IELTS lesson · Speaking

IELTS Speaking Part 3 notesPart 3: beyond your own story

Give a view, reason about people in general, and look past your own life. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 9 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 9 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: give a view, reason broadly, compare or speculate and example beyond you. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 6 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 9 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSSpeaking · Part 3

    Your story isn't the answer

    a common Part 3 mistake

    Part 3 is a 4–5 minute discussion of ideas linked to your Part 2 topic. Answer with only a story about yourself and you miss the question.

    Examiner: Should cities spend more on buses? You: I take the 42 bus every dayyour life and it's always late. Last week I waited forty minutes in the rain.a story

    A true story. But the question was about cities.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 9
  2. IELTSSpeaking · Part 3

    Four moves for Part 3

    from you to people in general

    1. 1Give a viewAnswer the question in your first sentence. A softened view is fine.
    2. 2Reason broadlyExplain why for people in general.
    3. 3Compare or speculateContrast two groups or two times, or say what might happen next.
    4. 4Example beyond youPoint to a group, a place or a trend.
    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 9
  3. Card 3 of 9 onwards

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9 cards

Contents

  1. 1Your story isn't the answera common Part 3 mistakeIn the preview
  2. 2Four moves for Part 3from you to people in generalIn the preview
  3. 3Read the question firstthe question type picks your moveFree account
  4. 4A Band 6-style answerQ: Why do some people prefer small shops?With a plan
  5. 5A Band 8-style answersame question, a wider lensWith a plan
  6. 6Widen it, then soften ittwo quick upgradesWith a plan
  7. 7Every move in one answerQ: Do all ages use parks the same way?With a plan
  8. 8Your turnspot the Part 3 answerWith a plan
  9. 9Save thisthe Part 3 checklistWith a plan

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FAQ

Is the Part 3: beyond your own story lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Part 3: beyond your own story PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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