Page 57

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated Oct. 21, 2011

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

Page 57

281. A Practical Skill (2) (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

282 A Place with a Lot of Noise (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

283. Something Expensive You Bought (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

284. A New Law (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

285. A Childhood Teacher (Sep. 4, 2010) (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

* = my guess at a question

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281. A Practical Skill (2) (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a useful practical skill that you learned (such as driving a car, speaking a foreign language, cooking etc).

You should say:

why you learned this skill

how (and when) you learned it

how difficult it was to learn

and explain how this skill is useful to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgS8n-AqDmo

Notes

This looks very similar to Topic 224 and Topic 17.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also Part 3 for Topic 224, Topic 17 and Topic 154.

Also see this.

Learning Skills

Would you say the skill you just talked about (in Part 2) is important in your country? FQ

What skills do you think are the most important for your country? FQ

Are some skills easier to learn than others? (Why? Give examples.)
What are some differences between the skills people learn today and the skills people learned in the past? FQx2
(Similar to above but different) What are some differences between learning skills today and in the past? FQx2
Do you think it was easier or more difficult to teach practical skills in the past? (Hint: the use of videos)
What's one skill that you would like to learn?
Do you think computers might one day replace teachers?

Practical Skills versus Academic Knowledge (or, Academic Skills) Frequent sub-topic

Do you think it's better to learn things in "real life" or from textbooks? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it's better to learn practical skills in "real life" or from textbooks? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think having knowledge of facts is more important than having skills? FQ

Which do you you think is easier to learn, practical skills or academic (theoretical) knowledge?

Which do you you think is more important (or, more useful), to learn practical skills or academic (theoretical) knowledge? FQ

(Similar to above) Which do you you think is easier to teach, practical skills or academic (theoretical) knowledge?

Children and Skills

What practical skills do you think children learn (or, should learn, or need to learn) in your country? FQx2
(Similar to above) What skills do children (or, students) learn at school? FQx2
Do you think these skills are useful? FQ
(Similar to above) What are some skills that children learn that are very useful for them when they become adults? FQ
Do you think it's useful for children to learn to draw or paint? (See Note)
Is there any difference between the skills that children learn in school today and the skills that children learned in schools several decades ago?
What are the earliest skills that children learn?
In what ways do you think children are superior to adults when learning skills?
Do you think children learn skills faster than adults? FQx2
Do you think children can learn skills faster than adults? FQ
What skills do you think children learn faster than adults?

What skills do old people learn? (See Note)

(The question above might be this) What skills do older people (i.e., not children or young people) learn?

How do old people learn new skills?

Learning in General

Do you think people are born with different abilities to learn (or do people develop their ability in their early childhood)? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you believe that some people are born much more intelligent than others? FQ

How have learning methods (e.g., materials/language learning methods etc.) improved, compared to the past?

Do you think people's access to information today is different to the past?

Can you suggest any ways that learning methods could be further improved?

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282 A Place with a Lot of Noise (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a place you have been to that had a lot of noise.

You should say:

what place it was (or, where it was)

why you went there

why it had a lot of noise

and explain how you felt about this noise.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See notes on the meaning and usage of the words, "sound" and "noise" here.

What do you think is the meaning of the word, "noise"?
What noises (= sounds) can we hear in a city?
What are the sources of noise? FQ
Do you think there is more noise in society today than there used to be?
Do you think noise ever has any benefits?
Does noise ever cause a problem for you?
Do you think all noise is bad?
Do you think music can be considered to be "noise"?
Do you think noise can be considered to be a form of pollution? FQ
What harm can noise do to people's health? FQ
Do you think noise can cause more harm to people's health than air pollution?
How do you suggest this noise could be controlled (or, reduced)? FQx2
Has your government made any attempts to control noise?
(In the future), what do you think the government should do (or, could do) about excessive ( = too much) noise? FQ
What sorts of penalties should be imposed on people (or companies) who produce excessive noise?
Do you think it's possible to completely eliminate all noise?
Do you think the noise that crowds of people make can be a problem?
If someone (or some group of people) were making too much noise, what could be done about this problem?
Do you think they should be reminded to be a little more quiet?
Would you agree to your neighbours having a party on the weekend?
What time would you want them to finish the party?

