IELTS Speaking Part 3: Opinions and ideas
8 Part 3 discussion questions on opinions and ideas, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
When do children begin to have their own ideas and opinions?
Children start forming their own ideas and opinions surprisingly early, though these become more sophisticated with age. Even toddlers express clear preferences about food, toys and activities, which are really the seeds of independent opinion. By the time they reach around five or six, children begin questioning things and offering their own views on what's fair or unfair. The most significant shift, however, tends to occur in adolescence, when teenagers actively develop their own values and often challenge the opinions of their parents and teachers as part of forming their identity. This is a natural and healthy part of growing up. Their opinions continue to evolve as they gain more knowledge and life experience. So while the process starts in early childhood, it really accelerates during the teenage years.
Who do children listen to more, their parents or their teachers?
I think this largely depends on the child's age and the particular subject at hand. In the early years, children are usually most influenced by their parents, who are their primary role models and the people they trust and spend the most time with. As they start school, however, teachers gain considerable authority, especially on academic matters, and children often take a teacher's word as definitive. Interestingly, during adolescence, the influence of both parents and teachers tends to wane as friends and peers become far more important. Generally, children listen to parents on personal and moral issues, and to teachers on educational ones. Ultimately, whichever adult has built the strongest, most trusting relationship with the child tends to have the greatest influence.
Who are smart children likely to be influenced by?
Smart children tend to be influenced by a somewhat wider and more selective range of sources than their peers. While parents and teachers naturally remain important, intelligent children are often drawn to people they perceive as knowledgeable or inspiring, such as a particularly gifted teacher, a mentor or an expert in a field they're passionate about. They also tend to be heavily influenced by books, documentaries and, increasingly, online content, since they're curious and eager to learn independently. Their friends matter too, especially like-minded peers who share their interests and challenge them intellectually. Interestingly, smart children are often more inclined to question authority and form their own views rather than simply accepting what they're told. So they're influenced less by pressure and more by ideas and people they genuinely respect.
Do you think children will always have ideas and opinions similar to those of their parents?
Not always — while children are heavily influenced by their parents in the early years, their opinions frequently diverge as they grow up. In childhood, it's natural for youngsters to absorb their parents' beliefs, values and attitudes, since parents are their main source of information about the world. However, as children mature and encounter new ideas through school, friends, the media and their own experiences, they begin to think more independently. Adolescence in particular is a time when many young people deliberately question or even rebel against their parents' views as they forge their own identity. That said, deeply held family values, especially around morality, religion or politics, often do carry through into adulthood. So there's usually a mixture — some similarities remain, but plenty of differences emerge over time.
Are children's opinions influenced by their parents?
Yes, without a doubt, parents are one of the most powerful influences on their children's opinions, particularly during the formative years. Children spend the most time with their parents and naturally look to them as role models, so they tend to absorb their attitudes on everything from politics and religion to lifestyle and values. This happens both directly, through what parents say, and indirectly, through the behaviour children observe every day. For example, a child raised in an environmentally conscious household is likely to care about the environment themselves. That said, this influence isn't total or permanent, as children are also shaped by teachers, friends and society, and they increasingly form their own views as they mature. But especially in the early years, parental influence is undeniably profound.
What do young people have strong opinions about?
Young people tend to feel passionately about a whole range of issues, often more so than older generations. Social and environmental causes are a prime example, as many young people care deeply about climate change, equality, human rights and social justice, and they're increasingly willing to voice these views publicly. They also hold strong opinions about culture and entertainment, such as music, fashion, films and social media trends. Technology and how it should be used is another area where they have firm views. On a more personal level, they often have strong feelings about their own freedom, identity and future. Interestingly, social media has amplified these opinions and given young people a powerful platform to express them. So today's youth are arguably more vocal and opinionated than ever before.
How can teachers help children develop their ideas and opinions?
Teachers can play a pivotal role in helping children develop their own ideas and opinions rather than simply memorising facts. One of the most effective approaches is to encourage open discussion and debate in the classroom, giving students the chance to express their views and listen to differing perspectives. Asking open-ended questions that have no single right answer prompts children to think critically and form their own conclusions. Teachers should also create a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas without fear of ridicule. Exposing children to a variety of viewpoints and encouraging them to question and analyse information helps develop independent thinking. Praising thoughtful reasoning, rather than just correct answers, reinforces this too. In these ways, teachers can nurture confident, articulate young people who think for themselves.
When do people change opinions?
People change their opinions under a variety of circumstances, though it's often a gradual and reluctant process. The most common trigger is being presented with new information or compelling evidence that contradicts what they previously believed. Personal experiences can be equally powerful, as living through something firsthand frequently reshapes a person's views in a way that mere argument cannot. People may also change their minds due to the influence of others they trust and respect, such as friends, family or experts. Sometimes maturity and age soften once-rigid opinions as people gain perspective. That said, humans are naturally resistant to changing deeply held beliefs, and some cling to their views regardless of evidence. So while people can and do change their opinions, it usually requires a strong catalyst and an open mind.
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.