PART 1 SEP-DEC 2013

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Updated Jan. 12, 2013

Part 1 Topics and Questions

For The IELTS Speaking Tests, September - December, 2013

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Notes

N = a new topic or question. "New topic" or "new question" means it wasn't used (or was never reported) in the previous 4-month period. (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 months or years ago.

Topics without N.are topics that are continuing from the set of Part 1 topics in the previous 4-month period.. About two thirds of the topics are in this group. Usually the questions will be the same in the previous 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 (must 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 or different people have reported slightly different questions. You might get one of those questions from any group that includes "Similar to above" but not more than one of them.

Where the question says, "in your country", the examiner usually uses the name of the country, for example, "China".

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. Birthdays N

5. Parties N

6. Walking N

7. Sunshine N

8. Bicycles N

9. Politeness N

10. Photography N

11. History N

12. Relatives N

13. Plants N

14. Singing N

15. The News

16. Gifts

17. Television

18. Leisure Time N

19. Cooking

20. Being Busy

21. Toys

22. Advertising

23. Clothes

24. Writing

25. Names

26. Trees

27. Patience

28. Sport and Exercise

29. Art

30. Friendship

31. Mobile Phones / Mobile Devices Besides Phones N

32. Your Country N

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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)?
What do you do in that job?
What is your typical working day like? N
Do you use any equipment in your work?
Do you like your job?

Would you recommend that job to other (young) people?

What work do young people in your country prefer to do?

Do you think that you are overloaded with work?
(Similar to above) Do you think your work is very demanding? (Why?/Why not?)

(Similar to above) Would you say it's a difficult job to do? See Note

What's the most difficult part of it?

(Similar to above) What is the hardest part of your job?

(Similar to above) What difficulties do you have?

Do you plan to continue doing this type of work?
(Similar to above) Will you continue doing this work (or, this job)?
(Similar to above but a little different) Will you stay long in your current job? N
(Similar to above but a little different) Do you plan to continue in this job?
(Similar to above but a little different) What job would you like to do in the future?

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?
What do you usually do in class?
What's your favourite thing to do in class?
What do you think of the course contents / the school curriculum?
(For high school students/graduates) What is (was) your favourite subject ay school? N
(Similar to above) Is your subject (are your subjects) very interesting?
(Possibly) What school/university/school do you go to now?
(Possibly) How long have you been going to that school/university?
(Possibly) Do you like studying there?
(Possibly) What's the best part of studying there?

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

What's the best part of being a student?

What do you like to do after classes?

Do you think that you are overloaded with study?

(Similar to above) Do you feel you are studying too much?

(Possibly) Does studying make you feel tired?

Would you say that's an interesting subject to study?

What's the most interesting part of it?

Would you say that's a difficult subject to study?

(Similar to above) Would you say it's stressful to study that?

What's the most difficult (or, stressful) part of it?

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.) = What do you plan to do after you have graduated?

Do many students in your country work part-time?

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?
What part of China (or, your home country) is that in?
Is that a big city or a small place? N
Could you describe your hometown a little?
Do you like your hometown?
(Similar to above) Do you like (living in ) your hometown? N
What do you like most about it? N
(Similar to above) What do you like most about living there? N
Would you say it's an interesting place?
What part of X (your city or town) do you live in?
What's the most interesting part of it?
(Similar to above) What's interesting about it?
How long have you lived in (or, been living in) that place? N
What types of people live in your hometown? N
Is it famous for anything?
What are the main landmarks in your hometown? N
Are there any old buildings in your hometown?
Would you say it's a livable place?
Does it have good facilities?

What would you say are the good points and the bad points of living there / of your hometown?

How do you think your hometown could be improved?

Is it a suitable place for old people to live?
Have there been any recent changes (or developments) in your hometown? (e.g., in the past 20 or 30 years)
Do you plan to continue living there?
(Similar to above) Do you plan to live there in the future?
(Similar to above) Would you like to live there in the future?
Do you prefer living in a big city or a small place (or, small city)? (Why?)
Are there many large cities in your country? N
What are the differences between big cities and small cities (or, small places)? N

3. Your Home (Your Accommodation)

Do you live in a house or a flat?

Please describe it a little.

Do you like it?

What's your favourite room in your home?

Is there anything like like to change about your home?

How long have you lived there? (Or: How long have you been living there?) N

What are the advantages of living in a house/flat? (Examiner possibly chooses what you live in. Unclear.)

