Updated Jun. 21, 2009
IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions
Page 32
156. A Time When You Helped Someone (2) (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
157. An Old Person Who You Admire (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
158. A Book You Recently Read (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
159. A Long Journey (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
160. A Gift (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
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156. A Time When You Helped Someone (2) (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a time when you helped someone.
You should say:
who you helped
how you helped them
why you helped them
explain how you felt after you helped this person.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Would you help him/her again?
Would you offer the same help to others?
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See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #104 and the Part 3 questions for Topic #28.
Giving Help
How do you feel about helping people?
(Similar to above) Do you like helping people? FQ
And how do people feel when someone gives them help?
Besides giving money to someone, what are some others ways people can help others?
What do you think is the most important factor when someone helps another person? Difficult Question
Neighbours/Community/Your Social Circle
In what ways do average people help others (or, help each other)?
What are the benefits that result when someone helps another person?
In your social circle (= the people you know, your friends etc.), do people help each other very much? (If yes, give examples. If no, why not?)
Do you think people should help their neighbours? (Why? How?) FQ
Do you ever help your neighbours (or, help in your community)? FQ
What do you get from helping in your community? FQ
Why do you think neighbours should help each other?
Compared to the past, how is the way people help others (or, get help) different today?
Is it hard to ask others for help?
Do you think people nowadays are more willing, or less willing to help others than before? (Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think people have become more selfish than they used to be? (Why?) FQx2
People Who Need Help
What are some examples of people in China who need help? FQ
How do you think mothers with children could be helped?
How can young people help the elderly?
What kinds of help do young people (sometimes) need?
Wealth & Poverty
Do people in China ever give money to people who need help?
Do you think people become more selfish as they become wealthier?
In your view, what are the differences between rich people and poor people?
Why do you think some people are rich and some are poor? *
Children or Young People Helping Others
(In the following questions, the word might be, "young people" (aged 14 to 30) or it might be "children" (aged 4 to 13)
Do you think young people like to help others?
Do you think children should be encouraged (or taught) to help others? (How?) FQx2
Why do children seldom help (or, seldom offer to help) older people?
How could children be encouraged to help others? FQx2
What can children do to help others?
How do you think parents can teach their children to help others?
Read some of the internet sites shown here. As well as being good reading practice, these sites will help you with vocabulary and ideas.
Have you ever done any volunteer work?
Is there much volunteer work done in China? FQ See Notes
(Similar to above) Do people in China do much volunteer work? FQ
What do these volunteers do?
Why do people volunteer?
Why do you think so many people volunteer to help when there is a natural disaster such as an earthquake?
Do we really need volunteers? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think society needs to have volunteers? FQx2
(Similar to above) What are the benefits of volunteer work? (Benefits to the volunteers, to the receivers of the services and to society as a whole) FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think is the importance of volunteers to society? FQx2
(Similar to above) What are the advantages of having these volunteer (= unpaid) workers? FQx2
Do you think there are any shortcomings (disadvantages/problems) from having volunteers (i.e., unpaid people) doing some kinds of work? FQx2
What sorts of problems do these volunteers face in doing this work?
What are some examples of work that are suitable for volunteers to do?
Do you think it's important to teach the importance of volunteer work to children? (Why?/Why not?)
How can we teach children the value of voluntarily helping others?
Can you think of any examples of "international volunteers"? See Notes
Do you think everyone should do some volunteer work (at some time in their lives)? FQ
Organizations that Help People
Are there any organizations in your city that help people? (What organizations? How do they help?)
How do voluntary organizations (e.g., charities) receive their money? FQ
(Similar to above) How do charitable organizations raise funds? FQ
If you wanted to make a donation to an organization that helps people, how could you do it?
What kind of organization do you think is more effective in helping people, large ones such as the Red Cross, or smaller organizations?
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157. An Old Person Who You Admire (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe an old person you know who you admire (= who you like + respect).
You should say
who this person is
how you know this person
what kind of person he or she is
(What he or she looks like) *
and explain why you admire this person.
Notes
It seems that the words are, "an old person you know". This means someone you personally know, that is, someone you have spoken to.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Do you think other people also respect him/her?
Do you see him/her very often?
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #34 and Topic #83.
The Life of Old People
Are there any advantages to being old? FQ
(Similar to above) What are the disadvantages of being old? FQ
What do young people think about old people?
How do old people themselves feel about being old (or, getting old)?
When a person is old, what makes him or her happy?
Why do elderly people sometimes (or, often) feel lonely?
Living Conditions of Old People
In China today, what are the living conditions for old people like? FQ
Compare life for old people today with life for old people before.
