Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and November 2019. Click here. 

In this lesson, we are going to focus on questions you might be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test. These are 'opinion' and 'ideas' questions which focus on: 

• job positions that require us to concentrate 
• ways to concentrate on work 
• what employers can do to boost concentration in the workplace 

Read our answers below and take notes of the new vocabulary. 


What kind of job positions require us to concentrate? 

There are certain jobs which require more focus and attention to detail. I can think of occupations that include dealing with numbers. For instance, being an accountant can be quite challenging because the job has a lot to do with analysing data and financial transactions. Another example could be any job where employees handle all types of data. I suppose working in a bank or being a statistician or data analyst. People with such jobs need to be able to collect and analyse significant amounts of information with great accuracy. 

​Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth.
Jobs that require us to concentrate: jobs to do with numbers (for example: data analyst, financial analyst, accountant, statistician, etc.). Think of two or three ideas on the topic and explain them in a logical way. 


VOCABULARY 

• attention to detail (phrase) - care that all the small features of something are correct 
• a large amount | a great amount | a huge amount | a considerable amount | a significant amount (collocations) 

What are some ways to concentrate on work? 

There are several ways that employees can do this. To start with, they can tidy their desk, so that they only have the things they need while everything else is put away. This helps in staying focused on work and limits any distractions. Another thing they could do is to make a daily “to-do” list and put it where they can always see it, for example beside their computer. Employees could also organise their emails and prioritise their tasks by doing all challenging tasks during the first hour when they’re most productive. I think that all these things together would certainly help anyone to concentrate on work only.

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth.
Ways to concentrate on work: make a daily “to-do” list, tidy your desk, organise your emails, prioritise the tasks, put all files related to each project or task in one folder, etc. Think of two or three ideas on the topic and explain them in a logical way. 


VOCABULARY 

• put something <-> away (phrasal verb) - to put something in the place where it is kept because you have finished using it 
• help (somebody) in doing something - I need contacts that could help in finding a job. 

What can employers do to boost concentration in the workplace? 

There are several ways of boosting concentration at work. One of these is the freedom to design your work day. What I mean is letting people decide when to work, so that they can find the most productive time for them to complete their tasks. Another thing employers could do is providing areas where workers can take breaks and recharge. For example, outdoor seating and sunlit areas can give you an energy boost to return to work. There could also be amenities like a gym and healthy snacks to help employees feel re-energised. I guess, all these things could increase productivity and focus at work.  

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth.
How to boost concentration in the workplace: small rooms, quiet zones, the freedom to design your work day, the freedom to decorate your work area, areas to take breaks and recharge, etc. 
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VOCABULARY 

• increase productivity | raise productivity (collocations) 

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a city you have visited 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a website you like to visit a lot 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a friend you have known for a long time 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an area of your country that is well known for its natural beauty 

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Home and Living in the City 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 


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Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and November 2019. Click here. 

In this lesson, we are going to focus on questions you might be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test. These are 'opinion' and 'ideas' questions which focus on: 

• having your own home or renting it 
• problems caused by the increased urban population 
• why some people prefer living far away from cities 

Read our answers below and take notes of the new vocabulary. 


Do you think it is better to own or rent your home? 

In my opinion, it is better for people to own their home because of the benefits it provides. For example, when you have your own place, you have the freedom to decorate it the way you like it, whereas when you rent an apartment, you might be limited by the landlord and their requirements. Some landlords, for instance, do not allow their tenants to keep a pet. Another advantage of owning your home is that, in general, you don't have a monthly expense for it, apart from paying your bills, whereas if you rent it, you always need to put aside money for the rent. One main disadvantage of renting a place might be that the landlord could put up the rent any time and this might force people to look for another place to live in. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. Consider both options and discuss the benefits of owning a house or an apartment. Then, discuss the disadvantages of renting it. Don't forget to give examples to support your statement. 
​

VOCABULARY 

• provide benefits (collocation) 
• keep a pet (collocation) - have one in your home 
• put something <-> aside (phrasal verb) - to save something 
• increase/raise/put up the rent (collocations) 

​

What problems are caused by large numbers of people living together in cities? 

I can think of three main problems caused by the rapid influx of people in major world cities. One is that densely populated cities cannot provide enough living spaces to all citizens. Governments and urban planners across the globe are facing the same challenges in terms of creating sustainable, human spaces which can house millions of people. Another problem is road transportation and traffic congestion in large and growing cities around the world. Nowadays commuters spend an enormous amount of time stuck in traffic as more and more people prefer the convenience of their private vehicles to public transport. And last but not least, social instability. While moving to a city offers more opportunities to individuals, the high cost of living and competition may trap a lot of them in poverty. 

Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth. 

​
VOCABULARY 

• influx of people - the arrival of large numbers of people 
• densely/highly populated cities (= with a lot of people) 
• living space (collocation) - areas such as rooms, for living in 

Why do some people want to live as far away from cities as possible? 

I believe the main reason why some people move to the suburbs of the city or the countryside is because they are looking for a place to raise their children. Most people in major cities tend to live in small apartments and they do not have an outside space like a yard, for example. Besides that, housing in the city is much more expensive than in the suburbs. Another reason would be the higher cost of living in major cities. For example, living expenses such as rent and utilities tend to be higher in the city than in the surrounding suburbs. And finally, I think that there's also a third reason, which is the noise level. People living in cities get a lot of traffic noise, which can be really annoying. 

Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY 

• the suburbs of a city (phrase) 
• raise a child (American English) | bring up a child (British English) 
• a big city | a large city | a major city (collocations) 
• living expenses | household expenses (collocations) - money that you spend on basic things such as rent, food, and electricity 
• traffic noise (collocation) 

Tips: 
​Do not try to memorise answers. Instead, try to increase your vocabulary and learn phrases that can help you express yourself better in English. Play with words and make nouns from adjectives and vice versa. 


IELTS Speaking Part 3: 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 

Other IELTS related lessons: 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 


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