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ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated Jun. 6, 2010

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

Page 40

196. A Childhood Activity (February 7, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

197. No Topic

198. A Conversation You Had (May 9, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

199. A Machine or Electronic Device (May 9, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

200. A Film (4) (May 9, 2009) (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

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196. A Childhood Activity (February 7, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

Describe an activity that you enjoyed doing with your friends when you were a child.

You should say:

how old you were when you did this activity *

how and where you did this activity *

who you did it with

and explain why you enjoyed that activity.

Notes

This seems to be a different topic to Topic #179, A Childhood Game. An "activity" can be a game but it doesn't have to be a game. For example, it could be playing a sport, riding your bicycle etc. The words are not yet clear but someone wrote on the internet that the word "game" is not written on the topic card. The Part 3 questions seem different to Topic #179, too.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Do children today still do that?
Do (many/all) children like to play with others?

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Part 3

Childhood Activities

Did you learn anything form that activity?
Do children today do the same sorts of things that children did when you were a child? FQx2
And what about young people your age (or, teenagers) – do they do the same things today as young people (or, teenagers) used to do 20 or 30 years ago?
Do you think children today prefer playing with other children or do they prefer doing things by themselves?
(Similar to above) Do children today play with other children very much? FQ

The Role of Children in the Family

In the family, what is the role of children?
As they grow up, how do you think this role changes?
What do you think parents can do to help their children grow up to become good people?
What pressures do modern children have in their lives?

Community

Neighbours

A dog poses for a photo while visiting his neighbours

Do you talk to your neighbours very much?
Do you think a person's relations with their neighbours is important? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important to have good relations with one's neighbours? FQ
How can people get to know their neighbors?
How can people get along with their neighbours?
What are some ways that neighbours (can) help each other?
Besides helping each other, what are some other ways in which neighbours affect each other?
Would you say that the average person today has the same kind of relationship with their neighbours as previous generations did? FQ
Do you think modern working and living conditions have an effect on people's relationships with their neighbours? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do you think many people today are isolated from their neighbours? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do you think many people are alienated from (= isolated from) their neighbours and what can be done about it? FQ
(Similar to above) Many people today are so busy that they don't spend much time at home or in their local communities. Do you think this is a good thing? FQ
How are people's relationships with their neighbours different in the countryside and in the city?
Do you think people today are lonelier than people were in the past?
Why do some people choose to live alone?
Do you think most old people choose to live alone?
Do you think people's relationships with other people change as they become older?
Are you willing to make friends with old people?
(Similar to above) Would you be willing to make friends with an old person?
In what ways can students (or, children, or young people) show a sense of responsibility towards their communities?
At what age do you think children should start to have a sense of responsibility towards their communities? FQ
Can you suggest any ways to encourage good attitudes in children towards their neighbours?
In your country, what are the responsibilities and duties of citizens towards their community? (Both by law and by cultural expectations) Difficult Question

Groups

What groups (e.g., clubs) in society would you like to join?
Would you agree that working for a company can give people a sense of belonging to a group?
What do you think about teenagers having their own groups?
In general do teenagers like to do things in groups?
What do you think are the benefits for teenagers from joining groups?
(Similar to above) What can teenagers learn from participating in group activities?
Do you think your life would be limited if you lived in a small group or community?
Why do children need to play with other children?
Do you think it's important for children to experience belonging to a group (at least at some points in their childhood)?
How do you think taking part in group activities will benefit children when they are adults (or, when they become teenagers and when they become adults)? FQ
(Similar to above) For children, how do you think communicating with others (in group activities) will benefit them when they are adults? FQ
What social skills do children learn from group activities?
If a child was (were) too shy to join other kids in play, what would you do to help this child?
Do you think children should consider the feelings of others when they do things in a group?
After people become adults, do you think it's still important for them to consider other people's feelings?
As people get older, do you think they still enjoy doing things in groups? FQ
(Similar to above) As people become old(er), do you think they still have the same friends as when they were young? FQ

The Global Community

Would you agree that the people in the world are today living in a "global village"?
Do you think people today have more of sense of being part of the global community than a sense of being part of their local communities?
(Similar to above) Which do you think is more important for people, to have a sense of being part of the global community or a sense of being part of their local communities?

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197. No Topic

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198. A Conversation You Had (May 9, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

Describe an important conversation you had in the past.

You should say:

where you had the conversation (or, in what situation you had the conversation)

who you talked to (or, who you talked with)

what you talked about

and explain why this was an important conversation to you.

