A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
MODEL ANSWER
I’d like to talk about the litter problem that we have where I live. When you walk around your village, go into the town, visit monuments or any places really, there is always litter lying on the ground. Even though there are many rubbish bins in places that you pass, people still leave litter on the streets or anywhere they want. This is a huge problem for the environment, as animals can hurt themselves and obviously it looks terrible.
The main reason that this is such an issue, is that there are hundreds, maybe thousands of tourists that come here every year, leaving litter. The bins provided in many areas are quite small, often overflowing so much that there is a huge pile of growing litter right next to the bin. They are not emptied often enough in busy areas, causing a problem. this leads to stray animals inspecting the contents of the trash and makes the area look bad. The litter left behind in some areas, like next to ancient ruins or monuments is just carelessness from tourists. I have seen broken glass, bottles, papers and coffee cups all next to a very well known monument here on the island. I have collected litter to put into the bin, especially if it is broken glass and my dog is with me.
The people on the island are always complaining about the litter problem here, with demonstrations in town. The litter is not collected, sometimes for over a week and rubbish bins start to overflow. Sometimes the garbage collectors go on strike, leaving mountains of rubbish growing every day. This is a real issue, especially with so many tourists visiting the island each year.
To solve this problem, the authorities should provide more bins in built up areas and empty the trash daily. They could also put more signs up saying not to litter and perhaps introduce strict fines for those who do, for example, in the UK there are hefty fines for littering. They need to make people aware that it is not allowed and wrong to leave litter anywhere, making the place look untidy and harming the environment. If the local authorities can make some changes in the short term, then the whole of the island environment and famous well known areas will benefit in the long term.
FEEDBACK
This is a high-level answer, as there are concrete words being used to describe the problem. Words and phrases are used to describe thoughts and feelings about this problem. The bullet points have been covered with the extra information given (examples), which extends the answer. A solution is offered to combat this problem, with good use of vocabulary and collocations.
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Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, see the top 5 speaking part 3 tips that will help you to achieve a band score 7 or above.
The IELTS Speaking Test lasts 11-14 minutes.
The test has three parts, where you are interviewed by a trained examiner. You are not allowed to use a dictionary during the test. IELTS Academic and IELTS General students take the same test and it is marked in the same way.
PART 3 INFORMATION
Part 3 = 3-4 minutes – A conversation between you and the examiner.
The examiner will lead the conversation by asking general questions, which relate to the topic/cue card used in part 2.
The questions asked will encourage you to share your thoughts, feeling and opinions. You are scored on your use of English, not on your general knowledge or opinions.
Here is an example of a part 2 cue card question and related part 3 questions;
Part 2 Question – Describe someone you know who has been a role model to you.
Part 3 Questions
Which type of people are respected most in your society?
Do you agree with this situation?
What happens when young people lack good role models?
What standards of behaviour should teachers set?
Do you agree that you should never meet your heroes?
As you can see the questions become a bit more difficult and require more in-depth answers than those in part 1.
Take a look at our top tips below and see how you can improve your band score >>
SPEAKING TIPS
TIP 1 >> Listen carefully
Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
Listening carefully to the question will help you to create your answer and deliver it in a logical way, using the correct grammar structures. For example;
Has travel become safer in recent years? (The past to present, opinion)
What are the pros and cons of low-cost air travel? (Opinion, advantages, disadvantages)
How do you think people will travel in the future? (Present, future, opinion, hypothetical)
TIP 2 >> Know About the most common types of questions
Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
Common Types of Questions
Opinion – When asked your opinion, be honest or if you don’t really know about the topic, make it up! Think about things you have read about, heard and know from your own experiences to form your answers. Give reasons why and support with specific examples.
Assess – You may be asked what you think about someone else’s opinion, do you agree or disagree? Give reasons why.
Hypothetical – These type of questions ask you to comment on something that is an imaginary or unreal situation. Like saying ‘In the future how do you think we will travel?’ You have to use your imagination to give your answer and comment on something that hasn’t happened yet.
Cause and Effect – Think about the cause of the situation and the effects it has had.
Compare and Contrast – To look at the similarities and differences of the given topic/question.
Past – What has changed from the past until now? (the present)
Future – Give your opinion on what might happen in the future (using would or could).
