Part 3 Strategies: Abstract Discussion

Part 3 is where high band scores are won or lost. The examiner asks you to discuss ideas at a more abstract, societal level. This is no longer about your personal experiences — it is about your ability to analyse, evaluate, compare, speculate, and argue in English.

---

How Part 3 Works

Part 3 follows directly from Part 2. The topics are related to your Part 2 topic but move from personal to general.

Example Connection

Part 2: Describe a teacher who influenced you. Part 3: What qualities make a good teacher? How has teaching changed in recent years? Should teachers be paid more?

The examiner asks increasingly complex questions, and may:

• Ask you to explain further
• Challenge your opinion to test your reasoning
• Ask you to compare different perspectives

---

Types of Part 3 Questions

1. Opinion Questions

"Do you think children should learn a second language from a young age?"

You must state and justify an opinion.

2. Comparison Questions

"How does education today differ from education in the past?"

You must identify and explain differences (or similarities).

3. Speculation Questions