Part 3 develops the theme from Part 2 through more abstract discussion. Choose a topic to compare Band 6 and Band 7 answers and practise explaining reasons, examples and wider social effects.
Current season: 7.15-8.07 Predicted · Updated 2026-08-05
Preparation status: Predicted topic cycle. This independent practice resource is not an official IELTS paper, and the questions in your test can be different. How topics are labelled.
- Describe an environmental law you would like your country to introduce4 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe an advertisement with a famous person in it6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a place you have travelled to that you would like to recommend to others6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a story/book with animals in it6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a food that people eat on special occasions/events4 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a person who is good at learning and speaking new languages6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a tall building you like or dislike6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe an interesting video6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a boring place6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe your favorite city that you have visited4 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a person who loves to grow plants (e.g. vegetables, flowers) at home or in the garden6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a person you know who has a successful business6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a time when you worked in a group6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a place where you enjoy shopping6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a person who often helps others6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a person who solved a problem in a smart way4 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a music event that you didn't enjoy6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe your perfect job6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe an occasion when you were not allowed to use your mobile phone6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a piece of technology (not a phone) that you would like to own6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a program you like to watch6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a sports competition you watched1 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a famous person you would like to meet6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a plan that you had to change recently6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a quiet place you like to go6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
- Describe a movie you watched recently6 Part 3 discussion questions with model answers
IELTS Speaking Part 3 format and purpose
Part 3 is a four-to-five-minute discussion connected to the Part 2 theme. The questions move away from your personal story towards reasons, comparisons, social effects, future possibilities and possible solutions. The examiner may challenge or extend an idea, so a flexible explanation is more useful than a memorised opinion.
You are not assessed on specialist knowledge. A reasonable position with clear logic and an example gives the examiner more language to assess than a collection of facts. If the topic is unfamiliar, qualify your answer—“in many cities” or “from what I have seen”—and explain the principle you do understand.
A four-step Part 3 answer
- Position: answer the exact question in one clear sentence.
- Reason: explain the main cause or logic.
- Support: add an example, consequence or comparison.
- Nuance: mention a limit or alternative only when it develops the answer.
This is a thinking route, not a script. Some questions need only the first three steps. Others ask for two sides, in which case state the main difference before developing each side.
Common Part 3 question types
| Type | Useful move | Language function |
|---|---|---|
| Why or causes | Prioritise one cause, then add a secondary factor | Cause and effect |
| Compare groups or times | Name the key difference before examples | Contrast and qualification |
| Future | Give a likely direction plus a condition | Prediction and probability |
| Solutions | Match the action to the responsible group | Evaluation and consequence |
Band 6 to Band 7 in Part 3
A stronger discussion answer usually sustains the idea with clearer relationships between claims, reasons and examples. It also shows more flexible vocabulary and grammar without losing control. Length by itself does not create depth: one relevant example explained carefully is better than three undeveloped claims.
Frequent Part 3 mistakes
- Giving a personal anecdote when the question asks about society in general.
- Trying to discuss both sides before clearly answering the question.
- Using “it depends” as an escape without explaining what it depends on.
- Making absolute claims such as “everyone” or “always” that are hard to support.
- Repeating the question instead of paraphrasing the central idea.
A 20-minute Part 3 drill
- Choose five questions from one theme and answer each for forty to sixty seconds.
- Label the position, reason and support in the recording or transcript.
- Find one answer with a weak logical link and rewrite only that connection.
- Record the set again in a different order so the language remains spontaneous.
- End with one full mock at regular intervals to practise all three parts together.
Part 3 FAQ
How long should a Part 3 answer be?
There is no official sentence count. Give enough development to make the reasoning clear, then stop. Many practice answers need a position, explanation and example.
Can I disagree with the examiner?
Yes. You are assessed on language and communication, not on matching the examiner's opinion. Disagree politely and support the view.
What if I need time to think?
A short natural pause is acceptable. You can briefly frame the issue, but avoid a long memorised filler that delays the answer.
