Updated Jun. 21, 2009
IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions
Page 31
151. Some Interesting News (2) (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
152. A Good Law (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
153. A Performance (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
154. Something You Would Like to Learn (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
155. A Tourist Attraction (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
FQ = frequent question = a question that has frequently been reported = a question that is probably in the examiner's question book
* = I am not sure of the words here.
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151. Some Interesting News (2) (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe
an interesting news story (
You should say
when you read or saw this news *
where it happened
how you got this news
what the contents of this news story were
what people were mentioned in this news report
and explain how (or why) this story was interesting to you. *
See Notes
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Possible follow-up questions:
Do people in China like interesting news stories?
Have you talked about this news story with other people?
Have you seen this story in other places?
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Part 3
News & The News Media in China
News in General
What can the news bring to us? (= How can the news benefit people?)
(Similar to above) What is the importance of news?
Types of News
In general, what kind of news are you most interested in?
Is there any difference between the types of news that young people are interested in and the news that older people, such as your parents, are interested in? FQ
Are children interested in the same kind of news that adults are interested in?
Do people in China keep up with (or, follow) the news every day?
Do people in China prefer to read about domestic news (= local news) or international news? FQx2 See Notes
How important do you think it is to be aware of what is happening in other parts of the world, besides your own country?
Do you think news can ever have a negative effect on people?
What factors do you think influence the way a person's attitudes towards different news stories?
Newspapers
In China, how do people usually get their news? See Notes
Do people in China like reading the newspaper (= newspapers)? FQx2
Which group do you think prefer to read newspapers, old(er) people or young people? (Why?)
How often do you think most people read a newspaper?
Why do so many people read newspapers?
In many parts of the world, newspapers are losing readers (or, readership). What are some possible reasons for this?
What methods do newspapers use to attract readers? See Notes
(Similar to above) How do you think a newspaper could attract new readers, for example a new newspaper? FQx2
(Similar to above) How do you think a newspaper could increase its readership (or, its sales)? FQx2
Do you think there is any value in reading old newspapers (such as 70-year-old newspapers in the public library)?
Choices of News Media
Do people in China generally prefer to get their news from newspapers, TV or the radio? FQ
Which news do you think is better - TV news or news on the radio? (Compare them) FQx2
(Possibly the above question is simply:) Do people in China prefer to watch TV or listen to the radio? (Why?)
Do you think TV makes (or can make) the news more interesting than the radio (or newspapers)?
What are some differences between newspapers and magazines? (Possibly the question is referring to news content or possibly it is just a general question.)
How are modern news media and the old forms of news media different? (Compare them)
Do many people get their news from the internet?
Do you think the news from the internet and the news from newspapers is the same?
Would you say the quality of news reporting is the same on TV, in newspapers and on the internet? (Compare them)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting news from the internet (i.e., the internet news services)?
What effects do you think the internet is having on the news that is available to people?
How do you think the future will develop - do you think people will more and more use the internet for getting their news or will they continue to read newspapers (or get their news from TV)? (Compare the two that are used & talk about advantages of internet news) FQ
Do you think the internet might one day replace the other news media, such as newspapers, TV & radio as the main way people get their news? FQx2
"Infotainment"
Some people say that news reports, especially on TV, are changing more and more into a form of entertainment. Do you agree? Difficult question See Notes
Do you think it's a good thing to make news more "entertaining"? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think the news programs on TV should be more entertaining? (I.e., do you think these programs are rather boring at the moment?)
(Similar to above) How do you think news programs on TV could be made more interesting? FQ
In the future, do you think the news programs on TV will become more "entertaining"? FQ
The Reliability of the News
Do you always believe everything you hear or read in the news media?
Some people say the media sometimes misleads people about the news? What do you think? FQ
(Similar to above) Some people say we cannot always trust what we read or hear in the news media. What do you think? FQ See Notes
Why do you think there is so much false (fake) news and fake news sites on the internet?
Do you think it's possible for news to be 'created' rather than discovered by news reporters?
Journalists & Journalism
Generally speaking, what kind of people write the articles we see in newspapers?
In China, do reporters (or, journalists) have high social status?
Do you think journalists are important to society?
Do many people in China choose to become journalists?
