IELTS Speaking Part 3
Science and public understanding
Practise discussing broader issues connected with science. These are original discussion prompts, not official or predicted exam questions.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
Practice questions
1. How has science changed over the last generation?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
2. Why do people have different attitudes towards science?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
3. What benefits can science bring to individuals or communities?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
4. What problems can arise when science is handled poorly?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
5. What role should schools, families or employers play in science?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
6. Should governments invest more public resources in science? Why or why not?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
7. How might science develop over the next twenty years?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
8. How might attitudes towards science differ between generations or cultures?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
Develop your ideas
- compare past and present
- explain causes and effects
- consider advantages and disadvantages
- give an example
- qualify an opinion
- suggest a realistic solution
Useful language
- One important factor is…
- A possible downside is…
- Compared with the past,…
- It depends on…
- For instance,…
- In the long term,…
An example to develop
- A public demonstration could explain how a simple experiment works while also showing what it cannot prove. Discuss why clear limits help communication.
- Choose a relevant question above. State your view, explain how this example supports it, and consider one limitation. These are hypothetical practice examples, not research claims.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 90 seconds practice.