In this short blog, we’re going to look at some of the worries that test takers have in Speaking Part 3 when the examiner asks you to discuss ideas and arguments related to the topic of Part 2.

Help! I don’t have an opinion!

Sometimes you might feel like you  don’t have anything to say about a topic. Maybe it’s because it’s not something you are particularly interested in or have never really thought about before. There’s no secret strategy here other than just telling the examiner that! In Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test, it is absolutely fine to use a phrase like ‘I’ve never thought about that before’ to help buy some time while you do think about it, possibly for the first time in your life! Just be careful not to use this after every question or it sounds a bit too memorised and you might give the examiner the impression that you need to rely on fixed phrases to communicate. You could also try using a keyword from the question in this phrase to be more responsive to what the examiner asks.

For example:

Examiner: How might tourism change in the future?

Test taker: I’ve never thought about the future of tourism before…

I don’t want to share my opinion!

You’re not going to be asked to provide opinions or take a position on anything related to current affairs or any potentially upsetting topics. The IELTS test is designed, tested, and standardised to ensure that you’re not asked anything controversial. The examiners are very well trained and are only asking you questions to be able to evaluate your use of language. So, do share your opinion when asked to do so and know that they are interested only in how you use English, not in which ‘side’ of an argument you take.

Of course, you should avoid saying anything offensive or rude, as you would in real life. This is not unique to the IELTS Speaking Test!

What if the examiner doesn’t agree with me?

It is not the examiner’s job to ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ with you. They are only there to assess your language, not your opinions.  Remember that they are there to listen and hear examples in your spoken English of language that meets the criteria, the band descriptors.

Why did the examiner ask me another question about my opinion?

Great! You’ve said something that the examiner can use to help you demonstrate your language even further. This is very common in Speaking Part 3 which is often labelled a ‘discussion’ because the examiner is able to respond to your answer by asking ‘follow-up’ questions.

For example:

Test taker: I think that the trend among younger people is to have food delivered rather than going out to eat or cooking for themselves.

Examiner: Why do you think that is the case?

Test taker: I’m not really sure. Perhaps because food is less important in their lives and they prefer spending their time on other things.

These follow-up questions are simply to give you the chance to add a bit more information and let the examiner hear a little more of your use of English.

Don’t forget!

The purpose of the IELTS Speaking Test is for you to show, and the examiner to hear, all of the reasons why you deserve the highest band possible! Give and support your opinions if asked, and make the most out of every question by showing the examiner exactly what you are capable of in your response.

Why don’t you watch our webinar lessons on the Speaking Test to get more information about each part of the test and useful tips to help you get your best score!

Good luck with your Speaking Test! In my opinion, you’ve got this!