Page 111

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Updated May 24, 2018

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

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551. A Photograph of You (Sep., 2013) (Probably no longer used)

552. A Family Celebration You Attended (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

553. Your First Cell-phone (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

554. A Foreign Language You Would Like to Learn (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

555. A School You Attended (May, 2014) (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

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551. A Photograph of You (May, 2013 or possibly Sep. 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a time when a good photo was taken of you. *.

You should say:

        when the photo was taken

        where the photo was taken

        who took the photo

and explain why the photo was taken. *

                       or

and explain why you think it is a good photo. *

Notes

It is not completely clear when this topic came into use but it seems to have been September, 2013. At that time, Topic 483 was probably retired. Alternatively, Part 2 of Topic 483 might have always had the wording shown above, starting in May 2013.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

Part 3 Notes

See also any similar questions in the Part 3 questions for Topic 33, Topic 110, Topic 161, Topic 219 and Topic 393.
Make sure you know how to pronounce "photograph", "photography", "photographer" and "photographic". The word stress (i.e., which syllable is stressed more) is different in some of these words.
I have copied all the Part 3 questions from Topic 483 and put them below.
I first became aware of the sub-topic of "Professional Photographers" after September 2013. But it is unclear which questions from other sub-topics of Topic 483 are no longer being used and which are still being used. Always remember that examiners can and do ask questions that they remember from previous similar topics, even when those questions are not in the current question book.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Usage of Photographs

Do you like taking photos? FQx2
Would you say photographs are important?
Are your personal photos important to you?
Besides personal photographs, can you think of any other uses of photographs?
What effects can photos have on people?
What effects can news photos have on people? FQx2 (See this photo)
How important are news photographs? FQx2

In what ways are news photographs different to other photographs?

What do you think is the role of photographs in newspapers? FQx2

Why do you think photos are often used in newspaper, magazine and television advertising? FQx2
How are photos used in advertising? FQx2
Can you explain how a photograph in an ad can persuade someone to buy a product? *
What are the qualities that make a photograph suitable for an advertisement?
Do photos play a role in recording history? FQ
Do you think that's important? FQ
Do you think photos can be useful in teaching (in school or university)? (Why? or How?)
Which do you think are better, photographs or paintings?
Of course, many people take photos of the places they visit. Others prefer to buy postcards showing the same scenes. Which do you prefer? FQx2

Of course, many people take photos of the places they visit. Others prefer to buy postcards showing the same scenes. Why do you think they do that? FQx2

Do you think taking too many photos as a tourist can diminish the experience of being a tourist?
If you wanted to share your photos with others, how would you do it?
Would you prefer to have a photo of yourself on your office wall or on the wall of your home?

The Technology of Photography (or, of Cameras)

Why do some non-professionals like to use the same types of cameras that professional photographers use? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do some people buy an expensive camera? FQx2
Do you think it is worth the cost to buy these expensive cameras? FQ
Can you suggest why some people take more photos of landscapes than photos of their family?
Who you think prefers to use a camera, men or women? (Why?)
How has the technology of photography (or, of cameras) changed in the past few decades?
Which do you think are tare better, digital photos (e.g., on your computer) and printed photos (i.e., printed on paper)? FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think are the differences between a digital photo (e.g., on your computer) and a printed photo (i.e., printed on paper)? FQx2
Do you think photos will continue to be printed on paper in the future? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think non-digital photography will still be used in the future? FQ
Do you think it's important (or, necessary) for a mobile phone to have a camera (= have the ability to take photos)? FQx2
What are the benefits of having a camera built into a cell-phone?
Do you think the use of "photo-shopping" has influenced people's attitudes towards photographs? ("photo-shopping" = using Adobe Photo Shop) FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think the use of "photo-shopping" has influenced people's trust in the reliability of the information in photos? ("photo-shopping" = using Adobe Photo Shop) FQ
Would you say that anyone can become a good photographer nowadays? FQ
How do you think the technology of photography might change in the future?

Professional Photographers

Note: Make sure you understand that a "professional photographer" means, "a photographer who earns a living by taking photographs". An "expert" photographer is simply one who is skilled at taking photos.

Do you think it's important to have family photos? FQ

(Similar to above) Are family photos important to you? FQ

Why do many people like to have family portraits taken?

What are some examples of important family events that people record in photographs?

Do you think photographs of important family events are best taken by professionals?

(Similar to above) When there are important family occasions that people want to record in photographs, some people hire a professional photographer to do the job. Can you suggest why they do that? FQx2

(Similar to above) Some people hire a professional photographer on some occasions. Can you suggest why they do that? FQx2

(Similar to above) Some people hire a professional photographer on special occasions. What occasions are these? FQx2

How does (or how can) a person become a professional photographer?

Do you think anyone can learn to take professional-quality photographs? FQ

What skills and/or personal qualities does one need to be a professional photographer? FQ

Do you think you need to have a particular type of personality to be a professional photographer?

If you wanted to hire a professional photographer, how would you find him or her?

(Similar to above) If you were to hire a professional photographer, how would you find one?

(Possibly) On what basis would you choose/select a professional photographer? *

How is a news photographer different to other types of professional photographers?

