Speaking Part 3 Sample Bank for Band 7
Build a reusable bank for Part 3 so you can defend opinions, compare ideas, and solve problems in 40 to 60 seconds per answer. Learn flexible frames, follow up tactics, and scoring targets. Includes two model answers, a Bangladesh mini case, measurable drills, mistakes, edge cases, and a compact glossary for quick review.
What Part 3 really tests
Part 3 is a short academic discussion after your Part 2 talk. The examiner asks abstract questions and follow ups. Band 7 expects clear opinions, logical development, precise vocabulary, and a range of complex but accurate grammar. “Follow up” means an impromptu extra question that probes your first answer. “Counterargument” means an opposing view that you briefly address.
Timing and scope
Target 40 to 60 seconds per answer. Aim for 90 to 130 words and 3 to 5 sentences. Scope means how wide your claim is. Keep claims specific, then broaden if asked.
The 5 core frames for your sample bank
- Compare and contrast: position plus two dimensions.
Template: Overall view → Dimension A comparison → Dimension B comparison → Mini conclusion. - Cause and effect: reason chain with one caveat.
Template: Main cause → Secondary factor → Result → Caveat. - Solutions and evaluation: two options plus trade off.
Template: Problem → Option 1 with benefit and cost → Option 2 with benefit and cost → Choice. - Trends and prediction: evidence now, driver, risk.
Template: Current evidence → Driver → Risk → Likely outcome. - Principles and exceptions: rule plus counterexample.
Template: Principle → Example → Exception → Balanced conclusion.
Language that upgrades you
- Signposting means guiding the listener with phrases like “overall”, “in contrast”, “for instance”, “however”.
- Hedging means softening claims with phrases like “to some extent”, “in many cases”, “roughly speaking”.
- Band safe verbs: prioritise, facilitate, undermine, incentivise, allocate, mitigate.
- Smart quantifiers: a minority of, a sizable share, on average, per capita, long term.
Example 1 — Compare and contrast
Do you think remote work benefits society?
“Overall it benefits many workers, but effects vary. In terms of productivity, people with quiet homes often gain focus, while those in crowded flats may struggle. Looking at community life, fewer commutes reduce traffic and pollution, yet local shops near offices can lose customers. On balance, the outcome is positive if cities support neighbourhood work hubs and better internet.”
Example 2 — Solutions and evaluation
How can cities reduce plastic waste?
“One route is stricter pricing on single use bags, which changes behaviour fast but can burden low income shoppers. Another is investing in refill stations for staples like oil and shampoo, which takes longer but builds a new habit. If funds are limited, I would start with targeted pricing and pair it with monthly refill pop ups so people try the system before it scales.”
Mini case — Farhan in Chattogram
Farhan sat at Band 6.0 because his Part 3 answers became short opinions. He built a bank using the five frames, then practised a 3 number drill: words per answer, number of reasons, and follow up readiness. Over 14 days he did 30 timed answers. His averages moved from 65 words to 110 words, reasons from 1 to 3, and he prepared one counterargument per answer. In his test he reached Band 7.0 since his ideas were balanced and specific.
Measurable practice
- 3 sessions per week, 18 minutes each.
- Per session answer six questions in 50 seconds each.
- Track: words per answer, reasons given, and whether you used one signpost and one hedge. Raise one metric by 10 percent weekly.
- Use a 10 second pre answer pause to choose the best frame.
Common mistakes
- Vague claims without evidence. Fix by adding one data like phrase: “for example, at my university, attendance rose after…”
- Listing too many points. Two reasons well developed beat four thin ideas.
- Ignoring the follow up. Expect it and keep one extra reason ready.
- Overusing idioms. Use one natural idiom at most.
Edge cases and quick fixes
- Unknown topic: borrow Principle and exception. State a modest rule, give a safe example, then one exception.
- Opinion you do not hold: state the common view, then limit it with a hedge and one risk.
- Challenging follow up: buy time with a micro pause line like “That is a fair point. If we look at the long term…” then add one more angle.
Building your bank
Create five cards, one per frame. For each, write two topic starters relevant to Bangladesh. Example starters: remote education access, traffic management, green energy subsidies, food delivery and waste, public space for women and children. Under each starter, sketch a 4 step outline that follows the template. Record yourself and check for signposts, hedges, and balanced conclusions.
Glossary
Follow up: an extra probing question.
Scope: the width of your claim.
Counterargument: the opposing view you address.
Hedging: softening a claim to stay accurate.
Trade off: a cost that comes with a benefit.
- Actionable closing — How to steps
- Pick a frame that fits the question. Say the frame name in your head.
- Note three keywords only. No full sentences.
- Give a clear stance in sentence one.
- Develop exactly two reasons with one example or mini data point.
- Add one hedge or caveat to show balance.
- End with a one line conclusion that restates your stance.
- For the follow up, add either a counterargument or a trade off in one extra sentence. Repeat for six questions per session.