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Table of Contents
In this lesson, I will share with you a secret formula to create Band 7+ answers in IELTS Speaking Part 3.
We will cover
- 4 things that make up a great answer.
- Common topics
- Typical kinds of Part 3 questions
Remember in part 3 you need to develop answers, maybe up to 1 minute, although the examiner may interrupt you. Don’t worry if that happens, it is normal in IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Of course, throughout the test you need good fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, but this formula will show you how to optimise these as well some useful exam techniques.
How to Create Effective IELTS Speaking Part 3 Answers
The Secret Formula
4 things you can include in your answers to make them more effective:
1. Connectors
Connectors are like signposts that tell the examine what you are going to say. They improve your fluency.
2. Topic-specific Vocabulary
This includes words, collocations and phrases that are related to the topic.
3. Mixed Grammar
This refers to using both simple and complex grammar in your answers.
4. Examples
Specific examples help you illustrate your ideas and allow you to use a wider and richer range of language.
Below I will give you 4 sample answers for 4 different topics in IELTS Speaking Part 3. In each one, you will see how we can use one aspect of the ‘secret formula’.
#1. Connectors
Part 3 Topic of Sport
The first part of making a good IELTS Speaking part 3 answer is connectors. You can see how these add coherence to the answer below.
- What kind of sports are popular in your country?
Well, to be honest, I think most people are into individual sports like swimming and running. I guess, one reason is that they help people switch off mentally, and of course both are a great way to keep fit. So, for instance, most mornings, most parks are full of people jogging, really early in the morning. Having said that, some people do enjoy team sports, like football, but more to watch rather than to play. I’d say Manchester City are the most popular team right now. I actually sometime go to see them play. There’s a great atmosphere at their matches.
#2 Topic-specific Vocabulary
Part 3 Topic of The Environment
The next part of making a good answer for IELTS Speaking part 3 is topic-specific vocabulary. You can see help you express you ideas more specifically.
- Why are electric vehicles becoming more popular in some countries?
I think one of the main reasons is that governments are offering generous incentives, such as tax breaks and free charging stations.
I think as well, people are becoming much more aware of environmental issues, so they’re looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
For instance, in my country there’s been a huge push to replace old petrol cars with EVs, and the number of charging points has doubled in the last two years. So as a result, I think electric cars feel far more practical and affordable than they used to be.
#3 Mixed Grammar
Part 3 Topic of Shopping
To give a good answer for IELTS Speaking part 3 you also need a range of grammar, including both simple and complex grammar.
- How has shopping changed in recent years?
Over the past decade, shopping has changed dramatically, at least in my country. I would say, the biggest shift is that now most people buy things online, rather than going to physical stores. You get faster delivery, easy returns, and a wider range of products.
For example, if I want to buy a book, I can order it with one click and it arrives the next day.
At the same time, clearly, traditional shops have had to adapt. To avoid disappearing, some of them now offer in-store experiences or delivery services, like some of the big supermarkets.
Grammar (mix of complex and simple)
a) Present perfect
- shopping has changed dramatically
- Use: change from past → present
- Example: Customer behaviour has shifted significantly.
b) Adverbs of degree
- dramatically
- Example: Online shopping has grown rapidly.
c) Superlative
- the biggest shift
- Example: The most important change is convenience.
d) Comparative
- faster delivery
- Example: Online prices are cheaper than store prices.
e) If-clause
- If I want to buy a book…
- Example: If people don’t adapt, they may lose customers.
f) Verb + gerund
- to avoid disappearing
- Example: Shops are focusing on improving customer experience.
#4 Examples
Part 3 Topic of Reading
Finally, you can improve your answer for IELTS Speaking part 3 if you add examples. This helps you develop your answer, so you don’t run out of ideas, and also shows off a wider range of language.
- How will libraries change in the future?
Looking ahead, I think libraries will become far more digital and interactive. Instead of shelves full of paper books, we’ll probably see digital libraries, where people borrow e-books or access online courses.
For example, where I live, many libraries already offer free audiobooks and language-learning platforms, and I dare say, that trend will continue.
The main library in my town actually offers workshops for children and pensioners, study spaces, and a coffee shop. It’s become a real community hub.
So maybe the future is more about providing learning experiences, rather than just books.
So in part 3 try to be aware of these 4 different aspects and how they can improve your answers.
Of course, you do not need to include all in each answer, that might sound unnatural, but you can use them in different answers. Strike a balance between using these and sounding natural.
FAQs
In IELTS Speaking Part 3, your answers should usually be 30 seconds to around 1 minute. The key is not the exact length, but whether you develop your ideas clearly. Don’t worry if the examiner interrupts you — this is completely normal and often means you’ve already said enough.
No, you don’t need complex grammar in every sentence. In fact, using a mix of simple and complex grammar sounds more natural and is what examiners are looking for. A Band 7+ answer often includes clear simple sentences, supported by one or two more complex structures.
One of the most important skills is developing your answers. You can do this by using connectors, giving reasons, and adding examples.
No. Memorised answers often sound unnatural and can limit your score. Instead, it’s much better to learn flexible structures and templates, like the “secret formula” in this lesson, so you can adapt your answers naturally to any topic.
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