پیش بینی سوالات اسپیکینگ حال حاضر
January to May Speaking Questions

This topic has never been used before.

• Do you like amusement parks?
• How often do you go to an amusement park?
• What do you usually do at amusement parks (or, at an amusement park)?

:Vocabulary

• For fun; for entertainment (amusement)
• A ride/ rides; to ride
• Scary rides; adrenaline; excitement; exciting; thrilling; heart-stopping; to scream; nausea, to vomit, to feel giddy; fear of heights
• A Ferris wheel
• a roller coaster
• a merry-go-round
• bumper cars
• bumper boats
• a shooting gallery
• a water slide
• a ‘haunted house’
• a gravitron – a ride based on centrifugal force

Which do you prefer (to use), an information app or a chat app?

Apps

• Do you have many apps on your phone?
•  (Similar to above) Do you often use apps on your phone or computer?
• What kind of apps do you use the most?
• Do you like to chat with your classmates online?
• Do you think computer and mobile phone apps are helpful (or, useful)?
• What are some popular apps in your country?
• Are there any apps that you would like to have in the future?
• Would you like to create (your own) a mobile phone app one day?

Social Media Websites

• Which do you prefer (to use), an information app or a chat app?
• Do you (often) use social media websites?
• When did you first use one of these websites?
• (Possibly the question above is this) How did you first find out about social media websites?
• Is social media (or, are social media websites) very popular in your country?
• Do you think social media will become more popular in the future?
• In the future, do you think you will use social media more than you do now, or less?
• Do you feel social media is more a positive thing, or more negative thing?
• (Similar to above) What do you think are the advantages and the disadvantages of (using) social media websites?
• Do you like to use Facebook?

Some vocabulary:

• to maintain contact with friends / to keep in contact with friends / to communicate quickly with others
• to broaden one’s range of social contacts / to broaden one’s social network (either in real-life or one’s “virtual” [= online] social network)
• face-to-face communication
• a substitute for real (real-life) relationships with others
• better than feeling alone; to help overcome loneliness / to help overcome of sense of isolation
• a sense of connectedness (to others/to the world)
• sharing photographs
• voice/ text messages
• sending/receiving computer files
• an avenue for expressing opinions / for exchanging information
• to bring an issue to the attention of a wide audience
• to spread the word
• a marketing tool
• If or when you name a particular social media platform, slow down a little and pronounce it especially clearly.

Main Questions

• Do you like going to museums?

• Have you ever been to an art gallery?

• Are there any paintings on the wall in your bedroom?

Previous Questions

• Are there any museums or art galleries in your hometown?
• Have you ever visited any of these art galleries or museums?
• What have you learned from visiting these places?
• How often do you museums and art galleries?
• Did you ever go to art galleries or museums when you were a child?
• Would you recommend that schools take their students to visit museums (or, that museum)?
• Do people in your country like visiting museums and art galleries?
• Do you think people should go to art galleries and museums?
• What do you think is the role (or the purpose) of museums and art galleries?
• Which kind of art do you think is more important, the art we see in the cinema or the art we see in art galleries and museums?
• Do you think going to museums and art galleries is beneficial for children? ( e.g.,  for their development)
• Do schools in your country have excursions to museums?
• Do you think teachers should take their students on visits to museums?

Main Questions:

• Do you often use bags?
• What types of bags do you like?
• Do you usually carry a bag when you go out?
• Do you have different bags for different occasions?

Questions you might be asked:

• Do you like bags?
• What kind of bag do you usually carry?
• Did you use (or, carry) a bag during your school days?
• Do you carry a lot of luggage when traveling?
• How do you choose a bag when you are buying one?
• (Similar to above) What do you pay attention to when you are buying a bag?
• Have you ever lost a bag?
• Do males and females (men and women) generally use (or, carry, or wear) the same kinds of bags?
• What types of bags do you like?
• What types of bags do you use (in your everyday life)?
• 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?
• How do you make your choice when you are buying a bag?
• When you buy a bag, which is more important for you, the price of the bag or the quality of the 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?
• Do you usually take a bag when you travel?
• Do you think backpacks are useful (or, necessary, or, important) in life?

• Does your hometown have beautiful views?

• Do you like to stay in places with beautiful views when you are traveling?

• How would you like to live in a house with beautiful scenery?

• (Similar to above) How would you feel living in a house with beautiful scenery?

• Would you say people enjoy taking pictures of beautiful scenery?

• Can you suggest why some people use their mobile phone to take pictures of beautiful views? 

• Do you like to lend things to others?
• Have you ever lent a book to others?
• Would you lend money to someone else?
• Have you ever borrowed money from someone else?
• Have you ever borrowed a book from others?
• How do you feel about others borrowing things from you?

• What cities have you ever travelled to?
• What kind of cities do you like to travel to?
• Would you ever move to another city for work?
• In what ways do you think a city can be designed to best suit the needs of pedestrians?
• Who would you say uses public transport more, young people or old people?

• When do you need to stay (or, be) focused?
• Do you ever find it difficult to stay focused (= hard to concentrate)?
• What  distract you when you're trying to stay focused?
• Do you ever do anything to help you concentrate?
• (Similar to above) What do you do to help you concentrate?
• (Similar to above) What do you do when you are trying to (= want to) concentrate?
• Do you think you can do two things at the same time? 

This topic was last used in Sep. 2014

Do you prefer to study/work in a quiet environment, or in a place that has some noises (or sounds)?

What do you do if there's too much noise (and you want to work / study)?

When (or, at what times) do you find it easiest to concentrate? (Why?)

What do you do to help yourself concentrate when you are studying/working?

(Similar to above) When you are studying/working, how long can you concentrate (or stay focused)?

How do you think a person could improve their ability to concentrate?

Do you think children can concentrate very well?

(Similar to above) Do you think children can concentrate better than adults?

(Similar to above) Could you concentrate when you were a child?

(Similar to above) Could you concentrate better when you were a child than you can now?

(Similar to above) Did you learn how to concentrate when you were a child?

• Do you like having dessert?

• Do you like eating cake(s)?

• Have you ever made any cakes (or, a cake)?

• Are there many sweet foods in your country?

• In your culture, do people eat cakes during festivals?

• Do you like (to eat) sweet food?

Main Questions:

• What’s the most common sport in your country?
• (Possible question)  What’s the most popular sport in your country?
• (Possible question) What’s the most common form of exercise in your country?  
• Do you like outdoor sports / exercise?
• What do you think are the benefits from doing outdoor sports/ exercise?
• Are there many celebrity athletes (who are popular) in your country? 
• Did you prefer team sports or individual sports when you were young?  
• How do we teach children to live a healthier life nowadays?
• In your opinion, how many times a week should people go running? How long each time?

Possible Questions:

• Do you like sports?
• Do you have a favorite athlete?
• What are some popular sports in your country?
• Do you prefer individual or team sports?
• Is there any sport that you would like to try in the future?

Sport/Exercise and You

• Are you interested in sport?
• What sports do you like? (Why?)
• How often do you play that sport (or do that)?
• Do you like to do daily exercise? (Why?/Why not?)
• What sports or exercise do you like to do? (Why?)
• How often do you do some physical 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? How often do you do that?
• How much time do you have for exercise?
• Do you use any equipment for this exercise (or sport)?
• Do you participate in any sports with your friends?
• Are there any sports facilities (or, exercise facilities) near where you live? (for the public to use)
• In the future, what sports would you like to play (or, take part in / or learn)?
• (Possibly the above question is this) Is there any form of exercise that you would like to try in the future?

Sport at School (or Children and Sport/Exercise)

• Do children in your country play much sport (or do much exercise)?
• Is children's sport (or exercise) very important in your country?
• What sports do you think are suitable for children to play?
• Did you (or, do you) take part in any (organized) sport at school? Past tense if you have finished school.)
• Do you think it's important to have P.E. classes (or sports classes) at school? (Why?/Why not?)
• Do old people and young people like to do (or, play) the same sports?
• What sports do old people like to do (or, play)?

 Male/Female Differences

• Do men and women feel the same about sport?
• Are boys and girls good at the same sports?
• (Possibly the question above is) Do men and women play the same sports?
• What are the differences when boys and girls play sports?

Exercise and People in General

• Do people in your country like to do daily exercise?
• What forms of exercise are most popular in your country?
• Where do people in your country usually exercise?
• Do you think everybody should do some exercise? (Why?)
• Do you think exercise is beneficial for older people?
• What kinds of exercise do you think are most suitable for children?
• What sport (or exercise) can people do at home?
• Do you think cycling is good exercise?

Sport and People in General

• Do most people in your country like sport?
• What sports are most popular with young people today?
• What sports do children prefer?
• Why do you think people like (to participate in) sport?
• What benefits do you think sport can bring us?

• What kinds of people do you like to make friends with?
• What do you usually do when you are with your friends?
• Do you keep in contact with any of your friends from your childhood?
• What do you think makes a good friend?
• (Similar to above) What do you value most in a friend?
• Would you say you are a good friend to others?
• Do you prefer to spend time with your family or with your friends?
• Which do you think is more important, your family or your friends?

This topic has never been used before.

• Do you like your current hair style?
• How often do you have your hair cut?
• When was the last time you had your hair cut?
• How much do you usually spend on a haircut?
• Do you often (or, ever) change your hairstyle?
• What's your favorite hairstyle?
• Would you like to change the color of your hair?
• On what occasions do people in your country usually get a haircut?

Note:

Some people, especially some Americans, say things like, "I cut my hair yesterday" when they did not really cut their hair themselves but actually "had their hair cut" or "got their hair cut". In the IELTS test, you should use one of those two forms, which are how educated people speak. It's the same as saying, "I'm going to get my car repaired today" or "I'm going to have my car repaired today". Those two correct statements mean that someone else is going to repair your car. If you say, "I'm going to repair my car today" it means that you are going to do it yourself.

:Vocabulary

• Although individual hairs can be counted, the hair on a person’s head is considered to be a mass of hair and is not countable. Therefore, we say, “He has a lot of hair”, not “He has many hairs.”
• A hairdresser – for females; a hair salon
• A barber – for males; a barber’s shop
• Bald
• Curly hair
• Straight hair
• Long, straight hair
• Short, curly hair
• To trim; to get a trim
• Split ends
• A perm
• Get (have) my hair dyed/ get (have) my hair tinted
• Blonde; brunette, redhead

Main Questions:

• When you were a child, did you enjoy learning history?

• Have you ever been to a museum to learn about history?

• Have you ever watched movies related to history?

• When was the last time you read a book about history?

• Do you think history is important?

:Previous Questions

• 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?
• How (or, from where) do you get information 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?
•  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?

• Do you like holidays?
• Which (type of) holiday is your favorite, a public or personal holiday?
• Does your country have many public holidays?
• Do you have a favorite holiday?
• What public holidays do you have in your country?
• (If you don't say this in answer to above) Why do you have those holidays?
• Would you say most people in your country know why you have those holidays?
• What do you usually do during a holiday?
• Which would you prefer, a city break or a beach holiday?
• Which do you prefer, a long holiday or a short one?
• (Similar to above) Which do you prefer, long holidays or a short ones?
• What kinds of places do you want to travel to on holiday?
• (Similar to above) What kinds of places would you like to travel to on holiday?
• Do you think holidays are important?
•  Do you think holidays are becoming more and more important?
• Do you think there should be more public holidays?  (public holidays)
• (Similar to above) Do you think people should have more holidays? (personal holidays)
•  Are there many tourists in your country?
•  What do most people do during their holidays in your country?
•  Do you prefer to travel alone or in group?

• Do you wear jeans?
• (Similar to above) Do you like wearing jeans?
• (Possible question) When did you start wearing jeans?
• Is there any brand of jeans that you prefer?
• How often do you wear jeans?
• Would you say jeans are popular in your country?

Vocabulary:

“Jeans”, like “pants”, “trousers” and “shorts” are not countable. We say, “a pair of jeans”, “two pairs of jeans” or, “some jeans”, ”my jeans” etc.

Denim – the material that jeans are made of, usually colored blue.

A denim skirt; a denim dress; a denim jacket – these are not jeans but are made of the same material.

Skin-tight jeans – usually worn by women

Baggy jeans

“a pair of jeans with a rip in the leg.” (considered to be “fashionable”)

Casual wear - to “dress down”; to dress informally

Three or four decades ago, wearing jeans in some countries was considered to be “western” (and “cool” or “fashionable”), since jeans represented an aspect of the American lifestyle, and were quite expensive in some countries. This attitude still exists to some extent in many countries.

What is your mother tongue?

What other languages can you speak?

Will you learn other languages in the future?

(Similar to above) Do you intend to learn other languages in the future?

Would you say it’s difficult to learn a new language?

This topic was last used in May 2014.

What languages do you speak?

Which language do you use the most?

How did you learn English? (Or, How do you study English?)

Do you think that English is difficult to learn?

How long have you been studying English?

Do you think learning languages is important?

(Similar to above) Do you think there is any need for (some) people to learn another language?

Is there any other language you would like to learn? (Why?)

(Similar to above) Is there any other language you want to learn? (Why)?

• When was the last time you laughed? (Why?)
• Do you like to make people laugh?
• Do you like watching funny TV shows?
• Do you think it's important for friends to have the same sense of humour?
• (Possibly the above Q is this)  Do you think it's important for friends to laugh together?

Note: "Mathematics" is used in both British & American English. Short forms - "maths" (Br. Eng), "math" (US. Eng.)

• Do you like maths?
• Do you often use a calculator?
• When did you start to use a calculator?
• (Similar to above) How often do you use a calculator?
• Do you think maths is important?
• Do you think females (girls) are good at maths?
• Some people think that maths isn’t needed in our life. What do you think?

More possible questions from past test dates:

• Did you study mathematics at school?
• Do you like mathematics?
• Do you think you are very good at mathematics?
• (Possibly; similar to above) Are you good at mathematics?
• Do you think mathematics is easy?
• When did you start learning mathematics?
• (Similar to above) How long have you been studying mathematics?
• (Possibly) For how long did you study mathematics?
• Do you think mathematics is important?
• Do you think it might be useful for everybody in day-to-day life?
• (Similar to above) Do you think it is useful for everybody in day-to-day life?
• Did you use an electronic calculator in school?
• (Possibly) Were you allowed to use an electronic calculator at school?
• (Possibly) Do you think school students should be allowed to use an electronic calculator at school?
• When did you start using a calculator at school?
• Do you think using a calculator is helpful when learning (or studying) mathematics?

