Page 36

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated Nov. 13, 2009

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

Page 36

176. A Sports Event (2) (Sept. 6, 2008) (Probably no longer used)

177. A Good Friend (Sept. 6, 2008) (Probably no longer used)

178. A Story from TV (Sept. 6, 2008) (Probably no longer used)

179. A Childhood Game (2) (Prob. May 2008) (Probably no longer used)

180. A Polluted City (July 7, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

RETURN TO PART 2 TOPIC INDEX

FQ = frequent question = a question that has frequently been reported = a question that is probably in the examiner's question book

***********************************************************************
176. A Sports Event (2) (Sept. 6, 2008) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a sports event that you watched or took part in.

            You should say:

                          when this event was held

                          where it was held

                          who participated in the event

             and explain why you remember this event so well.

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

Possible follow-up questions:

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

Part 3

See also the part 3 questions for Topic 64 that are similar to these questions.

Sport in Society

How does society benefit from sport? (Hint: For this wording, there are two areas you can talk about - personal sport and spectator sport, i.e., sport as entertainment.)
Do you think the sports industry plays an important role in society?

Children's Sport (Especially at school)

Children's Sport in General

What sports do school children do at school? FQ
What about in their free time - do children in China participate in any sports out of school?
What benefits do children get from doing that sport (one of the examples you just mentioned)?
Outside of school, what sports would you suggest a parent in China encourage their child to take up? (= to start doing)
Do you think it's important for children to participate in some kind of sport?
(Similar to above) What are the benefits of sport for children? FQ
If you were given a chance to go back to school, what sports would you engage in?
In China, how much time do children spend on sport (and exercise) at school?
Do you think this amount of time should be increased? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think schools in China should encourage students to participate more in sport? FQ
What do you think are the advantages and possible disadvantages of sport for children? FQ
For children (or, young people), is there much difference between sport and entertainment?
(The previous question might be:) For children (or, young people), is there much difference between sport and other forms of recreation?

Team Sport versus Individual Sport for Children Frequent Topic

Which do you think is better for children, individual sports or team sports? FQx2
(Similar to above) Compare the advantages (and disadvantages) that children gain from taking part in team sports with the advantages they gain from taking part in individual sports. FQx2
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of competitive sport for children? FQ
Can you think of any disadvantages of individual sports for children?
Do you think co-operation is important in modern society?
What are some ways that co-operation between countries can be encouraged?

Competition and Awards in General

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 43 and Topic 109 for the topics of competition, co-operation and rewards/awards.

Competition

Do you think the experience of competing in sport can bring benefits to people in life outside of sport?
In what ways do you think competitive sport in childhood can benefit a person in adulthood?
Besides sport, can you think of any other competitive situation that people face in life? *
Do you think competition is a good thing?
In general, what do you think are the benefits of having competition in life?
What are some examples of competition that exist in the classroom (at school)? FQ

Awards for Excellence in School

In what ways can a competitive atmosphere be created in the classroom (or, in a school)?
What are the positive and negative effects of this?
Do you think it's a good thing to give school students awards or prizes to encourage them? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it's a good thing to give top students in school an award or some prize? FQ
Are there any (possible) disadvantages to awarding only the top students?
Besides awards (prizes), do you think there any other ways that could encourage children to do well at school? FQ

Co-Operation

What are the benefits of co-operation?
Can you think of examples in life when people co-operate with each other? *
Can you think of ways that nations do or can co-operate with each other?
In competitive sports teams, such as football teams, what do you think would be the result if a player in a team has a personality that is too competitive?

Sports Events

What would you say are the benefits to society of having sports events?
What do you think are the differences and similarities between high school sports events and the (international) University Games?

Sports Organizations in Your Country

How are Olympic athletes selected and nurtured in China?
Can you give some examples of sports organizations (in your country)?
In general, how would you describe the spirit of these organizations?
What do you think is the benefit (are the benefits) of this spirit?

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

177. A Good Friend (Sept. 6, 2008) (Probably no longer used)

Describe your best friend.

