اسپیکینگ – آموزش IELTS بهرام مدبری

January-April Speaking Questions

Part 1 Questions

PDF

Have you ever had (or, raised) a pet?
(Similar to above) Did you have any pets when you were a child?
Do many people in your country have a pet?
Is there any animal you would like to have as a pet?
What animal(s) would you not like to have as a pet?

Questions about animals

Do you like animals?
What's your favourite animal? (Why?)
What's your favourite wild animal? (Why?)
Are people in your country fond of animals?
Do people keep animals in your country? -->What kinds of animals do people in in your county (or, hometown) keep?
Compared with the past, have there been any changes concerning pets in your country/hometown?
Do you think pets are important?
Do you think cities are suitable places for keeping a pet?
Compared with the past, have there been any changes concerning pets in your country/hometown?
Do you think cities are suitable places for keeping a pet?

Children and Animals (or, Pets)

Do children like animals?
Did you ever visit a zoo when you were a child?
Do you think it's important for children to visit a zoo?
What was your favourite animal when you were a child?
Do a have a pet? (or, Have you ever had a pet?)
Did you have any pets when you were a child?
What do you think are the benefits of a child having a pet?
(Possibly the question above is this) What benefits did you get from having a pet?
If you havechildren in the future, will you allow them to raise a pet?
Why do (you think) some people have a pet?

Farm Animals

What farm animals do you have in your country?
Do you think farm animals are important?
How are these animals used?
Do you think raising farm animals is important?

Wild Animals

What's the most famous wild animal from your country?
What's your favourite wild animal (from your country)?

PDF

Do you like bags?
Do you usually carry a bag (when you go out)?
Do you like bags?
Do you usually carry a bag?
What kind of bag do you usually carry?
Do you prefer handbags, or backpacks?
Do you have different bags for different occasions?
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?

Questions you might be asked:

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?

PDF

What colour do you like the most?
(Similar to above) Do you have a favourite colour?
Do you usually wear clothes in your favourite colour?
Are there any colours you dislike?
What colour are the walls of your room?
(Different to above) What colours would you (like to) paint your walls?
What colour clothes did you wear when you were a child?
Did you have bright-coloured clothes when you were young?
Does the colour of things influence you when you are shopping?
Are there any colours that have a special meaning in your country?
Do you think different types of people like different colours?

PDF

Do you prefer to eat at home or in restaurants?
(Similar to above) Do you usually eat at home or do you usually eat out?
Do you prefer home-cooked food, or street food?
Do you know how to cook?
(If "No" for the question above) Would you like to learn how to cook?
How often do you cook?
Do you like cooking?
Can you explain why many people enjoy cooking?

PDF

What are the most crowded places in your hometown (or where you are living now)?
Do you like (to go to) crowded places?
(Similar to above) How do you feel in crowded places?
Do you prefer to go to crowded places or places that have few people?
When was the last time you went to a crowded place (or, were in a crowded place)?
Would you say people with the same interests usually get along with each other when they are in a crowd?

PDF

What do you usually do in the mornings? or
What is your morning routine?
Do you think breakfast is important?
What time do you go to bed?
What time do you usually get up?
Did you have the same daily routine when you were a child?
Do you usually have the same routine every day of the week?
Do you want to change your daily routine in the future?
Do you like to get up early in the morning?
What are you usually doing at this time?
What's your daily routine nowadays?
Do you do the same thing(s) every day?
Would you say you are busy?
(If you do not work) For you, what's the best time of day for studying?
When do you do most of your study?
(If you work) For you, what's the best time of day (or, day of the week) for working?
What do you usually do after you get up (or, in the morning)?
What part of the day do you like best? (Why?)
What's usually your busiest time of the day; the morning, noon, or evenings? (Why?)

PDF

Do you like to drink water?
Do you drink much water every day?
How often do you have a drink of water?
What kinds of water do you like to drink?
Do you prefer to drink bottled water or tap water?
Is bottled water very expensive in your country?
(Possible question) Do you prefer to drink hot water or cool (or cold) water? *
Would you say it's important to drink water?
When do you usually feel thirsty?
Do you prefer bottled water or drinking from the tap?

PDF

Does your country have many public holidays?
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?
Do you have a favourite holiday?
What do you usually do during a holiday?
(Similar to above) What do people in your country do during holidays?
Do you think these holidays are important?
Do you think there should be more public holidays?

More Questions which might be asked

Do you like holidays?
How often do you have a holiday?
Do you prefer to take long, or short holidays?
How much time do you think is appropriate for a good holiday?
(If you are working now) Do you prefer your holidays from work, or the holidays you took from school?
What do you usually do during holidays (or, on a holiday)?
Do you prefer to stay at home, or to travel during holidays?
Do you usually spend your holidays alone, or with other people?
Where would you like to go (or, what would you like to do) on your next holiday?
Do you like to plan your holidays in advance?
Would you say holidays are important?

