IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion Topics, Tips, Questions with Answers
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
In the IELTS Speaking examination, the "discussion" aspect mainly applies to Part 3, for which the examiner conducts follow-up questions on what you had discussed in Speaking Part 2. This is part of the IELTS Discussion test that is meant to test your capacity for discussing abstract concepts, participating in a two-way conversation, and giving opinions, defending ideas, and investigating abstract matters. The IELTS Discussion will generally take 4–5 minutes, and there are approximately 4–6 questions that the examiner uses to evaluate the candidate's fluency, coherence, and critical thinking.
IELTS Discussion: What to Expect in Speaking Part 3
IELTS Speaking Part 3 tests applicants for Discussion-follow-up questions based on Part 2 by an examiner. Good communication skills are expected in order to score high here. It also includes speculations, evaluating situations, and justifying your opinions with clarity.
- In IELTS Speaking Part 3, also called the IELTS Discussion round, you will:
- Engage the examiner in a longer discussion, which takes approximately 4–5 minutes.
- Answer follow-up questions based on your Part 2 response, as well as some spontaneous or abstract questions.
- You should demonstrate that you have proficient speaking skills such as:
- Possible outcomes or scenarios can be speculated.
- Evaluating opinions, issues, or solutions
- Justify your view by giving reasons and examples. To sound confident, try to give clear and structured answers.
Purpose of IELTS Speaking Part 3 Discussion and What It Measures
IELTS Speaking Part 3, also referred to as the IELTS Discussion round, is meant to test how well you can manage English complex ideas. It's not merely responding to questions in fact it's critically thinking, making arguments, and articulating opinions lucidly within time constraints.
What is Measured Here:
- Analytical Thinking: If applicants are able to justify their opinions logically. Also if there is potential to look beyond superficial answers.
- Opinion Justification: How they back up their ideas with reasons, comparisons or everyday examples.
- Fluency & Coherence: If their ideas flow smoothly with the right transitioning words.
- Lexical Resource: Level of vocabulary used, particularly topic-related words.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: If they can naturally use complex sentence structures.
As opposed to Part 1 (personal questions) and Part 2 (short speech), Part 3 tests your skill in "discussing" like a global communicator which is a valuable skill for life at school and at work.
Tip: Rehearse going more in-depth in a topic, not only responding but explain, compare, speculate, and clarify.
IELTS Speaking Test Overview: Part 1, 2 & 3
Here’s a quick comparison of all three parts of the IELTS Speaking section to help you see how Part 3 differs and why it demands more critical thinking and fluency.
| Section | What It Tests | Format | Duration | Example Question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Introduction & Interview | Basic personal questions and everyday topics (Fluency, coherence, grammar) |
Q&A style (3–4 topics, 3–5 questions each) | 4–5 minutes | What do you do in your free time? Do you enjoy reading books? |
| Part 2 – Long Turn (Cue Card) | Ability to speak continuously on a topic (Fluency, organization, vocabulary) |
1-minute prep, 1–2 minutes speaking | 3–4 minutes | Describe a place you like to visit. Why do you like it? |
| Part 3 – Discussion | Critical thinking, expressing opinions, justifying ideas (Fluency, logic, depth) |
Follow-up questions related to Part 2 topic | 4–5 minutes | Do you think travel helps people understand cultures? Why/why not? |
IELTS Discussion – Key Speaking Functions with Examples
Key speaking functions for IELTS Speaking Part 3 help you talk better in your test. You should know how to share opinion, agree or not agree, say reason, give example, compare things, and tell some ideas for solution. These things help you speak longer and sound more natural when you talk.
When you practice IELTS Speaking, try to use them again and again so it feels easy when you give answer in front of examiner.
Key Speaking Functions:
Expressing opinions:
“I think technology makes talking with people more easy now.”
Agreeing or disagreeing:
“I see what you mean but I don’t fully agree.” or “Yeah I totally agree with that thing.”
Giving reasons for your opinion:
“I feel reading is very helpful cause it gives you new words and ideas also.”
Giving examples to support your opinion:
“Like my aunt, she always helped me to choose my job by listening me and giving advice.”
