Describe something you did that helped you learn another language (besides your own language). 

            You should say:

                          what it was you did

                          where you did it

                          who you did it with

             and explain how this activity helped you.

Notes

• Most people report something like Version A, i.e., describe a a method or strategy, but people very rarely report the actual points on the card. Version B, which seems to be referring to an activity, is also possible. Alternatively, it could be referring to a method or strategy.

• It is not clear what tense is used but most people are reporting the past tense.

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

Possible follow-up questions:

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

Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for topic #115, topic # 49 and topic #21.

Learning Another Language

Basic Facts in China / Reasons for Learning Foreign languages

• Do you think studying a foreign language abroad is a good idea? (Hint: Explain how/why it is a good idea but also mention the possible problems/disadvantages.)

• What foreign languages do students study in China? (Why?)

• Do you thinks it's really necessary to study a foreign language?

• What are some reasons why people learn a foreign language?

• What are the advantages for a person who can speak a foreign language?

• What do you think will be your greatest challenge when you go abroad?

• Do you think that everyone who goes to another country should first study the language of that country before they go? (Not clear if the word is simply "go" or "immigrate".)

• Do you think it's more important to learn foreign languages today than it was in the past?

• (Similar to above) What are the benefits of learning a foreign language?  FQ

• Do you think there are any drawbacks from studying a language? See Note

• Do you think learning a foreign language can affect people's attitudes towards their own country? FQ

Methods of Studying a Foreign Language

• What are the various ways that a person can learn a foreign language? FQx2

• (Similar to above) What are some different methods that a person can use to learn another language? FQ

• How has studying English in China changed in the past 20 or 30 years?

• What role do you think CD's (or tape recordings) can play in language learning?

• How can people help each other to learn a language?

• What difficulties do people have when they learn another language? FQ

• What do you think is the most difficult part of learning another language? FQx2

• (Similar to above) For you, what's the most difficult part of learning a foreign language? FQx2

• How difficult do you think it is for foreigners to learn Chinese?

• What do you think is the most important thing to do when studying a foreign language?

• (Similar to above) What do you think is the most important thing when studying a foreign language?

• Do the think the role of a teacher is important when one is learning a foreign language?

• What do you think is the difference between a sports teacher (or, a sports coach) and a language teacher? FQx2

• Are there any similarities between the two?

Age and Language Learning

• Do you think language learning is more important for young people than it is for older people?

• Who do you think is more willing to learn a foreign language, young people or old (or, older) people?

• (Similar to above)  Who do you think is more enthusiastic about learning a foreign language, children people or people older than children? *

• Who do you think finds it easier to learn a foreign language, children or adults?  FQx2

• Do older people have any advantages over young people when it comes to learning a language? *

• Do you have any suggestions on how older people (e.g. your parents) could learn a foreign language?

Language and Culture

• In what situations do Chinese people use English to communicate internationally?

• Do you think learning another language has changed your thinking (your view of the world) at all?

• (Similar to above) Do you think learning a language can change people's attitudes (about other countries, other cultures etc.)?

• Do you think your perception of your own country will change after you have been abroad for a while? FQ

• Compare English and your language (Chinese). (Possibly = compare them as different languages; possibly = compare learning them as a foreign language)

• Has English had any effect on Chinese? (e.g., English words entering into Chinese)

• Compare the relative importance in the world today of your language and English.

• (Similar to above) How important do you think English is?

• What do you think is the dominant language in the world today?

• Why (or how) do you think English has become the dominant language in the world? FQ

• What do you think of (= how do you feel about) the dominance of English in the world today? FQ

• (Similar to above) What do you think of this phenomenon?

• Do you think a global language means a global culture?

• What language(s) do you think will be dominant in the future?

Language and the Internet

• Do you think the use of the internet has enhanced (helped) language use in any way, or is it improving (or, increasing) the use of language? (Not just English but all languages)

• Do you think the internet is affecting the use of non-English languages?

• Some people say that the internet has lowered the standard of language use. Do you agree?

• Do you think the use of SMS messages, emails and internet chatting has an effect on people's language?

• (Similar to above) Do you think the use of SMS messages, emails and internet chatting has resulted in changes to people's language?

