How to Answer WHY Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3- Complete Guide (2024)

In this tutorial, we discuss how to answer WHY questions in IELTS Speaking part 3.

We look at:

Importance of practicing and getting feedback during IELTS Preparation.

How to answer ‘why’ questions using conditionals and examples.

How to use first, second and third conditionals in your answers.

How to use good grammar and different words in your answers.

Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 3: The Power of Conditional Sentences in Answering WHY Questions

Understanding Conditionals

Conditional sentences are a crucial tool in English language, especially in IELTS Speaking Part 3. They consist of two parts: the ‘if’ clause (condition) and the main clause (result). The most common types are:

First Conditional: Real and possible situations (If + present simple, will + infinitive)

Second Conditional: Hypothetical, less likely situations (If + past simple, would + infinitive)

Third Conditional: Past hypothetical situations, regrets (If + past perfect, would have + past participle)

Identify the main subject of the question.

Formulate an ‘if’ clause that sets up a condition relevant to the subject.

Complete the sentence with a probable result using ‘would’.

For example, the question “Why is it important to save money?” can be answered with, “If people save money regularly, they would have financial security during emergencies.”

Using conditional sentences in this way demonstrates a high level of English proficiency and can significantly enhance your performance in IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Sample IELTS Part 3 WHY Questions with Conditional Answers

Question: Why is it important for people to have hobbies?

Answer: “If people engaged in hobbies regularly, they would experience reduced stress and enhanced creativity, improving their overall well-being.”

Question: Why should governments invest in public transportation?

Answer: “If governments invested more in public transport, there would be a significant decrease in urban traffic and pollution.”

Question: Why do many people choose to study abroad?

Answer: “If students study abroad, they often gain a broader perspective and better employment opportunities.”

Question: Why is it beneficial to learn a second language?

Answer: “If someone learns a second language, their cognitive abilities and cultural understanding would greatly improve.”

Question: Why is exercise important for health?

Answer: “If individuals exercised regularly, they would likely see a decrease in health issues like obesity and heart disease.”

Question: Why should society focus on renewable energy sources?

Answer: “If society shifted to renewable energy, we would see a significant reduction in environmental pollution.”

Question: Why is it important to preserve historical landmarks?

Answer: “If we preserve historical landmarks, future generations would have a tangible connection to their heritage.”

Question: Why is teamwork valuable in the workplace?

Answer: “If employees work together as a team, productivity and job satisfaction would likely increase.”

Transforming WHY Questions into Conditional Sentences

To transform a WHY question into a conditional sentence:

Identify the main subject of the question.

Formulate an ‘if’ clause that sets up a condition relevant to the subject.

Complete the sentence with a probable result using ‘would’.

For example,