PART 1 SEP-DEC 2012

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated Dec. 11, 2012

Part 1 Topics and Questions

For The IELTS Speaking Tests, September - December, 2012

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Notes

N = a new topic or question. "New topic" or "new question" means it wasn't used in May-August 2012. (Some of these "new" topics seem to be repeats of previous topics that were used months or years ago.) If a topic is new then all the questions are "new", even if some of those questions have been used in previous tests.

Topics without N are topics that are continuing from the May-August Part 1 set of part 1 topics. Usually the questions will be the same in the Sep-Dec period but I might find some new questions. If that happens, I will label the question as N.

I don't label the topic of Work/Studies as new because it is always in the test. Some of the questions continue from the previous 4-month testing period but you can assume that there will also be some new questions at each test change time (January, May & September) When I find such new questions, I label them as N.

Similar to the Work/Studies topic, either one of the topics Hometown and Home is always in the test. Usually both are in the test at the same time but there have been rare times when only one of them is used for a 4-month testing period. Some of the questions continue from the previous 4-month testing period but you can assume that there will also be some new questions at each test change time (January, May & September) When I find such new questions, I label them as N.

Many of the questions have the words, "(Why?/Why not?)" written in the examiner's question book after the question. I have not always shown that here but you should include this information when you answer any questions about your preferences, opinions, likes and dislikes or any other answer that obviously needs you to state a reason for a complete, coherent answer. If you do not, the examiner will ask you "Why?" or, "Why not?". If the examiner is forced to ask that several times, you will be losing valuable time and you will not give a good impression.

* = A question that I have guessed is in the test OR a question that seems to exist but which has not been reported clearly so I have guessed the wording.

"Similar to above" means the wording of the question is not clear. You might get one of those questions in any group that includes "Similar to above" but not more than one of them.

Make sure you read HOW_TO_SPEAK_IN_PART_1.htm

See also Some General Notes for the Part 1 Questions Page.

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0. The four I.D. checking questions. (Not really part of Part 1)

1. Your Work or Your Studies

2. Your Hometown

3. Your Home (Your Accommodation)

One of the three topics above is a compulsory topic and you will be asked about 4 questions on this topic. You will then be asked questions on two of the topics from below. (Again, about 4 questions per topic). (There's a 50% chance that you will get Topic 1, a 25% chance that you will get Topic 2 and a 25% chance of getting Topic 3.

4. Mobile Phones N

5. Entertainment N

6. The Internet N

7. Dancing N

8. Cards N

9. Museums N

10. Bags N

11. The Weather N

12. A Healthy Lifestyle N

13. Art N

14. Weekends N

15. Sport

16. Shopping

17. Clothes & Fashion

18. Friends and Family

19. Your Parents (Unconfirmed topic)

20. Relatives

21. Colours

22. Cars

23. Flowers

24. Photographs

25. Your Primary School

26. Toys

27. Food

28. Leisure Time / Relaxing

29. Birthdays

30. Names

Extra Notes

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1. Your Work or Your Studies

Do you work or are you a student?

1a) Your Work

What work do you do?
Why did you choose to do that kind of work (or, that job)?
Do you like your job?
Would you recommend that job to other people?
Do you plan to continue doing this type of work?
(Similar to above) What job would you like to do in the future?
(Similar to above but a little different) Do you plan to continue in this job?

1b) Your Studies

Note: For high school students or recent high school graduates who have not yet started university, the word "school" or the words, "high school" or "secondary school" will be used instead of "university". If you are no longer a student now and have not yet started to work, the questions will be about the last time you were a student, either high school or university, and the questions will be asked in the past tense. For high school students (or recent high school graduates), the word "subjects" (plural) will be used.

What subject(s) are you studying?
Why did you choose to study that? / Why did you choose to study those subjects? (See Note)
How long have you been studying .... (your subject)?
Do you like it?
(Possibly) What school/university do you go to now?
How long have you been going to that school/university? N
Do you like studying at that school/university? N
(Similar to above/possible question) Do you like studying? N

(Similar to above/possible question) Do you like being a student? N

What's the most important thing in your study life (or part of your study life)? N

(Possibly the question above is this) What do you think is the most important part of being a student? N

What do you plan to do after you have finished your studies? ("Your studies" probably = the studies you are doing now but it could mean all of your studies, including your future studies.)

