IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion Questions
Updated 2 July 2026 · 2 min read · ieltspractice.app
Speaking Part 3 is a discussion with the examiner that follows your Part 2 topic. The questions are more general and more abstract, and they often ask you to compare, predict or explain. The examiner wants longer, developed answers, not one-line replies. This guide shows you how to extend your answers naturally, even when a question surprises you.
What Part 3 is testing
Part 3 lasts around four to five minutes. The examiner asks broader questions linked to your Part 2 topic, such as "Why do people enjoy this?" or "How might this change in the future?"
They want to hear you develop ideas: give opinions, reasons, examples and comparisons. Short answers give them little to mark.
The extend-your-answer pattern
A reliable pattern is: answer, reason, example. First give your view, then say why, then give a short example or a bit of detail.
For instance: "I think people read less now. That is mainly because phones are so distracting. For example, most of my friends scroll social media instead of reading a book."
Useful phrases for discussion
To give an opinion: "I would say...", "In my view...", "It seems to me that..."
To compare: "Compared to the past...", "Whereas before...". To predict: "I imagine that...", "It is likely that...". These phrases fit the abstract style of Part 3.
When you have no ready opinion
It is fine not to have a fixed view. You can think aloud: "That is an interesting question. I have not thought about it before, but I suppose..."
This buys you a moment and sounds natural. The examiner is testing your English, not your knowledge, so a thoughtful, developed guess is perfectly acceptable.
Do not memorise scripts
Learned speeches sound flat and examiners notice quickly. It is better to speak naturally, even with small pauses, than to recite.
Practise the answer, reason, example pattern so it becomes a habit. Then you can apply it to any question without memorising exact words.
Keep it balanced
Aim for answers of a few sentences. Very short replies give too little, but very long rambles can lose focus and drift off the question.
If you realise you are wandering, gently return to the question with a phrase like "So overall, I would say..." to round off your point.
Quick check
Test yourself — tap an answer to see if you are right.
1. What is a reliable way to extend a Part 3 answer?
2. What should you do if you have no ready opinion?
3. Why avoid memorised answers?
Frequently asked questions
How long should my Part 3 answers be?
A few sentences each. Give an opinion, a reason and a short example. Avoid one-line answers and avoid rambling off topic.
What if I do not have an opinion on the question?
Think aloud. Say it is an interesting question, then offer a reasonable view. You are marked on your English, not your knowledge.
Should I prepare answers in advance?
Prepare the pattern, not scripts. Memorised answers sound unnatural and examiners spot them. Practise answer, reason, example instead.
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is about you and everyday topics. Part 3 is more abstract and general, asking you to explain, compare and predict.
Sources
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