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IELTS Academic · Speaking · S3

IELTS Academic Speaking Part 3: Discussion

IELTS Speaking Part 3 is a 4–5 minute two-way discussion with the examiner. The questions build on your Part 2 topic but move to wider, more abstract issues, such as how learning habits are changing in society. You are expected to give opinions, explain reasons, compare situations and speculate about the future.

Length
About 4–5 minutes
Link
Topics connect to the Part 2 cue card
Question style
Abstract: opinions, comparisons, causes, future changes
Assessed on
Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation

How it works

  1. 1The examiner links the discussion to your Part 2 topic.
  2. 2They ask broader questions about society, trends or people in general.
  3. 3They may follow up on your answer or challenge it, as in a real discussion.
  4. 4After Part 3, the Speaking test ends.

Sample task

Original sample · not from an official test

We've been talking about a place where you study. Let's consider learning more generally. 1. Why do you think some adults keep learning new skills throughout their lives? 2. Do you think public libraries will still be important in twenty years' time?

Show a strong response

Outline: Q2 outline: position ('I think they'll still matter, but for different reasons'); reason (quiet space and free internet for people who don't have it at home); contrast ('fewer people may borrow printed books'); example (a local library now running coding classes); prediction with a hedge ('they'll probably become community learning centres rather than book stores').

The answer gives a clear view, explains it, considers another side and uses future forms with hedging ('probably', 'may'). Part 3 rewards developed reasoning, so answers are longer than in Part 1.

Tips that work

  • Use a simple frame: opinion, reason, example, and a short contrast or qualification.
  • Talk about people and society in general, not only your own experience.
  • Hedge predictions naturally: 'it's likely that', 'I'd imagine', 'that depends on'.
  • If a question is unclear, ask the examiner to repeat or rephrase it; that is normal in a discussion.

Common mistakes

  • Giving Part 1 style short answers to abstract questions.
  • Answering only with a personal story when the question is about society.

Questions candidates ask

How is Part 3 different from Part 1?

Part 1 asks about you and familiar topics. Part 3 asks about ideas and society, so it needs longer answers with reasons, comparisons and speculation. It is also more of a two-way discussion, and the examiner may challenge your view.

Is there a right answer to Part 3 questions?

No. The examiner assesses how well you express and support your ideas, not which opinion you hold. A clear view with a developed reason is better than trying to guess an expected answer.

How many questions will I be asked in Part 3?

The number is not fixed; it depends on the length of your answers within the 4–5 minutes. Longer, well-developed answers mean fewer questions, which is normal and not a sign that anything went wrong.

Other IELTS Academic Speaking tasks

IELTS Academic overviewIELTS Academic Speaking: all partsIELTS Academic full mock testsIELTS Academic articles on the blog