2. Your Hometown

Notes:

– Your 'hometown' is the place where you grew up, not necessarily the place where you were born or your ancestral family location. It's probably where your parents are living now.

– Don’t say your hometown is “Henan” or some other province. That is your "home province", not your "home town".

– Sometimes the questions below are used not for your hometown but for the place where you are living now, even if the word, "hometown" is used in a question below.

– Several questions here are similar because there is more than one set of questions for the topic, "Your Hometown".

What's your hometown again? N
Do you like your hometown? N (Why?/Why not?) (If not: Where would you prefer to live?)
(Similar to above; possible question) Did you like growing up there? N
Would you say it's an interesting place? N
What would you say are the good points and the bad points of your hometown? N
How do you think your hometown could be improved?
What's your favourite part of your hometown? N
Are there any tourist attractions in your hometown? N
Did your friends also grow up in the same place as you? N See Note
Would you like to live there in the future? N

3. Your Home (Your Accommodation)

Do you live in a house or a flat?
Please describe it a little.
What do you think are the advantages of living in a .... (what you said you live in)?
Would you say it's a comfortable (or, pleasant) place to live?
What's your favourite room in your home?
What have you done to your room to make it look nice? N
(Similar to above) How have your decorated your bedroom? N
(Possible question) In the future, what sort of home (flat, house etc.) would you like to live in? (See Notes)

4. Mobile Phones N

Do you have a mobile phone (= a cell phone)?

(Similar to above) Do you use a cell phone?

Is your cell phone important (or, useful) for you in your daily life?

What do you use it for?

When did you first have (or, get) a mobile phone?

Do you prefer sending text messages (texting) or talking on the phone?

Do people in your country like using mobile phones?

(Similar to above) Are mobile phones very popular in your country?

Do you think people should turn off their phones in public places? N

Questions on this topic from January-May, 2012

Do you have a mobile phone (= a cell phone)? *
(Similar to above) Do you use a cell phone?
Is your cell phone important (or, useful) for you in your daily life?
What do you use it for?
When do you use it?
How often do you use it?
When did you get it?
(Similar to above) When did you get your first mobile phone?
How did you get your first mobile phone?
How did you feel when you got your first mobile phone?
Have mobile phones developed (or changed) in the past few years?
What feature (or, function) of your cell phone do you like the best?
Is there anything you dislike about using cell phones?
Have you ever had any problems using your your mobile phone while traveling?
Do you mostly use your mobile phone to call people or to send text messages?
(Similar to above) Do you prefer to use your mobile phone to call people or to send text messages?
Who do you usually call/send text messages to?
Do you think you will be using your mobile phone more often (than you use it now) in the future?
How do you think mobile phones will develop (or change) in the future?

5. Entertainment N

This seems to be a topic that hasn't been used before. However, similar questions have been used before.

See Note on the meaning of the word, "entertainment"

What do you do for entertainment?
What did you do for entertainment when you were a child?
What do (other) people do for entertainment around where you live?
(Similar to above) What do your friends do for entertainment?
What choices for entertainment are there for young people around where you live (or, in your hometown)?
(Similar to above) Are there any entertainment places near your school (or university)?
Have you recently been to any place for entertainment?
Do you think modern lifestyles give people enough time for leisure (or, entertainment)?

6. The Internet N

Do you often use the internet?

(Similar to above) How often do you use the internet?

What do you use it for?

(Similar to above) What do you do on the internet?

Do other people in your family also use the internet? N

Do you think there are any bad points about (using) the internet?

(Similar to above) Do you think there are any shortcomings to using the internet?

When did you first start using the internet?

Notes:

- Possibly this topic is not a separate topic from the "Computer" topic, and some questions about both the internet and computers are asked.

- Of course, you should know that "the internet" and "computers" are not exactly the same topic. "The internet" is simply one usage of computers.

