – Structured & Natural: "I really enjoy reading fiction since it relaxes me and expands my imagination."
- C1 – Complex & Nuanced: "I appreciate non-fiction because it broadens my perspective and deepens my understanding."
Focus on:
- ✅ Using linking words (because, so, however, on the other hand)
- ✅ Varying your sentence openings (I prefer… / One reason is… / Another point is…)
- ✅ Speaking smoothly — avoid fillers like "um," "uh," or "you know"
Kōjō tip: It's not about using difficult words — it's about showing flexibility and control in how you express your ideas.
⏱️ 5. Timing Matters — Fill Your 40 Seconds
Many test takers finish too early — and lose fluency points.
Aim to speak for the full 40 seconds with a steady, natural pace.
Kōjō tip: Use your phone's stopwatch when practicing.
If you finish too soon, add a short reflection: "On the other hand, I know some people prefer small towns for the peace and quiet, but for me, the city's energy is better."
This keeps your answer balanced, complete, and fluent.
💪 6. Tips for Scoring Well
- ⭐ Use PREP to stay organized
- ⭐ Speak for the full 40 seconds without rushing
- ⭐ Use linking phrases to connect ideas ("firstly," "in addition," "as a result")
- ⭐ Hedge your opinions when needed ("There are advantages to both sides, but…")
- ⭐ Avoid fillers and repetition
- ⭐ Use the highest-level vocabulary you can recall smoothly — don't translate from your first language
Kōjō tip: Fluency is more important than perfection. A calm, clear voice always beats hesitation or overthinking.
🧠 7. Self-Study Ideas
- 📱 Use Versant Pro Trainer — complete Part F sets regularly to build confidence.
- 🎙️ Listen back to your recordings — check your timing, flow, and pauses.
- 🧾 Check your transcript on the app — review the range of vocabulary and grammar you used, and compare it with the CEFR model answers.
- 🗒️ Brainstorm common topics — prepare ideas for questions about work, travel, technology, or learning.
- ⏱️ Time every response — train yourself to fill 40 seconds naturally.
- 🎧 Listen to podcasts or TED Talks — summarize what you agree or disagree with in 40 seconds to boost quick-thinking fluency.
🌟 8. Final Thoughts
Part F is where you prove that you can think and communicate in English — organizing your ideas clearly and speaking with confidence.
So remember:
- ✅ Use PREP to stay structured
- ✅ Speak for the full 40 seconds
- ✅ Link your ideas smoothly
- ✅ Keep your pace steady and your mind calm
Keep training with Versant Pro Trainer, and you'll soon express your opinions in English with natural confidence and flow.
Stay focused, stay curious — and let your English voice shine bright 🌟🎙️
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Start Free TrialGrant Prentice
Founder, Kōjō Communication Academy
Grant is a native English speaker from the UK with over 20 years of experience in business English training and Versant test preparation. He's helped thousands of professionals improve their communication skills and achieve their career goals.
🌏 日本語でも読めます — This article is also available in Japanese
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