IELTS Speaking Part 3: Messages
4 Part 3 discussion questions on messages, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
Why do people write letters?
Although letter-writing has declined dramatically, people still write letters for a number of meaningful reasons. Formal and official matters, such as job applications, legal documents and business correspondence, often still require a proper written letter for the sake of professionalism and record-keeping. On a personal level, some people write letters precisely because they feel more heartfelt and thoughtful than a quick text or email, making them ideal for expressing deep emotions or gratitude. Handwritten letters also carry a certain sentimental value and can be treasured and kept for years. In some cases, people write to those without easy access to technology, such as elderly relatives. So while letters are no longer the everyday necessity they once were, they still serve important formal and emotional purposes.
Nowadays, do people prefer to write letters or emails?
Nowadays, the vast majority of people undoubtedly prefer emails, and it's easy to understand why. Emails are almost instantaneous, completely free and incredibly convenient, allowing people to communicate across the globe in a matter of seconds. They're also easy to store, search and reply to, which makes them ideal for both personal and professional purposes. Traditional letters, by comparison, are slow, require postage and can take days or even weeks to arrive. As a result, letter-writing has become quite rare and is largely reserved for special or formal occasions. That said, a handwritten letter still carries an emotional weight that an email can't quite match. But in terms of everyday practicality, emails have overwhelmingly won out.
On what particular occasion do you prefer to write letters?
Personally, I'd reserve writing an actual letter for occasions that carry genuine emotional significance. For instance, I'd much rather write a heartfelt letter than send a text to express deep gratitude, congratulations or condolences, because the effort involved makes the sentiment feel far more sincere. A handwritten letter also feels appropriate for something like a thank-you note after receiving a meaningful gift, or a message to a close family member on a special milestone. There's something uniquely personal about putting pen to paper that a digital message simply can't replicate. Formal situations, such as a resignation or an official request, are another occasion where a proper letter feels right. So for anything truly meaningful or formal, I'd choose a letter over a quick electronic message.
Do you think traditional letters are a good way to send messages?
I think traditional letters have both clear strengths and obvious limitations as a means of communication. On the positive side, they're personal, thoughtful and tangible, and receiving a handwritten letter can feel genuinely special in a way that digital messages rarely do. They're excellent for conveying deep emotions and can become cherished keepsakes. However, as a practical everyday method, they've been thoroughly outclassed by modern technology. Letters are slow, can get lost in the post and are useless in urgent situations that demand an immediate response. In our fast-paced world, waiting days for a reply is simply impractical for most purposes. So while I'd say letters remain a wonderful way to send meaningful, personal messages, they're no longer a good option for quick or routine communication.
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.