PDF

Do you use email?
How often do you use email (or, write emails)?
Do you think it's important to reply to emails immediately (or, quickly) after you receive them?
Do you prefer to use email or text messaging?
Do you like to receive handwritten letters and cards?
Do you prefer to write on a computer or to write using a pen?
Would you say your handwriting is easy for others to read?
Do you think a person's handwriting reflects their personality?

:Questions which you might be asked

Do you like to write letter and/or emails?
Do you often write letters or emails?
(If you are working) Do you use emails much in your job?
How often do you write a letter or email?
Who do you usually write to and what do you write about?
Is it hard to think of what to write?
How do you feel when you receive letters or emails?
What kinds of emails (or letters) do you most like receiving? (Why?) (= What kinds of emails/letters make you happy?)
Do you think it is a good thing that some companies send out letters/spam emails for the purpose of advertising?
Do you keep emails after you read them?
How often do you write letters?
What do you write about?
On what occasions do you write letters?
Do you like writing letters to your relatives and friends? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you and your friends keep in touch by (handwritten) letter?
When you write a letter, do you prefer to write it on a computer or on paper?
Do you keep the letters you receive?
Do you think keeping letters is a good habit?

PDF

Do you like to watch movies? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Do you watch many movies (films)?
(Similar to above) Do you often watch a movie (a film)?
What types of films do you like to watch?
How often do you go to a cinema?
Do you prefer to (or usually) watch a film alone or with others?
Has your taste in movies changed since you were younger?
Do you have a favourite movie star?
Are any foreign movie stars famous in your country?
Have you ever seen a movie star in real life?
Do you think you could be a movie star?
(Similar to above) Would you like to be a movie star?

PDF

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?

PDF

Do you often go to a park or a public garden?
When was the last time you went to a public garden?
Can you suggest how parks in your city could be improved?
Do you prefer a park with open space or entertainment facilities?

PDF

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 older people are more patient than young people?
Do you think you will be more patient in the future?

Questions which might be asked

Would you say you are a patient person?
What do you usually do when you're waiting for someone or waiting for a bus or a train?
What do you think "patience" is?
Do you think patience is important?
(Possibly) Do you think being patient is an important part of being polite?
What do you think are the benefits of being patient?
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?

PDF

Do you like taking photos?
How often do you take a photo?
Do you prefer to take pictures by yourself, or to have others take them for you?
In what situations do you take photos?
Do you like to take pictures of your hometown?
How do you keep your photos?

PDF

Are you interested in pictures (or paintings and drawings)?
What kinds of pictures do you like?
Do you like to have pictures in your home?
Are you interested in painting and drawing?
What kinds of pictures (or paintings/drawings) do you like to do?
Did you ever learn how to draw (or paint)?
What (kinds of things) do you like to draw (or sketch, or paint)?
If someone wanted to draw (or sketch, or paint) a picture of you, would you agree?

PDF

Do you like to share things with your friends?
Is there anything that you would not share with others?
Are you willing to share your favourite possessions?
When you are young, did our parents teach you to share with others?
How do you think parents could encourage their children to share?
Do you think there will be a car sharing in the future?
(Possible question) Would you be willing to share your job (your work) with others?

PDF

How often do you buy shoes?
Do you ever buy shoes online?
(Similar to above) Have you ever bought shoes online?
How many pairs of shoes do you have?
Do you know anyone who likes to buy a lot of shoes?
Do you prefer to buy comfortable or fashionable shoes?
Do you like shoes (or, are you interested in shoes)?
Is price important when you chose shoes to buy?
What kinds of shoes do you usually buy? (or, prefer to buy / prefer to wear)
Do you have a pair of shoes that you especially like (a favourite pair of shoes)?
Do you think men and women are equally interested in (buying) shoes?

PDF

How many hours a day do you sleep?
Do you think you sleep enough (or would you like to sleep more)?
Do you usually do anything to help you have a good night's sleep?
How many hours do you think is enough for you to sleep daily?
How much sleep is best for people?
Do you think studying hard helps people sleep?
Do you agree that excessive sleep can be dangerous?
Do you think sleep is important? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you think it's sometimes convenient to sleep for short periods of time?
Do you ever have a nap during the middle of the day?
Do you think we need to sleep in the afternoon (have or take a nap)?
Do you think elderly people need less sleep than young people?
How do you think people can have a good sleep?
Do you do anything before going to bed to help you sleep?
Did you have the same sleeping habits when you were younger?
How much sleep do you think people need every day (every night)?
Do you think elderly people and young people need the same amount of sleep?
Do you think babies need more sleep?
Do you need to sleep in the middle of the day (have/take a nap)?

