IELTS Speaking Part 3: News, national identity
8 Part 3 discussion questions on news, national identity, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
Do you think it's important to have a national identity?
Yes, I believe having a national identity is genuinely important, both for individuals and for society as a whole. On a personal level, it gives people a sense of belonging, pride and connection to something larger than themselves, which contributes to their overall sense of who they are. On a societal level, a shared national identity helps unite a diverse population around common values, traditions and history, fostering solidarity and social cohesion. This can be especially important in times of crisis, when a country needs its people to pull together. National identity also helps preserve a culture's unique language, customs and heritage against the homogenising forces of globalisation. That said, it becomes problematic if it turns into extreme nationalism or intolerance of others. So in moderation, I consider a healthy national identity to be a valuable and unifying force.
How can people develop their national identity?
People develop their national identity through a variety of influences, most of which begin in childhood. Education plays a central role, as schools teach children about their country's history, language, literature and cultural achievements, instilling a sense of shared heritage. The family and community are equally important, passing down traditions, values, customs and celebrations from one generation to the next. Participating in national holidays, festivals and events strengthens this bond and creates a feeling of collective belonging. The media, including national sports teams, films and music, also reinforces a shared sense of identity. Learning and using the national language is another powerful factor. Even everyday symbols like the flag and anthem contribute. So national identity is really cultivated through a combination of education, family, culture and shared experiences over a lifetime.
Why do local people like to read local news?
Local people are naturally drawn to local news because it directly affects their everyday lives in a way that distant news simply cannot. Stories about their own town or region — such as new developments, local events, school news, crime or council decisions — have immediate practical relevance and can influence their daily routines. There's also a strong sense of connection and community involved, as people care about what happens to their neighbours and the places they know. Local news often features familiar faces and places, which makes it more personal and engaging. It can be genuinely useful too, informing residents about job opportunities, local services or safety concerns. In addition, following local news helps people feel more rooted and involved in their community. So its appeal lies in its relevance, familiarity and sense of belonging.
Why do people like local news more than international news?
Many people prefer local news to international news primarily because it feels more relevant and relatable to their own lives. Local news covers issues that have a direct and tangible impact on them, such as changes to local services, nearby events or community developments, whereas international news can feel remote and abstract. There's an emotional connection too, as people care more deeply about their own community and the familiar places and faces it involves. Local stories are also easier to understand and act upon, without requiring background knowledge of foreign politics or cultures. Furthermore, international news is often dominated by depressing reports of conflicts and disasters, which some people find overwhelming and prefer to avoid. That said, not everyone shares this preference, as some are keenly interested in global affairs. But for many, the immediacy and relevance of local news naturally makes it more appealing.
How often do people in your country buy newspapers?
Honestly, buying physical newspapers has become quite rare in my country, particularly among younger generations. The vast majority of people now get their news online, whether through news websites, social media or apps on their phones, because it's instant, free and constantly updated. As a result, printed newspaper sales have declined dramatically over the past couple of decades, and many people never buy them at all. The main exception tends to be older people, who grew up with the habit and still enjoy the experience of reading a physical paper, perhaps with their morning coffee. Some people also pick one up occasionally for a long journey or out of tradition. But on the whole, the daily newspaper-buying habit has largely faded, replaced by digital consumption. So these days, regular newspaper purchases are the exception rather than the rule.
Do you think visual media (film, photography) is important in how news is presented?
Yes, I think visual media plays an absolutely crucial role in how news is presented and received today. A powerful photograph or piece of video footage can convey the reality and emotional weight of an event far more instantly and vividly than words alone ever could. Iconic images of wars, disasters or protests have shaped public opinion and even changed the course of history. Visuals also make news more engaging and accessible, capturing people's attention in an age of short attention spans and helping them understand complex situations at a glance. They lend credibility too, providing tangible evidence that something actually happened. That said, there's a downside, as images can be manipulated, staged or taken out of context to mislead audiences. So while visual media is enormously important and impactful, it also needs to be viewed with a degree of critical awareness.
What do you think of news on social media?
I have decidedly mixed views on getting news from social media. On the positive side, it's incredibly fast, free and accessible, allowing people to learn about breaking events almost instantly and from a diverse range of sources and perspectives. It has also democratised the news, giving ordinary people a voice and enabling important stories to spread that traditional media might ignore. However, the drawbacks are serious. Social media is notorious for spreading misinformation and 'fake news', as sensational and false stories often circulate faster than accurate ones. The lack of professional fact-checking means people can easily be misled. Algorithms also tend to trap users in 'echo chambers', reinforcing their existing views. So while social media has revolutionised how we access news, I think people need to be far more critical and verify what they read before believing it.
How do people in your country get news?
People in my country get their news through a variety of channels, though there's been a decisive shift towards digital sources in recent years. Nowadays, the majority rely on the internet — news websites, social media platforms and mobile apps — because these offer instant, constantly updated and easily accessible information for free. Television remains a significant source too, especially for older generations and for major events, as many people still watch the evening news. Radio continues to be popular among commuters and those in cars. Printed newspapers, by contrast, have declined sharply and are now read by relatively few, mainly older people. Word of mouth also plays a role, as people share news with family and friends. So overall, while traditional media still has its audience, online sources have become the dominant way people stay informed.
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.