Imagine this: you’ve just finished your two-minute talk in Part 2 about a memorable holiday. You feel relieved. But then the examiner leans forward and the tone shifts. They say, “We’ve been talking about a holiday you enjoyed. Now, let’s discuss tourism in a more general sense. Why do you think international travel has become so popular?” This pivot from personal experience to abstract discussion is the heart of IELTS Speaking Part 3, and it’s where many candidates lose their way.
The biggest mistake test-takers make is continuing to use the simple, personal style of Part 1. They offer short opinions without justification or don’t know how to build a well-reasoned argument for more complex questions. This section is designed to push you, to see if you can handle a deeper, more analytical conversation. It is your prime opportunity to achieve a high band score.
This guide will provide you with a clear and effective framework for mastering this challenging section. We will explore the crucial thematic link to Part 2, break down the different types of questions you’ll face, provide the specific target language needed for each, and introduce a powerful formula to structure every single one of your answers.
This final part of the speaking test is a two-way discussion that lasts for 4-5 minutes. To excel here, you must first understand its structure and purpose.
The questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3 are never random. They are always a broader, more abstract extension of the topic from your Part 2 cue card. Understanding this link is your first strategic advantage, as it allows you to anticipate the general theme of the discussion.
The most important strategic shift you must make is moving from talking about your experience to discussing people in general, society, the government, or global trends.
Your answers must reflect this shift by using generalizing language (e.g., “In my country,” “Most experts agree that,” “Society often finds that”).
In this section, the examiner is assessing your higher-order thinking and communication skills. They want to see if you can:
A common problem in IELTS Speaking Part 3 is giving an undeveloped answer. The P.E.E. formula (Point, Explain, Example) is a simple and powerful tool to ensure your answers are always well-structured, detailed, and logical.
Let’s apply this to a question.
Q: “How has technology changed the way people work?”
| Question | How has the media changed the way we view politics? |
| Low-Scoring Answer | “The media has changed everything. Now people know more, so they can decide who is good. It is better now.” |
| High-Scoring Answer (P.E.E.) | (P) “I believe the most significant change is that the media now provides instant global scrutiny of political figures.” (E) “This is primarily because social media platforms mean every comment and action is immediately broadcast, leaving less room for privacy or error than in the past.” (E) “For example, if a politician makes a controversial statement, citizens across the globe are debating it within hours, which forces leaders to be more cautious about their public image.” |
To score highly, you need to show the examiner you can recognise the function of a question and respond with appropriate language. Here is a breakdown of common question types and the target language you should use.
For ‘Opinion’ Questions (Do you think…?)
| Question | Do you think governments should control the information available on the internet? |
| Low-Scoring Answer | “No, I don’t think so. I like to read what I want. It is a bad idea because people will be angry if they do that.” |
| High-Scoring Answer (Using Opinion Phrases) | “As I see it, governments have a difficult balancing act here. I strongly believe that unrestricted access to information is essential for democracy. However, I concede that in specific cases, such as the spread of dangerous misinformation or hate speech, some oversight may be necessary to protect citizens.” |
Question | Is it better to study alone or with a group? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “I like studying with my friends because it’s more fun. When I am alone I get sleepy and bored.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Opinion Phrases) | “That’s a debatable point. In my view, both methods have merit. While it’s true that group study fosters cooperation, I would argue that studying alone is usually far more effective for deep concentration and complex subjects.” |
For ‘Why’ Questions (Why is it that…?)
Question | Why do some people prefer living in the city while others prefer the countryside? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “City life is faster and the country is quiet. They like the city because they have jobs, but the countryside is peaceful and healthy.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Reasoning Phrases) | “This is largely a matter of priorities. The primary reason city life is appealing is access to economic opportunity and better services. Another contributing factor is the social environment—young people often prefer the cultural dynamism of the city. Conversely, people move to the countryside largely due to the fact that they are seeking refuge from pollution and high stress levels.” |
Question | Why has fast food become so popular globally? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “It is cheap, and everyone is too busy. Also, it tastes good and is easy to find everywhere.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Reasoning Phrases) | “Fast food’s popularity can be attributed to three main factors. The first reason is purely economic: it provides affordable sustenance to huge populations. Secondly, modern lifestyles demand convenience; people have less time to cook, making speed a major attraction. Finally, effective global marketing by major corporations also plays a significant role in its widespread acceptance.” |
For ‘How’ Questions (How can we…?)
