IELTS Speaking Part 3 Opinion Questions: Band 9 Response Framework

Quick Answer: IELTS Speaking Part 3 opinion questions require you to give and justify your views on abstract topics. To score Band 9, use a clear structure: state your opinion, explain with reasons, give an example, and consider an alternative. This framework shows examiners you can discuss complex ideas fluently, with precise vocabulary and logical development.

Table of Contents

Why Part 3 Opinion Questions Matter

The Band 9 Framework

Common Question Types & How to Handle Them

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Part 3 Opinion Questions Matter

Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test is where examiners truly assess your ability to discuss abstract topics. Unlike Part 1 (personal questions) or Part 2 (long turn), Part 3 asks for your opinion on societal, environmental, or cultural issues. The examiner wants to see if you can:

Develop ideas beyond one sentence

Use a range of vocabulary naturally

Structure your answer logically

Consider different perspectives (critical thinking)

Speak fluently without long pauses

Opinion questions are tricky because they seem simple, but many test-takers give short, vague answers. A Band 9 response shows depth, clarity, and confidence.

The Band 9 Framework

Use this simple 4-step framework for any opinion question:

State your opinion clearly – Use a phrase like "In my view," "I firmly believe," or "From my perspective."

Give a reason – Explain why you think that way. Use "because," "since," or "due to."

Provide an example – Make it specific. Use "For instance," "Take... as an example," or "A case in point is."

Consider an alternative – Show you can see other sides. Use "However," "That said," or "On the other hand."

Example question: Do you think technology has improved education?

Opinion: "In my view, technology has significantly improved education."

Reason: "Because it allows students to access a vast amount of information instantly and learn at their own pace."

Example: "For example, online platforms like Khan Academy provide free lessons on thousands of topics, which was impossible 20 years ago."

Alternative: "However, I also recognise that over-reliance on technology can reduce face-to-face interaction and critical thinking skills."

This structure makes your answer coherent, detailed, and easy to follow.

Common Question Types & How to Handle Them

Opinion questions in Part 3 often fall into these categories:

1. Direct Opinion

"What is your opinion on...?"

Use the framework directly. Start with "Personally, I think..." or "I would argue that..."

2. Compare & Contrast

"Do you think X is better than Y?"

State your preference, then compare. Use "While X has advantages, I believe Y is more beneficial because..."

3. Cause & Effect

"What are the effects of...?"

Focus on consequences. Use "This leads to..." or "As a result..."

4. Hypothetical

"If you could change one thing about...?"

Use "If I were in a position to..." or "Ideally, I would..."

5. Agree/Disagree

"Some people say... Do you agree?"

Acknowledge the view, then state yours. "While I understand that perspective, I tend to disagree because..."

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Gives a basic opinion with some justification. Uses simple vocabulary. Short answers (1-2 sentences). Some hesitation.
7	Gives a clear opinion with reasons and examples. Uses some less common vocabulary. Answers are 3-4 sentences. Good fluency with minor pauses.
8	Develops ideas fully. Uses a range of vocabulary precisely. Considers alternative views. Answers are 4-6 sentences. Smooth fluency.
9	Shows sophisticated critical thinking. Uses idiomatic language naturally. Balances multiple perspectives. Answers are 5-8 sentences with complex structures. No hesitation.

Sample Answers

Question: Do you think social media has a positive or negative impact on society? Band 7: "I think social media has both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, it helps people stay connected with friends and family. But on the negative side, it can cause addiction and reduce real-life interaction." Band 8: "In my opinion, social media has a largely positive impact, but it depends on how it's used. For instance, it allows people to share information quickly during emergencies, like natural disasters. However, excessive use can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and low self-esteem. So I believe moderation is key." Band 9: "That's a nuanced issue. On balance, I'd argue that social media has more positive than negative effects, provided it's used responsibly. For example, during the pandemic, platforms like Facebook and Twitter were instrumental in disseminating health guidelines and connecting isolated individuals. That said, I'm acutely aware of the downsides—such as the spread of misinformation and the erosion of privacy. What's more, studies have shown that heavy usage correlates with depression, especially among teenagers. So, while I see the benefits, I think we need stricter regulations and better digital literacy to mitigate the risks. Ultimately, it's a tool that reflects human behaviour—neither inherently good nor bad."

Common Mistakes

❌Giving a one-word answer – "Yes" or "No" is not enough. Always explain.

❌Being too vague – "It's good" or "It's bad" lacks detail. Use examples.

❌Ignoring the alternative – Only presenting one side makes your answer less nuanced. Examiners want to see you can think critically.

❌Using filler words – "Um," "like," "you know" reduce fluency. Pause silently instead.

❌Overcomplicating – Using big words incorrectly sounds unnatural. Stick to vocabulary you know well.

Top Tips

💡 Practise thinking on your feet. Set a timer for 30 seconds and answer random opinion questions aloud.

💡 Record yourself. Listen for hesitations, filler words, and unclear ideas.

💡 Learn 5-10 opinion phrases – e.g., "From my standpoint," "I'm inclined to believe," "It seems to me that." Use them naturally.

💡 Always give an example. It makes your answer concrete and memorable.

💡 Don't memorise answers. Examiners can tell. Instead, memorise the framework and adapt it.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials. They offer mock speaking tests with feedback from former examiners.

FAQ

Q: How long should my Part 3 answers be? A: Aim for 30-45 seconds per answer, which is about 5-8 sentences. Longer is fine if you stay on topic. Q: What if I don't have an opinion on the topic? A: It's okay to say "I've never thought about this before, but..." Then give a balanced view. You don't need a strong stance. Q: Can I use the same framework for all questions? A: Yes, but adapt it. For compare questions, state both sides. For cause/effect, focus on consequences. The core structure remains. Q: How important is vocabulary in Part 3? A: Very important. Use topic-specific words (e.g., "sustainable," "infrastructure," "psychological"). But don't force them—accuracy matters more than complexity. Q: Should I use idioms? A: Only if you're confident. A misplaced idiom can sound odd. Stick to natural expressions like "on balance" or "at the end of the day."

Key Takeaways

✅Use the 4-step framework: opinion → reason → example → alternative.

✅Give specific examples to support your points.

✅Show critical thinking by acknowledging other views.

✅Aim for 5-8 sentences per answer with smooth fluency.

✅Practise with a timer to improve speed and confidence.

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