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IELTS · Articles · October 19, 2026 · 7 min read

IELTS Speaking Part 3: how to discuss ideas, with 6 sample answers

Two people thinking, with a balance scale between them

Part 3 is the last 4–5 minutes of IELTS Speaking. The examiner takes the topic of your Part 2 card and turns it into broader questions.

If you talked about a memorable trip, you might be asked why people travel and how tourism has changed. If you described an app, you might be asked whether technology makes people lazy.

This is the key difference from Part 1: there the questions were about you; here they are about society. It is where the examiner hears most clearly whether your English reaches band 7 and above, because discussion needs vocabulary, grammar and the ability to hold an argument together.

How Part 3 differs from Part 1

Part 1 Part 3
Topic you personally society in general
Answer length 2–3 sentences 4–6 sentences
What it shows fluency, naturalness depth of reasoning
Typical question Do you like travelling? Why do people travel?

The main mistake is answering Part 3 as briefly as Part 1. Replying Because they like it to Why do people travel? shows none of what this part assesses. The answer has to be developed.

Three reasoning patterns

Almost every Part 3 question fits one of three patterns. Learn them and you will not have to invent a structure under pressure.

Pattern 1: several reasons → a nuance

For “why do people do X” questions.

Two or three reasons → That said → an observation from another angle

Ending with a qualification turns the answer into reasoning rather than a recited fact.

Pattern 2: partial agreement → however → conclusion

For “do you agree that…” questions.

To some extent, I’d agree → However → conclusion

Do not take one side rigidly. The examiner is not assessing whether you are right, but whether you can see both sides.

Pattern 3: then and now → prediction

For questions about change.

A decade ago… whereas now… → I think we’re heading towards…

A bonus: this pattern naturally brings in a range of tenses, and grammatical range is a separate criterion.

Six common questions with answers

Why do you think people like to travel?

I think there are a few reasons. For a lot of people, it’s simply about escaping the routine and recharging. But beyond that, travel broadens your horizons, you’re exposed to different cultures and ways of living, which can be really eye-opening. That said, I do think social media plays a part these days, some people travel as much for the photos as for the experience itself.

Pattern 1 exactly: two reasons, then That said with a modern observation.

Do you think technology makes people lazy?

That’s an interesting question. To some extent, I’d agree, things like food delivery apps and remote controls do make it easy to avoid effort. However, I think it’s a double-edged sword. The same technology also gives people access to fitness apps, online courses and tools that make them far more productive. So I’d argue it’s less about the technology itself and more about how we choose to use it.

Less about… and more about… is one of the strongest endings in Part 3: it moves the argument to a new level.

Is it important to learn a foreign language?

Absolutely, I’d say it’s more important than ever in today’s connected world. On a practical level, it opens up career opportunities and makes travelling far easier. But beyond that, learning a language gives you a window into another culture and a completely different way of thinking. I’d also argue it builds a lot of confidence. So the benefits go well beyond just communication.

Technique: splitting practical and personal benefits gives you a frame for almost any “is X important” question.

Is online learning as effective as classroom learning?

It really depends on the learner, I’d say. Online learning is incredibly convenient and flexible, you can study at your own pace, anywhere. On the other hand, a classroom gives you structure and that face-to-face interaction, which some people genuinely need to stay motivated. Personally, I think the ideal is a blend of the two, using online tools for practice and a teacher or group to keep you accountable.

Technique: instead of choosing one, offer a compromise. A blend of the two is a mature conclusion for any comparison question.

How has shopping changed in recent years?

It’s changed dramatically, mainly because of the rise of online shopping. A decade ago, most people would head to physical stores, whereas now you can buy almost anything with a couple of taps on your phone. This has been incredibly convenient, but it’s also put a lot of pressure on traditional high-street shops. I think we’re heading towards a future where physical stores become more about experience than just buying things.

Pattern 3 in full. A decade ago… whereas now… handles any question about change and shows control of tenses.

Has social media changed the way people make friends?

Massively, I’d say. On the positive side, it’s never been easier to stay in touch or connect with people who share your interests, regardless of distance. The flip side is that a lot of those connections can feel quite shallow, liking a post isn’t the same as a real conversation. So while social media has widened our circles, I’d argue it hasn’t necessarily made our friendships any deeper.

Technique: the “wider but not deeper” ending contrasts two dimensions of the same thing. It transfers easily to other topics.

Discussion language

Giving an opinion: I’d argue that…, It could be argued that…, From what I’ve seen…, I’d say it comes down to…

Adding nuance: to some extent, that said, the flip side is, it depends on, more often than not.

Generalising without exaggerating. Absolute claims (everybody thinks, all people) sound naive. Better: people tend to…, generally speaking…, there’s a growing tendency to…

Buying a second instead of going silent: That’s an interesting question. / I’ve never really thought about it, but I suppose… / It’s hard to say for certain, though I’d imagine… A phrase like this is better than a long pause: it is silence that hurts fluency.

Work on your linking words as well: in Part 3 they hold the logic of your answer together.

Grammar that lifts the band

Abstract questions invite complex structures, so use them.

One or two of these per answer is enough.

Three Part 3 mistakes

Answers that are too short. The Part 1 formula (answer, reason, detail) is not enough here: you need 4–6 sentences and at least one turn in the argument.

Being absolute. Yes, definitely and nothing else is not a discussion. Even when you agree, add a qualification.

Talking about yourself. In my country I… slides back into Part 1. The question is about society, so the answer is about people in general; a personal example is fine only as an illustration.

How to practise

Take any Part 2 topic and ask yourself three questions: “why do people…”, “do you agree that…” and “how has it changed”. Answer out loud using the three patterns. You are practising structures, not topics: there are endless topics but only three patterns.

A second technique: answer the same question twice, the second time from the other side. It breaks the habit of absolute answers fastest. In the Nomto practice room you can answer Part 3 out loud and get a band on the four criteria with feedback.

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