:Some vocabulary

• arithmetic (noun)
• basic arithmetical* operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• the times table (Usually rote learned/memorized)
• an abacus
• mental arithmetic
• to calculate; a calculator = an electronic calculator
• to “be good at figures” = to “be good with figures”
• geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics
• Uses of mathematics: – to calculate one’s finances, paying bills etc.; buying and selling; making things (e.g., when doing carpentry); the basis of science & engineering; having an appreciation (or, understanding) when we read or hear significant figures such as the rate of inflation.

Main Questions

• What's your favourite type of music?
• When do you listen to music?
• Do you prefer to listen to music alone, or with others?
• Has your preference in music changed since you were younger?

Possible Questions that may be asked

• What kind(s) of music do you prefer?
• When do you listen to music?
• Do you like to listen to music while you work or study?
• Did you like music when you are a child?
• Have your preferences in music changed in recent years?
• What’s the difference between the music you like now, and what you liked when you were younger (or, a child)?
• When did you start listening to music?
• Do you think your music preferences will change in the future?
• Do you think people’s musical tastes change with age (= as they grow older)?
• Do you prefer to download music from the internet, or buy CDs?
• Do you think there'll (= there will) be any new forms of music in the future?

Main Question

• Do you often use numbers to do something?
• Are you good at memorizing numbers?
• Can you memorize phone numbers?
• Do you have a favourite number?
• Are you good at numbers (maths)?
• Would you like to have a  job dealing with numbers?

Previous Questions

• In your country, do any numbers have special meaning?
• How do numbers help your life?
• (Are there any numbers or dates that you think are (especially) important to remember?
• What important numbers have you memorized?
• How often do you need to memorize a number?
• How do you remember a number (or, numbers)?
• Which do you think are easier to remember, names or numbers?
• Which do you think are easier to memorize, names or numbers?

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

Main Questions:

• Would you say you are a patient person?
• Do you think you are more patient now than when you were younger?
• When (on what occasions) are you impatient?
• (Possible question) Are you patient in your work or study? 
• (Possible question) Do you think people should be patient?
• Can you explain why some people are not very patient?
• How do you feel when other people are impatient?
• Can you give any examples of work (or jobs) that require patience?
• Would you say young people are more patient than older people?
• Do you think you will be more patient in the future?

Possible Questions:

• What do you usually do when you're 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?
• Would you say you are a patient person?
• What do you think are the benefits of being patient?
• 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?
• (Similar to above) Why are people in some countries more patient than people in other countries?

• Do you usually use for writing, a pen, or a pencil?
• (Similar to above) Which do you prefer to use for writing, a pen or a pencil?
• Which do you prefer (to use), pen or pencils?
• If someone gave you some pens/pencils, how would you feel?
• When was the last time you bought some pens or pencils (or, a pen or pencil)?
•  How would you feel if someone gave you a pen as a gift? 

Possibly this is a broader topic, "Makeup".

• Do you like perfume?
•  Do you use / wear perfume?
• How much money do you spend on perfume?
• Have you ever given perfume as a gift?
• Would you ever give perfume as a gift?

Some vocabulary:

• fragrance, fragrant
• cologne (= Eau de Cologne, French for “Water from Cologne”) Nowadays, this is best known as a fragrance/a deodorant/an after-shave lotion for men
• (especially for men) – unnecessary; "not very masculine"; "I prefer to have a natural body odour"
• the scent of flowers (a flower), the aroma of sweet spices, a hint of flowers, a hint of spices / fragrant fruit
• to smell nice, to smell attractive,
• alluring
• a fresh, clean smell (fragrance), a beautiful smell/fragrance
• a luxury gift
• a dab of perfume on my  . . . wrists, neck, . . .
• a spray, to spray
•  . . . among my cosmetics
• my signature scent
• different perfumes for different seasons
• under-arm deodorant  (for both men and women)
• a luxury that I can’t afford at the moment

• Where did you play when you were a child?
• Did you play at your friend's home?
• Did you prefer to play outside or inside when you were young?
• Do you think it’s important for children to play outside?

some vocabulary:

When children play, they …

generally entertain or amuse themselves

explore their surroundings

engage in physical activity such as running, climbing, skipping, jumping, wrestling, throwing things

engage in creative or imaginative activities such as building a sandcastle, playing with toys, role-playing with other kids

engage in “fun” activities with others, such as (playfully or jokingly) splashing someone with water, playing a trick on someone, telling jokes, making others laugh (e.g., by pulling a face)

• Do you like reading? 
• What kinds of books do you usually read?
• What kinds of things do you usually read?
• (Similar to above, but different) What kinds of books do you like to read?
• (Similar to above, but different) What kinds of things do you like to read?
• Do you like E-books?
• Do you ever read professional books? 
• Have you ever lent or borrowed a book?

Some vocabulary:

Things to Read

Two main types: Fiction and Non-fiction

For News

Newspapers

News magazines

Company & organization newsletters

The internet. The internet includes copies of the printed newspapers and news magazines but also has news pages that are especially written for the internet. One important sub-group of internet news pages consists of independent journalists. These independent journalists usually include their commentary and opinion with their reporting of factual information.

Magazines

Fashion magazines

Movie magazines

Computer magazines

News magazines

Sports magazines

Hobbyist magazines

Technical & professional journals

Art magazines

Home decoration magazines

Women’s magazines

Literature

Autobiographies

Biographies

Novels (Historical novels, Thrillers, Mystery stories, Romance novels, Detective Stories, Science Fiction)

Poetry

Plays

Short Stories

Essays

Literary Criticism

Educational

Textbooks

Reference books

Encyclopedias

‘How-to’ books

'Self-help' books

 Entertainment

Comic books

Puzzle books

Personal Correspondence

Letters

Emails

Postcards

Faxes

Cell-phone text messages

On-line chatting

The Internet

The Internet now includes most of the examples above

• Do you think it's important to keep the city clean?
• What do you do when you see rubbish on the street?
• Can you suggest why some people throw their litter on the ground?
• (Similar to above) How would you feel if you saw someone throw litter on the ground?
• Do you think plastic bags are a serious environmental problem?
• Do you think it's important to protect the environment?
• Do you do anything to protect the environment?
• Do you think schools should educate children to protect the environment?

Some vocabulary:

• garbage (US), trash (US), rubbish (Br), waste, refuse (noun) – all are non-count nouns
• litter (non-count noun) = small pieces of rubbish that have been left lying on the ground in public places; to litter
• unsightly = not attractive to look at;
• dangerous / unsafe; slippery (e.g., a banana peel)
• to step over something, to walk around something, to kick it away/to kick it to one side
• untidy  Note: “dirty” and “untidy” do not mean the same
• inconsiderate, irresponsible, lazy, careless, ignorant, selfish, ignorant, uncivilized
• to pick up something; to pick something up e.g., to pick it up
• take responsibility
• to put something in a - - rubbish bin, trash can, garbage bin, garbage can, waste receptacle
• to dispose of something properly
• a street cleaner; to sweep

Do you like running?

Where do usually go (for) running?

How often do you go running for exercise?

Have you ever run a long distance?

Do you like watching running races on TV?

Do you think it’s important to study science?

Do you think people should study science?

• Do you like to smile?
• Do you often smile?
• Do you often laugh?
• When was the last time you laughed?
• In what situations do people smile?
• In what situations do people laugh?
• Do you smile when you are having your picture taken?
• Can you sense (or feel, or tell) if someone’s smile is fake?

Note:

Although the question is most likely to be, "Do you smile when you are having your photo (= picture) taken?", it is certainly possible that the question is, "Do you smile when you are taking a photograph?" Be prepared for either question.

Some Vocabulary:

• to smile, a smile
• a smile is silent; laughter has sound - the two are different
• “He’s/She’s/I’m a smiler” = a person who smiles a lot
• optimistic, cheerful
• to look on the bright side of life
• “I look more beautiful when I smile.”
• to grin, a grin
• to smirk, a smirk
• a friendly smile
• a broad smile, to smile broadly = to “smile from ear to ear”
• a welcoming smile
• to beam, a beaming smile
• expressing: – friendliness, graciousness, politeness, tenderness, amusement, , happiness, pleasure/delight
• a "social nicety"
• to return a smile
• to put a smile on (one's/someone’s) face; to lift someone's mood
• to hide embarrassment, to hide one's true feelings
• to flash a smile
• to smile at something / someone
• a plastic smile = a forced, artificial smile; a smile someone wears despite having no feelings of happiness or joy. Examples: “John seemed fine at first glance, but before long, I could tell that he was wearing a plastic smile and that something was bothering him.”  “Look at that his big plastic smile—he's such a conman! I sure hope he doesn't win the election.”
• to feel/ sense/ tell/ when someone’s smile is false = to detect when someone’s smile is false

• Do you like to spend time by yourself?

• What do you usually do when you spend time by yourself?

• Do you like visiting street markets?
• Are street markets very common in your country / where you live?
• Would you be interested if you saw a street market in a foreign country?
• Do people in your country prefer to shop at a street market, or in a shopping mall?
• Are there many shopping malls in your living area?

More questions from the past:

• Do you like visiting street markets?

• Are street markets very common in your country (or, where you live)?

• What is usually sold in these street markets?

• Do people in your country prefer to shop at a street market, or in normal shops and shopping malls?

• (Similar to above) What do you think are the differences between a street market and a supermarket?

• Would you visit a street market in a foreign country (if you were visiting that country)?

• (Similar to above but different) Would you like to visit a street market in a foreign country?

• In what ways do you think street markets in other countries are different to street markets in your country?

• (Similar to above) In what ways do you think street markets in other countries would be different to street markets in your country?

What do you do on sunny days?

Do you like sunshine?

Do you ever use sunscreen?

This topic was last used in Sep. 2017

Do you like sunshine?

What do you usually do (or, like to do) on sunny days?

What effect(s) does sunshine (or a sunny day) have on you?

Do sunny days influence your mood (or, feelings)?

What sorts of things do people (in your country) do on sunny days?

Is it usually this sunny in your country?

Would you prefer to live in a place with more sunshine, or less sunshine than here?

Does your country use solar energy (= solar power)?

     Other Similar Questions

Would you say sunshine is important?

• Do you prefer to drink tea, or coffee?
• When was the last time you drank some tea or coffee?
• When you go out do you most often drink tea, or coffee?
• (Similar to above) When people in your country go out do they most often drink tea, or coffee?
• Which is more popular in your country, drinking tea or drinking coffee?
• (Possible question) Do people in your country ever give tea as a gift? 
• When people (in your country) entertain others (or guests) do they usually drink tea, or coffee?
• (Similar to above) Do people in your country usually offer tea, or coffee to guests who visit them at home?

Vocabulary:

• Caffeine, a stimulant, a habit, be addicted, an addict
• Tea bag, tea leaves
• Medicinal qualities (of tea)
• Green tea, black tea, milk tea
• Herbal tea (not from the traditional tea plant)
• A kettle, to boil water, an electric jug
• Instant coffee
• Black coffee (no added milk or cream)
• Decaffeinated coffee
• Percolated coffee, roasted coffee beans, grinder, a percolator, coffee grounds
• Ice(d) tea, ice(d) coffee
• A coffee shop, a tea house
• It makes me (feel) more alert, It helps me wake up, It energizes me, It’s my “heart starter” (after waking up), It refreshes me, It stimulates me
• The aroma, the taste
• My morning “cuppa” (usually tea)
• Morning tea, afternoon tea

• Do you prefer to drink tea, or coffee?
• When was the last time you drank some tea or coffee?
• When you go out do you most often drink tea, or coffee?
• (Similar to above) When people in your country go out do they most often drink tea, or coffee?
• Which is more popular in your country, drinking tea or drinking coffee?
• (Possible question) Do people in your country ever give tea as a gift? *
• When people (in your country) entertain others (or guests) do they usually drink tea, or coffee?
• (Similar to above) Do people in your country usually offer tea, or coffee to guests who visit them at home?

Some vocabulary:

• Caffeine, a stimulant, a habit, be addicted, an addict
• Tea bag, tea leaves
• Medicinal qualities (of tea)
• Green tea, black tea, milk tea
• Herbal tea (not from the traditional tea plant)
• A kettle, to boil water, an electric jug
• Instant coffee
• Black coffee (no added milk or cream)
• Decaffeinated coffee
• Percolated coffee, roasted coffee beans, grinder, a percolator, coffee grounds
• Ice(d) tea, ice(d) coffee
• A coffee shop, a tea house
• It makes me (feel) more alert, It helps me wake up, It energizes me, It’s my “heart starter” (after waking up), It refreshes me, It stimulates me
• The aroma, the taste
• My morning “cuppa” (usually tea)
• Morning tea, afternoon tea

• Do you prefer to live in the countryside or live in a city?
• Have you ever been to the countryside?
• Have you ever lived in the countryside?
• Would you consider living in the countryside in the future?
• (Similar to above) Do you think you will ever move to live in a countryside area?
• (Similar to above) In the future, would you prefer to live in a city or tin the countryside?
• What would you (like to) do if you lived in a countryside?
• What kinds of people do you think like going to the countryside?

Previous Questions:

• (Possible question) Do you live in the countryside? = Is your home in the countryside? *
• Do you enjoy the countryside?
• (If answer to first question is yes) Do you like living there? (Why?/Why not?)
• (If answer to first question is no) Would you like to live there? (Why?/Why not?)
• (If answer to first question is no) What's the countryside like around your city?
• Do you often go there?
• (Similar to above) How often do you go there?
• What would you say are the good points and the bad points about living in the countryside?
• Has the countryside in your country (or, around your city) changed much in recent years (or decades)?
• What future changes do you imagine might happen to the countryside?
• (Similar to above) How will the countryside look in the future?
• (Similar to above) What do you think the countryside will look like in the future?
• Do you like a natural environment?
• How do city kids in your country have contact with nature?
• Do you have any memories of nature from your childhood?

The Weather:

• What's the weather like in your city?
• Does the weather in your country change often?
• Do you have a favorite type of weather?
• Would you move to another city because of the weather?

The Seasons and Weather: 

• Do you prefer a warm, or a cool climate? 

• Would you say most people prefer a warm climate?

• Do you like it when it's raining?

• Which season do you like best?

• Are there four different (or, distinct) seasons in your hometown?

