IELTS Speaking Part 3
Problem-solving and creativity
Practise discussing broader issues connected with problem-solving. These are original discussion prompts, not official or predicted exam questions.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
Practice questions
1. How has problem-solving changed over the last generation?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
2. Why do people have different attitudes towards problem-solving?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
3. What benefits can problem-solving bring to individuals or communities?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
4. What problems can arise when problem-solving is handled poorly?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
5. What role should schools, families or employers play in problem-solving?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
6. Should governments invest more public resources in problem-solving? Why or why not?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
7. How might problem-solving develop over the next twenty years?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
8. How might attitudes towards problem-solving differ between generations or cultures?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
Develop your ideas
- compare past and present
- explain causes and effects
- consider advantages and disadvantages
- give an example
- qualify an opinion
- suggest a realistic solution
Useful language
- One important factor is…
- A possible downside is…
- Compared with the past,…
- It depends on…
- For instance,…
- In the long term,…
An example to develop
- A group could sketch three ways to organise a small room before buying furniture. Explain why exploring alternatives can improve a practical decision.
- Choose a relevant question above. State your view, explain how this example supports it, and consider one limitation. These are hypothetical practice examples, not research claims.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 90 seconds practice.