SPEAKING ยท Theory
Part 3 Overview
Theory lesson in Part 3: Discussion
Lesson notes
Read through the lesson
Speaking Part 3: Discussion Overview
01
Section
What Happens
Part 3 lasts 4โ5 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 1 | Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Personal questions | Abstract/societal questions |
| Simple opinions | Analysis and evaluation |
| Familiar topics | Broader themes |
| 2โ3 sentences | 3โ5 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
- State your position โ "I think... / In my view..."
- Explain why โ "The main reason is..."
- Give an example โ "For instance, in my country..."
- Consider the other side โ "Having said that... / On the other hand..."
- Conclude โ "So overall, I'd say..."