Questions from Sep-Dec 2011

When was the first time you used the internet?
(Similar to above) How long have you been using the internet?
Is the internet very important (or, useful) to you?
Do think you can live without the internet?
(Similar to above) Do you think you could live or work as well as you do now if you didn't use the internet?
Do you often (or, do you ever) buy things on the internet?
What can you (= people) learn from the internet?
Do you think information on the internet is very reliable?

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Previously Used Questions

Some of these might be in use now.

Your Internet Usage

Do you ever use the internet? (= access the internet = go onto the internet = log onto the internet)
How (or, where) do you go onto the internet? (At school? At home? At an internet cafe?)
What do you do on the internet?
Have you ever bought anything on the internet?
Do you often buy things on the internet?

First Time

When did you start using (or first learn to use) the internet?
How did you learn to use the internet?
Where did you learn to use the internet?

Good and Bad

Do you think the internet is a good thing?
Is there anything that's not so good about (or, on) the internet?
What are the good and bad points about the internet?
(Similar to above) Is there anything you don't like about the internet?
Do you think the use of the internet needs to be controlled?
Do you think people can trust (or, rely on) the information they read on the internet?

The Impact of the Internet

In general, what impact does the internet have on people's lives?
(Similar to above) How has the internet changed people's lives?
(Similar to above) How has the internet changed your life? See Note

People's Usage of the Internet, in general

Is the internet very popular in China?
What kinds of people (= what groups or what categories of people) most often use the internet?
(Similar to above) What kinds of people most often use the internet for work?
How can people best make use of the internet?

Learning + the Internet

Is there anything you don't understand about the internet?
What do you think is the best way to learn about (or learn how to use) the internet?
How can people learn things on the internet?
(Possible question) What is the best way people can learn from the internet? * (= What is best way to use this tool for learning.)
What sorts of things can people learn on the internet?
What do you think are the benefits of "e-learning"? (= studying online)

7. Dancing N

See also ALL_PART_1_QUESTIONS 10. Dance

Do you like dancing?
Do people in your country like to dance?
When do people in your culture (or country) dance?
What dances are most popular in your country?
Do young people in your country like traditional dancing? See Note
(Similar to above) What do young people in your country think of traditional dancing?
(Similar to above) Do people in your country regard traditional dances as important?

Questions on this topic from January-April, 2012

Do you like dancing?
When was the last time you danced?
(Similar to above) When was the last time you went dancing (出去跳舞)?
(Similar to above) When was the last time you went to a party where people danced?
Where can we see people dancing?
(Similar to above) What are some of the various places where we can see people dancing?
When (or, on what occasions) do people in your country dance?
Do you like to watch dance performances?
(Similar to above) How do you feel when you watch dance performances on TV?
When was the last time you watched a dance performance?
Have you ever learned to dance?
Why do some people learn dancing?
Why do you think some (or, many) people like dancing?
Is dancing important to young people?
Why do young people like dancing?
(Similar to above) Do you think there are any advantages for young people to go dancing?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's good for children (or, young people) to learn to dance?
Did you like dancing when you were a child?
What do you think about dancing for old people?

8. Cards N

This seems to be a topic that hasn't been used before. Possibly the examiner will call this topic, "Greeting Cards" or something similar to that.

See here for some vocabulary.

Do you ever receive letters or cards?
(Similar to above) Do you receive many letters or cards?
Have you ever sent a postcard to a friend?
When was the last time you received a card?
Do you (ever) give cards to your friends?
(Similar to above) Have you ever given cards to your friends?
Which do you think is better (to send or receive), a card or an email?
Which do you prefer, to send a card or to receive a card?
Do you keep (or, collect) any cards?

9. Museums N

This might be a combined, "Art Galleries and Museums" topic. See also ALL_PART_1_QUESTIONS 54. Art Galleries and Museums and the questions from January-April, 2009.

Have you ever visited a museum?
(Similar to above) What museums have you visited in the past?
Do you often visit museums?
(Similar to above) How often do you visit museums?
Do you think museums are important?
Do you think museums are good for children?

10. Bags N

This seems to be a topic that hasn't been used before.

