Page 100

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated May 28, 2014

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

Page 100

496. A Picnic or Outdoor Meal (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

497. A Shopping Street (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

498. A Science Subject (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

499. Your Future Work Plans (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

500. An Interesting Conversation (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

RETURN TO PART 2 TOPIC INDEX

FQ = frequent question = a question that has frequently been reported = a question that is probably in the examiner's question book

* = my guess at a question

***********************************************************************

496. A Picnic or Outdoor Meal (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Copy of Topic 205

Describe a picnic or meal that you ate outdoors.

You should say:

where you had this meal

who was with you

what you ate and drank

and explain why you ate outdoors. *

and explain why you enjoyed this picnic or outdoor meal. *

"Where's my lunch?"

Notes

This is probably a repeat of Topic 205, although the Part 3 might be different in places.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possible follow-up questions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 3

Also see any similar Part 3 questions at the following topics: Topic 15, Topic 80, Topic 117, Topic 205, Topic 231, Topic 286, Topic 320, Topic 388 and Topic 450.

Several questions in this Part 3 are about the role of governments in relation to food. Make sure you have some opinions on this and that you know how to express these opinions!

Eating Places

Eating Outdoors

Do people in your country often eat outdoors? FQx2
Where do eat when they eat outdoors? FQ
What do you think are the good points and the drawbacks of eating outdoors? FQx2
In what situations do people eat outdoors? FQ
Where do eat when they eat outdoors? FQ

Eating at Home Versus Eating in A Restaurant

Where do people in your country prefer to eat, at home or outside the home, such as in a restaurant? FQ
(Similar to above) In your country, do people usually invite others to eat at their home or in a restaurant? FQ
Do young prefer to to eat at home or eat out? (Why?)
What do you think are the good points and the drawbacks of eating out? FQx2
On what occasions do people prefer to eat out?

Food Health and Safety

Healthy Eating

Do young people (or children) tend to eat the same food as older people?
Who do you think has a healthier diet, young people (or children) or older people?
Do you think people are more health-conscious today than they were in the past? (Why?)
Do you think the diet of people today is healthier than that of the past? FQx2
(Similar to above but different) Do you think food today is healthier than that of the past? FQ
In your opinion, how can a person eat healthy food?
Do you think that the food in fast food chain restaurants is good for the health?
What are the results (or, consequences) of eating an unhealthy diet?

Food Safety

Would you say that food in restaurants is always safe to eat?
(Similar to above) Would you say that kitchens in restaurants are always clean?
Do you agree that governments have a responsibility to ensure that the food sold in restaurants is safe?
Do you think that your government is doing enough in this area?
How could your government improve in this area?
Do you think food in the future will be safer than the food that we have today? (Hint: GMO food)

Food in the International Arena

Do people in your country ever eat imported food? *
Do you think food can represent a country?
Why do many countries have exhibitions at international food and cuisine exhibitions?
Do you think each country (or culture) should preserve the knowledge of its traditional cuisine?
In your country, do you think the media help to maintain your traditional food culture?
How would you suggest some traditional food cultures could be spread to the rest of the world?
Do you think governments (especially governments in non-western countries) should control the advertising that multinational fast food companies do?
Do you think governments should control what people can eat?

***********************************************************************

497. A Shopping Street (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a street that you like to visit.

You should say:

        where this street is

        who you go there with

        what it looks like *

        what people buy there *

and explain why you like shopping in this street. *

                    or

and explain why you like going to this street. *

Notes

Make sure you know the exact meaning of the word "mall". Not every shopping centre or shopping street is suitable to be called a "shopping mall".
Notice that the card might just say "visit" a shopping street, not specifically "buy things" there. This is for the people who just like to go window shopping or maybe you like to go there to sit in a coffee shop or bar with your friends because it's a popular place to go to. Of course, "visit" can include shopping there.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possible follow-up questions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 3

Places for Shopping

Do people in large cities and people in small towns generally do their shopping in the same types of places?
What are some of the differences between big shopping centres and smaller, local shops? FQx2
What's the difference between a "shopping centre" and a "shopping mall"?
Do you think there are any downsides (disadvantages) for society by having large shopping malls? *
(Similar to above) Do you think there are any downsides (disadvantages) for society to having very large supermarkets and department stores? *
Do you think big shopping centres are good for the environment? FQ (See Note)
What's your opinion of convenience stores (24 hour shops)?
Why do people like convenience stores?
Do you think all shops should be open 24 hours a day?

Online Shopping Frequent Sub-topic

Do you ever buy things online?
What do you think are the pros and cons of online shopping? FQx2
Do you think any malpractice (or illegal activity) takes place on internet shopping web sites?
Will you continue to buy things online?
What do you think might be the result in the future if many people buy many things online? FQ (Use "would" in your answer, not "will".)