What personal qualities (and skills) do you think a journalist needs to have? FQx2
What sort of knowledge (or understanding) do journalists need to have?
Do you think writing skills are important for journalists? (Why?)
If you wanted to be a journalist, do you think you would be suitable? (i.e., do you think you have the necessary skills and personal traits)?
(Same as above) Do you think you would be a good journalist?
Do you a journalist should be paid more if they have to work in a dangerous place?
Do you think the quality of news presentations is important?
Do you have any ideas on how the quality of news reporting (= journalism) could be improved? FQ
In the journalism profession, like all professions, there are certain standards that journalists should follow. What do you think these standards should be? FQx2
The Influence of Journalists
Do you think people are very much influenced by what they read in the news media? (or hear/see on TV news programs)
(Similar to above) Do you think journalist have much effect (on influence) on what average people think?
How do you think journalists (or, reporters) can (or do) influence people? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think journalists help shape people's attitudes (and interests) or do you think they simply reflect the attitudes (and interests) that the readers already have? FQx2
Television
Do people in China prefer to watch TV or listen to the radio? (Why? Compare them.) FQx2
Are there any differences between the ways people in the cities and people in the countryside watch TV and listen to the radio?
When do people usually watch TV and listen to the radio?
Do you watch TV very often?
What kinds of people do you think watch TV a lot?
Would you describe watching a lot of TV as a hobby or as a problem?
In the future, do you think the internet will replace TV as our main source of entertainment?
Television stations often use different ways to try to increase their ratings (their viewing audience). Can you think of any examples of this?
Do you think these ways of increasing ratings are reasonable?
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152. A Good Law (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a good law in your country.
You should say
what the law is
how you first learned about this law
who benefits from this law (or, who is affected by this law)
and explain why you think this is a good law. *
Notes
"*" = a guessed question
Possibly the words are, "who is affected by this law" rather than, "who benefits from this law".
A few people have reported that the card says, "a good law" but many others just reported, "describe a law". Someone else, who wrote detailed information, said it is "an important law". Therefore, whatever the actual wording, it is best to choose a law that is both important and good.
See Note for suggestions of laws to talk about.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Do you think every country should have this law?
(Similar to above) Would you say that law is suitable for other countries?
Do other people also think this is a good law?
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Part 3
See Note about the types of laws
See some vocabulary on the topic of law
The Law in Your Country/Law Enforcement
The Role of Law
What role does law play in society? FQx2
(Similar to above) What role does the law play in the lives of people? FQ
(Similar to above) How does law affect the everyday lives of people? FQ
(Similar to above) What is the function (the purpose) of the law for a nation (or society)?
(Similar to above) Why are laws important in modern society?
Do you think laws have much influence on (or relationship with) the economy? (Hints: Commercial law; laws regulating banking & the stock market - e.g. the U.S.A. today.)
If there were no laws, what do you think society (or life) would be like?
Examples of Laws in China
Can you give any examples of what is illegal in China? FQ
What do you think of China's 'One Child Policy'? Is it a good law in your opinion? See Note
What is the difference between a (government) policy and a law?
The Nature of Laws
Do you think all laws are fair?
In many cultures there are stories (legends) about people who 'rob from the rich to give to the poor'. Do you think it's suitable to tell this kind of story to children? See Note
Do you think it's morally right to have a death penalty? See Note
Abiding by the Law
In general, would you say Chinese people like having laws?
How successful do you think the laws are in your country? (successful in achieving the aim of the laws)
(Similar to above) Do you think most people in China abide by the law? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
Would you say the number of crimes committed in China has increased or, instead, has decreased in the last few years (e.g., 20 years)? FQ
Can you suggest any ways to solve the problem of people breaking the law (that you just mentioned)?
Do you think it's important for people to obey laws?
What benefits are there for society when people obey the law?
What are some ways that people can be encouraged to obey the law? FQ
(Similar to above) What are some ways that we could reduce the number of violations of the law?
Can you give any examples of what is illegal in China? FQ
(Similar to above) What are some examples of crimes?
Why do you think some people break the law?
What kinds of people commit crimes?
