IELTS Speaking Part 3: Habits & Globalisation – Sample Answers with Analysis & Vocabulary

IELTS Speaking Part 3 requires candidates to move beyond short answers and demonstrate analytical thinking, comparison skills, and well-supported opinions. Topics such as Habits and Globalisation often involve abstract ideas, social impact, and long-term consequences.

Below are structured model answers following common Part 3 frameworks, along with key vocabulary to help you achieve a Band 7.0+ performance.

1. How is talking to children different from talking to adults?

Question Type: Cause – Effect
Suggested Structure: Cause → Explanation → Result → Example

I believe talking to children is quite different from talking to adults because children generally have a more limited vocabulary and shorter attention span. As a result, adults need to simplify their language and use clearer explanations. In addition, tone and body language play a more significant role when communicating with children, since they respond strongly to emotional cues. This often means conversations are more expressive and encouraging. For example, teachers usually use simple words and visual aids when explaining new concepts to young learners, whereas discussions with adults can be more abstract and detailed.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Attention span
   • Pronunciation: /əˈtenʃən spæn/
   • Meaning: The length of time someone can concentrate
   • Example: Children typically have a shorter attention span than adults.
2. Emotional cues
   • Pronunciation: /ɪˈməʊʃənl kjuːz/
   • Meaning: Signals that express feelings
   • Example: Young children are very sensitive to emotional cues.
3. Abstract
   • Pronunciation: /ˈæbstrækt/
   • Meaning: Relating to ideas rather than physical things
   • Example: Adults can understand abstract discussions about politics.

2. Do you think good habits are easier to develop when people are young?

Question Type: Opinion
Structure: Opinion → Reason → Example → Conclusion

Yes, I would argue that good habits are easier to develop at a young age. During childhood and adolescence, behavioural patterns are still forming, so it is less difficult to introduce positive routines. Moreover, young people are generally more adaptable and open to guidance from parents or teachers. For instance, if children are encouraged to read every night before bed, this practice can gradually become automatic. In the long run, habits established early in life tend to be more stable and long-lasting.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Behavioural patterns
   • Pronunciation: /bɪˈheɪvjərəl ˈpætənz/
   • Meaning: Repeated ways of acting
   • Example: Good behavioural patterns are often shaped in childhood.
2. Adaptable
   • Pronunciation: /əˈdæptəbl/
   • Meaning: Able to adjust easily
   • Example: Young people are usually more adaptable than older adults.
3. Long-lasting
   • Pronunciation: /ˌlɒŋ ˈlɑːstɪŋ/
   • Meaning: Continuing for a long time
   • Example: Early education can have long-lasting effects.

3. Do you think globalisation is making cultures more similar?

Question Type: Opinion
Structure: Opinion → Reason → Example → Conclusion

Personally, I do believe globalisation is making cultures increasingly similar. With the widespread use of social media, international trade, and global entertainment, people around the world are exposed to the same trends and lifestyles. Consequently, cultural differences in areas such as fashion, food, and music are gradually becoming less noticeable. For example, fast-food chains and Western fashion brands can now be found in most major cities worldwide. Although some traditions remain unique, the overall direction seems to be toward cultural convergence.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Widespread
   • Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪdspred/
   • Meaning: Existing or happening in many places
   • Example: The widespread use of smartphones has changed communication.
2. Cultural convergence
   • Pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃərəl kənˈvɜːdʒəns/
   • Meaning: Different cultures becoming more alike
   • Example: Global media contributes to cultural convergence.
3. Exposure
   • Pronunciation: /ɪkˈspəʊʒə(r)/
   • Meaning: The experience of being introduced to something new
   • Example: Exposure to foreign films influences young people’s tastes.

4. What are the advantages of cultures becoming more alike?

Question Type: Evaluation
Structure: Impact → Explanation → Example → Conclusion

One significant advantage is that communication and cooperation become much smoother. When people share similar values and social norms, misunderstandings are less likely to occur. This can enhance international collaboration in areas such as business, education, and diplomacy. For instance, multinational companies often benefit when employees from different countries have comparable working styles. Overall, cultural similarity can promote efficiency and mutual understanding on a global scale.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Social norms
   • Pronunciation: /ˈsəʊʃl nɔːmz/
   • Meaning: Accepted standards of behaviour
   • Example: Social norms vary between cultures.
2. International collaboration
   • Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/
   • Meaning: Countries working together
   • Example: International collaboration is vital in scientific research.
3. Mutual understanding
   • Pronunciation: /ˈmjuːtʃuəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/
   • Meaning: Shared comprehension between people
   • Example: Cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding.

5. What problems might occur if traditional ways of life disappear?

Question Type: Cause – Effect
Structure: Cause → Explanation → Result → Example

If traditional ways of life gradually disappear, societies may experience a loss of cultural identity. Traditions connect individuals to their historical roots and shared values. Without them, communities may struggle to maintain a clear sense of belonging. Over time, this could weaken social cohesion and intergenerational bonds. For example, if traditional festivals are no longer celebrated, younger generations may fail to appreciate their cultural heritage. As a consequence, they might feel disconnected from their own history.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Cultural identity
   • Pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentəti/
   • Meaning: A sense of belonging to a culture
   • Example: Language plays an important role in cultural identity.
2. Social cohesion
   • Pronunciation: /ˈsəʊʃl kəʊˈhiːʒən/
   • Meaning: The strength of relationships within a society
   • Example: Shared traditions strengthen social cohesion.
3. Intergenerational bonds
   • Pronunciation: /ˌɪntədʒenəˈreɪʃənl bɒndz/
   • Meaning: Connections between different age groups
   • Example: Family rituals help build intergenerational bonds.