What is the purpose of Part 3?
The examiner wants to hear you discussion some general but more abstract topics that are related to the Part 2 talk.
Where does Part 3 begin?
At the end of your two-minute talk, the examiner will lead you into Part 3 by asking you about a more general aspect of the topic.
The examiner may ask a quick question on your Part 2 talk, e.g. Have you always wanted to visit this place? You need to give a short Yes or No answer. He or she will then introduce the part 3 discussion by referring back to your Part 2 talk, e.g. We'v been talking about a place you'd like to visit and I'd like to discuss with you one or two more general questions related to this.
[ ON THE DAY ]
- The examiner will ask you to give back the task when you have finished your talk.
- The examiner will always make the link between Part 2 and 3, so you don't need to worry about this.
- Listen carefully to the first Part 3 question.
- If you don't understand a Part 3 question, The examiner can re-phrase it for you.
What is an abstract topic?
How much time you spend watching television is about you and is a Part 1 topic. Whether television has negative effect on people is more general and abstract and is a Part 3 Topic.
What sort of question will the examiner ask?
The examiner will ask a range of questions based on the topic from Part 2. The first question often asks you to describe or outline your views on a general aspect of this topic.
What strategy can I use to produce a good answer?
You need to focus on the key words in the question, and produce two or three idea which you can support.
How do Part 3 Progress?
The questions will become more difficult. You can improve your answers in Part 3 if you understand how the topic is being developed and what abstract ideas might be related to it. Here is an example of a model chain of questions, which an examiner might ask about a topic.
Part 2 Topic [ An activity that you enjoy.]
Part 3 Idea [ Leisure center / the role of sport in society / global sporting events ]
>How important is it for people to have a hobby?
>Do you think that there is too much emphasis on sport in our society today?
>Do global sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, have a role in the 21st century?
How much time you spend watching television is about you and is a Part 1 topic. Whether television has negative effect on people is more general and abstract and is a Part 3 Topic.
What sort of question will the examiner ask?
The examiner will ask a range of questions based on the topic from Part 2. The first question often asks you to describe or outline your views on a general aspect of this topic.
What strategy can I use to produce a good answer?
You need to focus on the key words in the question, and produce two or three idea which you can support.
How do Part 3 Progress?
The questions will become more difficult. You can improve your answers in Part 3 if you understand how the topic is being developed and what abstract ideas might be related to it. Here is an example of a model chain of questions, which an examiner might ask about a topic.
Part 2 Topic [ An activity that you enjoy.]
Part 3 Idea [ Leisure center / the role of sport in society / global sporting events ]
>How important is it for people to have a hobby?
>Do you think that there is too much emphasis on sport in our society today?
>Do global sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, have a role in the 21st century?
How long should my answers be?
The examiner can only assess what you say, so it's important to give a full and relevant answer, linking your ideas smoothly. This skill is known as fluency.
How can I improve my fluency?
When you give an opinion, try to back it up by giving a reason for it or by offering a second point of view. Here are some useful expressions for doing this.
For me...............is very important because..................
I think.................but I can understand that.................
I don't really think much of ................on the other hand....................
It all depends................... Personally I believe.......................
Some people feel.......................But I actually think.....................
How can I improve my pronunciation score?
You should speak loudly enough for the examiner to hear you, and try to pronounce your words clearly. Pay attention to the way you emphasize words and syllables within words, and try not to speak in a monotonous voice.
How can I identify my pronunciation weaknesses?
You can record your answers to any of speaking exercises in this book and ask a teacher or a native speaker of English to help you identify your problem areas.
ACTION PLAN:
>Give a full answer to each question and take the initiative.
>Think about how top can be developed so that you are ready to explore the question you are asked.
>Answer each question directly. Don't talk about something unrelated to the examiner's question.
>Try to like your ideas, so that your speech flows well.