What Part 3 Actually Tests
Part 3 moves away from personal topics (like Part 1) and into abstract, societal questions. The examiner wants to see whether you can:
- Form and justify an opinion on a complex topic
- Consider multiple perspectives
- Speculate and hypothesise
- Use more sophisticated vocabulary naturally
Part 1: Do you enjoy cooking? (personal, simple) Part 3: Do you think governments should do more to promote healthy eating habits? (abstract, societal, debatable)
The linguistic demand is much higher — but the structure you need is the same.
The POINT-REASON-EXAMPLE-CONTRAST Structure
For every Part 3 answer:
- Point — state your position directly
- Reason — explain why
- Example — illustrate with a specific case
- Contrast — acknowledge the other side briefly
Do you think technology has made people more isolated?
“To a certain extent, yes — I think technology can foster a sense of isolation, particularly among young people who substitute face-to-face interaction with social media. Research from several universities has shown links between heavy social media use and feelings of loneliness. That said, technology has also connected people across vast distances who would otherwise have no contact at all, so the picture is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.”
That is the perfect length for a Part 3 answer. Anything under 20 seconds is too brief; anything over 90 seconds sounds like a monologue.
Speculating and Hypothesising
Part 3 often asks about future possibilities or hypothetical situations. Use these structures:
| Function | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Predicting | I imagine that / It seems likely that / I would expect… |
| Speculating | I suppose / Perhaps / It is possible that |
| Hypothesising | If X were to happen, I think… / In a scenario where… |
| Hedging | To some extent / In certain cases / Under some circumstances |
If you genuinely do not know the answer, do not just say “I don’t know.” Say: “That’s not something I’ve thought about before, but off the top of my head, I’d say…” and then give an opinion. The examiner is testing your ability to generate language, not your knowledge.
Advanced Vocabulary for Discussion Topics
| Topic | Useful Vocabulary |
|---|---|
| Technology | pervasive, algorithm, digital divide, automation |
| Environment | sustainability, carbon footprint, ecological impact |
| Education | curriculum, critical thinking, vocational training |
| Economy | disparity, inequality, consumerism, fiscal policy |
Before answering, briefly restate the question in your own words: “So you’re asking whether…” This gives you a moment to think AND demonstrates paraphrasing — a skill that contributes to your Lexical Resource score.