Speaking vocabulary
Problem-solving
Use these expressions to speak more precisely about problem-solving. Learn the meaning from context, then make your own example rather than memorising a complete answer.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
identify the root cause
- Meaning: find the main underlying reason for a problem.
- Example: We checked the process to identify the root cause of the delay.
- Context: problem-solving. Use the phrase to describe.
- Use “identify the root cause” naturally in one sentence about problem-solving.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
weigh up the options
- Meaning: consider the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives.
- Example: I weighed up the options before accepting the offer.
- Context: problem-solving. Use the phrase to explain.
- Use “weigh up the options” naturally in one sentence about problem-solving.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
try a different approach
- Meaning: attempt another method.
- Example: If the explanation is unclear, try a different approach.
- Context: problem-solving. Use the phrase to compare.
- Use “try a different approach” naturally in one sentence about problem-solving.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
break it into steps
- Meaning: divide something into smaller actions.
- Example: If the process seems complex, break it into steps.
- Context: problem-solving. Use the phrase to give an example.
- Use “break it into steps” naturally in one sentence about problem-solving.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
learn from the outcome
- Meaning: use the result of an action to improve.
- Example: Even when a plan fails, we can learn from the outcome.
- Context: problem-solving. Use the phrase to qualify an opinion.
- Use “learn from the outcome” naturally in one sentence about problem-solving.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
find a practical solution
- Meaning: discover a workable way to solve a problem.
- Example: The team found a practical solution using tools we already had.
- Context: problem-solving. Use the phrase to discuss effects.
- Use “find a practical solution” naturally in one sentence about problem-solving.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 45 seconds practice.