Page 72

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Updated May 22, 2013

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

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356. Foreign Music (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

357. A Wedding (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

358. Something Expensive You Would Buy (2) (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

359. A Good Friend (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

360. Your Future Work Plans (3) (Sept. 3, 2011) (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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356. Foreign Music (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

Describe an occasion when you heard some music from another country.

You should say:

what type of music it was

where you heard it

when you heard it (or, what occasion it was) *

and explain how you felt when you heard it.

Notes

It doesn't have to be Western music. It could be African or Asian or anything, as long as it is not from your country.
Of course, it could be a song, it could be an orchestral piece of classical European music such as Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, a piece of jazz music or any other example of a musical composition.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for all the other 'music' topics

Music in General

Would you say music is important in your country (or, in society)? FQ

Why do you think people like to listen to music? FQ

What benefits does music bring to people?

Do you think there are ever any bad (or, negative) effects of music on people?

Do you think there's a greater variety of music today for people to listen to than in the past?

What do you think music might be like in the future? FQ

Different Ages Groups

Do you think people's tastes in music change as they grow older? FQ
In general, do young people and old people like the same types of music? FQ
(Similar to above) What's the difference (or, differences) between the music young people like today and the music your parents like? FQ

Foreign Music

Do (young) people in your country listen to foreign music very much?

How do people get (or, come into contact with; or, listen to) this foreign music?

Other Uses of Music in Everyday Life

What do you think of shops that play music outside the shop?
Is music used much in advertising?
What effects does music have when it is used in advertising?

Music and Children

Why do some parents want their children to learn to play a musical instrument?
Do you think it's good for these children to learn to play a musical instrument?
(Similar to above) What are the benefits of a child learning to play a musical instrument?

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357. A Wedding (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a wedding you attended (or, would like to attend/ or, would like to have). *

You should say:

whose wedding it was (or, whose wedding it would be) *

who was there (or, who would be there) *

where it was (or, where it would be) *

and explain how you felt about this wedding (or, how you would feel). *

Notes

One person wrote that it has a choice - a wedding you actually attended or one you would like to attend. (After all, not so many IELTS candidates have attended a wedding.) This gives you the opportunity to describe your own dream wedding if you have never attended a wedding. Or, if you are married now, I think there's probably nothing wrong with describing your own wedding (in the past).
There might be some mistake here because Part 2 topics usually don't have such a split of two possible choices. But it might be a new style of Part 2 topic. Most likely the examiner first asks you if you have ever been to a wedding and if you say no, you won't get this topic.
A "wedding" is the actual ceremony in which two people get married. It could be a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony (for example, in front of a judge). When many guests get together to have a meal and celebrate the wedding, that's called "the wedding reception" because guests are "received" (greeted) by the newly-wed couple. Sometimes only a few people attend the wedding itself, with many more people coming to the wedding reception. Sometimes the wedding itself and the wedding reception happen at the same place, one following the other.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 108

Weddings

People's Feelings about Weddings

Do you like weddings? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do people like to attend other people's weddings? FQ
Why do you think the media pays so much attention to the weddings of celebrities (e.g., film stars, royalty)?

Weddings in Your Country Frequent Sub-topic

In your country, are weddings in the rural areas the same as weddings in the city?
What are some wedding customs from your country?
To your knowledge, are there any wedding customs in your country that are different to wedding customs in the (English-speaking) West?
Do you think arranged marriages are a good idea?

Size of Weddings

Which do you think is better, a large wedding or a small one? FQx2
(Similar to above) Which would you prefer when you get married, a large wedding or a small one? FQx2

Age

At what age can people get married in your country?
What age do you think is the most suitable for marriage? FQ
Do you think it's suitable (or, good) for teenagers to get married?
If two people with a big difference in ages got married, do you think they might have any problems in the future?

Wedding Gifts Frequent Sub-topic

Are there any special customs in your country about giving wedding gifts?
What sorts of wedding gifts do people give in your country? FQ
What wedding gifts do you think are the most suitable?
Do you think it's more suitable to give money as a wedding gift or to give something that the newly married couple will be able to use in their home?