Many people think that an occasional, minor breach of the law is ok. What do you think? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think there are ever any circumstances when it's alright to break the law (or, to ignore the law)? FQx2
(Similar to above) What kinds of crime are "understandable"?
Do you think it's a crime if somebody accidentally breaks the law?
Under what circumstances can a person who has committed a crime escape punishment? See Note
The Police and Lawyers
Do people in China like the police?
(Similar to above) How do people in your country feel about the police?
Are many people in China interested in becoming a police officer? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
What kind of people are interested in working as police officers?
What are the working conditions of the police like?
What do police officers do in their job?
Do you think there is much difference between policemen and policewomen?
Why do you think there are more policemen than there are policewomen?
Do you think there are ever any circumstances when it's an advantage to use a policewoman rather than a policeman?
What personal qualities (& skills) does a person need to be a police officer (= to a member of the police force = to be a policeman or policewoman)? See Note FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think are the qualities of a "good cop"?
Can you think of any ways that the quality of the police could be improved?
Why do we need to have police in society?
(Similar to above) What do you think is the value of having 'community police officers'? (E.g., a police officer who walks the streets and is well-known to the people in the community.)
What are the differences between the police and people that we see, for example, working as security guards in a bank?
Police Officers compared to Lawyers
Do you think the police really know (all) the laws?
Which job would most people prefer - to be a policeman/policewoman (= a member of the police force) or a lawyer? (Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Compare police officers and lawyers. FQx2
What does society need more - police or lawyers? FQ
(Similar to above) Who do you think is the more important to society, the police or lawyers?
How do you think the police and lawyers play different roles in connection to law? FQx2
(Similar to above) Compare the circumstances in which people contact a lawyer and those when they contact the police.
Why do we have defense lawyers for people who are arrested and taken to court?
Do police officers and lawyers have the same social status in China?
Who do people respect more, the police or lawyers?
Why do you think some people want to work as lawyers?
What personal qualities (& skills) does a person need to be a lawyer?
International Law
Do you think it is possible to have international laws?
What areas would/should international laws cover? FQx2
(Similar to above) In what situations (or, areas of activity) do you think international law is most important? FQx2
Do you think international law is useful/effective/necessary? FQx2
(Similar to above) What are the benefits of having international laws? FQx2
Can you think of any examples of international law? See Note
Do you think we need to have international laws in order to help protect the environment?
What effects does international law have on the behaviour of people/governments?
(Similar to above) How effective do you think international law is in regulating (controlling) the behaviour of people/governments?
If there were no international laws (or treaties), what do you think the world would be like?
Can you think of any foreign law that China could adapt for use here? Difficult Question
Legal Systems
Do you think it's important to have a legal system? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) What do you think is the importance of having a system of laws?
(Similar to above) What do you think is the reason for having laws?
What would society be like if there were no laws? (= if there was no legal system)
Why do you think different countries sometimes have quite different legal systems?
(Similar to above) Why do you think different countries have different laws?
Do you think it is suitable to have (exactly) the same laws for every country? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it would be a good idea for all the countries of the world to have the same laws? (Do you think it would be a good idea for all laws to be international?)
What possible problems would make it difficult to do this? *
In the future, do you think all countries might have the same laws?
What is a system of laws based on? * (Difficult question. This has not yet been reported but it is possible)
Does China have many public servants?
What do qualities do you think people need to work as public servants?
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153. A Performance (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a show or performance that you enjoyed watching. (For example, a dance or singing performance)
You should say
what kind of performance it was
when and where you saw it
who you saw it with *
who the performer(s) was (were)
and explain why you attended this performance. *
or
and explain how you felt about this performance. *
See Note
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Possible follow-up questions:
Would you like to see it again?
(similar to above) If you had the opportunity would you see it again?
Do you often see a show (or a performance) like that?
Is that kind of performance popular in China?
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Part 3
The Performing Arts in General
Besides XXX (what you said in Part 2), what other types of (performing) art are there? FQ
What kinds of performances are most popular in China? FQ
What (kinds of music) do Chinese people like to listen to?
Do you think people generally prefer to go to a concert or to listen to recordings of music? (Answer & compare)
(Similar to above) Do people generally prefer to go to a concert to listen to classical music or do they prefer to listen to recordings of modern, popular music? (Answer & compare)
Is it expensive to go to a live performance in China?
