As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often hear students struggle with expressing regret and offering solutions in the Speaking test. A common phrase that trips them up is “What a waste!” While seemingly simple, using this expression effectively requires understanding its nuances and knowing how to incorporate it naturally into your responses.

This article will explore how to confidently navigate the “what a waste” theme in your IELTS Speaking exam, helping you express regret eloquently and propose solutions convincingly.

Understanding the “What a Waste” Theme in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English, and this includes expressing a range of emotions and opinions. “What a waste” typically signifies:

• Regret: You feel something was used poorly, misused, or not used to its full potential.
• Disappointment: You’re unhappy with a situation’s outcome.
• Concern: You might be worried about the consequences of the wasted resource or opportunity.

Using “What a Waste” Effectively in Your Responses

Here’s how you can integrate “What a waste” and related expressions naturally into your IELTS Speaking responses:

1. Expressing Regret Clearly

• Direct Expression: “It’s such a waste…” / “What a waste of…” / “I can’t help but think it’s a waste…”
  • Example: “It’s such a waste to see so much food thrown away when there are people going hungry.”
• Adding Emphasis: “It seems like a terrible waste…” / “I find it incredibly wasteful…”
  • Example: “I find it incredibly wasteful that many old buildings are demolished instead of being renovated.”

2. Providing Context and Reasons

Never simply state “What a waste!” without explaining why you feel that way. Elaborate on your reasons for considering something a waste.

* **Example:**  "What a waste of talent! She had so much potential in music, but she gave it all up to pursue a career she doesn't even seem to enjoy."

3. Offering Solutions and Alternatives

To demonstrate critical thinking skills, follow up your expression of regret with potential solutions or alternative approaches:

• Suggesting Alternatives: “Instead of…, they could have…” / “A more efficient use of… would be to…”
  • Example: “Instead of discarding old electronics, they could be recycled to recover valuable materials.”
• Proposing Solutions: “One way to address this waste is to…” / “We could potentially reduce this waste by…”
  • Example: “One way to address food waste is to encourage people to buy only what they need and to compost food scraps.”

Wasted Food

Example from an IELTS Speaking Test

Examiner: Some people believe it’s important to preserve old buildings, while others think it’s better to demolish them and build new ones. What’s your opinion?

Candidate: I think it’s a real shame to demolish old buildings. It seems like such a waste of history and architectural heritage. Instead of tearing them down, we could renovate them and give them a new purpose, perhaps as museums, libraries, or even modern apartments.

Key Takeaways for IELTS Success

• Understand the various situations where expressing regret is appropriate.
• Use “What a waste” and similar expressions naturally and with appropriate emphasis.
• Always provide context and reasons for your opinions.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills by suggesting solutions or alternatives.

By mastering these techniques and practicing expressing regret and offering solutions, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the IELTS Speaking test confidently and achieve your desired band score.