Shopping / Consumerism

How often do you go shopping?
Do you think people are too consumerist today? *
Would you say that consumerism has a negative effect on society?
Has the lifestyle (or culture) of your country been affected by recent changes in consumer behaviour?
(Similar to above) Has the lifestyle (or culture) of your country been affected by an increase in consumerism in the past few decades?
Are there any positive effects of consumerism?
In your opinion, which is better for the economy, spending money or saving money?

***********************************************************************

498. A Science Subject (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

A - Modified Version of Topic 208

Describe a science class ( = subject) that you studied in (high) school (such as biology, chemistry or physics).

            You should say:

                          when you studied this subject

                          where you studied it

                          what you learned (and what branch of science it was)

             and explain how you learned it (= how it was taught). *

                                    or

            and explain what happened in class. *

B - Copy of Topic 408

Describe a science class (= subject) that you studied in high school (such as biology, chemistry or physics). *

You should say:

the name of the subject (what branch of science it was)

what you did in this class

how the teacher taught it

and explain how you feel about this subject. *

and explain how much this subject has helped you. *

Notes

This is probably a repeat of Topic 208 and / or Topic 408, although I think I made a mistake with Topic 208 by calling that topic, "A Science Lesson" when it should have been, "A Science Subject". It seems the word "class" is used on the card but it does not mean the same as "lesson" - it means "subject" here.
Although there is often a high school class called "Computer Science", I don't think you should talk about that because the examples given on the card (biology, chemistry or physics) are examples of natural science.
Even if the word "high" (or secondary) is not written on the card, it is best to talk about a high school class, not primary school and definitely not university.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possible follow-up questions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 3

Science in General

Which do you think is more important, science or the liberal arts (or social studies)? FQ
(Similar to above) Which do you think is more important, science or language? FQ
Which branch of science do you think is the most important? FQ
How do you think the average person's understanding of (or knowledge of) science could be improved?
Who do you think is more interested in science, men or women? FQ
(Similar to above) Who do you think is more suited to the study of science, males or females? FQ

Scientific Research

What is "'scientific research'"?
Do you think scientific research is very important?
(Similar to above) Do you think scientific experiments are important?
In your opinion, what is the most important area of science that need to be researched?
Who pays for (or, who should pay for) scientific research?
(Similar to above) Who do you think should pay for scientific research, governments or private companies? FQx2
Do you think that the results of scientific research are influenced by the source of funding for this research?
How much do you think we should (or, can) trust what scientists tell us?
Do you think research scientists have any responsibilities (towards society) that they should adhere to?
Do you think that research scientists should share their research results with other scientists? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you think countries should share their scientific research results with other countries? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you think it's better for countries to compete in scientific research, or to co-operate with each other? FQx2

What area(s) of science is (are) most researched nowadays? FQ

(Similar to above) What do you think has been the most important area of scientific study in the 21st. Century (i.e., since the year 2000!)? FQ (Most likely the examiner really said 20th century)

In your opinion, what do you think has been the most important scientific development (or discovery or invention) in modern times (e.g., the past 100 years)? FQx2

What do you think have been some of the most famous medical discoveries that have resulted from scientific research?
Do you believe that scientific research always results in technology that is good (= positive) for society? (Hint: nuclear weapons)

The Teaching of Science in Schools / to Children

In general do you like (knowing about) science?
(Similar to above) Are you very interested in science?
Do students in your country like studying science in school?
In your opinion, how important is it to teach science to school children? FQ
At what age do children in your country begin to learn about science? FQ
At what age do you think children should begin to learn about science? FQ
Do you think children can learn about science outside the classroom? (See Note)
Do you think children (or, people) can learn about science at home?
What science do (primary) school students learn at school?
(Similar to above) In your opinion, what science should school students learn at school? FQ
Have there been any changes to the teaching of science in schools in the past few decades?
If you were a science teacher in primary school, what would you teach in your first class?
Some people believe that young children are scientists by nature. Do you agree?

Gender Differences

Do you think boys and girls are equally interested in science? FQ
Who do you think is more suitable for studying science, boys or girls? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Do you think boys and girls have equal ability in science? FQx2 (Why? / Why not?)
(Similar to above) Are girls just as good at science in school as boys? (Why? / Why not?)
(If you say that boys and girls have different abilities/interest in science) Do you think boys and girls are born with these differences?

***********************************************************************

499. Your Future Work Plans (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a job you would like to do.

            You should say:

                    what job it is

                    See HERE for notes about the remainder of the wording of this topic.

