Introduction: Welcome to the "Deep End" of the Speaking Test!
In Part 1 and Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you talked about yourself, your hobbies, and your memories. But in Part 3, the examiner wants to see if you can discuss abstract ideas and general topics. Think of this as a conversation you might have with a colleague or a professor. You aren't just telling stories anymore; you are analyzing the world.
To get a high band score (Band 7 or higher), you must master three specific skills: Speculating (guessing about the future), Comparing (looking at differences), and Justifying (explaining your reasons). Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—these are just "thinking tools" that we will practice together!
1. Speculating: Talking About "What If"
Speculating means talking about things that are not certain, especially the future or possibilities. In the exam, the examiner might ask: "How do you think schools will change in the next 50 years?"
How this earns you marks:
By speculating, you show Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Instead of just using "will," you use modal verbs (might, could, may) and conditional sentences (If... then...). This is exactly what examiners look for to move you from a Band 6 to a Band 7 or 8.
Useful Language for Speculating:
Lower Level (Band 5-6): "I think maybe..." "I think will..."
Higher Level (Band 7+): "It’s highly likely that..." "I would imagine that..." "There’s a strong possibility that..." "In the distant future, we might see..."
Show, Don't Just Tell:
Weak Answer: "I think schools will use more computers. It will be good." (Too simple, no range).
Improved Answer: "It’s highly probable that physical classrooms will become less common. I would imagine that most students might attend lessons via virtual reality from their own homes."
Quick Review: Speculating
Use "might" or "could" instead of always saying "will." It shows you understand that the future is not 100% certain!
2. Comparing: Finding the Differences
The examiner often asks you to compare two things, such as: "Is it better to live in a city or a small village?" or "How are hobbies today different from hobbies in the past?"
How this earns you marks:
This targets Lexical Resource (vocabulary) and Coherence. You get marks for using "linking words" to connect your ideas smoothly. If you just list facts, your score stays low. If you contrast them, your score goes up.
Useful Language for Comparing:
To show difference: "...whereas..." "...while..." "On the contrary..." "In stark contrast..."
To show similarity: "In the same way..." "Similarly..." "Just like..."
Show, Don't Just Tell:
Weak Answer: "Cities are noisy. Villages are quiet. Cities have shops. Villages have trees." (Short, "choppy" sentences).
Improved Answer: "Cities offer a fast-paced lifestyle with endless amenities, whereas living in a village provides a sense of tranquility. Unlike city dwellers, people in small towns often have a closer relationship with their neighbors."
Key Takeaway: The "Whereas" Trick
Did you know? Using the word "whereas" is one of the easiest ways to create a complex sentence. It forces you to balance two ideas in one breath, which examiners love!
3. Justifying: Being a "Language Lawyer"
Justifying is simply giving a strong reason for your opinion. You can't just say "I like it" or "It's important." You have to explain why. Think of yourself as a lawyer proving a case.
How this earns you marks:
This is the "meat" of your Fluency and Coherence score. If you stop talking after one sentence, you lose marks. Justifying helps you extend your answer, which is required for a high score.
The "PREP" Method:
To justify your answer perfectly, follow this simple pattern:
1. Point: State your opinion.
2. Reason: Explain why.
3. Example: Give a real-world situation.
4. Point: Repeat your main idea using different words.
Useful Language for Justifying:
"The main reason for this is..." "This is largely due to..." "To illustrate this point..." "A clear example of this would be..."
Show, Don't Just Tell:
Question: "Why is it important to protect the environment?"
Strong Answer (using PREP):
(Point) "I believe environmental protection is crucial for our survival."
(Reason) "This is because our health depends entirely on the quality of the air and water around us."
(Example) "For instance, in many polluted cities, respiratory illnesses are rising sharply."
(Point) "Therefore, if we don't take action, we are risking our long-term well-being."
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Part 3
1. Being too personal: Don't talk about your mother, your dog, or your specific job unless it’s an example. Use words like "people," "society," "workers," or "the public."
2. The "Yes/No" Trap: Never give a one-word answer. Even if the question is "Is technology good?", your answer should be at least 3-4 sentences long.
3. Panicking about "The Right Answer": There is no right answer! The examiner doesn't care if you hate technology or love it. They only care about the English you use to explain your view.
Summary Checklist for Success
Before your exam, ask yourself:
- Can I use "might" and "likely" to talk about the future? (Speculating)
- Can I use "whereas" to link two different ideas? (Comparing)
- Can I use "for instance" to explain my reasons? (Justifying)
- Am I speaking for at least 30-40 seconds per answer? (Pacing)
Final Tip: Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Part 3 is meant to be a challenge. If the examiner asks you very difficult questions, it actually means you are doing well—they are trying to see how high your level goes! Keep your cool, use your linking words, and always explain why.