IELTS Speaking Part 3: Rules and laws
6 Part 3 discussion questions on rules and laws, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What kind of behaviour is considered good behaviour?
Good behaviour generally refers to acting in a way that is respectful, considerate and beneficial to those around you. At its core, it involves following widely accepted social norms, such as being polite, honest and punctual. It also means showing empathy and kindness — helping others, listening patiently and avoiding actions that might harm or offend. Respecting rules and authority, whether at school, at work or in public, is another important component. In many cultures, showing deference to elders and taking responsibility for one's actions are especially valued. Ultimately, what counts as good behaviour can vary slightly between societies, but the underlying principle of treating people with fairness and respect is fairly universal.
How can parents teach children to obey rules?
Parents have a number of effective tools at their disposal, but consistency is probably the most important. Children learn best when rules are clearly explained and applied the same way every time, so they understand exactly what is expected of them. Leading by example is equally crucial, since youngsters tend to imitate their parents' behaviour far more than they follow verbal instructions. It also helps to explain the reasoning behind a rule rather than simply issuing commands, because children are more likely to cooperate when they see the purpose. Positive reinforcement, such as praising good behaviour, usually works better than harsh punishment. Setting age-appropriate boundaries and being patient are vital too. In short, a blend of clear expectations, good role-modelling and encouragement tends to be the most successful approach.
What are the benefits of obeying rules?
Obeying rules brings enormous benefits both to individuals and to society as a whole. On a broad level, rules maintain order and prevent chaos, ensuring that people can go about their lives safely and predictably. Traffic laws, for instance, save countless lives simply because most people follow them. Rules also promote fairness, as they apply equally to everyone and stop the strong from exploiting the weak. For individuals, respecting rules helps build a good reputation and avoids unpleasant consequences like fines or punishment. It fosters mutual trust and cooperation, which are the foundations of any functioning community. Without a shared willingness to obey rules, society would quickly descend into disorder, so their value can hardly be overstated.
Do you think children can learn about the law outside of school?
Yes, definitely — in fact, I'd argue that a great deal of legal awareness is acquired outside the classroom. The family is the first and perhaps most influential source, as parents constantly teach children about right and wrong and the consequences of breaking rules. The media also plays a significant role; news reports, films and even social media expose young people to real-life examples of laws and their enforcement. Everyday experiences, such as observing traffic rules or seeing how communities respond to wrongdoing, teach practical lessons that no textbook can. Community organisations and religious institutions often reinforce these values too. That said, schools remain important for providing structured, accurate knowledge. So while formal education matters, children absorb a surprising amount about the law from the world around them.
Do people in your country usually obey the law?
On the whole, I'd say the majority of people in my country do obey the law, particularly when it comes to serious matters. Most citizens recognise that laws exist for the common good and are keen to avoid the penalties that come with breaking them. That said, compliance isn't uniform across the board. Minor regulations, such as jaywalking or certain traffic rules, are sometimes treated rather casually, especially when enforcement is lax. Factors like the perceived fairness of a law and the likelihood of getting caught heavily influence whether people follow it. Younger generations also seem increasingly conscious of their civic responsibilities. Overall, though, I believe respect for the law is fairly strong, even if there's always room for improvement.
What are some rules that exist in schools or workplaces in your country?
Both schools and workplaces are governed by a whole set of rules designed to maintain discipline and productivity. In schools, students are typically required to wear uniforms, arrive on time, complete their homework and show respect towards teachers and classmates. There are usually strict prohibitions on things like cheating, bullying and using mobile phones during lessons. Workplaces have their own equivalents — employees are expected to keep regular hours, meet deadlines, follow safety procedures and behave professionally towards colleagues and clients. Many companies also have dress codes and clear policies on confidentiality and appropriate conduct. Breaking these rules can lead to consequences ranging from warnings to dismissal. Fundamentally, both environments rely on rules to create a fair, orderly and efficient atmosphere.
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.