The Last Word
Speaking skill

Obligation & "Should"

Whenever you're asked whether something should or shouldn't happen, a one-word answer leaves your opinion sounding thin. Here's how to build a "should" answer that sounds like a genuine, considered view.

This is the quick-fix version — see the full guide →
Common mistake

Turning a Bare Yes/No into a Real 'Should' Opinion

"Why isn't 'Yes, I think so' a good enough answer to a 'should' question?"

It only answers yes or no - say clearly WHAT should (or shouldn't) happen and give one reason why, or it sounds like you're avoiding the question.

Why this works
— Turn the yes/no into a full should/shouldn't sentence Restating who + should/shouldn't + do what shows you actually have an opinion, not just a nod or a shake of the head.
— Add one reason with 'because' A should-statement without a reason sounds like a rule with no logic behind it - 'because' turns it into an argument.
Weak
Yes, I think so.
Upgraded
Yes, I think workers should be given longer paid holidays, because so many people do unpaid overtime and barely get any time to rest.
Weak
No, not really.
Upgraded
No, I don't think so - students should be permitted to choose their own clothes, because it's part of learning to express your own style.
Weak
Yes, I think so.
Upgraded
Certainly not - I don't think parents should push their kids to win prizes, because it can make them anxious about failing instead of motivated to try.
Common mistake

Softening an Absolute 'Should'

"How do I fix a 'should' answer that sounds too extreme, like 'Students should always wear uniforms'?"

Add a small qualifier - 'generally', 'in most cases', 'probably' - and name one situation where it wouldn't apply, so it sounds like a considered opinion instead of a rigid rule.

Why this works
— Soften the claim with a qualifier Words like 'generally', 'in most cases', or 'probably' show nuance and sound like a real spoken opinion instead of an absolute rule.
— Name one exception or condition Mentioning when the rule wouldn't apply (age, situation, context) proves you've actually thought about the issue, not just repeated a slogan.
Weak
Students should always be made to wear a uniform.
Upgraded
I think students should generally be allowed to choose their own clothes, although younger children might still benefit from a uniform for practical reasons.
Weak
Parents should always control everything their children do.
Upgraded
Parents should probably keep a close eye on younger children, but I think teenagers ought to be given more freedom to make their own decisions.
Weak
Children should never be allowed to use the internet alone.
Upgraded
Younger children probably shouldn't be allowed to go online alone, but I think that changes once they're a bit older and know how to stay safe.
Common mistake

Adding a Consequence or Example to Your 'Should'

"How do I make a 'should' answer sound less like a rule and more like my own opinion?"

Say what should happen, then add what would happen if it didn't (or the benefit if it did) - that's the part that actually shows your reasoning instead of just stating a rule.

Why this works
— Add a real consequence with 'if' or 'when' A zero-conditional clause ('if/when this happens, that happens') shows the reasoning behind your should-statement instead of just stating a rule.
— Add one specific example Naming one concrete situation makes an abstract 'should' statement sound grounded rather than generic.
Weak
People shouldn't have to work on weekends.
Upgraded
I don't think people should be required to work on weekends, because if employees never get a proper break, they get exhausted and become less loyal to their company in the long term.
Weak
Schools should teach computer skills.
Upgraded
I think schools should definitely teach computer skills, because if students leave school without them, they really struggle to find a decent job afterwards.
Weak
Parents should limit screen time.
Upgraded
I think parents should set some limits on screen time, because when kids spend too much time online, they often get less sleep and struggle to focus at school the next day.
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