PDF

More common Questions

Do you like sports?
Do you have a favourite 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?

PDF

Do you like to wear sunglasses?
Do you often wear sunglasses?
Have you ever lost your sunglasses?
Have you ever bought expensive sunglasses?
Would you (ever) buy sunglasses as a gift for someone?
Where can you buy sunglasses?
Do many people in your country wear sunglasses?

PDF

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?

PDF

Do (or did) you have a favourite teacher?
In what ways can (or, do) teachers help their students?
What makes a good teacher?
Do you think teachers can help students to learn (in) ALL subjects?
Do you think teachers should be strict?
In what ways do you think teachers and parents are different when teaching young people?
Would you like to be a teacher?

PDF

Do you often look at the sky? (Why?)
Do you prefer to look at the sky in the daytime, or at night?
Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?
Is there a good place to look at the sky where you live?
Do school students learn much about planets and the stars (at school) in your country?
(Similar to above) Did you learn anything about the planets and stars at school?
(Possible question) Do you know much about the stars and planets?

More Questions

Do you like to look at the sky?
(Possibly) Do you like to look at the sky when it's cloudy?
Do you prefer to look at the sky in the day time or the night time? (the "night sky")
(Similar to above) Which is better to look at, the sky in the daytime or the night sky?
How do you look at it?
Do you like to look at the stars?
(Similar to above) Do you ever look at the stars?
Do you go anywhere special to do that?
(Similar to above) Where is the best place to look at the stars?
(Similar to above) Where do you like to look at the sky?
(Similar to above) Where is the best place to look at the sky?
Did you learn about the stars (or, the planets in our solar system) in school?

PDF

Main Questions

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?

The following questions might also be asked

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?

PDF

Do you usually wear a watch?
What kind of watch do you wear?
Do people still wear watches in your country?
What was your first watch like?
What kinds of watches do you like to wear?
Why do you think some people buy expensive watches?

PDF

Do you prefer a hot, or a cold 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?

PDF

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?
What do you like about the area around where you live?
Where do you like to go to in your area?
Who do you live with?
Do many people live in your neighbourhood?
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 centre)?
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?

PDF

Main Questions

What work (or job) do you do?
Do you enjoy that work?
Why did you choose to do that type of work?
Do you like your job?
What's the most interesting part of your 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?
Where do you work?
Would you say that's a good place to work?
Would you like to change the place where you work?
How do you think your workplace (or company) 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?

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?)

PDF

Main Questions

What subject are you studying?
Why did you choose to study that?
Do you like it (your subject)?
What's the most enjoyable part of your studies?
Is it (your subject) interesting?
What's your favourite subject? (for high school students)
(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)?

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?

❯ ❮

Part 2 & 3 Questions

PDF

Describe city that you think is beautiful.

You should say:

what city it is

where it is

how you know about this city

and explain why you think this place is beautiful.

Part 3

Tourism (to historical locations)

Do people in your country like to visit historical sites (or, places)?
What sorts of problems, or challenges are there in maintaining historical sites?
How do you think these problems can be managed?
Do you think it's good if too many tourists go to a historical site?
What can be done to prevent damage to historical locations by tourists?
Do you think it's a responsibility of the government to maintain and protect historical places?

Living in Cities

Why do so many people want to live in modern cities?
Do people in the cities of your country mostly live in single houses or do they mostly live in apartments?
Some people say that modern cities all look the same. Do you agree?

PDF

Describe a beautiful or handsome person you have seen (or, met).

You should say:

who it was

when & where you (first) saw this person

what kind of person they were (maybe = what kind of personality they had)

and explain what it was that you thought was beautiful or handsome about this person

Part 3

Personal Beauty

What do people mean when they say someone is "beautiful" or "handsome"?
Do you think the attractiveness of a person is important?
Which do you think is more important, the external beauty or the internal beauty of a person?
Do you think beautiful people are happy?
Do you think it's easy (or, possible) for a person to become beautiful if they are not beautiful at first?
Do you think plastic surgery can make a person feel more confident?
What do you think are the advantages, and the disadvantages of being (very) beautiful or handsome?
Do you think good-looking people are viewed by other people differently to average-looking or ugly people?
Do you think life is easier for good-looking people than for people who are not very good-looking?
Can you give any examples of the types of people who are usually described as "beautiful" or "handsome"?
Do you think fashion models are beautiful?
Why do you think clothing shops and companies use beautiful fashion models to display their clothes?
Is it good for clothing shops or companies to only use beautiful models?
What effects can it have on ordinary-looking people when they see these beautiful models?
Many models are very thin. Do you think being thin is beautiful?
Do you think it's good to use such thin models (when so few people are as thin as those models)?