See here for some vocabulary

Do you usually carry a bag (when you go out)?
What types of bags do you use (in your everyday life)?
(Similar to above) Do you have different bags for different occasions (or, different purposes)?
What do you put in these bags?
What sorts of bags do women like to buy?
When you are buying a bag, what factors do you consider?
(Similar to above) How do you make your choice when you are buying a bag?
Do you think the style of a bag is very important? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you have a bag for special occasions? (Probably means a luxury handbag or an especially beautiful handbag.)
Have you ever lost a bag?

11. The Weather N

Make sure you know the difference in meaning between "season" and "weather". "Climate" can be considered to be, "average long-term weather".

Weather and climate are not exactly the same. "Climate" seems to be the topic for May-August but it seems that, "weather" is the topic for September-December.

Weather and Seasons

What's the weather usually like in your country?
Do you think the weather has changed much in recent years?
(Similar to above) Have there been any changes to the weather in recent years?
Do you prefer hot weather or cold weather?
What's your favourite season?

The Topic of Climate from May-August, 2012

Previously, this topic was labeled as "Weather and Seasons" but I now believe the word "climate" is used in most questions.

See some notes on language to use to describe climate.

What's the climate usually like in your country (or, your hometown)?
(If you are doing the test away from your home country) How is the weather here different to the weather in your home country?
(Possibly) Would you say the climate in your hometown is suitable for working (or studying)?
Would you like to move to a place with different climate?
(Possibly) What sort of climate do you like the most? (See note)
What season do you like best?
What do you do in that season?
What season (or climate) do you think is most suitable for work and/or study?
Has the climate in your country (or, hometown) changed much in the past few years?
Do you prefer a hot or a cold climate?
Have you ever been to a country with a climate that is very different to your hometown?
Do you (usually) pay attention to the weather forecasts?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important to pay attention to the weather forecasts?

12. A Healthy Lifestyle N

This seems to be a topic that hasn't been used before.

Do you do anything to keep healthy?
How do (or how can) people maintain good health?
What would you say is a "healthy lifestyle"? *
Is there any sport (or activity that promotes good health) that you would like to try in the future?
Did you (or do you) do any exercise at school?
Has your school/university taught you anything about how to live a healthy life?

13. Art N

This might be a combined, "Art Galleries and Museums" topic. See also ALL_PART_1_QUESTIONS 54. Art Galleries and Museums and the questions from January-April, 2009. It is unclear whether the word "draw" or "paint" is used, or if both are used.

Are you very interested in art?
How often do you draw (or paint)?
Do you think drawing (or painting) is difficult?
Have you (ever) studied (or, learned) anything about art?
Did you do any artistic activities such as painting when you were a child?
Do you think art is an important part of people's lives?
(Possibly) Would you say art is an important part of your life?
Have you ever been to an art gallery (or, an art exhibition)?
How often do you visit art galleries (or, an art exhibition)?

Would you like to visit some places that have art (such as an art gallery)?

14. Weekends N

Make sure you know the difference in meaning between "a weekend" and "a holiday".

What do you usually do on weekends (or, on the weekend)?
Do you think employees should have to work on weekends?

Questions on this topic from January-April, 2012

How do you usually spend your weekends?

In your country, do men and women usually do the same kinds of things on weekends (or, in their free time)?

When do you spend time with your family?
What do you usually do on weekends? (See Note)
What did you do last weekend?
What do other people in your hometown (or, in your country) usually do on weekends?
What are you going to do next weekend? (See Note)
(Similar to above) What do you plan to do next weekend?
(Similar to above) What do you think you might do next weekend?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important to plan your weekends?
Do you think it is important to make the most of your weekend?
(Similar to above) Do you think it is important to do something on the weekends that is different to what you do during the week?
Is there anything new that you would like to do on weekends?
(For working people) Do you like working on weekends?
Do you feel that weekends now are more important to you than when you were a child?
(Similar to above, but different) Do you feel that weekends now are more enjoyable for you than when you were a child?

15. Sport

Make sure you know the differences between "sport" and "exercise".It is possible that in some of the questions below, the word "sport" should be the word, "exercise".