          You should say:

how (and when) you first met this person

when you see this person *

what kind of character (or, personality) he or she has (= what he or she is like)

what you usually do together

and explain why you became (or, are) such good friends. *

                            or

and explain why you think this person is your best friend (and not simply "a good friend"). *

Notes

Everybody reports this as, "Describe your best friend." When describing someone you call your "best friend", you should emphasize a little how or why his person is unique or better than any other good friends you have.
Alternatively, the wording might be, "Describe one of your best friends."

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

Possible follow-up questions:

Do you think you will always be good friends? *
Are you still good friends?

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

Part 3

The Nature of Friendship

Do you think friendship is important? (Why?) FQ
(Similar to above) How important is friendship to you? FQ
What are the qualities of a good (or, a real) friend? FQ
(Similar to above) How can one be a good friend?
What do you think are the benefits of having a good friend? FQ
Do you prefer old friends or new friends? FQ
(Similar to above) Some people think it's good to change friends every now and then while others disagree with that. What's your opinion? FQ
When you go out (to enjoy yourself / to have some fun), do you prefer to go out with friends or family members? (Why?)
Which do you think is more important, friends or family? FQx2 See Note
What are some of the main differences between family relationships and friendships?
Do you think distance (= living far apart) can affect a friendship? FQ
How can people maintain a friendship when the two people are living far from each other?
What kinds of people make friends easily? FQ
Some people make friends very easily (or, quickly). Do you think this is a good quality to have?
What are the benefits of being able to make friends easily?
Do you think you are good at making friends?

Male/Female Differences Frequent Topic

Do you think a man and a woman can be best friends? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think men and women can have (close) friendships with each other? FQ
Do you think there are any differences when men are friends with each other and when women are friends with each other? FQx2
(Similar to above) How are friendships between boys (or males) different to friendships between girls (females)? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think friendships between boys (or, males) are stronger (or, more stable) than friendships between girls (or, females)? FQ

Friendships between Non-Equals

Do you think people can be friends with others in the same workplace?
(Similar to above) Do you think co-workers (= work colleagues = workmates) should also be friends with each other? FQ
Do you think it's possible for a boss (an employer) at work to be friends with the people he or she manages (the employees)? FQx2
Do you think the relationship between a boss and his or her subordinates (= the employees) is important?
Do you think it's important for them to have a good relationship?
Do you think a boss should be friends with his or her staff? FQ
Do you think there are any advantages or disadvantages to a boss being friends with his or her staff?
Do you think a friendship between a boss and an employee (a subordinate) could cause any problems in the workplace? FQ
How do you think an employee (or, the employees) can/could get along with a terrible boss?
How important do you think it is for a boss to get along with his or her subordinates (employees)?
Do you think a teacher can be friends with one of his or her students? FQx2
How do you think a person should react if they encounter an unfriendly person?
(Similar to above) How can people get along with an unfriendly boss or an unfriendly co-worker? FQ
What qualities do you think a good boss should have?
How should a good boss motivate the employees at work?
How can a boss have a good relationship with his or her employees? FQ
(Similar to above) In what ways can a good relationship between a boss and the employees be developed? FQ
Do you think there are any differences between boss-employee relations in big and and in small companies?

Joining Groups; Co-operation and Teamwork

Do you think it's important for people to join groups or be a part of (be an active member of) a community? (Why?/Why not?)
Some people think it is better to be a 'loner', a person who is independent and self-sufficient and who doesn't join any groups or a community. What do you think of that attitude?
What benefits can people get from joining groups?
In life (or, in work), do you think teamwork is important? FQ
(Similar to above) What are the (social) benefits of teamwork (or, co-operation) between people? FQ
Can you think of any examples of work (or, jobs) where teamwork is especially important? FQx2
And in what sorts of jobs do you think a spirit of teamwork is not very important?
What do you think are the advantages of working as a team (in those jobs)?
Can you think of any reasons why teamwork, for example, in the workplace, is sometimes difficult to achieve?
(Similar to above) Can you give any examples of circumstances when teamwork is especially important? (Possibly not just referring to work but to life in general.)
Can you suggest any ways that could be used to develop teamwork skills among a group of employees?
(Similar to above) Can you suggest any ways that could be used to develop a spirit of teamwork among a group of employees?
Do you think competition should be encouraged in school?
(Similar to above) Which do you think should be encouraged more in school, co-operation or competition?

