Part 3 Discussion, Explained

Part 3 targets C1, the top of the CEFR scale the exam tests for. It's also the only part scored on a 0–6 scale rather than 0–5 — see the scoring guide for the exact breakdown — which makes it the single most heavily weighted part of the four, not just the hardest on paper.

One abstract statement, no image, a single question — you get 60 seconds to prepare and then speak continuously for 2 minutes, the same window as Part 2. The task is to weigh both sides of the statement using the for/against points it's built around, then land on and justify your own position.

The rating scale explicitly checks whether your response addresses points from both sections — for and against — or only one. A fluent, well-organised answer that only argues one side caps out well below a response that's rougher but genuinely covers both. Structure the turn around that requirement first, polish comes second.

Plan three moves, not full sentences: a point for the statement, a point against it, then your own position and why. Trying to script exact wording in 60 seconds means you'll either run out of prep time or sound like you're reading — a rough plan you can speak from naturally beats a polished opening you can't finish.

See Part 3: argument discussion for the exact timings and more tips, or drill it directly with single-part practice.