Do you think art forms such as ballet and drama are important in life? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think live theatre is important today? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think art forms such as dance and drama have an impact on people's everyday lives? FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think is the importance (or, the value) of art forms such as ballet and drama? FQx2
Can (or does) art influence people (people's attitudes, feelings, beliefs & actions)?
What benefits do you think people derive from watching performances or visiting art exhibitions?
Do you think the government should (= has a responsibility to) financially support cultural activities in society? FQx2
Compare performances in China with those overseas.
Have there been any recent (in the last decade or two) new innovations in live performance (live theatre)?
Has "globalization" (= overseas influences) had much impact on the performing arts in China?
Do you think these overseas influences will continue to influence the performing arts in China in the future?
Traditional (Performing) Arts in Your Country
Are traditional art forms performed very much in China? (Give examples)
What's the most famous form of traditional performing art in China?
What relationship does traditional performance have to history? (The traditional songs, plays, dances etc. and the history of that national or cultural group.)
Does China have any (traditional) performances that are displays of sport or physical activities?
What are some of the differences between Chinese art forms such as painting and foreign art?
Does China have traditional dancing?
Do you think traditional dancing is more suitable for men or for women?
Do young people (in China) like the traditional performing arts of China?
Do you think these traditional art forms are being lost? (Why?/Why not?)
If a traditional art form such as Beijing Opera disappeared (or, were to disappear), how would that change things (life) in China?
What do you suggest could be done to help preserve these traditional arts?
What is the government doing to help preserve traditional art forms (including the performing arts)?
Do you think traditional art forms should be preserved? (Possibly all traditional art forms, or even simply traditions, not just traditional performing arts.)
Do traditional (performing) art forms need (or do they receive) any government financial support? FQx2
Do you think they should receive financial support from the government? FQx2
Do you think people from one cultures can (or do) appreciate (or like) traditional performances from other cultures? (Why?/ Why not?) FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important to see traditional performances from other cultures or countries? (Why?/ Why not?) FQ
Do you think it's important to have museums and art galleries?
How do you think museums and art galleries could attract more visitors?
Television and its Relationship to Traditional Performing Arts
Do you think the popularity of TV is having an effect on traditional performing arts? FQx2
Do you think TV increases the opportunities for people to see traditional performances or does it result in a decrease in the amount of traditional performances that people see? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think TV helps or hurts the traditional performing arts in China?FQx2
Compare watching a live performance and watching it on TV.
Is there much difference, in terms of culture, between what we see on TV and live performances?
Do you think what you can see on TV, for example, soap operas or police dramas are forms of art?
Are people influenced very much by what they see on TV?
Do you think TV will eventually replace live performance (live theatre)?
The Performing Arts and Children
What do you think about (the value of) children going to see a play or dramatic performance? FQx2
(Similar to above) What is the value of watching artistic performance (or experiencing artistic activities) in relation to children's development? FQx2
What is the value of children learning to perform, such as learning to act, sing or dance in front of an audience? FQx2
Do you think it's good for parents to have their children learning how to perform (for example, playing a musical instrument or ballet dancing) from a young age?
Do you think the performing arts should be included in normal school curriculums (not just in special schools)? (Why?/ Why not?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think dancing should be taught in normal schools or should it be taught in special schools? FQx2
Do boys and girls have the same feelings/attitudes about performing (or watching) an artistic performance? FQx2
Are there any differences when boys appear in a performance and when girls do?
Does the government have any programs to encourage (help) children learn (about) traditional art forms?
Do you think the government should have such programs?
Dance
Do you think learning to dance (or to perform dance) has any benefits for children? FQx2
(Similar to above) What can children learn from dancing? FQx2
(Similar to above) How can children benefit from learning to dance? FQx2
Is there any difference between boys and girls when they learn dancing? FQx2
(Similar to above) Who do you think is more suited to learning how to dance - boys or girls? (Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Boys and girls often show different attitudes towards cultural activities such as performing and dancing. Why do you think this happens? FQx2
Art Galleries and Concert Halls
Do you think visiting art galleries is beneficial for children?
Do you think the government should pay for art galleries and concert halls?
