Speaking Part 3 is the last part of the speaking test. It lasts 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks general questions about the topic from Part 2 — but bigger ones, about society, the future and other people, not just about you. You must give long answers. One sentence is not enough. A good Part 3 answer is 4 to 6 sentences long.

Why short answers lose marks

Many students answer Part 3 the way they answer Part 1. They say "Yes, I think so" and stop. That loses marks, because Part 3 tests your ability to discuss ideas. The examiner wants reasons, examples and comparisons. One sentence gives the examiner nothing to score.

Four steps for every answer

Use the same A-R-E method from Part 1 and Part 2, with one extra step at the end. Step 1: give your opinion in one sentence. Step 2: give a reason in one or two sentences. Step 3: give an example in one or two sentences. Step 4: add a second view or a point about the future in one sentence. Four steps, every time — it works for almost every Part 3 question.

Five phrases to learn well

You do not need hard words. You need clear linking phrases. Use "In my opinion" to start. Use "The main reason is" to give a reason. Use "For example" to give an example. Use "On the other hand" to show a second view. Use "In the future" to talk about change. Learn these five phrases well. Use them in every practice answer until they feel natural.

From a short answer to a long one

Do you think young people today spend too much time on their phones?

A short answer is: "Yes, I think so." That is Band 6 at best. Now the same answer in four steps. Opinion: "Yes, I think most young people spend too much time on their phones." Reason: "The main reason is that phones are made to keep our attention, with short videos and constant messages." Example: "For example, many of my friends check their phones during meals and even while they study." Second view: "On the other hand, phones are also useful for learning and for staying in touch with family."

Band 8–9 sample answer

"Yes, I believe young people spend too much time on their phones. The main reason is that social media is designed to hold our attention, so it is hard to stop scrolling once we start. For example, I know students who spend 3 hours a day on short videos — that is 21 hours a week. But phones are not all bad. They help students learn new words and talk to family in other countries. In the future, I think schools will teach students how to use phones in a better way."

The highlighted words are designed to hold our attention — a strong collocation that means "made to keep us focused". Use one strong collocation like this in each Part 3 answer. It shows Band 8–9 vocabulary without sounding memorised.

Three things that go wrong

Talking only about yourself is the first one. Part 3 asks about people in general, so say "young people" or "most students", not only "I". The second is an answer with no example — an opinion with no proof. The third is answering a different question from the one you were asked. If it asks about the future, talk about the future.

Try one question tonight — 10 minutes

Take one Part 3 question. Write 4 short notes: opinion, reason, example, second view. Speak your answer in 4 to 6 sentences. Record it and listen back. Did you give an example? Do one question a day for a week.

Keep learning — free

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