IELTS Speaking Part 3: Leisure time
5 Part 3 discussion questions on leisure time, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What leisure activities do old and young people prefer?
There tends to be a fairly clear generational divide in leisure preferences, though of course there's plenty of overlap. Young people generally gravitate towards more active and technology-driven pastimes — things like playing video games, scrolling through social media, going to the gym, attending concerts and socialising with friends. They tend to crave excitement, novelty and interaction. Older people, on the other hand, usually prefer calmer, more relaxing activities such as gardening, reading, walking, watching television or spending quiet time with family. Many also enjoy traditional hobbies like knitting or playing cards. These differences largely reflect energy levels, health and the different values of each generation. That said, some interests, like travelling or watching films, are genuinely enjoyed across all ages.
How do people spend their leisure time in your country?
People in my country spend their free time in quite a diverse range of ways. Socialising is hugely popular, with friends and family often gathering at home, in cafés or at restaurants to chat over food and tea, which is a big part of our culture. Many people also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that's strolling in parks, having picnics or visiting the countryside at weekends. Younger generations tend to be glued to their phones, gaming and using social media, while watching television and films remains a common pastime for all ages. Shopping in malls has become a leisure activity in itself. During holidays, a lot of people like to travel, either domestically or abroad. So overall, leisure here revolves heavily around socialising and relaxation.
How does technology affect the way people spend leisure time?
Technology has utterly transformed the way people use their free time, for better and worse. On the positive side, it has opened up a vast array of entertainment options — streaming services, video games, social media and online communities all provide instant enjoyment at our fingertips. It also makes it easier to pursue hobbies, learn new skills through online tutorials and stay connected with distant friends. However, there's a significant downside, as many people, particularly the young, now spend excessive amounts of time staring at screens. This has come at the expense of traditional activities like outdoor play, reading physical books and face-to-face socialising. There are also health concerns linked to such a sedentary, screen-based lifestyle. So while technology has enriched our leisure options, it has arguably made us less active and more isolated.
Is leisure time important for everyone?
Yes, I'd argue that leisure time is genuinely essential for everyone, regardless of age or occupation. After the stresses of work or study, people need time to rest and recharge, both physically and mentally, in order to stay healthy and avoid burnout. Leisure allows people to pursue hobbies and interests that bring them joy and a sense of fulfilment beyond their daily responsibilities. It's also crucial for maintaining relationships, as spending quality time with family and friends strengthens those bonds. Without adequate downtime, people become exhausted, irritable and far less productive in the long run. In fact, a healthy work-life balance is increasingly recognised as vital for overall wellbeing. So leisure isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental human need.
Do you think only old people have time for leisure?
No, I don't think that's accurate at all, although it's a common perception. It's true that retired people generally have the most free time, since they're no longer tied to work commitments and can devote their days to hobbies and relaxation. However, this doesn't mean others have no leisure time. Working adults, though busy, still carve out time in the evenings and at weekends for activities they enjoy. Students and young people, despite their studies, often have considerable free time and a lot of energy to fill it. Even parents with hectic schedules find moments to unwind. The real difference lies in the amount and timing of leisure rather than its complete absence. So leisure is something people of all ages make time for, just in varying degrees.
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.