• Do you feel the climate is changing?

• Does the weather change often where you live?

• Do you do different things in different weather (or different seasons)?

• Would you prefer to live in a place that has the same weather all year, or a place that has four seasons?

• Do you think the weather is more important to people who play sports?

Some other questions:

• Which season do you like best?
• Are there four distinct seasons in your hometown?
• Do you feel the climate is changing?
• Does the weather change often where you live?
• Do you do different things in different weather (or different seasons)?
• What kind of weather do you like (best)? (Why?)
• What sort of weather do you least like?
• Do you like sunny weather?
• What do you usually do during your favourite weather (or season)?
• What's the weather (usually) like in your hometown?
•  (If doing the test away from your home country) How is the weather here different to the weather in your home country?
• Do you like that weather (or, that kind of climate)? (Why?/Why not?)
• How often is the weather good in your hometown?
• Are there any bad points about the weather in your city?
• Have there been any changes in the weather over the past few years?
• Have you ever been to any place where the weather is different to your hometown?
• (If doing the test far from your hometown) Compare the weather in your hometown and the weather here.
• Which city in your country (or, which part of your country) has the best weather?
• Which city in your country (or, which part of your country) has the worst weather?
• Does the weather ever affect what you do?
• How does the weather affect people (or, you)? (If yes, how?)
• How do you feel when the weather is cloudy?
• Do you always (often/usually) pay attention to the weather forecast? Why?/Why not?
• Can you give any examples of unusual weather?
• In your country, are there ever any problems caused by the weather? (= caused by extreme weather?)
• Do you like snow? (Why? / Why not?)
• Would you prefer to live in a place that has just one, warm season that lasts the whole year or a place with different seasons?
• Do you (or, do people in your country) do the same things in the different seasons of the year?
• Do people (in your country) play the same sports in different seasons of the year?

Some vocabulary:

“Do you prefer a hot, or a cold climate?” – If this is the exact wording of the question, you are being asked to choose between two extremes. Hot is not warm, cold is not cool.

The meaning of that question is probably, “If you had to be/live in a place with a cold or a hot climate, which would you prefer?”

Only say, “I would prefer” if you also say something like, “if I had to choose between those two extremes”.

It’s possible to say, “I don’t like either of those” but still make a choice.

Always give at least one reason when answering a question about your likes, dislikes, preferences, favourite etc.

Reasons – 1) Your feelings of comfort; 2) the activities you prefer to do in different seasons or weather conditions; 3) certain aspects of the weather or of the seasons that you especially like or dislike such as flowers blooming in spring, the fact that rain damages your shoes, the clothes you wear etc.

Rainy days, wet days, wet weather, sunny says, a sunny day, ice, snow, slippery footpaths,

“When it’s raining” is not the same as “a rainy day”, which means a whole day, or most of it, that experiences rain.

to drizzle

sunny

A warm climate; warm weather. (or cool, or hot or cold weather). Notice that “climate” is a count-noun, “weather” is not.

• Do you make plans for each day?
• What was the latest plan you made?
• Are you the kind of person who likes to manage your time? (Why?)
• Would you say you manage your time well?
• What’s the biggest difficulty you have when managing time?
• What's (an example of) one thing you plan to do every day?
• Do you like it when it's (you're) busy? = Do you like being busy?

Some vocabulary:

Main Questions

• What kind of transport do you most often use?
• How do you usually go to school / work?
• How long does it take to travel to school / work?
• How did you go to school when you were a child?
• Do you prefer to use public, or private transportation?
• Do you think you'll use public transport more in the future?

The following questions might also be asked

• Do you know how to drive?
• Do you think everyone should get a drivers' licence? 
• Do you think driving skills are important?
• Do you have a car?
• Do you drive your car very often?
• How often do you hire a taxi? 
• When was the last time you travelled by taxi?
• What kind of transportation did you use to come to (= get to) the test centre today?
• How do you usually go to school / work?
• How much time do you spend each day travelling to school / work? (How long does it take to travel to school / work?)
• What do you do while you are travelling (= commuting) to school / work?
• Do you prefer to travel (commute) by bus, or the metro (= the subway = 'the underground')?  
• Do you prefer to use public, or private transportation?
• Do you think you'll use public transport more in the future?

1. Do you think it's necessary to see other planets?
2. What would you do if you had that opportunity?
3. When was the last time you went travelling?
4. Do you like to travel in the outer space?
5. Do you like travelling by air?

• Do you often visit your relatives? (Why?)
• What do you do when you visit them?
• When was the last time you visited them? what did you do?
• Do you (ever or often) go to your friends' homes to visit them?

More possible questions from the past test dates:

• 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

Some vocabulary:

•  to visit, a visitor
• a regular visitor = a frequent visitor
• to “drop by”, to “call on” someone, to “pay someone a visit”
• to be invited / to visit uninvited
• to host, a host
• a guest
• to greet, a greeting, politenesses, a hug, a kiss on the cheek, to shake hands, a handshake
• a gift
• to entertain a visitor
• a tradition, a custom
• formal, informal
• to maintain family ties
• to chat, to “shoot the breeze”
• to take photos
• to keep up with family news (family = extended family)
• to keep someone company

• Do you like recording and hearing your (own) voice?
• Do any members of your family have a similar voice (or, similar voices)?
• Has your voice ever changed?  (When?)

Vocabulary:

• A high voice (= a high-pitched voice)
• A low voice (= a low-pitched voice)
• A soft voice (= gentle and low in volume)
• A loud voice
• “My voice broke when I was about 14.”  A man describing his change of voice when he went through puberty.
• A person’s voice might change temporarily when they have a cold.

• Do you walk very much?
• Do you walk more often now than (you did) in the past?
• Do you think people will be walking more in the future?
• What do you think are the benefits of walking?
• Do you like walking?
• Where do you usually walk?
• Where did you go the last time you went for a walk?
• Do / did you (ever) go to school or work on foot?
• What do you think is the most suitable place for walking?
• What would you say are the benefits of walking?
• What do you think are the differences between young people walking, and elderly people walking?
• Have you had any interesting experiences while walking?
• (Similar to above) Have you ever seen anything interesting while walking?

Vocabulary:

• Walking –

as a means of going ‘from A to B’ (= from one place to another)

as a form of exercise

as a means of relaxing and thinking

“getting out of the house” or “getting out of the office” for a break

to get some fresh air, to have a change of scene etc.

to look at the scenery etc

to ‘stretch the legs’

• to walk a lot in one’s job
• A pedestrian
• To walk hand-in-hand (e.g., with your boyfriend or girlfriend)
• A stroll, to stroll, go for a stroll
• A relaxing walk
• An after-dinner walk
• ‘Power walking’ = walking at high speed for exercise
• To strengthen the cardio-vascular system and the leg muscles
• A brisk walk; walking at a fast pace
• Hiking, to hike

Do you like water sports?

Would you like to do a water sport?

Do you think water sports are popular in Iran?

• Have you ever seen any wild animals?
• Do you have a favourite wild animal?
• Do you think wild animals should be protected?
• Do you like going to the (or, a) zoo?

• Do you live in a house or a flat?
• What kind of building do you live in? 
• Do you like your current accommodation?  
• Are there many (or, any) markets near your home?  
• Are there many public facilities near your home? 
• Have you lived there for a long time?
• What do you do at home?
• How long have you lived there?
• What's your favourite room?
• What kind of places would you like to live in (in the future)?
• Which do you (or, would you) prefer living in, a house or a flat?

Main Questions

• Where are you living (where do you live) at the moment? 
• Have you lived there for a long time?  
• Do you like it?
• (Similar to above) Do you like the environment around where you are living?
• Are there good facilities in your area, such as shops?
• Are there many people living around you?
• What do you like about the area around where you live?
• Is there anything you dislike about your city?
• Where do you like to go to in your area?
• Who do you live with?
• Do many people live in your neighborhood?
• Do you know the people (or, many people) living around you (living nearby)?
• Do you have many friends there?
• Are you planning to move to another area to live? 
• What changes have you seen in this area (since you have been living there)?
• What changes (= what improvements) would you like to see in this area?
• (Different to above) What changes are you expecting (to see) in this area?  

Possible Other Questions

• Is that far from here (the test center)?
• Please describe the area you live in.
• Would you say it's a good place to live?
• Is this place famous for anything? 
• Are there any interesting places near (or, in) this area?

YOUR WORK OR STUDY

Do you work or are you a student?

WORK

:Main Questions

• What work (or job) do you do?
• Do you enjoy that work?
• Why did you choose to do that type of work (or,/that job)?
• Would you recommend this job to other people? Do you like your job?
• What do you do in this job?
• What do you find interesting about your work?
• (Similar to above) What's the most interesting part of your work?
• What are your responsibilities at work?
• Where do you work? 
• What is your work environment like? 
• How much (how many hours) do you work every week (or, every day)? 
• Are you satisfied with the place where you work? 
• Would you say that's a good place to work? 
• Would you like to change the place where you work?  
• (The question above might be this) Would you like to make (or see) any changes to the place where you work?
• (Similar to above) How do you think your workplace could be improved?
• What's the most important part of your work? 
• Do you do anything that especially helps you in your work? 
• How do you think you could improve your efficiency at work? 
• What work do you plan to do in the future?
• What’s your dream job like?
• (Similar to above) What is (or, would be) your ideal job?
• Have you (ever) changed your job? 
• Do you prefer to work in the morning(s), or the afternoon(s)?
• Do you prefer to take long breaks from work, or short breaks? 
• How do you take a break during your working hours?

:Possible Other Questions

• Is that what you wanted to do when you were a child?
• Do you work part-time, or full-time?
• What do you do in that job? (= What are your responsibilities in that job?)
• What does that company do?
• How long have you been working?
• What did you do to get your first job?  *
• Did you enjoy your first day at work?
• (Similar to above) How did you feel on your first day at work?
• Are you friends with the people you work with with?
• (Similar) Have you made many (or any) friends at work?
• Do you think it's important to be friends with the people you work with?
• What time of the day do you work the best?
• (Similar to above) Do you work better in the morning, or in the afternoon?
• Did you have any training for this job?
• Would you like to have some (or, more) training in the future?
• Will you always do this job? ( = Will you continue to do this job / this type of work?)

STUDY 

Main Questions:

• What subject are you studying?
• Why did you choose to study that?
• Do you like it (your subject)?
• What do you do/learn in this subject?
• What's the most enjoyable part of your studies? 
• Is it (your subject) interesting?
• Would you say your studies (or, your subject) is what you expected it to be? 
• What's your favourite subject? (for high school stds)
• (Similar to above) What classes do you like the most?
• Do you like to study? (= Do you like studying?) 
• How much study do you do every week?   
• What would you say is the most important part of your studies? 
• Where do you usually study?  
• (Possible question) Where did you do your studying yesterday? 
• Do you do anything that especially helps you to study? 
• How do you think you could improve your efficiency as a student?  
• What school/university do (or, did) you study at? (= Where do you study?)
• Do you like your school / university?  
• What do you like most about your school / university? 
• Why did you choose to study at that school/university?
• How do you think your school/university could be improved? 
• Would you like to change your school (or university)?  
• What will you do (or, what do you plan to do) after you graduate from university / finish secondary school?
• Do you prefer strict teachers, or fun teachers?
• Do you like your teachers and classmates?
• Who do you think are the more important in a school, the students or the teachers?
• Would you say that communication is important when/for studying?
• Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the afternoon?

Possible Other Questions:

• Do you think it (your subject) will be helpful for you in the future?
• Is that a popular choice among your friends?
• Do you plan to (or, will you) continue your studies in the future?
• Do you plan to (or, will you) continue studying this subject?
• Have you made many (or any) friends at school/university?

Describe an insect you hate.

               You should say:

 ..................

 .................

 .................

   and explain what features of it you hate.

Describe a band or singer who you like.

               You should say:

what style of songs they sing / music they play

when you listen to them

where you listen to them

and explain why you like this band or singer.

Question which you might be asked:

Have you ever been to one of their concerts?

Part 3

Music in Your Country

• What kinds of music are popular in your country?
• What kinds of music do you think will be popular in the future?
• Do you think people like different kinds of music at different stages of their lives?
• Is folk music still very popular in your country?

Singing

• Are you good at singing?
• Do you think people need to learn how to sing (or is it a natural skill)?  
• (Similar to above) Do you think some people have a natural talent for singing, or do you think ordinary people can also sing (= can sing as well? 
• (Similar to above) Do you think everyone can sing?  
• Do you think women are better singers than men?
• What would you say are the benefits of singing?

    Professional Singers

• Do singers make lots of money?
• Would you say that popular singers are also good (or, among the best) singers?
• What do you think makes a singer attractive to people?
• What do you think of the current "boy bands"?
• What influences do singers have on people?
• Do you think people will still be singing songs for money in the future?

    Songs

• Why do you think some songs become popular while other songs are not often heard?
• What do you think makes (or causes) a song to become popular?

Some vocabulary

General

• Band music (including marching bands)
• Children’s music (incl. nursery rhymes)
• Latin Dance music (e.g.,  Flamenco, Tango)
• Electronic (Digital) music
• Ethnic & national music (incl. Traditional Chinese music, Chinese opera, Folk songs)
• Film music
• Religious music
• "New Age" Music (= "Meditation music". This is music that is meant to relax the listener. It often includes sounds from nature such as a running stream, bird calls etc.)

Classical European Music

• Baroque music
• Chamber music
• Orchestral music (such as composed by Mozart, Beethoven etc.)
• Opera
• Ballet music
• Waltz music (esp. Johann Strauss)

Modern Popular Music

• Bluegrass
• Blues (Mostly American black singers.)
• Country & Western music
• Disco music (techno, trance …)
• Hip-hop
• Jazz (e.g., modern jazz, big band, ragtime)
• Pop music (This is a general term for the young people's music that is played most often on the radio. It includes most of the types of music listed under “Modern Popular Music”. In China, most of this music consists of love ballads and light roll and roll.)
• Rap music
• Reggae/Ska (Jamaican music)
• Rhythm & Blues
• Rock ‘n roll (incl. rockabilly,  heavy metal)

Describe a beautiful view of the sky you looked at (either at night/or in the daytime).

               You should say:

 when you looked at the sky

 where you (were when you) looked at it

 who you were with

 and explain why you felt it was beautiful.