Fashion

Can you explain why people such as film stars pay so much attention to the clothes they wear?
How important would you say it is for the average person to wear attractive (or, beautiful) clothes?
Would you say beautiful clothes make a person look more attractive?
Do you think men and women pay equal attention to clothes?

Beauty in the Natural World

Can you give any examples of beauty in the natural world?
Can you explain why people feel that certain things (or places) in the natural world are beautiful?
Do you think a desert can ever be described as, "beautiful"?
Do you think man-made scenery, such as in a city can ever be as beautiful as natural scenery?

Personal Beauty

Do you think it's easy (or, possible) for a person to become beautiful if they are not beautiful at first?
What do you think are the advantages and the disadvantages of being (very) beautiful or handsome?

Beauty in the Natural World

Can you give any examples of beauty in the natural world?
Can you explain why people find those things to be beautiful?

Questions asked in the past:

People's Appearance / People's Physical Attractiveness

Do you think it's good to be physically attractive (pretty/ beautiful/ good-looking etc)?
What standards do people use when they describe a woman as "beautiful"?
(Similar to above) In your opinion, what are the physical features that make someone a, "good looking" person?
What benefits do good-looking people get from their good looks?
Do you think good-looking people find it easier to find work than ordinary-looking or ugly people? (Why?) - Is that fair?
Are there any possible disadvantages form being good-looking?
Do you think many people care about the appearance of others (and themselves)?
(Similar to above) Do you think a person's appearance is important?
(Similar to above but different) Do you think it's important how good-looking someone is?
Do you think people who are attractive on the outside always have inner beauty?
Which do you think is more important, a person's appearance or their inner qualities?
(Similar to above) Which do you think is more important, a person's appearance or whether they have a good heart? FQ
How do people become good-looking? Is it just good luck?
Do you think there are cultural differences (differences in different countries) about what is good-looking and what isn't?
In your culture, what do most people think a beautiful woman and a handsome man looks like?
Why do you think advertisements that show a person usually use good looking people (as opposed to "average-looking" people)?
Do you think it's good that advertisements only use very good-looking people?
How does it affect people when they see only beautiful and handsome people in advertisements?
We often see tall, thin models in (women's) magazines. What effect do you think that has on girls and young women?
Can you suggest why models like that are chosen to be in magazines and in fashion shows?
Do you think models such as that sell more clothes?
Do you think having beautiful models wearing certain clothes influences how well those clothes sell?
Do we really need to have fashion models?
Do you think models lead an exciting life?
Do you think clothes are important to a person's appearance?
(Similar to above) Do you think a person's clothes affect their appearance?
(Similar to above) Do you think wearing attractive clothes makes people more attractive?
If an ugly person wore good looking clothes, do you think that would make this person "good looking"?
Do you think it's good for women to wear make-up?
How do you think people can make themselves better looking?
Do you think it's a good idea for people to use plastic surgery to change their appearance?

The Beauty of Nature and Man-Made Beauty

Know the difference between "landscape" and "natural scenery"

What do you think the word, "beauty" (or "beautiful") means?
Which do you think is more beautiful, a city or a natural place? (Why?)
What are some examples of beautiful urban places (or, beauty in an urban environment)?
What are some examples of natural beauty?
What are some examples of beautiful natural places (in your country)?
(Similar to above) What are some examples of beautiful places in the countryside?
(Similar to above) Does your country have any beautiful natural landscapes (or scenery)
What are some of the characteristics of a beautiful natural scene (or place)? *
What (benefits) do people get from beautiful places?
Do you think natural places (or scenes) are always "beautiful"?

Expressing Beauty

What do you think are the best ways of communicating one's feelings about beauty to other people?
Which do you think is more suitable for expressing the idea of beauty, (written) words or a picture?
Would you say that the people in your country have an understanding of the beauty of nature?
Do you think words, or poetry can adequately describe the beauty of nature?
How (or why) do people write poetry to express beauty?

PDF

Describe a book you recently read.

You should say:

what book it was

why you read it

what the contents of the book were (or, what the book was about)

and explain what you liked and /or disliked about the book.

