How to Give Best Answers in IELTS Speaking Test Part 3

Welcome to the ultimate guide: learn how to give the best answers in IELTS speaking test Part 3!

Often considered the toughest part, Part 3 challenges you to explain complex ideas, have in-depth discussions, and showcase your English language skills.

But don't worry—this guide is packed with strategies, tips, and insights to help you tackle this section with confidence and help you improve your speaking performance and achieve the IELTS score you need.

Let's get into it.

Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 3

Sample Topic Questions: Actors & The Entertainment Industry

1. Do you think top actors should get paid so much?
2. Why do famous actors usually make more money than people in other jobs?
3. Do you think an actor's salary should depend on their skill or their fame?
4. How do high actor salaries affect the film industry?
5. Do you think the main goal of the entertainment industry is to make money?
6. Besides making money, what other purposes does the entertainment industry have?
7. How do you think the goals of the entertainment industry have changed over time?

How to Tackle IELTS Speaking Part 3: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Understand the Structure

IELTS Speaking Part 3 is a 4-5 minute discussion where candidates talk more about the Part 2 topic. The questions are more abstract and need deeper thinking than the straightforward questions in Parts 1 and 2.

2. Develop Your Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is crucial in Part 3. This section tests your ability to provide well-structured, logical responses to more general and abstract questions.

For example, when answering Question 1:

Do you think top actors should get paid so much?

You should weigh the pros and cons of high actor salaries from both social and economic viewpoints.

Sample Answer

High salaries for top actors can make sense both socially and economically. On the money side, these actors bring in big bucks for the film industry with their talent and star power. Their presence draws huge audiences, boosts box office sales, and ups merchandising and sponsorship deals, which all benefit the wider industry and economy.

On the social side, top actors often use their platforms to highlight important issues and support charities, making a positive impact beyond their films. But, let's be real, these high salaries can create a big gap in the industry, overshadowing the hard work of essential crew members like writers, directors, and production staff.

While the big paychecks can be justified by the revenue and influence these actors bring, a fairer distribution of income would ensure everyone who contributes gets properly compensated.

3. Provide Extended Responses

Your answers should go beyond a simple yes or no. Aim to expand your response with several sentences. For Question 2:

Why do famous actors usually make more money than people in other jobs?

Discuss factors such as the film industry's revenue generation, the actors' marketability, and their role in attracting audience attention.

Sample Answer

Famous actors often rake in more cash than folks in other professions due to a mix of factors. For one, the film industry is a massive moneymaker, with top movies grossing billions worldwide. These actors are a big part of why that happens. Their marketability is huge; a well-known name on a movie poster can be the difference between a blockbuster and a flop. They also have the unique ability to grab and hold our attention, making audiences more likely to buy tickets, stream movies, or purchase associated merchandise. In addition, famous actors often have the star quality that draws viewers, not just to cinemas but across various media platforms, creating a multi-faceted revenue stream for the industry. So, their hefty paychecks can be seen as a reflection of the huge financial impact they have, something quite unique compared to more traditional jobs.

4. Use Examples to Support Your Points

Examples can make your answers more credible. When answering Question 3:

Do you think an actor's salary should depend on their skill or their fame?

You could mention talented but less famous actors who win awards compared to popular actors who might not be as highly regarded.

Sample Answer

This is a tough one because both skill and fame play crucial roles in an actor's success. I'd argue that an actor's salary should be a mix of both elements. Take, for example, a highly skilled but less famous actor like Mark Rylance. He's an Academy Award-winning performer known for his stunning craft, but he doesn't have the household name recognition of someone like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Rylance might not bring in the massive audiences that The Rock does, but his talent contributes significantly to the film's quality and critical acclaim. On the other hand, someone like The Rock may not win a ton of acting awards, but his fame alone can turn a mediocre film into a box office hit. His broad appeal brings in diverse audiences, benefiting the film financially.

So, an actor's paycheck should ideally reflect a balance, rewarding both the honed artistry that goes into creating a memorable character and the ability to draw viewers en masse. This way, we acknowledge the nuanced skill of acting while also appreciating the financial boon that comes with star power. Balancing these factors would make the industry more equitable and could push studios to invest in varied talent, catering to both high-quality cinema and blockbuster entertainment.

5. Express Your Opinions Confidently

Expressing a clear opinion is vital. For Question 4:

How do high actor salaries affect the film industry?

You could mention that high salaries can motivate aspiring actors, but they can also increase costs for production companies.

