IELTS Speaking Part 3: common question types

Here are 3 common question types that the examiner could ask you:

1. Compare and contrast
2. Give an opinion
3. Imagine

For example, if the topic is 'cities', the examiner might ask:

1. How is life different in cities compared to rural areas? (compare)
2. How do you think life in big cities could be made easier? (opinion)
3. What do you think cities will be like in 50 years time? (imagine)

In my answers below I've underlined a few 'markers' that show comparisons, opinions and future predictions.

1. Firstly, the cost of living in cities is much higher. Housing is much more expensive in cities compared to rural areas; everything costs more. I think life in cities is more difficult. There are more people, so there's more competition for jobs. Life is a lot slower in rural areas, everyone knows each other and there's a sense of community. I don't think rural areas experience the social problems that you find in cities, like crime and homelessness.
2. In my opinion cities need to be well-planned. Good public transport can definitely make life easier because there are so many people and it can be really stressful just to move around. Public areas like parks are also important because people need space to relax, and I think cities should be made into healthier places to live and work.
3. I imagine cities will be less polluted because we'll have electric cars and better public transport. More people might work from home so maybe cities won't be so busy. But I think there will probably still be problems because more and more people are migrating to cities. So I'm not so optimistic about issues like crime, homelessness and unemployment.

Comments

[Pallavi sharma]

Hi simon
Its good to see your work done to help others . I really need ur help to improve my speaking and writing band from 6.5 although i got 8.5 and 8 in reading and listening

[Xhris]

Hi Simon, please how do i improve in my speaking task 3? Because of time I always try to rush cover up time, thereby making a mistake. Please what is your advise? Thanks