Is the architecture of your home modern or more traditional?

Do people in your country prefer to live in modern homes or more traditional homes?

What type of home did you live in when you were a child? N

Where is your home located?

(Possibly) What's the environment (the surroundings) like around your home?

Do you like it (the environment)?

Would you like to (or, prefer to) live in another place?

Will you move in the future? (Or: Will you be moving in the future?)

(Not exactly the same as above) Do you plan to move in the future? *

In the future, what sort of home (flat, house etc.) would you like to live in? (See Notes)

(Possibly) Would you like to live in a bigger house (or flat)?

Do you think you will leave home soon?

(Possibly) Do you plan to buy a home in the future? N

Do you think your future home will be in your country, or overseas?

4. Birthdays N

How do people in your country celebrate birthdays?
How did people celebrate birthdays when you were a child?
(Similar to above) How how did you celebrate your birthdays when you were a child?
Do you still feel that celebrating your birthday is important? N
(Similar to above) Do you think that celebrating your birthday is important now? N
What do you do on your birthday now? N
(Possibly) How do people celebrate children's birthdays today?
What's the most important birthday for people in your country?
(Possibly) Do you (or, do people in your country), prefer to celebrate birthdays according to the lunar or the solar calendar? (See Note)

5. Parties N

Do you like parties?
(Similar to above) Do you like going to parties?
Is there any kind of party that you would not like to go to?
Who do you think likes parties more, young people or old people?

6. Walking N

Do you like walking?
(Similar to above but different) Do you like going for walks?
How often do you go for a walk?
Would you prefer to go for a walk in the countryside or the city?
Would you say walking is important?
What do you think could be done to make it easier to walk in cities?
(Similar to above) What do you think could be done to make it easier to walk in your hometown?
Similar to above) What do you think could be done to encourage people to walk more in cities?
Do you think you will (continue to ) have walking as part of your routine in the future?

7. Sunshine N

This appears to be a topic that has never been used before.

Do you like sunny days?
Do you like going (or, being) outside on sunny days?
What do you like to do on sunny days (or, when you go outside)?
What benefits can (or do) people get from sunshine?
(Similar to above) What benefits can (or do) we get from the sun?
(Possibly) Do you think there are any downsides (or dangers) from sunshine? *
Would you like to go, as a tourist, to a place that has little sunshine?
(Similar to above) Would you ever go, as a tourist, to a place that has little sunshine?

8. Bicycles N

Make sure you understand the difference between "common" and "popular". Some common things are also popular but other common things, such as air pollution, are not popular. It is not clear which word is used in these questions. Possible neither word is used.

Do you like riding a bicycle?
How often do you ride a bicycle? *
When (or, why) do you ride a bicycle?
Do you (or, did you) ride a bicycle to school?

Do many people ride bicycles in your country?

(Similar to above) Are bicycles very popular in your country?
(Possibly) Are bicycles very common in your country?
(Similar to above) Is riding a bicycle very popular in your country?
Do many people ride bicycles in your country?
Do you think bicycles will still be popular in the future?
(Similar to above) Do you think many people will ride (or, will be riding) bicycles in the future?

9. Politeness N

(Possibly) Do you think you are a polite person? *
Who taught you to be polite?
Do you think people should be polite? (Why?)
How do people in your culture show (politeness or) good manners (towards others)?
(In your country,) Have there been any changes in politeness in the past few decades?

10. Photography N

(Possibly) Do you like photography? (See Note)
(Not exactly the same as above) Do you like (looking at) photographs?

It is not certain that the questions being used now for this topic are the same as for January-April, 2013 but that probably is the case. Those questions are shown below.

Do you like taking photographs?
When was the last time you took a photo?
Do you think taking photos today is the same as it was in the past?
Why are more and more people taking photographs today?
Do you think people are taking too many photographs?
Do you like to take photos when you travel?
Do you enjoy looking at photographs?
Do you ever delete (or, if on paper, throw away) any of your photos?
What kinds of photographs do you most like to look at?
Do you have a favourite family photograph?
What advantages and disadvantages do you think using a camera gives to students?

11. History N

Do you like (to learn about) history?
What historical event do you find most interesting?
(Similar to above) What historical event do you think was most important?
Do you think history is important?
Do you like to watch programs on TV about history?
Do you think you (= one) can (really) learn history from films and/or TV programs?
Do you think the internet is a good place to learn about history?
(Similar to above) Do you think learning about history on the internet is good?
(Similar to above) Do you think studying history on the internet is good? See Note
Can you name a person from history who you would like to learn more about?
Why would you like to learn more about him/her?

