By Yasir Saeed | IELTS Trainer & Co-founder, IELTSKaro | IELTS Speaking: 8.5 | Updated: 2025
IELTS Speaking Part 3 is where band scores are made or broken. It is the section that most clearly separates candidates who score Band 6 from those who score Band 7 and above. Part 3 asks you to think critically, form opinions, discuss society, compare ideas, and speculate about the future.
“So Yasir, you talked about the Aansoo Jheel at Babusar Top. Do you believe countries should have rivers and bodies of water?”
That’s the question I got. It clearly separates the typical Yes/No answer from ones with critical analysis and reasonings. And that’s what examiners look for in your answers.
What is IELTS Speaking Part 3?
Part 3 is a two-way discussion between you and the examiner that lasts approximately 4 to 5 minutes. It follows directly from Part 2. The examiner uses your cue card topic and widens the discussion into broader social, global, or abstract territory.
For example: if your Part 2 cue card was about an exercise you enjoy, Part 3 might ask about the role of government in promoting public health, whether sedentary lifestyles are a modern problem, or how attitudes toward fitness differ across generations. The same theme, but now you are discussing society, not yourself.
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | |
| Focus | About you | Describe something | Discuss society & ideas |
| Format | 10–12 short Q&A | 2-min monologue | 4–5 min discussion |
| Thinking required | Personal recall | Description & narrative | Critical analysis & opinion |
| Vocabulary needed | Everyday, personal | Descriptive, narrative | Academic, abstract, nuanced |
| Band 7 requirement | Fluent, extended answers | Full 2 minutes, coherent | Developed opinions with reasoning |
The Opinion Structure Formula: How Band 7+ Answers Are Built
This is the most important thing in this entire guide. The difference between a Band 6 and a Band 7+ answer in Part 3 is almost never vocabulary or grammar alone, it is structure. Band 7+ candidates give answers that are developed, logical, and show awareness of complexity. Band 6 candidates give answers that are correct but flat.
Here is the formula:
| The Part 3 Opinion Formula 1. POSITION. State your view directly and confidently. “I think…”, “In my view…”, “It seems to me that…” 2. REASON. Explain why you hold that view. “This is largely because…”, “The main reason is…”, “Primarily because…” 3. EXAMPLE or EVIDENCE. Ground your reason in something specific. “For instance…”, “A clear example of this is…”, “We can see this in…” 4. CONCESSION or NUANCE. Acknowledge the other side briefly. “That said…”, “Having said that…”, “Of course, one could argue…”, “Though I accept that…” 5. . Reinforce your position or extend the thought. “On balance…”, “Ultimately…”, “All things considered…” |
| ℹ️ Why the concession matters Step 4 is what most Band 6 candidates skip. It is also what most clearly signals Band 7+ thinking to an examiner. Acknowledging complexity (‘though I accept that not everyone would agree’) shows intellectual maturity and significantly boosts your Lexical Resource and Coherence scores simultaneously. |
Band 5–6 vs Band 7–8: Side-by-Side Answer Comparisons
The fastest way to understand what the formula looks like in practice is to see the same question answered at two different band levels. Study the contrast carefully.