Part 3

The Stars and Planets

• Do you prefer to look at stars, or planets?
• Do you think it’s necessary for children to learn about the stars and/or planets?
• Why do you think some scientists study (or, do research about) the  stars and planets?
• Can you suggest why some people enjoy going to the cinema to watch films related to the stars or planets?
• How much influence do you think the stars and planets have on people’s lives?

Describe a challenging thing you have done.

      You should say:

            what you did

            when you did it

            why you did it

            how you handled this challenge

      and explain why you though it was challenging.              .

Part 3

• What are some examples of things that are challenging for children?
• Do you think parents should give their children challenging things to do?
• What kinds of thing do you think are challenging for old people to do than for young people?

Describe a time when you changed your plans  (Probably no longer used)

 You should say:

what your plan was (or, plans were)

why you changed your plans

how your plan changed

what happened after (when) you changed your plan 

and explain how your change of plan affected your life.

Part 3

Making Plans

• How do you make a plan? (you = you personally)
• (Similar to above) How do people make plans?
• What kinds of plans do people usually make?
• What are the advantages, and the disadvantages, of making a plan?  
• When you (= one, a person) change your plan, do you think you should (or, need to) inform others?

Young People and Plans

• • Do you think it's good for young people to make plans for their future careers (or, working life)?

  • Is it good for parents and teachers to make plans for young people?

Some vocabulary:

Plans

• “to change one’s mind” (sometimes but not always the reason for a change of plan)
• To cancel, be cancelled
• to eventuate, to realize a plan
• to "fall through", a plan that fails
• to anticipate problems
• a goal, sub-goals, steps, stages, to do things in order
• methodical
• a strategy; (less commonly used - a stratagem)
• a course of action
• a "game plan"
• to prioritize, priority,
• aspects of time and money
• spontaneous, spontaneity
• a rigid plan, a flexible plan
• to modify a plan, to adjust a plan
• a project
• a scenario = a situation, a circumstance
• To postpone, be postponed
• To procrastinate
• “Procrastination is the thief of time” (A commonly used proverb)
• A schedule, be scheduled. A “timetable” is a schedule that repeats itself, e.g. every day or every week, such as a bus timetable, or a class timetable.
• A diary, an appointment book, a calendar

Describe situation (or, an occasion) when a child made you laugh.

               You should say:

who the child was

(when and) where it happened 

 what he or she did to make you laugh

   and explain why you laughed.

Part 3

Children and Laughter (or, Humour)

• What kind of things make children laugh?
• When you were a child, who made you laugh?
• Do you think it's important for teachers to use humour when they teach children?
• Do you think a person's childhood (experiences) are important?

Parenthood

• Is it good for parents to be very strict?
• What would you say is the best age for people to become parents?
• Do you think people should (or, need to) receive training before they become parents?
• What do you think of married couples who decide not to have children?

Version A

Describe a toy you got in your childhood.

               You should say:

 What it was

 When you got it

 How you got it

 And explain how you felt about it.

              .

Version B

Describe a toy you enjoyed playing with in your childhood.

               You should say:

 What it was

 When you got it

 How you played with it

 And explain why you enjoyed playing with it.

Notes

• We say, "Play with a toy", not "play a toy".
• Version B is probably the most likely wording.

Part 3

Toys

• In what ways are toys today different to those of the past?
• What do you think children can learn from (playing with) toys?
• Do you think children actually need to have toys? (If so, what kinds of toys?)
• What kinds of toys would you say are best for children to play with?

Children's Play

• What do you think are the benefits for children who play with other kids?
• (Similar to above) How do you think children benefit by playing with other children?
• Do you think children should play outside?
• What are the benefits of children playing outside?
• What can they learn from playing outside?

Advertising Aimed at Children

• How do think advertisements influence children?
• (Similar to above) What kinds of influence do you think advertisements have on (young) children?
• In your opinion, should advertising aimed at kids be prohibited (= banned)?

Describe a place you remember well that was full of colour(s).

               You should say:

 where it was

 when you went there

what it looked like

 and explain how you felt about the place.

Part 3

People's Colour Preferences

• Do you think (people's choices in) colours show their personalities?
• Can you suggest why some people like to wear clothes in bright colours?
• Do you think men and women prefer different colours?
• What colour do people in your country prefer for decorating their homes?
• Do you think men and women choose different colours when decorating their homes?
• What influences do you think colours have on people’s mood?

Other Uses of Colour

• Do you think pictures in a book help people to read it?

Describe an interesting conversation you had with someone/you didn’t know.

               You should say:

 When and where you had the conversation

 Who you had the conversation with

 What you talked about

 And explain why you think it was interesting

Part 3

Conversations

• Do you think there are any differences between males and females when they converse with people?
• In your country, who are more interested in talking about children?
• Are there any benefits of having phone conversations as opposed to face-to-face conversations in real life?
• If you had a piece of bad news, would you prefer telling others this news face-to-face, or on the phone?

Speaking in Public to a Group (or an audience)

• Some people are afraid of giving a public presentation. Why do you think this is the case?
• Would you say it’s important to include diagrams, pictures and so on when giving a presentation?
• What kinds of public speakers do you like (best)?
• Do you think it's essential for a public speaker to include some humor in what they say?

Describe a crowded place you’ve been to

               You should say:

                            when you went there

                            where the place is (or, was)

                            who you went there with

                and explain how you felt about the place.  

Part 3

Crowded Places in General

• Do you think people enjoy going to crowded places? 
• Do you think the traffic situation today is more serious than in the past?        
• How do you think people should deal with traffic congestion?        
• Where (or what) would you say is the most crowded place in your city?           
• What do you suggest the governments could do to solve the problem of crowding (and/or traffic congestion)?       

City Life

• Would you say it's important for a city to have amusement (and/or recreational) facilities?           
• Why do you think people choose to live in big cities (despite the problems)?
• How do you think cities overseas are different to those in your country?
• Would you say urban planning is important?

Describe a change that could improve your local area.

               You should say:  

                            what the change is ( or it would be )

                            how this change could be made

                            what problems are causing the need for this change   

   and explain how this change would improve your local area.

Notes

• The word, "neighbourhood" might be used instead of "local area".

Part 3

Socializing With Neighbours

• Do you think it's important for people to socialize with their neighbors?
• How do people socialize with their neighbors?

Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with.

or

Describe the family member you spend the most time with.

               You should say:

                            who this person is  

                            what you usually do together

                            what kind of person he/she is

                and explain why you spend the most time with him/her. 

Part 3

Family Life in Your Country

• In your country, how many generations are usually living under one roof today?
• What are the benefits, and drawbacks of a family of several generation living together?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of strong family relationships?
• What are some of the differences between the advice (or help) that friends give compared to what families give?
• Do parents have equal responsibilities in taking care of their children?
• Which do you think is more important, the support from one's family, or the support from one's friends?         
• When taking care of a baby (or young child), what do you think are the differences between a father and a mother?

Describe a famous person (still living), not from your country, who you would like to meet.

            You should say:

Where this person comes from

How you first learned about him or her

(Or: how you know about this person)

Why / how this person is famous

            And explain why you would like to meet this person

Part 3

Fame

How do people become famous?

In general, what kinds of people become famous?

Do you think it's possible for someone to become famous when they don't have any special talents?

What does "famous" mean to you?

What would you say are the benefits of being famous?

Do you think there are any drawbacks from being famous?

How do some scientists become famous?

Can you suggest why some people want to be famous while others don’t want to be famous?

Do you have any ideas on why some people are only famous for a short time, while others remain famous for a long time?

The Influence of Famous People

What kind of influence do famous people have on young people?

Would you say their influence on (young people) is positive or negative?

How do you think celebrities could make use of their fame to be a positive influence (on young people)?

Do you think famous people can (or, could) become role models for young people?

(Similar to above) How do you think famous people can be a positive influence in society?

(Possible follow-up question) Do you think celebrities (or, famous people) should do that?

Some vocabulary

 Fame

• famous
• fame (uncountable noun); enduring fame; transient fame
• outstanding; leading; foremost; renowned, well-known, illustrious; prominent; acclaimed; eminent; noted; popular (in many cases); exalted (in extreme cases, almost the same as “worshipped”); lionized (similar to exalted)
• notoriety; infamous
• a  celebrity = a certain type of famous person = a famous person who is currently famous in the popular media, someone whose personal life is interesting to average people, and someone who is might be interviewed on TV talk shows. Celebrities are often the “stars” in the entertainment industry, including sports stars, and the “stars” in the business world. A celebrity is a “celebrated person”.
• “in the spotlight”
• A famous person can be someone who is no longer alive (e.g., a well-known historical figure).
• hero, (promoted as a) role model; set an example; influence, influential, power, powerful
• success (achievement), wealth (usually but not always), the respect of others, freedom
• loss of privacy, gossip magazines, tabloid newspapers
• paparazzi -  - photographers of celebrities, usually for gossip magazines, entertainment magazines and tabloid newspapers

Describe a fashion item you enjoy wearing.

               You should say:

 What it is

 Where you usually wear it

When you last wore it

 And explain why you enjoy wearing this fashion item.

              .

Notes

• Although some people have reported this only as "clothes", I believe it is broader than that. It could include an item of clothing but could also include an item of jewellery or other fashion accessories that people wear, including shoes.

Part 3

Dress Style / Fashion

• What’s the difference between the dress style of young people and that of old people?
• Do you wear different clothes in different seasons?
• Do people living in different parts of your country wear clothes that are different from the clothes of people in other parts of the country?
• On what occasions do people in your country wear formal clothes?

Uniforms

• Can you explain why some companies require their employees to wear uniforms?
• What do you think are the benefits of wearing a uniform at school?
• Do you think students like to wear uniforms?

Describe a film you would like to share with your friends.

               You should say:

 What the film is (name)

 How you first found out about (learned about/heard about) about the film

 Where you watched it

 And explain why you would like to share it with your friends.

              .

Part 3

Films

• What kinds of films are popular in your country?
• Do young people/and old people like to watch the same kinds of films?
• In the future, do you think there will be fewer people choosing to watch films?
• Do you think cinemas will (or, might) disappear in the future?
• Do you think people prefer watching films in a cinema, or at home?

The Film Industry / Film Stars

• Do you feel it's fair for movie stars to make so much money?
• Do you think it's necessary for film makers to hire famous movie stars to be in (or, star in) their films?
• Why do you think movie stars’ personal lives are exposed to the public?
• Do you think people are interested in celebrity gossip?
• Do they think film stars should behave in a good (or, in an exemplary or a perfect) way in their private lives?
• (Similar to above but different( Do they think film stars have to  behave in a good (or, in an exemplary or a perfect) way in their private lives?
• How does movie production help a country?
• Would you say that film makers (or, film producers) are rich?

Describe a friend who encouraged you to achieve a goal.

               You should say:

 who this person was

 how you know them

what your goal was 

    and explain what kind of support this person offered

                            or

    and explain how this encouragement helped you to achieve the goal.

Part 3

Motivation

• It is generally known that money motivates people. Can you think of anything else that motivates (some) people?

Encouraging Teenagers & Children

• Is it important for teenagers to have goals?
• What is the motivation for teenagers to learn new things?
• What do you think would encourage young children to learn more?
• Do you think parents or teachers have more influence on children’s goals?
• Who do you think is more important for the education of children, their parents or their teachers?
• How should we encourage children?
• Do you think children should be given rewards to encourage them?
• How could we make children interested in things that they are not very interested in?

Some vocabulary:

Encouragement

• • to encourage someone, encouragement
  • to boost, to inspire, inspiration, to reassure, reassurance, to praise, to give someone a "pat on the head", to support, to guide, to take an interest in someone, to strengthen, to bolster, to reinforce, to shore up, to have confidence in someone, to have faith in (someone) = to believe in (someone), to stimulate, a stimulus, to act as a catalyst, an impetus, to spur, to urge someone on, to push someone, to goad someone, to motivate, motivation, an incentive, to give someone pointers
  • to “perk up” someone, to cheer up (someone), to “buck up” someone, to sympathize (with someone), to empathize with someone, to comfort someone, to give someone confidence, to boost someone’s confidence,
  • some advice (non-count noun), a suggestion (countable noun)
  • to advise, to suggest, to counsel, to mentor someone
  • a mentor, an advisor, a coach, a guide, an instructor, a teacher, a trainer, a tutor, a counselor
  • strength, confidence, fortitude, perseverance, single-mindedness, tenacity, strong-mindedness, determination
  • resolute, steadfast, determined, dogged, single-minded, purposeful, be resolved to + verb, strong-willed, tenacious, strong-minded
  • to persist, to persevere, to learn from one’s failures, to stick it out, to see it through, to be bent on + verb, to be set on + verbal noun, to be intent on + verbal noun, to mean business, to be determined, to buckle down
  • a set goal, a fixed goal, a clear goal, a strong goal
  • to visualize success
  • to give up, to “throw in the towel”, to resign, to drop out (of school, university), to quit, to weaken, to waver

Version A

Describe a TV game show or a quiz program you enjoy watching. 

               You should say:

 what type of program it is

 when you watch it 

 what happens in this program 

 and explain why you enjoy watching it.

Version B

Describe a TV game show or a quiz program you enjoyed watching. 

               You should say:

 what type of program it was

 when you watched it 

 what happened in this program 

 and explain why you enjoyed watching it.

Notes

• I think Version A is more likely to be the current topic. For that version, you should say the name of the program (the series) and describe it in general. Version A is referring to your current TV-watching habits.

• For Version B, you could also talk about a series that you once watched in the past but no longer watch. Alternatively, in Version B, it is suitable to talk about a particular episode of a program (sometimes simply called, "a program"). This is more difficult because it requires you to remember one episode in detail.

Television

• Do people in your country like to watch TV?
• Why do some people like to watch TV on their computer?

Games

• What games did you enjoy playing when you were a child?
• What games do children play nowadays?
• Are there any differences between the games children's games and adults' games?
• Why do you think children play games (or, are playing games) today?

Describe a gift you took a long to choose.

               You should say:

 What it was

 Who it was for

 How this person felt about your gift

 And explain why you spent a lot of time choosing the gift.

Part 3

Gifts

• In your country, why do people give gifts to others?
• (Similar to above) In your country, on what occasions do people give gifts to others?
• What are some examples of the most common (or, popular) gifts that people give others in your country?
• Are there any gifts that people like to receive but are not very practical (useful)?
• Do you think people prefer receiving practical gifts, or other kinds of gifts?
• Do men and women have different attitudes towards gifts?