Sample Answer

High actor salaries have mixed effects on the film industry. On one hand, big paychecks can motivate actors to improve their skills and aim high. Knowing they can earn a lot pushes them to work harder and perform better.

But there's a downside. High salaries can strain production budgets, making studios spend most of their money on a few actors. This limits resources for other important parts of filmmaking like special effects, set design, or hiring more talent. This financial strain can sometimes lower the film's overall quality and diversity.

So, while high salaries can attract and inspire top talent, they also bring financial challenges. The goal is to find a balance that rewards actors without hurting the film's quality.

6. Discuss Broader Implications

Think about the bigger picture. When addressing Question 5:

Do you think the main goal of the entertainment industry is to make money?

Consider the commercial aspects as well as the cultural and social roles of the entertainment industry.

Sample Answer

The entertainment industry has two big goals: making money and serving cultural and social roles. Profit keeps things going, sparks new ideas, and pays actors. Creating movie box-office hits and binge-worthy TV series draws in large audiences and ensures financial success.

But, there's more to it. The industry also mirrors and shapes societal values, giving insights into the human experience and sparking cultural dialogue. Movies and TV shows can sway public opinion, spotlight social issues, and promote cultural diversity. By showcasing various voices and stories, the industry enriches our culture.

Balancing profit with cultural and social responsibilities isn't a walk in the park. Many production companies try to develop lucrative and meaningful projects. The industry thrives when it blends financial goals with content that deeply resonates with audiences, ensuring its longevity and relevance.

7. Explore Multiple Angles

Explore various dimensions of the questions. For Question 6:

Besides making money, what other purposes does the entertainment industry have?

Consider its role in cultural preservation, social commentary, and providing a platform for artistic expression.

Sample Answer

The entertainment industry is a massive economic powerhouse, but it does so much more than just make money. It also has a few other vital roles.

First off, it helps preserve cultures. Think about how movies, music, and TV shows capture the essence of different cultures, traditions, and histories. Films like "Black Panther" or "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" do more than entertain—they give us a glimpse into cultural narratives and connect us to worlds we might never have experienced otherwise.

Then there's the platform it offers for social commentary. Through storytelling, creators can highlight societal issues, challenge norms, and inspire change. Whether it’s a documentary on climate change or a TV series addressing systemic racism, the industry plays a huge role in shaping public awareness and perception.

And let's not forget the sheer joy of artistic expression. For many artists, actors, and musicians, their work is a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas that might otherwise go unheard. This creative freedom is essential—not just for the individuals involved but for all of us, as it fosters innovation, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

So yeah, making money is a big part of it, but the entertainment industry does so much more. It keeps our cultures alive, sparks important conversations, and celebrates human creativity, making it indispensable to both our economy and our collective humanity.

8. Reflect on Changes Over Time

Consider historical changes and trends in your discussion. For Question 7:

How do you think the goals of the entertainment industry have changed over time?

You might reflect on how advances in technology and changes in audience preferences have shaped the industry's objectives.

Sample Answer

The goals of the entertainment industry have really evolved over time, thanks to new technology and changing audience tastes. Back in the day, movies and radio were all about amusing people and giving them an escape. Then TV came along, adding education and information into the mix with shows, news, and documentaries sharing the spotlight with pure entertainment.

Now we’re in the digital age, and the internet and streaming have changed everything again. Anyone can create and share content, so we’re seeing a lot more voices and genres out there. Today’s audiences are after high-quality, diverse content that reflects different cultures and perspectives.

Plus, social media has turned viewers into active participants who can share their opinions and influence trends instantly. So now, the industry is all about keeping audiences engaged and creating viral content. There’s also a bigger focus on using the platform to address social issues and inspire real-world change.

In a nutshell, the entertainment industry’s goals have grown from just entertaining to also educating, diversifying, engaging, and advocating for social issues, making it a much more complex and varied field.

Expert Tips

• Listen and Understand: Fully comprehend the examiner's question before responding.
• Structured Responses: Use a clear structure: state your main point, give reasons or examples, and conclude your answer.
• Clarity and Coherence: Ensure your answers are easy to follow.
• Vocabulary and Grammar: Use a range of vocabulary and accurate grammar.
• Practice: Regularly practice answering Part 3 questions with a timer.

Examiner Insights

Examiners look for the candidate's ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently. Demonstrating depth of thought and the ability to discuss abstract topics in depth will score higher.

Use these tips to successfully tackle Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test confidently and show your English speaking skills.