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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Tips, Question Types and Band 7+ answers

What is IELTS Speaking Part 3?

IELTS Speaking Part 3 is the final section of the IELTS speaking test. It lasts approximately 4–5 minutes and is a discussion based on the topic you spoke about in Part 2.

The examiner asks more complex questions, so you need to explain your opinions, compare ideas, discuss causes and effects, speculate about the future, and analyse issues from different perspectives.

Looking for IELTS Speaking Part 3 tips? In this guide you’ll learn:

  • what happens in Part 3
  • common question types
  • Band 7+ answer strategies
  • sample answers
  • mistakes to avoid

The IELTS speaking test is made up of 3 parts and lasts about 11 – 14 minutes.

  • Part 1: General questions on familiar topics (4-5 minutes)
  • Part 2: A ‘long turn’ – speak about a topic (3-4 mins)
  • 👉 Part 3: A follow-up discussion (4-5 mins)

What happens in Speaking Part 3?

In Speaking Part 3, the questions are related to the topic you discussed in Speaking Part 2. 

In Part 3, the examiner can ask you questions more freely, so they might ask you to explain more, or be more specific, or give an example.

Don’t feel stressed by this – it just shows that the examiner thinks you can take on the challenge of more complex questions.

And don’t worry if the examiners disagrees with you – this is just a way of asking you to support your arguments with clear argumentation.

Common IELTS Speaking Part 3 question types

Most Speaking Part 3 questions test your ability to discuss broader issues and express more complex ideas. Understanding the most common question types can help you prepare more effectively.

Imagine your Part 2 (Long Turn) Speaking topic was a famous building in your town:

Speaking Part 2 example

🗼 Describe a famous building/ landmark in your hometown. You should say:

  • where it is
  • how old it is
  • what it looks like

and explain why you think it is an important landmark/ building.

Below you will see some of the follow-up questions you might get in Part 3.

Some of the skills you need to develop and practise for answering Part 3 questions are:

  1. Giving your opinion
  2. Making generalisations
  3. Using signals
  4. Saying what other people think
  5. Using conditionals and making predictions
  6. Making comparisons
  7. Developing a topic
  8. Discussing advantages and disadvantages

1. Giving your opinion

Opinion questions are extremely common in Part 3. The examiner wants to know what you think and whether you can explain your viewpoint clearly.

EXAMPLE QUESTION:

Do you think people should have to pay to visit historic buildings?

BAND 7+ MODEL ANSWER

Personally, I think entry should be free, so that everyone can benefit from the experience.

2. Making generalisations

Rather than talking only about your own experience, Speaking Part 3 often requires you to discuss what people generally think or do.

EXAMPLE QUESTION

How do people in your country feel about protecting historic buildings?

BAND 7+ ANSWER

People tend to be very passionate about protecting their heritage but sadly very few people actively campaign to stop them from being demolished.

3. Using signals and lists

Clear signals and listing phrases can improve your fluency and coherence by showing how your ideas are connected.

EXAMPLE QUESTION:

What problems do town planners have when trying to decide what to do with a historic building?

BAND 7+ ANSWER

I think the main issue is cost, and whether it will cost more to renovate a building than to simply knock it down.

4. Saying what other people think

Part 3 isn’t just about your own opinion — it’s also about discussing what other people might think and why.

Example question:

Do you think the government or private investors should pay for the upkeep of old buildings?

Band 7+ answer:

Many people would argue that the government needs to invest more in the maintenance of these places, but I’m not convinced. It seems to me that there are other, more urgent, issues to tackle, such as homelessness.

5. Using conditionals and making predictions

When discussing the future, try to explain not only what might happen, but also the reasons behind your prediction.

EXAMPLE QUESTION:

How do you think town centres will change in the future?

BAND 7+ ANSWER:

If people continue to do most of their shopping online, I think towns will have a different function. There’s a drive to transform them into green spaces where people can meet up and go for a coffee rather than go shopping.

