IELTS Speaking Part 3 is the final segment of the IELTS Speaking test and typically lasts 4–5 minutes. In this part, the examiner and the candidate engage in a two-way discussion on topics broadly related to the subject covered in Part 2. This section is also known as the Discussion Phase or the Follow-up Questions section.
It is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to:
Express and justify opinions
Analyze issues
Compare and contrast ideas
Speculate about future trends or consequences
Discuss abstract concepts in a clear and organized manner
Unlike Part 1 (which is more about personal information) and Part 2 (which is a long turn by the candidate), Part 3 is more intellectually demanding and interaction-based.
The entire IELTS Speaking test lasts between 11–14 minutes, and Part 3 takes up the final 4–5 minutes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Part 1: 4–5 minutes (Introduction and personal questions)
Part 2: 3–4 minutes (Cue card response and follow-up question)
Part 3: 4–5 minutes (Discussion and analytical questions)
Because it’s the final portion, candidates are often nervous or fatigued. However, this part is crucial for achieving a Band 7 or above, as it focuses on fluency, coherence, and depth of thought.
In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask 3–6 follow-up questions that require deeper thinking. These questions are:
Abstract: Moving away from personal experiences to broader societal or global issues.
Analytical: Requiring explanation, reasoning, and evaluation.
Opinion-Based: Encouraging the candidate to share their views with logical support.
Speculative: Asking the candidate to imagine hypothetical scenarios or future trends.
Example Part 2 Cue Card Topic:
Describe a book you recently read.
Possible Part 3 Questions:
What kinds of books are popular among children in your country?
How do you think reading habits are changing today?
Do you believe digital media will replace books entirely in the future?
These questions demand more than one-sentence responses. Candidates should aim to give structured, detailed, and well-reasoned answers.
According to official IELTS speaking band descriptors, examiners evaluate candidates based on four criteria, each carrying equal weight (25%):
Can you speak at length without unnatural pauses or hesitation?
Do you logically connect your ideas using linking words and discourse markers?
Do you use a wide range of vocabulary, including topic-specific and abstract terms?
Are you able to paraphrase and avoid repetition?
Are you using a mix of complex and simple sentence structures correctly?
Are verb tenses and agreement consistent?
Is your pronunciation clear and easy to understand?
Do you use intonation, stress, and rhythm effectively?
A high-scoring candidate in Part 3 demonstrates control over all four criteria, making this section the most revealing of a test-taker’s true speaking ability.
Part 3 plays a critical role in Band 7+ performance because it pushes the candidate beyond rehearsed language and memorized responses. It reveals the test taker’s ability to:
Think in real-time
Structure abstract ideas logically
Engage in meaningful interaction
Show language flexibility under pressure
Success in this part can significantly raise the overall Speaking band score, especially when paired with strong performance in Part 2.
Here are some actionable tips to prepare effectively for Part 3:
Avoid giving short, direct answers. Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, and explanations.
Example:
Q: Why do some people prefer to shop online?
A: I think it’s mainly due to convenience. People can buy anything from home without going out. For instance, I usually buy books online because it’s faster and cheaper than going to a store.
Learn and use discourse markers such as:
On the other hand,
For example,
In contrast,
That being said,
It depends on…
Record practice sessions and listen for:
Hesitations
Repeated vocabulary
Lack of clarity or structure
Build vocabulary around common Part 3 themes:
Education
Technology
Environment
Society
Culture
Use apps or flashcards to retain new words and practice using them in context.
Here are typical mistakes candidates make during Part 3 and suggestions for avoiding them:
Mistake 1: Giving very short answers.
Fix: Always expand your answer with examples or comparisons.
Mistake 2: Going off-topic.
Fix: Focus on the question. Pause and think before answering.
Mistake 3: Using basic vocabulary.
Fix: Practice using synonyms and descriptive phrases.
Mistake 4: Being too informal or casual.
Fix: Maintain a semi-formal, academic tone suitable for discussion.
In summary, IELTS Speaking Part 3 is where you demonstrate your full range of speaking skills. It’s structured, analytical, and abstract—making it a true test of language proficiency.
Knowing the format, practicing a range of question types, and developing advanced speaking strategies will help you feel confident and perform at your best. Mastering Part 3 can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8, especially for test-takers aiming for academic or professional goals.