Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.
In IELTS Part 3 the examiner asks more abstract questions linked to your Part 2 topic, and many of them ask you to compare. Four types are especially common:
The trap is to talk about only one side: three sentences about city life and nothing about the countryside. A comparison answer needs both sides, and the language that connects them.
This takes about 45–60 seconds, which is the right length for a Part 3 answer.
| Purpose | Language | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Big difference | much / far / a lot + comparative | Rents are far higher in the capital. |
| Small difference | slightly / a bit / a little + comparative | The train is slightly cheaper than the bus. |
| Not equal | not as… as / not nearly as… as (a big gap) | Village life isn't nearly as busy as city life. |
| Equal | just as… as / much the same as / similar to | Older people are just as interested in travel as students. |
| Contrast in one sentence | whereas / while | My parents saved money, whereas my generation tends to spend it. |
| Contrast in two sentences | On the other hand,… / Unlike…,… / Compared with…,… | Unlike my parents, I've never had a landline. |
| Similarity | Both… / Neither… / One thing they have in common is… | Both groups love music festivals. |
| Change over time | used to… / these days / nowadays / than it used to be | People used to write letters. These days, we send messages. |
| Two things changing together | the + comparative…, the + comparative… | The bigger the city, the harder it is to know your neighbours. |
Question: “How has shopping changed in your country?” Complete the answer with the words in the box. Use each one once.
Question: “Do people communicate differently now from in the past?” Put the parts of the answer in the best order.
Answer with no preparation time, as in the real test. Headline the main difference, cover both sides, add a balancing point and finish with a short conclusion.
What are the main differences between living in a city and living in the countryside?
No preparation time · 1:00 speaking
No preparation time. Choose one side in your first sentence, then use a comparison to justify it. Speak for about 45 seconds.
Interviewer: We're researching how students spend their money. When you need to buy something, do you prefer to buy it in a store or online? Why?
No preparation time · 0:45 speaking
Save words to review them later with flashcards.
“The pace of life in the capital is exhausting.”
“My brother loves the city, whereas I prefer the countryside.”
“My best friend and I have a lot in common.”
“The gap between rich and poor areas is growing.”
“For short trips, taking the train makes more sense.”
“Returning things to online shops can be a real hassle.”
“My retired neighbour volunteers at the library.”
“Leisure activities have changed a lot in recent years.”
“Attitudes to work have changed a lot.”
“More young people rent rather than buy.”
“Nowadays most people pay by card.”
