IELTS Speaking Part 3

IELTS Speaking Part 3

In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, also known as counter or follow-up questions to Part 2, the examiner will ask a broader range of questions based on the topic from Part 2. Test takers are required to elaborate and provide in-depth answers to these questions.

Structure of IELTS Speaking Part 3

Here’s an example to help you understand:

Speaking Part 2 – Cue Card

• Describe your favorite food.
• What is it made of?
• Where and when did you eat it first?
• Why do you like it?
• Do you know how to make it?

Speaking Part 3 – Follow-up Questions

• Do you think diet is important?
• What is a balanced diet?
• Do people eat in restaurants in your country?
• What is the typical diet of people in your country?
• Why do some people enjoy eating out?

7 Common Types of Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3

These questions often require opinions, explanations, and in-depth discussions. Below are the types you may encounter:

1. Opinion Questions:

   Example: “Do you think it’s important for people to learn foreign languages?”
   Purpose: To evaluate your ability to articulate and support your opinions.

2. Comparative Questions:

   Example: “How do you think people’s lifestyles have changed over the last 50 years?”
   Purpose: To test your comparison skills across ideas or trends.

3. Hypothetical Questions:

   Example: “What might be the impact on society if everyone worked from home?”
   Purpose: To speculate about potential outcomes.

4. Problem-Solution Questions:

   Example: “What can be done to reduce the level of pollution in cities?”
   Purpose: To assess problem-solving skills.

5. Prediction Questions:

   Example: “How do you think technology will change the way we work in the future?”
   Purpose: To discuss future trends and possibilities.

6. Impact Questions:

   Example: “What impact has globalization had on local cultures?”
   Purpose: To evaluate your ability to discuss effects of phenomena.

7. Advantages and Disadvantages Questions:

   Example: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?”
   Purpose: To analyze and weigh both sides of an issue.

Assessment Criteria for IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

Advanced Strategies to Ace IELTS Speaking Part 3

1. O.R.E.C Technique : Organize your thoughts with Opinion, Reason, Example, and Consequence.
   • Opinion: Begin by clearly stating your viewpoint on the question.
   • Reason: Explain the reasoning behind your opinion with clarity.
   • Example: Support your reasoning with a relevant and specific example.
   • Consequence: Conclude by discussing the potential implications or effects of your opinion.
2. Using Linking Words Effectively :
   • Incorporate linking words such as “furthermore,” “however,” and “for instance” to connect ideas and maintain coherence.
   • Limit overuse of fillers like “um” or “uh” to ensure smoother fluency and clarity.
   • Adapt your linking words naturally to the context of the topic rather than memorizing phrases.
3. Delivering with Confidence and Naturalness
   • Use vocabulary that feels comfortable and avoid forcing overly complex words or formal phrases.
   • Prioritize clear pronunciation and fluency while maintaining a conversational tone.
   • Focus on sounding confident and engaging, which helps create a positive impression on the examiner.

Tips to Answer Certain Question Types in IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Avoid Personal Answers

  Example Question: “Do you think technology has improved the way we communicate?”
  Incorrect Answer: “Yes, I use messaging apps to talk to my friends, and I think everyone should use them because they are very convenient.”
  Correct Answer: “Yes, I believe technology has significantly improved communication. It allows people to connect instantly across long distances, making both personal and professional communication more efficient.”

• Provide Opinion-Based Responses

  Example Question: “Why do you think people enjoy online shopping?”
  Correct Answer: “I think people enjoy online shopping because it saves time and provides access to a wide variety of products. Additionally, online platforms often offer discounts and the convenience of home delivery.”

• Combine Opinions with Examples

  Example Question: “Should schools include financial education in their curriculum?”
  Correct Answer: “Yes, I believe financial education is essential. It helps students understand how to manage money responsibly and plan for their future. For example, learning about budgeting and saving during school can prepare them to handle real-world financial situations better.”

• Approach Comparison Questions Thoughtfully

  Example Question: “Are leisure activities today more individual-focused compared to the past?”
  Correct Answer: “Yes, they are. In the past, leisure activities often involved group interactions like community games or family outings. Today, activities like streaming movies or gaming are more individual-centric, influenced by the rise of digital technology.”

5 Tips to Handle Challenging Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3

1. Clarify When Unsure : Politely ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question if needed.
2. Structure Your Responses : Begin with an introduction, outline your main points, and conclude to create a coherent answer.
3. Incorporate Examples : Use specific examples to support your arguments and make your response more compelling.
4. Pause to Gather Thoughts : Briefly pause to think before answering. This helps in framing a clear and focused response.
5. Stay On-Topic : Ensure your answer directly addresses the question without straying into unrelated details.

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