IELTS Speaking Part 3
Happiness: Part 3 questions and answers
The discussion questions examiners asked after the cue card “Describe a person who you are happy to know”, each with a short Band 7 answer. Play the question, answer it yourself, then compare.
How can children feel happy?
Band 7 answer
Children can feel happy when they get attention, freedom, and chances to play. They often spend quality time with their parents through a simple game or a walk, and this makes them feel safe. For example, a child might be really pleased playing football with cousins in a small neighbourhood. They also look forward to simple things like Friday cartoons, so ordinary routines can be very good for them.
Make it longer Add a contrast about shy children who prefer drawing quietly with one trusted adult.
What is the difference between what makes adults and children happy?
Band 7 answer
Well, the main difference is that children are usually happy with immediate fun, while adults often need good security or relief from responsibilities. They, I mean, most of them, prefer simple entertainment, and a child can feel happy watching cartoons, whereas a adult may need a quiet evening away from their phone to take their mind off work. I mean, adults sometimes enjoy childish things too, and children can worry about serious problems. It depends on their age and what is happening at home.
Make it longer Add a new example about teenagers feeling happier after receiving praise from a teacher.
Does everyone share a similar definition of happiness?
Band 7 answer
No, people don’t share exactly the same definition of happiness, although most people want some kind of comfort. A university student might see happiness as having supportive friends and enough free time, while a person running a small shop may value steady customers more. Some people enjoys crowded social occasions, but others prefer staying at home. Community sports can also bring people together, which is a good source of happiness for certain groups.
Make it longer Add a contrast about someone who values creative freedom more than money or social activities.
Is happiness something people are born with, or is it learnt over time?
Band 7 answer
I think happiness comes from both personality and experience, but people can learn habits that make them feel better. Some individuals are naturally optimistic and cope with pressure quite well, while others need time to understand their emotions. For example, a young worker may gradually become calmer after learning how to organise a busy schedule. Family support matters too, although a person’s mood are also influenced by difficult events and daily routines.
Make it longer Add a personal detail about how a supportive friendship helped someone become more confident.
Is buying gifts the best way to make children happy? Why or why not?
Band 7 answer
No, buying gifts isn’t the best way to make children happy because attention and shared experiences usually last longer. A new toy may excite a child for a few days, but parents - well, many of them - should strike a balance between presents and time together. For example, a bicycle can be a good gift if an adult teaches the child to ride it safely. Still, some children mainly want a new object, and it depends on their age and personality.
Make it longer Add a contrast about a child who prefers saving for a pet or a special trip.
Do you think the place where people live affects how happy they are?
Band 7 answer
Yes, the place where people live can affect their happiness through safety, social contact, and daily convenience. In my country, a person in a quiet rural district may enjoy fresh air and familiar neighbours, while someone in Ho Chi Minh City may value better jobs and more entertainment. People - well, many urban residents - may find city life exciting, but traffic and expensive housing creates a lot of stress. People also need access to parks and reliable public services to feel comfortable.
Make it longer Add a new example about how a neighbourhood with a market and a small park lets older residents meet friends every day.
Phrases to borrow
spend quality time with someone
/spend ˈkwɒləti taɪm wɪð ˈsʌmwʌn/
Give someone focused and enjoyable time
Grandparents often spend quality time with their grandchildren during school holidays.
look forward to something
/lʊk ˈfɔːwəd tə ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
Feel pleased about something happening soon
Many students look forward to the weekend after busy classes.
take someone's mind off something
/teɪk ˈsʌmwʌnz maɪnd ɒf ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
Temporarily distract someone from worries
A short walk can take your mind off work problems.
bring people together
/brɪŋ ˈpiːpl təˈɡeðə/
Make people meet and feel connected
Community festivals can bring people together across different age groups.
cope with pressure
/kəʊp wɪð ˈpreʃə/
Manage stress or difficult demands
Young workers need support to cope with pressure at their first job.
strike a balance
/straɪk ə ˈbæləns/
Find a reasonable middle point
Parents should strike a balance between guidance and independence.
Your turn: answer the first question
How can children feel happy?
Give a direct answer, a reason and an example, in about 30 seconds. Nothing is uploaded.
Practise Part 3 with the examiner
Sign in free, then answer her questions out loud and get a band score with one thing to fix.
Which phrase means…
Give someone focused and enjoyable time
“Grandparents often spend quality time with their grandchildren during school holidays.”
spend quality time with someone
heytardy