IELTS Speaking Part 3 - Questions with Jay & Alex

Summary

In this IELTS Speaking video, Alex and Jay provide a comprehensive overview of Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. They discuss the types of questions, strategies, and tips for answering, including how to elaborate on answers, handle complex questions, and manage interruptions from the examiner. They emphasize the importance of using natural language, including phrasal verbs and idioms, and offer advice on how to handle tricky situations, such as not understanding a question or being unsure of an answer. The duo also highlights techniques like buying time and considering multiple viewpoints to craft thoughtful responses.

Takeaways

• 😀 Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on broader, abstract topics related to your Part 2 answer.
• 😀 The examiner has the flexibility to ask deeper, philosophical questions and adjust difficulty based on the candidate's performance.
• 😀 Common question types in Part 3 include opinion-based questions, comparisons, and future predictions.
• 😀 If you don’t understand a question, you can ask the examiner to rephrase it without losing points.
• 😀 You should avoid simple 'yes' or 'no' answers and instead elaborate on your responses with examples and reasoning.
• 😀 When the examiner interrupts you, it’s typically for timing or to refocus the discussion away from personal answers.
• 😀 It's natural to hesitate or use fillers like 'um' or 'let me think,' but excessive hesitation can negatively impact your score.
• 😀 Correcting yourself during the speaking test is allowed, but try not to over-correct or disrupt the flow of your answers.
• 😀 Using idiomatic expressions is fine, but it’s better to use phrasal verbs you’re comfortable with rather than overused idioms.
• 😀 Strategies like buying time with hesitation devices and considering multiple perspectives can help improve your responses.
• 😀 In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner might ask for elaboration, so practice answering for around 40 to 50 seconds per question.

Q & A

What is the main focus of IELTS Speaking Part 3?

IELTS Speaking Part 3 focuses on abstract, philosophical, and societal topics. It requires candidates to provide extended responses that demonstrate their ability to discuss broader issues beyond personal experiences.

How does the structure of IELTS Speaking Part 3 differ from Part 2?

In Part 3, the questions become more abstract and less personal. While Part 2 revolves around discussing a personal topic (like a movie or an experience), Part 3 asks questions on broader societal or philosophical issues, often requiring candidates to explain and justify their opinions.

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

Common question types include opinion-based questions, comparative questions, and prediction questions. Examples include, 'How important is job satisfaction?' or 'Will it be possible to prevent environmental damage in the future?'

How should candidates handle difficult or abstract questions in Part 3?

Candidates should focus on explaining their answers in detail. Rather than giving simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, they should elaborate on their reasoning, offer examples, and showcase their ability to discuss complex issues.

What should candidates do if they don’t understand a question during the test?

If a candidate doesn’t understand a question, they can politely ask the examiner for clarification. It's important to ensure clarity before responding, and doing so will not negatively impact their score.

How does the examiner adjust the difficulty of questions in Part 3?

The examiner adjusts the difficulty based on how well the candidate is performing. If the candidate is giving strong responses, the questions may become more challenging to test their ability to handle complex topics.

What strategies can candidates use to manage hesitation in their responses?

Candidates can use filler phrases like 'Let me think about that' or 'That’s an interesting question' to buy time when they need to gather their thoughts. A small amount of hesitation is normal, but excessive pauses should be avoided.

What is the best way to answer opinion-based questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3?

For opinion-based questions, candidates should explain their viewpoint clearly and provide supporting reasons. It’s crucial to avoid simple answers and instead offer a detailed justification for their opinions.

Is it important to use idioms in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test?

While idioms can be used, it’s better to focus on natural, conversational language and phrasal verbs that you are comfortable with. Overusing idioms may make the response sound forced or unnatural.

What is one key strategy for dealing with complex questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3?

One effective strategy is to present different viewpoints on a topic before sharing your personal opinion. This not only extends your response but also demonstrates your ability to think critically about the subject.