12. Relatives N

Do you often visit your relatives?
What do you do when visit them?
Do you prefer to spend time with your relatives, or your friends?
(Possibly the question above is this) Do you prefer visiting your relatives, or your friends?
(Similar to above) Who is the more important to you, your relatives / your family, or your friends?
When was the last time you went to see your relatives?
Do you take anything when you visit your relatives?
(Similar to above) (The next time you visit your relatives ..) will you take anything to give them?

Possibly this is a return of the "Relatives" topic from 2012. The 2012 questions are below.

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)

13. Plants N

See Note

Do you like plants?
What plants do you like?
Have you ever grown any plants? ( = Have you ever planted any plants?)
Did you grow any plants when you were a child?
Do you know how to grow plants?
(Similar to above) Do you know how to take care of plants?
Would you like to receive a plant as a gift?
(Similar to above) Would you be happy if someone gave you a plant as a gift?

14. Singing N

Do you like to sing?
How often do you sing?
Did you like to sing when you were a child?
Do you prefer to sing at home or at a place such as a karaoke bar (or KTV)?
Who's your favourite singer?
What's your favourite song?
Are the lyrics (= the words) of songs important to you?

15. The News

Are you very interested in the news?
Do you think it's important to keep up-to-date with the news? N
How do you keep up-to-date with the news? N
(Similar to above) How do you usually get your news?
Do you read newspapers? N
How do you often (or, usually) read a newspaper?
Do you prefer to get news from the internet or from newspapers? (Why?)
When you watch the news on TV, do you usually watch it alone or with others?
Do you ever discuss the news with your friends?
Who do you think is more interested in the news, young people or old(er) people? N
Do you think young people today are more interested in the news than young people were in the past (e.g., 20-30 years ago)? N

What kind of news is most interesting to you? N
Which news is more interesting for you, international or domestic news? (Why?)
Would you like to be a (news) reporter (a journalist)?

16. Gifts

Do you often receive gifts? N
Do you like receiving presents?
What's your favourite (or, the best) gift you have ever received?
(Similar to above) What's the most useful gift you have ever received? N
What was the last gift your received? N
Have you ever received a gift that you dislike(d)?
(Similar to above) Do you ever receive a gift that you dislike?
(Similar to above) What gift(s) do you (or, did you) like the least?
Is there anyone you'd like to give a present to?
Do you find it hard to choose gifts for people?
Do you prefer to give a gift or to receive one?
In your country, when do people give gifts to others?
Do you think it's ever a good idea to recycle a gift? N (See Note)
Do you think flowers are good gifts? N

17. Television

How much television do you watch?
(Similar to above) How often do you watch TV?
Do you think watching TV is useful, or is it a waste of time? N
What (sorts of programs) do you like to watch on TV?
(Possibly) What (types of) programs do think are the most interesting?
What's your favouruite TV program? N
What benefits do you get from watching that program? N

18. Leisure Time N

The topic was used in the May-Aug,. period but it looks like a completely new set of questions is in use now.

What indoor and outdoor leisure activities do you do?

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor leisure activities?

(Possibly) Do you have any hobbies? *

(Possibly) What hobbies do you have? *

(Possibly) How do you usually spend your evenings?

What did you do for recreation (or, leisure) when you were a child?

Did you play any games when you were a child?

(Similar to above) What games did you play when you were a child?

Do you think children today have the same interests that you had when you were a child?

Do you think men and women do the same leisure activities?

Do you like to travel in your holidays?

Some of the questions below, from May-Aug 2013, might still be in use

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?
(Similar to above) What do you usually do after work/after classes?
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?
Do you think people today have more time to relax than in the past?
Do you think it's important for people to have leisure time (or, time to relax)?
Do old people and young people spend their leisure time (or relax) in the same way?
What do you think are the good points and the possible bad points about having leisure time?
How do people in your country spend their holidays?
If you had a child, what leisure places would you go to with your child?

19. Cooking

See note on the word, "cookery".

Note: "Cooking" involves heat. "Preparing a meal" might include cooking or it might not, such as making a sandwich.

Do you like cooking?
Can you remember the first thing you cooked?
Who does most of the cooking in your home (or, in your family)?