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154. Something You Would Like to Learn (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
There are three possible versions of this topic. Version A is probably the most likely.
Whichever version is used, use the same verb form as the question. For example, in Version A it says, "and say how you would learn it" but Version B says, "and say how you will learn it".
Version A
Describe something that you don't know (how to do) but would like to learn. (For example, a skill such as swimming.)*
You should say
what you would like to learn
why you would like to learn this
how you would learn it (if you decided to learn this)
who you would ask to help you learn this (if you decided to learn this)
and explain what difficulties you think you would possibly have learning this. *or
and explain what benefits you would get (if you learned this). *
Note
The words, "If you decided to learn it" will not be on this card, if Version A is the one being used.
Version B
Describe something that you would like to learn ( = want to learn). (For example, a skill.)*
You should say
what you would like to learn ( = want to learn)
why you would like to learn ( = want to learn) this
how you will learn it (If you decide to learn it.)*
who you will ask to help you learn this (If you decide to learn it.)
and explain what difficulties you think you might have learning this. (If you decide to learn it.)*
or
and explain what benefits you will get (if you learn this). *
Note
The words, "If you decide to learn it" will not be on this card, if Version B is the one being used.
Version C
Describe something you can't do now but are planning to learn in the future. (For example, swimming.)
You should say
what you plan to learn
why you plan to learn this
how you plan to learn it (or, where you plan to get this knowledge)
who you plan to ask to help you learn this
and explain what difficulties you think you will possibly have learning this. *or
and explain what benefits you will get if you learn this. *
See Important Notes
These three versions are quite different in meaning and in grammar. For Version A, it is possible to talk about a fantasy (幻想) but Version B is asking you to talk about something that is really possible and that you really want to do (= have a desire to do). Version C is similar to Version B but is much more definite because the words used are "planning to learn".
You should talk about learning a skill, that is, how to do something. That seems to be what this topic is focused on.
In English, we say, "learn + a skill" for example, "learn (how) to ski". Sometimes the skill can be a verbal-noun such as, "skiing" but the "to + verb" (不定式) form is more common. If you say, "learn Japanese", you really mean, "learn to speak Japanese."
On the other hand, we say, "study + a discipline". (discipline = subject = 学科). For example, "study accountancy" or "study Japanese". Here, "study Japanese" means to study the language in greater depth than to just learn to use it for communication.
A discipline is more theoretical and involves books while a skill is more practical and involves doing something.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Do you think you will really learn that one day? *
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Part 3
I suggest you also look at some of the past Part 3 questions on the topic of 'learning' and 'skills', i.e., Topic 17, Topic 18, Topic 77, Topic 82, Topic 89, Topic 91 & Topic 127. (The Part 3 questions for those topics also include questions that are not about learning or skills.)
Learning New Things
(A genius dog)
Do you like learning new things? (What? Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you like trying new things (new activities)? (What? Why?) FQ
In general, what do you think is the best way to learn new things?
Do you think children learn faster than adults? FQ
Do you think that older people are as willing to learn new things as young people? (Why?/Why not?) (Hint: Old people might still be, 'willing to' learn, and even more willing than young people, but their ability to learn might be reduced, compared to when they were younger.)
Nowadays, school students have to attend so many different classes at school. Do you think having so many different subjects produces problems for students?
Are the things that people learn today the same as what people learned 30 or 50 years ago?
In the future, do you think people will be learning the same things that people are learning today?
Home study (home schooling) vrs. School study
Do you think it's a good idea for parents to start teaching their children things (such as reading and simple arithmetic) before the children start school?
What sorts of things can parents teach their pre-school children?
Are there any possible dangers for children being taught by their parents before they start school?
Do you think it's possible to start teaching children when they are babies?
Do you think school students learn more at school or at home? FQx2
Compare what children learn at home with what they learn in school. FQ
(Similar to above) Which do you think is better for children, to learn at school or at home?
(Similar to above) Is there any thing children learn at home that they don't learn at school?
(Similar to above) Do you think children can learn more from their parents than from their teachers?
(Similar to above) Do you think parents have any advantages over teachers when it comes to teaching their child?
What (kinds of) things do children learn better at home than at school?