| 💬 Do you think governments should be responsible for people’s health? |
| Band 5–6 “Yes, I think the government should be responsible. They should provide free healthcare and hospitals for people. In my country, the government does not do enough for health.” ⚠ Short, flat, no development. Personal complaint rather than balanced discussion. No concession, no complexity. |
| Band 7–8 “In my view, governments do have a significant responsibility for public health, primarily because access to healthcare should not depend on how much money someone earns. When healthcare is privatised entirely, lower-income groups are systematically disadvantaged, which creates long-term social and economic problems for everyone. That said, I think there is a reasonable argument that individuals also bear some responsibility for their own lifestyle choices. Excessive sugar consumption, sedentary habits. These are not purely the government’s fault. On balance, though, I would say the government’s role is structural: create the conditions for good health, fund the infrastructure, and let individuals make informed choices within that system.” Position stated clearly and immediately (‘In my view…’). Reason is specific and grounded in principle, not just opinion. Concession is handled naturally (‘That said…) and adds sophistication. Strong closing that synthesises both sides, typical Band 7–8 technique. Vocabulary: ‘systematically disadvantaged’, ‘privatised’, ‘structural’. |
| 💬 How has technology changed the way people communicate? |
| Band 5–6 “Technology has changed communication a lot. People now use phones and social media to talk. Before, people used letters but now they use WhatsApp and Instagram. It is faster now.” ⚠ Extremely basic. Observations are obvious and undeveloped. No opinion expressed, no complexity, no vocabulary range. |
| Band 7–8 “Technology has fundamentally transformed communication and not always in the ways we celebrate. The obvious change is speed and reach: a message that once took weeks to arrive by post now arrives in seconds, and we can maintain relationships across continents with very little effort. What is less often discussed, however, is the effect on the quality of communication. Many people would argue that digital communication has become simultaneously more frequent and more shallow. We send more messages but say less in each one. That said, I think it would be reductive to frame technology purely as a negative force. For people in remote areas, or those with social anxiety, it has genuinely opened channels of connection that simply did not exist before.” Opens with a nuanced qualifier (‘not always in the ways we celebrate’). ‘More frequent and more shallow’, a memorable, balanced phrase that shows strong Lexical Resource. Second concession in the closing paragraph adds a second layer of complexity. Vocabulary: ‘fundamentally transformed’, ‘reductive’, ‘simultaneously’, ‘channels of connection’. |
| 💬 Do you think young people today have different values from previous generations? |
| Band 5–6 “Yes, young people are different from older generations. They like technology more and they are more open-minded. They do not follow traditions as much as before.” ⚠ Generic observations, no development, no specific reasoning, no vocabulary range. Could describe any generation in any country. |
| Band 7–8 “To some extent, yes. Though I would be cautious about overgeneralising. What I think is genuinely different is the set of pressures young people face today: climate anxiety, economic instability, and the constant visibility of global inequality through social media. These pressures shape values in ways that are quite distinct from previous generations, who by and large grew up in contexts of greater economic certainty, at least in many countries. Whether that makes young people’s values better or worse is a different question. I think it makes them more globally oriented and perhaps more socially conscious, though sometimes more anxious as a result. The interesting tension is between those who see this as progress and those who see it as the erosion of stability and tradition.” ✔ Opens with a caveat (‘to some extent… though I would be cautious’) as it shows nuanced thinking. ✔ Gives specific reasons for the generational difference rather than stating it as fact. ✔ Final sentence introduces a broader societal tension, exactly the kind of abstract thinking that earns Band 8. ✔ Vocabulary: ‘overgeneralising’, ‘climate anxiety’, ‘globally oriented’, ‘erosion of stability’. |
High-Score Phrase Bank for Part 3
These phrases are the building blocks of Band 7+ Part 3 answers. Learn them in context, not as a list.
| Function | Phrases to use |
| Giving your opinion | In my view… / It seems to me that… / Personally, I would argue… / From my perspective… / I tend to think that… |
| Buying thinking time | That is an interesting question… / Let me think about that for a moment… / It is hard to give a definitive answer, but… / Off the top of my head, I would say… |
| Adding complexity | Having said that… / That said… / At the same time… / On the other hand… / Though I would concede that… |
| Giving examples | A clear example of this is… / This is evident in… / Take, for instance… / We can see this in the case of… |
| Speculating | It is likely that… / There is a strong possibility that… / One could argue that in the future… / If current trends continue… |
| Comparing generations | Compared to previous generations… / Unlike older cohorts… / There has been a notable shift in… |
| Discussing society | From a societal perspective… / At a broader level… / In many countries… / This varies significantly depending on… |
| Concluding / wrapping | On balance… / Ultimately… / All things considered… / When you weigh up both sides… |
| ⚠️ How to use this table Do not memorise these as isolated phrases. Before your test, practise completing each one with a full thought: ‘On balance, I think the benefits of social media outweigh the risks, primarily because…’ The phrase only earns marks when it is connected to a developed idea. |
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topic Sets: Questions for 2025
The following topic sets reflect the most commonly tested Part 3 themes. For each topic, practise giving a full 40–60 second answer using the opinion structure formula above.