Question | How can governments encourage people to use public transport more often? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “They can make it cheaper. The buses should be faster and be on time. Maybe they can fine people for driving cars.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Method/Purpose Language) | “There are several strategies a government could pursue. A crucial step would be to significantly improve the efficiency and connectivity of the network. In order to achieve this, funds need to be allocated to creating dedicated bus and rail lanes. Furthermore, they could offer strong financial incentives, such as making public transport free for students or heavily subsidizing monthly passes.” |
Question | How can schools prepare students for future jobs that don’t yet exist? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “They need to teach less history. They should teach computers because computers will be very important in the future.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Method/Purpose Language) | “Since we can’t predict specific vocational needs, one way to approach this is by shifting the educational focus from memorization to foundational transferable skills. The primary objective should be fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving. For instance, schools could implement project-based learning where students have to collaborate to solve real-world community problems, thereby developing essential methods for unknown future roles.” |
For ‘Predicting’ Questions (What will happen in the future?)
Question | What kind of jobs do you think will be most in-demand in the future? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “I think computer jobs. And jobs for doctors. Because everyone needs computers and good health. These jobs are important for the future.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Predicting Language) | “I predict that we will see a massive demand for roles related to artificial intelligence and data science. As automation increases, experts who can manage these systems will be essential. It’s also highly likely that jobs in renewable energy and sustainable development will grow, given the global focus on climate change. Finally, roles in geriatric healthcare may well become the most crucial as the world’s population ages.” |
Question | How do you think cities will change in the next 50 years? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “Cities will be much bigger. More cars and taller buildings. Maybe more pollution. Everything will be very crowded.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Predicting Language) | “In the long term, we may well find that cities become ‘smarter’ and more integrated with technology to manage resources like traffic and energy efficiently. I’m optimistic that the future will bring a greater focus on green spaces and sustainable architecture to combat pollution. Furthermore, it’s highly likely that private car ownership will decrease as autonomous public transport systems become the norm.” |
For ‘Advantages/Disadvantages’ Questions
Question | What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “The good thing is it’s easy and you can shop anytime. The bad thing is you can’t see the real product and sometimes delivery is very late.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Comparative Language) | “On the one hand, a major benefit of e-commerce is its unparalleled convenience and accessibility; consumers can access a global marketplace from their homes. A significant drawback, however, is the lack of a tangible shopping experience—you can’t touch or try on products, which can lead to returns. We must also consider the environmental impact of packaging and delivery logistics.” |
Question | What are the main benefits and drawbacks of globalization? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “The good thing is we can get cheap things from other countries. The bad thing is some people in my country can lose their jobs.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Comparative Language) | “While there are clear advantages to globalization, such as increased economic efficiency and greater consumer choice, we must also consider the significant downsides. The primary benefit is often seen as the free flow of goods and capital, which can lift developing economies. However, a major drawback is the potential for increased economic inequality and the erosion of local cultures and industries when they are forced to compete on a global scale.” |
Before you answer, briefly rephrasing the question shows you have understood it and gives you a moment to think. It also demonstrates your vocabulary.
Question | How significant are celebrities in modern society? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “Celebrities are very significant. People look at them all the time and want to be like them.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Paraphrasing) | “That’s an insightful question. If we consider the influence of public figures and icons in contemporary life, I would argue that their significance has actually increased due to global media exposure.” |
In academic discussions, it’s rare to speak in absolutes. Using cautious or “hedging” language makes your opinions sound more thoughtful and less like an overgeneralisation.
Question | Should children be allowed to use social media without limits? |
Low-Scoring Answer | “No, they should not. It is always dangerous and all children get addicted to it.” |
High-Scoring Answer (Using Hedging) | “It seems that allowing unlimited access is ill-advised for younger children. While it could be argued that parental guidance is paramount, in many cases, children lack the maturity to handle the psychological pressures of platforms, so it’s probably wise to implement certain time restrictions.” |
IELTS Speaking Part 3 is your opportunity to truly demonstrate your linguistic ability. It’s a challenging but rewarding part of the test. Success hinges on your ability to move from personal stories to broader, well-reasoned arguments.
Key Takeaways:
Final Expert Tip: Don’t be afraid to think out loud. The examiner is assessing your communication skills, not your expertise on a topic. It is perfectly fine to start your answer with, “That’s a complex issue, let me think for a moment…” This shows confidence and allows you to structure your thoughts before you speak.
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