                    ..........................

                    how you plan to get this job *

            and explain what benefits you think you would get from that job (or, that type of work). *

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possible follow-up questions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 3

Work in Your Country / Most Popular Jobs

What work (or jobs) do most people do in your country? (See Note)
What are some of the various reasons why people prefer one type of work to another?
What jobs are most popular with young people today when they make their career choices? FQx2
How important do you think these jobs are to society?
Are these popular jobs today different to the jobs that were popular 20 or 30 years ago?
Is it very competitive to get into these popular careers (or, get this job)?
Do you think people would be (or, are) willing to work for low wages in those most popular jobs?
Do you think these same jobs will still be popular in the future? FQx2
(Similar to above) What jobs do you think might be most popular in the future? FQx2
What makes a job attractive?
Do many people in your country work part-time? (If yes, who, why?)
Do people change jobs very much in your country?
What would be the ideal job (for you)?

Preparation for Work

For these questions, the word, "school" also includes "university"

Do you think schools should give students preparation for work?
In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of schools doing that?
What training or skills do you think schools should give students to prepare them for the world of work?
How could a school or university help students prepare for work?
Do you think high schools (and universities) should arrange internships (or, work experience) for students? FQ
Do you think schools need to train people in motivation?
How do (or, how can) school students get advice about choosing a career? FQ
Do students in your country get this type of advice at school (or university)? (If not, why not?) FQ
(Similar to above) Do schools in your country have career advisors?
Do you think young people are more influenced by their teachers or by their parents when they make a job (or career) choice? FQ
Do you think it's good for parents to make a job (or career) decision for their children?
What factors do (or, should) school students consider when they choose a career (or, a job)?
Is interest a very important factor that people consider?
How can a person improve themselves in order to achieve their work goals?
Are there any differences between girls and boys when they consider their future careers? FQ
Do males and females do the same jobs in your country? FQ
What are some of the differences between the jobs that males do and those that females do?
At what age do you think young people should start planning a career?
How would you feel if someone told you your career plan was no good?

Being an Employee

See note on the word, "benefits"

What qualities does one need to have to be a good employee?
How can employers help employees be motivated in their work?
What factors give people job satisfaction? FQ
How important do you think job satisfaction is?
Which do you think is more important, a person's salary or their interest in the work they are doing?
Would you be willing to work for low wages if the work was something that very much interested you? FQ
Do you think it's important for people to make friends with the people they work with?

Retirement

What do you think you will do when you retire?

***********************************************************************

500. An Interesting Conversation (May 18, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Version A

Describe an interesting conversation you recently had with someone you didn't know.

You should say:

        who the person was

        where you met

        what you were talked about

and explain why you think it was an interesting conversation

Version B

Describe an interesting person you recently met (for the first time)

You should say:

        who the person was

        where you met

        what you were talked about

and explain why you think he/she was an interesting person

Notes

I don't know which version is the more likely wording - either version is possible.
"Recently" can be up to about a year ago - it doesn't have to be this past week.
"Interesting" means that something stimulated your curiosity or thinking, or was different in some way. The word "interesting" is more related to your brain being stimulated, rather of your heart or feelings being stimulated. But of course, something interesting can result in an emotional reaction (a feeling) such as being surprised or fascinated.

A person who made you laugh, or a conversation that made you laugh could possibly be called "interesting" since humour is a function of the brain rather than of the heart, or feelings. But someone who was simply "good looking", "nice", "kind" or "fun" is not a good enough basis for describing them as "an interesting person".

Someone has reported that this Part 2 is, "A Conversation with a Stranger". The card might use the word, "stranger" or it might just say, "someone you didn't know" (= didn't know at the time). But it is possible that you got to know this person after this conversation, for example, a new colleague at work or a student in a new class that you enrolled in. If that was the case, the person is not a "stranger" now! On the other hand, it might have been a person who you met only once, for example, on the subway train, and maybe you never even got to know his or her name.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possible follow-up questions:

Have you seen this person again?
Have you told others about that interesting person / about this interesting conversation?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 3

Chatting

(Possibly some questions are simply about "talking" not chatting.)

Why do people like to chat (with others)?
What do you think are the benefits of chatting with others?
What does chatting with another person allow us to do (to learn/to understand)?
Who do you think likes chatting more, males or females? FQx2
When men chat with other men, do they usually talk about the same things that women do when they chat with other women?
What is the difference between chatting and gossiping?
Who do you prefer chatting with (or, having a conversation with), your parents or your friends? FQ
Which do you think is easier, to talk to strangers or talk to one's family members / friends?
Can you suggest why some people prefer chatting with with strangers to chatting with their family?
What are the differences between chatting with a family member and chatting with a stranger?

