IELTS Speaking Part 3: TV programs, videos
4 Part 3 discussion questions on tv programs, videos, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What kinds of TV programs are popular in your country?
A wide variety of TV programmes enjoy popularity in my country, catering to different tastes and age groups. News and current-affairs programmes are watched by a great many people who want to stay informed about local and international events. Entertainment shows, such as talent competitions, game shows and comedy programmes, are hugely popular as light, enjoyable viewing for the whole family. Soap operas and TV dramas, both local and foreign, attract very loyal audiences and are a staple of everyday viewing. Sports broadcasts, especially football, draw enormous numbers of viewers as well. In recent years, there's also been growing interest in foreign series accessed through streaming platforms. So the range is broad, but entertainment, news, drama and sport tend to dominate.
Do you prefer TV programs or online videos?
Personally, I lean towards online videos these days, though I still see the value in traditional TV programmes. Online videos offer far greater flexibility and control, allowing me to watch exactly what I want, whenever and wherever suits me, rather than being tied to a fixed broadcast schedule. The sheer variety is also incredible, from short clips and tutorials to full documentaries and series, and much of it is tailored to my specific interests. Traditional TV programmes, on the other hand, tend to be more professionally produced and are great for shared family viewing or major live events like sports and news. There's a certain communal quality to watching TV together that online viewing lacks. But overall, the convenience and personalisation of online video make it my preference. It reflects the way my generation increasingly consumes content.
How have TV programs changed in recent years?
TV programmes have changed enormously over the past decade or so, largely due to technology and shifting viewing habits. Perhaps the biggest change is the rise of streaming services like Netflix, which have shifted control from broadcasters to viewers, who can now watch on demand rather than at fixed times. This has led to a boom in high-quality, big-budget series that rival films in their production values. The variety and global reach of content have also expanded dramatically, giving audiences access to shows from all over the world. Programmes have become more interactive and personalised too, with algorithms recommending content based on individual tastes. Traditional scheduled television and advertising have declined as a result. So overall, TV has become more flexible, higher-quality and far more viewer-driven than ever before.
Do you think children watch too many videos?
Yes, I do think many children today watch far too many videos, and it's a growing concern for parents and educators alike. With smartphones, tablets and endless streaming platforms, children have unlimited access to video content, and the addictive, fast-paced nature of short videos in particular makes it very easy for them to spend hours glued to a screen. Excessive screen time can have several negative effects, including reduced physical activity, poorer concentration, disrupted sleep and less time spent on reading, socialising or outdoor play. It can also expose them to unsuitable content. That said, not all videos are harmful, as educational content can be genuinely beneficial in moderation. The real issue is the lack of balance and supervision. So I believe parents should set sensible limits to ensure children don't overdo it.
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.