Speaking skill
Improvement & Solutions
When you're asked how to fix or improve something, it's tempting to shrug it off with "I don't know" or just repeat that it's a problem. This page shows you how to name a real fix, say who would do it, and explain why it would actually work.
This is the quick-fix version — see the full guide →Common mistake
When you can't think of a real suggestion
"What do I say if I can't think of a real way to improve something?"
Don't just say "I don't know" or "make it better" - pick one concrete, doable fix, name who would carry it out, and you've got a real answer even if it's a small idea.
Why this works
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Name who would do the fixing Saying "the city council" or "local schools" instead of a vague "they" turns a wish into something that sounds like a real plan.
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Use "I would improve X by + verb-ing" This structure forces you to name a specific action instead of just repeating that something "should be better".
Weak
I don't know, maybe just make it nicer or something.
Upgraded
I would improve my hometown by adding more green spaces - the local council could spend more money on turning the empty lots near the centre into small parks.
Weak
I'm not sure, I guess make the buses better.
Upgraded
I would improve public transport by adding more bus routes - the city ought to take steps to run buses every ten minutes instead of every half hour.
Weak
I don't know, people should just be nicer to the environment.
Upgraded
I would improve air quality by getting stricter with factories - the government should take measures to impose tighter regulations on how much smoke they're allowed to release.
Common mistake
When your fix has no reason behind it
"How do I fix an answer like 'they should build more parks' that just stops there?"
Name the fix, then add one sentence on why or how it would actually solve the problem - a suggestion without a reason sounds like you're guessing.
Why this works
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Add a "so that" or "which would" result clause Tacking on the effect of your suggestion (so that.../which would mean...) proves you understand why the fix works, not just that it exists.
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Name the specific problem before the fix Stating exactly what's wrong ("the main problem with X is...") before you suggest anything makes your solution look like it's actually targeting something, not a random guess.
Weak
They should build more train lines.
Upgraded
The main problem with public transport here is that trains run too infrequently, so I think the city should take measures to add more trains during rush hour, which would mean fewer people driving to work.
Weak
The government should do something about the noise.
Upgraded
One major concern with traffic noise that needs addressing is how late trucks are allowed to drive through residential streets, so the council ought to make an effort to restrict deliveries to daytime hours, which would let people actually sleep.
Weak
People should recycle more.
Upgraded
The biggest problem with recycling here is that there aren't enough bins in public places, so I think the city could provide more of them on every street corner, which would make it much easier for people to actually do it.
Common mistake
When you're just restating the problem
"Why does my answer to 'what can be done about X' sound like I'm just repeating the question?"
If you're asked what can be done, don't just restate that it's a problem - switch into a suggestion phrase ("should", "could", "ought to") and name an actual action.
Why this works
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Switch from problem language to suggestion language Problem phrases ("there're a lot of problems with...") describe what's wrong; suggestion phrases ("should take measures to...") describe what to do - swapping to the second is what actually answers the question.
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Pick one definite action verb Concrete action verbs (renovate, get rid of, encourage people to) sound like an actual plan, instead of a repeat of the complaint.
Weak
Well, there's a lot of problems with pollution, factories produce a lot of smoke and cars too.
Upgraded
Since there're a lot of problems with air pollution from cars, I think the government should encourage people to use public transport instead, maybe by making it free during peak hours.
Weak
It's a big problem, there's noise everywhere, especially near the roads.
Upgraded
The main issue many people have with traffic noise is that it never really stops, so the city could get rid of some of the older, louder vehicles by offering discounts on quieter electric ones.
Weak
My hometown has a lot of problems, like old buildings and not enough facilities.
Upgraded
Most people believe that the run-down buildings in the town centre are the main problem, so I'd say the council should renovate them instead of leaving them empty.
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