Hi, I’m Daniel Hughes, and in this guide we’ll explore how to use academic vocabulary for discussion in IELTS Speaking Part 3.
This is the part of the test where you’re expected to think critically, analyse, and justify opinions. Using precise vocabulary — without sounding unnatural — is what separates Band 6.5 from Band 8 or 9.
According to IELTS.org, examiners assess Lexical Resource based on your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately. Let’s make your language sound confident and academic, but still conversational.
It’s not about using long or complicated words.
It’s about using formal, topic-appropriate expressions that show analytical thinking — words you might hear in a BBC interview or university seminar.
For example:
❌ “People are becoming lazy.”
✅ “People are becoming more sedentary due to technology dependence.”
That single word change (sedentary) instantly sounds more academic and precise.
1️⃣ Vocabulary for Giving Opinions
Function | Academic Phrases | Example |
Expressing belief | I would argue that…, It seems to me that…, I tend to believe… | “I would argue that education should focus more on creativity than exams.” |
Stating agreement | I completely concur with…, I’m in full agreement that… | “I completely concur that renewable energy should replace fossil fuels.” |
Softening disagreement | I’m not entirely convinced that…, I see it slightly differently… | “I’m not entirely convinced that money guarantees happiness.” |
💡 Use these in moderation — mix them with natural spoken phrases to stay conversational.
2️⃣ Vocabulary for Explaining Causes and Effects
Function | Academic Expressions | Example |
Showing cause | This is largely due to…, This stems from…, This can be attributed to… | “The rise in obesity can be attributed to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles.” |
Showing effect | As a result…, Consequently…, This leads to…, This results in… | “Consequently, many people experience stress and burnout.” |
Connecting ideas | Therefore…, Hence…, For this reason… | “For this reason, governments should promote healthier work-life balance.” |
You’ll hear these structures used naturally in British Council Speaking examples.
3️⃣ Vocabulary for Comparison and Contrast
Purpose | Useful Phrases | Example |
Showing similarity | Similarly…, In the same way…, Likewise… | “Similarly, online education offers flexibility just like distance learning.” |
Showing contrast | In contrast…, However…, On the other hand… | “In contrast, older generations prefer face-to-face interaction.” |
Showing degree | To a certain extent…, Up to a point…, Largely speaking… | “To a certain extent, social media helps people stay connected, but it can also cause isolation.” |
These help structure extended answers for analytical clarity.
4️⃣ Vocabulary for Speculation and Prediction
Function | Phrases | Example |
Making prediction | It is likely that…, It’s foreseeable that…, It’s probable that… | “It’s likely that remote work will become the new normal.” |
Expressing possibility | It may be the case that…, There’s a chance that…, It could well be that… | “There’s a chance that AI will take over repetitive jobs.” |
Making cautious assumptions | One could assume that…, Arguably…, Presumably… | “Arguably, technology brings more benefits than drawbacks.” |
💡 Try using one speculation phrase per answer — it shows range and critical thinking.
5️⃣ Vocabulary for Problem and Solution Questions
Function | Academic Phrases | Example |
Identifying problem | One major issue is…, A growing concern is…, A key challenge involves… | “One major issue is the lack of affordable housing in big cities.” |
Suggesting solution | A viable solution could be…, One possible approach is…, Authorities should consider… | “A viable solution could be offering tax benefits for first-time buyers.” |
Evaluating outcome | This would help to…, This could potentially…, This might lead to… | “This could potentially reduce inequality in urban areas.” |
You can find more examples in the IDP IELTS Speaking guide.
6️⃣ Vocabulary for Academic Tone and Reflection
Purpose | Academic Words | Example |
Emphasising importance | crucial, essential, significant, fundamental | “Education is a fundamental pillar of national development.” |
Expressing consequence | inevitable, considerable, far-reaching | “Climate change will have far-reaching effects on agriculture.” |
Showing attitude | beneficial, detrimental, worthwhile, meaningful | “Volunteering can be a highly meaningful experience for young people.” |
Using these adjectives adds depth to your language and helps demonstrate precision.
7️⃣ Connectors for Academic Discussion
Purpose | Examples |
Adding ideas | moreover, furthermore, in addition |
Giving contrast | however, nevertheless, despite that |
Providing examples | for instance, namely, specifically |
Summarising | in summary, overall, to conclude |
Use one or two per response — they make your ideas flow logically.
Question: What impact does technology have on relationships today?
Band 8 Model Answer
I would argue that technology has both positive and negative impacts on relationships. On the one hand, social media allows people to maintain connections despite distance. However, it can also create misunderstandings or reduce face-to-face interaction. Overall, technology has reshaped the way people communicate, for better or worse.
✅ Shows academic phrasing (I would argue that, on the one hand, overall).
✅ Balanced and analytical tone.
Mistake | Correction Tip |
Using overly complex words | Simplicity + accuracy = Band 9 clarity. |
Mixing informal and formal tones | Keep tone consistent across answers. |
Forgetting examples | Always link vocabulary to real contexts. |
Overusing “big words” | Two academic words per sentence are enough. |
Misusing phrases | Practise pronunciation and collocation accuracy. |
Choose any common IELTS topic — e.g. “Education,” “Technology,” or “Environment.”
1️⃣ Write one opinion question.
2️⃣ Answer it using at least three academic expressions from this page.
3️⃣ Record and listen to your tone — does it sound natural and confident?
After practising, ask yourself:
1️⃣ Do I need to sound “academic” in all parts?
No — only in Part 3. Parts 1 and 2 should sound more conversational.
2️⃣ Will using long words improve my score automatically?
No — accuracy and appropriateness are more important than length.
3️⃣ How can I learn more formal words naturally?
Listen to BBC News or podcasts and note collocations in context.
4️⃣ Should I use idioms in Part 3?
Use them sparingly; formal phrasing is preferred for abstract discussion.
5️⃣ Where can I find sample vocabulary lists?
See British Council’s vocabulary resources for official topic lists.
Using academic vocabulary for discussion shows examiners that you can handle abstract, analytical topics with precision and maturity.
Focus on natural delivery, logical structure, and clarity rather than memorised complexity.
Next, move on to Structuring Opinions in IELTS Speaking Part 3 to learn how to present strong viewpoints with coherence and balance.
Or revisit the IELTS Speaking Overview for band criteria and strategy links.
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