IELTS Speaking Part 3: Holidays
4 Part 3 discussion questions on holidays, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What do you need to do before you travel?
There are quite a few essential things to sort out before setting off on a trip. The most crucial is arranging the logistics — booking flights and accommodation, and making sure all your travel documents such as passports and visas are valid and in order. You also need to pack sensibly, taking into account the climate and the activities you have planned. It's wise to sort out practical matters like travel insurance, currency and any necessary vaccinations. Many people also do a bit of research on their destination beforehand so they know what to expect. Finally, it's sensible to organise things back home, such as asking someone to look after your pets or plants. Getting all of this done in advance ensures the journey goes smoothly.
What preparations should people make before going on holiday?
Beyond the basic bookings, thorough preparation can make or break a holiday. I'd say researching the destination is particularly important — reading about local customs, the best places to visit and any safety concerns helps travellers make the most of their time. Budgeting carefully is another key step, so that people don't overspend or run short of money midway through the trip. It's also worth checking practical details like the local weather, transport options and whether any specific health precautions are needed. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can be surprisingly helpful too. On top of that, having a rough itinerary while leaving room for spontaneity strikes a good balance. In short, the more groundwork people lay, the more relaxed and enjoyable their holiday tends to be.
Where do people usually travel on holidays?
People's holiday destinations vary widely depending on their budget, interests and the time of year. A great many prefer beach destinations, where they can relax by the sea, soak up the sun and unwind from their hectic routines. Others are drawn to famous cities, eager to explore historic landmarks, museums and vibrant cultural scenes. Nature lovers often head for the mountains or countryside to hike, breathe fresh air and escape the noise of urban life. There's also a growing trend of travelling abroad to experience entirely different cultures and cuisines. Meanwhile, some people simply visit relatives in another region or country. Ultimately, the choice reflects what each person is looking for, whether that's relaxation, adventure or cultural discovery.
Do you think it's important to do some preparation before you travel to new places?
Yes, I believe preparation is genuinely important, especially when visiting an unfamiliar place. Doing a bit of research beforehand helps travellers avoid unpleasant surprises, such as being unaware of local customs or turning up during a period of bad weather. It also allows people to plan their time efficiently so they don't miss out on the highlights of a destination. From a safety perspective, knowing which areas to avoid and how local transport works can prevent a great deal of trouble. Preparation gives people confidence and peace of mind, which makes the whole experience far more enjoyable. That said, I'd argue it's best not to over-plan, since leaving some room for spontaneity often leads to the most memorable moments. So a balance between preparation and flexibility is ideal.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 3 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is about you; Part 3 is about people in general. The questions move to society, causes and consequences, and the answers are expected to be longer and more developed — an opinion plus a reason plus an example.
What if I have no opinion on the question?
You are not marked on the opinion, so pick one and support it. Saying you have never thought about it and stopping there leaves the examiner nothing to assess.
How long does Part 3 last?
Four to five minutes. The topics develop out of your Part 2 card, so the discussion is usually connected to what you just described.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.