Comparing and contrasting:
“In old days people learn facts but now we learn skills better cause of internet learning.”
Looking at advantages and disadvantages:
“One good thing of working at home is freedom but bad thing is you feel lonely sometimes.”
These small IELTS Speaking tips help you talk smoother and get good marks in IELTS Speaking Part 3.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Discussion with Questions with Answers
For reference, a few IELTS Speaking topics on Discussion Questions Part 3 are mentioned below.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topic: Choosing Work & Work-Life Balance
What kinds of jobs do young people not want to do in your country?
Well, in my country, we have almost always had a big problem of unemployment among young people, and therefore, there aren’t exactly too many jobs that they don’t want to do. However, as far as I have found out, jobs like “outside sales”, “medical representatives” and other “service-oriented” jobs, that require longer hours of work, are not looked upon very favorably by the young adults in my country. They don’t also like “elementary teaching” jobs because they require a lot of patience (after all, teaching little kids can be really challenging).
Who is more capable of advising youth regarding the selection of a career: parents or teachers?
Is money always the most important thing when choosing a job?
No, I don’t really think that money is “always” ("always" is the keyword here) the most important thing, when choosing a job, primarily because money doesn’t always buy “happiness” or the “job satisfaction” no matter how much of it we really have. Besides, if I am being paid a lot of “money”, but what I do as a “job” is not considered to be “important”, then the chances are that I won’t be able to perform to my full potential despite my best intention. Money is an important thing for us to do a job, but I do not believe that it is the most important aspect of a job.
Do you agree that many people nowadays are under pressure to work longer hours and take less holiday?
Yes, many people are indeed under huge pressure nowadays to work longer hours and enjoy fewer holidays mainly because most of them are struggling to keep up with the soaring living expenses. Then, some people are under pressure to work extra hours also because they are simply being “exploited” by their employers. Then, there is another group of people who are under pressure to work longer hours because they want to meet their additional demand for more comfort and luxuries of life.
What is the impact on society of people having a poor work-life balance?
The impact of people having a poor work-life balance on society is multi-dimensional. In a society where people are either working too much or sitting idle for too long, there won’t be enough people to take responsibility to carry the nation forward to its full potential. Working too much would be without enough opportunity to relax with families and friends, the people in society would go through mental depression which, in turn, would result in inefficiency and less productivity at work. On the other hand, if people in a society are “sitting idle” for too long, the entire society would be negatively affected by crimes and other anti-social activities.
Could you recommend some effective strategies for governments and employers to ensure people have a good work-life balance?
Governments and employers can do several things to ensure a good work-life balance for the employees. First, employers can offer “flexibility” with work schedules, whenever possible, so that the employees can have little time to spend with their families and friends in between the work hours. Employers can also allow some “unpaid time off” (not getting paid for the off days) so that their staff can attend some fun and family events. As for the governments, they can create awareness among people by using different media outlets to highlight the benefits of a good work-life balance. Governments can also arrange for an “annual award” option for the companies/employers who actively work to promote “work-life” balance among their employees.
IELTS Discussion Questions for Speaking Part 3: Topic-Wise Practice List
Here are some IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics that help you get better marks in your IELTS Speaking test. These are about Choosing Work and Work-Life Balance. You can use them for practice before your exam.
- IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topic: Choosing Work & Work-Life Balance
- Who gives better advice to young people when choosing a job teachers or parents?
- Is money always the most important thing when you pick a job?
- Do you think many people today are under pressure to work long hours and take less holiday time?
- What happens to society when people have poor work-life balance?
- Can you tell some strategies that governments or employers can use to help people keep a good work-life balance?
- These IELTS Speaking questions are good to improve your ideas and help you speak with more confidence in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Scoring Criteria for IELTS Speaking Part 3 Discussion Explained
IELTS Speaking Part 3 is marked on four things. They are fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammar range and accuracy, and pronunciation. You gotta talk smoothly and try to make your ideas clear when you speak. Also, you should use different kinds of words and grammar, even if not always perfect. Try to say words clear so the examiner can get what you mean. If you do that, your IELTS Speaking score can go higher.
Band 9 Sample Answer for IELTS Speaking Part 3 Discussion with Scoring Breakdown
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
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