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

172.  A Famous Person  (Sept. 6, 2008)  (Probably no longer used)

            Describe a famous person you would like to meet.

                  You should say:

who this person is (or, was)

how you first learned about him or her (or, where you first saw him or her) * See Note   

how/why this person is famous *

                 and explain why you would like to meet this person. * 

See Notes

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

Possible follow-up questions:

• Do you want to be famous? (Or, Would you like to be famous?)

• Is he/she still famous today?

• Do you think you really will meet him/her one day? *

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

Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic# 86

Fame

Wanting to be Famous

• Do you think he/she (the person you just spoke about) wanted to be famous when he/she was in high school?

• Why do some people want to be famous? FQ

• (Similar to above) Why do so many (young) people nowadays want to be famous? See Note

• (Similar to above) What benefits do people get from being famous? FQ

• What will these people (who want to be famous) do once they become famous?

• Do you think it's good to be famous?

• Do you think people become a little "lost" when they become famous?

• Do you think famous people change their ways of thinking when they become famous? FQx2

• (Similar to above)  Do you think the personalities of people change after they become famous? FQx2

• For example, what changes do you think might happen if someone suddenly became rich?

• Do you think everyone wants to be famous?

• Do you want to be famous? FQ  See Note

• Would you like to be famous? FQ See Note

• If you became famous, how do you think your life (or, you) would change?

People's Ideas on Who is Famous

• What kinds of people do young people in China today consider to be "famous" or celebrities?

• Does everybody have the same idea about who is famous?

• Do older people and young people have the same ideas about who is famous (or, the same feelings about famous people)?  FQ

• In general, what qualities do famous people possess?  FQ See Note

• Why do many people like popular celebrities such as film stars, pop stars and sports stars?

• To be one of these stars, what qualities do people need to have?  FQ

• (Similar to above, but different) In general, what qualities do famous people have?  FQ

• Do you think all famous people have a lot of money?

• How do people become famous? *

• Who were some famous people about 30 or 40 years ago?  FQ

• Compare the types of people who were famous about 30 or 40 years ago (or, in the past) with the people who are famous today. FQx2

• (Similar to above) Do you think the kind of people that others admire (or, 'greatly respect' or think of as 'heroes' or 'famous') has changed in the past few decades? FQ See Note

• What kinds of people do others admire (or, respect)?

• Do you think all famous people are good people?

• Can you think of some examples of famous people who have contributed something to society?

• Nowadays, is it common for serious people (such as top scientists) to become famous?

• Was it the same in the past, for example, 30 or 50 years ago?

• What kind(s) of people do you think will be famous in the future? FQ

Famous People as Role Models (for the young)

• What kinds of famous people become role models for teenagers?

• Why do you think certain famous people become role models for young people?

• Do you think this is a positive thing?

• Do you think there is a possible danger in young people using some famous people as role models?  FQ

• (Similar to above) Are there any possible drawbacks to young people using famous people as role models? FQ

• (Similar to above) What do you think might happen if a famous person, who is a role model for teenagers, does something inappropriate? FQ

• Do you think famous people ever fail (or, makes mistakes)?

• If a famous person failed (or, for example, disgraced him or herself) what would you think about that person?

• Why do we, the general public, give famous people so much respect?

• Who first decides (or, determines) who is famous? *

• Why do you think certain people are 'chosen' to be given the label, 'famous' and others are not chosen? *

The Private Lives of Famous People - Privacy Issues Frequent Topic

• What benefits do people get from being famous? FQ

• Can you think of any disadvantages to being famous? FQ

• Do you think famous people can (or, do) keep their privacy after they become famous? FQx2

• (Similar to above) Do famous people have privacy?  FQx2

• Do you think it's fair that famous people don't have as much privacy as average people?

• Do you think that famous people have as much right to privacy as ordinary people?

• Do you think people such as politicians who are famous because they are serving the people, have the right to privacy?

• In general, do you think it's important for a person to have some privacy?

• Do you think there should be laws to protect the privacy of famous people?

• What would you suggest a famous person do to have privacy with their (= his or her) family?

• Do you think the children of famous people can play with normal children? FQ

• (Similar to above) Do you think the children of famous people can have a normal childhood? FQ

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

173.  A Success You Have Had  (Sept. 6, 2008)  (Probably no longer used)

Describe a success you have had. 