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.

               You should say:

                            where it is / Where it would be

                            what you would (like to) do there

                            who you would (like to) live there with

                and explain why you would like to live in this place.

Describe a job (a type of work) you would not like to do.

               You should say:  

                            what the job is

                            how you know about it

                            whether it is an easy or difficult job

               and explain why you would not like to do it.

Describe a job (a type of work) you would not like to do.

               You should say:  

                            what the job is

                            how you know about it

                            whether it is an easy or difficult job

               and explain why you would not like to do it.

Part 3

Work

• Which do you think is more important when doing a job, the income one gets or the amount of interest that one has in the work?
• Would you ever move to work and live in another city?
• Is it common in your country for people to move to other cities because of work?

High Technology

• In what areas (or, sectors of the economy) is science and technology most used?
• How do you think AI (artificial intelligence) will affect people’s work?
• That technology will make some people lose their jobs. How do you think this problem should be handled? FQ

Choosing a Job or Career

• What kinds of work (or jobs) do young people usually not want to do?
• When young people choose their jobs, which do you think is usually more important, the salary or their interest in the work?
• What would you say are the important factors to consider when choosing a career?
• What usually happens if there is a disagreement between parents and their children in choosing a job (or career)?

Describe a member of a team who you know about. *

               You should say:

 what team it is

 what role in the team this person plays

 .................

   and explain .......................

Part 3

Teams

• In a team, which do you think is more important, to pursue individual development or to achieve team targets?
• Do you think it’s important (or, necessary) for children to join teams in order to learn to cooperate with others?
• Do you think disagreements among team members have a great influence on the teamwork?

Children and Teamwork

• Do you think children who have siblings are better at teamwork?
• Can you suggest how teamwork could be cultivated in classes at school?

A) Describe a new building you would like to visit

or

B) Describe a new public building you would like to visit.

               You should say:

 where it is

 when it was built

 what it looks like

 how you know about it

 and explain why you would like to visit it.

Part 3

(Public) Buildings in Your Country

• What kinds of public buildings are there in your country?
• (Possible question) What are some examples of public places that you have in the towns or cities in your country?
• Which cities have modern buildings (in your country)?
• (Possible question) What kinds of cities have modern buildings?
• What do you think is the most representative building in (or, of) you country?
• Which do you think is more important for a building, the exterior appearance or the interior facilities?
• Which do you think is more important for a building, the exterior appearance or the location?
• There are lots of skyscrapers in many countries. What are they used for?
• Do you think it's a good thing (a good idea) to have skyscrapers?

Old & New Buildings

• In general, do you prefer old or new buildings?
• Do you think it’s necessary to rebuild old buildings?
• Should the government build more new buildings, or should they preserve more historical buildings?
• Do you think if the new buildings in a city should be consistent with, or distinct from the current ones in appearance?
• How important do you think old (or, historic) buildings are in attracting tourists to a certain location?
• (Similar to above) What role do you think old (or, historic) buildings play in attracting tourists to a certain location?

People's Homes

• Would you say people (in your country) prefer living in new houses, or old ones?

• Version A Describe a park or garden you enjoyed visiting. You should say: What it was * When you went there Why you visited it What it looked like And explain why you enjoyed visiting it.   Version B Describe a park or garden you have enjoyed visiting. You should say: What it was (or, is) * Why you have visited it What it looks (or looked) like And explain why you have enjoyed visiting it     Notes
  • This topic has been used many times in the past.
  • It seems that Version A is the wording in use.
  • Notice that the wording above best suits a park or garden that you just visited once or a small number of times, not a place that you have been to many times. However, it would be quite easy to adapt your answer to speak about a park or garden that you regularly visit.
  • In previous versions of this topic, the card said something like, "You should say what you did there" or "You should say what people were doing there." Of course you can quickly include that information for this version, even if you are not specifically asked to say that.
   
• Part 3 Parks
  • What benefits can parks bring to a city?
  • Do you think the parks in your city are clean and attractive?
  • Would you say people should help maintain public parks and gardens?
  • Do young people often go to a park?
  Gardens
  • Are public parks and gardens available for planting vegetables?
  • Can you suggest why some people plant flowers at home?
   

Some vocabulary:

• the entrance
• an entrance fee
• a statue
• sculptures
• a fountain
• a pool
• a lake
• a pond
• a river
• a bridge
• a rockery
• a bamboo grove
• a fish pond
• lawns
• gardens
• flowers
• plants
• trees
• vines
• bamboo
• a park bench = a park seat
• in the shade
• in the sun
• a pathway = a path
• to stroll
• to walk
• to jog
• to do exercises
• to do stretching exercises
• to do aerobics
• to chat
• to dance
• to play a musical instrument
• to perform
• to sing
• to entertain
• to relax
• to play chess

Describe a party that you enjoyed attending recently.

You should say:

why the party was held

who was there * (or, who held the party)

what you did there (or, what happened there)

and explain why you enjoyed it.

Part 3

Parties

• Why do people hold (or, go to) parties?
• In your country, what are the differences between what adults usually do when they are at a party, compared to what children do at a children's party?
• (Similar to above) What do adults do at (adult) parties?
• (Similar to above) What do children like to do at birthday parties?
• What do people generally eat at a party?
• Do many parents in your country hold birthday parties for their children?
• Do you think parents should spend a lot of money on parties for their children?
• When (on what occasions) do people in your country hold a party?
• Are those parties all the same?
• Do you think there are more parties (or, people are holding more parties) today than in the past?
• Do you think that people sometimes spend too much money on a party?
• Do wedding receptions (festivities, dinners) cost a lot of money?
• Can you explain why many (or, most) people spend so much money on weddings?
• What are the differences between poor people and rich people when they celebrate a wedding?
• Do you think it (always) takes a lot of money to have a party?
• Do you think that people sometimes spend too much money on social entertainment?
• Some people don't like going to parties. Can you suggest why?
• What do those people prefer doing, instead of going to parties?
• Do you think it's good for young people to socialize with other young people?
• Some people think a party is a good occasion to make news friends or possibly find a girlfriend or boyfriend. Do you agree?

Festivals (Festive Occasions)

Possibly the words, "traditional holidays" are used for some questions here.

• What festive occasions in your country are usually celebrated by holding a "get together" or party?
• Do you like those occasions?
• Do you think there should be more of them?
• What do people generally do on those occasions?
• Do you think foreign culture has had (or is having) any influence on the festive occasions that people celebrate in your country?
• Do you think family gatherings (celebrations, parties) are important?
• Do families in your country come together very often?
• What would you say is the most famous traditional festival in your country? (Why?)
• Do you know much about the meanings of (or, behind) your traditional festivals?
• Do you know any of the legends behind some of these festivals?
• Do you think everyone in your country knows about those legends?
• Can you explain how everyone remembers (or knows) how to celebrate these festivals?
• Do you think they will still be celebrated in the same way in the future?
• Do you think foreign tourists are (or, would be) very interested in (or, attracted by) these festivals?
• Do you think any of these festivals are important for the tourism industry?

Leisure Activities

• What types of leisure activities do people enjoy doing in your country?
• What would you say are the benefits of playing computer games in one's leisure time?
• Which do you think is more beneficial, playing computer games, or playing outdoor games?
• (Similar to above) What's the difference between playing computer games and doing physical exercise?

Describe a performance you enjoyed watching. 

    You should say:

         what the performance was

         when and where you watched the performance

         who was performing (or, who performed)

   and explain why you enjoyed the performance.

Part 3

• Do you prefer (to attend) concerts or traditional performances?
• Do you think traditional performances are important?
• What do you think is the difference between watching a live performance and watching it on TV?
• How do you think watching a dance performance or a stage play influences children?

Describe a person who is often in the news, and who you would like to meet.

               You should say:

                            who this person is

                            how you know him/her

                            why he/she is often in the news

               and explain why you would like to meet him/her.

Part 3

The News

• Do you think the contents in the newspapers are reliable?
• Do you think it’s necessary for people to watch foreign news?
• Do you like reading the news?
• What are the differences between news in the past (e.g., 20yeras ago) and news now?
• How does the way people receive news differ from 20 years ago？
• What would you say are the differences between receiving the news by text (= in writing) as compared to receiving it in the form of video? 
• Do you think old people and young people are all interested in the same kinds of news?

Famous People

• What kinds of (famous) people are usually in the news in your country?
• Do foreigners ever (or, often) appear in the news in your country?

Describe a person who taught you something important.

               You should say:

                            who this person was

                            what they taught you

                             how they taught it to you

                and explain why you think what they taught is important.

Part 3

Innovation

• What are the differences in attitude between the elderly and the young towards fresh things in society, such as new ideas and new things?
• In what ways can we encourage others to accept new ideas and things (accept innovation)?

Competition

• Do you think competition is a good thing?
• Do you think people can make friends with their competitors?

Children's Education

• Can you suggest how we could (or, can)  make children more interested in learning (or, study)?
• Who would you say is more important to the education of a child, the parents or teachers?
• When do you think is the best time for children to start learning English?

Describe a person you know who usually travels by plane.

               You should say:

 who the person is

 what the person does (job/student etc.)

 how this person feels about flying

 and explain why they (= he or she) usually travels by plane.

Part 3

Transport

• What are the differences between travelling on airplanes (airplanes) and on trains?
• Do you know if any trains in your country can take you to another country?
• Have you traveled on this train?
• Some people enjoy spending time on train a train trip, and once they arrive at the destination, they return back (immediately). What do you think of doing that?

Air Travel

• What would you say are the advantages and disadvantages if an airport is far away from a city center?
• What do you think are the effects of airplanes on the environment?

Describe a person who (you think) has interesting ideas or opinions.  

               You should say:

 who this person is

 how you know this person

 what interesting ideas/opinions he or she has

  and explain you think why his/her ideas are interesting.

Note:

This exact same topic has not been used before.

"how you know this person" can mean either, "know personally" or "know about".

Part 3

Ideas

• What kinds of ideas are respected in your country?`
• Whose ideas are most respected?
• Can you give an example of a famous person whose ideas have changed people’s lives?

Children and Ideas

• When (at what age) would you say children start to have their own ideas?
• Do you think children always have the same ideas (or, opinions) as their parents?
• Where do these ideas come from?
• Who do you think has more influence on children's ideas, their parents or their teachers?
• How can teachers (or parents) encourage their students (their children) to form their own opinions?
• Do you think parents should follow their children’s ideas, or should they say "No" to them?
• Can you suggest why children, as they grow older, have more and more disagreements with their parents about ideas?
• Do you think parents should set up some rules for their children concerning what ideas they express (or, have)?
• Can children (in your culture) say "No" to their parents?

 A Phone Call

Describe a time you heard someone you don't know talking on their phone.

               You should say:

 when it was

 where you were when you heard it

 what the person was talking about

 and explain how you felt (after) when you heard this person talking.

Part 3

Speaking in a Public Place

• What do you think would be the differences between hearing a conversation between two people sitting near you on a train, and hearing one person near you speaking on their phone?
• Do you think it's good to talk loudly on a bus?
• In your opinion, would it be a good idea to have laws prohibiting speaking loudly in public?

Rules in Public Places

• What kinds of rules would you say are important in public places?
• Why do some people always break rules in public places?

Describe a (picture or) photograph in your home.

               You should say:

 what is in the photo

 where this photo is in your home

 how this picture was taken

and explain what this photo means to you.

Note:

• It might say, "in your family" instead of "in your home". "In your family" gives you a wider choice. For example, you could then choose to talk about a photo that your grandparents have but they live in a separate home to you. But for most cases, "home" and "family" would have the same function for this topic.
• I have chosen to only emphasize the word "photo" or photograph" in the first line, even though some people have reported that wording is more like, "Describe a photograph or picture in your home". Of course, if the word "picture" is also included in the first line, then the word "photo" above would be replaced by "photo or picture", and it would be suitable to describe a painting or drawing that is hanging on the wall of your home. Some people have reported that the first line has both words while others have reported only the one word, "photo" in the first line. I think that is more likely.
• Note that English speakers often say, "picture" to mean "photograph", as in, "take a picture".

Possible follow-up questions:

• Does anyone else in your family like that photo?

Part3:

Photography

• On what occasions do you take photos?
• What are the major differences between traditional cameras and digital cameras?
• (Close to the question above) What are the major differences between taking pictures using a traditional camera, compared to using a digital camera?
• Do you think mobile phones are good for taking photos (= "taking pictures")?
• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of taking photos with a mobile phone?
• (Not the same as above) What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having a camera in your mobile phone?
• Do young people in your country like to take photos?
• Why do young people like to use the mobile phone camera (so much)?
• What's your opinion about people who take photos of everything?
• Do you like to take pictures of yourself?
• When you are taking a "selfie", how does the self-timer setting work?
• What types of people would you say are best at taking photos?
• How do people in your country keep their photos?
• Can you suggest why photography (or, taking photos) gives people pleasure?
• Can you suggest why (some) people think that old photos are the most precious?

Visual Art / Art Classes

• Would you say that art such as painting and drawing is important?
• Do you think people can learn to paint and draw or is it an inborn talent?
• Would you, yourself, ever take an art class?
• (Similar) Would you like to take an art class?
• Do you think people can learn to draw when they are adults?
• In your opinion, what benefits could an adult derive from attending art classes (or, from studying art)?
• Do you think it's necessary for a person to be good at art (e.g., drawing or painting) in order to benefit from doing it?
• Where can people in your country go to attend an art class?
• Do you think children should learn how to draw and paint?
• Do you think schools should include art in their syllabuses?
• Do you think the visual arts such as painting and drawing should be compulsory subjects in school?
• What do school children learn in art classes at school?
• Can early childhood art classes be beneficial later in life?
• Do you think learning to draw or paint can improve a person's (or, a child's) intelligence?
• How do young people (and/or children) benefit from an art class (or, from learning to paint)?
• Would you say adults could also benefit from learning how to draw and paint?
• Would you say adults could also benefit from drawing and painting?
• How do you think elderly people would benefit from engaging in painting and drawing?
• Would you say photography is an art form?
• When would you say that photography becomes a form of art?
• (Possible, unreported question) How would you compare the art form of photography with painting or drawing? *

Professional Photographers

• Do you think being a photographer would be (or, is) a good career?
• (Similar to above) Would you like to be a professional photographer?
• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of working as a professional photographer?
• Do you think it would be easy to make a living that way, for example, to earn enough to support a family?
• What is the work situation for professional photographers in your country at the moment?
• Do you think working as a photo-journalist is safe?