| Health and Lifestyle Do you think governments should be more responsible for people’s health? Why do you think so many people struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle? How has the rise of desk jobs affected people’s physical health? Do you think attitudes toward mental health have changed in your country? Should employers be required to provide wellness programmes for staff? Is it fair that unhealthy food is often cheaper than healthy food? |
| Technology and Society How has technology changed the way people communicate with each other? Do you think social media has had a positive or negative effect on society? Is it important for children to learn how to use technology at a young age? Do you think people have become too dependent on their smartphones? How might artificial intelligence change the job market in the next 20 years? Should governments regulate what people can post on social media? |
| Family and Society How has the role of the family changed in modern society? Do you think it is better for children to grow up in large or small families? Who should be responsible for caring for elderly people, the family or the government? Have attitudes toward marriage changed among young people in your country? Do you think both parents should share childcare responsibilities equally? How important is it for children to live near their extended family? |
| Environment and Climate How serious a problem is climate change in your country?Do you think individuals or governments are more responsible for environmental problems?Should people be taxed more for activities that harm the environment?Is it realistic to expect people to significantly reduce their carbon footprint?How effective do you think international agreements on climate are?Do you think future generations will have a better or worse relationship with the environment? |
| Work and Education Do you think the education system in your country prepares young people for work?Should universities be free for all students?How has remote working changed people’s relationship with their jobs?Do you think job satisfaction is more important than salary?Is it better to specialise in one field or to have a broad range of skills?How might the skills required in the workplace change over the next decade? |
| Cities and Urban Life What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city?Do you think cities have become too overcrowded?How can governments make cities more liveable for residents?Do you think public transport is adequate in most cities?Why do you think so many people continue to move from rural to urban areas?Should governments try to develop smaller cities rather than expanding large ones? |
| Arts, Culture and Media How important is it for governments to fund the arts?Do you think traditional arts and crafts are at risk of disappearing?How has streaming changed the way people consume music and film?Should the media be more strictly regulated?Is it important for young people to learn about their cultural heritage?Do you think celebrity culture has a positive or negative influence on society? |
| Globalisation and Culture Do you think globalisation has had a positive effect on local cultures?Is it important to preserve minority languages?How has international travel changed people’s attitudes toward other cultures?Do you think English will continue to be the dominant global language?Should countries prioritise their own citizens over international obligations?Do you think cultural differences are becoming smaller or larger over time? |
5 Strategies That Separate Band 6 From Band 7+ in Part 3
Strategy 1: Never Give a One-Sentence Answer
Part 3 questions are designed to invite discussion, not one-line responses. ‘Yes, I agree with that’ is a Band 4 answer. Even ‘Yes, I agree because…’ followed by two sentences is only Band 5. Every answer should be at least 40 seconds long. If you are finishing in under 20 seconds, you have not developed your response.
Strategy 2: Embrace Complexity, Do Not Pick a Simple Side
Part 3 questions are deliberately constructed around topics where reasonable people disagree. The examiner is not looking for the ‘right’ answer, they are looking for the ability to handle complexity. Phrases like ‘It depends on…’ or ‘There are two sides to this…’ followed by genuine analysis are exactly what signals Band 7 thinking.
Strategy 3: Use Thinking Time Purposefully
You are allowed and expected to pause briefly before answering. Use a verbal filler to signal you are thinking, not stuck: ‘That is an interesting question, let me think about that for a moment…’ Then structure your response using the formula. Silence is the enemy; a purposeful pause with a thinking phrase is a strength.
