Page 20

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated Nov. 11, 2008

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

Page 20

96. Ideal Home (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

97. Future Work Plans (2) (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

98. A Small Business You Would Like to Own (2) (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

99. A Type of Film (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

100. A Childhood Game (May 19, 2007) (Moved to Topic 179)

RETURN TO PART 2 TOPIC INDEX

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96. Ideal Home (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

Describe the ideal home that you would like to live in.

You should say:

where it would be

what type of house it would be

how you would decorate it (or, how you would furnish it)

and explain why you would like to live in this kind of home.

Notes:

See the notes for Topic #102 for important information about grammar for this question.
It is unsuitable to use the following expressions for this topic: "I hope my house will ..." or, "It will ...".

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Possible follow-up questions:

Have you ever seen a home like that? *
Do you know anyone with a home like that? *
Do you think you will really live in a house like that? *

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Part 3

Housing in China

Would you prefer to live in a flat (= apartment) or a house? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Compare houses and flats. FQx2
Do most people in your hometown live in a house or a flat? Why?
In China, where do most young people (for example, 20 to 25-year-olds) live? Do they still live with their parents?
What types of places (homes) do most people in China live in? FQ (Hint: Remember that 65% of Chinese people are farmers!)
Compare houses that rural people live in with the flats (apartments) that most city people live in. FQx2
How are relations betweens neighbours different in cities and in the countryside (as a result of these different housing situations)?
(Similar to above) What kind of housing situation is best for allowing neighbours to chat to each other?
What are some of the housing problems that exist in China?
What is the government doing to try to solve these problems?
In Chinese cities, are there many people who do not have a place to live? (homeless people) Where do they sleep?
Do you think the prices of homes in China are too expensive for the average person? FQ
Why are the prices so high?
What is the government doing about this problem? Or: What can the government do about this problem? FQ
Do you think the government should help low-income people buy a home? (Why? How?/Why not?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think the government should supply low-cost housing for those people who have low incomes? FQx2
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in a newly-built home and living in an old one.
Some people like decorating their homes while other people don't care too much about decorating. Why do you think this is?
Some people like decorating their homes with flowers while other people don't have flowers inside their home. Why do you think this is?
How do you think homes (= houses or flats) in the future will be decorated (and furnished)?

Crowded Cities

Would you say that the majority of cities in China are overcrowded?
What are some problems that (can) result from crowded (or, overcrowded) living conditions in cities? FQx2
How can these problems be addressed?
(Similar to above) Some people say that cities are too crowded. What are some solutions to this problem? (Hints: 'satellite cities'; developing the economy of rural areas.)
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in a high-rise apartment.
How does living in high-rise apartments affect the people who live there? FQ

The Relationship between the Environment and Building Design

How do buildings in different parts of China differ from each other? For example, how are buildings in southern China different to those in northern China? FQx2
(Similar to above) How does the environment of a place affect the design of the buildings in that place? FQx2
What factors are important when designing a building?
In what ways can buildings be more 'environmentally friendly'? (Hint: Buildings can be well-insulated to help decrease the use of energy for heating and cooling.) Difficult Question

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97. Future Work Plans (2) (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

Version A

Describe the work ( = the job) that you plan to do in the future.

(Or, Describe the work ( = the job) that you want to do in the future.)

(Or, Describe the work ( = the job) that you would like to do in the future.)

You should say:

(what job it is)

where you plan to work (what country/city etc)

how you plan to prepare for this work

why you choose this kind of work

and explain what skills are necessary for this work.

Version B

Describe your work plans for the future.

You should say:

what your plans are

what preparations you should do

why you choose these plans

and explain what skills will be necessary for doing this work.

Version C

Describe your ideal job. (Or, Describe a job that you would like to do in the future.)

You should say:

what job this would be

what preparations you would need to do before starting this job

why you think this would be an ideal job

and explain what skills would be necessary for doing this work.

