What Happens in Part 3?
After you have finished your ‘long turn’ in Part 2, the examiner goes on to ask you more questions on a topic related to Part 2.
For example, if your Part 2 question was –
‘Describe a time someone helped you achieve a goal
In Part 3, you may discuss more about
setting goals
reaching goals
being successful
motivation
motivating children and adults to learn
Possible part 3 topic area
Belongings, shopping, advertising, values
Tourism, holiday destinations, leisure time, travel
Shopping, advertising, online shopping, consumerism, manufacturing, clothing
How Long is IELTS Speaking Part 3?
IELTS Speaking Part 3 lasts 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner will usually aim to ask around 4 to 6 questions.
Some of the questions are scripted, but the examiner may also ask some impromptu (made up) questions based on your last answer.
You need to give longer answers than in Part 1. Your answers may last between 30 to 60 seconds.
How Can you Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions?
In Part 3 comes straight after Part 2 and you have no time to relax, so it’s essential you stay calm but keep focussed.
In order to answer Part 3 questions effectively, you need to give longer answers and develop your ideas.
To develop your ideas there are different approaches, but my favourite is to follow these 3 steps (O.R.E) and give your
1-Opinion
2-Reason
3-Example
So, let’s say the examiner asks
‘How have newspapers changed in recent years?’
You might say,
‘Well, I’d say the biggest change is that they have moved online’ (opinion)
‘Because they have had to keep up with social media as a means of spreading news’ (reason)
‘For example, I used to read the Guardian newspaper, the paper version, but now I read it via their app on my mobile phon’ (example)
This kind of structure will help you develop your topics for better fluency, and also develop more complex structures (by having more clauses) and so produce higher level grammar.