How to Start Speaking in IELTS Part 3

Summary

In this video, Keith from the Keith Speaking Academy shares tips to succeed in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test. He explains how to tackle common question types, such as comparing past vs. present, speculating about the future, and discussing reasons for behaviors. Keith highlights the importance of flexibility in your answers, using global examples, and managing time effectively by using techniques like repeating the question and asking for clarification. By following his advice and practicing regularly, test-takers can boost their confidence and improve their performance in this critical part of the IELTS exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test is crucial for determining your score, as it pushes your limits to assess your true level of English.
• 😀 You cannot fully prepare for part 3, but flexibility and topic research are essential to perform well.
• 😀 Common questions in part 3 often focus on changes in recent years, future changes, and the reasons behind certain behaviors or phenomena.
• 😀 To answer questions about change, use a structure like 'In the past... Now...'. This helps demonstrate your range of tenses and comparison skills.
• 😀 The ORE method (Opinion, Reason, Example) is a helpful way to structure your answers and provide depth to your responses.
• 😀 When asked about future changes, use phrases like 'I suspect...', 'I think...', 'In the future...'. It shows you're able to speculate and discuss possibilities.
• 😀 For questions about why certain behaviors exist, focus on specific groups (e.g., teenagers, older people) to offer a more nuanced and specific answer.
• 😀 Avoid personal examples in part 3. Instead, think globally or reference general examples from the news or public sources.
• 😀 Time management is critical in part 3. You can buy yourself time to think by repeating the question, using fillers, or asking the examiner to clarify the question.
• 😀 Practice is key. Use online resources and record yourself answering questions to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.

Q & A

Why is Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test so important?

Part 3 is crucial because it is where the examiner decides whether your level is a 5, 6, 7, or higher. The questions in this part push you to think critically and speak more fluently, and it's where your ability to develop complex answers is tested.

What are the most common types of questions asked in IELTS Speaking Part 3?

The most common types of questions include those asking about recent changes, predictions for the future, and why certain groups of people do something. These questions are designed to assess your ability to think, compare, and speculate using different tenses and vocabulary.

How should you answer a question about something that has changed in recent years?

To answer this, use a structure that contrasts the past with the present. For example, you can say, 'Previously, we used to...,' then explain how things have changed, such as 'Now, we tend to...'. This shows your ability to compare time periods using past, present perfect, and present tenses.

What is the ORE method, and how can it help in Part 3?

The ORE method stands for Opinion, Reason, and Example. It's a structure for developing answers: start with your opinion, explain the reason behind it, and then provide an example to support your point. This method ensures that your answers are well-rounded and detailed.

Why should you avoid personal examples when answering questions in Part 3?

In Part 3, you should focus on general or global examples, rather than personal experiences. This is because the examiner wants to hear your ability to discuss broader ideas, not just your individual experiences. Personal examples can limit the scope of your answer.

How can you manage time and think on your feet during Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test?

You can manage time by using techniques like repeating the question aloud, using time fillers (e.g., 'That's a good question,' or 'Let me think'), and asking the examiner to clarify or repeat the question if you need more time to think.

What kind of future predictions might the examiner ask in Part 3?

The examiner might ask about how things will change in the future, requiring you to compare the present situation with potential future developments. For instance, 'How will shopping change in the future?' You’ll need to speculate using future tenses and modals like 'might' or 'could'.

What should you do if you don't understand a question in Part 3?

If you don't understand a question, you can ask the examiner to clarify or repeat it. Phrases like 'What do you mean exactly?' can be useful because they show you’ve understood the general idea but need more specific information to answer accurately.

How can you develop your answers more effectively in Part 3?

To develop your answers, use the ORE method (Opinion, Reason, Example), and try to support your answers with general examples or facts, rather than personal stories. This helps you elaborate and showcase a wider range of vocabulary.

What are some strategies to build flexibility in your answers during Part 3?

Building flexibility involves using a variety of tenses, modals, and phrases. For instance, when talking about the past, present, or future, you can mix up phrases like 'used to', 'nowadays', 'will', 'might', or 'could' to show your ability to handle different time frames and possibilities.