Speaking Part 3 tips and strategies
Learn how to discuss abstract ideas, give opinions with reasons, and develop your answers like a fluent speaker.
Review 16 practical strategies across 6 sections, then apply them with 10 worked examples in your next IELTS study session.
What to Expect
Format
The basics
- Lasts about 4 to 5 minutes
- The examiner asks deeper, more abstract questions
- Questions are linked to the Part 2 topic
- This part is a two-way discussion
Question types
- opinions and reasons
- comparing past and present
- predicting the future
- advantages and disadvantages
- society and general issues
How It Is Scored
The examiner listens for:
- your ability to develop and explain ideas
- advanced vocabulary and linking words
- complex grammar
- the ability to speculate and give opinions
Tip
There are no right or wrong opinions — what matters is how well you explain them.
How to Answer
Use "Opinion + Reason + Example"
Structure
- Give your opinion
- Explain the reason
- Support it with an example
Example
I think technology has improved education a lot. This is mainly because students can now access information instantly. For example, online courses allow people in remote areas to study subjects they could never reach before.
Compare and Contrast
Show range by comparing different ideas, times, or groups.
Example
In the past, people relied on libraries, whereas nowadays most learning happens online.
Speculate About the Future
Useful for prediction questions
- is likely to
- could well
- I imagine that
- in the future, we might
Example
In the future, classrooms might rely almost entirely on technology, although I imagine teachers will still play an important role.
Discourse Markers & Linking
Linking Words
Adding
- furthermore
- in addition
- what is more
Contrast
- however
- on the other hand
- whereas
Result
- as a result
- therefore
- which means that
Giving Balanced Views
- on the one hand…
- on the other hand…
- there are arguments on both sides
- it really depends on…
Example
On the one hand, social media keeps us connected. On the other hand, it can be quite addictive.
Developing & Extending Ideas
Go Beyond the First Idea
Ways to extend
- explain the cause
- describe the effect
- give a counter-argument
- mention an exception
Example
Working from home saves time, which means people are often less stressed. That said, some workers do miss the social side of an office.
If You're Unsure
It's fine to think aloud or buy time politely.
Useful phrases
- that's an interesting question
- I've never really thought about it, but…
- I suppose it depends on…
Common Mistakes
Giving Short Answers
Part 3 needs developed answers — always explain and give examples.
Only Talking About Yourself
These questions are about society and general ideas, not just personal life.
Avoiding an Opinion
Take a position. Sitting on the fence makes answers vague and hard to develop.
Using Only Simple Sentences
Mix in complex sentences with linking words to show your grammar range.
Sample Questions & Answers
Why do people enjoy learning new skills?
Model Answer
I think people enjoy it mainly because it gives them a sense of achievement. When you master something new, like a language or an instrument, it boosts your confidence. For example, a friend of mine recently learned to code, and she said it completely changed how she sees her career.
How has technology changed the way we learn?
Model Answer
It has changed things dramatically. In the past, people mostly relied on books and classrooms, whereas nowadays we can learn almost anything online. As a result, education has become far more flexible. That said, I do think face-to-face teaching still matters, because it keeps students motivated.
Will traditional schools still exist in the future?
Model Answer
That's an interesting question. I imagine schools will still exist, but they could well look very different. Learning might become more digital and personalised. However, I doubt technology will ever fully replace teachers, because students still need guidance and social interaction.