IELTS Speaking Section Part III: Let Your IELTS Speaking Skills Shine

Jenn Author

Summary: In this blog post, I’m digging into IELTS Speaking Part 3, where you'll show off your language proficiency and let your speaking shine.

Welcome back to the final part of the IELTS Speaking series! If you missed my previous posts on Part 1 and Part 2 , don't worry – you can go back and read them. In this blog post, I’m digging into IELTS Speaking Part 3, where you'll show off your language proficiency and let your speaking shine. Get ready to excel at interesting questions, that ask for your opinion, and earn high marks with your well-rounded responses. With these expert strategies, you'll be fully equipped to conquer IELTS Speaking Part 3 and achieve your desired score. I know it!

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 3

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, be prepared to engage in an in-depth discussion with the examiner on broader topics related to Part 2's cue card. This section lasts between 4-5 minutes and some questions are scripted, but others the examiner may ask on the spot, as a follow-up. This section aims to assess your ability to express opinions, elaborate on ideas, and demonstrate your fluency. Try to relax, and remember you are not being marked on your opinion. Embrace this opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills and confidence in English. The marking criteria are evenly distributed across fluency and coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Preparation Strategies for IELTS Speaking Part 3

The key to excelling in IELTS Speaking Part 3 is thoughtful advanced preparation, not memorization. I don’t care what other teachers may tell you. You cannot memorize model responses and hope for the best.

Here are some strategies you can use to boost your performance:

1. Knowledge is Power: Familiarize yourself with common Part 3 topics, such as education, environmental concerns, technology, and globalization. Stay updated on current affairs and be ready to discuss them confidently. Do this instead of silly memorization of “model” responses. Know your stuff and speak with confidence.
2. Understand the question: Take a moment to organize your thoughts before responding. Use the first few seconds to structure your answer, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed. The examiner will re-phrase or even tell you what a word or phrase means if you need an explanation. It will not count against you. But do not ask them their opinion or what they think -this is your response, not theirs and that will count against you.
3. Express Opinions: Part 3 is about expressing your opinions and justifying them. Don’t worry if the examiner agrees with you, they are not assessing your opinion. Also, if you don’t have an opinion, simply choose a side that you can support with examples one way or another and go with it as though it was your opinion. Support your ideas with relevant examples and evidence.
4. Sentence Structure, Think Range Versus Overly Complex: Showcase your language proficiency by using a variety of sentence structures and tenses that show your grammatical range and accuracy (25%). In doing so, think of fluency and coherence (25%) to complement and make sense of your responses. While you also showcase your lexical resource (25%) through your word choices. Remember proper use is more important than complexity.
5. Mind Your Pronunciation, Not Your Accent: Pay attention to your pronunciation, and do not worry about your accent. Everyone has an accent, but it is your pronunciation and word stress that you are being marked on (25%). Strive for clarity and coherence in your responses. Practice listening to English recordings on a low volume and repeat what is said to help you.

Framework, Sample Questions, and Potential Responses

To construct your response, use this framework:
1- state/ explain your opinion
2- give a relevant example
3- explain how or why something happens
4- say what could/ should happen
5- explain another side or point of view
6 – offer a suggestion to solve the issue

To give you a taste of what to expect in IELTS Speaking Part 3, let's look at some sample questions and potential responses:

Question 1: "Do you think technology has more positive or negative effects on society?"
Potential Response: "In my opinion, technology has both positive and negative effects on society. On one hand, it has revolutionized communication, making it easier for people to connect globally. On the other hand, excessive screen time and social media can lead to isolation and reduced face-to-face interactions. Importantly, technology has accelerated advancements in various fields, such as medicine and transportation, enhancing our quality of life. However, it also raises concerns about privacy and cybersecurity. Overall, it's crucial for us to strike a balance and harness technology's potential while being mindful of its drawbacks."

Question 2: "What are the benefits of studying abroad?"
Potential Response: "Studying abroad offers a plethora of benefits. First off, it provides an opportunity to experience a new culture, fostering open-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, studying in a foreign country exposes students to different teaching methodologies and perspectives, enhancing their academic growth. Moreover, it offers a chance to improve language skills and build international networks. Lastly, exposure to diverse cultures and experiences can lead to personal growth and increased self-confidence. Studying abroad is undoubtedly a life-changing experience that broadens one's horizons and opens doors to exciting opportunities."

Also, do not panic if the examiner stops you. That means you have answered sufficiently for the time allotted. Or they feel you are doing very well and interrupt you to see if you can expand upon what you said by asking you another follow-up question.

So with a thorough understanding of IELTS Speaking Part 3, some thoughtful, advanced preparation, and a positive mindset, you can ace this section with ease. Embrace the opportunity to discuss interesting global topics and express yourself with confidence. Employ these strategies and allow your speaking skills to shine. You’ve got this, and you will be successful in IELTS Speaking Part 3. You must believe in yourself!

Bonus Tip: Try to keep calm and composed during the discussion, and don’t worry about the examiner. For more strategies, revisit Part 1 and Part 2 of the YEC Speaking Series.

Happy speaking! Wishing you all the best in your preparation. Train Smart!

Ready to level up your IELTS game? Join one of the YEC IELTS courses and finally get the score you deserve!

Wanna boost your speaking confidence? Join a session of the Your English Compass Speaking Series!

Categories: : IELTS, Speaking