Do you like sport?
What sports have you played?
What sports are popular in your country?
Is there any sport you would like to try? (Why?/Why not? If yes, what sport?) (= a sport you have never played)
What do you think are the benefits of playing sport?

Questions on this topic from May-August, 2012

Do you like sport?
Did you play any sport when you were a child?

(Similar to above) Did you like sport when you were a child?

What sports do young people (or, children) like to do?

(Similar to above) What sports do you think are suitable for children to play?

(Possible question) Do old people and young people like to do (or, play) the same sports?

What sports are most popular in your country?
What sports do old people like to do?
How much time do you have for exercise?
Do you do any exercise to keep fit or healthy?
(Possibly if you say "No" to the question above) Do you plan to do any exercise in the future?
Is there any sport that you have never played that you would like to try (or, to learn)?
(Possibly the above question is this) Is there any form of exercise that you would like to try in the future?
Do you think everybody should do some exercise? (Why?)
Do you think exercise is beneficial for older people?
What do you think are the benefits of exercise?

16. Shopping

See also ALL_PART_1_QUESTIONS 34. Shopping. Possibly there is no separate "Shopping" topic and, instead, there are one or two questions about shopping in either the "Internet" topic or the "Clothes and Fashion" topic.

Do you ever buy things on the internet (or, online)?
Do you use a credit card?

17. Clothes & Fashion

Make sure you know the differences between "fashion" and "fashionable". Don't say, "I like to wear fashion clothes." That should be, "I like to wear fashionable clothes," or "I like to wear clothes that are in fashion."

Are you very interested in fashion and clothes?
What type(s) of clothes do you like?
Do you ever buy clothes online?
Would you say clothes are cheap in your country?
Are people in your country very concerned about fashion?
Do you think (some) people pay too much attention to fashion?

Questions on this topic from May-August, 2012

Are you very interested in fashion and clothes?
Do you have a lot of nice clothes?
What kind(s) of clothes do you usually wear?
Would you say clothes are expensive in your country?
Do you like to wear fashionable clothes?
(Similar to above) Do you usually wear clothes that are in fashion?
(Similar to above) Do you ever wear designer (or, name brand) clothes?
(Similar to above) Do you ever buy designer (or, name brand) clothes?
Is there anything that you used to wear in the past that you don't wear now?
How often do you go shopping for clothes?
Do you like shopping for clothes?
How often do you buy clothes online?
Do you plan to buy any designer (or, name brand) clothes?
Do you think people pay too much attention to fashion?

18. Friends and Family

(Possible question) What friends do you most often see?
(Possible question) Do you still have any friends from your childhood?
Is your family very important to you? N
Do you prefer to spend time with your family or your friends?
(Similar to above, but different) Who do you spend more time with, your family or your friends?

Questions on this topic from Sep-Dec 2011

Do you have any (or, many) close friends?
What qualities make them good friends?
Do you live with your family?
Do your family and friends still live in your hometown?
Do you think family members should live together? (Why?/Why not?)
When do you spend time with your family?
What do you do together?
Do you often go out with your friends?
(Similar to above) How often do you see your friends?
(Possible question) What friends do you most often see?
Where do you meet with your friends?
What do you do in your free time with your friends?
Do you prefer to spend time with your family or with your friends? (Why?)
Which do you think is more important, your family or your friends? (Why?)
Are there any times when you prefer to be alone?

19. Your Parents (Unconfirmed topic)

Usually when the topic of your family is being introduced, the examiner will first say something like, "Now I'd like to ask you some questions about your family (or, your parents). Is that OK?" The examiner is asking for permission to ask you questions on this topic. This is because some candidates might be sensitive about this topic, for example, if their parents are divorced. In my opinion, if this is a real topic and if the two reported questions below are real questions, then you should tell the examiner that you would prefer not to answer these questions. (You won't have to give the examiner a reason for saying that.) This is because, in my opinion, the two questions below are too intrusive, 侵入, (intrusive upon your privacy). Don't forget, the IELTS test is administered by the British Council, an agency of a foreign government. On the other hand, the questions in the topic of "Relatives" are not so intrusive.

