Why do I need to know this?

In Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, you might have to discuss big topics which have several different types, parts of groups of people.

To tackle these topics effectively, you will have to compare and contrast the different categories mentioned in the question, or that you can think of.

For example, which two things would you compare & contrast in these IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions?

• What are the differences between films and books?

[Films] vs [Books]

• Do young and old people use phones in the same way?

[Young people] vs [Old people]

• What’s the difference between news on TV and news in newspapers?

[News on TV] vs [News in newspapers].

Discussing both groups in your answer helps you: “develop topics coherently and appropriately” (Band 8.0 – Fluency & Coherence), and demonstrate “a range of connectives and discourse markers” (Band 7.0 – Fluency & Coherence)

Let’s look at exactly how you can do this in your own IELTS Speaking test!

How do I answer these Part 3 Question Types?

Watch this short video to learn some use phrases to compare and contrast

Here are the contrasting words and phrases again:

[A] while [B] 

[A] whereas [B]

[A] On the other hand [B]

[A] At the same time, however… [B]

! High-Band Trick !

In the IELTS Speaking test, it is critical to be precise and clear with your language. You never want to confuse the examiner because it will limit your score. So to make sure you are being as precise and accurate as possible, always tell the examiner when or who you are talking about when you change your focus. 

For example:

• … whereas in the past, people used to take more public transport …
• … while these days, parents can always call their children whenever they need to …
• … whereas elderly people aren’t as familiar with new gadgets, like smartphones …

Here are some essential words and phrases to help you be precise about when or who you are talking about:

Comparing Time:

Nowadays      —    whereas / while —    in the past
These days     —    whereas / while —    back in the day
Recently       —    whereas / while  —     in the old days
Today           —    whereas / while  —     back then
At the moment  —  whereas / while —  before

Comparing Ages / Generations:

Kids these days   —    whereas / while —    elderly people
Youngsters          —    whereas / while  —   the elderly
Kids / Teenagers  —    whereas / while  —   retirees / pensioners
The young generation  —  whereas / while —  the older generation

Now here’s a full, high-band example answer using these phrases and contrasting connectives:

• Do young people in your country work longer hours now than in the past?

I think young people do have to work longer and harder hours these days, and I think that’s because the cost of living has become more expensive while salaries have stayed more or less the same. In the past, if you had a part-time or minimum wage job, an adult could still afford their rent and pay their bills. Whereas, nowadays, I’ve seen that a lot more young people have been working multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. So I think they do work longer hours.

• Do young and older people use phones in the same way? 

I don’t think so because the young generation have grown up with modern technology like smartphones, so as a result, they take full advantage of all the newest features and functions, like camera filters, video chatting and instant messaging, whereas the older generation tend to use only the most basic features of a phone, such as phone calls or text messages. That’s probably because it’s more similar to the technology that they grew up with. So those are some differences I’ve noticed.

Now you try! 

Here are some IELTS Speaking Part 3 Comparisons and Differences questions. Can you use the language and skills from this post to make your own answers? Happy learning!

• Is it better to study in a group or individually?
• What’s the difference between children and adults when they learn?
• What are the differences between films and books?
• Do young and old people use phones in the same way?
• What are the differences between writing a letter and writing a text message on a phone?

Study more IELTS Part 3 Question Types: 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions usually come in 5 different question types. Here they are.

• Your Opinion & Evaluating Others’ Opinions

  • Click here to learn more about this question type

• Describing Changes

  • Click here to learn more about this question type

• Comparisons & Differences

  • Click here to learn more about this question type

• Giving Advice & Suggestions

  • Click here to learn more about this question type

• Your Country & Society

  • Click here to learn more about this question type

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