Part 3: Discussion
Part 3 takes the Part 2 topic up to the level of society. The questions are no longer about you but about people in general, comparisons, causes and effects, and the future. This is where band 7 and above is decided, because you have to build arguments on the spot.
- Length
- 4–5 minutes
- Type
- Two-way discussion
- Answer length
- 4–6 sentences
How it runs
- 1The examiner says you will discuss questions related to Part 2.
- 2The questions are more abstract, and the examiner can follow up or push further.
- 3The examiner may interrupt or challenge your view. That is normal, not a sign you are wrong.
Common topics
- Past versus present
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Causes and effects
- The role of government or society
- Predictions for the future
- Differences between generations
Sample questions
- Why do you think some people prefer to travel abroad rather than in their own country?
- How has technology changed the way people communicate?
- Should the government spend more on public transport or on roads?
- Do you think young people today have more pressure than their parents did?
- What skills will be most important for jobs in the future?
Answer structure
- 01
Opinion
State your position clearly up front.
- 02
Reasons
Explain why, ideally with two factors.
- 03
Example
From your country, the news, or other people's experience.
- 04
Other view
Show nuance: “Having said that…”, “On the other hand…”.
Sample answer
Question
Why do you think some people prefer to travel abroad rather than in their own country?
Answer
I think the main reason is novelty. When people go abroad, everything feels new, the food, the language, even the way people queue, and that sense of discovery is exciting. Another factor is social media; a photo in Tokyo or Paris arguably gets more attention than one from a local beach. Having said that, I believe this is changing. Since the pandemic, a lot of people in my country have started exploring places closer to home, partly because it's cheaper and partly because they realised how much they hadn't seen yet.
Why this works
It gives two clear reasons, an example, then another perspective. The language stays at a general level instead of turning into a personal story.
Tips
- Talk about “people” and “society”, not only your own experience.
- Use language for speculating: “It's likely that…”, “I'd imagine…”, “It depends on…”.
- Don't know the answer? Say so, then still give a view: “I've never really thought about it, but I suppose…”.
- Use comparisons and conditionals to show grammatical range.
Common mistakes
- Answering as briefly as in Part 1.
- Drifting back to personal stories instead of discussing in general terms.
- Saying “I don't know” and stopping there.
- Using stiff essay linkers like “Firstly… Secondly… In conclusion…”.