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283. Something Expensive You Bought (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

Describe something expensive you bought.

You should say:

what it was

how much it cost *

how long you saved for it *

where you bought it

and explain why you wanted to buy it. *

and explain how you felt when you bought it. *

Notes

This topic was used on Sept. 3 and Sept 17, 2011. It might be retired soon but this is not certain.
See note about the number of points on the card.
No-one has mentioned that the card says, "You should say when you bought it" but you must give information about this when you use the past tense.
The verb "cost" is "cost, cost, cost" – all three forms of the verb are the same (as with "put"). There is no past tense "costed".
Earlier versions (on this website) of this topic included the idea, "something you bought that had to save for". Some people are still reporting that words similar to these are in the wording.
It is possible to say that you didn't need to save money to buy it, if you are rich! In fact, the question about saving for it might not really be in the wording.
If your examiner is from the U.S.A. or Canada, it would be better to use the word, "expensive", not "dear".
Previously, it seems that there was Topic 48, which was a past tense topic and Topic 170, which was a "would like to buy" topic. This Topic 283 is past tense.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Would you buy it again?
Do your friends also have one of those?
Do you think it's easy to save money? *

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Part 3

See also Part 3 for Topic 48, Topic 170 and the questions for Topic 216 on the topic of saving.

Spending Money/Consumption

Which do you think is better, to spend money or to save it?
Do you think it's easier to spend money or to save it?
What are the most popular things for people to buy in your country?
Why do you think people like to buy things?
What sorts of things do young people buy (or, like to buy)? FQx2
What factors affect the way people spend (or, use) money?
Do men and women (or, boys and girls) tend to buy (or, spend money on) the same sorts of things? FQ
(Similar to above) What are the differences between men and women when they spend money?
In your opinion, why do many people like to buy expensive or luxurious things?
In general, do you think people today buy more things than they used to? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you think people are more materialistic today than they used to be? FQx2
Do you think that's a good thing? FQx2
Do you think we are being "trained" to become consumers? (If so, how?) (See "advertising", below.)
Some people buy things out of habit. Do you think this is a good habit to have?
Are people in your country today concerned about any particular consumer issues? (See Note)
What do you think people will be buying in the future?
Many people spend a lot of money on leisure activities. In your opinion, why do they do that?
Do you think it's good to spend money on leisure activities?

Buying Unneeded Things

Do you think people really need to buy expensive things?
Why do some (young) people buy (expensive) things that they don't really need? FQx2
(Similar to above) Why do people sometimes buy things and then not use these things? FQ
Do you think advertising causes people to buy these things?
Do you think people are more likely to buy something if that thing is attractive to look at?
Can you suggest any ways to avoid the problem of buying things you don't really need?
(Similar to above) Can you suggest any ways that people could improve their shopping habits?
If you had a lot of money, would you buy things that you don't really need?
What do you think are some differences between using cash and using a credit card?

Buying Hi-Tech Products Used Quite Often

Either the words, "hi-tech products", "electronic products" or "technology" are probably used.

What hi-tech products do young people buy?
Why do they buy these things?
In the future, do you think that more and more people will be buying hi-tech products? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think people will continue to buy electronic products in the future? FQx2
Do you think there is a feeling among people that they must buy these products?
What do you think: Do they really need to buy them?
(Similar to above) Do you think hi-tech electronic products are really useful (or, necessary)? FQx2
Why do you think (most) hi-tech products are so expensive?

The Effect of Advertising

Do you think advertising has much effect on people's shopping behaviour? FQ
Do you think advertising can have bad effects on children? FQ

What affects do you think advertising has on children's ideas about what they should (or, need to) have?

What do you think are the effects of McDonald's advertisements on children?