Which do you prefer, to talk with someone face-to-face or talk with someone online?

What are the differences between face-to-face conversations and conversations on a phone or online? FQ

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online chatting (or, online conversations)? FQ

Making Friends

Do you have a lot of friends?
Do you find it easy to make (new) friends?
Do most people have just a small number of friends, or many friends?
How do most people make new friends in your country? FQx2
(Similar to above) On what occasions (or, in what situations) do most people make new friends in your country? FQx2
Do you think it's easy for busy people to make new friends?
What do you think is the best way to make new friends?
Do adults and children makes friends in the same way?
Do people make friends with everyone they work with?
What do you think is the most important factor that determines who people make friends with?

Do you think personality influences who people make friends with?

Do you think people's abilities or intelligence is a factor when people become friends?

What qualities do you think a good friend should have (or, has)? FQ

Do you trust your friends? (Probably = Can you rely on your friends?)

How could a person determine if a friend was a true friend?

First Impressions

Do you think it's possible to make friends with someone the first time you meet them?

(Similar to above) Do you think it's possible to determine how sincere a person is the first time you meet them? FQ

Do you think one's first impression of a person is usually correct?

How important are first impressions when making friends? FQ

Do you think first impressions are easy to change?

When first meeting someone new, do you think it's possible to judge what kind of person he or she is based on that person's appearance?

Do you think first impressions are usually correct or does it take time to get to know a person? FQ

How can a person get to know another person's true nature? FQ

Do you think one can know another person better by living together, or by not living together?

Today and the Past

Do people always make friends today in the same ways that people did in the past?
Do you think it's easier to make friends today than it was in the past?

Modern Technology / Internet Friendship

What do you think is the influence of technology on human relationships today?
Do you think it's possible to become friends with someone you meet on the internet?
How can someone avoid making mistakes when trying to make friends with someone on the internet?
How can someone judge another person's character when they meet online?
In your opinion, are online introduction services very useful?

Parental Involvement / Parental Advice

Do you think parents should intervene when their children make friends?
Do you think parents should educate their children about making friends?
In general. do you think children and young people should listen to the advice of their parents?
(Similar to above) In general. do you think it's important for children and young people to listen to the advice of their parents?
Do young people talk about their problems with their parents very much?

In the Workplace

Do you think it's possible for a manager (or, boss) in a workplace to become friends with the employees?

TV Talk Shows

Why do you think TV talk shows are so popular?
Why do a lot of people like to watch TV talk shows that show emotional situations such as family reunions? FQ
(Similar to above) What do you think is the purpose of having TV shows in which people reveal their personal problems for everyone to see? FQ
What kind of people do you think watch these shows?

Personality and Character

Since these questions are so abstract, some people reporting the questions have not been able to report the questions very accurately, so I have estimated what the real questions are in some cases.

See HERE for some notes I wrote on this topic in 2011. These notes are rather long and abstract and reflect my opinion to some extent. Basically, although I think there is some overlap between personality and character, I think the two are different.

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 328.

Can you give me a few examples of different personality types (or, traits)?
Do you think males and females have differences in personality?
Why do you think women are generally more talkative than men?
Do you usually talk about different topics with males and females?
Do you think chatting is a good way to resolve problems?
Do you think rural people and city people have the same personalities?
Would you agree that people with different types tend to have different jobs?
What aspects of personality (= personality traits) do you think are important to the way a person interacts with other people?
Do you think a person's sense of humour is related to their personality?
Do you believe it is possible to judge someone's personality the first time you meet them? FQ
Do you think a person's clothes can indicate their personality? FQ
Do you think employers, when considering who to hire for a certain job, should take into account the applicant's personality, in addition to the applicant's skills and education?
Do you think that the use of modern technology is turning people into introverts?

The Development of Personality

What do you think is the most important factor in the development of a child's personality?
How do you think someone's personality is formed? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think someone's personality is something they are born with, or is it the result of early childhood experiences? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think someone's personality results from their relationship with their parents and family in early childhood?
At what age do you think personality is formed?
Do you think a person's friends can influence their personality?

Character

What do you think is a person's "character"?
Do you think the culture that a child grows up in has an influence on the development of that person's character? FQ
Do you think parents are responsible for their child's character? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think the quality of parenting influences the development of a child's character? FQ
Do you think family relationships influences the development of a child's character? FQ
Do you think someone's (or, a child's) character can be influenced by their friends?
Which do you think influences a person's character more, their family or their friends?
Do you think school plays a role in the development of a child's character (or, personality)?

***********************************************************************