Lesson 5 of 6 · Band 8 target · Speaking · 20 min · +40 XP

Ace Part 3: explain and qualify an argument

Develop an abstract answer with a mechanism, a counterpoint, and a clear conclusion.

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Your exam technique

State a view → show how it works → consider a limitation → reach a clear judgement.

Move from personal experience to wider ideas

Part 3 explores broader issues linked to a topic. Start with a direct view, explain why it might hold, and illustrate it. You can distinguish groups or circumstances: a change may help commuters but create difficulties for people with limited internet access.

Be flexible without losing direction

Use a qualification when it improves accuracy, not as a memorised phrase. If you cannot recall a word, explain the idea in simpler terms. Keep a natural pace, stress key contrasts, and avoid restarting every sentence to correct a minor slip. Record yourself separately if you want to review pronunciation.

Avoid this common mistake

Adding 'on the other hand' without a real contrast does not develop your reasoning. Explain which people or circumstances change the answer and why.

See it in practice

Starting point

Technology is always beneficial because technology is very beneficial for everybody.

Using this skill

Technology can make public services easier to reach, particularly for people who work long hours. However, an online system still needs an assisted route for residents who cannot use it independently.

The answer explains who benefits and introduces a relevant limit without abandoning its main point.

Speaking practice

Discuss access to public services

Should public services move entirely online? Explain a benefit, consider a group that could be disadvantaged, and propose a practical balance. Then answer a follow-up aloud: How could a local authority tell whether its new system is successful? Use two minutes for the main discussion drill. Real Part 3 is an interactive discussion; this is individual rehearsal.

Speak aloud and use the checklist to review yourself. The timer does not record or grade your voice. You can also use your own clock: 120 seconds to speak.

01 / Check your understanding

Try the skill

Choose an answer for each question. You can try again after reading the feedback.

1. Which qualification strengthens an argument for online services?
2. What is a useful response when a precise word will not come to mind?

02 / Put it into words

Make it your own

After answering the main question and follow-up aloud, record your argument in notes. Identify a useful qualification, a successful paraphrase, and one aspect of delivery to practise again.

Write at least 50 words. Use the checklist and example to review your work; this exercise does not give an automatic IELTS score.

0 / 50 words minimum Save your response with the button below.

Before you finish

  • I answered both questions aloud.
  • My examples and qualifications supported my position.
  • I reviewed clarity, pace, and one specific improvement.
Read one possible response

Compare the choices this writer made with your own. Many different responses can work.

I supported expanding online services while keeping help available. My qualification concerned residents who share devices or cannot understand a form independently. I paraphrased accessibility as being able to complete a task without unnecessary barriers. For the follow-up, I suggested tracking failed applications as well as successful ones. I need to pause before my counterpoint so that the contrast is easier to follow.

Earn 40 XP once by answering all questions correctly, reaching the response minimum, confirming your aloud practice, and reviewing your work.