Strategy 4: Speculate Confidently
Many Part 3 questions ask about the future, hypotheticals, or trends. Candidates who say ‘I don’t know what will happen’ lose marks. Instead, use speculative language confidently: ‘It is likely that…’, ‘One could argue that if current trends continue…’, ‘There is a strong possibility that…’ You are not expected to be right.
Strategy 5: Disagree With the Examiner Politely If You Want To
The examiner may offer a counterpoint or a provocation: ‘But don’t you think that’s the government’s fault?’ You are completely free to push back. In fact, doing so politely and with reasoning is a Band 8 behaviour. Use: ‘That is a fair point, though I would argue…’ or ‘I can see why one might think that, but personally I would say…’ Disagreeing intelligently is not rude as it is exactly what the test is designed to evaluate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Part 3 always follow on from my Part 2 topic?
It usually starts from the same broad theme as Part 2, but it quickly moves into wider territory. If your cue card was about a book you read, Part 3 might discuss reading habits in society, the future of print media, or whether governments should promote literacy. The connection to Part 2 is a starting point, not a constraint. The examiner can take the discussion anywhere within the general theme.
Q: What if I genuinely do not have an opinion on the question?
Pick one anyway and commit to it. The examiner is assessing your ability to articulate a position in English, not your personal values. If you find the question genuinely difficult, use a ‘both sides’ structure: ‘On one hand, it could be argued that… On the other hand, however…’ This approach works equally well and often earns higher marks because it demonstrates more sophisticated thinking.
Q: How long should each answer be in Part 3?
Each answer should ideally be between 40 and 70 seconds. The examiner will have multiple questions to get through in 4 to 5 minutes, so you do not need to fill unlimited time but you do need to develop every answer properly. If you are consistently finishing in under 20 seconds, you are not demonstrating sufficient fluency or lexical range.
Q: Can I ask the examiner to clarify a question I did not understand?
Yes. You can say ‘Sorry, could you rephrase that?’ or ‘I am not sure I fully understood do you mean…?’ Asking for clarification once is fine and will not affect your score. What damages your score is misunderstanding the question and answering something different, or giving no response at all.
Q: Is Part 3 harder than Parts 1 and 2?
It requires different skills, not necessarily harder English. Parts 1 and 2 test your ability to describe and narrate. Part 3 tests your ability to discuss, analyse, and argue. Candidates who prepare for Part 3 specifically using the opinion structure, practising abstract topics, building relevant vocabulary often find it the most satisfying section because it gives them the most room to demonstrate range.
Q: Should I agree with the examiner’s perspective?
No and the examiner is trained not to show approval or disapproval of your opinions. You should say what you actually think (or what gives you the most to say). Politely disagreeing with a position the examiner has suggested, and defending your view with reasoning, is a Band 7–8 behaviour. Do not agree just to seem polite it will make your answers shorter and less developed.
Continue Your IELTS Speaking Preparation
Part 3 is the final section make sure the earlier parts are equally strong:
- IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topics, Questions and Sample Answers
- IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Cards, Note-Taking Technique and Sample Answers
- IELTS Speaking Topics 2026. A full topic bank with answers across all three parts
- What is the IELTS Speaking Test? Format, scoring criteria and examiner process
- IELTS Band Score Calculator. Find out what score you need for your target visa or university
| Want to Practise Part 3 With an AI Speaking Coach? IELTSKaro’s AI-powered speaking simulator gives you real Part 3 discussion questions with instant feedback on fluency, vocabulary and argument structure, available 24/7, no booking required. Try It Now at IELTSKaro.com |
About the Author
| Yasir Saeed IELTS Trainer | Co-founder, IELTSKaro | IELTS Overall: 8.5 | Speaking: 8.0 Hey! I am Yasir, an IELTS trainer and digital educator with over a decade of experience in content, communication coaching, and EdTech. I sat for the IELTS exam and achieved an overall band of 8.5. I am the co-founder of IELTSKaro, an AI-powered IELTS preparation platform incubated at NIC Lahore and backed by Google for Startups. I have helped hundreds of students develop the critical thinking and language skills needed to score Band 7 and above in IELTS Speaking. |
