Overview
In part 3, which is the last part of the speaking test, you will have a discussion with the examiner linked to the subject from Part 2. Part 3 is more general and abstract and, where appropriate, is greater depth.
There is no set format to this part of the test and the examiner is free to develop conversation as he/she sees fit. It means that she/he may also ask some impromptu (made-up) questions based on your last answer even though most of the questions are scripted. The aim for this task is the examiner wants you to comment and expand on a particular theme.
Remember!
You will have around 4-5 minutes and the examiner can only really ask you some six up to eight questions. Therefore, you can speak around 30-45 seconds for each question. However, please speak in as detail as possible.
Tips
1. Listen carefully to the examiner's questions.
- Make sure you catch the question correctly so there will not be any misunderstanding.
2. Never copy the question!
- When you want to answer the question, try to paraphrase the question.
3. Use these techniques to answer every question
- O.R.E (opinion, reason, example)
- or
- O.R.E.C (opinion, reason, example, consequence)
OREC Example
- Question: 'How have newspapers changed in recent years?'
- Opinion: 'Well, I'd say the biggest change is that they have moved online'
- Reason: 'Because they have had to keep up with social media as a means of spreading news and people are mostly spend their time in their soc-med'
- Example: 'For example, I used to read the Guardian newspaper, the paper version, but now I read it via their app on my mobile phone'
- Consequence: 'I think, by moving online, the big newspapers have been able to actually grow their readership'
4. Don't focus on your mistakes.
- Move on! You can make up your answer. It is OK to lie as long as you can speak well. Remember that facts are not assessed.
5. Think of your brain as a computer.
- If there are many programs open at the same time, your computer will slow down. It means to think about one point first to speak, then continue it when the previous point is done. Think one by one!
6. Relax!
- Pretend that you talk with a good friend of yours so your speech will be fluent.
Vocabulary Building
Strong opinion
I'm convinced that...I'm certain that...I'm sure that...
Weaker opinion
I guess that...I suppose that...I'd say that...
Agreement
I couldn't agree with you more.That's so true.That's for sure.That's exactly how I feel.No doubt about it.I suppose so./I guess so.You/they have a point there.
Disagreement
I don't think so.I'm afraid I disagree.I totally disagree.I beg to differ.I'd say the exact opposite.Not necessarily.That's not always true.That's not always the case.
Making future predictions
X plans to...It is predicted that...X intends to...I foresee...It is foreseeable...Conditionals- If X + verb...It is likely that...It is probable that...It is unforeseeable that...I envisage...
Cause and effect
...because......as a result......resulted in......as a consequence......due to......caused......led to......means that...
Phrases if you are confused
That's a difficult question, let me think for a second.That's a very interesting question, let me think.It's very difficult to know exactly, but I think/but I believe/perhaps...It's difficult to say, I think...I don't really know for sure, but I would say...
Strategy
You can follow this steps during Speaking Part 2:
Before you speak
- Listen to the question that the examiner ask carefully
While you speak
- Start speaking by paraphrasing the question.
- Use the ORE or OREC pattern.
- Speak as relaxed as possible.
- Use various vocabulary and sentence patterns
- Put some idioms and collocations where possible.
Task Sample
Question:
What is the best way to educate children in your opinion?
Answer:
Children must go to school and also take part in extracurricular activities to become well-rounded people. Knowledge is important as it shapes your thinking and builds your ability to work. But interpersonal communication is just as important, so activities where children spend time together are also necessary. Hobbies are good to have too, as they keep children from being lonely.
Warm-Up 22
Answer the question below using the OREC pattern:
1. Do many people in your country like to have a pet?
O:
R:
E:
C:
2. What kinds of pets are the most popular in your country?
O:
R:
E:
C:
3. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet?
O:
R:
E:
C:
Mini Practice 44
Difficult jobs
What are the most difficult jobs that people do?
Why do you think some people choose to do difficult jobs?
Do you agree or disagree that all jobs are difficult sometimes?
Personal and career success
How important is it for everyone to have a goal in their personal life?
Is it always necessary to work hard in order to achieve career success?
Do you think that successful people are always happy people?
Mini Practice 45
Creating a nice home
Why do some people buy lots of things for their home?
Do you think it is very expensive to make a home look nice?
Why don't some people care about how their home looks?
Different Types of home
In what ways is living in a flat/apartment better than living in a house?
Do you think homes will look different in the future?
Do you agree that the kinds of homes people prefer change as they get older?
Mini Practice 46
Children and reading
What are the most popular types of children's books in your country?
What are the benefits of parents reading books to their children?
Should parents always let children choose the books they read?
Electronic books
How popular are electronic books in your country?
What are the advantages of parents reading electronic books (compared to printed books)?
Will electronic books ever completely replace printed books in the future?
Mini Practice 47
Politeness
Are people more polite with non-family members than they are with their parents?
Are people today as polite as people were in the past?
Why is it important to show respect to others?
How do people show politeness in your country?
How do you deal with impolite people?
What kinds of behavior are considered impolite?
Mini Practice 48
Decision-making
What's the most important factor in decision-making?
Do you think adults always make better decisions than children?
Do you like to make quick decisions?
What can people learn from wrong decisions?
Should parents make decisions for their children?
Mini Practice 49
Practical Skills
How can people learn practical skills?
Do you think children should learn some practical skills at school?
Do you think it's useful for adults to attend classes to further their education?
Who do you think should pay for adult education-the government, the student or the company ,if it is a work-related course?
What practical skills do children learn at school in your country?
How useful will these skills be to the children after they leave school?