When you are old, what kind of life would you like to have?
When you are old, what kind of life do you think you will have? *
Old People Coping with Changes in Society
Do you feel there's a generation gap between you and old people?
If your grandfather's grandfather came back to live in China today, what differences would he see?
Do you think old people today can accept (or, understand) new things in society such as the internet or recent social changes?
Why do you think many old people are not willing to adapt their lives to the modern changes that have recently taken place?
(Similar to above) Why are some old people so stubborn?
Longevity
Why do old people today live longer than in the past? FQx2
Do you think changes in social welfare have contributed to this longer life span?
Why do people want to live longer?
What are some things a person can do to help them live longer? FQ
Old People as Burdens
When people become very old, some people think they are a burden on the family. Do you think old people can become a burden on their families?
Do you think it's a good idea to put old people in a nursing home if they become a burden on the family?
Respecting Old People
Besides that old person who you spoke about, are there any other people who you admire?
Do you think we should respect old people? (Why?) FQ
Classes for Old People
What sorts of activities do old people in China today do to pass the time?
How can old people avoid getting bored?
Do you think it's a good idea to have classes for old people to attend? (Why?/Why not?) *
In English we have a saying: "You're never too old to learn". Do you think that's true?
In China, are there opportunities for old people to attend university?
Do old people in China have opportunities to attend any forms of classes? FQ
Who pays for these classes? FQ
Do you think the state (the government) has a responsibility to provide (= should provide) these classes? FQ
What other things do old people in China do (to pass the time)?
Do old people bring any benefits to society?
Learning from Old People
Do you think it's good for children to live with old people?
Do you think we (younger people) can learn anything from old people?
What can we learn from them? FQ
Age Differences
What do you think is the biggest difference between old people (e.g., over 65) and young people (e.g., 15 to 30)?
Are the attitudes of young people today towards old people the same as they used to be, years ago? FQx2
What do you think causes the 'generation gap' between people of different ages?
Do you think people's attitudes change as they become older?
What can young people learn from elderly people? FQ
Old People and Work
Do you think old people should continue to work?
What work (if any) is suitable for old people and what work is unsuitable for them? FQ
What do you think is a suitable retirement age?
Quite often an old person who is forced to retire because he or she has reached retirement age wants to continue working and is quite capable of doing so. Do you think they should be allowed to continue working?
(Similar to above) Do you think there should be a compulsory retirement age?
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158. A Book You Recently Read (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a book you recently read.
You should say
what book it was (or, what it was about)
when you read it
why you read it
and explain what you liked and (possibly) disliked about the book. (Or: explain what you thought about this book.)
Note
The wording might be, " Describe the last book you read."
We don't normally talk about reading a textbook, especially something such as a maths or engineering textbook. For that type of book, we normally use the word, 'study'.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Do you often read this book?
Would you recommend this book to your friends? (Or: Have you recommended this book to your friends?)
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 14, 52, 72 & 88.
The Value of Reading for Children
What kinds of books did you read when you were a child?
Do children prefer to read or to watch TV? (Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Which do you think is better for children, to read or to watch TV? FQx2
Do younger people and older people have the same reading habits? (compare them)
What kind of books do children like reading (today)? FQx2
(Similar to above) What kinds of books are suitable for children to read in China?
Do you think comic books are good for children to read?
What are the benefits that children derive from reading? FQx2
The Effects of Parents on Children's Reading Habits
In general, what effect do you think parents have on the reading habits of their children?
How can parents encourage their children to read more? FQ
(Similar to above) How can we increase children's interest in books?
What do you think is the value of parents reading to young children (who cannot yet read)?
What sorts of questions do you think these young children ask their parents (when the parents read to them)?
Whose responsibility is it to encourage children to read, the children's parents or their teachers?
Do you think parents should give advice to their children on what books to read?
When should parents buy books for their children? (Probably means at what age or in what circumstances)
How can (or how should or how do) parents decide what books to buy for their children?
If you were a teacher of young children in school, how would you teach them the value of reading?
(Similar to above) If you were a parent of young children, how would you teach them the value of reading?
If you were a parent, what kinds of books would you choose to give your child?
Who do you think should teach children how to read, parents or teachers? FQx2
(Similar to above) Who do you think has the greater responsibility for teaching a child to read, the child's parents are the child's teacher?
Do you think it's a good idea for parents to teach their children how to read before they start going to school? FQx2
In general, who has the greater responsibility towards the education of a child, the child's parents or teachers?
Who has the closer relationship with a child, the parents or the teachers?
The Reading Habits of Adults
Do you like books?
