Updated Mar. 28, 2014
IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions
Page 95
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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Describe a show or performance you enjoyed watching (such as singing or acting)
You should say:
who was performing (or, who performed)
where you saw this performance
when you saw it
and explain why you enjoyed it..
Notes
It seems that the card includes words similar to "such as singing or dancing" but, of course, you could choose something else such as a magic performance or dancing. In fact, someone has reported that it says, "such as singing or dancing". A film or TV show would also be suitable.
Performances in Your Country
What kinds of performance
are popular in your country? (Why?)
What can people learn from these performances?
(Similar to above) What are the benefits of having these performances?
Do you think watching dramatic or dance performances in a theatre is beneficial for children?
Do boys and girls have
difference preferences concerning these?
Do boys and girls both feel the same about dance performances?
Do you think dramatic performance should be taught in school?
Is there much difference between what performances elderly people in your like and what young people like?
What sorts of performance do elderly people in your country like to watch?
What influence does the media have on these performances?
Traditional Culture
What are some examples of traditional culture, not just performance, in your country?
Is traditional culture still very popular today?
Do you think the
government should financially support traditional culture?
Do you think television
has had any effect on traditional culture in your country?
Does television help promote traditional culture?
(Similar to above) Are there many cultural programs on TV in your country?
How do you think traditional culture, and traditional performances, can be preserved?
Describe a polite person who you know.
You should say:
who the person is *
how you know them *
.........
and explain why you think this person is polite. *
Notes
A more exact wording for this topic doesn't seem to be available at the moment.
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 405
Politeness in Your Country
Do you think you are a polite person?
How do you show politeness?
Do you think politeness is important?
In your opinion, why is it important to show respect to others?
Can you give me some other
examples of how people show politeness in your country?
Are there any differences
between urban and rural people concerning politeness?
Do young people show politeness in the same way as old people?
Do young and old people have the same attitude towards politeness?
Are people more polite
with non-family members than they are with their parents?
Do you think there have
been any changes in recent decades to the way people show politeness to
others?
(Similar to above)
Cross-Cultural Relations
Do you think there are any differences between politeness in your country and in the West?
(Similar to above) Do you
think politeness is different in different countries and parts of the world?
How can one evaluate other cultures?
What do you think might happen if the nations of the whole world showed respect to other nations?
Teaching Politeness to Children
Describe an interesting talk or speech that you heard recently.
You should say:
where you heard it
who the speaker was
what the the talk or speech was about
and explain why you think it was interesting.
Notes
This is probably a return of Topic 185
When Topic 185 was used, it was not certain that the words, "or speech" were used. A talk and a speech are a little different. See the notes for Topic 185 on this.
It is not certain that the word 'recently' is included in the wording. 'Recently' can be within the past year or so. You should still say when you heard this talk or speech.
'Interesting' means your mind (or, your brain) was stimulated, including learning something new.
Giving a Talk to School Students
What different talks or speeches have you listened to?
Did you enjoy listening to them?
Were they helpful to you in any way?
Is it good for people to visit schools and give a talk to children about different things?
What types of talks are given to students?
Do you think students like such talks?
Do you think it is difficult to give a talk to a group of students?
What type of person is best suited to give a talk to a group of students?
Do you think giving a talk to children is different to giving a talk to adults?
Why don't children pay much attention to a talk or speech that is addressed to adults?
What kind of talk or speech is interesting to children?
Public Speaking Skills
Why do many people find it difficult to talk in front of a big audience?
Why are some people not comfortable speaking in public?
(Similar to above)
What kind of people are not nervous when speaking in front of a large group?
Modern Technology and Public Speaking
Nowadays technology has replaced some aspects of communication. Can you give any examples of that?
Do you think visual aids
are useful when giving a talk or a speech? (See
note)
Describe a cafe that you like to visit.
You should say:
where it is
how often you go there
when you usually go there
and explain why you like to visit this cafe.
This seems to be an adaptation of Topic 117. That topic included the words, "a cafe or restaurant" but it looks like the words, "or restaurant" are not used for this Topic 474.
The biggest mistake that people make with this topic is to think that 'cafe'
means the same as 'coffee shop'. See the note about this at topic 117 and go
here
&
here for the pronunciation. The word "
Cafes and Restaurants
What are the differences
between a cafe and a restaurant?
Which do you think is more suitable for a family gathering?
Do you think it's suitable to talk in a cafe?
What are some of the disadvantages of going to cafes?
What kinds of people
usually go to cafes?
What do people do in a cafe?
Do you often go to a cafe?
Did you ever go to cafe when you were a child?
Who goes to cafes more,
old people or young people?
Why do some young people
prefer to go to a cafe instead of going to a restaurant?
Do young people prefer to go to cafes or fast food restaurants such as KFC and MacDonalds? (Why?)
What types of people choose to go to a restaurant instead of a cafe?
Which place do you think would be more suitable for a business discussion, a cafe or a restaurant?
What do you think of the decor (the inside appearance & furnishings) of most cafes?
Socializing at Home versus Socializing in a Restaurant
Do you often invite friends to visit your home?
D
Why do you think eating is such an important part of socializing? *
Where do people generally arrange to meet new friends, at home or in a restaurant or some other eating place?
When people are
entertaining visitors or friends etc. in your country, do they usually
prefer to go out to eat in a restaurant or to eat at home?
In what circumstances do you think it is more suitable to entertain guests at home?
(Similar to above) When do people in your country usually choose to entertain guests at home?
When people have family gatherings in your country, do they usually go to a restaurant or eat at home?
Why do some people prefer not to entertain guests at home?
(Similar to above) What
are the pros and cons of entertaining guests (or, socializing), including
eating, at home and entertaining guests in a restaurant?
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