6. Making comparisons

Comparison questions require you to discuss similarities and differences between two situations, groups, or time periods.

EXAMPLE:

What are the benefits of living in a town compared to living in rural areas?

BAND 7+ ANSWER:

For a start, there are far more sources of irritation in a town – noise, pollution, litter etc, so I think living in a rural area is much better for your mental health.

7. Developing a topic

A big difference about Speaking Part 3 is that you are expected to ‘speak at length’ about a topic.

Show that you are aware of the complexity of the issue.

Try to explore the topic rather than just answer the question.

Explain your opinion, give examples and think about the

  • advantages and disadvantages
  • problems and solutions
  • reasons and causes
  • the possible outcomes
  • how important something is
  • who is affected by the issue (think about your town, city, region, country, the planet)

8. Discussing advantages and disadvantages

This question type is common because it allows you to demonstrate balanced thinking.
 

Example question:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism?

Band 7+ sample answer:

Tourism creates jobs and brings money into local economies. But it can also lead to overcrowding and environmental damage if visitor numbers are not managed carefully. I think the key is finding a balance between economic growth and sustainability.

What language do you need for Speaking Part 3?

Here is some of the language you need to succeed in Part 3.

  1. Showing your attitude and opinion
  2. Generalising
  3. Listing and Signals
  4. Saying what you think
  5. Making predictions
  6. Making comparisons
  7. Giving examples
  8. Fillers
  9. Expressing doubts

1. Showing your attitude and opinion

Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test requires you to show critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating ideas.

It’s important to provide well-reasoned arguments and support opinions with relevant examples or evidence.

You should practise thinking critically about various topics and develop the ability to express your thoughts clearly and logically.

Here are some ways of showing your attitude:

  • unfortunately, sadly
  • luckily, fortunately
  • clearly, obviously
  • basically
  • definitely, absolutely
  • strangely, surprisingly
  • Actually, As a matter of fact

Strategies for developing critical thinking skills include: reading opinion articles (or good Writing Task 2 models), engaging in debates or discussions, and actively questioning and evaluating information.

2. Generalising

  • generally speaking…
  • on the whole…
  • the majority of people…
  • most people… (*not most OF people)
  • most of the people in my region/ country…
  • it’s hard to generalise but…
  • it depends (on …)

3. Listing and using signals

Organizing your thoughts and structuring responses effectively is crucial in IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Aim to provide a clear introduction, develop your main points coherently, and conclude your response briefly.

Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and create a smooth flow of speech.

One useful tip is to use a three-part structure for each response: introduction, main body, and conclusion. This helps you stay focused and ensures that you cover all relevant points. Practicing this structure in mock speaking sessions or with a language partner can help improve response organization.

  • First of all,
  • To start with…
  • Another reason/problem is…
  • On top of that…
  • To make matters worse…
  • On the one hand…
  • The biggest drawback is…
  • But at the end of the day (idiom)…
  • But when all’s said and done (conclusion)

4. Saying what you think

  • It seems to me that…
  • As far as I’m concerned…
  • My view is that…
  • In my opinion/view/experience
  • From my point of view
  • I tend to think that…
  • I’m sure that…
  • I guess…
  • I suppose…

5. Making predictions

  • I’m quite optimistic/pessimistic about the future of…
  • I doubt very much if…
  • It’s likely/unlikely to get better/worse.
  • I hope (so).
  • I expect
  • I’m (pretty) sure…
  • We’ll have to wait and see.

6. Making comparisons

  • In the same way
  • It’s exactly/more or less the same.
  • It’s quite similar.
  • It’s totally different.
  • However, on the other hand, whereas

7. Giving examples

Providing relevant examples and incorporating personal experience into responses is highly valued in IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Examples help illustrate ideas and make your responses more engaging and persuasive. 

  • I saw an example of this the other day (on the news/internet).
  • A great example of this is….
  • For instance, for example
  • In other words
  • Such as

When using examples, it is important to ensure they are relevant to the question and clearly explained.

