Handout · Day 4
Work in pairs on your phones. Use the count-up stopwatch to time each turn, and draw questions from the downloadable banks below.
Quick debate to get into an opinion-forming mindset: “Should students work part-time while studying?” Split into small groups, take a side, and defend it with reasons and examples.
Part 3 is abstract and opinion-based. The examiner wants depth — not just what you think, but why, with examples, and an awareness of other views.
AREAS turns a Part 3 question into a complex, balanced 4–6 sentence response. Aim for 30–45 seconds each.
| A | Technology has made learning more flexible. |
| R | Online platforms allow access anytime, anywhere. |
| E | Students can watch lectures on YouTube or use apps like Duolingo. |
| A | However, some argue it reduces face-to-face interaction and invites distraction. |
| S | Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in today's fast-paced world. |
“I believe…”, “In my view…”, “It seems to me that…”
“because…”, “the main reason is…”, “this is largely due to…”
“for instance…”, “a good example would be…”, “take … for example”
“on the other hand…”, “some would argue…”, “that said…”
Partners take turns asking deep Part 3 questions; the other responds with AREAS (30–45 seconds). The listener checks for each element. Use 3–5 challenge cards per pair.
Education: How has technology changed the way people learn? · Should schools focus more on practical skills than theory? · How important is lifelong learning?
Work & society: Should students work part-time? · How has remote work affected people's lives? · Will automation replace many jobs?
Environment & lifestyle: How can individuals protect the environment? · City or countryside? · How does social media affect relationships?
Health & technology: Do people rely too much on tech for health advice? · How can governments encourage healthier lifestyles? · Is online shopping better than in-store?
Pair work — a second set so each partner gets fresh questions and the faster groups don't run out:
Education (set 2): Should higher education be free for everyone? · Do exams measure ability fairly? · Is it better to learn alone or in a group?
Work & society (set 2): Should people retire later than they do now? · How has the way we communicate at work changed? · Do big companies have a responsibility to society?
Environment & lifestyle (set 2): Should governments tax products that harm the environment? · Are people too dependent on cars? · How can cities be made more liveable?
Health & technology (set 2): Does screen time affect young people's wellbeing? · Should healthcare be the same for everyone? · Will technology make doctors less necessary?
Draw one and answer with AREAS. With 16 cards, each partner can draw a different one — and re-pair without repeats:
Choose one question and write a full AREAS response. Make sure your “Alternative view” genuinely acknowledges the other side. Saves automatically.
Rate each element + (well) / ✓ (partial) / – (missing).
| Element | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A — Answer | ||
| R — Reason | ||
| E — Example | ||
| A — Alternative view | ||
| S — Summary | ||
| Overall fluency |
Write full AREAS responses to two discussion questions, each with a genuine alternative view.
A little extra self-study for this skill — each link opens in a new tab. These are free resources; some may ask you to create a free account.