TIP 3 >> Stay Calm and Focus
Stay calm and focus on the day of your exam and give your opinions to the best of your ability on the day. The examiner will test your ability to use English in part 3, even more so than in parts 1 and 2. The questions are more difficult and depending on the topic, may be something you know little about. They will ask you questions to push your limits and see how well you can answer, demonstrating your use of the grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Try to stay calm and think about your opinions, listening carefully to any keywords that tell you if they want to know about the past/present or present/future etc. Answer with confidence and aim for a high band score. Practice as much as possible with a speaking partner or your native speaking English teacher.
TIP 4 >> Answer All of the Questions
It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
Obviously do not do that for every question, only for the ones where you are really stuck for something to say to start off with. The examiner will be looking for your ability to answer these part 3 questions in depth and you need to give it your best shot if you are hoping to gain a high band score.
TIP 5 >> Take Your Time
Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples. If you can remember to do that (answer depending on the type of question asked) then your answers should stretch and show the examiner what you are capable of.
If you answer quickly, the examiner will keep giving you questions, progressing to more difficult questions as the test goes on. Take your time and answer the questions well, showing off your English language skills. You can also ask the examiner to repeat a question if you have not heard it correctly, but try not to do this for every question (only if you really need to).
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
This post will look at how to extend your part 3 answers.
In part 3 the examiner will ask you questions that relate to your cue card topic from part 2. The answers you give should give your opinion and show the examiner your ability to use English well.
The questions may include advantages and disadvantages, problems and solutions, how something will change in the future and how something may have changed from the past up until now. It is a good idea to read the news as much as you can and form opinions on common topics, like the environment, technology, education, health and work.
Try to make your answer around 3-5 sentences long, you don’t want it to be too short or too long. Too long would be similar to a part 2 answer, which could lead you off the topic and onto something else. Too short and you will not be showing the examiner how well you can use English.
Take a look at the ways that you can extend your answers below, in the aim of getting you a higher score! >>
Express Your Opinion
Expand your answers with reasons…..give your opinion and say why you think that…… (depending on what you are being asked). You can use words like – for, because, since, as. For example;
Part 3 Question – How should students spend their summer vacations?
Answer – In my view, students should do something to benefit them during the summer break, as well as taking some time to relax. Since they have such a long period of time off in the summer months, there is enough time for them to have a holiday, as well as work to save money or intern. I think that gaining skills through work experience relevant to their studies, is a great way to utilise all of that time off.
Give Specific Examples
Support your answers with examples from your life, past experiences or from articles you have read on the subject. It is much better to do this then try to make something up, as you will be more confident giving an example that you have experienced. You can use – for example, for instance, such as, including. For example;
Part 3 Question – Is higher education too expensive in your country?
Answer – In my opinion, I think that the fees have risen too much in recent years. Expecting students to pay £9,000 per year for courses at many universities is really expensive. For example, my friend who has completed a masters degree, paid £10,000 to complete the course in one year, without funding from the government. The fees continue to rise, with many students opting to complete courses in a skilled trade rather than go down the academic route, mainly due to the costs involved.
Use Linking Words
You can extend your answers by giving contrasting details, using words like – but, however, although, even though, while, whereas.. etc. For example;
Part 3 Question – Should all students pay for their university education?
Answer – In my opinion, I think that students should be able to have a means tested university education, meaning that those whose family income is not enough to cover the costs, would have funding and bursaries from the government, whereas those who could afford it would have to pay the fees. However, this would perhaps create a divide between those who have money and those who do not.
Think About The Future
When the examiner asks you a question, think about the future – using the future tense. You can use will be/going to or in a hypothetical situation you can use would or could. For example;
Part 3 Question – How do you think people will travel in the future?
Answer – I’ve never given that much thought really! If I have to imagine what it will be like, I think that maybe some forms of travel would potentially become more luxurious and more expensive. For example, flights could become more expensive if some of the aeroplanes are made into luxurious cabins, with private areas for passengers. This could also happen on trains, with passengers able to buy more expensive tickets for their own cabin or fancy seating area. The next generation of travel may become high end and extravagant for those who want it.
PRACTICE
Practice as much as you can with a partner or your teacher, looking at past questions and working on your overall conversation. The best student answers are given naturally, giving opinions, explaining, and giving specific examples.
Think about the structures you need to use and the words that will help you to connect your information together. Take a look through the practice question and answers in this section to get some ideas.
Don’t overcomplicate it by thinking of ‘complex structures’ and grammar that you need to use when you are answering.
Join our private Facebook Group and find people to start practising with! Sign up for our newsletter to receive the link, then join the group to meet other IELTS students.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
