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ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated May 23, 2013

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

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406. Your Favourite Weather (2) (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

407. A Place Near Water (4) (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

408. A Science Subject (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

409. A Street (2) (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

410. A Piece of Happy Family News (May 10, 2012) (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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406. Your Favourite Weather (2) (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

Copy of Topic 95

Describe your favourite weather.

You should say:

what kind of weather it is

when this weather usually occurs *

what you usually do during this weather

and explain how this weather affects you (your feelings = your mood). *

and explain why you like this type of weather. *

Notes

This is probably Topic 95, returning to the test.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 95.

The Influence of Weather & Seasons on Humans

In these questions, the word "season" might sometimes be used instead of "weather". Of course, "season" and "weather" are not exactly the same thing but each season is characterized by typical weather.

Do you often pay attention to the weather forecast? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
How does the weather (or, the weather forecast) affect what activities people do?
(Similar to above) How does the weather affect people's daily lives? FQx2
Why do some people dislike some kinds of weather?
Do people wear different clothes in different types of weather (or, different seasons)? FQ
Does the weather have an effect on the economy?
(Similar but different) (In your country), are there any differences in economic activity in the different seasons?
Are there any festivals in your country that are related to a season (or, related to the change of the seasons)? FQ

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407. A Place Near Water (4) (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

Copy of Topic 312

Describe a place near water (such as a river, a lake or the ocean) that you enjoyed visiting.

You should say:

where this place was

what you did at this place

who you went there with

and explain why you liked this place. *

and explain what you liked or disliked about this place. *

Notes

It might say, "...a place with water".
This, or a similar topic, has been used three times before since 2006. I have copied Topic 312 except for the detail, "when you were a child".
Since this is a past tense question, you must specify when you went there, even if the wording of the Part 2 question does not tell you to say "when".
Some people are reporting this topic as specifically focusing on a/the beach. For example, "Describe a beach activity you would like to do (or, try)." See Topic 456.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 140 and 207 and 312.

The Attractions of Places with Water

Why do so many people like going to places with water such as lakes, rivers or the ocean?
What do you think the government should do in order to help preserve the environment of these places?

Water Sports / Recreational Activities at Places with Water

What kinds of leisure activities do people like to do in places such as on the ocean, at a beach, at a river, at a lake etc.? FQ (See Note)
As a place to spend some leisure time, do you think the beach or the seaside is more suitable for children or for old people? FQ
Do you think children and old people do the same types of things when they go to a beach? FQx2
What do you think are the benefits of doing recreational activities or sports at a beach (or near the ocean)?
Are there any dangers at the beach?
What activities would you do if you were spending some leisure time at a beach or near the ocean? FQx2
Why do some people like water sports? FQ
What are some examples of water sports?
Do you think the government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports? FQx2 (Or would it be better for private companies to do that?)
Do you think the government should invest money in constructing swimming pools for the people?
How important do you think it is for children to learn to swim?

Working Near or On the Ocean

What are some jobs (types of work) that people do near or on the ocean? (See Note)

(Similar to above) What are some examples of people who rely on the ocean for a living?

Why do you think some people like to have a job near or on the sea?

Human Threats to the Oceans

Do you think that human activity is posing a threat to the oceans of the world?
Do you know of any examples of how some types of marine life are threatened by human activity?
Do you think it's important for us to protect these threatened forms of marine life?
Do you think this is more a responsibility of governments to do something about this problem or is it a responsibility for all of us?
What do you think the government should do in order to help preserve the environment of these places?
What do you think ordinary people can do in order to help preserve the environment of these places?

Water Resources

How important is water in people's everyday lives?
Which do you think is more important, oil or water?
Are there any problems concerning water supplies (or, water resources)? *
What do you suggest could be (or should be) done about these problems? *

Shipping and Water Transport

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling on the ocean?
Do you think traveling by ship (or, boat) is as important today as it used to be in the past?

Why do some people like to go on ocean cruises?

Do you think ocean cruises will become more popular in the future?

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of shipping goods across the ocean?

In the future, do you think the oceans will be used more for transportation than they are now, or used less?

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408. A Science Subject (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a science subject that you studied in high school (such as biology, chemistry or physics). *

You should say:

the name of the subject (what branch of science it was)

what you did in this class

how the teacher taught it

and explain how you felt about this subject / this class. *

and explain how much this subject has helped you. *

Notes

At first I thought this was Topic 208 returning to the test. However, I think it is more likely that the topic is as I explain below. In other words, this topic is more likely to be about a subject rather than a particular lesson that you had on a particular day. (Possibly Topic 208 was wrong all the time.)
(The word, "subject" might be replaced by "course".) If the wording shown above is more or less correct, you would not talk about one particular lesson but, instead, describe, in an overall fashion, a subject you studied called 'Physics' , 'Chemistry', 'Biology', 'Geology', or some other science subject/course you had. A general "Science" class that combined different science subjects would be acceptable.
No-one has ever clearly reported the last line, so I have guessed that it is, "and explain how you felt about this subject." If any last line in any Part 2 topic has the word, "felt" don't say, "I feel". Instead, say "I felt" or explain it using other past tense verbs.
See the notes for Topic 208 that explain the differences between "lesson", "course", subject" etc.

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Possible follow-up questions:

Was that a very popular subject at your school?
Will you choose that subject in university?

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 208

Science in Society

Do you think science is an important part of people's everyday lives? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think science has much influence on people's everyday lives? FQ
Do you like science?
(Similar to above but different) Do you like studying science?
What are some examples of science in our everyday lives? FQ
Do you think science has had more of a positive effect on society or a negative effect? FQ
How do you think science has changed (or, improved) people's lives?
Do you think space exploration is important?
(Similar to above) Do you think governments should spend money on space exploration?
Do you think space exploration has brought any benefits to society?