Married Life

Do you think marriage is important?
Why do we have such a thing as "marriage"? *
Do you think more people (or, a greater percentage of the population) are getting married today compared to the past, or fewer people? (Why?)
Why do some people never get married?

Men's & Women's Differences Frequent Sub-topic

Do you think men and women have differing views about marriage?
In your country, do men and women have equal status in marriage?
In your country, do men and women have different roles to play in a marriage?
Do you think men and women should share some responsibilities in a marriage?
Do you think men should do more housework than they do now?

Celebrations

Why do people have celebrations such as weddings?
(Similar to above) Do you think celebrations such as weddings are important?

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358. Something Expensive You Would Buy (2) (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

Describe something expensive you would buy if you had a lot of money. *

You should say:

what it would be (or, is)

what it would look like

how much it would cost (or, how much it costs) *

what you would do with it

and explain why you would buy this.

Notes

It's not very suitable to say, "I would like to buy ...". It's much better is to say, "I would buy ...". The reason is, what you "would like to (= want to) do" and what you "would do" are not always the same. For example, "I would like to buy a racing car because I love driving fast. But, in fact, I wouldn't buy that because my parents (or, my wife, or the government etc.) would not allow it."

"Would like to do something" is expressing a desire but, "would do something" is expressing a hypothetical situation, similar to a hypothetical "will". Or you can think of it as expressing a hypothetical prediction.

It is possible to answer the point, "what it would look like" by saying what it looks like when you are describing something that has a known appearance. For example, if you say you would buy a Lamborghini sports car, which has a known appearance, you could describe what these cars look like. But you still should say what colour it would be, not what colour it is. On the other hand, if you say you would buy a new apartment or house, you should use "would look like" because you probably haven't actually seen it yet.

Definitely do not use "will" here if you hope to get a Band 6 or more; use "would". "Will" is predicting the real future. Similarly, use "could" instead of "can" or "will be able to", and "would have to" instead of "must" or "will have to".

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Possible follow-up questions:

Have any of your friends bought one of those?
Do you think you will be able to afford one of those (one day in the future)?

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 5, Topic 170, Topic 283

Wealth

Do you think how much money someone has is important?
Why do you think many people respect someone who is (very) wealthy?
(Similar to above) Why do you think many people respect someone simply because that person is (very) wealthy?
Why do so many people try so hard to become wealthy? (See Note)
Do you think it's possible that struggling hard to become rich might be a waste of time?
How do people become rich?
Do you think becoming rich is more a result of hard work or a more a result of good luck? FQ

Wealth and Happiness

Do you think money can buy happiness?
(Similar to above) Do you think wealthy people are happier than average people? FQ
Most wealthy people are not young so do you think wealthier people are happier than the average young person?
Do you think that having money can ever cause unhappiness? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think that money can ever be the cause of unhappiness? FQ
Why do you think some wealthy people are not very happy?
What worries do wealthy people have that poor (or average) people don't have?
Can poor people be happy?
Do you think (some) wealthy people waste their money? FQx2

Wealthy Nations

What do you think are the advantages of living in a wealthy country?
Do you think (people in) wealthy nations have a moral obligation to help (people in) poor nations? (See Note)

Money

What really is "money"? *
Do you think it's possible to live without money?*
How do people change (foreign) money?
How do people in your country invest their money? FQ

(Luxury) Possessions

What do young people want to (or, like to) buy?
(Similar to above) What possessions do young people want to (or, like to) have?
What possessions do young people consider to be stylish (or, fashionable)?
Are stylish or fashionable things always expensive?
What are some examples of "luxury items" in your country?
What are the attitudes of young people in your country towards luxury items?
Do young people in your country aspire to owning luxury items? (Why?/Why not?)

Shopping

Would you say shopping is an enjoyable activity?
Do you think the way people buy things will change in the future?

Throwing Away Things (Waste and Disposal)

Are there any things that people buy today that are cheaper than before, or more available, but also break more easily? (If yes, what things?)
Do you think people today often throw away things that people in the past didn't throw away? (What? Why?) FQx2
Do you think that's a good thing?
Do you think this has any effect on the environment? FQx2
Do you think wealthy people tend to waste money?
Do you think broken things should be thrown away or should they be repaired?
In your country, is it easy to maintain (or, repair) old (or broken) things?
Do you know where to go to get broken things repaired (= to have broken things repaired)?