Version A

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

               You should say:

                               where this place was

                               what it looked like

                               what people were doing at this place (Or, what you did there)

                               why you went there *

                               who you went there with *

               and explain why you liked this place.

* Of course, the real card will only have three points following, "You should say".

Version B

Describe a water sport you would like to try.

               You should say:

 what sport it is

 where this sport is done

 what equipment is needed to do this sport

  and explain why you would like try it.

Important Note:

• The Part 3 questions that have been reported in this test period are very similar to, if not identical to questions that have been asked in the past for the Part 2 topic of, "A Place Near Water".

That is, in the past, there often were Part 3 questions on the topic of "water sports" or recreational activities at a place with water  when the Part 2 topic was, "A Place Near Water".

I think it is most likely that the real wording for the current topic is similar to the wording shown as Version A, However, it is possible that this time, "A Water Sport" is the real Part 2 topic.

Part 3

Places Near Water

• Can you suggest why many people like to be in (or, go to) a place near water?

Water Transport

• Why do think transport on water was developed?

Places with Water

• What kinds of places with water do we have in the world?
• Are there any particular places in your country that have a lot of water, such as a lake or beaches?
• In general, why do you think people like going to places that have water?
• Do you think more people than before are moving to live in places that are near water?
• Do you think there is anything unique about the air at the beach?
• How do people in your country pass the time when they have a holiday?
• Do people in your country like to go to the beach for recreation?
• (Similar to above) Are holidays (vacations) to places with lots of water very popular in your country?
• Can you explain why people enjoy spending leisure time at a place such as a beach or river?
• Do you think spending time near water can help relieve the pressure of modern life?
• What activities do (or can) people do on (or, in) the water at these places?
• Do children and adults generally do the same things when they visit these places?
• Can you explain why children like to go to a beach?
• Why do children like to dig in the sand at a beach and build sand castles?
• What water sports do they do in these places?
• Is boating (or, sailing) a very popular activity in your country?
• Do you think government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports (or, recreational activities on the water)?

Leisure Activities Near (or on) Water

• Do many people in your country like to go to a place with water for a vacation or for leisure?
• Which activity is more popular in your country, going to the seaside or climbing a mountain?
• Why do some people prefer to go to places with water?
• What are the benefits and possible disadvantages of going to a place near water for a vacation or as a leisure time activity?
• What leisure activities do people do at a place with water?
• Do you think a place near water such as beach or seaside is a good place for children and old people to spend their leisure time?
• Do you think children and old(er) people do the same things when they spend leisure at a place with water?
• Do you like water sports?
• Do you think water is used more for competitive sports or for leisure (including non-competitive water-based sporting activities)?
• Why do many people like water sports?
• Do you think the government should encourage people to do some water sports?

The Attractions of Places with Water

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

Water Sports / Recreational Activities at Places with Water

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

Living Near Water

• Why do people like places with a lot of water?
• (Similar to above) Why do so many people like to live or work close to water?
• (Similar to above) Why are so many cities built near places with water?
• Why do you think  is the ocean so important to people who live near it?
• What are some of the things that people can do when they live near (or visit) the ocean?
• What are some differences between seeing a place such as a waterfall or the ocean on TV and actually visiting that place?
• Do you think people get mostly emotional (or, mental) benefits from living near water or physical benefits?

Water Sports

• (Besides swimming), can you think of any examples of water sports?
• What are some differences between swimming and these sports?
• What are some differences between swimming in a swimming pool and swimming in the sea?

Children and Swimming

• Why do you think children (like to play in) places with water?
• Do you think it's important for children to learn how to swim?
• What do you think are the advantages of learning to swim at an early age?
• Do you think it's best for a child to be taught to swim by a parent or by someone else?
• Do you think schools should teach children how to swim?

Some vocabulary:

Water Usage

• consume/consumption
• in agriculture
• in industry
• trickle irrigation
• domestic uses (= household uses)
• watering public lawns and gardens
• taking/having a bath
• taking/having a shower
• cleaning/brushing your (my) teeth
• flushing the toilet
• washing the dishes
• washing the car
• turn off/turn on
• a tap (U.S. = a faucet)
• a running tap

Water (for drinking)

• to “keep hydrated” = to “keep my body hydrated”; to “keep myself hydrated”
• body fluid
• Good for the skin (the complexion), especially if you drink water before bed.
• Sweat = perspiration
• To re-hydrate myself
• To cleanse the body
• A liter of water, a cup of water, a glass of water
• Possible impurities in tap water – rust; heavy metals esp. lead (Pb); bacteria; fluoride (added to water to kill bacteria and to strengthen teeth but many people feel it is a poison); other chemicals especially if the water is from a river or a lake.
• Potable (= “drinkable” but we don’t usually say or write, “drinkable”). For example, clean water is potable.
• Distilled water
• Spring water
• Rain water, a water tank
• A reservoir
• A water catchment area
• Ground water (=  water from underground)
• A water dispensing machine
• A water purifier (sometimes attached to taps, usually including a filter.)
• To boil water, to kill bacteria (= to sterilize the water)
• a culture (tradition) of drinking hot / warm water
• Bottled water – usually sold in 500 or 600 ml plastic bottles but also sold in larger containers that can be delivered to your home or office.

Water Sports

These are mainly recreational sports, although some of them are competitive sometimes, such as surfing contest.

• surfing

-         surfboard riding

-         body surfing

• sailing

-         one-man, small sailboats

-         ocean-going yachting

• sailboarding
• water skiing
• jet-skiing
• scuba diving
• canoeing / kayaking
• fishing

-         with a line

-         with a fishing rod

• scuba diving
• snorkeling

Describe a place, (not your home), that is good for reading and writing.

               You should say:

 where the place is

 how often do you go there

 what you do there

 and explain why it is good for reading and writing.

Part 3

Places to Read and Write

• Do you think many people choose to go to a forest or a riverside to read and write?

Reading

• Do you think people get more information from books or from videos?
• What are the differences between reading books at home and in a library?
• Apart from a library, where do people students in your country like to go to when they want to read books?

Literacy

• Which do you think is more important, reading or writing?
• Can you suggest why people need to have good writing skills?
• In your country, at what age do most people start to learn to write and write?
• How long do you think it takes for a child to learn to be literate?

Describe ....................

               You should say:

 ..................

 .................

 .................

 and explain .......................

Version A - past tense

Describe a place where you spent (or, had) a good time with your friends

               You should say:

 where it was

 when you went there

 what you did together

 and explain why you had a good time there.

Version B - present tense

Describe a place where you (go to) spend a good time with your friends

               You should say:

 where it is

 when you go there

 what you do together

 and explain why you have a good time there.

Part 3

Friends

• Do you prefer to be (or, spend time) with a close friend, or do things in a group?
• (Similar to above) Do you think people generally prefer being with a large group of people, or with just a few friends?
• Do people in your country spend more time with their family or their friends?
• What are the main differences between spending time with family and spending time with friends?
• Would you say it’s important to spend time with friends?
• What do friends do when they are together?
• Do you think science and technology improves the relationships between people?

Social Skills / Socializing

• Would you say that it's important for people to socialize with others?
• Many people say that human beings are born with social skills. Do you agree?
• Would you say children naturally have social skills?
• How do people (in your country) usually socialize with others?
• What kind of social skills do people need when they are with other people?
• Can you suggest how an introverted person could become more sociable when they are with other people?

Modern Lifestyles

• Can you suggest why people nowadays (seem to) lead such a busy life?
• How do you think the use of modern (communications) technology is affecting people's social lives (compared to the days before this technology was in use)?
• How do you think people's work-life balance has changed in recent years?

Describe a useful practical skill that you learned (such as driving a car, speaking a foreign language, cooking etc).

            You should say:

                        why you learned this skill

                        how (and when) you learned it

                        how difficult it was to learn

            and explain how this skill is useful to you.

Part 3

Skills in General

• Besides your example (Part 2), can you think of any other practical skills (that most people have)?
• What would you say is the most important practical skill to have in modern society?
• Do you think we need to have practical skills to use modern technology?
•  What do you think might be the most important skill in the future?
• In your opinion. what kinds of skills are the most difficult to learn?

• Jobs and Skills

  • Can you give me any examples of jobs that require skills?
  • What kinds of professions require practical skills?

Describe a prize you would like to win.  

                or            

Describe an award you would like to receive.  

            You should say:

 what prize (or award) it is (or, would be) 

how you know about (or learned about) this prize/award

what you would need to do to get it (or, how you would win it)

 and explain why you would like to win this prize (or, receive this award)

Ouestion you might be asked:

Are many other people interested in winning/receiving this prize/award?

Part 3

Prizes and Awards

• Do you think it's good to award prizes in school and/university?
• Is it good to have competition? 
• (Similar to above) What are the advantages and disadvantages of having competition? 
• Do you think companies should give their employees prizes?

Prizes for Children

• What are some examples of prizes for children?

Some vocabulary:

• An award, to award, be awarded
• (Not exactly the same as an award) a reward, to reward, to be rewarded; to show gratification
• A prize
• A medal
• An achievement
• A public (or, an official) acknowledgement of hard work and achievement
• A certificate, a degree, a diploma, a graduation certificate
• A qualification for certain types of work
• A champion, a championship
• A contest, a competition

Version A

Describe a well-known product from your hometown, region or country*.

               You should say:

 What it is

 Where people can buy it

 Who usually buys it?

 And explain why it is well-know (or, popular).

              .

Version B

Describe a popular product in your hometown.

               You should say:

 What it is

 Where people can buy it

 Who usually buys it?

 And explain why it is popular in your hometown.

Notes

• Some people have reported it as just from your hometown but not everyone's hometown produces a product that would be suitable for this Part 2. So I think the wording in Version A is more likely. Previously a topic similar to this was used.
• Version B seems to describe more a product that is consumed in your hometown rather than made in your hometown, although it could be both.
• I suggest you prepare for both versions.

Part 3

Products, especially Traditional Products From Your Country

• Besides the example you just spoke about (in Part 2), can you think of any other traditional (or cultural) products in your country?
• Would you say traditional products that are made in your country today are the same quality as the products that were produced in historical times?
• (Similar to above) Would you say traditional products in your country today are of high quality?
• What would you say are the differences between traditional products (or objects) and modern ones that serve the same purpose? For example, how are modern clothes in your country different to traditional clothes from your country?
• (Similar to above) Which do you think are better, traditional products or the modern products that have replaced them?
• Do you think it's important for (some) people to learn how to make traditional products in schools and/or in the home?
• Do you think traditions should be (or, need to be) protected?

 Note

Anything "traditional" is at least about 200 years old and could even be thousands of years old.

Describe a school that you attended during your childhood.

               You should say:

 what it looked like

 what teachers you liked

 what you learned at the school

   and explain what you remember most about the school.

Part 3

Teachers

• Nowadays, teachers have become friendlier than they were in the past. Do you think that’s a good thing?
• What kinds of preparation do you think teachers might need to do before teaching a class?
• Do you think teachers need to be trained in a professional way?

Computers at School

• Do you think school students nowadays like using computers?
• Which do you use more, the internet or the library?

School Students

• Do you think school students today study harder than previous generations (did)?

Describe one of the happiest (or most special) days in your life.

               You should say:

 when it was

 where you were

 what happened (or, what you did) that day

 and explain why it was such a happy (or special) day for you.

Part 3

Happiness

• Would you say that people (in your country) are generally happier today than people were 20 or 30 years ago?

Memory

• What are some examples of memories from childhood that many (or most) people have?
• What are some ways that people today use to preserve memories?
• Do you think photos are a good way to help people preserve memories (or, keep past events in a person's memory)?
• How do people such as police record events?
• What do you think would happen if history was incorrectly recorded?

Celebrating Important Days

• How do people in your country celebrate 'big days' (important events)?
• Do they spend a lot of money on these celebrations?
• Do people spend a lot of money celebrating (their own or their friends') birthdays?
• In your opinion, is it necessary to spend money in order to make friends (or, maintain a friendship)?

  A Sport that You Do  

Describe ....................

               You should say:

 ..................

 .................

 .................

 and explain .......................

Describe a successful small business that you know about.

               You should say:

                                what business (or, company) it is

                                what this business does (or, produces)

                                how you know about this business

              and explain why you think this company is successful.

              .

Notes

• Some people are reporting this as "A Successful Small Company" but not all businesses have the legal status of being 'companies'.
• "explain why you think this company is successful" can mean either, a) why you have this opinion (it is successful) about this business or, b) The reason for the success of this company.

Part 3

Success in Business

• In general, what factors do you think determine whether a small company will become successful or not?      
• Can you suggest why some businesses become successful while others do not?
• What qualities are required to become a company leader (or, CEO or, manager)?      

Types of Companies

• Do you think companies should be private or state owned? (or what’s the difference between private companies and state-owned companies?)         
• Are there any differences between the industrial structure in your country today compared to he past? 
• Do you think high technology plays an important role in a company’s development?       
• What do you think of charitable organizations?

Working in a Company

• Which do you think is better, to start your own business or to work for others?

Describe a time when someone apologized to you.

       You should say:

              when this happened

              what you were doing (or, what happened)

              who apologized to you

       and explain why they apologized to you.

Part 3

Apologizing

• In what situations do you think people need to (or, should) apologize?
• What kinds of people are most likely to say sorry?
• What do you think of those people who don't apology very often?
• Do you usually apologize when you make a mistake?
• Do you think you can you tell (or detect) if someone apologizes without meaning it?

Moods

• Can you explain how one person's mood can affect others?

  Version A

Describe a time when you gave advice to someone else

               You should say:

 who you gave it to

 what the advice was

 how you gave the advice

 and explain what the results were.

                or

and explain why you gave this advice

Version B

Describe a time you received advice related to your work or subject.

        You should say:

                    when you received the advice

                    who gave you the advice

                    what was the advice

        and explain how you felt after listening to the advice.

Part 3

Advice for Young People, and Children

• What advice do young people receive from their parents and friends?
• What advice do parents give to children? (talk about children, not teenagers)
• What kinds of advice do parents give to teenagers about making friends?
• Would you say most young people prefer to take the advice of their parents, or that of their friends?
• Do you think parents should advise their children on what friends to have?
• (Similar to above) Do you think parents should advise their children about (or, on) making friends?
• Do you think parents should support the decisions that their children make for themselves?
• What would they (parents in your country) do if their children made bad friends?

