Speaking Part 3 is the last 4 to 5 minutes of the test. The examiner asks more abstract questions linked to your Part 2 topic: about society, the future, advantages and disadvantages, and comparisons. This is where examiners see whether you can express and justify opinions and discuss and speculate, which is why it often decides between band 6 and band 7.
Part 1 vs Part 3
| Part 1 | Part 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | You: your home, work, hobbies | People and society in general |
| Example | "Do you like reading?" | "Do you think people read less than they used to? Why?" |
| Answer length | 2–4 sentences | 4–6 sentences (about 30–40 seconds) |
The OREO method for longer answers
- Opinion: answer the question directly. "I think people do read less, at least in printed form."
- Reason: explain why. "Mainly because phones give us short, instant content."
- Example: make it concrete. "On the train, most people are scrolling rather than reading a book."
- Other side or outcome: show range. "That said, e-books and audiobooks mean some people actually read more than before."
Language that shows band 7 range
| Job | Useful phrases |
|---|---|
| Giving a balanced view | It depends on… / On the one hand… on the other… / To some extent… |
| Speculating about the future | I suspect that… / It's likely that… / In the next ten years, we might see… |
| Comparing past and present | Compared with my parents' generation… / These days, people tend to… |
| Buying thinking time | That's an interesting question. I've never really thought about it, but… |
Common mistake: answering about yourself. Part 3 asks about people in general. "I don't read much" is a Part 1 answer; "Many young people read less because…" is a Part 3 answer.
Sample answer
Q: Do you think governments should spend more money on public libraries?
To some extent, yes. Libraries are one of the few free public spaces left, so they matter a lot for students and people on low incomes who can't afford books or a quiet place to study. In my area, the local library is full every afternoon with high school students doing homework. That said, I think the money should go into updating them, such as better Wi-Fi and digital resources, rather than just buying more printed books, because that's how most people read now.
Practise Part 3 out loud with BandIQ Speaking practice and get an estimated band, corrections and a model answer. For the earlier parts, see our Part 1 and Part 2 guides.
Frequently asked questions
How long is IELTS Speaking Part 3?
Part 3 lasts 4 to 5 minutes. It is a two-way discussion linked to your Part 2 topic.
How long should Part 3 answers be?
Usually 4 to 6 sentences, around 30 to 40 seconds: an opinion, a reason, an example, and another side or outcome.
Is it OK to disagree with the examiner's question in Part 3?
Yes. You're marked on how well you express and justify your opinion, not on what your opinion is.
Can I say I don't know in Part 3?
Avoid stopping there. Say something like 'I've never really thought about it, but I'd guess…' and then give a reason.