IELTS Atlas

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SPEAKING ยท Theory

Part 3 Overview

Theory lesson in Part 3: Discussion

๐Ÿ“– Theory10 min15 XPLesson 1 of 6Free

Lesson notes

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Speaking Part 3: Discussion Overview

01

Section

What Happens

Part 3 lasts 4โ€“5 minutes. The examiner asks abstract, analytical questions related to the Part 2 topic. This is where you demonstrate higher-level thinking.

02

Section

How It Differs from Part 1

Part 1Part 3
Personal questionsAbstract/societal questions
Simple opinionsAnalysis and evaluation
Familiar topicsBroader themes
2โ€“3 sentences3โ€“5 sentences
03

Section

Example Progression

If Part 2 was about a book you read:

  • Part 3: "Do you think people read less nowadays?"
  • Part 3: "What are the advantages of e-books over printed books?"
  • Part 3: "How might reading habits change in the future?"
04

Section

What Examiners Want at Band 7+

  • Extended, developed responses โ€” explain your reasoning
  • Multiple perspectives โ€” consider different viewpoints
  • Speculate and hypothesise โ€” "This could be because...", "It might lead to..."
  • Academic-style vocabulary โ€” "There's a growing tendency to...", "It largely depends on..."
  • Complex grammar โ€” conditionals, passive voice, relative clauses
05

Section

Response Framework

  1. State your position โ€” "I think... / In my view..."
  2. Explain why โ€” "The main reason is..."
  3. Give an example โ€” "For instance, in my country..."
  4. Consider the other side โ€” "Having said that... / On the other hand..."
  5. Conclude โ€” "So overall, I'd say..."