(Similar to above) Do you like reading?
Do old(er) people prefer reading or watching TV? FQ (The words, 'old(er) people' here probably means 'adults' i.e., people who are no longer students.)
What are the differences between watching TV and reading? FQ
(Similar to above) Which do you think is the better way to spend one's time, reading or watching TV? (Why?) FQ
Do adults have the same reading habits as children?
Do you think the reading habits of adults have changed over the past few decades? (How?)
Do you think people today read more than people a few decades ago, or less?
Would you say that people today have good reading ability?
Do you think people should read more?
What are some of the reasons why many adults don't read much?
What are some reasons why adults read books? FQx2
What do adults read for pleasure?
(Similar to above) In China, what sorts of books do adults like to read today? FQx2
(Similar to above) What are some of the situations when adults read? FQx2
(Similar to above) What sorts of things do adults read today? (or purposes for reading) FQx2
In the past 20 or 30 years, do you think there have been any changes in what adults read (for pleasure)?
Do elderly (or, older) people have the same reading habits as young people?
What is the role of (the importance of) reading in people's lives?
Can you suggest any ways to encourage people to read more?
If a person has had a poor education, what sorts of problems do you think they will have with reading (or, what problems in life) ?
Why do you think some people like to collect books?
Are there any books (or any kinds of books) that are not available in China (due to government censorship)?
High Technology and Its Effect on Reading Habits
Do you think people's reading habits have changed at all in recent years?
Has high technology (e.g., computer technology) changed the way people read nowadays? FQx2
(Similar to above) Has high technology changed people's reading habits? See Note FQx2
(Similar to above) What effect on people's reading habits do you think the internet is having?
Do you think computer games and uses of the internet such as internet chatting has had an effect on people's reading habits?
Do you think children should use hi-technology tools to read (or, to study)?
Do you think there is any high-technology that can help adults read or improve their reading?
Which do you think is better, to read actual books or to read 'e-books' (that is, books in electronic form)? (Compare the benefits of each.)
(Similar to above) Compare reading books and reading things on the internet (or, on a computer). FQ
Why do people still (need to) read books when we can use the internet?
What do you think will be the future developments of books?
Do you think people might eventually stop using books (and just read things on the internet and on electronic storage devices)? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think high technology will change the status of books? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think the status of books will change in the next generation?
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159. A Long Journey (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a long journey that you enjoyed. *
You should say:
where you went
how you got there
how long it took you
who you went with
(when and why you went there *)
(what landscapes you saw *)
and explain what you liked about this trip.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Would you like to go there again?
Would you recommend that trip to your friends?
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 90, 112 and 155.
Long Distance Traveling (including but not only overseas)
Note: Think of any trip longer than, say, 2 hours as a "long journey".
Compare long-distance travel with travelling short distances. FQ
Reasons for Long-distance Travel
Why are more and more young people going on long trips nowadays? FQx2
What countries are most popular as travelling destinations for Chinese young people?
Have the reasons why people travel long distances changed much in the past few years (e.g., 20 years)?
When families go on a trip, who usually decides where to go, the children or the parents? (Why?)
Problems and Difficulties of Long-Distance Travel
Do you like going on long trips? (Why?/Why not?)
When traveling on a long journey, what do you think you (= people) need to pay attention to? FQx2
(Similar to above) If you had a friend or family member who was thinking about traveling overseas, what advice would you give them?
(Similar to above) What difficulties/problems do people sometimes have when they travel long distances? (Including, but not only international trips.) FQx2
What do you think is the biggest problem people face when you go on a long journey?
Comfort
For long trips, what form of transport do you think is the most comfortable? FQ
(Similar to above) What do you think is the most comfortable way to travel long distances? (Why?) FQ
How can people make themselves more comfortable when making a long trip?
Passing the Time on Long Trips
What are some ways that people can use to pass the time on long distance trips (for example, on a train, in a bus or on a plane)? FQ
Traveling with Friends
Do you (or, would you) prefer to travel alone or with others? (e.g., a friend) FQx2
What are the benefits of travelling with a friend? FQx2
(Similar to above) Tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone and travelling with friends. FQx2
Benefits of Long Journeys
What benefits can people get from long journeys?
Comparisons with Before
How do you think (long distance) travel has changed in the past 20 or 30 years?
Compare the means of travel that people use today with the way people used to travel.
Other "Long Journeys"
What would you say is the most important long journey that people make? (Hint: the journey through life)
The Cultural Impact of Overseas Travel
Why do so many Chinese people want to go abroad? (Possibly not just referring to travel but also to all travel including study & migration.)
