A Beginner’s Guide to IELTS Speaking Part 3

The 3 part Speaking IELTS test is mainly a Discussion Phase that follows  Part 2's short speech. This is the section where the examiner will ask you questions depending on the topic you discussed in Part 2. To answer these questions, you must talk about abstract ideas, justify your arguments in a conversational style, and express your opinions.

• The duration of this section is approximately 4-5 minutes
• The questions are based on opinion and analytics
• Examiner-led discussion is the main form of interaction 

Consider these key features of Part 3 -

• Abstract Discussion: In this section, the questions delve deeper into ideas presented in part 2. You will need to explore broader concepts to answer the questions.
• Complex Language: It is crucial that you have the knowledge of linking phrases and complex sentence structures and effectively use varied vocabulary.
• Critical Thinking: You need to present your reasoning skills by giving explanations and examples for your views. 

The topics in 3 parts of IELTS speaking test often revolve around global, cultural, and societal issues. Some common themes include:

• Environment: Pollution, climate change, and conservation.
• Education: The importance of lifelong education, modern teaching methods, and learning.
• Technology: The impact of advancements on communication and society.‍
• Business and Work: The role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job satisfaction.

Here are some IELTS speaking part 3 sample questions with topics and answer tips that will assist you in preparing for the test.

1. Education: How can governments ensure equal access to quality education?

Answer Tip: You can discuss government policies like funding for schools, improving teacher training, or introducing technology in rural areas. Support your ideas with examples.

2. Technology: Do you think technology is making people less sociable?

Answer Tip: Provide a balanced view by highlighting both positives and negatives. You can talk about easier communication online versus less face-to-face interaction.

3. Environment: What measures should individuals take to protect the environment?

Answer Tip: Suggest practical steps like recycling, reducing waste, or conserving energy. To make it open, you can use phrases like “One effective way is…” to structure your response.

4. Work: How has remote working changed the traditional office environment?

Answer Tip: You can talk about changes like flexible schedules, reduced commuting, and reliance on digital tools. Avoid repeating points and keep your ideas specific, which gives practical insights.

5. Culture: Why is it important to preserve traditional culture in the modern world?

Answer Tip: Explain the value of culture in maintaining identity and heritage. Use examples like festivals, traditions or language preservation to support your ideas.

6. Travel: How can tourism affect local communities?

Answer Tip: Discuss both positive impacts, like economic growth. Also, touches on negatives, like environmental degradation and disturbance to the local communities. Show a clear perspective.

7. Health: What role does the government play in promoting public health?

Answer Tip: Mention initiatives like healthcare funding, awareness campaigns, or infrastructure development. Use some real-life examples.

8. Media: Should there be restrictions on media freedom?

Answer Tip: Argue both sides by considering freedom of expression and the potential for misuse and political censorship. Conclude with your opinion to leave a strong impression.

Consider the below tips to improve your performance in the Part 3 IELTS exam-

1. Understand the Question Fully

Listen and understand the question asked by the evaluator. If you don’t understand the question, ask politely for reiteration or clarification. This approach proves that you respond thoughtfully and accurately. 

2. Use Linking Words and Connectors 

Linking phrases and words, like “On the other hand”, “For instance,” “Moreover,” and “However,” can make your response more organized and fluent. These connectors improve the logic of your answer and also showcase your skill in using complex sentence structures effectively.

3. Maintain Confidence and Fluency 

Fluency is important in IELTS Speaking. Speak naturally without hesitations or unnecessary pauses. Also, you need to show confidence in your delivery, although you make small grammatical errors. You can build this fluency by practicing speaking about different topics. 

4. Expand Your Ideas

Avoid giving one-dimensional or brief responses. Elaborate your answers by discussing numerous aspects of the question. For instance, if talking about the advantages of online education, you might explore its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

5. Showcase Different Vocabulary

Include topic-specific synonyms and terminology to showcase your lexical range. For instance, rather than frequently using “important”, you might use other words like “significant,” “vital,” or “crucial.” Use the vocabulary which is correct and fits the context. 

6. Demonstrate Critical Thinking

Basically, you need to predict, compare, and analyse Part 3 questions. You can develop your answers by discussing broader implications, providing predictions, and exploring pros and cons. For example, when the evaluator asks about the impact of climate change, you could talk about its consequences on human health, wildlife, and agriculture.

Avoid these common mistakes while taking Part 3 test -

• Overcomplicating Answers: Do not use overly complex ideas you can’t explain clearly.
• Speaking Too Briefly: Try to give detailed responses instead of smaller sentences.
• Memorizing Answers: Do not memorize the answers. Examiners can easily recognize pre-learned answers. That may negatively impact your score.‍
• Lack of Coherence: Ensure your ideas are logically linked and organized.

These are the popular techniques to clear the Part 3 exam -

• Discussions and Debates: Participate in debates on current topics. It will develop your reasoning skills. 
• Mock Tests: Simulate real test conditions to build confidence.
• Record Yourself: Check your responses for coherence, grammar, and fluency.
• Read Widely: Reading about miscellaneous topics can enhance your idea-generation skills and lexis. 
• Use IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Questions: Practice with real questions to get familiar with the format.

The examiner checks your performance depending on four key areas.

1. Coherence and Fluency:
   Fluency is your ability to speak smoothly without unnecessary pauses or hesitations. Coherence means well-organized ideas presented logically in a conversational flow in your responses.
2. Lexical Resource:
   Your vocabulary is assessed for variety, appropriateness, and relevance in your replies. Using precise and contextually correct words is what can boost your score.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
   The examiner evaluates the complexity and correctness of your sentence structures. Use diverse sentence types and maintain grammatical accuracy to show your command of the language
4. Pronunciation:
   Clear and natural pronunciation is Important. The examiner pays attention to your ability to use proper stress, intonation, and rhythm. These things make your speech easy to understand.

You can get a good IELTS Speaking Part3 score with proper preparation, impressive communication, and critical thinking. Therefore, you should understand the format, practice sample questions, and focus on evaluation criteria. By doing so, you can outperform in the 3 parts of the IELTS speaking test.

1. How is IELTS Speaking Part 3 Different from Part 2?

Part 2 involves a short speech, while Part 3 demands an analysis of abstract concepts and interactive discussion.

2. Can I ask the Examiner to Reiterate a question in Part 3?

Yes. You can politely ask for repetition or clarification.

3. What is the Best way to practice for Part 3?

Practice daily with the IELTS Speaking Part 3 sample questions. Additionally, improve your vocabulary and fluency. Engage in discussions.

4. How Long should my Answers be in Part 3?

Your answers should be detailed. Also, your answers should last at least 30–40 seconds per question. Try to give clear opinions and supporting examples.

5. Is using Complex Vocabulary Essential in Part 3?

Yes. Although you ensure that you use it appropriately and naturally, Incorrect or forced usage can lower your score.