Vary the types of examples you use, such as personal stories, general knowledge, statistics, or imaginary scenarios  to support your arguments.

8. What to say when you need some thinking time

  • It’s hard to say. I mean…
  • Well, conditions vary but…
  • It all depends on (the situation)
  • I’ve never thought about that before but…
  • Obviously I’m no expert but…
  • I’m not sure there’s an easy answer to that but…

9. What to do when you don’t have a ready answer

You are allowed to pause and think.

Don’t be afraid to express what you’re thinking out loud.

  • ‘Ooh that’s a tough question’
  • ‘Hmmm, let me think…’

If the question is really too difficult, try to think of a personal example and then generalise later.

  • ‘I’ve never really been in this situation before but I know someone who…’
  • ‘… so I guess it’s the same for everyone else.’
  • ‘… but I guess everyone reacts differently’.
  • ‘…but if it happened to me, I’m sure I’d feel…’
  • ‘… but if I was in their position...’

How to get Band 7+ in Speaking Part 3

The best way to improve your Part 3 performance is to develop every answer fully. As a simple strategy, follow this structure:

  1. Answer the question directly.
  2. Explain your reasoning.
  3. Give an example.
  4. Consider another perspective if appropriate.

This approach makes your answers longer, more coherent, and more interesting.

You should also practise discussing common IELTS topics such as education, technology, culture, the environment, work, health, and transport. The more familiar you are with these issues, the easier it will be to express ideas confidently during the test.

Finally, remember that examiners are not judging your opinions. They are assessing how effectively you communicate those opinions.

Focus on clarity, organisation, and development rather than trying to find the “correct” answer.

How to prepare for Speaking Part 3

Here are 10 things you can do to prepare better for Speaking Part 3.

  1. Familiarise yourself with typical Part 3 topics and practise discussing them.
  2. Watch the news in English for ideas, especially interviews. For example, The Moral Maze (BBC radio 4 – Advanced language).
  3. Find a podcast that you enjoy, where people discuss issues. (See this list)
  4. Nervousness and anxiety can hinder performance in Part 3. Practise relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, before the test. Try to stay calm and focused throughout the speaking section.
  5. Keep a steady flow of speech without unnecessary pauses or hesitations. Use appropriate fillers, such as “well,”, “you know” or “I mean,” to give yourself time to think without disrupting the overall fluency.
  6. Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for effectively expressing ideas in IELTS Speaking Part 3. Aim to use a wide range of vocabulary related to the given topic.  Read extensively, keep a vocabulary journal, and actively use new words in conversations or writing.
  7. Actively engage in conversations in English, both in formal and informal settings. Join a language exchange program, or a conversation club. By exposing yourself to different accents and speech patterns,you can develop a more natural speaking style.
  8. Clear pronunciation and intonation are crucial in IELTS Speaking Part 3. Aim to speak clearly and confidently. Practicing pronunciation exercises and listening to strong English speakers can help improve these skills.
  9. There are various resources available to help you prepare for Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. Online practice tests, sample questions, and model answers can be found on the official IELTS website or through reputable IELTS preparation books.
  10. It is also beneficial to practice speaking with an English speaker who can give you feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and overall fluency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should i speak in part 3?

There is no fixed length, but most strong answers last around 20–40 seconds. The key is to develop your ideas naturally without speaking for too long.

Are part 3 questions more difficult?

Yes. Part 3 questions are generally more abstract and require deeper discussion than Part 1 and Part 2.

Can the examiner disagree with me?

Yes. Sometimes the examiner may challenge your ideas or ask you to explain further. This is a normal part of the discussion and not a sign that you are performing badly. 

What topics appear in speaking part 3?

Common topics include education, technology, culture, transport, work, the environment, society, health, and government policies.

Can I change my opinion during my answer?

Yes. In fact, showing a balanced view can demonstrate sophisticated thinking. You might explain both sides of an argument before giving your final opinion.