            You should say:

                          what it was

                          when it happened

                          why you chose this area of activity (= why you chose to do this)

                          how easy or difficult it was to achieve *

             and explain how important this success was (to you). *

                                              or

            and explain why you thought this was a success. *

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

Possible follow-up questions:

• Do many other young people aim for the same success as you did? *

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

Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #43 and Topic #109.

The Nature of Success

The meaning of "success"

• You've just described one success that you've had. What are some other examples of success that other people have? FQ

• How would you define the word, 'success'?  FQx2 See Note

• Do you think everybody agrees with you about how to define 'success'?

• (Similar to above) In general, how do people in your community (or, people you know/ people in your society/ people in China) decide to call someone, "successful"? FQ

• (Similar to above) In your society, how is a person's social status evaluated? FQ

• Do you think 'success' is the same as making a lot of money? FQ

Other people's feelings towards successful people

• How successful would you say you have been in your studies?

• Do you and your parents have the same ideas about success?

• Do you think there is too much pressure (from parents) on young people to be "successful"?

• Do you think people should respect others who are successful?

• Do you think this respect can ever be overdone?

• (Similar to above) Do you think it's good (mentally healthy) to greatly respect [or, almost "worship" (崇拜)] others who you think are successful? 

Ways of Achieving Success

• Some people say that a few people have achieved success in the wrong ways. What do you think of that opinion?

• What do you think can be done to solve the problem of corruption?

• In recent years, have people's ideas about success changed in China? FQ

• In general, how do you think one can make achievements (or, become successful)?

• (Similar to above) How do you think a person can become 'successful' in life? FQx2

• (Similar to above) What personal qualities are required for a person to become successful? FQx2

• (Similar to above) What do you think are the (main) factors that lead to a person being successful? FQx2

• There are some people who do not achieve success despite having the qualities or doing what you’ve just said. Why do you think that is? FQ

• (Similar to above) Do you think everybody can be successful? FQ

• What do you think is the most difficult part about becoming successful?

• Why do many people have plans and goals for themselves?  FQ

• Do you think a person need to have goals before they can be successful? (Why?)

• What goals do you have?

The Feelings of Successful People Towards Themselves

• Do you think successful people are satisfied with their lives?

Success at Work

• What do think is 'success' for an employee (or, for a person who is working)? FQ See Note

• (Similar to above) In the workplace, how would you judge the degree of success of an employee? FQ

• In considering a person's success at work, which do you think is the more important, to look at 'the process' or look at 'the results'?

• How can a person become successful at his or her job? FQx2

• How can a boss make his or her employees feel successful (= feel appreciated)? FQ

• (Similar to above) How can a boss reward his or her employees for work well-done? FQ

• (Similar to above) How can a boss (or, a company) encourage the employees to be successful? FQ

• When and how should an organization reward its employees?

• (Similar to above) What kinds of success in the workplace should be rewarded?

• In addition to money, what other incentives could be used to encourage the employees?

• In general, do men and women place equal importance on their own success at work?

• In general, do people think that success at work is as important for women as it is for men?

• What kind of success is more important for you, success in your work or success in your family? (E.g., a happy marriage)

Liking and Disliking One's Job

• Some people seem to be quite successful but they are still not satisfied with their lives. Can you suggest why they feel that way?

• Some people work at a job that they don't really like very much. Why do you think they do that? FQ

• Some people who seem to be quite successful don't really like their jobs. Can you suggest why?

• (Possible Question but Not Reported as a Question: Do you think these people feel that they are successful? Or is this "success" just the view of other people?) *

• In general, do people in China like their jobs?

• Do you think someone who doesn't really like his or her job is still able to become successful in that job? FQ See Note

• If your friend didn't like his or her job, what would you suggest they do? FQ

• Many people dislike looking for work (or, a different job). Can you suggest why they feel that way?

• What do unemployed people do to pass the time?

Competition

• Do you think competition is good?

• Why do many people dislike competition?

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

174.  A Home You Like (Sept. 13, 2008)  (Probably no longer used)

                Describe a house or flat that you like. (Not your own home)

You should say:

        whether it is a house or a flat * 

        when you saw this home (or, how you know about this home)      

        where it is

        what it looks like

and explain why you like it.