Compare the benefits of traveling abroad with domestic tourism.
When people travel to places that are different to where they come from, what effects does this have on these people? See Note
Do you think travelling (overseas) can contribute to a person's education?
What can people learn from overseas travel? FQ
Do you think people can learn anything about themselves from overseas travel?
What is the importance (or value) of experiencing different cultures?
With more and more students going abroad to study, what effect do you think this has on China when they come back?
In the past 20 or 30 years, have people's attitudes towards overseas travel changed in China?
What factors determine how people decide which country to go to? FQ
(Similar to above) How do people decide which country to go to? FQ
What overseas country would you most like to visit? (Why?) FQ
Do you think traveling to that country would help you understand the culture of that country more? (If yes, how?)
Why do people like to buy things when they travel abroad?
Preparations Before Overseas Travel
What are some of the things people have to do before they can travel (or, go) overseas? FQ
Is it easy to get a visa to most countries? *
Does it take long to get a visa now? *
What do people need to do before going abroad to study?
How do you think traveling abroad to study is different to what it was to several decades ago?
Tour Group Travel
How do you think individual travel (as a tourist) and travelling in a tour group are different?
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling in a tour group?
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160. A Gift (May 10, 2008) (Probably no longer used)
Describe a special gift that you (recently) gave to a friend.
You should say:
what the gift was
when you gave this gift
who you gave it to
how you got this gift
and explain why you chose that particular gift. *
Note
The wording seems similar to Topic # 85. In fact, it might be the same as Topic #85 but with a few different part 3 questions.
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Possible follow-up questions:
Was he/she (the receiver of the gift) very grateful?
Would you like to receive this same gift from someone?
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic # 85
Gifts
In China, when (on what occasions) do people give gifts to others? FQ
What sorts of things do they give?
Do people today still give the same kinds of gifts that people used to give, many years ago?
Why do people like to receive gifts?
What are some of the possible different reasons why give gifts to other people? FQ
Do you think it's suitable to give money as a gift?
Do you think it's a good idea for people who are doing business with each other to exchange gifts?
Why do some people not give gifts to others very often?
(Similar to above) Why do some people not like giving gifts? FQ
How do people decide on what gift to give a person? (I.e., what factors do they consider?)
Do you think it's suitable to give the same (kinds of) gifts to young people and older people?
Do you think something that you made yourself is suitable as a gift? FQx2
(Similar to above) Which do you think is better, to give something you made yourself or to give something you bought? (Answer & compare) FQx2
Why do some people prefer to buy a gift rather than make a gift themselves?
Compare giving a gift with receiving a gift. What are the differences between the two?
Some people don't like receiving gifts. Why do you think they feel that way?
(Similar to above) There are some people who like to give presents to others but don't like receiving presents. Can you guess why they feel this way?
What do you think makes people happier, to receive a gift to to give a gift? (Why?) FQ
Would you say it's true that the more a person gives you gifts, the more it shows that this person likes you?
Do you think that expensive gifts are (always) a sign of true friendship? FQ
What is the difference between a "precious" (or, "valued") gift and a "valuable" gift? *
What kinds of things do people in China give as wedding gifts?
Other Ways to Give, for example, Helping Others
See also Part 3, Topic #156
Do you think people today are more willing, or are they less willing to help others than they used to be? (Why do you say that?) FQx2
Do you think that people of different ages need different forms of help?
What should be done to help people find suitable jobs?
In schools today in China, are children taught the importance of consideration for others?
Do young people in China help old people (or, older people) very much? FQ
Why do you think young people should help old people?
How can young people help the elderly? (Or, older people) FQ ('old' = your grandparents; 'older' = your parents and grandparents)
Are people today willing to do volunteer work?
(Similar to above) Are people today more willing to do volunteer work than people 20 or 30 years ago?
Do you know how charities work? (= how they are operated)
Can you suggest any ways that charities could encourage people to help others more? (I.e., to do charitable work or donate money to charity.)
Awards and Rewards
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #43 that are related to rewarding people
Rewards
Do you think we should give rewards to people who help others?
Do you think we should reward a child when he or she does something good?
What are some suitable ways to reward a child for doing something well, such as doing well at school? FQ
Do you think that children should always be offered an incentive (a reward of some kind) when parents ask their children to do something?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's always a good idea to reward children? FQ
What do you think is the best way to reward people for doing a good job at work?
Awards
Do you know the difference between an 'award' and a 'reward'? *
What are some examples of international awards, for example, Olympic medals?
Do you think these awards are good (or, are useful)?
(Similar to above) What do you think is the value of these awards?
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