Hello everyone, and welcome back to IELTS TIME. Today’s episode focuses on IELTS Speaking Part 3 and the topic “The Role and Impact of Science in Society.”
In a moment, you’ll hear a mock interview between Jessica and Joseph. As you listen, don’t worry about memorising Joseph’s exact words. Instead, pay attention to his arguments and how he uses specific real-world examples to support his points.
Let’s listen in.
Why do you think science is important in modern society?
Science is vital in modern society because it directly affects how people live, work, and stay healthy. For example, advances in medical science have made it possible to treat diseases like cancer and heart conditions more effectively than in the past. Science also supports everyday technologies such as smartphones, GPS, and online banking, which people rely on daily. In addition, scientific research helps governments make informed decisions about public health and the environment. Without science, modern life would be far less efficient and secure.
How does scientific research improve people’s quality of life?
Scientific research improves quality of life by solving practical problems and making life safer and more comfortable. For instance, medical research has led to vaccines and antibiotics that prevent deadly diseases. In daily life, research in engineering has produced household appliances that reduce physical effort and save time. Scientific studies also help improve food safety and water quality. As a result, people can live longer, healthier, and more convenient lives.
Do you think schools should place more emphasis on science education? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe schools should emphasize science education because it teaches students how to think, not just what to remember. For example, in science classes, students often conduct experiments where they test ideas instead of memorising information. This encourages them to question claims, analyze evidence, and draw logical conclusions. These skills are useful beyond the classroom, such as evaluating health advice or news on social media. However, science should be taught through practical activities rather than purely theoretical lessons.
Why do some people find science difficult to understand?
Many people find science difficult because it involves abstract concepts and technical language. For example, topics like physics formulas or chemical reactions can be confusing if students lack a strong foundation. Another reason is that science is sometimes taught through lectures instead of experiments. When learners do not see real-life applications, such as how electricity powers their homes, science can feel irrelevant and intimidating.
Should governments spend more money on scientific research than on other areas?
Governments should invest significantly in scientific research because it leads to long-term benefits. For example, funding medical research can result in new treatments that reduce healthcare costs in the future. Investment in renewable energy research can also help countries reduce pollution and energy dependence. However, governments should balance this spending with essential sectors like education and social services. A balanced approach ensures sustainable development.
Are there any negative effects of rapid scientific development?
Yes, rapid scientific development can cause problems if it is not carefully managed. For instance, automation and artificial intelligence have replaced certain jobs in factories and offices. There are also ethical concerns, such as the misuse of genetic engineering or personal data. Additionally, industrial scientific activities can damage the environment if regulations are weak. Therefore, scientific progress should be accompanied by strong ethical and legal controls.
Do you think science can help solve global problems such as climate change or disease?
Yes, I strongly believe science plays a central role in solving global problems because it provides practical, evidence-based solutions. For example, climate science helps identify the causes of global warming and supports the development of renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power. In the case of disease, scientific research enables the development of vaccines and treatments that can prevent large-scale outbreaks. Scientists in different countries can share data and research findings, which allows these solutions to be developed more quickly and effectively. Without scientific research, it would be extremely difficult to understand or manage problems of this scale.
How do you think science will influence people’s lives in the future?
In the future, science is likely to transform daily life even further. For example, advances in artificial intelligence may automate routine tasks and improve productivity at work. Medical science could allow earlier diagnosis and personalized treatments based on genetic data. Renewable energy technologies may also make cities cleaner and more sustainable. Overall, science will continue to shape how people live, work, and stay healthy.
Alright, that was the full mock interview. Now let’s go through each question and look at the main ideas Joseph used in his answers.
Starting with the first question about the importance of science in modern society, Joseph built his answer around three areas. He began with healthcare, explaining how medical science improves treatment for serious diseases. He then moved on to everyday technology, such as smartphones and online banking, to show how science supports daily activities. Finally, he connected science to public decision-making by mentioning health and environmental policy. This progression from personal impact to wider social impact made the answer clear and easy to follow.
In the second question, which focused on quality of life, Joseph explained how scientific research leads to practical improvements. He used medical examples like vaccines and antibiotics to show how research protects health, and then mentioned household technology to illustrate convenience and time-saving. He also referred to food and water safety, which broadened the answer beyond medicine. Together, these points clearly explained how research improves living conditions.
For the third question about science education in schools, Joseph focused on thinking skills rather than exam performance. He explained that experiments allow students to test ideas and evaluate evidence, and then showed how these skills are useful outside the classroom, such as when judging health advice or online information. He finished by noting that science should be taught practically, which kept the answer focused on how education actually works.
When answering why some people find science difficult, Joseph identified several causes. He mentioned abstract concepts and technical language, which can be challenging without a strong foundation. He also pointed out that teaching methods play a role, particularly when lessons rely too heavily on lectures. By adding the idea that a lack of real-life examples can make science feel irrelevant, he clearly explained why learners often struggle with the subject.
The fifth question asked about government spending, and Joseph structured his response around balance. He supported investment in scientific research by referring to medical advances and renewable energy. He then acknowledged the importance of funding other sectors and concluded with the idea of sustainable development. This answer clearly addressed both sides of the question while staying focused on public spending.
In the sixth question, which looked at the negative effects of rapid scientific development, Joseph focused on three areas. He discussed job losses caused by automation, ethical concerns related to genetic engineering and data use, and environmental damage from poorly regulated industries. He ended by emphasizing the need for ethical and legal controls, which directly addressed how these problems might be managed.
For the seventh question on global problems, Joseph stayed focused on how science contributes solutions. He explained climate change through scientific understanding and renewable energy, and disease through vaccines and treatments. He also mentioned the sharing of scientific data between researchers, showing how solutions can be developed more quickly. Every point in this answer explained how science helps, which kept the response clearly on topic.
Finally, in the question about the future, Joseph talked about realistic developments. He mentioned artificial intelligence and automation in the workplace, medical advances in diagnosis and treatment, and the role of renewable energy in creating cleaner cities. These examples allowed him to explain how science is likely to influence daily life in practical ways.
That brings us to the end of today’s episode on IELTS Speaking Part 3 and the topic “The Role and Impact of Science in Society.” I hope this discussion helped you see how effective Part 3 answers are built around clear ideas and well-chosen examples that directly address the question.
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Until next time, keep practising — and speak with confidence.
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