See Note

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Possible follow-up questions:

Do you know anyone involved in this type of work?
Would this be local work?

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #22.

Factors When Choosing a Job or Career

(In China,) why (or how) do people choose what job to do in life? (career) FQ
(Similar to above) Why do different people choose to do different kinds of work? FQ
What are your views on the different kinds of jobs that exist? For example, a street sweeper. Why don't you choose to do that job? FQ
(Similar to above) Compare some of the different types of work that you know. FQ
What's the main reason why people go to work?
Are most people in China happy with their jobs?
What makes a job enjoyable? FQ
Do people in China change their jobs very often? (= change to a different employer)
What's your opinion of people who often change their job(s)? FQ
What are the advantages and disadvantages of changing job?
What are the challenges a person faces when they change their job, for example, from being a doctor to being a teacher?
What's the difference between a 'job' and a 'career'?
What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a job or career - the salary, how interesting the job is, or how much power one can gain from the job? FQ
(Similar to above) If you had to choose one of two different jobs, one being well-paid but not interesting and the other poorly-paid but interesting, which job would you choose? FQ
What do you think is an ideal working environment? Is the kind of boss you have very important?
Do most people choose the work they do based on their interests?
What influence does the salary level of a job have on people's decision whether or not to take that job?
(Similar to above) What influence do salary levels in different careers have on people's decision whether or not to choose to pursue that career? (Note the difference between 'career' and 'job'.)
How do people in China find a job?
Why do you think it's important for people to have goals? FQ

Work Skills & The Nature of Work Today

Why do people specifically choose to do just one kind of work? (See Note)
After you start the career that you spoke about previously, what would you do if you found that you didn't like this work?
If someone has a job that they don't enjoy very much, how can they make their work more enjoyable? FQ
(Similar to above) How can people find satisfaction in their work? FQ
Would the work you plan to do require much teamwork?
What are some advantages (and possible disadvantages) of team work? FQ
Compare the advantages of team work with working alone. FQ
In order to prepare for work, which do you think is more important, work experience (practical experience) or theoretical study? FQx2 (See Note)
Can you think of some examples of work that, before you begin that work, require a lot of theoretical study and some examples of work where practical experience is more important?
Do you think that the pressure of work is increasing in China? FQ
(Similar to above) Compare work pressure today to that of, say, 20 or 30 years ago. FQ
Why jobs (or, what types of work) do you think will be most important in the future (e.g. around 20 years from now)?
Do most people like the work they do?
Do people in China change their jobs very often? (Why?/Why not?)
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs (or, changing career). FQ
What do you think of leaders (bosses)?
Do you think a young team leader would be able to lead older team members?
Today in China, not many females play leading roles in business. What do you think of that?
Do you think women should (have to) go to work?
Do you think you might have to change your work (or, your job) in the future?
When people move to a different city for reasons related to their work, what are some of the possible problems they might face?
If a person has a very challenging job, how should he or she deal with this situation?
How can a person find a balance between work and one's personal life (or one's family life)? FQ
Why is it important to have this balance?
What personal attributes does one need to work successfully (= to do a job well)? (See Note)
What kinds of work (or, what jobs) do you think will probably disappear in the future? (See Note)
How do you feel about the fact that these jobs might disappear in the future?
Some people stay at home without working while others go out to work. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two choices?
Nowadays, many people study advanced courses, sometimes before they even start working or after they have been working for a few years. Do you think such study is necessary?

Working From Home

Do many people (in China) work from/at home?
What kinds of work can people do at home?
What kinds of people (what kinds of jobs?) are suitable for working at home?
(Similar to above) What are the qualities that are needed for people who work at home?
What kinds of work will people be doing from/at home in the future? (Hint: Using the internet for work)
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages for the family if someone works from home?