Do you think it's better for children to study (learn things) at school or at home? (Why?) FQ
Do you think it's possible for a student to learn more by not going to school but just studying at home? *
Do you think it's good for both the teachers and the parents to teach school children?
Do you think parents should be able to choose whether to teach their children themselves or whether to send their children to school?
Do you think children should be allowed to make that choice?
Busy Parents
Do you think parents today have enough time to teach their children at home? FQ
Can you suggest any ways to improve this situation? FQ
(Similar to above) If you were a parent, how would you find more time to help your children with their study? FQ
Computers and Education
Computers as Tools for Education
Do you think computers are useful? FQ
How are computers used in society?
How are computers useful for students?
Do you think computers can help people learn more and learn faster?
(Similar to above) How are computers useful for learning new things? FQ See Note
(Similar to above) How have computers changed the way people learn things?
Do you think a computer is a good tool for teaching children?
Do you think people always need another person to teach them?
Do you think it would be good to increase the use of computers in education and, as a result, reduce the amount of face-to-face interaction between teachers and children? FQ
Do you think computers might one day completely replace teachers? FQ
What sorts of things can people learn from the internet? (Note: A computer and the internet are two different but connected things.)
Many people use the internet to search for information. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Learning How to Use a Computer - Young & Old
What would you suggest as a basic method for learning how to use a computer?
Since computer technology is changing quickly, what will be the results of that? (Hint: 'refresher courses')
Do you think using a computer is a useful skill to teach children (and old people)? FQ
Do you think it is easier for young people or it is easier for old(er) people to (learn how to) use a computer? (Why?) FQx2
Why are younger people more interested in (using) computers than old(er) people?
Why are many older people reluctant to learn computer skills?
Do you think old(er) people should learn how to use the internet?
(Possible question) Why are many older people reluctant to learn things by using computers (or, the internet)?
How could we teach old people how to use a computer? FQ
Skills
Where do you think children learn more things - at home or at school? FQx2
Some people feel that 'home schooling' for their children is better than going to school. What do you think? See Other Questions on this topic
What do you think are some possible benefits of home schooling?
Do you think most parents are capable of educating their children at home?
Since most parents are busy with their work, do you think these parents have enough time to educate their children at home? FQ
Do you think children learn the same kinds of skills at home and at school? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think parents and teachers teach the same kinds of skills? FQ
Which is the better place for learning new skills, the home or school? FQ
What are some skills that children learn at school?
What are some skills that children learn at home?
(Similar to above) What skills are more suitable for children to learn at home, from their parents, rather than at school?
Do you think most parents have time to teach skills to their children?
Do you think it's important for people to learn how to cook a basic meal for themselves?
Do you think children learn much when they play games? (or, from play in general)
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155. A Tourist Attraction (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a tourist site in your country that you enjoyed visiting. *
You should say
where you went (= the name and location of the place)
what sort of this place it was (or, what it looked like)
what you did there
who you went with *
and explain why you enjoyed it. *
or
and explain why you think people are attracted to that place. *
Notes
I think the card probably says, a) "Describe a tourist site in your country that you enjoyed visiting". On the other hand, there is a small possibility that the card says something like, b) "Describe a place in your country that you enjoyed visiting as a tourist". If it is a) and you live in Beijing, then it is suitable to talk about visiting, for example, the Forbidden City. But if it is b) and you live in Beijing, you were a visitor to the Forbidden City but not really a tourist because part of the definition of "tourist" is "a person who travels quite a long distance to visit a place".
If possible, choose to talk about a place that is quite far from your home. That way, you can talk about a tourist attraction and say that you went there as a tourist.
The card also might say, c) "Describe a tourist attraction in your country that you enjoyed visiting". That is more or less the same as a, above.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Would you like to go there again?
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Part 3
See also Part 3 questions for Topic # 32 , Topic# 90, Topic# 112 & Topic #159
See Note on word usage
Travelling
How has the way Chinese people spend their holidays changed in the past few decades? FQ
Do Chinese people like to travel?
Would you like to travel abroad? (To see what?)
When traveling abroad, (or, when going on a long trip) what do you think you need to pay attention to?
