Page 97

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Updated Mar. 21, 2013

IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions

Page 97

481. A School Rule (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

482. An Old Person You Respect (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

483. A Photograph (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

484. A Place You Worked or Studied (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

485. Something You Do to Stay Healthy (May 11, 2013) (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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481. A School Rule (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a school rule that you have (or had) at your school.

You should say:

        what the rule is (or was)

        why this rule exists (or existed)

        if you agree or disagree with the rule

and explain what will happen if someone breaks the rule.

Notes

This is apparently a new topic that has never been used before.
I have added the past tense for those candidates who are no longer at school. On the other hand, this topic might only be given to current high school students, in which case the past tense would not be written on the card.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

Note: Also learn the word, "a regulation", which is similar to "a law" in many situations but is a sub-section of "a law" in other situations.

Rules and Regulations in Society

What are some other rules that exist in schools or workplaces in your country? *
What are some examples of rules that exist in many families?
Do you think young people and old people should all abide by the same rules?
(The question above might be this) Do you think children and adults should all abide by the same rules?
Do you like rules? *
Why do we have rules in society? FQ
Do you think children should always strictly abide by these rules?

School Rules

School Rules

Do you think students in different age groups should have different rules? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do you think that high school students and university students should have to follow the same rules? FQx2
(Similar to above) Do primary schools have the same rules as high schools? FQx2
In your opinion, how important is it to have school rules?
Do you think the school rules that exist now are reasonable?
Are there rules concerning clothing (dress rules), hair etc. in schools?
Do you think it's fair to have rules concerning the students' appearance?
How do you feel about rules concerning school uniforms?

What is the purpose of these rules?

What would happen if a student broke one of these rules?

(Similar to above) What happens when a student breaks one of these rules?

What are some examples of times when some students break school rules?

How are these rules enforced? *

What do you think would happen if these rules didn't exist?

The Formation of School Rules

How are school rules developed (or, decided)?

Do you think the students themselves should have a say in what school rules to have? FQx2

Why not have the students set rules for the teachers to abide by?

Have you ever been part of a situation where you helped decide on some rules?

Company Rules

Do companies (workplaces) also have rules? * (Give examples)
Why do you think companies need to have rules?
How are school rules and company rules different?

Why do some companies have a rule that employees must wear the company uniform?

(Similar to above) Can you suggest why companies have rules about what clothes people can wear at work?

(Similar to above) Can you suggest why many companies have a dress code?

Do you think (schools and) companies should (have the power to) make these rules? FQ
Do you think companies should (have the power) to set maximum working hours? FQ
(The questions above probably means this) Do you think companies should decide such rules as maximum working hours (or rules concerning overtime) or should these questions be decided by the government? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think rules (laws/regulations) concerning the working hours of their employees should exist for companies?
(Similar to above) Do you think companies themselves should obey rules (laws/regulations) concerning the working hours of their employees?
Do you think it's good that there are laws such as the 8-hour work day for employees?
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of the 8-hour workday law? *
Do you think that there should be laws that regulate what companies can and cannot do? *
Do you think that there should be laws that regulate the working conditions of employees? *

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482. An Old Person You Respect (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe an old person you know who you respect.

You should say:

        who it is

        how you know them (= him or her) (Or, what your relationship with this person is)

        how long you have known this person

and explain why you respect this person.

Notes

This might be a repeat of Topic 157, "An Old Person Who You Admire". The words, 'admire' and 'respect' are close in meaning and it is possible either that Topic 157 originally actually used the word 'respect' or that this new topic actually uses the word, 'admire'. Most candidates are reporting that the word 'respect' is being used for Topic 482.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also any similar questions in the Part 3 questions for Topic 34, Topic 83 and Topic 157.

Respecting and Following the Advice of Old (or older) People

(parents for "older"; grandparents for "old". Probably all the questions are about old people, not "older" people.)

What do you think is the difference (or, are the differences) between the young and the elderly? FQ

Do you think we should respect old people? FQx2

In what ways can people show respect to old people?

Do you ever do anything to help old people?

Can you suggest how we can teach old people about new technology, such as how to use an ipad?

Do you think old (or, older) people like being asked for their advice by young people?
Do you think young people always do what the older people say they should do? FQ

Do you think young people should always do what the older people say they should do? FQ

Why is it that many young people don't want to listen to what older people say?

Taking Care of the Elderly

Do you think young people have a responsibility to take care of old people?
Who do you think should take care of those old people who need care?
Should the family look after their elderly members, or the government? FQ
Do you think old people should live alone at home? *
How can we solve the problem of housing old people who are alone? *
Do you think old people should be taken care of at home?
(Different to above) Do you think old people should be taken care of in a home? * (See Note) FQ
(Similar to above) How do you feel about sending an old person to live in an old people's home? FQ
What qualities do you think a person should have in order to take care of old people?
How do you think the government can help old people?
Do you think old people should be given a pension by the government (or their former employer)?

