Welcome to the Active IELTS speaking part 3 page.
You can also go straight to the other speaking pages: General Advice, Part 1 and Part 2 .
In Part 3, you and the examiner will have a discussion relating to the subject area you spoke about in Part 2. This
part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. The questions at the beginning of this part of the test are always related to
the topic in part 2, but the questions after that may move on to other areas.
You are asked to compare things, describe them, evaluate them, justify positions and opinions, make predictions,
express preferences and analyse ideas and situations. Don't worry if you don't understand exactly what these
mean as the examiner will ask you simple questions to get you to do these things.
Here are examples of some question structures:
1. Can you compare…
2. Can you describe…
3. Can you tell me how important/reliable/accurate/well/effective etc….
4. What reasons are there to justify…
5. What will happen in the next fifty years…
6. Which do you prefer, … or …
7. Can you briefly explain...
Taking the example above (‘Describe a teacher who has influenced you’), the examiner might use the topic of
education to extend the discussion:
Do schools help prepare young people for adulthood?
How has education changed in the last 50 years?
Do teachers have the same roles they did when your parents were at school?
Are qualifications or experience more important in a job?
Does the school curriculum reflect the skills needed in the workplace?
Part 3 of the speaking test is much more flexible than the rest and the examiner does not have to follow what is
written on the exam paper (the script). If you say something interesting the examiner might ask you to explain
more.
In the exam
Part 3 is where the examiner really wants to see how good you are, and what your limits are, so be ambitious with
your English. Push it to its limit.
The questions in part 3 can be complicated - don't be afraid to say 'Can I have a minute to think about that?'
before answering.
Also don't be afraid to say 'I don't understand the question fully - can you explain?'
Part 3 is meant to be as natural as possible. Try to relax and be interesting and interested.
Think before you speak. Ideas are important. Part 3 is a opportunity to talk about interesting areas and the
examiner will be happy to hear your thoughts.
Do not talk too much about your own life and experiences. Try to keep your ideas general.
Make sure you use a mixture of short and long sentences and the special words you know.
Think about Part 3 the same way you think about Task 2 of the writing tes because the questions are very similar.
Your need strong ideas and good examples.
Ready to practise? See example questions
You can also go straight to the other speaking pages: General Advice, Part 1 and Part 2 .
In Part 3, you and the examiner will have a discussion relating to the subject area you spoke about in Part 2. This
part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. The questions at the beginning of this part of the test are always related to
the topic in part 2, but the questions after that may move on to other areas.
You are asked to compare things, describe them, evaluate them, justify positions and opinions, make predictions,
express preferences and analyse ideas and situations. Don't worry if you don't understand exactly what these
mean as the examiner will ask you simple questions to get you to do these things.
Here are examples of some question structures:
1. Can you compare…
2. Can you describe…
3. Can you tell me how important/reliable/accurate/well/effective etc….
4. What reasons are there to justify…
5. What will happen in the next fifty years…
6. Which do you prefer, … or …
7. Can you briefly explain...
Taking the example above (‘Describe a teacher who has influenced you’), the examiner might use the topic of
education to extend the discussion:
Do schools help prepare young people for adulthood?
How has education changed in the last 50 years?
Do teachers have the same roles they did when your parents were at school?
Are qualifications or experience more important in a job?
Does the school curriculum reflect the skills needed in the workplace?
Part 3 of the speaking test is much more flexible than the rest and the examiner does not have to follow what is
written on the exam paper (the script). If you say something interesting the examiner might ask you to explain
more.
In the exam
Part 3 is where the examiner really wants to see how good you are, and what your limits are, so be ambitious with
your English. Push it to its limit.
The questions in part 3 can be complicated - don't be afraid to say 'Can I have a minute to think about that?'
before answering.
Also don't be afraid to say 'I don't understand the question fully - can you explain?'
Part 3 is meant to be as natural as possible. Try to relax and be interesting and interested.
Think before you speak. Ideas are important. Part 3 is a opportunity to talk about interesting areas and the
examiner will be happy to hear your thoughts.
Do not talk too much about your own life and experiences. Try to keep your ideas general.
Make sure you use a mixture of short and long sentences and the special words you know.
Think about Part 3 the same way you think about Task 2 of the writing tes because the questions are very similar.
Your need strong ideas and good examples.
Ready to practise? See example questions
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Other useful pages
Ready to practise? See example questions
The speaking answer sheet
How is the IELTS speaking test marked?
Links and tips to help you
What does my score mean?
Which exam do I need to take?
IELTS questions and answers
Speaking general advice, Part 2 and Part 3
Ready to practise? See example questions
The speaking answer sheet
How is the IELTS speaking test marked?
Links and tips to help you
What does my score mean?
Which exam do I need to take?
IELTS questions and answers
Speaking general advice, Part 2 and Part 3