Tips for the Speaking test - part 3

In Part 3 of the Speaking test the examiner will ask further questions which are connected to the topic discussed in Part 2. This part of the test is designed to give you the opportunity to talk about more abstract issues and ideas. It is a two-way discussion with the examiner, and will last four to five minutes. Because Part 3 is a discussion you’ll be expected to give more detailed answers than in Part 1. It’s therefore good to have a strategy to help you give longer answers.
Look at these tips:

1. Answer the examiner’s question
2. Give some reasons why
3. Provide examples
4. Offer an alternative opinion

Q: Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
A: I think advertising affects the things that people buy, whether they are aware of it or not. (Why) The reason for this is that everywhere we go we see advertisements on the street or on the side of buses. Even when we are at home we see adverts on the TV or on the Internet. (Second reason) Also, the amount of things that people buy nowadays has increased as society has become more consumerist. (Example) Take, for example, mobile phones. Almost everyone has a mobile phone that works but many people still want to upgrade their phone to get the newest or latest model. I think this is because advertising encourages us to buy. (Alternative) Despite this, I still think we have the choice to decide what to buy or whether to buy. Advertising can influence us, but it can’t control us.

Now look at another question. How would you answer this question, following the same model?

Q: Which qualities do you think are most important in a friend?