What are the names of your parents?
How old are they?

20. Relatives

See Note

Do you have many relatives? * (See Note)
When you were a child, which of your relatives did you see most often?
(Similar to above) When you were a child, which of your relatives did you spend the most time with?
Who do you feel is the most important of your relatives?

When you were a child, did you play more with your friends or with your relatives? (See Note)

In the future, do you think you will have more opportunities to see your relatives (than you do now)? (See Note)

(Possible) In the future, which relative(s) will you remember the most? (Unclear)

21. Colours

What's your favourite colour?
What was your favourite colour when you were a child?
Is that still your favourite colour now?
What colour is most popular among your friends?
Were colours important to you when you were a child? (See Note)
If you were to change the colour of your bedroom walls, what colour would you choose?

Below are the Questions used in May-Aug, 2011

What's your favourite colour?
(Similar to above) Are there any colours that you especially like?
Are colours important to you?
(Similar to above) Do you think colours are important?
Were colours important to you when you were a child? (See Note)
(Similar to above) Was colour important to you when you were a child?
Is colour very important to you when you are buying clothes?
(Similar to above) Do you prefer to wear light or dark (or, bright) coloured clothes?
Do you prefer light or dark (or, bright) colours?
If you were to paint the walls of your room, what colour would you choose?
Is there any colour you would not want your walls to be? (Why?)

22. Cars

Do you like cars?

Do you have a driver's licence?

Have you ever driven a car?

Do you (or your family) have a car?
Do you often drive it?
(If you don't have a car) Do you plan to buy a car in the future?
If you wanted to buy a car, what kind of car would you choose? N
(Similar to above) If you were buying car, what kind of car would you choose? N
(Similar to above) What kind of car would you like to buy?
(Possibly the question above is this) What model (= what brand) of car would you like to buy?
What kinds of cars are most popular in your country?

Do you like traveling by car?

Who do you prefer to travel with?

Do you like to take long trips in a (your) car?
Is there anything you don't like about cars?
(Possibly the question above is this) Is there anything you don't like about traveling in cars?

23. Flowers

See Note on the word, "send"

Do you like flowers?

Have you (ever) given flowers to anyone?

(Possibly) When was the last time you gave flowers to somebody?

Which do you prefer, indoor flowers indoors or outdoor flowers?
(Similar to above) Which do you think are more beautiful, flowers that grow indoors or flowers that grow outdoors?
(Similar to above) Which do you think are more beautiful, indoor flowers indoors or outdoor flowers?
Do any flowers have any special meaning (or, special importance) in your country?
Do you prefer real flowers or plastic flowers? (See Note)
Have you ever bought plastic flowers?

24. Photographs

Make sure you know how to pronounce "photograph" (or "photograph" ), "photography", "photographer" and "photographic".

Do you like taking photos?
How do you take these photographs?
What do you like to photograph? (See Note)
(Unconfirmed question) Do you like cameras?
How do you organize (or, keep, or save) your photos?
How do you think you will you keep (save) your photos in the future?
Are there any photos on your wall at home?
Is there any particular photograph that you like?
(Unclear question) Would you say photographs are a good way to preserve memories?
(Unclear question) Do you think it's important to preserve memories?

Below are the Questions used in Jan-Apr 2012

Do you like taking photographs?
How often do you take photographs?
When (or, in what situations) do you take photographs? (Why?)
(Similar to above) What do you like to photograph?
Do you prefer to take pictures of scenery or of people?
Is taking photographs very popular in your country? (Why?/Why not?)
What kinds of photographs do you most like to look at?
Which do you think is better to send to someone, a postcard that has a photograph on it, or a photograph you took yourself?
(Similar to above) When traveling, do you prefer to buy postcards or take your own photographs?

25. Your Primary School

Notes:

For the question about 'your first school', it would be acceptable to talk about kindergarten (if you can remember much about it) and if you did learn things there. However, some Westerners don't think of kindergarten as an example of a "school". Instead, they think of it as more like a "day care centre" or a "pre-school centre".