Note

• This could be a home that you have been inside of and that you know quite well. Or, it could be a home that you have only seen from the outside.

• It is probably ok to talk about a home that you have only seen in a picture, on TV or in a film. Just be able to describe the home in some detail.

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

Possible follow-up questions:

• Do other people also like this home?

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

Part 3

See also any Part 3 questions at the following locations that are similar to the topics or questions below: Topic #13,  Topic #45,  Topic# 71,   Topic #96 & Topic# 122

Building Design

• What are the different types of homes in China?

• Do young people and old(er) people (like to) live in the same kinds of places?

Different Kinds of Homes

• What are the differences between houses and flats (apartments)? (or, " ... the differences between a house and a flat") FQ

• In the cities of China, do people mostly live in houses or flats? (Why?)

• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a flat and living in a house? FQ

• In the future, what kind of home would you prefer to live in, a house or a flat? 

• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a high-rise apartment?

• Compare the different types of people who live in different types of homes. (Different types of houses and flats - urban & rural/ wealthy & poor) FQ

The Design and Appearance of Buildings (or, Homes)

• In general what is the (architectural) style of the buildings (or, homes) in your hometown? FQ

• (Similar to above) What is a typical home in China like? FQ

• Do you like the design of the buildings (or, homes) in your hometown? FQ

• Do you think the (outside) appearance of a home is important? (Why?/Why not?) FQx2

• (Similar to above) Which do you think is more important in a home - its functional qualities or its appearance?

• Who should be responsible for the appearance of a home? See Note

• Do you think government should make rules about the (outside) appearance of people's homes? FQ

• (Same as above) Do you think local government should have the right to regulate on the (outside) appearance of people's homes? FQ

• Do you think the climate of a place affects the way the buildings in that place are designed?  FQ

• (Similar to above) What effect does the temperature of a location have on building design?  FQ

• In China, are there any differences between homes in the north of China and those in the south?

• In China, is there any difference between the north-facing side of houses and the south side? *

• In the cities, do you think there should (sometimes) be restrictions on the height of buildings? (Why?/Why not?)

• What qualities (and skills) should a good architect have?

• In the future, what sort of home would you like to live in? *

• How do you think homes of the future will be (or, might be) different to the homes we have today?

• When a building (e.g., a house) is being designed and being constructed, what things should the designer or the builder pay attention to? (Hint: Safety regulations)

• What reforms or improvements do you think could be (or should be) made to housing design in your country?

Balconies and Backyards (These questions were reported overseas but have never been reported in China.)

• What do people in your country like to do in the outside parts of their home, for example on their balcony or in their backyard?

• What do your neighbours do on their balconies?

• Can you suggest any new ways for using backyards and balconies? (这是假设的话. Use "could" not "can".)

• Which do you think is the better place for children to play outside, a private place such as a backyard or a public place such as on the streets, a public park or a playground?

Old Buildings

• What are the characteristics of traditional Chinese architecture? FQ

• Do you think the government should put some restrictions on the appearance of old buildings?

• Do you think spending money on maintaining old buildings is a waste of money?

• Do you think old buildings should be preserved (protected)? FQ

• (Similar to above) Do you think old homes that were well built should be demolished to make way for new buildings or should they be maintained?

Urban & Rural Living

• What are some of the main differences between living in a city and living in the countryside?

• Sometimes people move from the city to live in the countryside. Can you guess why they do that?

• What are some of the problems that people experience when they live in a city? FQ

• How do you think these problems could be solved? FQ

• Do you think (city) governments should have a plan for the development of the city?

• What kind of urban plan do you think would be best for solving the urban problems that we have now?

Urban Plans

• What's your favourite part of your hometown? (Why?) *

• Would you prefer to live in the city centre or on the edge of a city?

• Do you think there should be more houses in the centre of cities (downtown)? (Why? How?/Why not?) FQ

• Do you think the city centre is best used as a commercial centre or a place for living? FQ

• Where do you think the government should encourage the building of homes? (Why?)

• Quite often, city governments impose height limits on buildings. Why do you think they do that?

• What reforms or improvements do you think could be (or should) made to urban planning in your country?

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

175.  No Topic

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