Do you think it is necessary to be a professional (or, expert) photographer in order to take news photographs?

Would you like to be a professional photographer? FQ

Do you want to be a photographer? FQ (The examiner might use "want" to see if you really understand the difference between "want" and "would like". See Note.)

What do you think would be the best part of being a professional photographer? FQ

(Similar to above) What do you think would be the most interesting part of being a professional photographer? FQ

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552. A Family Celebration You Attended (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a family celebration that you attended.

You should say:

        where this celebration was held

        why it was held

        who was there

        what people did at this celebration

and explain why you enjoyed this celebration. *

See Notes

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See Also Part 3 for Topic 287, Topic 108 and Topic 29

Marriage & Weddings

Are weddings considered very important in your country?
Would you say marriage (or, weddings) today is (are) considered less important than it was in the past? FQ
(Similar to above but a little different) Are weddings today considered less important, or more important than they were in the past? FQ
(Similar to above) Are weddings today (in your country) the same as weddings have always been? FQx2
Are weddings today more expensive (= dearer) than weddings in the past, or cheaper?
Do you think people spend too much money on weddings? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it's worthwhile to spend so much money on a wedding? FQ
Where are weddings held? (= where are wedding ceremonies held)
Where are wedding banquets held?
Who usually pays for the costs of a wedding (a wedding celebration or banquet)?
What preparations need to be done before a wedding takes place?
In your culture, who does most of the preparation when a couple are going to get married? FQ
(Similar to above) Who do you think should do the preparation work for a wedding?
(Possibly) Who officiates (= carries out) weddings in your country?

Do you think it's important to marry someone who has the same level of education as you do? FQ

Can you suggest why more and more people are getting married today at a later age than they used to? FQx2

(Similar to above) Can you suggest why more and more people are getting married today at a later age than they used to and delaying having children? FQx2

Traditions and Weddings Frequent Sub-Topic

Do you think weddings (or, wedding celebrations) are too complex? (Why do you think that is the case?) See Note 2
Do you think tradition plays an important part in weddings?
Do you think it's important for weddings to follow tradition?
What are some of the wedding traditions in your culture?

Other Celebrations Besides Weddings

Note: Be careful of saying "holidays" when you mean traditional festivals such as the Lunar New Year celebrations, or Christmas. In British English, "on holidays" or "during holidays" etc. most often means "during one's vacation (from school or work)", 假期. Although traditional festivals / celebrations, 节日, are usually also public holidays, I suggest using words such as "festival" or "celebration". This question is further complicated by the fact that English speakers tend to use the word "festival" to refer more to public festivals that are celebrated, for example, on the street or in public places, involving large crowds of people, not traditional celebrations that are held in the home..

Do you think it's important to attend celebrations such as weddings?

Besides weddings, on what other occasions do people in your country hold celebrations?

Besides weddings, on what other occasions do people in your country hold family celebrations?

What would you say are the most important family celebrations in your country?
Do you prefer celebrating with your family or with your friends?
Do you think everybody enjoys attending family celebrations? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do you think some people don't like attending family celebrations? FQ
Are young people and old people equally enthusiastic about family celebrations?
Do you think people like attending national celebrations (e.g. National Day)?
What do you think are the differences between family celebrations and national (or public) celebrations? FQx2
Which do you think is more important, family celebrations or national (or public) celebrations? FQx2
Which do you think is more enjoyable, family celebrations or national (or public) celebrations? FQx2
Do people in your country generally prefer family celebrations to national celebrations, or vice versa?
Do you think all public holidays are "celebrated"?
Have their been any changes to the culture of your country resulting in celebrating something that was not traditionally celebrated in your culture? (changes in the past few decades)
Do people in your country celebrate the same public holidays that people celebrate in other countries? See Note

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553. Your First Cell-phone (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

Describe your first mobile phone (or communication device).

You should say:

        when you got it (or, how old you were when you got it)

        how you got it *

        what you used it for *

and explain how the mobile phone changed your life.

Notes

"Cell-phone" is more American usage while "mobile phone" is more common in British English. But either is OK.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Are you still using this phone?
(Possibly) Would you say that mobile phone (or, device) changed your life? *

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Part 3

Mobile Phones in Your Country

What do you think are the main differences between mobile phones today and the first mobile phones (in the 1990's)?
Do you like having a mobile phone? FQ
(Similar to above) Is your mobile phone important to you? FQ
Are mobile phones very common in your country? FQ
Are mobile phones very popular in your country? FQ
Would you say that it's essential to have a mobile phone?
Do all types of people use mobile phones or is it mostly a case of certain types of people (certain groups) using them?
What do people use their mobile phone for? FQ
In addition to making phone calls, what do people use their mobile phones for?
Would you say cell-phones are useful when one is traveling?
Do you think it is important for someone going on a business trip to use a mobile phone while on the trip?
Do many old people use mobile phones? FQ
(Similar to above) Who do you think uses mobile phones more, young people or old(er) people? FQx2
Who changes their mobile phones for newer models more often, young people or older people? (Why?)
Do you think old people find it easy to use a cell-phone?
Do old(er) and young people use mobile phones in the same way?
Do you think there are any downsides (bad points) to using a cell-phone? FQ
Do people use their cell-phones more for speaking or more for sending text messages? FQx2
(Similar to above) What are the differences between sending text messages and making calls on a mobile phone? FQx2
(Similar to above) Would you say that text messaging is replacing making call calls?
What are the shortcomings of using mobile phones? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think that mobile phones have any brought any negative influences to people (or, society)?
Do you think there are times when it is acceptable (or, reasonable) to ask others to turn off their cell-phones?
What can someone do if they lose their cell-phone?
What problems can result if a person loses their cell-phone?
What are the major differences between a fixed-line phone and a mobile phone?
Do you think the use of mobile phones will increase in the future?
Do you think that you will be using a mobile phone more in the future, or less?