What was the first school you attended?
(Similar to above) Do you remember the first school you attended?
Where was it?
Was it far from your home?
How did you go to (or, travel to) school?
Did you like it?
What were the good things about that school?
(Similar to above) What did you like most about it?
What did you learn there (or, what did you do there)?
Would you say it was a good school?
Would you send your child to that school today?
Have you been back to that school for a visit?
What different types of schools have you been to?
Which school did you like the most? (Why?)
Did your parents choose your secondary school (= high school) for you?

26. Toys

Did you like to play with toys when you were a child?
What toys did you play with?
What do you think are the benefits of playing with toys?
Do you think you learned anything from playing with toys?
Did you (prefer to) play with those toys alone or with other children?
If you had children, what toys would you give them?
(Similar to above) If you had to choose a toy for a child, what toy would you give them? See Note
(Similar to above but different) If you have children in the future, what toys will you give them?

27. Food

See also the questions about eating places at All Part One Questions 15. Food/Cooking and All Part One Questions 23. Meals

Which do you prefer to eat, lunch or dinner? (Why?)
Do you think there are any benefits from eating breakfast?
Which do you prefer – to eat one big meal or to eat several small snacks?
Do you think eating three meals a day is important?
What do you consider to be a healthy diet?
Do you think you need to change your diet (to make it healthier)?
In the past few years, have there been any changes to what people in your country eat?
(Possibly) Do you think the food that people eat today is healthier than what people ate in the past?
(Similar to above) In the past few years, have there been any changes to people's eating habits in your country?
Are you willing to try any new food?

28. Leisure Time / Relaxing

What do you do in your spare time?
(Similar to above) What do you do to relax? See Note
How do you usually spend your evenings?
Do you prefer to stay at home in the evenings or do you prefer to go out?
(Similar to above) Do you go out much at night?
Do you think modern lifestyles give people enough time for leisure?
How do people in your country spend their holidays?

29. Birthdays

How do you usually celebrate your birthday? N
(Similar o above) How do you like to celebrate your birthday? N
(Possible) What's the most interesting part of birthdays? N
What do birthdays mean to you? N
Who usually remembers your birthday? N
(Possible) Who do you think will remember your next birthday? N

Previous Questions

Do you like birthdays?
Do people in China celebrate birthdays?
(Similar to above) Are people's birthdays very important in China?
Are any birthdays ( = reaching a certain age) especially important in your country?
How do Chinese people celebrate birthdays?
(Similar to above) Do people in China do anything special to celebrate birthdays?
(Similar to above) Nowadays, how do young people in China celebrate their birthday?
How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
(Similar to above) Do you usually do anything special on your birthdays?

Who do you like to celebrate your birthday with?

Do all your friends know when your birthday is?

Do people in China have birthday parties? (Why?/Why not?)

Do you prefer birthday parties with your friends or with your family?

What did you do on your last birthday? See note

Do you think it's important for people to celebrate birthdays?

(Possibly the above question is this:) Do you think it's important to remember people's birthdays?

Do you think it's important to give a (special) gift to someone on their birthday?

Are birthdays more important for children or for adults?

(Similar to above) Do you think it's more important for children to celebrate birthdays than adults?

Do children and adults celebrate birthdays the same way?

What do children do when they have a birthday party?

30. Names

What's your full name again?
Does your name have any particular (or, special) meaning? See Note
Do you like your name?
In your country, do people feel that their name is very important?
Would you like to change your name?
(Similar to above) Have you ever considered changing your name?
Is it easy to change your name in your country?
(Similar to above) In your country, are there any problems that could occur if someone changed their name?
Who gave you your name?
Who usually names babies in your country?
Do you have any special traditions about naming children?
(Similar to above) What do people consider when they are giving a baby a name in your country?
(Similar to above) In your country, how do people choose what name to give a baby ?
(Strange question) Do your family members have the same name as you? N
What kinds of names are popular in your country (or, where you live)? N
If you have children in the future, what kind of name will you give to your children?
(Similar to above but different) If you had a child (now), would name would you give him or her? N

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