Information About Science

Do you think it's important for people to have access to accurate information about science? *

How do people get information about science as it applies to their everyday lives? FQ

(Similar to above) How do people get information about science? FQ

Can you give some examples of any recent (or any typical) news stories about science?

Do you think news stories about science are always accurate? *

Science in Education

How popular are science subjects in (high) school? FQ

How could children's interest in science be stimulated (or, developed)? FQ

(Similar to above) How could young peoples' interest in science be developed? FQ

Which is the most popular science subject to study (in high school), physics, chemistry or biology? (Why?)
Do you think science education is very important?
Who studies these subjects in school more, boys or girls? (Why?) FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think it's more suitable for boys to study science than for girls to study it? FQx2
Do you think boys are actually better at science than girls? FQx2
How do you think science could be made more attractive for girls to study?
What do you think is the best way to teach science?
What do you think is the best way to teach science to children?
How do you think the teaching of science in high school could be improved? FQ
(Similar to above but a little different) Do you think the teaching of science in high school needs to be reformed? FQ
Do you think it's a good idea for old people to learn more about science?

Scientific Development / Scientific Research

Do you think (continuous) research in science is important?
Do you think government should control this research (or should private companies be free to research whatever they like)?
What do you predict (or, imagine) the future of scientific research will focus on?
Are there any possible dangers from scientific research? *

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409. A Street (2) (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

Variation of Topic 335

Describe a street (in your hometown) that you know well. *

Describe a street (in your hometown) that you like. *

You should say:

where it is

what the main buildings are in (on) that street (or: who lives or works on that street)

what you usually do in (on) that street

and explain how you feel about this street.

Notes

This is probably Topic 335, returning to the test.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 335 and Topic 422

Big Cities and Villages (or small towns)

In what ways do you think the streets are different in big cities and in villages?
(Similar to above) In what ways do you think street life is different in big cities and in villages?
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in big cities with those of living in a village or small town.
If a big city had no public transport (or a poor public transport system), do you think it would be a good place to live?
Do you think the growth of cities has any effect on the rural areas?

Migration from Cities to Villages

Sometimes people choose to move to the countryside from a city. Can you suggest why these people do that?
Who do you think is more suited to living in big cities, old people or young people? FQ
What advantages would living in a village have for old people?
Do many young people from villages and small towns choose to leave their hometowns? Why?
Do you think it's possible that, in the future, more people will move from the cities to live in villages?
Do you think villages might become the main place where people live in the future?

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410. A Piece of Happy Family News (May 10, 2012) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a piece of happy family news that you once received.

You should say:

what it was

who told you the news

how you received this news

and explain why it was good news *

and explain why this person chose that method to communicate with you. *

Notes

The word "news" here means 消息.
Even if the card does not tell to say when you got this news, you must include that information.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 329 and Topic 198.

Communication

What are the different ways that people communicate with each other?
When people are speaking to each other face-to-face, why do they usually maintain eye contact?
What do you think are the advantages of eye-to-eye contact when communicating?
What are the differences between a phone call and face-to-face communication with someone? FQx2
What's your favourite form of communication, besides face-to-face communication? FQ
If you had some bad news to tell someone, which form of communication do you think would be better, face-to-face or phone?
What forms of communication do you use to communicate with your family? FQx2
Do old people and young people use the same methods to communicate?
What are the various (hi-tech) ways that people use to send a message?
How do you think today's communication technology could be improved?
How do you think communication technology might (or, will) change in the future? FQx2

Letter Writing & Emails

What are the differences between writing traditional letters and E-mail? Which method do you prefer? Why?
Why did people write letters in the past?
Do any people still write letters today? (Why?) FQ
Do you think people will still be writing letters about 100 years from now?
(Similar to above) Do you think people will still be sending letters about 100 years from now?
What are the differences between writing a letter and writing an email? FQ
(Similar to above) Which is more popular today, writing a letter or writing an email? FQ

Telephone Communication / Mobile Phones

Note: Make sure you distinguish between cell phones (= mobile phones) and fixed-line phones such as house phones, those used in offices etc.

What do you think are the advantages of using mobile phones? FQ
(Similar to above) What do you think are the advantages of using mobile phones instead of fixed line phones (= 'land phones')? FQ
(Similar to above) In your opinion, why are mobile phones so popular? FQ
Are fixed-line phones and mobile phones used in different situations (or, different places)?
(Similar to above) What do you think are the advantages of using mobile phones instead of using using forms of communication? FQ
What are some possible disadvantages of communicating by phone instead of communicating face-to-face?
Are there any problems that people sometimes have when using a mobile phone?
Which do prefer to use, emails or text messages on your mobile phone?
What are some of the reasons why people send text messages?
What are the benefits of sending text messages?
Are there any problems associated with text messages? * (hint: advertising)

News (新闻) and The News Media

What are the ways that people get news?
How do people get international news?
What effects (or, influence) does the news have on people?
Which news source do you prefer, television news or news in newspapers?
Which news do you think has the greater effect on people, television news or news in newspapers?
What do you think are some differences between the news in newspapers and the news on the internet?
Which do you think is the better source of news, newspapers or the internet?
Do you think what we hear or read in the news is always reliable (or, accurate)?
(Similar to above) Do you think the information that we hear or see on the internet is always reliable (accurate)?
How can we, the average users of the internet, know what is false and what is true on the internet?
Do you think it's good for the government to censor (restrict / block / filter) news? FQ
Do you think it's good for the government to censor (restrict / block / filter) what is available on the internet? FQ
What are some examples of news that the media does not report?
What types of internet contents do you think should be restricted?
How does the government filter the internet?
What changes do you imagine we will see in the news media (20 to 50 years) in the future?

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