Part 3 is the hardest Multilevel Speaking task and tests C1. You get a statement and a two-column table: points "for" and points "against". You have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak.
A sample task
Statement: Students should be allowed to use mobile phones in class.
| For | Against |
|---|---|
| Quick access to information | Distraction from the lesson |
| Useful apps for learning | Cheating in tests |
| Safety: contact with parents | Less face-to-face communication |
A two-minute shape
- Introduction (10-15 seconds): restate the topic in your own words.
- For (35-40 seconds): two points, each with an explanation or example.
- Against (35-40 seconds): two points, explained.
- Your view (25-30 seconds): which side is stronger and why. A compromise works well too.
Do not just read out the table: turn the notes into sentences and add your own example. That is what shows C1.
Model answer
Students should be allowed to use mobile phones in class.
The question of whether phones belong in the classroom is one that schools everywhere are struggling with, and there are strong arguments on both sides.
On the one hand, phones give students instant access to information. If a question comes up that the textbook can't answer, a quick search can turn it into a much richer discussion. There are also excellent learning apps, for example for vocabulary, that can make practice more engaging than a worksheet.
On the other hand, phones are an enormous distraction. Even when students intend to use them for learning, a single notification can pull their attention away for the rest of the lesson. There's also the risk of cheating during tests, which is very hard for teachers to control.
Taking everything into account, I believe phones should be allowed, but only at specific moments chosen by the teacher. That way students get the benefits without the constant distraction, and they also learn to use technology responsibly, which is a skill they'll need anyway.
Phrases for C1
| Phrase | What it does |
|---|---|
| There are strong arguments on both sides. | Opens |
| On the one hand... On the other hand... | Both sides |
| A further point in favour is that... | Adds a point |
| Critics would argue that... | The other view |
| Taking everything into account, I believe... | Concludes |
| That way... | Shows the result of a solution |
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.
Typical mistakes
- Only one side. The task needs both: only "for" or only "against" loses marks.
- Reading the table aloud. "Quick access to information. Useful apps." That is a list, not an answer.
- No conclusion. Keep the last 25 to 30 seconds for your own view.
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.