International Relations

Do you think countries can also be friends with other countries? (How?)
Do you think international co-operation (or, collaboration) between countries is important? FQ
(Similar to above) What is the role of international co-operation between countries?
(Similar to above) What are the results (the effects) of international co-operation between countries?
Can you give any examples of international co-operation?
How do you think international sporting competition and cultural exchanges enhances understanding between nations?
Do you think there have been any changes in the past few years in the way countries co-operate (or don't co-operate)? FQ
Do you think international competition can help promote international co-operation?

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

178. A Story from TV (Sept. 6, 2008) (Probably no longer used)

Describe an interesting story you watched on TV.

You should say:

When you watched it

Who was in the story

What the story was about

and explain why you thought it was so interesting. *

and explain what you thought about this story. *

See Notes

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

Possible follow-up questions:

Did other people in your family also think that was a good TV program?
Did you talk about that program with your friends or family?
(Similar to above) Have you (ever) told that story to other people?
Would you recommend that TV program to your friends?

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

Part 3

TV and Society

Note: For some of the questions below, the wording might be, "radio and television", not just "television" (TV).

TV Tastes in China

What kinds of TV programs are most popular in China? FQx2
Why do you think people like to watch TV? FQx2
Do you think people today watch more television than they used to?
Do old people like watching TV?
What types of TV programs do children like to watch?
Do people prefer to watch entertainment programs or educational programs (such as documentaries)?
Are the TV programs in China very different to TV programs in the West (e.g., the U.S.)?

Watching TV in Relation to the Family

Why do people watch TV? FQx2
(Similar to above) Why do you think watching TV is such a popular activity for people to do at home? FQ
How do you think TV (or TV programs) influence people's relations with others?
Would you say TV plays a positive role in the lives of people?
Do you think TV has any effects on family relationships?
Do you think it's good for family relations if people watch a lot of TV?
What are the benefits for family members watching TV together?
(Similar to above) What do you think are the benefits of having parents watch TV with their children? FQ
Do you ever discuss a TV program with your friends or family members?
Do you think families watching TV together can be harmed by watching TV?
Do you agree that there are "good" television programs and "bad" television programs?
Do you think TV affects people of different ages in the same way (and to the same amount)?
Do you think parents should control the amount of TV their children watch? FQ
Do you think it's necessary to have government controls on what is shown on TV?
Is this already happening in China?

"TV Addiction"

Why do you think some people seem to be watching TV all the time?

The Effects of TV on People's (Children's) Education Frequent Topic

Does TV play a role in (or affect) (children's) education? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think watching TV has any effect on the education of school children? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think watching TV has any effect on how well students do at school?
Would you say that TV has any educational value?
How do you think TV could be used to promote education?
Which do you think is better for children's education (or, a person's education), to use the internet or watch TV?
Do you think using the internet might be a better way to improve one's English? FQ
(similar to above) How important (or useful) do you think the internet is for learning a language? FQ
Do you think TV program producers have a responsibility to reflect the traditional culture and values of society?

TV and Reality

Do you think what you see on TV is actually close to real life?
Do you think that what you see on TV is related to people's real lives?
Do you think that children could benefit more by sometimes going outside the home instead of watching TV? (Hints: a) see the real world, b) get exercise, c) relate to other people such as friends)

TV versus Other Media

Compare programs on TV and radio programs. FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you prefer to watch TV or listen to the radio? FQx2
(Similar to above) Which is more popular, TV or radio? FQx2
Does radio have any advantages over TV?
Do you think radio will "die" in the future? ( = Do you think this medium will stop being used?)
How is radio supported financially?
What are the differences (and similarities) between TV and the internet. FQx2
Do you think the internet is better than TV as a source of entertainment, or news or as a way to improve your English? FQx2
How do you think television (or the way people watch it) will change in the future? FQx2
Do you think watching TV will grow in popularity in the future? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think the number of people who watch TV in the future will increase? FQx2
Do you think computers (the internet) will (or, might) replace television in the future? FQ

