IELTS Speaking Part 3: Travelling, rest
4 Part 3 discussion questions on travelling, rest, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
Why do some people prefer to travel in their own country rather than going abroad?
There are several compelling reasons for this preference. To begin with, domestic travel is generally far more affordable, since there are no expensive flights, visa fees or currency-exchange losses to worry about. It's also much more convenient, as people can avoid the hassle of language barriers and unfamiliar customs. On top of that, many individuals feel a genuine sense of patriotism and want to explore the natural beauty and heritage of their own country before venturing overseas. Safety is another factor, because travelling domestically tends to feel more predictable and less risky. Finally, for those with limited holiday time, staying within the country means less time wasted in transit and more time actually relaxing.
Some people don't like to travel abroad. Why?
I think this often comes down to a mixture of practical and emotional factors. For one thing, international travel can be prohibitively expensive and stressful, involving long flights, jet lag and complicated logistics. Some people are also quite anxious about stepping outside their comfort zone, whether that's dealing with a foreign language or navigating an unfamiliar culture. In addition, there are those who are deeply attached to their home routines and simply don't see the appeal of being far from family and friends. Health concerns and a fear of flying can play a role too. Ultimately, not everyone equates going abroad with happiness, and many are perfectly content exploring what's close to home.
Why do people choose to travel or live abroad?
People are drawn overseas for a whole host of reasons. The most obvious one is opportunity — better jobs, higher salaries and access to world-class education can be powerful magnets, particularly for young professionals. Beyond the economic side, many crave adventure and personal growth, seeing life abroad as a chance to broaden their horizons and become more independent. Cultural curiosity is also significant, as immersing yourself in a different society teaches you things no textbook ever could. Some relocate for love or to join family who have already settled elsewhere. And in certain cases, people move abroad to escape political instability or a lack of prospects at home, hoping to build a more secure future.
How has the way people travel changed over the past few decades?
Travel has been transformed almost beyond recognition. Decades ago, going abroad was a luxury reserved for the wealthy, whereas budget airlines and online booking platforms have now made it accessible to ordinary people. Technology has also revolutionised the experience — travellers rely on smartphones for maps, translations and reviews rather than paper guidebooks and local advice. There's been a noticeable shift towards independent, do-it-yourself trips instead of rigidly organised package tours. At the same time, people have become far more adventurous, seeking out remote or exotic destinations that were once considered off the beaten track. On the downside, growing awareness of the environmental impact of flying is beginning to make some travellers think twice about how often they go.
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.