Notes

Since the word "important" is in the question, don't talk about a trivial conversation.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Was that the first time you had spoken to him/her?
Do you often talk to him/her?
Are you still in contact with him/her?

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Part 3

Conversation in Society

Do you think conversation is important?
How often do you have conversations with your friends?
Do you speak about the same topics when you have conversations with your parents?
What kinds of conversation do you usually have with your family?
Do you often talk to old people, for example, your grandfather?
How do you think conversations between foreigners are different to conversations between Chinese people?
What are the most frequent topics of conversation that people (in your country) talk about? FQx2

Conversation with Strangers

Can you think of any situations when two strangers might engage in a conversation? FQx2 (Note: It doesn't have to be an extended or deep conversation.)
What sorts of things do strangers talk about (in a casual conversation)?
How do people in your country feel about having a (casual) conversation with strangers?
Can you think of any situations when strangers might talk to each other? FQ
There is a type of person who others feel they can freely talk to. How would you describe this person who others freely talk to? (What qualities does he or she have?)

Conversations Between People of Different (power) Status

What factors do you think influence the way people talk to each other?
Compare (the differences) between the different kinds of conversations that you have (or, a typical person has) with the different (types of) people in your life. FQ
(Similar to above) There are different types of conversation in which people show different attitudes. Can you give any examples of that? See Note
In the workplace, do people usually speak the same way with their bosses as they do with their colleagues? FQ
(Similar to above) At school, do students usually speak the same way with their teachers as they do with their friends? FQ

Gender Differences Frequent Topic

Is there much difference between men and women when they have a conversation (with other people of the same gender)? FQx2
Do men and women usually talk about the same topics (when they are speaking to other people of the same gender)? FQ
Why do you think men and women are different in this way? FQ

Communication Skills

Do you think you are a good talker?
What skills (or, qualities; or attributes) does a person need in order to converse with another person?
Do you think people are born with different abilities to communicate or do these differences develop during people's childhood?
How do you suggest a person could improve their communication skills? FQ
Do you think using gestures is important when having a conversation?

Communication Methods (technology)

What are the differences between (advantages and disadvantages of) telephone conversations and face-to-face conversations? FQx2
Which of those two do you think is the better (the more effective) form of communication?
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?
How do think online chatting is different to having a face-to-face conversation?
Do you online chatting will play a more important role in the future?
Is there any difference between old people and young people when it comes to using modern communications technology? FQ

The Importance of International Communication

Do you think it's important for people from different countries to talk to each other?
Can you give any examples of situations when conversation between people from different countries is important?
What do you think are some of the benefits of communication between nations?
Do you think communication between nations can help to avoid war? FQ
What do you think is the value of holding international conferences (国际会议, for example, an international conference of doctors or scientists or other experts)?
How do you think an international conference and a domestic conference are different?

Language

How could two people who do not understand each other's language communicate?
When people from different countries (different cultures) are communicating with each other, what important things do they need to keep in mind? (Hint: cultural differences)
What effect does the language barrier have in conversation? FQ
If you were having a conversation with someone whose native language is different to yours and misunderstandings occurred (or, difficulties in expressing meaning occurred), how would you deal with this problem?
What do you think of the role of an interpreter in international politics?
Do you think an interpreter could possibly change the meaning of the speakers?
What qualities do you think a person needs to be an interpreter? FQ
What would be the advantages of having a common global language?

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199. A Machine or Electronic Device (May 9, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a machine or electronic device you would like to buy.

You should say:

what special features it would have

how you know about it

how much it would cost *

how you would use this thing *

and explain why you would like to have it.

Notes

See note about the number of points on the card.
Also see Notes

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Possible follow-up questions:

Do you think you (really) will buy one of those in the near future?
(Similar to above) Do you think you will buy one of those soon?
Do you know anyone who has one of those? *

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Part 3

See also Part 3 of Topics # 51 and # 149

Technology in Modern Society

Do you think science and technology are very important in today's society?
(Similar to above) Do you think science and technology have affected modern society very much? FQ
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this situation? FQ
Can you think of any examples of modern machines or high-tech equipment that people have in their homes today? FQ (See below)
How are electronic (电子的) (and electrical, 电力的) devices today different to those in the past?
Compare the machines of today with those of the past.
What do you think machines will be like in the future?
How has modern science and technology changed people's lives in the past generation (20 to 30 years)?
(Similar to above) How has the use of electronic/electrical devices changed people's lives in the past generation (20 to 30 years)?
What do you think are the advantages and any disadvantages that result from using these modern devices? FQ

