Formula 13: How would you improve X?

Aims

In this lesson you’ll master the formula for how would you improve X? type questions.

          How would you improve your apartment?

          How would you change the place where you study to make it better?

          If you could, how would you improve your university/ workplace?

The formula

When the examiner asks you how would you improve X? type questions, you must:

Answer order

  1. Identify problems with X.
  2. Talk about what you would do to solve them/ make them better.
  3. Say what the positive results of these changes would be.

Language steps

  1. Use changing X phrases to talk about changes you would like to make.

I would improve my apartment by buying new furniture.

I suggest that they make it better by employing more cleaners.

  1. Use the “would have something done” passive to talk about things you’d get professionals/ other people to do for you to improve X.

I would have the walls painted a new color.

  1. Use comparatives of convenience to speculate about how these changes would make X better.

Having a bigger bed would be more comfortable.

Language step 1 Changing X phrases.

Let’s have a look at how the two IELTS candidates, Alice and David, use the changing X phrases.

Alice: To start with, the place I’m living in now is quite small and crowded… So, firstly, I would make more space by getting rid of some of my things…

David: My university campus is quite scruffy and run-down. I suggest the authorities improve it by spending more money on up-keeping the grounds and modernizing the classrooms…

Notice how both Alice and David start by identifying the problem, then go on to use the structure improve X + by + verb-ing / make X + comparative + by + ver-ing to talk about changes they would make or they suggest others make.

For changes you would make.

Would improve X + by + verb-ing / would make X + comparative + by + verb-ing.

          I would improve my bedroom by putting posters on the walls.

          I would make my living room cozier by buying a new sofa.

          I would improve my flat by getting a new wardrobe.

For changes you suggest others make.

Suggest someone improve X + by + verb-ing/ suggest someone make X + comparative + by + verb-ing.

          I suggest the government improve the air quality by restricting the amount of cars in the city.

          I suggest the school authorities improve security by building a wall around the playground.

          I suggest they make the city more attractive by planting more trees and flowerbeds.

Language step 2 The “Would have something done” passive.

Let’s look at how the two IELTS candidates, Alice and David, use the structure would have something done.

Alice: … I would have the windows make bigger and lighter curtains make and fitted…

David: … If I were in authority, I would have new classrooms build, I would have the sports facilities repaired…

Notice how Alice and David use the structure would have + something + past participle to talk about what they would get others to do.

First look at the difference between the active (what you would do) and the passive (what you would get others to do):

I would make the windows bigger. = I would do it myself.

I would have the windows make bigger. = I would get someone else to come and do it for me.

Look at these further examples of the passive:

          I would have a new kitchen installed.

          I would have the walls painted different colours.

          I would have my motorbike fixed.

          I would have a brand-new bath fitted.

Language step 3 Comparative of convenience.

Let’s look at how the two IELTS candidates, Alice and David, use the comparatives of convenience.

Alice: …Then my flat would be much cosier.

David: … Having a more modern campus would make life more pleasant for us, and the place more appealing to visitors.

To say how the changes you propose would make life better, you should use the following structures:

… then X would be + comparative

… then my university campus would be warmer.

… then my dorm would be more attractive.

…then life would be more convenient.

…then my living room would be more comfortable.

Doing X/ having X done + would make (something/ place) + comparative.

          Having a carpet fitted would make my room more beautiful and warmer.

          Putting up a few pictures on the wall would make my dorm more attractive.

          Installing a new kitchen would make life more convenient for me.

          Buying a new sofa would make my living room much more comfortable.

Source: 31 High-scoring Formulas to Answer the IELTS Speaking Questions