IELTS Speaking Part 3 is closely linked to Part 2. After you finish your long turn in Part 2 (where you speak on a specific topic for 1–2 minutes), the examiner moves on to Part 3 with a set of follow-up discussion questions. These questions are thematically related to the Part 2 topic but become broader, more analytical, and abstract in nature.
In simple terms, Part 2 is like telling a personal story, while Part 3 is about having a meaningful discussion on wider issues related to that story. This transition is a key feature of the IELTS Speaking test and is intentionally designed to assess your ability to develop ideas in depth and engage in analytical conversation.
Understanding how Part 2 connects to Part 3 gives you a strategic advantage during the test. It helps you:
Prepare mentally for the direction of the discussion
Anticipate the types of follow-up questions
Maintain topic coherence between answers
Show deeper engagement with the subject matter
Transition smoothly from personal experiences to abstract thinking
Maintaining this logical connection and flow is a major aspect of coherence, one of the four IELTS Speaking assessment criteria.
Part 2 topics typically center around personal experiences, such as describing a person, place, event, object, or idea. In contrast, Part 3 questions shift to societal, cultural, and philosophical discussions on similar themes.
Part 2 Prompt:
Describe a book you recently read.
Typical Part 3 Follow-up Questions:
What kinds of books are most popular in your country?
How do reading habits differ between generations?
Do you think people will read fewer books in the future?
This shift moves from a personal narrative to a wider, opinion-based analysis, requiring logical reasoning and vocabulary suited for abstract discussion.
Part 2 Prompt:
Describe a traditional celebration in your country.
Typical Part 3 Follow-up Questions:
Why are traditional festivals important in today’s society?
How have celebrations changed over time?
Should governments spend money on cultural events?
Again, the examiner uses your personal talk as a springboard for broader discussion.
Coherence refers to the logical flow and connection of ideas in your speech. In IELTS Speaking Part 3, this means that:
Your answers stay focused on the question
You connect your ideas using appropriate linking phrases
Your reasoning is organized, progressive, and easy to follow
Coherence plays a central role in the Fluency and Coherence scoring criterion.
Clear topic sentences at the start of each answer
Use of discourse markers like Firstly, In contrast, Moreover, As a result
Logical progression from opinion → reason → example → conclusion
Avoiding contradictions or abrupt topic shifts
Q: How have reading habits changed in recent years?
A: “I think books are great. I read a book last month. It was a novel. People now watch movies too. I like reading on my phone.”
This response lacks structure and relevance to the question asked.
A: “Reading habits have shifted significantly in recent years due to the rise of digital media. For instance, many people now prefer e-books or audiobooks over traditional print. This trend is especially noticeable among younger readers who value convenience and portability.”
Before Part 3 begins, mentally summarize your Part 2 topic’s core idea. For example, if you spoke about a memorable journey, recognize that the core theme may involve travel, transportation, or personal growth. This helps you prepare for related abstract questions.
Part 3 often explores:
Social impact (How does this affect others?)
Cultural relevance (Why is this practice important?)
Trends and future change (How is this evolving?)
Comparisons (Is it the same in other countries?)
Categorizing ideas in this way allows you to speak intelligently and coherently.
Take common Part 2 topics and brainstorm what Part 3 questions could follow. Example:
Part 2 Topic: Describe a piece of technology you use.
Mapped Part 3 Themes:
Technology in education
Negative effects of screen time
Access to technology across societies
Future of innovation
This exercise builds awareness of how Part 3 questions evolve and prepares you to respond smoothly.
Here’s a list of common IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics with potential Part 3 question themes:
| Part 2 Topic | Part 3 Discussion Areas |
|---|---|
| A person who influenced you | Role models, leadership, social behavior |
| A memorable event | Cultural practices, celebration trends, social values |
| A place you’ve visited | Tourism, urban development, environmental impact |
| A useful object | Technological change, consumer habits, innovation |
| A skill you learned | Education systems, adult learning, skill relevance in modern careers |
| A hobby or interest | Leisure trends, work-life balance, societal attitudes toward hobbies |
Examiners assess whether you can transition naturally from a personal story to a broader discussion. They want to see that:
You understand the thematic link
You can extend and explore ideas in more depth
You are not relying on memorized responses
You are intellectually engaged with the question
Your performance in Part 3 can even boost your Part 2 impression, as it shows your ability to reflect on your experiences and connect them to real-world issues.
Use this checklist to ensure strong transitions and connections:
| Skill | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Do I recognize the theme of my Part 2 talk? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Can I predict potential follow-up questions? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Do I maintain topic coherence in Part 3? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Do I use linking phrases to connect ideas logically? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Can I provide extended, abstract reasoning? | ✅ / ❌ |
IELTS Speaking Part 3 is more than just a continuation of the test—it’s a deepening of the conversation. It takes your personal talk from Part 2 and turns it into an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think, reason, and discuss complex ideas.
Understanding the link between Part 2 and Part 3 helps you stay coherent, focused, and confident. With awareness of common transitions, preparation strategies like topic mapping, and consistent practice, you’ll be able to engage in fluent and intelligent discussions that reflect the full depth of your English language skills.
Are you ready to dive into the types of questions that appear in IELTS Speaking Part 3? Let’s continue to the next unit where we break down each question type and how to answer it effectively.