# IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion Questions and Tips | topin IELTS guidesSpeaking Part 3 Time 4 to 5 minutes Topics Broader issues connected to the Part 2 topic Format A two-way discussion; the examiner can rephrase questions and follow up on your answers Answer length Usually longer than Part 1, often four to six sentences Criteria Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation ## How it works The examiner moves from your personal experience in Part 2 to general questions: comparisons, causes, predictions and opinions. Unlike Part 1, the examiner can rephrase or explain a question, and may challenge or build on what you say. You are assessed on how well you develop and support ideas, not on having the 'right' opinion. ## Worked example Do you think adults learn new skills in a different way from children? Show the answer Yes, I think they do, mainly because of how they approach mistakes. Children tend to learn by trying things again and again without worrying much about looking silly, whereas adults are often more self-conscious, so they can be slower to start. On the other hand, adults usually have a clearer reason for learning, such as a job or a trip, and that motivation helps them stick with it. So I'd say children may pick things up more naturally, but adults can be more focused, and which works better probably depends on the skill. The answer gives a clear opinion, supports it with a reason, contrasts children and adults using 'whereas' and 'on the other hand', and ends with a balanced conclusion. It uses general language suited to Part 3 rather than a personal story alone. ## A method for Speaking Part 3 1. 1 ### Give a clear opinion first Open with your view in one short sentence. Even a cautious view, such as 'it depends', should be followed by what it depends on. 2. 2 ### Explain the reason Say why you think so. Reasons are where most of your grammar range and topic vocabulary will show. 3. 3 ### Support with an example or comparison Give a general example or compare groups, places or time periods. Part 3 rewards stepping back from your own life to talk about people in general. 4. 4 ### Add a contrast or qualification Use phrases such as 'on the other hand', 'that said' or 'this might change if'. Balancing an idea shows you can handle abstract discussion. 5. 5 ### Use the chance to clarify If a question is unclear, ask the examiner to rephrase it. In Part 3 they can do this, and answering the right question matters more than answering quickly. ## Traps to avoid * Giving Part 1 length answers of one or two sentences. * Talking only about yourself when the question asks about people or society in general. * Listing several opinions without explaining any of them. * Worrying about having the right opinion. The examiner marks your language, not your views. ## Speaking Part 3 FAQs How long should answers be in IELTS Speaking Part 3? Longer than in Part 1, often four to six sentences, covering an opinion, a reason, an example and sometimes a contrast. Can the examiner explain a question in Part 3? Yes. In Part 3 the examiner can rephrase or explain a question, so ask if you are not sure what it means. What if I have no opinion on a Part 3 question? Say so briefly, then think aloud: consider both sides, give a reason for each and settle on a tentative view. This still shows fluency and range. Is Part 3 harder than Part 1? The questions are more abstract, which is why Part 3 is where examiners check whether you can discuss ideas, speculate and compare, not just describe. ## Try Speaking Part 3 under real timing Your first full-length IELTS mock is free, with every section included. [Take the free mock ](/ielts/login)