Often Speaking Part 3 questions will ask you to compare the importance of a topic in the past and present. Look at this sample Part 3 question:
Do you think that national celebrations are less important now than they were in the past?
When answering this type of question, it is useful to consider all sides of the debate. |
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02. With a partner, complete this chart. Complete each sentence in at least two different ways.
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We can use more or less to compare the ideas in the chart:
Celebrations were important in the past because...
Celebrations are important now because...
Celebrations were not important in the past because...
Celebrations are not important now because...
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| Develop your responses by using a range of tenses and by adding more information in your answer. |
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03. With a partner, decide whether celebrations are more important now than in the past. Use more and less in your answer, and give reasons using your ideas from the chart.
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Model Answer
1. Well, on the one hand, we still spend a lot of money every year on celebrations - and it seems like we spend more every year! On the other hand, it could be that some of the smaller public holidays and events are becoming less important as everyone is too focused on the bigger ones. I also think that in the past celebrations were more important because they were less about money and more about the meaning behind the event.
2. I think celebrations are more important now than they were in the past. Because people work longer hours and sometimes live far from where they grew up, it is hard for families to get together all the time. While celebrations were also important in the past because we were all together as a family, I think that they are even more meaningful now as we cannot take meeting our loved ones for granted.
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