IELTS Speaking · Part 3
Skills and success: IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Discussion questions
The examiner usually opens the discussion with: "What kinds of skills do you think are most useful in life today?", then works up from concrete to abstract.
Warm-up (concrete)
Is it easier to learn new skills as a child or as an adult?
Comparison
Development (societal)
Why do some skills become more valuable over time while others fade away?
Cause & effectDo you think natural talent matters more than hard work?
OpinionHow do people usually measure success in your country?
OpinionShould schools teach children how to cope with failure?
Opinion
Depth (abstract & hypothetical)
What are the downsides of a society that focuses heavily on success?
EvaluationHow might the skills employers value change in the coming decades?
SpeculationIf money were no object, would people still try to achieve things?
Hypothesis
Useful vocabulary for this theme
Band 7+ language for discussing skills and success.
- pick up a skill
- learn an ability informally, without formal training
- “I managed to pick up a skill or two just by watching tutorials online.”
- hard work pays off
- sustained effort is eventually rewarded
- “I really believe that in the end hard work pays off.”
- a natural talent
- an ability someone is born with
- “My sister has a natural talent for languages.”
- transferable skills
- abilities useful across many different jobs
- “Communication is one of those transferable skills every employer values.”
- rise to the challenge
- respond well to a difficult situation
- “I like to think I can rise to the challenge when things get tough.”