Professional Advice-Givers

• What are some examples of people who give advice to others as a job?
• When these people give advice, (such as when a doctor advises a patient), what should they pay particular attention to?
• How do these experts give advice to others?
• What kind of (examples of) skills do people need to have in order to give advice to others?

Giving Advice

• Do you like to offer advice to other people?
• In general, would you say people in your country like to offer advice to other people?
• Would you say that people usually listen to the advice that others give them?
• Would you give advice to your friends when they didn’t ask for it?

Describe a time when you were bored when you were with other people.

               You should say:

 When and where it was

 What you were doing

 Who you were with

 And explain why you were bored.

Part 3

Boredom

• Are you the kind of person who easily gets (feels) bored?
• Can you explain why people get bored?
• Why do you think people are less interested in reading books nowadays?
• Some people say that it’s hard to feel bored in modern society, do you agree with that?
• Would you say modern technology is making people’s lives more interesting?

Boredom in the Workplace

• Why do you think some people feel bored at their work?
• (Similar to above) Why do you think some work makes people feel bored?
• Can you give any examples of boring work?
• (Similar to above) Why do some people do work that is boring?
• Do you think all the boring jobs will be done by robots in the future?
• (Similar to above) Do you think all the boring jobs will be replaced by high technology in the future?

Describe one morning when you got up very early.

               You should say:

 when (or, what time) you got up

 what you did

 why you got up early

 and explain why you remember this.

Part 3

Sleep

• Can you think of any other occasions when people have to get up early?
• What effect would sleeping late have on one’s life?
• What kinds of (or, what are some examples of) jobs require people to get up early?
• What do you think are the benefits of getting up early?
• Can you suggest why some people like to get up early?
• Do you think old people find it easier to get up early than young people?
• What time do people usually get to bed (in your country)?
• Do people (in your country) usually (or, like to) have a nap in the middle of the day?
• What do you think are the benefits of having a nap?

Working and Studying Times

• What do you think of people who work night shifts?
• Do you think it's better for young people to study in the morning, or in the evening?

Some vocabulary:

Early

• Proverb: “The early bird catches the worm.”
• An early riser
• At dawn, before dawn, at sunrise, before sunrise; when the sun comes up
• Frost (on the ground), dark, fresh air, quiet, birds
• Shiftwork
• (Sleeping late) - Miss out on part of the day; miss the best part of the day; spend too much time alone late at night; a “night owl”
• Benefits of early – experiencing the best part of the day; getting out of the house; meeting different people; getting more done during the day; a positive start to the day

Sleep

• about eight hours a day
• to “hit the sack” (colloquial)
• my bedtime
• a “night owl”
• a “morning person”
• to “recharge the batteries” (or battery)
• “put my head down on my desk”
• A “cat nap” = a nap for just a few minutes
• To/a snooze
• old people – You can say you’re not sure or you can talk about your grandmother who used to live with you.
• insomnia
• importance of sleep – mood, alertness (ability to concentrate), general health, attractiveness, . . .

Describe a time when you lost something

               You should say:

 When it was

 What you lost

 Whether you found it again

 And explain how you felt when you first discovered you had lost it.     .

Part 3

Losing Things

• Can you give me some reasons to explain why people lose things?
• What sorts of things do people most commonly (or, most often) lose?
• How do you think we can avoid losing things?
• If you saw something on the ground that someone had dropped, would you pick it up?
• Do you think its right (or, OK) to keep something that someone has lost and that you have found?

Describe a time when you stayed with your friends, or a friend.

               You should say:

 who you stayed with

 were you stayed

 what you did together

 and explain how you felt while staying with your friend(s).

Part 3

Family versus Friends

• In general, do people spend more time with their family or with their friends?
• What are the main differences between staying with family and staying with friends?

Relationships

• Would you say most people prefer being with a large group of people, or with a few friends?
• Do you think science and technology improves the relationships between people?

Describe a trip you took by public transport.

               You should say:

                        when it happened 

                        what means of transport you took

                        what you did during the trip

                and explain how you felt about the trip.

              .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Possible follow-up questions:

• Do you often take public transport?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Part 3

• What are the different forms of (means of) transport that people can use in your country?
• Can you suggest why some people travel by bus and not by air?
• Why do you think more and more people prefer to travel by plane?
• Do you think the cost of travelling is reasonable in your country?
• What kinds of obstacles do you think some local governments have to face when they develop transportation infrastructure?
• What are some examples of (possible) problems that people have when they travel?
• Do you think traffic jams would be reduced if people could travel on public transport for free?
• How do you think transportation might change in the future?

Describe a TV program you enjoyed watching during your childhood (or, when you were a child).

               You should say:

 what kind of program it was

 what it was about

 when you watched it

   and explain why you enjoyed watching the program.

Part 3

• Nowadays, what kinds of TV programs do young people enjoy watching?

Note 1

In the questions below, you can interpret the words, "What kinds of people?" to mean, "What are some examples of people who . . ?"

What kinds of people need to keep awake when they are tired?

This question is mostly asking you to name occupations, such as taxi drivers. But there are very few jobs where you can sleep at work (during work time)! So a more general answer would be that people who are doing work where even falling asleep momentarily would (or could) endanger themselves or other people.

A variation of that question is – What kinds of people must (or, have to) keep awake when they are tired?

This is somewhat different (or can be different) to the previous question. Examples would be people who need to complete a task that night, before they go to sleep because of a deadline such as students who have to finish writing an essay that is due the next day, or journalists who have to finish writing a news story before the printing of tomorrow's newspaper begins (often at around midnight). People who have made a promise to complete a task before a certain deadline are similar.

People such as nurses or mothers of babies must attend to the needs of the people they are taking care of if the occasion demands it, even late at night when they might feel tired such as a crying baby or a patient in hospital who is in great pain or suffering a medical emergency.

Note 2

What kinds of people stay awake even when they are tired?

This question is similar to, What kinds of people can't fall asleep even when they are tired and are trying to fall asleep?

The most obvious answer to that is, "insomniacs" (people suffering from insomnia) – people who can't fall asleep even though they want to. Similarly: people who are under great stress; people who are very worried about something; people experiencing great pain; and people who are in a very noisy or otherwise uncomfortable environment such as extreme cold, extreme heat  or a very uncomfortable bed (after all, we need to feel a certain level of comfort in order to fall asleep).

Describe a uniform you have worn, (such as a school or company uniform).

          You should say:

                 what it looked like            

                 when and where you needed to wear this uniform

                 who paid for this uniform

         and explain how you felt about that uniform. 

                    or

        and explain why you wore that uniform.

Part 3

School Uniforms

• Why do school students wear a school uniform?
• Do university students ever wear uniforms?       
• Why don’t teachers wear the same uniforms as their students?
• Do you think they should? *       
• In your country, do schools provide similar uniforms to their students?                  
• Are there any schools in China that allows students to wear their own clothes?
• What would you say are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a school uniform?

Other Kinds of Uniforms

• What kinds of professions need to wear uniforms?
• What would you say are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a uniform?

The Clothes that People Wear

• Do you think people wear clothes that represent (or reflect) their personality?
• Do you think women’s clothes show more variety than men’s clothes?
• What color clothes do you think would catch people’s attention the most?

Describe a time when you went on a trip and your vehicle (e.g., car or bus) broke down.

               You should say:

 where you went

 who you went with

 how long it took to resolve this problem

 and explain what the problem was.

              .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question which you might be asked

• Was this the first time . . .?

Part 3

Travel

• Who do you think like to travel more, young people or old people?

Public Transport versus Private Transport

• What do you think needs to be improved in public transport?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of private transport?
• Would you say fewer people are using private cars because of improved public transport?

Describe a time you received advice on choosing a job or subject.

        You should say:

                    when you received the advice

                    who gave you the advice

                    what the advice was

        and explain how you felt after listening to the advice.

Note:

• In the first line, "Describe a time you received advice on choosing a job or subject", the word, "job" might actually be "career". The word "subject" is the British style of saying, "major" but it can also be interpreted to mean simply a class at university or a similar institute.
• The last line, (after, "and explain") might not be 100% accurate here.

Part 3

Advice for Young People, and Children

• What advice do young people receive from their parents and friends?
• What advice do parents give to children? (talk about children, not teenagers)
• What kinds of advice do parents give to teenagers about making friends?
• Would you say most young people prefer to take the advice of their parents, or that of their friends?
• Do you think parents should advise their children on what friends to have?
• (Similar to above) Do you think parents should advise their children about (or, on) making friends?
• Do you think parents should support the decisions that their children make for themselves?
• What would they (parents in your country) do if their children made bad friends?

Professional Advice-Givers

• What are some examples of people who give advice to others as a job?
• When these people give advice, (such as when a doctor advises a patient), what should they pay particular attention to?
• How do these experts give advice to others?
• What kind of (examples of) skills do people need to have in order to give advice to others?

Giving Advice

• Do you like to offer advice to other people?
• In general, would you say people in your country like to offer advice to other people?
• Would you say that people usually listen to the advice that others give them?
• Would you give advice to your friends when they didn’t ask for it?

Describe a time you celebrated an achievement (of yours).

               You should say:

 when you celebrated it

 what your achievement was

 how you celebrated it

 and explain how you felt when you celebrated the achievement.

Part 3

Celebrating Achievements of Sports Teams (or clubs)

• Can you explain why sports fan celebrate when their favorite team wins a game?
• Do you think it’s important for sports fans to celebrate when their favorite team wins?
• Would you say most people prefer to win as a member of  a team, or by themselves?

Family Celebrations

• How do people in your country celebrate family events?
• Do you think that's very different from other countries?

Celebrating Important Days

• How do people in your country celebrate 'big days' (important events)?
• Do they spend a lot of money on these celebrations?
• Do people spend a lot of money celebrating (their own or their friends') birthdays?
• In your opinion, is it necessary to spend money in order to make friends (or, maintain a friendship)?

Describe an advertisement that you remember well. 

You should say:

        when you saw it

        where you saw it

      what the advertisement was about

and explain why you remember it.

Part 3

• Do you think people (tend to) buy a product as a result of (or, after seeing) and advertisement for that product?
• Can you suggest why some people dislike advertisements?/
• Do you like loud commercials (advertisements) on TV?
• Do you think music plays an important role in TV commercials (advertisements)?

Describe an article you read in a magazine or on the Internet that could help people improve their health.

       You should say:

                when you read it 

                where you read it  (or, how you read it)

                what it was about               

       and explain why (you think) it could improve people’s health.

Possible follow-up questions:

• Do you often read that kind of magazine / website?

Part 3

Being Healthy

• What sorts of things do some people do today to try to maintain good health?
• Are there any differences between the way old people and young people try to stay healthy?
• How do you think people could become more healthier?
• Do you think people in the future will be doing more exercise and eat healthier than they are today?
• Would you like to learn how to swim?
• Do schools in your country have any special activities to enhance the fitness of students?

         .

Describe a historical building you have visited.

               You should say:

 where it was

 what it looked like

 what you learned there

 and explain why you visited this historical building

Part 3

Historical Buildings

What kinds of buildings can be considered as historical buildings?

What are the differences between modern and historical buildings?

Do people in your country like to visit historical buildings?

(Similar to above, but different) Do people in your country often visit historical buildings?

Do children like to go to that kind of place?

Do people from your country like to visit historical buildings in foreign countries? FQ

Are there any historical buildings in your hometown?

Do you think people who damage historical sites should be put in prison?

Do you think historical buildings should be preserved?

Would people in your country agree to using government funds to preserve historical buildings?

• Cities

• In your opinion, which are (the) better places to live in, big cities or small cities?

:Some vocabulary

• In general, a “building” is a structure that has a door or an entrance that allows people to enter. A bridge, a wall etc, are also “structures”, but are not “buildings”.
• A structure, including a building, is “built” or “constructed”.
• the facade, the exterior
• the interior
• a back yard, a front yard, a courtyard, a garden
• the roof, the floor, the walls
• the ceiling
• the foundations
• building materials – stone, brick, timber (wood), bamboo
• roof beams, exposed beams
• tiles
• a single story building; a two-story building
• a flight of stairs
• steps (leading to a front or back door)
• the architecture (non-count noun); the style (countable noun); the design (countable noun)
• ornate, ornamental,
• the decor (=the color, style, and arrangement of the objects in a room)
• a temple, a church, a pagoda
• a residential building, a mansion, an official residence, a palace
• to maintain, to repair, to preserve
• a protected building
• dilapidated (adj.) = in poor condition, needing maintenance or repairs. Usually used to describe the outside of a building.
• to rot, rotten (for wood) = decayed, rusty, peeling paint, faded paint
• to demolish

Describe an important a text message you received.

    You should say:

         who sent the message

         what was in the message

         why the person sent the message

    and explain why the message was important to you.

Part 3

• Have the ways that people communicate changed much in the recent few decades?
• Can you suggest why some people don’t like using text messages?
• Why don't people make phone calls instead of texting (sending text messages)?
• What do you think are some of the main differences between communicating by writing and communicating by speaking?
• Do you think scientific (or technological) development has any negative influence on communication? 

Describe an indoor game you played when you were a child.

               You should say:

 what the game was

 who you played it with

 how you played it

 and explain why you played that game.

Part 3

Games in Your Country

• What are (some of) the most popular indoor games in your country?
• Which do you think are better, indoor or outdoor games?

Children's Games

• What games do children play today?
• Are those the same as the games kids used to play in the past?
• What can they learn from games?
• Do you think it’s necessary for children’s games to be competitive?

Describe an interesting animal you have seen.

               You should say:

                              what it looked like

                              where the animal was

                              what happened

               and explain why you think the animal was interesting.

Possible follow-up questions:

• Do you often see wild animals?

Part 3

Animals in Your Country

• What kinds of animals can be commonly seen in cities? How about in the  countryside?
• Some people say that animals in the countryside cause more problems than those in cities. Do you agree?
• How do animals cause problems to humans?
• (Similar to above) What are some examples of problems that animals sometimes cause for humans?
• Do you think animals will still be important (or, as important as they are today) in the future?
• Do you think animal’s lives are as important as those for human beings?
• Do you like to watch TV programs about animals?
• Can you suggest why nowadays more and more people are choosing to become vegetarians? 

