IELTS Speaking · Part 3
Technology and society: IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Discussion questions
The examiner usually opens the discussion with: "What piece of everyday technology do most people rely on in your country?", then works up from concrete to abstract.
Warm-up (concrete)
Why do some people find it hard to keep up with new technology?
Cause & effect
Development (societal)
How has technology changed the way families spend time together?
ComparisonDo you think people depend too much on technology today?
OpinionWhat are the benefits and risks of a society that is always connected?
Evaluation
Depth (abstract & hypothetical)
Should there be more rules about how personal data is collected and used?
OpinionHow do you think everyday life will be different because of technology in fifty years?
SpeculationIf a new technology suddenly stopped working, how would people cope?
HypothesisDoes technology bring people closer together or push them further apart?
Evaluation
Useful vocabulary for this theme
Band 7+ language for discussing technology and society.
- cutting-edge technology
- the most advanced technology available
- “My company invests heavily in cutting-edge technology.”
- the digital divide
- the gap between those with and without tech access
- “The digital divide means older people can easily be left behind.”
- labour-saving devices
- machines that reduce physical effort or work
- “Labour-saving devices like dishwashers give us far more free time.”
- automate a process
- make a task run by machine rather than by hand
- “A lot of factories now automate processes that people used to do.”
- keep up with the times
- stay modern and current
- “You have to keep up with the times or your skills go out of date.”