Have you ever learned how to cook?
(Similar to above) Have you ever had a cooking lesson/cooking lessons?

What dishes have you cooked? N

(Possibly) What dishes do you cook?

Would you like to attend a cooking class?
Why do you want to learn cooking?
Do you think cooking programs on TV are useful?
(Similar to above) Do you think you (or, a person) can get better at cooking by watching cooking shows on TV? N
(Similar to above) What is the advantage of a cooking program (or lesson) on TV?
Is cooking very popular in your country?

20. Being Busy

Have you been very busy recently?
When was the last time you were busy?
Do you like having a busy life?
(Similar to above) Do you prefer to be busy or to have free time? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Do you prefer to be busy or to have nothing to do?

Do you think you will be busy in the next few years?

(Similar to above, but different) Do you think you will be busier in the future than you are now?

(If a student) For you, what is the best time (of the day) to study? N

(If working) What is the most productive part of the day for you? N

Has there ever been a time when you felt stressed out (or, under pressure) because of a busy schedule?
Have you experienced stress at work?
How do you handle stress?

21. Toys

(Possibly) Do you like toys?
Are toys very important to you?
(Possibly) What sorts of people like toys?
What sorts of toys did you like when you were a kid? (Why did you like it/them?)
(Similar to above) What was your favourite toy when you were a kid? (Why?)
Did your parents give it to you?
Do you still have any of your old toys?
Can you suggest why some people like to keep a childhood toy?
(Similar to above) Why do some people like to keep a toy from their childhood?
What kind of toys do children like today?
If you had a child, what toy would you buy him or her?
Do you think toys should be passed on to other kids when these toys are no longer wanted? N

22. Advertising

What advertising (or, advertisements) do you have in your country?
Do you like advertisements? N
What type of advertisements do you like?
Do you think advertisements are important? N
Why do you think companies advertise themselves (or, their products)?
Have you ever bought anything after seeing an advertisement?
(Possibly) Have you ever bought anything that you have not seen advertised?
(In your opinion), which are more effective, TV ads or newspaper and magazine ads?
(Similar to above) Which do you prefer, TV advertisements or printed advertisements ( = newspaper and magazine ads)?
Do you think there are too many advertisements? N

23. Clothes

Do you like shopping for clothes?

How often do you go shopping for clothes?

What kinds of clothes do you like to wear (or, buy)?

What factors do you consider when you are buying clothes?

Do you ever go shopping for clothes with a friend?

Do your friends ever give you advice about clothes?

(Similar to above) Do you and your friends ever give each other advice about clothes?

(Similar to above) Do you and your friends ever help each other choose what clothes to buy?

(Similar to above, but different) Have you ever helped other people choose what clothes to buy?

Who bought your clothes for you when you were a child?

(Similar to above) (When shopping for clothes), who helped you choose what clothes to buy when you were a child?

What (type of) clothes do you prefer, Western (or, foreign) clothes or clothes from your own country? N

24. Writing

Do you like writing?
What sorts of writing do you do?
(Similar to above) When do you need to write?
How many hours a day do you spend writing?
(Similar to above) How much writing do you do in a day?
Do you think writing is important?
Do you receive letters very often?
When you contact your friends, do you prefer to write an email or to call them? N
Do you write letters very often?
Do you prefer to write letters or emails?
(Similar to above) Which do you write more, letters or emails?
(Possibly) What do you usually write about in emails/letters? (Whichever one you said you write more)
What do you think are the benefits of writing letters?
Do you prefer to use a computer to write or to write by hand (using pen and paper)?
What did you write when you were in primary school? (If you are still a high schools student.)
What did you write when you were in high school? (If you have finished high school.)
What did you write when you were in university? (If you have graduated from university.)
Would you like to write a book one day?
(Similar to above) Would you like to be a writer and publish your own book one day?

25. Names

Does your name have any particular meaning? See Note
(Different to the question above) What's the origin of your name? (or, your surname)
Do you like your name?
What do your friends call you?
Did your family have a certain (nick)name that they called you when you were a child?
What names are popular to give to babies in your country?
(Similar to above) Are there particular names that are more popular than others in your country?
How do people in your country choose what name to give to their babies?
If you had a newborn child (now), what name would you give it?
(Similar to above) If you have a child in the future, what name do you think you will give it?
Do any other people in your family have the same name (given name) as you?
Do many people in your country have the same surname (as other people)?
(Similar to above) Do many people in your country have the same surname as you?

