Module 2: How IELTS Speaking Part 3 is graded

IELTS Speaking Part 3 involves discussing abstract, analytical, or opinion-based questions related to the topic introduced in Part 2. Mastering past, present, and future tenses in this section is crucial for demonstrating grammatical range and articulating well-rounded responses.

Tense Use in IELTS Speaking Part 3

1. Past Tenses

1. • Use to discuss historical trends, past personal experiences, or events relevant to the topic.
   • Example: “In the past, people used to rely more on face-to-face communication.”

2. Present Tenses

1. • Use for discussing current trends, giving general opinions, or describing universal truths.
   • Example: “Today, many people prefer digital communication over in-person meetings.”

3. Future Tenses

1. • Use to make predictions, express hopes, or speculate about future developments.
   • Example: “In the future, I believe technology will make communication even faster.”

Most Commonly Used Tense

The Present Simple is the most frequently used tense because Part 3 often focuses on general opinions and societal issues. However, combining all three tenses makes responses more dynamic and shows depth of thought.

Examples of Real IELTS Part 3 Questions and Tense Usage

1. Question: How has technology changed the way we communicate?

1. • Past Tense: “In the past, letters and landlines were the primary means of communication.”
   • Present Tense: “Today, most people use instant messaging apps and video calls.”
   • Future Tense: “In the future, virtual reality may become the norm for communication.”

2. Question: Why do you think people like to travel?

1. • Past Tense: “In earlier times, travel was often done out of necessity, like trade or migration.”
   • Present Tense: “Nowadays, many people travel for leisure or cultural experiences.”
   • Future Tense: “I think more people will explore space tourism in the years to come.”

Strategy to Teach Tenses for Part 3

Step 1: Understanding the Question Types

1. Opinion-based Questions: Focus on presenting viewpoints (Present and Future).
   • “Do you think technology has made life easier or harder?”
2. Comparison Questions: Discuss contrasts between past and present (Past and Present).
   • “How were leisure activities different in the past compared to now?”
3. Prediction Questions: Talk about future possibilities (Future).
   • “What do you think cities will look like in 50 years?”

Step 2: Activities for Practice

1. Activity 1: Tense Identification Drill

1. • Provide students with Part 3 questions and sample answers.
   • Ask them to underline the verbs and identify their tenses.
     Example:
     “In the past, most people lived in rural areas (Past Simple), but today, cities are becoming more crowded (Present Continuous). In the future, I think governments will need to address overpopulation issues (Future ‘Will’).”

2. Activity 2: Time-Shifted Answers

1. • Have students answer the same question three times, using a different tense each time.
     Question: “Why do people value education?”
   • Past: “Earlier, education was seen as a privilege.”
   • Present: “Today, education is considered essential for career growth.”
   • Future: “In the future, online learning platforms might dominate education.”

3. Activity 3: Round-Table Discussion

1. • Group students into small teams. Each team answers a question, ensuring they incorporate all three tenses.
   • Question: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of public transportation?”
     • Past: “Years ago, public transportation was less efficient.”
     • Present: “Now, many cities offer reliable and eco-friendly options.”
     • Future: “Self-driving buses might become common in the next decade.”

4. Activity 4: Debate with Tenses

1. • Divide the class into two groups. One group argues for a topic using past and present tenses, while the other focuses on present and future tenses.
   • Debate Topic: “Has technology improved education?”

Step 3: Use Realistic Examples

Provide authentic examples based on real IELTS Speaking exams to familiarize students with examiner expectations.

1. Question: What is the impact of tourism on the environment?

1. • Past: “In the past, tourism was limited to specific regions and caused less damage.”
   • Present: “Today, over-tourism is a significant issue, especially in natural reserves.”
   • Future: “In the future, sustainable tourism practices may help reduce this impact.”

2. Question: How do you think family roles have changed over time?

1. • Past: “Previously, traditional roles like men working and women managing households were common.”
   • Present: “Nowadays, both men and women often share household and financial responsibilities.”
   • Future: “I think family roles will become even more flexible in the coming years.”

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Overusing Present Simple

1. • Encourage students to vary their responses and not rely solely on one tense.

2. Lack of Specificity in Future Predictions

1. • Teach students to provide specific examples when speculating about the future.

3. Ignoring Time Markers

1. • Help students use time markers (e.g., in the past, currently, in the future) to make tense shifts clear.

Conclusion

Mastering tenses for IELTS Speaking Part 3 is essential for demonstrating grammatical range and articulating complex ideas. Activities like tense drills, time-shifted answers, and debates prepare students to handle any question confidently. By integrating real-life examples, personalized feedback, and structured practice, students will develop fluency and accuracy, ensuring high performance in this critical section of the IELTS Speaking test.