IELTS Speaking Test Parts 2 and 3

Here are some sample tasks and useful vocabulary for the IELTS Speaking Test Parts 2 and 3.

Relevant Vocabulary:

• Unexpected
• Astonished
• Out of the blue
• Caught off guard
• Overwhelmed
• Pleasantly surprised
• Shocking

Idioms/Expressions (with meanings):

• “It took me by surprise” – I didn’t expect it.
• “Out of nowhere” – Something happened suddenly or unexpectedly.
• “Knocked my socks off” – Something that really impressed or surprised me.
• “Left me speechless” – Something so surprising that I couldn’t speak.
• “I didn’t see it coming” – I wasn’t able to predict or anticipate it

Part 3 Questions:

• Why do people like surprises?
• Do you think surprises are more enjoyable when planned or completely unexpected?
• What kind of surprises do people usually give in your culture?
• Do people in your country prefer giving or receiving surprises?
• Can surprises have a negative effect? Why or why not?

Relevant Vocabulary:

• Dilemma
• Tough choice
• Weigh the pros and cons    
• Compromise
• Consequences
• Uncertainty

Idioms/Expressions (with meanings):

• “Between a rock and a hard place” – Facing two difficult choices.
• “Bite the bullet” – To make a tough decision or face something unpleasant.
• “At a crossroads” – Being at a point where you need to make an important decision.
• “Follow your gut” – To trust your instincts when making a decision.
• “The lesser of two evils” – Choosing the less harmful or unpleasant option out of two bad options.

Part 3 Questions:

• What are some difficult decisions that people face in daily life?
• Do you think decision-making is easier for young people or older people? Why?
• How can people improve their decision-making skills?
• What role does technology play in helping people make decisions today?
• Do you think people in leadership positions face more difficult decisions than others?

Relevant Vocabulary:

• Master
• Develop
• Acquire
• Challenge
• Proficiency
• Improve

Idioms/Expressions (with meanings):

• “Practice makes perfect” – The more you practice, the better you become.
• “Learn the ropes” – To learn how to do something new.
• “Hone your skills” – To sharpen or improve your skills.
• “Get the hang of it” – To start to understand how to do something.
• “Trial and error” – Learning by making mistakes and improving from them.

Part 3 Questions:

• What are some skills that are becoming more important in today’s world?
• Do you think it’s easier to learn new skills as a child or as an adult?
• How important is it for people to continue learning new skills throughout their lives?
• What role does the internet play in learning new skills?
• Should employers encourage their staff to learn new skills?

Relevant Vocabulary:

• Counsel
• Suggest
• Recommend
• Guide
• Share wisdom
• Influence

Idioms/Expressions (with meanings):

• “A word of advice” – Giving someone a suggestion.
• “Take it with a grain of salt” – Don’t take it too seriously or literally.
• “I gave them a piece of my mind” – I gave them frank advice, often critical.
• “Lead by example” – Show how to do something by doing it yourself.
• “To steer someone in the right direction” – Give advice to guide someone properly.

Part 3 Questions:

• What are some common situations where people seek advice from others?
• Do you think people generally follow the advice they are given? Why or why not?
• In your opinion, what qualities make someone a good advisor?
• Is it better to get advice from family and friends or from professionals? Why?
• Do you think giving advice is an important part of leadership?

Relevant Vocabulary:

• Transition
• Milestone
• Turning point
• Life-changing
• Adapt
• Shift

Idioms/Expressions (with meanings):

• “A blessing in disguise” – Something that seemed bad at first but turned out to be good.
• “Turn over a new leaf” – Start fresh or make a change for the better.
• “At the drop of a hat” – A change that happens very quickly or without delay.
• “A new chapter in my life” – A significant change or new beginning.
• “Change of heart” – Changing your feelings or attitude about something.

Part 3 Questions:

• How do people usually react to major changes in their lives?
• Do you think change is generally a good thing, or is it better to maintain stability?
• How can people prepare themselves for unexpected changes in life?
• What are some common changes that people experience in their careers?
• Do you think society today is changing faster than it did in the past? Why or why not?

We hope you found this vocabulary useful in preparing for the IELTS Speaking Test Parts 2 and 3.