26. Trees

(It seems unusual to have both a "Trees" topic and a "Plants" topic at the same time. See Note)

Do you like trees?
(Similar to above) Do you like (to go to/visit) the forest (or, a forest)?
Is there a forest near your hometown?
(Possibly, if you do not live in a place with lots of trees) Would you like to live in a place that has lots of trees?
(Possibly) Would you like to live in a place near a forest?
Where can one find forest (or trees) in your country?
Do you think places with trees attract more visitors than places with few trees?
Did you ever (like to) climb trees when you were a child?
Have you ever planted a tree?
Do you think more people should plant trees?
(Similar to above but slightly different) Do you think we should plant more trees?
Do you think trees are important?
What would you say are the benefits of having trees?
Do you think we need to protect trees?

27. Patience

Would you say you are a patient person?
What do you usually do when you're waiting for someone or waiting for a bus or a train?
What do you think "patience" is?
Do you think patience is important?
(Possibly) Do you think being patient is an important part of being polite?
What do you think are the benefits of being patient? N
Have you ever lost your patience?
What do you become impatient about?
What do you do when you become impatient?
Are people in your country generally very patient?
What causes some people in your country to become impatient?
(Similar to above) What do people in your country become impatient about?
When someone is late in your country, are other people usually patient, or angry?
Can you suggest why people in some countries are more patient than people in other countries? N
(Similar to above) Why are people in some countries more patient than people in other countries? N

28. Sport and Exercise

Do you like sport?
Do you play any sport (or do any exercise)?
Did you (or, do you) play any sport or do any exercise at school?
Is there any particular sport you'd like to try in the future? (Why?)
What sport (or exercise) can people do at home?
Do you think cycling is good exercise?

29. Art

Are you very interested in art?
Do you like to paint or draw?
How often do you paint (or draw)?
Do you think painting (or drawing) is difficult (or difficult to learn)?
Have you (ever) studied (or, learned) anything about art?
Did you learn to paint at school?
Do you think young children should learn to paint at school?
Did you do any artistic activities such as painting when you were a child?
Do you think people of different ages have different views concerning art? N
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 a place that displays art (such as an art gallery)?

Have you ever given a work of art to someone as a gift?

Would you ever buy a painting?

What is your opinion of art collectors?

Why do you think some people buy wall paintings?

(Similar to above) Why do you think some people buy paintings for their home?

30. Friendship

What do you usually do with your friends? N
Do you like making friends? N
How do people (in your country) meet others and make friends?
Is it easy to make friends in your work (or job)?
(Or, speaking more generally, if you are not working) Do you think it's easy for people to make friends at work?
Is it important for people to have good relationships with colleagues at their workplace? (Why?)
Would you say the students (at your school/university) have a good relationship with each other?
Do you keep in contact with friends from when you were in school?
Will you keep in contact with your friends in the future? N
(Possibly) How would you describe a "good relationship"?
Do you ever help a friend by giving advice?

31. Mobile Phones / Mobile Devices Besides Phones N

Do you often use your mobile phone?
When did you start using mobile devices?
(Similar to above) When did you buy (or get) your first mobile phone?
How does using a mobile phone benefit you?
Do you switch the mobile phone off sometimes?
What features are (most) important for you in a mobile phone
Do you use any mobile devices besides a mobile phone?
Would you like to swap (or, replace, or exchange) your mobile device (or, mobile phone) for the latest one?

Questions from May-Aug 2013

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

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

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

(Similar to above) When did you first start using a mobile phone?

Is your mobile phone important to you?

(Similar to above) Is your mobile phone useful) to you in your daily life?

What do you use it for?

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

(Possibly) Do you prefer to chat, or play games on your phone?

Do you like to replace your phones often? Why?

(Similar to above, but different) Would you like to change your mobile 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 (or, in meetings)?

(Possibly) Would you say mobile phones are important?

32. Your Country N

This topic has been reported overseas but not (yet) in China. Some of the questions, such as "Please describe your country" are more suitable when testing candidates outside their own countries. In the questions below, the examiner will probably use the name of your country. This topic is probably used as a substitute for "Your Hometown" or "Your Home". That is, you might get one of those three topics, but probably not two of them.

Please describe your country a little.
Which parts of your country are the most populated?
How easy is it to travel around your country?
Has your country changed much since you were a child?

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