Part 3 is the last four to five minutes. The examiner asks broader questions linked to the Part 2 topic: now the subject is not you but society, people and the future. For a high band, this is the most important part.
Question types
| Type | Example | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | Do you think children read less today? | A position and a reason |
| Comparison | How is shopping different now from the past? | Both sides compared |
| Prediction | How will cities change in the future? | Speculation (will, might, likely) |
| Cause and effect | Why do young people move to big cities? | Causes and results |
| Evaluation | Is it the government’s job to...? | Both sides weighed, then a conclusion |
The answer shape
Part 1's "answer, reason, example" grows in Part 3:
- Position: a clear view.
- Explanation: why.
- Example: from Uzbekistan or from life in general.
- The other side or a consequence: "Having said that...", "As a result...".
Why do young people move to big cities?
Mainly for opportunities, I think. Most well-paid jobs and the best universities are in Tashkent, so if you want a career in IT or finance, staying in a small town limits you. Having said that, remote work is starting to change this a little, because some people can now earn a city salary while living near their families.
Questions and answers by topic
- Education
- Technology and society
- Work and careers
- Cities and urban life
- Environment
- Family and generations
Hedging: careful claims
Instead of absolute statements ("Everyone...", "Always..."), use careful ones. It sounds more natural and lifts both Lexical Resource and Grammar:
- "I’d say that..."
- "It’s likely that..."
- "To some extent, ..."
- "It depends on..."
- "I’m not an expert, but I suspect..."
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
If you do not understand the question
Part 3 questions can be complex. You may ask for clarification, and it is not marked against you:
- "Sorry, do you mean... ?"
- "Could you rephrase that, please?"
Typical mistakes
- Going back to a personal story. You can start with "My brother...", but then generalise: "...and I think that’s true for many families".
- Answers that are too short. Aim for three to five sentences, 30 to 45 seconds.
- The same linking words. Instead of "because... because... because", use "The main reason is...", "Another factor is...".
Practise these questions out loud: written preparation helps little in Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
Will a 'wrong' opinion lower my score?
No. There are no right or wrong opinions. How you support your view and the language you use are what is marked.
How long is Part 3?
Four to five minutes, usually four to six questions.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
