What Happens in Part 3?
Part 3 is the discussion round. The examiner asks abstract, opinion-based questions related to the Part 2 topic. This is where Band 7+ is decided.
Key difference from Part 1:
The PREP Method for Part 3
P — Point: State your opinion directly
R — Reason: Explain why you think this
E — Example: Give a specific example
P — Point: Restate your opinion
Example:
Question: "Why do some people prefer to live in cities?"
Point: "I believe people prefer cities primarily because of better employment opportunities."
Reason: "Cities have more industries, companies, and businesses, which means there are more job options available compared to rural areas."
Example: "For instance, in my hometown, many young people move to Delhi or Mumbai after finishing their studies because there are simply more career opportunities in these large cities."
Point: "So, I think economic opportunities are the main driving factor behind urban migration."
Types of Part 3 Questions
Opinion questions:
Agree/Disagree:
Hypothetical:
Speculation:
Sample Answer
Question: "Do you think technology has made our lives better?"
"I personally believe that technology has improved our lives significantly, though not without some drawbacks. The main benefit is convenience — things that used to take hours, like banking or shopping, can now be done in minutes through apps and websites. For example, I can pay my bills, order food, and even attend university lectures from my phone. However, there are downsides too, such as reduced face-to-face interaction and concerns about privacy. On balance, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but we need to use technology mindfully."
Tips for Band 7+
- Give extended answers (4-6 sentences per answer)
- Use opinion language ("I believe," "In my view," "I would argue that")
- Speculate ("It's possible that," "One could argue that")
- Use conditionals ("If this trend continues, then...")
- Show range — mix simple and complex sentences
Common Mistakes
- Too short answers — 1-2 sentences won't score Band 7
- Not giving opinions — Part 3 REQUIRES your opinion
- Being too general — Give specific examples
- Repeating the question — Answer directly
Practice
Practice 5 Part 3 questions daily using the PREP method. Record yourself and check:
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