Pets

• What can a pet bring to a person’s life?
• Do you think there are any difficulties to keeping a pet?
• Do you think keeping animals as pets in the city is good for them (the animals)?

Working Animals

• What jobs do some animals do that can help people?
• In your country, do people ever use horses as a kind of tool?

Version A

Describe a time when you invited your friends or family to dinner (either at home or in a restaurant).

               You should say:  

when it was

 where it was

 who you invited

 and explain why you invited them to a meal

Version B

Describe a time when you were invited to dinner (either at home or in a restaurant) bt a friend or relative.

               You should say:

when it was

 where it was

 who invited you

 and explain why they invited you to a meal. *

                    or

and explain how you felt about that invitation.

Part 3

Eating at Home or Eating Out

• Do people in your country prefer to eat at home or in restaurants?
• What would you say are the benefits (and the drawbacks) of eating in a restaurant?
• What would you say are the benefits (and the drawbacks) of cooking at home?
• What do people usually cook at home?
• In the future, do you think more people will be eating in restaurants (or fewer people)?
• (Similar to above) Do you think there will come a day when (very few) people do any cooking at home?
• More and more people are having (or, getting) their meals delivered to their homes, so do you think people in the future will continue to cook at home?

Special Food for Special Occasions

• (In your country) are there any festivals when people eat special food (or, dishes)?
• What do people usually cook for special festivals?
• (Similar to above) Do you have special food for festivals?
• What are the differences between the food for festivals and ordinary food in your country?

Describe an unusual holiday you had.

               You should say:

 when and where you went

 who you went with

 what you did there

 and explain why it was unusual

Describe a piece of information that you think is not correct.  

               You should say:

 what information

 where you heard/read this information

 when you heard/read it

  and explain why you think it is incorrect.

Note:

This topic has not been used before.

This topic is closely connected to the topic of the media, especially the internet.

Part 3

Information

• Can you give me any examples of job related to information?
• (Similar to above) What kind of job need giving information?
• How can someone tell if the information they receive is right or wrong?
• Would you say people trust the information that is found online?  

Exchanging/Giving Information

• What do you think are the differences between giving information by phone and (giving it) by email?
• Do you prefer to use phone calls to communicate, or emails? (Why?)
• When (in what situations) do you use use phone calls / emails to communicate?
• What do you think are the benefits of using emails?

Describe an occasion when you met someone for the first time.

               You should say:

 Who this person was

 When and where you met them

 What you did or talked about

 And explain how you felt about meeting this person

Part 3

Making Friends

• In your country, how do people make new friends nowadays?
• Has this changed, (compared to a few decades ago)?
• Do you think it's more important to meet (or make) new friends, or to maintain your relationships with your current friends?
• How do you judge whether people on social media websites or apps are telling the truth?
• How to make friends with them?

The Workplace

• What do you suggest could be done to encourage employees to do their work?
• How do you think a person could make friends with both their supervisor and their colleagues?

Describe a time when you couldn't (= were not allowed to) use your mobile phone.

            You should say:

where it was

what you were doing at this time (what the situation was)

when it was

            and explain why you were not able to (or, allowed to) use your mobile phone. 

                                                            or

            and explain how you felt when you were not able to (or, allowed to) use your mobile phone.

Part 3

• Do you think there should be regulations on the use of mobile phones?
• What do you think of primary school students owning a mobile phone?
• What (minimum) age do you think is appropriate for owning a cell phone?

Describe an occasion when someone did not tell you the complete truth.

               You should say:

 who this person was

 what they told you

 what they did not tell you

 and explain why they didn't tell the full truth.

              .

Version B

Describe an occasion when you did not tell someone the complete truth.

               You should say:

 who this person was

 what you told them

 what you did not tell

 and explain why you didn't tell the full truth.

Notes

• Many people report that it is Version A. 
• If it is Version A perhaps you should include how you know they didn't tell you the complete truth. Some time after someone has told us a lie we occasionally do realize we have been lied to, or we find out the truth some other way.

Part 3

Telling Lies

• Do you ever tell lies?
• Would you say most people tell lies from time to time?  
• Do you think people around you lie too much?
• In what situations do people tell lies?  
• (Similar to above) Why do some people tell lies instead of telling the truth?  
• Do you think that lying is good?
• If a good person tell a lie, would you still say that person is good?
• Do you think people always need to (or, should) tell others the truth when they think the truth is private information?
• How would you feel if a friend told you a lie? 
• In what situations do children or young people tell lies to their parents?  
• Do you think it's important to teach children to be honest?
• Besides simply being told to be honest by their parents or teachers, can you suggest how children could be taught the value (or importance of) honesty?
• How can someone lie convincingly?  
• Do you think good liars need to have a good memory?
• Are there situations when people tell lies with good intentions?    ("white lies")
• Do you think such well-intentioned lies can ever have negative effects?  
• (Similar to above) If you told someone a lie about how good their clothes looked, do you think that could possibly lead to a negative result?
• Can you explain why people sometimes tell lies like that?

Crime and The Police  (These questions seem to be unusually difficult!)

• In general, what methods do police use in order to solve crimes?  
• When the police are interrogating someone who they suspect has committed a crime, is there any special equipment that they can use to detect if that person is telling a lie?  
• Do you think such equipment is useful?
• Do you think the use of such equipment would reduce the amount of crime that is committed?
• Some people say that the police sometimes tell a lie in order to "ensure justice". Do you think that type of behaviour by the police is ever justified?
• There are situations where several people have witnessed a crime (or seen the person who has committed a crime) but the statements that the witnesses make are not the same. Can you suggest any reasons to explain that?  

Describe a time when the weather prevented you from doing something.

               You should say:

what your plan was (or, plans were)

what weather you were hoping for (or expecting)

what happened

and explain how you felt when you had to change your plans.

Part 3

• Do people in your country enjoy talking about the weather, as a small chat, when they meet each other?
• What types of weather do people (in your country) prefer, cold or hot weather?
• What kinds of people care most about the weather?
• Would you say weather forecasts are usually accurate?

Describe a person you know who is good at their (= his or her) job

               You should say:

 Who the person is

 Where the person works

 What the person does

 And explain why you think this person is good at their job.

              .

Notes

• "Why you think this person is good at their job" can be interpreted in two ways: a) explain how you think this person became so good or, b) explain what it is about the way this person works that causes you to think they do their job well. Meaning b) is the best thing to talk about although you can include a little of a) as well.

Part 3

• What do you think are some of the important skills that a manager needs to have?
• Are any of those skills taught at schools in your country?
• (Possible follow-up question) Do you think schools should teach these skills?

Describe a person you know who helps others in their spare time.

               You should say:

 who it is

 how you know them (= him or her)

 what they do to help others

   and explain how you feel about this person. *

Notes

• So far (at May 3), two different versions of this topic have been reported: a) Describe someone you know who gives help to others  b) Describe someone who gave you help. I tend to think it is a).

• The words, "in their spare time" mean that you should not talk (much) about what this person does for a job.

Part 3

The topic of "Help" is often in the test.

"You helped someone"

"Someone helped you"

Helping Others in General

• Do you think it's important to help others?
• (Similar to above) Why do people in society need to help each other?
• Are you willing to help others?
• Would you lend money to a friend?
• Do you think people in the past helped others more than people today?
• (Different to above) Do you think young people in the past helped others more than young people today?
• Can you suggest why many people today don't (like you) help others very much?
• Do you think that's a good thing?
• What personal qualities do people who help others have?
• Can you explain why some people are more willing to help others than other people?

The Helping Professions

• What are some examples of professions in which people give help to others?
• What kinds of help do these professional people give?
• (Similar to above) What sorts of help do the people who go to these professionals need?
• Would you say this kind of work is easy?
• Do you think these people who help others for a job should be paid a high salary?

Children and Helping

• What’s the between children helping others and adults helping others?
• What sorts of things can children do to help other people?
• When do children need help?
• Do you think children should be educated to help other people?
• Who do you think should teach children to help others?
• (Similar to above) Would you say it's more the teachers' role or the parents' role to teach children to help others?

Describe a person you know who speaks a foreign language well.

               You should say:

 who this person is

 what language(s) they know

 what he/she uses this language (or, these languages) for

and explain why you think they (he/she) learned it well.

Part 3

Learning a Foreign Language

• Which do you think is easier, writing or speaking a foreign language?
• Do you think if it’s possible to learn a language perfectly?
• Would you say learning a foreign language is important?
• Who do you think learns a language faster, children or adults?
• What benefits for one's career does knowledge of foreign languages bring?

Languages in the World

• Do you think that English will become the most commonly used language in the world?
• Do you think foreigners will be learning your language in the future?

Some vocabulary:

• A prerequisite for learning a foreign language should be (would be) an interest in foreign cultures/countries in general, an interest in the world outside your own country. That includes an interest in other languages in general. Without that, a person has much less interest/motivation to seriously study/learn a foreign language.

• Psychologists believe the majority of the human thinking process involves thinking with language, or at least words. For example, it is easier to remember something if it has a name. Without language, a human being's brain is much less developed.
• Language is primarily a spoken medium of information exchange (and of personal thought); written language is a symbolic representation of the spoken language.
• pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, fluency
• idioms, idiomatic language, expressions
• a native-speaker
• an accent; a regional accent
• an extinct language / an endangered language – cultural repercussions
• If a human learns a language before about the age of 12, that person is learning a second language that is often spoken as well as the person’s native language. After the age of about 12, a learned language becomes, “a foreign language” and the speaker may never speak it quite as well as a second language.
• Some foreign languages – Russian, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Turkish, Malay (Bahasa), Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Swahili

Describe something you bought that was difficult to use at first. 

               You should say:

 what it was

 why you bought it 

 how you use it 

   and explain why it was difficult to use at first.

Part 3

Buying New Things

• Do you often buy new things?
• Would you say that advertising makes people buy more news things than they would if there was no advertising?

Using New Things

• Do you think old(er) people have difficulties using some things that young people do not?

Describe something exciting that you did.

or

Describe an exciting experience you have had. 

     You should say:

             when you did it

             where you were when you did it

             who you did it with

    and explain why it was exciting for you.

Part 3

Celebrations

• Do you think it’s necessary to spend a lot of money on holding a party?
• Do people in your country spend much money celebrating birthdays?
• Do people in your country usually go out to celebrate traditional festivals with others?

Version A

Describe something special you took home from another place (you had visited). 

                    or

Describe something special you took home from a tourist attraction you had visited. 

               You should say:

 where you visited

 what you took home

 what it looked like 

 and explain why you thought it was (or, think it is) special.

Version B

Describe something special you brought home from a holiday.

You should say:

        what it was

        when and where you went on this holiday

        what you did with it after you brought it home

and explain why you thought it was special.

Notes

• This topic is obviously about a souvenir.

Part 3

Being a Tourist

• (Besides your Part 2 example) What are some other places that you have visited as a tourist?
• What sorts of souvenirs can tourists buy at _____ (one of the places you mentioned)?

Souvenirs

• What kinds of souvenir do people buy when they visit a place?
• Is it beneficial for the local people (at the tourist venue) when tourists buy souvenirs?  

Ways to Record the Experience of a Trip (esp. photos)

• Can you suggest why people like to take photos when they go on a trip?
• Do you like to show photos of a trip to your friends?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking a camera when you visit a tourist site (or, go on a trip)?  
• What are the pros and cons of taking a pictures with an expensive camera compared to using a mobile phone?
• What can someone do to avoid (or, prevent) their expensive camera from being stolen?

Describe something you regularly do that helps you do your work or study.

You should say:

what you do

Where you do it

.................

and explain how it helps you.

Part 3

Daily Routines

• In general, what do people have to do everyday? (= what is the daily routine of most people)
• How is the daily routine of adults different to that of children?
• In general, what do you think are the benefits of maintaining a routine in one's life?
• Do you think it's important for children to have a (regular / habitual) daily routine?
• Would you say it's important to establish a daily routine from a young age?
• When do people break (change) their routines?
• Do you think it's important to stick to a routine in one's leisure time?

Routines at Work

• How important do you think it is to maintain a routine in the workplace?
• Is is important for working people to take a break from their work routine?

Describe something useful you borrowed from someone.

               You should say:

 what it was

 who you borrowed it from

 why you borrowed it

 and explain why it was useful to you.

Part 3

Borrowing in Your Country

• Who do people in your country more often borrow from, their family or their friends?
• How long do people usually keep the things that they have borrowed before they return them?
• Do you think borrowing ever leads to disputes between people?
• Do you think there are any differences between borrowing money from family members and borrowing it from friends?
• Before you borrow something (such as a pen), do you think it's always necessary to ask permission?
• What are some suitable questions to ask when you want to borrow something?
• Which do you think is better, to borrow books from a library, or to buy good-quality second-hand books?

Describe a situation when you felt tired but (you) had to stay awake.

               You should say:

 When it happened

 Where it happened

 What you did   (or, what you were doing)

 And explain why you had to stay awake.

              .

Part 3

Staying Awake When Tired

• Can you give any more examples of situations when people are likely to become tired but need to stay awake?
• What kinds of people need to keep awake when they are tired?
• What kinds of people stay awake even when they are tired (and want to sleep)?
• What are some ways that people use to keep (themselves) awake?

The Stress of Modern Life

• Would you say that doing a large number of things (being very busy) is a good thing?
• Do you think school students in your country spend too much time on their studies?
• Do you think they get enough sleep?
• Do you think the use of social media is increasing people’s stress?

Describe a time when you used the internet to solve a problem. 

               You should say:

 what problem it was

 when you did this

 how long it took you

 and explain why you used the internet to solve this problem.

Note

• The first line might be, "Describe a time when you used the internet to answer a question."

Part 3

The Internet

• What influence does the internet have on people (individually), and the society?
• What influence does the internet have on universities?
• Do you think libraries will disappear one day?
• What do people use the internet for?
• Do you think it's a waste of time to "surf the internet"? Note
• (Similar to above) Would you say many people waste time "surfing the internet"? 
• Would you like to study via the internet?
• What do you think the internet will be able to do in 10 years (time)?
• (Similar to above) How do you think people will be using the internet in 10 years (time)?

Note

Do you think it's a waste of time to "surf the internet"?

It is not certain that the term, "surf the internet" is used in this question.

If it is used, it means to rather randomly move from one internet site to another. This is what people do when they first start using the internet and it is a form of exploration.