What Part 3 asks you to do
Part 3 lasts about four to five minutes. It is a two-way discussion with the examiner, linked to your Part 2 topic but wider. If your card was about a place you visit, Part 3 might ask why people travel, or how tourism changes a city.
The questions are more general and more abstract. The examiner wants you to talk about people and society in general, not just yourself. You give and explain opinions, compare things, discuss advantages and disadvantages, and look at both sides. New here? Start with the full IELTS Speaking guide, and see how it follows the Part 2 long turn.
A structure for opinion answers
Most Part 3 questions ask what you think. Use one simple shape every time so you never freeze. Say your point, give a reason, add an example, then mention the other side.
| Stage | What to do | Example phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Point | State your opinion in one clear sentence. | "I think that…" |
| Reason | Explain why you think this. | "This is mainly because…" |
| Example | Give a real or made-up example. | "For instance, in my country…" |
| Other side | Admit another view to show balance. | "That said, some people would argue…" |
This point → reason → example → other side shape turns a short answer into a full one. You do not need all four every time, but reaching for the reason and the example will fix most thin answers.
Useful discussion phrases
A few ready phrases keep you fluent while you think. Learn a handful from each group and use them naturally.
- Give an opinion: In my view…, I'd say that…, It seems to me that…
- Show it depends: It depends on…, That varies from person to person.
- Weigh two sides: On the one hand… on the other hand…, There are pros and cons.
- Compare: compared with…, whereas…, the main difference is…
- Buy thinking time: That's an interesting question., Let me think for a second.
Handling "why" and comparison questions
Two question types come up again and again. Once you know the pattern, they are easy.
"Why do you think…?" The examiner wants reasons, not just facts. Give two reasons and briefly explain each one. Try: "There are a couple of reasons. First, … Second, …" Adding a short example after each reason makes the answer strong.
Comparison questions ("What's the difference between…?" or "Is X better than Y?") want you to hold two things side by side. Name the difference, then say which side you lean to and why. Try: "The main difference is that X is more… whereas Y tends to be… Personally, I'd choose X because…"
You can also be asked to predict ("Will this change in the future?") or discuss advantages and disadvantages. Use one the one hand… on the other hand… and finish with what you think overall. The best way to build this is to practise real questions out loud and hear where you slow down — see how the scoring works.
Frequently asked questions
How long is IELTS Speaking Part 3?
About four to five minutes. It is a discussion with the examiner that follows straight after your Part 2 talk.
How long should my Part 3 answers be?
Longer than Part 1 — a few developed sentences each. Give an opinion, a reason, and an example. A single short line is usually not enough.
What if I don't have an opinion on the question?
You can still answer. Say "It depends on…" and explain the different cases, or pick a side just to talk. You are scored on your English, not on your real views.
Do Part 3 questions link to Part 2?
Yes. They come from the same topic area but are more general and abstract, asking about people and society rather than only your own life.