How can I practise Speaking Part 3 at home?

Read news articles, listen to podcasts, discuss current issues with friends, and practise answering IELTS-style questions aloud. Focus on explaining and developing your ideas rather than memorising answers.

Speaking Part 3 Question types

Generalising/ your country/ where you live

  • What kinds of (events do people celebrate)?
  • When/How often do people in your country (go to restaurants)?
  • What are the most popular/interesting (tourist places)?
  • How well (do people know their neighbours)?
  • How do people in your country feel about (protecting old buildings)?

Is it important?

  • Do you think it’s important to (be a good neighbour)?
  • Do you think people should (learn more languages)?
  • Do you think (museums) should be free?
  • What (facilities) are important to (people living in cities)?

How …?

  • How (easy, difficult, important, enjoyable etc) is it (for families to eat together)
  • In what ways has (the design of homes) changed in recent years?
  • How much (influence) does (TV) have on ….
  • To what extent does (the design of buildings) affect people’s moods?

What…?

  • What skills do you need to (be a good cook)?
  • What is a good way to (make friends)?

Why?

  • Why do some people (prefer to travel alone)?
  • Why can it be expensive to (visit cities)?
  • Why have (cities increased in size) in recent years?
  • Why are there often (statues of famous people) in public places?
  • Why is (architecture) such a popular university subject?

Is it good or bad?

  • Do you think it’s a good thing for (parents to help children with schoolwork)?
  • Do you think it’s ok to (arrive late when meeting a friend)?
  • Do you believe that everyone should (share household tasks)?
  • Can you think of any disadvantages of (making new friends online)?
  • Do you think children (should go to the nearest school to where they live)?
  • Is it better to (visit cities) alone or with friends?
  • Do you agree that (old buildings) should always be preserved?

Effects

  • What sort of impact can (tourists) have on (the environment)?
  • What are the likely effects of (students not managing their study time well)?

Comparisons

  • Is it harder to (make friends as you get older)?
  • Was life easier (for your grandparents’ generation)?
  • How does (shopping in a market) differ from (shopping in a big mall)?
  • Do you think the government or private investors should pay (for the upkeep of old buildings)?
  • What are the benefits of (living in a town) compared to (living in rural areas)?

Problems/Solutions

  • What are the problems caused by (ever-growing cities)?
  • How can these problems be solved?
  • What should happen to people who (arrive late for work)?
  • Can you suggest how people can (make sure they don’t arrive late)?

Predictions

  • In what ways do you think (cities) of the future will be different to (cities) today?
  • How do you think (the way we shop) will change in the future?

Stuck for ideas?

How to get ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2

My Ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 Toolkit covers a huge range of IELTS topics and gives you 

  • ideas
  • vocabulary
  • strong arguments (for and against)
Learn More

How is IELTS speaking part 3 marked?

Part 3 is assessed using the same four marking criteria as the rest of the IELTS speaking test: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each criterion contributes 25% of your speaking score.

Fluency and coherence

To score well for fluency and coherence, you need to develop your answers rather than giving short responses. The examiner wants to hear you organise your ideas logically and use linking expressions naturally. Instead of answering with a single sentence, explain your point, add a reason, and give an example whenever possible.

Lexical resource

Lexical resource refers to the range and accuracy of your vocabulary. In Part 3, candidates often need to discuss topics such as society, education, technology, the environment, and culture. Learning topic-specific vocabulary and some less common expressions can help you communicate more precisely and naturally.

Grammatical range and accuracy

Higher-band candidates demonstrate a variety of grammatical structures. This includes conditionals, relative clauses, passive forms, and complex sentences. While mistakes are acceptable, you should be able to use more advanced grammar with reasonable accuracy. 

Pronunciation

Good pronunciation does not mean having a particular accent. The key requirement is that your speech is easy to understand. Using natural stress, intonation, and connected speech can help make your communication clearer and more effective

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