Part 3: discussing ideas
Moving from your own life to society in general — and speculating comfortably.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Speaking
Part 3 questions are about people in general, not about you. The examiner wants to hear you give opinions, explain them, compare, and speculate about the future.
Language for discussion
Generalising
- In general, …
- Most people tend to…
- It depends on…
Speculating
- It's likely that…
- I would imagine that…
- In the future, we might see…
Balancing
- That said, …
- On the other hand, …
- It's not that simple, though, because…
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Who are Part 3 questions about?
- Only your own life
- The examiner
- People and society in general
Show the answer
C: People and society in general — Give opinions, explain them, compare and speculate.
Quick check: Which shape works for a longer Part 3 answer?
- Opinion, reason, example, other side
- Yes or no, then stop
- An example on its own
Show the answer
A: Opinion, reason, example, other side — I think… because… For example… Having said that, some people would argue…
Quick check: You begin with “It depends.” What must come next?
- A question back to the examiner
- What it depends on
- A long pause while you think
Show the answer
B: What it depends on — “It depends” is a strong start, as long as you then say what it depends on.
Quick check: Which phrase speculates about the future?
- “When I was a child…”
- “In the future, we might see…”
- “Yesterday I…”
Show the answer
B: “In the future, we might see…” — It's likely that… and I would imagine that… speculate too.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now