Smart-Phones

Why do we have "smart phones" (or, why do people use) smart phones when we already have mobile phones and the internet?
Why do people (like to) use smart-phone apps? FQ
Would you say mobile phone apps are important?
Which apps are most popular? FQ

Children and Mobile Phones

At what age do people in your country usually get their first cell-phone? FQx2
Why do you think kids aged about 11 or 12 need to (or, want to) have a mobile phone?
Which do you think is more suitable for young children to use, a mobile phone or a fixed-line phone at home?
What do you think could be done to stop school students from using their cell-phone during class? FQ

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554. A Foreign Language You Would Like to Learn (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a foreign language you would like to learn (besides English).

You should say:

        what language

        how you would learn it

        what difficulties you think you might (or would) have when learning this language.

and explain why you would like to learn this language.

Notes

This might be a repetition of Topic 115
Understand the differences between "would like to" and "want to" - see here.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 49, 115, 171, 280 & 476

Learning Another Language

Do you think it's important to learn a foreign language? FQ
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of learning (or studying) a foreign language?
Do you think everyone should learn a foreign language? FQ
Would you agree that some people are better at learning a language than others?
Do you think it's good that some school students are forced to study a foreign language (= it is compulsory for them to study a foreign language)?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's necessary (or, important) for schools to teach foreign languages? FQ
Do you think it's important to learn a foreign language in a formal classroom?
What people need to learn a foreign language?
What benefits do children (or, people) get from studying (learning) a foreign language?
Do you think there are any possible downsides from studying a foreign language?
What difficulties do people experience when they try to learn another language?

Why do you think different people seem to have different capabilities for learning languages? FQ

(Similar to above) Why do you think some people are better than others at learning languages? FQx2

(Similar to above) Why do you think some people can learn a language faster than other people? FQx2
How do high school teachers in your country teach English?
How do you think school teachers could make studying a foreign language more interesting? FQ
How do you think school teachers could make studying a foreign language more effective? FQ
What are the reasons why people learn a foreign language?
What kinds of people are most likely to learn a foreign language?
In your country, which are the most commonly studied foreign languages?
How can people use the knowledge they have of a foreign language?
On the question of learning a foreign language, do you think there are any differences between men and women?
Who do you think finds it easier to learn a foreign language, men or women?
How would you convince a person of the importance of learning your language?
Do you think there is a strong relationship between language and culture?
How important (or, how useful) is it to learn a language in a formal classroom?

International Communication

How do people use social media (or, use the internet) to make contact with foreigners (who speak a foreign language)?
What do you think are the similarities and differences between the way people of different languages communicate?

An International Language

Do you think there is a relationship between one's language and one's sense of national identity?
Do you think it would be good to have one main international language? FQ
(Similar to above) What do you think are the pros and cons of having an international language? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it is important to have one main international language? FQ
Which language would you say is the dominant language in the world today? FQ

Which language do you think will be the dominant language in the future? FQ

(Similar to above but different) Which language would you say is the most important language in the world today? FQ
Some people say that all languages are important. Do you agree?
Do you think English should be made the official international language? FQ
In the future, what language do thing will be the most prevalent in the world?
Do you think Chinese should be made an (or, the) international language?

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555. A School You Attended (May, 2014) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a school you have attended (in your childhood).

You should say:

        where it was (or, what school it was)

        what the classrooms were like (or, looked like)

        what the teachers were like *

and explain how you felt about this school. *

Notes

This might be a repetition of Topic 252
It might say, "Describe a school you attended when you were a child". Strictly speaking, a "child" is aged about 4 to 12. You should not use a kindergarten as your example because Westerners don't think of them as "schools" and, besides, people can't remember much before the age of 5. So that leaves only your primary school. But sometimes in English we say "school children" or "school kids" when we are referring to high school students, even senior high school students aged 17 or 18. So a high school, especially your junior high school, might be acceptable but the safest choice is your primary school.
It might also be possible to talk about an after-hours school you attended in your childhood such as a dance or music school.
Don't talk about a school that people refer to as "training schools", such as language schools that help people prepare for tests like IELTS. These are mostly for adults although, if you attended a language school (e.g., to really learn English, not just prepare for a test) when you were about 8 or 11, then it would be suitable.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Are you still in contact with that school?
(Similar to above) Have you ever gone back to that school for a visit?

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Part 3