The Internationalization of Work

In what ways does globalization affect people's work?
How does the 'internationalization' of the world's economy ('globalization') affect China's economy?
Compare working overseas with working in China. (Compare the advantages & disadvantages for a person from China.) FQ
How could a foreigner who doesn't speak Chinese survive in China?

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98. A Small Business You Would Like to Own (2) (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a small business that you would like to open, (or, start or run or own or have) if you had the chance.

        You should say:

                what this business would be

                where it would be located

                what people you would hire as employees

                (or, what people you would need to help you set up this business)

        and explain why you would like to open/own/run/have this small business.

Note

See the notes for Topic #102 for important information about grammar for this question.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Do you know anyone who has a business like that? *
Do you really plan to have a business like that?
Do you think you will really have that kind of business one day?

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #37, Page 8 and Part 3 for Topic# 79, Page 16.

Having Your Own Business

Do people today prefer to be self-employed or to work for others?
Do more people today prefer to be self-employed, compared to a few years ago?
Do you think it's easier to be an employee in a company or to be a company owner? FQ
What are the advantages of owning your own business? FQ
What are some possible disadvantages? FQ
What are the qualities of a good employer (boss)?
(Similar to above) What personal qualities are needed to open and run your own small business? FQx2 (See Note)
And what would you say are the qualities of a good employee?
If you had your own company, how would you attract customers (or clients) to your business? FQx2
(Similar to above) How do small businesses attract customers (or clients)? FQ
How do companies (or businesses) lose customers (or clients)? FQx2
How does a person set up their own business?
What are the advantages and possible disadvantages for a female opening her own business?

Business Ethics

What do you think of business owners who deceive their customers or clients?
What can be done to ensure that customers' rights and interests are not encroached upon? FQ
(Similar to above) What can be done to protect the rights of consumers in China?
Nowadays, if a customer has a serious conflict with a company, the customer can take the case to court. Do you think the customer should defend his/her rights in this way?

The Business Environment in China

Do you think it's easy to have your own business (your own company) in China?
Do you think running a business today is simpler than it was before?
(Similar to above) Would you say that it's easier, or more difficult to do business (or open a business) in China today, compared to several decades ago? FQx2
In your opinion, what are the effects on China of having many foreign companies doing business here?
(Similar to above) Do you think these foreign companies are changing some of China's traditional ways of doing business?
What can government (both local and national) do to help (small) businesspeople?
Do you think it's right to make a profit at the expense of the environment?
If a company discharges large amounts of pollutants into the environment, do you think this company should be held responsible?
How can these companies reduce pollution?
How do you feel about 'business culture' in general, for example, the nature of market capitalism?
(Similar to above) How do you feel about the 'business culture' that exists in China right now?

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99. A Type of Film (May 19, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

Describe the type of film that you most enjoy watching (for example, action or romance films).

You should say:

what this type is

what the characteristics of this type are

when you last watched this type of film

(when & where you usually watch this kind of film *)

and explain why you like this type of film.

Notes

This topic could possibly be worded as, "Describe the type of film that you find most interesting" or "Describe the type of film that you are most interested in watching".
You should choose only one type of film, not several types.
Of course you can (and perhaps, should) include one or two examples of this type of film.

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Possible follow-up questions:

How often do you watch this type of film?
Do your friends also like this type of film?
When was the last time you saw a film? (Or: When was the last time you saw this kind of film?)
Would you like to be in films? *

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #6, 'A Film'. (Some of the reported Part 3 questions for this 'new' topic are very similar to those of Topic #6) and the Part 3 questions for Topic #145 'An Interesting Film'.

