IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
Understanding IELTS Speaking Follow-up (Part 3)
Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test comes right after your cue card (Part 2). It lasts for about 4–5 minutes, and the examiner asks analytical or abstract questions related to your Part 2 topic.
Here, examiners are not only testing your ability to speak English — they’re checking if you can think critically, organize ideas, and express opinions naturally in English.
So, your goal in this part is to speak like an educated, thoughtful communicator, not just to give simple one-line answers.
1. Understand What the Examiner Is Looking For
To make your follow-up answers impressive, you must first understand what the examiner evaluates in this section:
-Fluency & Coherence:
You should speak smoothly, without long pauses or hesitation, and your ideas should connect logically.
-Lexical Resource (Vocabulary):
Use topic-related and advanced vocabulary naturally. Avoid repetition of basic words like good, bad, very, nice, interesting.
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
-Grammatical Range & Accuracy:
Use a variety of structures — conditionals, comparisons, complex sentences, and modal verbs.
-Pronunciation:
Speak clearly with proper intonation and stress. You don’t need a British accent — just clarity and rhythm.
-Depth of Thought:
The examiner wants to see if you can explain why something happens, give examples, and express balanced opinions.
2. Use a Powerful Answer Structure — The “IDEA” Formula
To give clear, organized, and developed answers, use the IDEA formula:
I – Introduce your main idea
Start by clearly stating your opinion or viewpoint.
D – Develop your idea
Explain why you think so. Add reasons, comparisons, or effects.
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
E – Example or Evidence
Give a real-life or hypothetical example to make your point stronger.
A – Add a mini conclusion
End with a short, summarizing sentence or balanced view.
Example 1:
Question: Do you think celebrities have a positive influence on young people?
Answer (using IDEA):
I: I believe celebrities can have both positive and negative influences on young people.
D: On one hand, many stars inspire youngsters through their talent, hard work, and achievements.
E: For instance, someone like Deepika Padukone promotes mental health awareness, and that encourages young fans to open up about emotional struggles. However, some celebrities set poor examples through irresponsible behavior.
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
A: So, overall, I’d say the influence depends on how wisely young people choose their role models.
This kind of answer shows balanced thinking, examples, and structure — exactly what the examiner wants.
3. Use Linking Words to Sound Fluent and Natural
Linking phrases help connect your ideas smoothly, making your speech sound like natural English.
Here are some useful ones for different purposes:
Giving Opinions
-Personally speaking…
-From my point of view…
-In my opinion…
-As far as I’m concerned…
Adding Reasons or Details
-This is mainly because…
-The main reason is that…
-Additionally… / Moreover… / Furthermore…
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
Giving Examples
-For example…
-For instance…
-To illustrate this…
-A good example of this is…
Showing Contrast
-However…
-On the other hand…
-In contrast…
-Whereas…
Concluding or Summarizing
-Overall…
-In short…
-Therefore…
-To sum up…
Tip: Mix these naturally — not too many in one sentence — just enough to keep your flow logical and natural.
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
4. Show Balanced and Critical Thinking
The best IELTS Speaking Part 3 answers don’t sound one-sided. Instead, they show that you understand both perspectives before giving your opinion.
For example:
Q: Do you think children should be encouraged to become famous?
A: I think it depends on the child’s personality and goals. Fame can bring opportunities and confidence, but it can also cause pressure and invasion of privacy. So, parents should support their children’s dreams but also teach them how to handle public attention responsibly.
This type of answer shows maturity and balanced thinking, which boosts your Band 8+ potential.
5. Use Topic-Specific Vocabulary
Each follow-up topic has its own set of advanced vocabulary. Using precise and academic words makes your ideas sound sophisticated.
Here are a few examples:
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
Celebrities & Media
-Influence, inspiration, public image, fame, popularity, media coverage, privacy invasion, role model, endorsement, pressure, reputation.
Technology
-Artificial intelligence, automation, innovation, digital divide, cybersecurity, virtual communication, online privacy, technological advancement.
Education
-Curriculum, academic pressure, holistic learning, lifelong learning, critical thinking, online education, practical skills.
Example:
Instead of saying: “Technology is good for learning.”
Say: “Technology has revolutionized education by providing students with interactive and easily accessible learning resources.”
6. Add Depth with Complex Grammar and Examples
Examiners love when you use complex structures naturally:
Conditionals: “If celebrities act responsibly, they can influence society positively.”
Comparatives: “Nowadays, people rely more on social media for news than traditional newspapers.”
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
Modal verbs: “Celebrities should be aware of the responsibility that comes with fame.”
Relative clauses: “People who admire successful figures often feel motivated to work harder.”
Add examples or real-world references:
“In India, for example, many young people look up to cricketers like Virat Kohli, not only for his talent but also for his discipline and fitness.”
7. Speak Naturally and Confidently
Even the best content can sound weak if your delivery is flat or memorized.
So, remember:
Don’t memorize long answers — learn patterns instead.
Use natural pauses and intonation.
Maintain eye contact and smile if possible.
Don’t panic if you make a small mistake — just keep talking naturally.
8. Sample Follow-Up Question Set (Topic: Celebrities)
Q1: Why do people admire famous people?
People often admire celebrities because they represent success, talent, and confidence. Many individuals see them as role models who have achieved what others dream of. For instance, actors, athletes, or singers often motivate their fans to work harder toward their own goals.
Q2: Do you think being famous makes people happy?
Not necessarily. While fame brings wealth and recognition, it also comes with constant public attention and stress. For example, many celebrities struggle with privacy issues and social pressure, which can affect their mental health. So, happiness depends more on personal fulfillment than public fame.
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
Q3: Should famous people use their influence for social causes?
Yes, definitely. When celebrities use their platforms to promote education, health, or environmental issues, they can create massive positive change. For example, when actors or athletes support charity campaigns, it inspires millions of fans to do the same.
Q4: Do you think social media has changed the definition of fame?
Absolutely. In the past, fame was limited to film stars or sports players, but now ordinary people can become famous online through platforms like YouTube or Instagram. Social media has made fame more accessible but also more temporary.
Final Tips to Make Your Follow-Up Answers Impressive
1.Think before you speak – take a short pause to organize your thoughts.
2.Speak in full ideas, not short answers.
3.Use clear examples – real or hypothetical.
4.Show variety in grammar and vocabulary.
5.Sound natural and confident, not robotic.
6.Avoid saying “I don’t know” – instead, say “That’s an interesting question; I’ve never thought about it, but I believe…”
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Tips