Do you think parents should always buy something whenever their children want it? (or, buy whatever their children want) FQx2

What do you think the results would be if parents did that?
What would you do, as a parent, if your parents (the child's grandparents) bought something for your child that you had previously refused to buy?
Do you agree that the government should have some control over advertisements?
How do you think these controls could be put into practice?

Spending on Others

Do you think people should spend money on others?
Should wealthy people donate money to poor people?

Government Expenditure

What do you think the government should spend money on?
They they spend more money on health care facilities? (Why?/Why not?)

Saving Money

Do you think it's easy to save money? FQx2
Do you think it's better to spend money or to save money? (Why?) FQ
Do you think people should have the habit of saving money?
Do people in your country have the habit of saving money?
In general, do you think think young people know the value of money?
Do most young people save money?
What about children? Do you think children should learn how to save money? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think children should learn the habit of saving? FQ
How do children get money to spend?
Do you think children should be given pocket money?
Do you think adults should tell children how they should use the money they get?
How do you think children can learn to save money?
How do you think adults saving money and children saving money are different?
Does your country have a savings scheme (e.g., school banking) so that children can save money?
(If you answer no to the question above) Do you think such a scheme would be a good idea? *
What do you think is a suitable age for children to start learning how to save?

Shopping

Do you like shopping? FQx2
Do you ever buy things you don't need?
What do young people generally buy?
Do young people buy many electronic products?
Why do you think some people like shopping so much? FQ
Why do some people feel relaxed when they go shopping?
(Similar to above) Why do some people go shopping for relaxation?
Is there much difference between the shopping habits of men and of women?
Why do some people dislike shopping?
Is there much difference between shopping in the city and shopping in a small place (such as a village or town)? FQ
Is there much difference between the attitudes of people towards shopping in big cities and in rural areas? FQ
How do you think shopping will change in the future? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think people will change the way they shop in the future? FQ
Do you think online shopping is a good idea?

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284. A New Law (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a new law (or regulation) that you would like to see introduced in your country (or, where you live). *

You should say:

.what the law would be

why this law is needed

how popular this law would be *

how this law would be enforced *

and explain why you would like to have this law in your country. *

and explain how your country would benefit from having this law. *

Notes

The wording might say, "your country" or it might say, "where you live" - it is unclear what it says. "Where you live" can mean city or county or province or country - often there are different laws for different sub-sections of a country and in different parts of a country. In other words, this topic might not be restricting you to talk about a national law.
Of course, you have to describe a law that does not yet exist in your country (or whatever division of your country you are referring to). It would probably be acceptable if you talk about a law that exists in part of your country, such as a particular city, which you would like to see introduced into the whole country.
A change to an existing law is actually a new law. For example: "I'd like to see a new law that says the minimum driving age is 17, not 18 as the law now says."

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions and the notes for Topic 152.

The Police

In your country, if people need help from the police, do they approach the police on the street or do they go to the police station?

Working as a Police Officer

What things do the police have to do in their work?
(Similar to above) What typical tasks do the police have to carry out?
In what ways do you think being a police officer is different to other types of work? FQx2
Do you think the police have a difficult job enforcing the law? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think the police have a difficult job to do in your country? FQ
Do you think being a police officer is dangerous work?
In your country, do many people want to work as a police officer?
Would you like to be a police officer?
What do you think is the relationship between the police and law?
Why does society have police?
What do you think are the characteristics (or, qualities) of a good police officer?
Do you think police officer should be paid more than they are now?

Male and Female Police

Do you think being a policewoman is a good (or, suitable) job for a woman? FQ
Do you think there are some occupations that are more suited to men and some that are more suited to women?
Do you think men and women make equally good police officers?
Who do you think is more suitable for working as a police officer, men or women?
Are there any differences between policemen and policewomen? FQx2
Are there any differences between the kinds of work that male police do and the kinds of work that female police do?
(Similar to above) What kinds of work (or duties) do you think are more suitable for policemen and what kinds are more suitable for policewomen? FQ
Which would you prefer to have contact with, a policeman or a policewoman?

