How it's scored
Same four criteria. Part 3 is where examiners confirm the band: can you sustain an argument, use complex sentences accurately, and keep going when the question is hard.
Strategy & template
- 1Answer with a position, a reason, an example and a limit: Generally yes, because …, for instance …, although that depends on ….
- 2Learn the three question shapes: opinion (do you think), comparison (how has it changed, how is it different for), speculation (what will happen, what would happen if).
- 3Use hedging and contrast language to show range: it largely depends on, to some extent, whereas, on the other hand.
- 4If you have no view, say so and reason aloud: I have not thought about it, but I imagine …; thinking on your feet is scored as fluency.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving Part 1 style answers of one sentence.
- Talking about yourself when the question asks about people in general or society.
- Falling silent when a question is hard instead of buying time with a phrase and reasoning through it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3 questions?
Part 1 asks about you and familiar topics and wants short answers. Part 3 asks abstract questions about society, change and the future, linked to your Part 2 topic, and wants developed, reasoned answers.
Can I ask the examiner to explain a Part 3 question?
Yes. Asking for a question to be rephrased once is normal and is not penalised. Repeated requests will affect your fluency score.
Practise Speaking Part 3
Real questions with instant AI scoring and feedback.