IELTS Speaking Part 3: Strategies, Question Types and Sample Answers

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 3

In the IELTS Speaking Part 3 also called a counter or follow-up questions on part 2, the examiner will ask a broader range of questions from the topic given in Part 2. The test taker, therefore, has to elaborate and go in-depth on the topic to answer these part 3 questions. 

Let’s now learn all about IELTS Speaking Part 3 from its question types and expert strategies to crack it to all the latest topics that are asked so far for you to practice! 

How Exactly Does an IELTS Speaking Part 3 Look Like? 

Look at the following example picked from a recent IELTS Speaking question paper for your understanding! 

Speaking Part 2 - Cue Card

*Therefore, after the Speaking Part 2 card, these questions will be asked in Speaking Part 3!

Speaking Part 3 - Follow-up Questions

7 IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question Types

These IELTS Part 3 Speaking questions usually require you to express opinions, provide explanations, and discuss issues in depth. Here are the latest common 7 types of questions you might come across in this part:

1. Opinion Questions:

Example: "Do you think it’s important for people to learn foreign languages?"

Purpose: To evaluate your ability to articulate and support your opinions.

2. Comparative Questions:

Example: "How do you think people's lifestyles have changed over the last 50 years?"

Purpose: To see how well you can compare different ideas, periods, or trends.

3. Hypothetical Questions:

Example: "What might be the impact on society if everyone worked from home?"

Purpose: To test your ability to speculate about potential outcomes.

4. Problem-Solution Questions:

Example: "What can be done to reduce the level of pollution in cities?"

Purpose: To see how you identify problems and propose solutions.

5. Prediction Questions:

Example: "How do you think technology will change the way we work in the future?"

Purpose: To evaluate your ability to discuss future trends and possibilities.

6. Impact Questions:

Example: "What impact has globalization had on local cultures?"

Purpose: To assess how well you can discuss the effects of various phenomena.

7. Advantages and Disadvantages Questions:

Example: "What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?"

Purpose: To understand your ability to analyze and weigh different sides of an issue.

Assessment Criteria of IELTS Speaking Part 3

The speaking assessment criteria are 4 for the IELTS Speaking Part 3 and are the same as the other two parts! The four criteria include:

1. Fluency and Coherence
2. Lexical Resource
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
4. Pronunciation

Advanced Techniques for IELTS Speaking Part 3

1. The O.R.E.C. Technique

This technique helps you organise your thoughts and provide a comprehensive IELTS Speaking Part 3 response. 

• Opinion: Clearly state your viewpoint.
• Reason: Explain why you hold this opinion.
• Example: Provide specific examples to support your reason.
• Consequence: Discuss the implications or consequences of your opinion.

2. Effective Use of Linking Words

• Use linking words like "furthermore," "however," and "for instance" to connect ideas and enhance coherence.
• Avoid overusing fillers like "um" or "uh," which can disrupt fluency and clarity.
• Remember to speak fluently and not memorize the content according to the topics.

3. Natural and Confident Delivery

• Speak naturally without forcing complex vocabulary or formal phrases you are uncomfortable with.
• Focus on clear pronunciation, fluency, and maintaining a conversational tone to sound more natural and confident.

Tips to Answer Certain Question Types in IELTS Speaking Part 3

Look at the following expert tips to crack the IELTS Speaking Part 3 in no time! 

1. Don’t give personal answers.

For example: ‘Do you think dieting is important?’

Incorrect answer: Yes. I am dieting to reduce weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think everybody should go on a diet.

Correct answer: Yes, I think it is. If people are above their normal weight and are unhealthy, they should go on a diet to have a healthy lifestyle.

2. Give opinionated answers.

For example: ‘Why do you think people enjoy eating out?’

Correct answer: ‘I think people prefer a change of place sometimes. They might not be interested in eating inside the four walls of their house like they usually do. Another reason might be that they love to try different cuisines from different restaurants and eating outside with friends and family has also become a major pastime.’

3. Give examples along with your opinion.

For example: Do you think parents should help their children with their homework or should it be done by the children on their own?’

Correct answer: ‘I think the children should do it on their own but they can reach out to their parents for doubts will help them understand their homework as they will explore more and research more to find out the answers! For example, on days that my brother did his homework on his own, he understood better and read more about the topic than when my mom helped him with it.

4. Answering comparison questions

If you’re asked questions that need you to compare the present to the past, you would have to use certain vocabulary.

For example:  ‘Are the recreation techniques that are popular today the same as those that were popular when your parents were young?’

Correct answer: ‘No. They aren’t like how they used to be. Years ago, when my parents were young, recreation was based more on outdoor activities than indoor activities. Today, it is mainly cinema, social, media etc. but in the past, it was usually football, basketball or even swimming.’

5 Tips on How to Handle Difficult Questions in IELTS Speaking Task 3

1. Clarify If Needed: Politely ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question if you're unsure.
2. Use Structured Responses: Begin with an introduction, state your main points, and conclude to give your answer a clear structure.
3. Provide Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make your answer more persuasive.
4. Take a Moment: It's okay to pause briefly to gather your thoughts before responding.
5. Stay Relevant: Ensure your answer directly addresses the question and avoids going off on a tangent.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions with Answers

Would you like to know the set of follow-up questions that might help you answer the Speaking part 3? Here is the list of possible questions that might be asked for every cue card question. We’ve also included answers to the questions.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics

IELTS Band 8 Sample Papers

Do you mess up when someone asks a counter-question? Learn how to answer diplomatically, with the help of our Band 8 sample answers for Speaking part 3.

Band 8 Sample Papers

Band 8 Sample for IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics

Below is the list of Band 8 Sample for IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics:

• Topic: beauty
• Topic: buildings
• Topic: information
• Topic: old person
• Topic: Movie/Drama
• Topic: happy marriage
• Topic: Education
• Topic: Weather/Environment
• Topic: Foreign Culture/Society
• Topic: Word and Careers
• Topic:s interesting speech
• Topic: handwriting
• Topic: leadership
• Topic: living separately
• Topic: events celebration
• Topic: a special meal
• Topic: children money
• Topic: employment
• Topic: foreign language
• Topic: holidays
• Topic: law
• Topic: learning
• Topic: party
• Topic: public speaking
• Topic: role models
• Topic: schools