The Police Carrying Guns Very Frequent Sub-Topic

Do the police carry guns in your country? *
Do you think the police should carry guns? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think it is a good idea for the police to carry guns?
Do you think there are any drawbacks from having police who carry guns?
Do you think it's possibly more dangerous for policemen to carry guns than to not carry guns?

Lawyers

Do you think we really need to have lawyers?
Are lawyers well-respected in your country? FQ
In some countries, lawyers have a very high income. Do you think it's reasonable that lawyers have an income that is so much higher than other professionals, such as teachers? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it's fair that, in many countries, lawyers are so highly paid? FQ
Have you ever used a lawyer?
In what ways do people use a lawyer? (= What do lawyers do?)
(Similar to above) In your country, in what situations do people need to use a lawyer? FQx2
What are the responsibilities of lawyers? FQ
What qualities do you think good lawyers have? FQ
Do you think men and women are equally as good as lawyers? FQ

The Law

Why do we have laws in society? FQ
Do you think that laws should be updated from time to time?
Do you think the laws of a country reflect the society of that country? (reflect the type of society it has)
Do you think the law is applied equally to all people, no matter what social class they belong to? (give examples)
Would you say that people in your country usually obey the law?

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285. A Childhood Teacher (Sep. 4, 2010) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a teacher you had when you were a child and who you would like to meet again. *

You should say:

the name of the teacher

what he or she taught

how often you spoke to (or, saw ) him or her

and explain why you would like to see him or her again. *

See Notes

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Possible follow-up questions:

Did your classmates also like him/her? *
Do you think your classmates would also like to see him/her again? *

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Part 3

See also Part 3 questions about teachers from Topic 18, Topic 36, Topic 89, Topic 127, Topic 147, Topic 154, Topic 169, Topic 192, and Topic 230 (There are many 'teacher' questions in Topic 230).

Teaching as a Profession

Would you say teaching is a good job? FQx2
(If you say yes to the question above.) What do you think are some of the good points about working as a teacher? FQx2
Do many young people in your country want to teachers?
Is teaching today more popular as a job than it used to be (or less popular)? FQ
(Similar to above) Would you say that teachers today have less status in society than they used to have?
What would cause more people to want to be teachers?

Do you think the government should encourage more (suitable) people to become teachers? FQx2

(Similar to above) How do you think high quality people could be encouraged to become teachers? FQx2

How do you think the government could do that? FQx2

What do you think the government could do to encourage good teachers who have left the profession to return to teaching? FQx2

(Similar to above) What do you think the government could do to encourage good teachers to stay (i.e., not leave teaching)? FQx2

How do you think the government could support the career development of teachers?

Why do you think there are more males than females teaching in universities?

How do you think teaching in rural areas is different to teaching in cities?

The Importance of Teachers

Do you think teaching is just a job (or is is more than that)?
How do teachers contribute to society?
Do you think the importance of teachers might change in the future?

Who do you think has the greater influence on students, teachers or their parents?

In what ways do teachers influence students? FQ

(Similar to above) What influence do teachers have on the lives of their students? FQ
How important were your childhood teachers to you?

The Qualities of Good Teachers

How could (or, can) we evaluate whether a teacher is a good teacher or not?
Do you think that people's ideas about how to evaluate a teacher are different today, compared to the past?
What do you think are the most important qualities that a good teacher should have? FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think is the most important quality that a good teacher should have? FQx2
What kinds of teachers do students dislike?
Do you think a person who is not very "nice" can still be a good teacher?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's possible for a person who is not very "nice" to become a good teacher?
Do you think a teacher can still be a good teacher if the students are "bad" (= misbehave) in class?
Who do you think is more suitable for being a teacher, men or women?
(Similar to above) Do you think there are any differences between male and female teachers? FQ
Do you think it's possible for school students to become friends with (their) teachers?
How do you think the (overall) quality of teachers could be improved?

Teaching Methods / Styles

How do you think teachers can (or could) motivate (or, inspire; or encourage) students to learn? FQx2
Do you think the teaching methods should be the same for all subjects? For example, do you think history and biology should be taught the same way? FQx2

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