The task

In Parts 3 and 4 of the Speaking test, you need to engage with a speaking partner. In Part 3 it’s a collaborative task in which you look at a mind map and talk about a question that’s been posed. There are five prompts to help you. Let’s look at an example:

Then in Part 4, you discuss the topic of Part 3. Here the examiner will ask you questions, but it isn’t a discussion with them! You need to continue speaking with your partner.

Let’s look at some example questions:

• In what ways can training change people’s attitudes in the workplace?

• How difficult is it for young people to find jobs nowadays in your country? Why?

• What can be done to create jobs for young people?

• Some people think that school does not train young people adequately for the world of work today. Do you agree?

The examiner is likely to ask you open questions as these kind of questions encourage you to give your opinions and elaborate rather than just giving a simple Yes/No response.

Part 3 – Sample opinions

Take a quick look at another exam-style mind map:

What’s your opinion on the topic? Which field do you think has benefited the most from technological advances? Why?

Here are a candidate’s opinions on the various prompts. Their answers are all at C1 level. However, the language for giving opinions varies. There is a basic version, and then an upgraded version. I’m sure you can guess which one  is more likely to impress the examiner! These are the expressions you’re going to want to learn and use to get that Grade A result in the Speaking test…

#1

Basic:  Transport in my country has definitely improved thanks to new technologies.

Pro: Transport in my country has without a doubt improved thanks to new technologies.

#2

Basic: In my opinion, print media has been destroyed by the internet.

Pro: From my point of view, print media has been destroyed by the internet.

#3

Basic:  I think the medical field has gained the most from technological developments.

Pro: To my mind, the medical field has gained the most from technological developments.

#4

Basic: Honestly, the money spent on advances in sport is ridiculous.

Pro: To be perfectly honest, the money spent on advances in sport is ridiculous.

#5

Basic: I usually agree with people who say that technology can lead to stress and exhaustion.

Pro: I tend to agree with people who say that technology can lead to stress and exhaustion.

#6

Basic: I understand your point about social media, but I think it can be quite toxic.

Pro: I take your point about social media, but I think it can be quite toxic.

#7

Basic: I think technology has had a huge impact on the music industry.

Pro: I reckon technology has had a huge impact on the music industry.

Sample responses

How has technology made our lives more dangerous?

To my mind, social media and mobile devices are the greatest danger to our well-being. Using them all the time can cause some physical issues, like eyestrain, and some more serious health conditions, such as depression.

Do you believe that one day technology will solve all our problems?

From my point of view, the COVID-19 pandemic showed us that this isn’t true. Digital technology could not control the virus. Instead, good policies, healthcare, and common sense helped us. I reckon that wearing face masks was more effective than using those contact tracing apps.

What effect has modern technology had on the lives of young children?

Without a doubt, technology has a huge influence on the lives of small children – for good and bad. On the one hand, using a tablet too much instead of reading books can impact the development of a child’s imagination. On the other hand, some games and apps help them learn how to make decisions and solve problems. So, I can really see both sides.

Some people say life was better and simpler fifty years ago. To what extent would you agree with them?

To be perfectly honest, I think life was better 50 years ago than it is today. For instance, it was easier to raise a family on one person’s salary and it much was easier to buy a house. I also think communication was healthier as people weren’t so addicted to their phones and as a result you could meet new people in a more natural way.