Technological Change and Society

Do you think it's easy for society to adapt to (rapid) technological change?
In what ways have recent changes in technology resulted in changes to society?
How have the changes in communication technology changed society? FQ
Do you think the internet is causing (has caused) any social change?
Why are modern electronic devices so attractive to young people?
If a person is not keeping up with changes in technology, how do you think they feel?
What do you suggest a person, for example, an old person, do if he or she cannot understand how to use modern equipment (that is in his or her home)? FQ
(Similar to above) What do you suggest could be done to help old people understand how to use modern hi-tech equipment?
Do you think today's young people will also have problems with hi-tech equipment when they are old?
What do you think will be the future development (and future usage) of electronic (and electrical) devices? FQx2
What future technological product (that has not yet been invented) would you like to see?

Electrical (or electronic) Products and Appliances in the Home

What electrical appliances are generally used in homes in China? FQx2
Why do people (feel they) need these things?
What are the advantages of using electrical equipment?
Do you think these appliances make people lazy?
Of the home electrical appliances, which do you think is the most frequently used (in your country)? FQ
Of the home electrical appliances, which do you think is the most popular (in your country)? FQ
How have these things changed the lives of people (compared to the days when people did not have these products)?
What effect does the use of electrical appliances have on family life?
What are some examples of electrical appliances that people have in their kitchens?
Which of those would you most like to have (or, to buy)?
When it comes to using modern electronic or electrical appliances, is there much difference between old people and younger people?
Do you think people sometimes feel they are under pressure to have some of these products?
What are some electrical appliances that people need and some that people have but don't really need (i.e., luxuries)?
Do you think there are any shortcomings from using electrical household appliances? FQx2
What would be the impact on your life if your _____ was not working (needed repairs)? (Examiner chooses an example, possibly your Part 2 example.)
Do you think people will be using electrical appliances more in the future?
What (new) electronic products in the home would you like to see in the future?
What do you think electrical or electronic home appliances in the home will be like in the future? FQx2
What effects will electronic products of the future have on people?

High-tech Equipment In Your School/University

Does your university have (or use) much high-tech equipment? (The question possibly mostly referring to the classrooms, but not necessarily just the classrooms.)
What are some examples of high-tech equipment that is used in some classrooms today? FQ
Do you think the amount of high-tech equipment a university uses can help attract more students to that university?
Do you think there are any (possible) shortcomings to using high-tech equipment in classrooms (as teaching tools)?
How are the computers used in education today? FQ
How are computers used in primary schools today?
How could computers be used in primary schools?
Which do you think is more important, the teachers or the technology? FQ
Do we still need teachers in the classroom now that we have computers?
Do you think computers (and other hi-tech electronic equipment) might one day replace teachers? FQx2
Do you think using computers in school could harm students?
Do you think online lessons might one day replace teachers in the classroom? FQ See Note
(Similar to above) In the future, do you think distance learning, using the internet, will become more popular? FQ
Do you prefer to use an electronic dictionary or a dictionary made of paper?

Technology and Work

How has modern science and technology changed the way people work in the past generation (20 to 30 years)? FQ
(Similar to above) How has modern science and technology changed society in the past few decades? FQ
Do you think all of these changes have been changes for the better?
How do you think science and technology will develop in the future?

Studying Science and Technology

Of the two branches of learning, the sciences and the humanities, which is the more popular choice of study in your country?
Why are more and more young people choosing to study technological subjects at universities and colleges? FQ
For students who study computer technology at university, do you think there is a danger that what they learn will soon become out of date?
Do equal numbers of men and women study science and technology in universities in your country? (Why?/Why not?)
Compared to studying humanities subjects such as history and literature, how important do you think the study of science and technology is?

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200. A Film (4) (May 9, 2009) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a film you (recently) enjoyed watching. (Either at home or in a cinema). *

You should say:

what type of film it was

where you watched this film

what the film was about

why you chose to watch this (particular) film

and explain why you enjoyed this film. *

and explain what you most enjoyed about this film. *

and explain how this film influenced (or, affected) you. *

Notes

See note about the number of points on the card.
No-one has reported that the word "recently" is in the wording - that's my guess only. (It doesn't matter, anyway.)