When traveling abroad, what do you think is the biggest problem? (Hint: language)
Do you prefer to travel alone or with others? (e.g., a friend)
What are the benefits of travelling with a friend?
Do young people prefer to travel abroad or travel within their own country? (Make a guess & guess why)
Would you like to live or study at a popular tourist destination?
The Tourist Industry (= Tourism)
Things to see and do as a tourist
Note: A "tourist spot" is usually a place where people see something. A "vacation or holiday location" is more of a place where people do recreation activities but can include seeing things. Some of the questions below might be about tourist spots and others might be about vacation spots.
What is the current state of the tourism industry in China?
Do you think there are different types of tourists (or, of tourism)?
In China, what are the different kinds (types) of places that tourists can visit? FQX2
What makes a tourist location popular? FQ
What kinds of places do Chinese people prefer to visit? (Why? Give examples.) FQ
(Similar to above) What kind(s) of tourist location(s) is (are) most popular in China? FQ
Why do people tend to focus on one kind of tourist location? (Hint: People have a particular lifestyle or interest)
Besides natural scenery, what other things do tourists like to see (or do)?
Do people in China prefer to visit old places or modern tourist attractions?
What kind of place do Chinese people (or, do you; or, would you) prefer to visit as a tourist, an urban environment or a rural (or, a natural) environment? (Why?) FQx2
Most people think that natural scenery is more attractive that modern buildings. Why do you think they feel this way? FQx2
(Similar to above) Some people think that natural scenery is more attractive that modern buildings. Which do you prefer? (Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Which do you think is better as a tourist location, a natural environment or a man-made environment? FQx2
Do you think historic sites are important as places for tourist to visit?
Can you suggest any improvements for the tourist locations in your country? (Hint: Use "could", not "can".)
(Similar to above) Can you suggest any improvements for the tourist industry in your country?
Guided Tours
What are the advantages and disadvantages of going on a guided tour (or, traveling in a tour group)?
The Impact of Tourism on a Nation or on Popular Tourist Locations
Do you think tourism (or, the tourist industry) is important? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
Why are more and more countries developing their tourist industries?
What is the impact of tourism on a country? FQ
Do you think tourism has more of a regional or a national (economic) impact on a country?
What benefits has the development of China's tourist industry brought to China?
Are there any drawbacks from the development of tourism? FQ
(Similar to above) What impact does tourism have on the inhabitants and the local region of tourist attractions? FQx2
(Similar to the above three questions) What are the good and bad effects of tourism for a country? (e.g., China) FQ
Would you like to live in a tourist town? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think there would be any disadvantages from living in a popular tourist destination? (Hint: prices) FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think would be the advantages and disadvantages of living in a popular tourist destination? FQx2
In addition to economic reasons, can you think of any other benefits from the development of the tourist industry? FQx2
Do you think it's important to preserve tourist sites? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it is necessary to take steps to protect tourist sites from being damaged by tourists (or, by human activity)? (What steps?)
What role do you think the government should play in helping protect tourist sites?
Compare tourist site preservation now and tourist site preservation several decades ago. (I.e., compare attitudes, money spent on preservation, methods etc.)
Government Promotion of the Tourist Industry
What are some ways that the government uses to help the tourist industry develop? FQ
Do you think the government should help the tourist industry? (I.e., is it one of the responsibilities of government to help a particular industry?)
(Similar to above) Why should the tourist industry be promoted?
How do people find out about the different tourist attractions that are available?
Do you think advertisements have much affect on people's decisions about what places to visit?
Do you think television travel programs that show tourist locations will reduce, or increase people's desire to travel and see these places themselves? FQ
What do you think will be the tourist sites of the future?
(Similar to above) How do you think the tourist industry will develop in the future?
Foreign Visitors to China
What would you suggest visitors to China see and do?
(Similar to above) If you were a tour guide for some foreign tourists, where would you take them? (Why?)
Do you think visitors to your country are more interested in seeing historical sites or modern sites? (Why?)
What facilities or services do you you think should be provided for foreign tourists who visit China?
How could a foreign visitor to China choose (or find out about) good tourist destinations in China?
Do you think China's culture might be affected as more and more foreign tourists come here?
International Tourism
What are the good points about international tourism?
Are there any possible bad points associated with international tourism?
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