The International English Language Testing System, commonly known as the IELTS exam, involves a 4-5-minute-long discussion with the examiner. It takes place in the IELTS speaking part 3 and is essential to assess your ability to discuss abstract topics, express opinions, analyse ideas, and engage in more in-depth conversations. It challenges you to think critically, provide well-structured arguments, and use a wider range of vocabulary and grammar. Read the write-up to get the IELTS speaking part 3 questions and answers that will help you score an 8+ band.
Introduction to IELTS Speaking Part 3
The IELTS speaking part 3 is the final section of the speaking test. It lasts for about 4–5 minutes, where the candidate engages in a discussion with the examiner. The conversation could be about abstract issues or even related to the topic from Part 2. This section tests your fluency, coherence, and ability to communicate ideas clearly and logically.
The examiner will ask 4–6 questions wherein you must give extended responses to demonstrate your ability to discuss random topics in depth. Unlike other sections of the speaking section, part 3 requires you to express and justify opinions, analyze issues, and provide examples either from society or personal experiences.
Format and Structure of IELTS Part 3 Questions
In part 3 IELTS speaking is a two-way discussion wherein you must aim to answer in around 40 seconds to a minute (or 4-5 sentences). Although there is no fixed time limit but the examiner asks about 4-6 questions over a 4-5 minute time frame. Besides, it is more about the depth and coherence of your answers than the time limits. The speaking part 3 focuses on your ability to discuss ideas in a more complex manner.
You must structure your answers to provide your opinion clearly and express your viewpoint. With valid reasons, provide specific examples you support your opinion. The examples may either be personal experiences or general examples. Moreover, you can also acknowledge a contrasting point of view.
Thus, to properly familiarise themselves with the format and structure of the exam, candidates must appear for the IELTS speaking mock test and papers.
Most Common IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics
To get the desired band score on the IELTS speaking part 3, the candidate must practice well. Here is a list of the most common IELTS speaking questions on different topics. Have a look:
Education
- What kinds of courses are useful for university students?
- Do you think your country should spend more money on schools?
- Is it difficult for people without a college education to get good jobs where you live?
Technology
- How do you think modern technology will change the way people work in the future?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of technology?
- What are some of the greatest technological achievements?
Environment
- What do you think is the main danger the world faces in terms of the environment?
- Are companies more or less environmentally responsible now than they were in the past?
- How can we protect the environment and at the same time improve people’s standard of living?
Work and Career
- What kinds of preparation should people do for a job interview?
- Why do some people keep changing their jobs?
- How would you define ‘an interesting job’?
Culture and Society
- Are regional cultural traditions gradually fading away? What can be done to keep them alive?
- How can technology be used to promote cultural exchange and understanding?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of preserving traditional customs?
Family and Relationships
- How has the size of the family changed in the last few decades in your country?
- What are the most important things in maintaining a healthy relationship?
- Do you think social media platforms will have a positive impact on friendships in the future?
Health and Lifestyle
- Do you think governments should do more to promote healthier lifestyle choices?
- What are some of the negative impacts of a fast-paced lifestyle on people’s health?
- Do you think technology has made it easier or harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Media and Communication
- How do newspapers and magazines differ in terms of their impact on society?
- Do you think people should have the freedom to choose what they watch or read?
- Should films and television be censored, or should we be free to choose what we see?
Global Issues and Government
- Do you think governments should be more involved in people’s daily lives?
- What role should governments play in combating climate change?
- In what ways does modern technology cause problems for people today, and how can these problems be addressed?
Art and Creativity
- What do you think is the best way to cultivate creativity in children?
- In what situations do people often come up with creative ideas?
- What different ways do people express their creativity?
Sample Question and Answer for IELTS Speaking Part 3
You must practice the IELTS speaking part 3 questions and answers before appearing for your actual exam. This will not only help you get familiar with the pattern and format but also boost your confidence. Here is a sample question that was taken from the mock test for IELTS. You may refer to this question and prepare for follow-up questions accordingly.
Question: How can we encourage more people to be creative?
Answer: To encourage more people to be creative, I think education systems should focus more on creative subjects like art and music, not just academics. This helps people develop their imagination from an early age. In addition, workplaces can support creativity by allowing employees to share new ideas and rewarding innovative thinking. Finally, society should celebrate creative achievements through events and competitions, making creativity more valued and attractive for everyone.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, this was all about the speaking topics of part 3. Moreover, the format and structure to answer are also provided in the write-up. Thus, to get an 8+ band, you may use our IELTS band score calculator tool and practice well for your exam. The IELTS speaking section is a crucial part of the exam that requires proper preparation. Thus, it is essential to take mock and practice tests so that you are familiar with the speaking part 3 questions.