The Role of Old People in Society

What do you think is the role of old people in families?
Do you think there are any advantages from having an old person living with the family? FQ
Do you think they can help by taking care of children?
Do you think old people can still contribute anything to society?
Do you think old people can teach young people anything? FQ
Do you think old people can learn anything from young people? FQ
Do you think old people should be allowed to work?

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483. A Photograph (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe a photograph that you like.

You should say:

        what is in the photograph

        when it was taken

        who took it

and explain why you like it.

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also any similar questions in the Part 3 questions for Topic 33, Topic 110, Topic 161, Topic 219 and Topic 393.

Make sure you know how to pronounce "photograph", "photography", "photographer" and "photographic". The word stress (i.e., which syllable is stressed more) is different in some of these words.

The Usage of Photographs

Would you say photographs are important?
Are your personal photos important to you?
Besides personal photographs, can you think of any other uses of photographs?
What effects can photos have on people?
What effects can news photos have on people? FQx2 (See this photo)
How important are news photographs? FQx2

In what ways are news photographs different to other photographs?

What do you think is the role of photographs in newspapers? FQx2

Why do you think photos are often used in newspaper, magazine and television advertising? FQx2
How are photos used in advertising? FQx2
Can you explain how a photograph in an ad can persuade someone to buy a product? *
What are the qualities that make a photograph suitable for an advertisement?
Do photos play a role in recording history? FQ
Do you think that's important? FQ
Do you think photos can be useful in teaching (in school or university)? (Why? or How?)
Which do you think are better, photographs or paintings?
Of course, many people take photos of the places they visit. Others prefer to buy postcards showing the same scenes. Which do you prefer? FQx2

Of course, many people take photos of the places they visit. Others prefer to buy postcards showing the same scenes. Why do you think they do that? FQx2

If you wanted to share your photos with others, how would you do it?

The Technology of Photography (or, of Cameras)

Do you like taking pictures?
Why do some non-professionals like to use the same types of cameras that professional photographers use? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do some people buy an expensive camera? FQx2
Do you think it is worth the cost to buy these expensive cameras? FQ
Can you suggest why some people take more photos of landscapes than photos of their family?
Who you think prefers to use a camera, men or women? (Why?)
How has the technology of photography (or, of cameras) changed in the past few decades?
What do you think are the differences between a digital photo (e.g., on your computer) and a printed photo (i.e., printed on paper)? FQ
Do you think photos will continue to be printed on paper in the future? FQ
Do you think non-digital photography will still be used in the future?
Do you think it's important (or, necessary) for a mobile phone to have the ability to take photos?
What are the benefits of having a camera built into a cell-phone?
Do you think the use of "photo-shopping" has influenced people's attitudes towards photographs?
How do you think the technology of photography might change in the future?

Professional Photographers

This sub-topic, and the questions related to it, were previously (mistakenly) written here but I now believe a new topic, Topic 551, came into use in September 2013 and that is where I have written these questions.

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484. A Place You Worked or Studied (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Adaptation of Topic 147

Version A

Describe a place where you have previously worked or studied. (e.g. a school, a hospital, an office)

You should say:

where this place was (or is)

what this place looked (or looks) like

who you worked or studied with

and explain what you used to do at this place. *

and explain how you felt (or feel) about this place. *

Version B

Describe a place where you work or study (e.g. a school, a hospital, an office)

You should say:

where this place is

what this place looks like

who you work or study with

and explain what you do at this place. *

and explain how you feel about this place. *

Notes

There might be two versions of this topic, depending on whether you are working or studying at the moment. I think Version A is more likely.
This seems to be a repeat of Topic 147.
It might use the "used to" form of past tense, which is used to show past habit that is no longer the case. For example, "I used to live in that house (but I no longer live there)."
I think this topic might allow you to speak about a place where you still work or study. However, if it is all past tense or the "used to" form of the past tense, then you should choose a place where you no longer work or study. In your preparation, it might be safer to assume that it is only past tense or the "used to" form of past tense.
The word "study" has two uses: a) to sit at a desk and try to learn something, do homework etc. or, b) to attend a school or institute of learning. For example, "I studied at XYZ University".

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Possible follow-up questions:

Have you ever revisited this place? (This question strongly indicated that Version A is the correct wording).

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Part 3

The Study Environment

In your country, what do students do at school?
In your opinion, what makes a good study environment? FQ
What types of equipment (and / or facilities) are important in a classroom (or, school)? FQx2
What types of equipment (and / or facilities) would make a classroom better?
What factors influence the mood of people in a classroom? *
In addition to the teachers, what other ways can students at school get help with their studies?
Do you think students (can) learn from each other when they study together?

