IELTS speaking part 3- What is the examiner looking for?

IELTS speaking part 3 - What is the examiner looking for?

In the IELTS Speaking test part 3, there are some key things the examiner is looking for:

-                     the ability to discuss more complex topics

-                     the ability to defend one’s answer

-                     good vocabulary and grammar.

• Discussing Complex Topics

As earlier mentioned, the questions in the Discussion become broader in scope and usually require the test taker to compare and contrast more abstract topics. The questions are no longer about YOU, they are about the world around you.

For example: 

-         Do you think the media has done enough to shed light on the transportation issues?

-         How are transportation problems affecting the environment?

• Defending One’s Answer

In IELTS Speaking part 3, the examiner is able to “interrogate” you. This means they can challenge what you say, which is something quite normal in a regular conversation.

For example:

        Examiner: In some countries, smoking is banned in public places. Is this okay?

Test taker:    Yes. I think it is all right. They say that second-hand smoke is actually more dangerous to those who do not smoke, so banning smoking will protect people’s health and rights.

        Interviewer: But doesn’t the smoker have the “right” to smoke too?

If the examiner asks this question, the test taker may be thinking, “Did I choose the wrong side?!” The answer to this is “No.” Regardless of what side you choose or what the examiner personally thinks, the IELTS test is meant to test your fluency in English, so that is exactly what the examiner is doing.

Therefore, you should answer the best way you can to defend what you say, such as:

Test taker: Though a person has the right to choose or not choose to smoke, if his or her actions negatively affect others, like through second-hand smoke, then the person loses the right.

A good speaker will be able to reply appropriately. A lower-level candidate may end up tongue-tied or confused.

• Wide Vocabulary and Good Grammar

Similar to Part 2 of the test, IELTS Speaking part 3 requires much better vocabulary and grammar to do well. Since the questions are more complicated, the test taker is really asked to use a variety of words. Proper 'comparison and contrast' also means usage of the different tenses (past, present, future) and a host of other complex sentences.