Cathoven IELTS Lab: Speaking Course

About This Course

The 13 Types Cathoven Course is your step-by-step system to master all 13 question types in IELTS Speaking Part 1. Each lesson focuses on one type — with real examples, fluent structures, and targeted feedback.

What Are Liking Questions?

These ask about your preferences and interests. Common formats include:

"Do you like…?"
"Are you into…?"
"What kind of [X] do you like?"

At first glance, they seem easy. But short answers like "Yes, I do" or "I like it" could hold you back from your target band score. Let's fix that.

What the Examiner Wants to Hear

To score Band 6.5 or higher, your answer should show:

More than one sentence
A variety of ways to say "I like…"
A clear, fluent structure

Cathoven Lab Structure

G → S → R → F

General → Specific → Reason → Feeling

Start with a general opinion → give a specific example → explain why → say how it makes you feel.

General

Start broad – category-level

"I'm really into music."
"I've always enjoyed outdoor activities."
"I'm quite a fan of reading in general."

Specific

Zoom in — use "especially" or "particularly"

"Especially acoustic guitar and indie pop."
"In particular, I enjoy hiking in the mountains."
"I especially love fantasy novels like Harry Potter."

Reason

Explain why you like it

"I think it's because it helps me relax."
"The appeal lies in how immersive it is."
"It lets me escape from daily stress."

Feeling

Describe how it affects you emotionally or mentally

"It always lifts my mood."
"It gives me a sense of peace."
"I feel recharged afterward."

Top 5 Native "Liking" Phrases (Tested & Trusted)

Use just one per answer. These are fluent, flexible, and non-cliché:

I'm really into… – casual, confident
I've always had a thing for… – long-term interest
I'm quite a fan of… – soft, natural
I'm totally obsessed with… – high energy (use with control)
There's just something about [X] that I love. – warm, expressive

Band 5 vs Band 8 Answer

Question: Do you like animals?

Band 5 Answer:

"Yes, I like animals. I like cats and dogs. They are cute."

Band 8 Answer:

"I've always had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. There's just something about their loyalty and emotional intelligence that I find really comforting. Whenever I'm around them, I feel instantly more relaxed — they kind of absorb your stress without doing anything at all."

Practice These Real Questions

Try answering these on our platform using the structure above:

Are you into watching movies at home or in the cinema?
Do you like perfume?
What kind of music do you like?

Watch how it works:

See how students practice speaking questions inside the Cathoven IELTS Lab:

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Want to Check Your Band Score — and Get Smart Feedback?

Take a mock speaking test in the Cathoven IELTS Lab.

Submit your answer to the Cathoven Speaking Checker, and you'll instantly receive:

Your real-time Band score
Detailed feedback on fluency, grammar, and vocabulary
Targeted tips for your next morning study session

Preview of Your Feedback Report:

Try it now → Cathoven Speaking Checker

Coming Next in the Course

Lesson 2 – "Not a Fan"

How to Talk About Things You Don't Like (Disliking Questions)