Films in General

What are the different type of films? FQ
In what ways do these types differ?
What kinds of people like to watch these different types of films?
What kinds of films are most popular?
Do you think (watching) films have (has) any educational benefits?
In what ways are documentary films and films only for entertainment different? FQ
(Similar to above) Films in cinemas are all for entertainment. How do you think these films compare with documentary videos or documentary TV shows?
Why do you think documentary films are not so popular?
How are movies and real life different?
Do men and women like to watch the same kinds of films? FQ
Compare the films that older people (e.g., over 35) like to watch with those that younger people (e.g., 13 to 25) like to watch. FQx2
(Similar to above) Do different age groups like the same kinds of films? FQ
Do you like any particular film star? Why?
Why do you think many young people are so interested in cinema super stars?
Are old movies very popular in China? (Why?/Why not?)
Compare animated cartoon films with films that have real actors. Which is better? (Or: Which do you prefer?) (Why?)
How has science and technology affected the way films are made today?
What qualities should a good film director have?
What are the responsibilities of a film director, when making a film? (I.e., What does a film director actually do?)
How important do you think films are?
Which do you think is more important for society, films or books?
In general, when films are made of novels, how do the films differ from the novels?
Which is more interesting, the original novel or the film version of the novel?
Do you think film censorship is a good thing?
What can people learn from watching films?
Do you ever discuss films with your friends?
What can we learn from watching foreign films?
Do you think watching English language films at school helps students learn English?
What kinds of film do you think will be most popular in the future?
(Similar to above) What kinds of film do you think will develop fastest in the future?

The Cinema

Do you like watching films? (Why?)
Do you prefer watching films at home or in a cinema? (Why? Compare the two.)
Do you think going to the cinema is very important for people? (Why?/Why not?)
Who goes to the cinema more, young people or older people? (Why?)
Compare watching films in the cinema to watching films (e.g., DVDs) at home. FQ
Are people attracted (or influenced) by advertisements (or previews) for new films? FQ DIFFICULT QUESTION See Note
(Similar to above) Do you think advertisements for new films has much effect on how many people go to watch these films? (Or, do most people rely on recommendations from friends about what films are worth going to see?) FQ
If there were no advertisements for films, how could people know about new films or know which cinemas have these new films? (Hint: To know about new films - Film reviews in newspapers & on the internet; To know where new films are being shown - )
In the future, do you think people will go to the cinema more often than they do now? (Why?) FQ
(Similar to above) In the future, do you think people will still go to cinemas to watch films or will most people watch DVDs at home? (Hint: In the future, most people will probably watch films on the internet or a combination of internet and television.)
Do there think there should be controls ( = censorship) on the amount of violence that is shown in films? (Why?/Why not?)

The Film Industry (in Your Country)

What types of film are most popular in China?
Do Chinese people like going to the cinema to see films (or do they prefer to watch DVDs at home)?
How do think this affects the (Chinese) film industry?
Do you think it is necessary for China to have a film industry?
How has the Chinese film industry developed over the past 30 (or more) years? FQ
(Similar to above) Can you tell me something about the history of the Chinese film industry? FQ
What influences do Chinese films have on Chinese society? FQ
Compare Chinese and foreign films. Which do you prefer. (Why?) FQ
(Similar to above) What do you think are the main differences between Chinese and foreign (American) films? Which are more popular in China? (Why?) FQ
(Similar to above) Compare how Chinese films reflect Chinese values (or, Chinese culture) and how Western films reflect Western values (or, Western culture).
Do you think it's important for China to produce films that particularly reflect Chinese society and Chinese culture? (Why?/Why not?) FQx2
Do you think it's important for Chinese films to be promoted overseas? FQ
How are new films promoted in China?
Why are documentary films not so popular?
What does one need in order to make a film? (E.g., what facilities, what things?) (Hints: Time; Creativity and artistic sense; Capital; Video cameras; A story (a plot) plot and a script; Actors; A film crew; A film location; Editing facilities.)
Do you think the development of the internet is (will be) an advantage or a disadvantage for the film industry?

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100. A Childhood Game (May 19, 2007) (Moved to Topic 179)

Describe a game you enjoyed when you were a child. (Not a sport.)