Parental Gift-Giving to Children

Why do parents sometimes buy gifts for their children?
What gifts do parents usually buy for their children?
Nowadays, what sorts of toys (or, things) do children want to have (or, want to play with)?
Do parents always buy these things for their children?
If you were a parent, what toys (or, things) would you buy for your child (or, children)?
What do you think would be the adverse effects if parents bought too many things for their child (such as toys)? FQx2
(Similar to above) What do you think would be (or, might be) the adverse effects if parents always bought whatever their children wanted? FQ

If a child has a lot of possessions, how do you think that will affect their future?

(Similar meaning to above but slightly different grammar) If a child had a lot of possessions, how do you think that would affect their future?

Why do you think some parents buy an excessive amount of things for their children? FQ
What would you suggest parents do instead of simply buying whatever their children want?
Do you think it would be a good idea for parents to give toys (only) as a reward or incentive?

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359. A Good Friend (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

Copy of Topic 177

Describe your best friend.

You should say:

how (and when) you first met this person

when you see this person (or, how often you see this friend)

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 this person is important to you. *

Notes

So far, the wording is not clear but it looks like it is similar to Topic 177 or Topic 288.
(Written June 20, 2012) Since Topic 412, is being used now, there is a strong chance that this Topic 359 has already been retired or will be retired soon.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Have you seen him/her recently?

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Part 3

See also Part 3 for Topic 8, Topic 30, Topic 91, Topic 106, Topic 123, Topic 162, Topic 177, Topic 223 and Topic 288

Making Friends

How do (young) people make new friends? FQx2
What about old (or, older) people? Do you think they make friends the same way as young people?

Ease of Making Friends

Do you think it's easy to make friends?
What kinds of people find it easier to make friends than other people?

Occasions to Make Friends

On the question of making new friends, do you think there is much difference between the situation in the countryside and in the cities?
What are some occasions when people can (or, do) make new friends?

Family & Friends

Which do you think is more important, friends or family?
Who do you think young children need more, their family or friends?
(Possibly the question above is this:) Who do you think young people need more, their family or friends?

Do you think parents and their children (their sons and daughters) can be (or, should be) friends? FQ

How do you think parents and their children can stay being friends (over the years, as their children grow up)?

Choosing Friends

How to people choose who to be friends with?

The Internet

Do you think the internet is a good place to make new friends? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think using the internet is a good way to make new friends? FQ

Losing/Keeping Friends

Why do people sometimes lose friends? FQ
(Similar to above but different) Why do friends sometimes drift apart (= no longer be friends)? FQ
What can people do to maintain a friendship for a long time? FQx2
How do (or, how can) friends (who are not living close to each other) keep in contact with each other? FQ
If the trust between two friends is lost, what can be done to fix this situation?

The Nature of Friendship

Why do we need friends?
(Similar to above) Why do people have friends?
Do you think friendship is important? FQ
What would happen to a person if he or she had no friends?

Qualities of Friends

What are the qualities of a good friend? FQ
Do you think being friends with someone involves certain responsibilities? FQx2
(Similar to above) What responsibilities does having a friend entail? FQx2

Friendship and Age

Do you think (the nature of) friendship changes as a person grows older?

(Similar to above but different) Do you think the friendships we have change as we grow older?

Do you think it's easier to make new friends as we grow older, or more difficult? FQ

Memorable Times in Friendships

What are the most memorable times of a friendship?

(Similar to above) What do people remember most about a friendship?

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360. Your Future Work Plans (3) (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used)

Version A

Describe your work plans for the future.

You should say:

what job you would like to do (or, plan to do)

what qualities are required for this work

what you should learn to get this job

and explain why you want to do this work.

Version B

Describe a job you would like to have (or, do).

You should say:

what job it is

what qualities are required for this work

what you would need to learn to do this job

and explain why you would like to do this work.

