IELTS Speaking Part 3

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 3

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, often referred to as counter or follow-up questions from Part 2, the examiner will ask a wider array of questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2. Test takers are expected to elaborate on these topics and provide in-depth responses.

Let’s dive into all aspects of IELTS Speaking Part 3, including the types of questions, expert strategies for success, and the latest topics for you to practice!

What to Expect in IELTS Speaking Part 3

Here’s an example from a recent IELTS Speaking question paper to illustrate what you can expect:

Speaking Part 2 - Cue Card

Describe your favourite 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 IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question Types

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the questions typically ask you to express your opinions, provide explanations, and discuss issues in greater detail. Here are the seven most common types of questions you may encounter in this section:

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 3

IELTS Speaking Part 3, often referred to as the follow-up or counter questions to Part 2, involves broader inquiries based on the topic discussed earlier. In this section, test takers are expected to elaborate and provide in-depth answers.

Let’s explore what IELTS Speaking Part 3 entails, including common question types, expert strategies for success, and recent topics for practice.

Format of IELTS Speaking Part 3

In this section, the examiner will ask questions that require you to express your opinions, explain your thoughts, and discuss issues more comprehensively.

Example Question

To illustrate, here's an example taken from a recent IELTS Speaking question paper:

How do you think people's lifestyles have changed over the last 50 years?

Common Types of Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3

Here are seven prevalent question types you might encounter in this section:

Opinion Questions
- Example: Do you think it’s important for people to learn foreign languages?
- Purpose: Evaluate your ability to articulate and support your opinions.
Comparative Questions
- Example: How do you think people's lifestyles have changed over the last 50 years?
- Purpose: Assess how well you can compare different ideas, periods, or trends.
Hypothetical Questions
- Example: What might be the impact on society if everyone worked from home?
- Purpose: Test your ability to speculate about potential outcomes.
Problem-Solution Questions
- Example: What can be done to reduce the level of pollution in cities?
- Purpose: Examine how you identify problems and propose solutions.
Prediction Questions
- Example: How do you think technology will change the way we work in the future?
- Purpose: Evaluate your ability to discuss future trends and possibilities.
Impact Questions
- Example: What impact has globalization had on local cultures?
- Purpose: Assess how well you can discuss the effects of various phenomena.
Advantages and Disadvantages Questions
- Example: What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
- Purpose: Understand your ability to analyze and weigh different sides of an issue.

Assessment Criteria for IELTS Speaking Part 3

The speaking assessment criteria for IELTS Speaking Part 3 are the same as those for the other two parts and include:

Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation

Advanced Techniques for IELTS Speaking Part 3

The O.R.E.C. Technique
- Opinion: Clearly state your viewpoint.
- Reason: Explain why you hold this opinion.
- Example: Provide specific examples to support your reason.
- Consequence: Discuss the implications or consequences of your opinion.
Effective Use of Linking Words
- Use linking words like "furthermore," "however," and "for instance" to connect ideas.
- Avoid overusing fillers like "um" or "uh," which can disrupt fluency and clarity.
Natural and Confident Delivery
- Speak naturally without forcing complex vocabulary or formal phrases you're uncomfortable with.
- Focus on clear pronunciation, fluency, and maintaining a conversational tone to enhance confidence.

Tips for Answering Specific Question Types in IELTS Speaking Part 3

Avoid Personal Responses
- Example Question: Do you think dieting is important?
- Incorrect Answer:Yes. I am dieting to reduce weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think everybody should go on a diet.
- Correct Answer: Yes, I think it is. If people are above their normal weight and unhealthy, they should consider dieting to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Provide Opinionated Answers
- Example Question:Why do you think people enjoy eating out?
- Correct Answer:I believe people enjoy dining out for a change of scenery. Eating out allows them to experience different cuisines and spend quality time with family and friends, making it a popular pastime.
Include Examples Alongside Your Opinions
- Example Question:Should parents help their children with homework?
- Correct Answer:I think children should complete their homework independently, but they can seek guidance from their parents if needed. For instance, my brother found he understood the material better when he tackled it on his own, as he researched and explored more than when my mom assisted him.
Answering Comparison Questions
- Example Question:Are recreational activities today the same as those popular when your parents were young?
- Correct Answer:No, they aren’t. In my parents' era, outdoor activities were more prevalent, whereas today, activities tend to revolve around indoor options like cinema and social media.

Tips for Handling Difficult Questions in IELTS Speaking Task 3

Clarify if Needed: Politely ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question if you're unsure.
Use Structured Responses: Start with an introduction, state your main points, and conclude your answer to provide clear structure.
Provide Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your points and enhance the persuasiveness of your answer.
Take a Moment: It’s acceptable to pause briefly to gather your thoughts before responding.
Stay Relevant: Ensure your answer directly addresses the question without straying off-topic..

Sample IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions with Answers

Would you like to explore a set of follow-up questions that could help you in Speaking Part 3? Here’s a list of possible questions along with sample answers related to various cue cards.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

The General Writing Task 1 of the IELTS tests the candidate’s ability to write in an every day, functional manner. The question types include:

Frequently Asked Questions

IELTS Speaking Part 3 involves follow-up questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2. Test-takers are expected to elaborate on their answers, providing in-depth responses and exploring broader themes.

Common question types include opinion questions, comparative questions, hypothetical questions, problem-solution questions, prediction questions, impact questions, and advantages and disadvantages questions.

The assessment criteria include fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. These criteria are consistent with the evaluations in the other two speaking parts.

The O.R.E.C. technique is a structured approach to answering questions:

ReasonOpinion: State your viewpoint.
Reason: : Explain your opinion.
Example : Provide supporting examples.
Consequence : Discuss the implications of your opinion.

While it’s important to provide examples, focus on general observations rather than personal experiences. This ensures your responses are more objective and relevant to the topic.

If you're unsure about a question, don’t hesitate to ask the examiner for clarification. Structure your responses clearly, provide relevant examples, and take a moment to gather your thoughts if needed.

Yes! For instance, if asked, "How have lifestyles changed over the last 50 years?" a good answer could be: "Lifestyles have significantly evolved. Fifty years ago, people engaged more in outdoor activities, whereas today, many prefer indoor entertainment like streaming services."

Use linking words and phrases like "furthermore," "however," "for instance," and "on the other hand" to connect your ideas and enhance the flow of your response.

No, memorizing answers is discouraged. Focus on speaking naturally and confidently while articulating your thoughts clearly. This will help convey your language proficiency better than memorized responses.

Practice by discussing various topics with friends or teachers, simulating the test environment. Additionally, record your responses and review them to identify areas for improvement in fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.

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