The Work Environment

In your opinion, what makes a good work environment?
What types of equipment (and / or facilities) are important in a workplace? FQx2
What types of equipment (and / or facilities) would make a working place better?
What kind of workplace makes the employees (or workers) feel happiest?
What factors influence the mood of people in a workplace?
What makes some people feel pressure (or, stress) from their work?

Working From Home Frequent sub-topic

In your country, are there many cases of people working from home?

Can you suggest why some people (prefer to) work from home?

Do you think everyone should have the right to choose whether or not to work from home?
Would you ever choose to work from home?
What do you think might be the situation in 10 or 20 years from now concerning work-from-home jobs?

Unpaid Work Frequent sub-topic

Can you think of any examples of work that some people do that is unpaid work? FQ (Hints: volunteer work/ the work of housewives)
What effect does unpaid work have on the community?
(Similar to above) In your opinion, how important is unpaid work to society?
Do you think the housework that a mother does really helps the family?
Why do you think some people choose to do unpaid work? *
Are there any problems that arise (or, might arise) when people do unpaid work? *
Can you suggest how these problems might be (or, could be) managed (or solved)? *
Do you think parents should pay their children when the children do household chores?

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485. Something You Do to Stay Healthy (May 11, 2013) (Probably no longer used)

Describe something you do to (help you) stay healthy.

You should say:

        what you do

        when you started doing this

        how much time you spend doing this (or, how often you do this)

and explain what benefits you get from this activity.

                        or

and explain how this activity helps you stay healthy.

See Notes

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Possible follow-up questions:

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Part 3

See also any similar questions in the Part 3 of the following topics: 350, 309, 262, 184 & 144

See note on the word, "fit".

See note on the pronunciation of "health".

A Healthy Lifestyle

Is staying healthy an important question (or topic) in your country?
Is it really so important to stay healthy?
What activities do people in your country do in order to maintain their health? FQ
What do young people (or, university students) do in order to maintain their health?
What's the most popular form of exercise in your country?
Do you have any traditions in your country concerning health?
(Similar to above) Do you have any traditional activities in your country that people do in order to maintain their health?
Do you think elderly people (e.g. > 65) pay more attention to staying healthy than young(er) people? (Why? How?) FQ
Who is generally healthier, young people or elderly people?
What do elderly people do in order to stay healthy? FQ
Do adults who are working pay much attention to doing activities that would promote their health?
What do they do? (If they do anything.)
Do you think what a person does, or does not do, concerning a healthy lifestyle, is one's personal choice (or should the government become involved in this question)?

Stress

Would you say modern life creates stress in people?
Who do you think feels more stress, children or old people (or adults)?
Do you think having a healthy lifestyle can help relieve (or, avoid) stress?

Exercise/Sport

Do you think playing a sport is the best way to get exercise?

(Similar to above) Do you think doing exercise or sport in a group can help people have a healthy lifestyle?

Do you think that exercise is the best way to stay healthy, or is paying attention to one's diet the best way? FQ (See Note)

(Similar to above) Which do you think is more important for staying healthy, exercise or diet? FQ

Do you think it's useful to have exercise equipment in some public places such as parks?

Gender Differences in Sport and Exercise

Do men and women generally do the same things to stay healthy? FQx2
Do you think that eating (lots of) fatty meat (or, fatty food) is good for the health?
Is there much difference between the exercise that men do and the exercise that women do? FQx2
(Similar to above) Is there much difference between the sport that boys play at school and the sport that girls play? FQx2
(Similar to above) Is there much difference between the sport that men play and the sport that women play? FQ
Do you think that men and women have equal opportunities to play sport (or, do exercise)? (Hint: married working women with young kids)

Food Safety

Would you say food safety is an important health issue? FQ

What is the government doing about food safety? FQ

The Promotion of Health Awareness

Would you say that (average) people in your country are very aware of how to maintain their health?
How would you suggest people could be made more aware?
Do you think the best way would be to promote health awareness in schools? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important to include this topic in the education of school children? FQ
Do you have any suggestions on how this could be done?
Did you learn anything in school about healthy living? FQ
Did you (or, do you) do much exercise at school? (Yes, I jumped up and down in maths class when I couldn't solve a problem.)

A Healthy Lifestyle and the Workplace

Do you think that employers (or, companies) should encourage their employees to (do things to) stay healthy?
How do you suggest this could be done?
What would be (or, what are) the results of having employees who are not healthy?
Do you think this might have an effect on the economy (of the country)?
(Similar to above) Do you think this might have an effect on profits of the company?
(Similar to above) Do you think this might have an effect the work efficiency of the employees?
Do you think work stress is a health issue?
How could work stress be reduced?
What do you think a person could do to help relieve work stress?

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