Structuring interview answers
Structure interview answers with simple frameworks: ARE (answer–reason–example), past–present–future, and pros–cons–view.
In this lesson you will
- Use ARE for most questions
- Use past–present–future for change questions
- Use pros–cons–view for opinion questions
Learn
ARE: Answer, Reason, Example (+ short close). Works for most questions: I prefer mornings (A) because I focus better (R). For instance, I wrote most of my thesis before 10 a.m. (E).
Past–present–future: for How has X changed?: In the past…, Nowadays…, In the future I expect…
Pros–cons–view: for Is X a good idea?: On the plus side… However… Overall, I think…
Frameworks keep you organised under pressure — choose one in the first second and follow it.
Examples
- ARE: I’d choose a small class because I can ask more questions — in my language class of ten, I spoke every lesson.
- Past–present–future: People used to read newspapers; now most read news on phones; in future, AI summaries may be common.
- Pros–cons–view: Online exams are convenient; however, cheating is harder to prevent; overall, I support them for low-stakes tests.
Vocabulary
framework
a basic structure
low-stakes
not very important in consequences
convenient
easy and suitable
on the plus side
as an advantage
overall
considering everything
Practice
“How has shopping changed?” — best framework:
Speaking
Answer three questions, each with a different framework: Where do you like to relax? How has your town changed? Should homework be optional?
Lesson quiz
“Overall” introduces…
Review
Key points
- ARE.
- Past–present–future.
- Pros–cons–view.
- Choose fast.
What you learned
- ✓ I structure answers.
- ✓ I match frameworks to questions.
- ✓ I stay organised.