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IELTS Speaking Part 3 — How to Give Detailed, High-Scoring Answers

What Happens in Part 3?

Part 3 is the discussion round. The examiner asks abstract, opinion-based questions related to the Part 2 topic. This is where Band 7+ is decided.

Key difference from Part 1:

  • Part 1: Simple, personal questions ("Do you like cooking?")

  • Part 3: Complex, abstract questions ("Why do you think cooking has become less popular?")
  • The PREP Method for Part 3

    P — Point: State your opinion directly
    R — Reason: Explain why you think this
    E — Example: Give a specific example
    P — Point: Restate your opinion

    Example:
    Question: "Why do some people prefer to live in cities?"

    Point: "I believe people prefer cities primarily because of better employment opportunities."

    Reason: "Cities have more industries, companies, and businesses, which means there are more job options available compared to rural areas."

    Example: "For instance, in my hometown, many young people move to Delhi or Mumbai after finishing their studies because there are simply more career opportunities in these large cities."

    Point: "So, I think economic opportunities are the main driving factor behind urban migration."

    Types of Part 3 Questions

    Opinion questions:

  • "What do you think about...?"

  • "In your opinion, why...?"
  • Agree/Disagree:

  • "Do you agree that...?"

  • "Would you say that...?"
  • Hypothetical:

  • "What would happen if...?"

  • "How would life change if...?"
  • Speculation:

  • "Why do you think this is the case?"

  • "What might the future look like?"
  • Sample Answer

    Question: "Do you think technology has made our lives better?"

    "I personally believe that technology has improved our lives significantly, though not without some drawbacks. The main benefit is convenience — things that used to take hours, like banking or shopping, can now be done in minutes through apps and websites. For example, I can pay my bills, order food, and even attend university lectures from my phone. However, there are downsides too, such as reduced face-to-face interaction and concerns about privacy. On balance, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but we need to use technology mindfully."

    Tips for Band 7+

    Common Mistakes

    Practice

    Practice 5 Part 3 questions daily using the PREP method. Record yourself and check:

  • Did you give a clear opinion?

  • Did you explain WHY?

  • Did you give an example?

  • Was your answer 4-6 sentences?
  • Practice with Our Trainer

    Visit Step Ahead Institute for personalized speaking practice. Our trainer specializes in Part 3 discussion skills.

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    Put these tips into action with our student practice portals:

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    Jyoti Malhotra

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