You should say:

what the game was

when, where and with whom you usually played it

how you played it

and explain why you enjoyed this game.*

and explain what was special about this game. *

Notes

This topic has been moved to Topic #179. There is no need to continue reading here because all of the questions here were moved and any future changes or additions will be made to Topic #179 only.
See also Note

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Possible follow-up questions:

Do children today still play this game?
Do you still like to play this game? *

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Part 3

Children's Play

(Similar to above) (In general), do children prefer to spend time with other children or with adults? FQx2
Do children and adults like playing together? FQx2
Besides sport, what activities do children (or young people) like to do?
Do you think children generally do things arising from their own interest or as a result of their parents' encouragement (or example)?
Are boys and girls interested in the same games or play activities? FQ
After they grow up (or, as they grow older), why do you think boys and girls tend to be interested in different activities?
If you were teaching a child how to play a new game, how would you do it?

Notice the similarity to this question (Topic #84 ): "If you were a father, how would you teach your child to swim?" For both of these questions, you should say "I would" not "I will". See HERE.

Why do children usually enjoy playing outside?
Why do many children today not (like to) play outside?
Do you think it's important for schools to have areas for outdoor play (i.e., playgrounds)? FQ
What are the benefits of play for children?
What are the benefits of children playing games? FQ
(Similar to above) How does playing games help in the mental development of children?
Do you think children today get along better with other children than children did, say 20 or 30 years ago?
What do you think are the good points and possible bad points about China's 'One Child Policy'?
What's your opinion about the entertainment choices that children today have? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think entertainment for children today is good or not? FQ
Do you think it's important for schools to have after-school activities (= extra-curricular activities) for school children? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think it's necessary for children to have after-school activities (= extra-curricular activities)? FQx2
How do you think school lessons could be made more interesting for younger schoolchildren? (E.g., learning via games in class.) FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think teachers should include activities in their lessons in order to make the lessons more interesting? (Why?/Why not?) FQ

Games

Do you think it's good for children to play competitive games? FQ
(Similar to above) What are the good and possibly the bad results of children engaging in competitive activities such as games? FQ
Are there any differences between the games boys like to play and those girls like to play? FQ
Do you often play games? (Include: what kinds of games)
(Similar to above) Do you like to play games? (Why? What games?)
Can you play this game with friends?
What benefits do you get from playing this game?
(Similar to above) What benefits do people get from playing games?
What benefits can children get from playing games?
Can you get information about this game on the internet?
Are there other ways to get information about this game?
Do different age groups of people like to play different games? (Give examples - What games?)
(As above) How are children's games different to adults' games? FQ
What's the most popular game in China?
How have games changed in the past few decades? FQ
How have children's games changed in the past few decades? FQ
How do you think games will develop in the future?
How have computers influenced the games people play today?
Why do Chinese adults like playing mahjong?
Are there any drawbacks from playing internet (or, computer) games?

Sport

Is sport an important part of people's lives? (Why?/Why not?) [Hint: 'Exercise' and 'sport' are NOT exactly the same.]
What are the benefits and possible disadvantages of playing sports?
(Similar to above) What are some of the benefits that regular exercise can have for the body?
Do men and women (or, boys and girls) (like to) play the same kinds of sport? FQ
What kinds of sports do children like to play? FQ
Do you think boys and girls should play the same kinds of sports? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
Do you think it's important (or necessary) for schools to have outdoor sports activities for students?
Today, are there more non-academic (= extra-curricular) activities in school than there used to be several decades ago?
Do you think there should be more extra-curricular activities such as sport available for school children?
Do you think there are any psychological benefits from doing exercise?
Do you think parents should play sport with or exercise with their young children?
Do you think it's important for children (or, young people) to experience playing team sports? (Why?/Why not?)
In China, are sports activities (for children) very competitive?
Do you think competitive sport is beneficial for children (or, young people)?
How can (or, how does) one start a sports team? Do you think
Do you think the government should organize people's leisure activities (such as sports activities)?

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