G.B.C.の質問の中にはしばしば抽象的な質問があります。そこには、過去に考えたこともないことに対して、素早く考えなくてはならない、という難しさがあります。言い換えると、予想できないと予想するべきなのです。
今回は、例として、次のような質問について考えます。準備が無ければ回答が、かなり難しいと言えますが、私の回答例が次のテストで役立てばと思います。
Our question today: Why are World Heritage Sites important?
My sample answer:
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places that are listed as having particular cultural, historical or physical significance. They include valuable buildings or areas that need to be protected for future generations to appreciate. In my view, it goes without saying that these sites are hugely significant because they are part of the world's history and heritage. In fact, I would say that they represent mankind’s greatest achievements. Consequently, we owe it to the people who came before us, and who created these great things, to protect and preserve them.
What is more, these sites also provide perfect evidence of the world’s diversity. To my way of thinking, we have to recognize that there is a huge diversity of cultures around the world, and World Heritage Sites are the ideal and essential way of achieving this.
In a nutshell, World Heritage Sites have an important meaning to humanity and we should preserve them for posterity. If we don't look after them, it would be a huge loss to the world.
This response answers the question directly and concisely (= clearly and without unnecessary words), and so it would get a very positive evaluation by the G.B.C. assessors. It is a short answer but that is because there is not really a lot to say about this topic (in my opinion!). To make the answer slightly longer, I decided to define the meaning of "World Heritage Site" at the start. With abstract questions, it is often a good idea to try this strategy—start your response by defining the concept or topic of the question if you can.
The structure of the answer is very clear and the claim that it makes is well-supported and well-reasoned.
The answer also includes some good vocabulary and phrases:
it goes without saying = it is obvious
In a nutshell = in short/in a few words
posterity = all future generations