Advertisements on TV

Do you think it's important (or necessary) for TV stations to make money?
How can they make money?
Do you like [to see (or, watch)] advertisements on TV?
Do you think there are too many advertisements on TV?
(Similar to above) Do you think there is a good balance between (the amount of time given to) TV programs and advertisements on TV?

Parental and Government Controls of TV

Do you think there should be any government controls over what is shown on TV (or should it be completely free)?
What laws (or, regulations) do you think should exist concerning television programs?
Do you think parents should supervise what their children watch on television?

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

179. A Childhood Game (2) (Prob. May 2008) (Probably no longer used)

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

It's possible that the wording is: "Describe a game you enjoyed playing with other children when you were a child." (However, I think the person who reported those words was really reporting Topic # 196, A Childhood Activity.)
Topic #100 was due to retire in May 2008 but seems to be still in use.
The Part 2 and all of the Part 3 was copied from Topic 100 with no changes. I am guessing that some changes were made to the Part 3 questions around May 10, 2008 (date unsure) but, so far, I have not found what questions are new.
Any future changes and additions will be made here, at Topic 179. New questions will not be added to Topic 100.
Also See Note

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

Possible follow-up questions:

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

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

Important Note: The questions below are only those questions that were reported as new questions after April, 2008. I believe that these questions are certainly among the questions being used now (March, 2009). However, it is very possible that some of the questions in Topic # 100 are still being used now. So you definitely should look at those questions, as well as the ones below.

This confusion occurred because Topic #100 continued being used after it had been used for 1 year, (From May 2007 to May 2008) but I think that in about May 2008, some of the Part 3 questions were changed.

Part 3

Children's Play

Besides sport, what play activities do children like to do?

The Benefits of Outside Play for Children

Do you think outdoor activities are important for children?
Why do children usually enjoy playing outside?
Why do many children today not play outside very much?
What are some of the benefits and possible bad points of children playing outdoors (outside the home)?
In general, how is outside play for children different to playing inside? FQ
Do you think the indoor activities and outdoor activities develop children's abilities the same way? FQ
When new apartments (or, apartment complexes) are built, do you think playgrounds or other recreational facilities for people (or, for children) should be included?

Toys

What toys did you play with when you were a kid? *
What do you think is the value of toys for young children?

Games

Games in General in China

What's the most popular game in China? FQ
How have games changed in the past few decades? FQx2
(Similar to above) How are the games that people play today different to the games that people played in previous years? FQx2
How have children's games changed in the past few decades? FQx2
How do you think games will develop in the future?
Why do Chinese adults like playing mahjong?
Are there any drawbacks from playing internet (or, computer) games?

Games for Different Age Groups

How are children's games different to adults' games? FQx2
Why do many adults today not play games? FQ
Do you think modern lifestyles encourage, or discourage, adults from playing games? FQ

The Benefits of Games

Why do you think people like playing games?
What benefits do people get from playing games? FQ
What social benefits can adults get from playing games with other people?
What benefits can children get from playing games? FQ
(Similar to above) How does playing games help in the mental development of children?
Do you think allowing children to develop their own rules for games can help develop the children's abilities?
What skills can children learn from playing outdoor games?
Do you think games can be used to teach the value of co-operation to children?

Sport

General Information About Personal (not professional) Sport in China

Do you think sports teams (e.g., at school) should be composed of both boys and girls?

The Value of Sport and Exercise

Today, are there more non-academic (= extra-curricular) activities in school than there used to be several decades ago?
Do you think there are any psychological benefits from doing exercise?
Do you think the government should organize people's leisure activities (such as sports activities)?