Notes

It might be either Version A or Version B. If it is similar to Version B, you don't have to talk about your real plans for the future, although you can if you want to. In Version B, you could talk about a job that you would like to have (such as a pop singer in a rock band), even if it is not your real plan for the future. See the notes for Topic 380 about this language point.
About Version A: Someone has written that the topic is "your ideal job" but someone else has written "future work". These two are not necessarily the same. I think it is closer to, "your future work plans". But, as I wrote above, Version B allows for both of these interpretations.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Do you know anyone who does that job? *
(Possibly) Did you plan to do that same job when you were a child? *
(Possibly) Are you sure that would be the correct decision? *

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 22, Topic 97 & Topic 201

Work in General & Different Kinds of Work

Why do people go to work? FQ

Do you think the work that one does is important to a person?

What benefits do people derive from work?

Why do different people choose different occupations? FQ

What kinds of work (what jobs) are most popular (as career choices) among young people today in your country? (Why?) FQx2

How do people get these jobs?

Are government jobs very popular in your country?

At what age do people in your country generally start their careers?
Which do you think is better, working for others (as an employee) or working for yourself?
Do you think some jobs are more important in society than other jobs?
(Similar to above) Do you think some jobs contribute more to society than other jobs?
Have there been any major changes in your country in the past few decades concerning work?
Do you think the status of women in the workplace will improve in the future?
Do you think it is possible that women might one day dominate in the workplace?

Qualifications/Education/Training for Work

Do you think a university degree is important when looking for work? (Why?)
Why are some people able to earn good money when they have never been to university?
Does the government in your country help young people to find employment?

Job Satisfaction & Motivations for Working in a Certain Area

(Note: "satisfactory", "satisfying", "satisfied" have different meanings.)

Why do different people choose to do different types of work?

When you start working, will you do it mainly for the betterment of society or for your own satisfaction?

Does society (or, do people in general) have different views about different kinds of jobs?
Do you think working in a profession is more satisfying than doing other kinds of work?
In general, what factors do you think give people a feeling of "job satisfaction"? FQx2
(Similar to above) How can (or, how do) people achieve job satisfaction?
How important is the working environment to people's sense of job satisfaction?
How important is it for (working) people to have a sense of job satisfaction? FQx2
Do you think it's possible for everyone who has a job to have a feeling of job satisfaction? *

Salary and Job Satisfaction

Which is more important, job satisfaction or a good salary? FQx2

(Similar to above) Which is more important for most people, job satisfaction or a good salary? FQx2

(Similar to above) Which is more important for you, job satisfaction or a good salary? FQx2

How important is person's salary towards giving that person a sense of job satisfaction? *
Do you think a high salary always makes a person happy in their job?
Do you think having an income from investments gives people a feeling of satisfaction? *
If you had a job you didn't like but was offered a higher salary to stay in the job, what would you do?

Work Time versus Family Time or Leisure Time

Which do you think is more important, family or work?
Do you think people in your country have a good balance between the time the spend at work and the time they spend with their family?
How can a person achieve a good balance between work and family life?
What do you think is a good balance between work time and leisure time?
(Similar to above) How much of a person's time do you think should be spent working and how much should be leisure time?

Career or Job Change

(Make sure you know the meaning & pronunciation of "career".)

(If you are working now) Do you think you will ever change your career in the future?
Do you think it's a good idea to change your job (place of work/employer) occasionally? FQ
(Similar to above) If you had a job (or a career) that you didn't like very much, would you change to a different job (or career)? FQ
When do you think is the ideal time for a person to change his/her job?
When do you think is the ideal time for a person to change his/her career?
In general, what are the advantages and the disadvantages of changing your job? FQx2

Salary / Income

What jobs (or, what kind of work) pays the highest salary in your country? (Why?) FQx2
And what jobs (or, what kind of work) pays the lowest wages (salary) in your country? (Why?) FQ
Why do people in some types of work get paid more than other people?
What do you think society would be like if everyone only pursued a high salary?
Do you think the level of salary is a good indicator of the importance of that person in (to) society?

Do you think the pay that people receive is fair?

Do you think low-paid workers (such as cleaners) should be paid more?

What do you think determines the salary level for different jobs? *
Do you think that's reasonable? *
In your opinion, what kind of work (or, what jobs) should pay the highest salaries? (Why?)
In the future, what jobs do you think will be the most highly paid?
Do you think children should ever do any paid work?

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