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Possible follow-up questions:

Would you like to see it again? *

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 6, 99 and 145

Film-watching in Your Country

Do you like to watch films with your friends? (Why?)
Compare watching DVD's at home and watching films at the cinema. FQx2
(Similar to above) Which do you think is better, (or, which do you prefer), to watch films in a cinema or watch films (e.g., DVDs) at home? FQx2
(Similar to above) Which do people in China prefer, to watch films in a cinema or watch films (e.g., DVDs) at home? FQx2
Do you prefer to watch DVD's or to download films from the internet?
Compare watching downloaded films on your computer at home and watching films at the cinema. FQx2
Why do people like to watch films in a cinema?
How often do you watch a film?
Do you often go to a cinema to see a film?
(Similar to above) How often do you go to a cinema to see a film?
Are there any downsides (or, disadvantages) to watching a film in a cinema?
Do you think young people (e.g. students) can afford the price of cinema tickets today?
How would you feel (or, what would you do) if, while you were watching a film in the cinema, people around you were talking?
Have you ever seen any films that had famous stars but were, in fact, boring films?

People's Preferences Concerning Films

What kinds of films do people in China like to watch? FQx2
What type of film do you prefer? FQ
(Similar to above) What sort of film inspires you (or moves you) the most? FQ
Do you have any favourite film stars (or, actors or actresses)? FQx2
Are there any types of films that you dislike?
In what ways are the films that you watch today different to the films you watched when you were a child? FQx2
Do older people and young people in China like the same types of films? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you and your parents like to watch the same kinds of films? FQ
Do boys and girls like to watch the same types of films?
Do adults and children in China like the same types of films? FQ
What sorts of films do children like to watch? FQ
What sorts of films do you think are unsuitable for children to watch? FQ
Who do you think should be responsible for deciding what films children can and cannot watch, parents or the government?
Why do some people think these types of films are alright (for children to watch)?

Film Preferences and Different Personalities of People

Do you think people with different personalities (or, different character; or, different values) are attracted to different types of films?
Do you think different kinds of films can change the character of people who watch those films?

Changes in Films

Is the any difference between the kinds of films people in China watch today and the kinds of films they watched before (for example, 20 to 50 years ago)? FQ
(Similar to above) How have films changed in the past few decades? FQ
Do you thinks children's films today are the same as children's films a few decades ago? FQ
What kinds of films do you think people will be watching 20 or 30 years from now?

The Educational Value of Films

Do films have any effects on you besides just providing entertainment for you?
(Similar to above) What have you gotten from (= how have you benefited from) the films you have seen?
Do you think watching films can contribute to a person's education in any way? FQx2 See Note
(Similar to above) In general, do you think films (popular movies) have any educational value? FQx2
How do you think films could be used (in a school or university) as part of the education of the students?
(Similar to above) What role do (or could) films play in education?

The Cultural Influences of Films

What impact do you think films have on society? FQx2
(Similar to above) What influence do films have on people in society today? FQ
(Similar to above) What influence do films have on people's everyday lives? FQ
Do you prefer to watch foreign films or domestically made (Chinese) films? FQ
(Similar to above) Which are more popular in your country, foreign films or domestically made (Chinese) films? FQ
Why do you think ________ films (the one you said in your previous answer) are the more popular in your country?
What's the difference between foreign films and Chinese films? FQ
What films leave the greatest impression on you?
What are the most common themes of films today? * (Unclear question)
What's your impression of the development of the culture of films today? (Unclear question)
Are Chinese films today very much influenced by Western culture or have they kept a lot of traditional Chinese culture?

Films Compared to TV

Do people in China prefer to watch films or watch TV?
Do people in China watch the same kinds of films and TV programs?
Do you prefer to watch films on DVD or watch films broadcast on TV?

The Attributes of Films FQ

What do you think makes a film "successful"? FQ
(Similar to above) What do you think makes a film popular?
In your opinion, what are the attributes of a good film?
What makes a film memorable?

The Language of Films Frequent Topic

When you watch a DVD, do you prefer to have Chinese subtitles or English subtitles? FQ
(Similar to above) When you watch a foreign film, do you like to have translated subtitles? FQ
Which do you think is better, to watch foreign films in the original language, with Chinese subtitles, or to watch films that have been dubbed (配音的) into Chinese?
Do you think watching foreign movies in English can help you (or, help people) learn English? FQ
Have you ever been confused by the difference between the "academic" English you learned in school and the English used in films?

The Film Industry

It usually costs a lot of money to make the films that we see in the cinemas. Why do you think it costs so much? FQx2
Do you think that the amount of money that is spent on the production of a film is excessive or is it worthwhile? FQx2
Can you suggest some ways that the film industry could use to attract a larger audience to their films? FQ
How do you think more people could be attracted to watching films in cinemas, as opposed to watching them on DVDs (or other similar ways)?
Can you suggest how a film company could attract more people to watch a particular film that the company has recently produced?

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