Team work/ Group Activities in General

What do you think are the benefits for children of participating in group activities?
How do you think will affect the kind of people they will be when they grow up?
Do you think group activities (including team sports) can help give a child a sense of responsibility? FQ (Hint: Responsibility towards others for one's actions - not wanting to "let the team down")

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

180. A Polluted City (July 7, 2007) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a city that you have been to that was polluted. *

             You should say:

           when and where you went

           why you went there

           what the pollution was like (or, what kind of pollution it was)

  and explain how you felt about this pollution. *

Notes:

On November 11, 2008, this topic was moved from Topic #111 to here because the topic is still in use. This was done to make sure readers do not overlook this topic.

From November 11, 2008 onwards, any changes or additions to the questions for this topic will be added to this location, Topic #180 only.

The first line has been changed to say, "a polluted city".
The last line has the "feel" but the full wording is unclear.
If the words just say, 'a place you have been to', you could talk about a part of your hometown that has an environmental problem - you don't have to talk about going to a place away from your hometown. But I think the topic is not referring to the place where you live. Many people report the words are, "... a city you visited that has pollution."

See further NOTES

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

Possible follow-up questions:

Do other people think this is a problem?
If you had the opportunity, would you like to go there again?

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

Part 3

See here for some useful vocabulary.

See here for a good video.

Dealing with Environmental Problems

Do you ever discuss the topic of the environment with your friends? FQx2
What are the different kinds of environmental problems that exist right now (in cities)? FQx2
What do you think is the most serious environmental problem in China? (Why?) FQx2
What are the causes of these problems?
(Similar to above) Why do people create pollution?
Do you think environmental problems are worse than they used to be? (Why?)
Whose fault is it that we have these environment problems? FQ
Do you think those who cause pollution are criminals? (Why?/Why not?) See NOTE
In general, what do you think is the best way to deal with these environmental problems?
(Similar to above) What is the government doing to tackle this problem? FQ
(Similar to above) How is China going to (or planning to) tackle these problems?
If you were a government official, how would you try to solve these environmental problems?
Do you think it is the government's responsibility to solve environmental problems or is it the the responsibility of each individual? FQx2
What are some things that individuals can do to help solve environmental problems? FQx2
Do you think pollution will be less severe in the future (than it is now), or do you think it will get worse?
Do you think these problems will be solved in the future?
What do you think will be the result if we ignore these environmental problems?
Compared to before, do you think people's awareness (consciousness) of environmental problems has increased or decreased? (How? Why?) FQ
(Similar to above) Why do you think some people don't pay much attention to environmental problems?
What are some ways that the government could use to help educate people about the environment? FQ
Do older people in China have the same attitudes towards the environment as young people? FQ See NOTE
Do you think pollution (in China) today is worse than it was 20 or 30 years ago? (Or, has the situation improved?) FQ
What do you think China's environment will be like in the future (e.g., 20 or 50 years in the future)? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think the environment will be improved in the future or do you think it will get worse?
How do you think cutting down all the trees in a forest affects the environment?
Do you think that air-conditioning in buildings such as this (the examination building), is a form of environmental pollution?
Do you think air pollution might (or will) have any effect on Beijing's Olympic Games this year?

The Problem of Waste Disposal

What are the sources of waste (& rubbish) that society produces? FQ See NOTE
Compare how waste is disposed of today and how it used to be disposed of many years ago.
How do you think we could make waste (waste materials) beneficial to society? (Hint: recycling)
Do you think recycling is important?
Do young people & older people have the same attitudes towards waste disposal? (E.g., attitudes towards recycling, and towards what should be thrown away & what should be kept.) FQ
Do you think old people produce as much waste (such as waste paper) as young people? FQ See NOTE
As society advances in science and technology, it seems that we have more garbage to dispose of. Why do you think this is so?
Do you think that advertising leads to the production of more garbage in society? FQ See NOTE
Some people throw rubbish/garbage/trash on the street, for example, an ice-cream wrapper. What do you think of this behaviour?
(Similar to above) Why do you think some people don't care where they put (or, throw) their garbage?
How can/could these people's behaviour be changed?
How important is it to change the behaviour of these people?

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