Part 3

Reading & Books (especially for adults)

Do you read very often?
Do adults in your country read much?
What do adults in your country generally (like to) read?
What kinds of materials do you think are best for people to read?
Do you think people with different reading levels should read the same materials?
Do children and adults generally read the same kinds of materials (or, books)?
(Similar to above) What are the differences between the reading habits of adults and those of children?
Do men and women generally read the same kinds of materials (or, books)?
What benefits do young people (e.g., aged 13 to 30) get from reading?
Would you say reading is important?
Can you explain why people like reading fiction, including science fiction?
Is reading the only way for people to increase their knowledge?
Do you think it's a good idea to read a novel before watching a film that is based on that novel, or is it better to watch the film first and read the novel later?
Do you prefer to read paper books or E-books?
(Similar to above) What are the differences between books made from paper and e-books?
(Similar to above) What do you think are the pros and cons of reading e-books?
Do you think paper books will continue to be produced (or, continue to be read) in the future?
Do you think paper books might disappear in the future?

Children's Reading

"Reading" in these questions means "reading for pleasure" or "leisure-time reading", not for school.

What kinds of books do children in your country (like to) read?
Do you think it's suitable for children to read books written for adults?
Do parents in your country guide their children on their reading habits?
(Similar to above) Do parents in your country choose what books their children read?
Do you think parents should do that?
What kinds of books do parents choose for their children?
Do you think children should be encouraged to read (more)?
(Similar to above) Do you think children's interest in reading should be encouraged?
How do you suggest that could be (or, can be) done?
What do parents do to encourage their children to read?
Who would you say has the greater responsibility to encourage children to read, parents or teachers?
Who do you think has the most influence on what materials (reading matter) children choose to read; parents, teachers or the children's classmates?
Who do you think is best suited to teaching a child to read, the parents or a school teacher?
Would you like to teach a child to read?
In what ways can (or, do) parents teach their children to read early (before starting school)?

PDF

Describe a game (not a sport) you enjoyed playing in your childhood.

You should say:

what game it was

where you played it

who you played it with

and explain why you enjoyed playing this game.

Part 3

Games in General

These questions are about are games for everyone, not just children.

What are some of the most popular games in your country?
How have games changed over the past few decades?
Can you explain why adults often play different games to what they played when they were children?
(Similar to above) What do you think are the differences between adults' games and those for children?
Do you like to win when you play a game?
Do you prefer to play a game with a team or play alone?
How important would you say winning is when playing a game?
Is winning or losing important in athletics (or, sport)?
What do you think are the differences between winning as an individual and winning as a team?
Do all ages groups treat winning as equally important?
What do you think of people who are only interested in winning when they play a game?
Are there any games in your country that involve the players using money?

Childhood Games

In your country, what games do children generally play today?
What is the most popular children's game today?
Is that easy to play?
Do boys play different games to girls?
How are these games different to the games children played a few decades ago?
What games did you usually play when you were a child?
Do you think children can learn anything from playing games?
(Similar to above) Are there any games that can help develop their abilities?
Do you think children now have more time to play games than they did in the past?
Do you think it's good for children to spend so much time indoors, playing games?
Do you think looking at a computer or ipad all day long is good for health?
Why do their parents still let them do it?
What are the different effects on children when they play electronic games, compared to the effects when they play ball
Do parents in your country encourage their children to play games?
Why do children play games?
Do you think children really need to play games?
Do you think there are benefits from children playing games?
Do you think children should receive a reward of some kind if they win in a game?
games outdoors?
Do children play any games at school in your country?
When children become teenagers, do they change the games they play?

Children's Play

What do you think are the major differences between indoor children's play and outdoor children's play?
Do you think children develop different abilities from playing outdoors, compared to playing indoors?
Can you suggest any ways to encourage children to play outdoors more?
Do you think it's important for parents to supervise their children when they play outdoors?
What do 2-3 year-old children do when they play?

Competition

What would you say are the pros and cons of competition in business?
Do you think you can ever have competition and co-operation existing at the same time?

PDF

Describe an occasion you you made a complaint.

You should say:

what you complained about

why you complained

who you complained to

and explain whether you were satisfied with the result.

Part 3

Complaining in General

Would you say people in your country often complain about things, or are they reluctant to complain?
Do you think complaining works?
Which do you think is better, to make a face-to-face complaint, or to complain by letter (or email)?

Customer Service

What sorts of products and services do people in your country sometimes complain about?
Do you think companies should respond to customer complaints quickly?
Do you think it's important for companies to have a customer service department?
What do you think are the benefits of having such a department in a company?
Do you think having such a department in a company would improve the quality of the products that it sells?
Would you continue to buy things in a shop where you had previously made a complaint?

PDF

Version A

Describe an important decision that you made.

You should say:

what the decision was

how you made your decision

what the results of the decision were

and explain why it was important.

Version B

Describe a good decision you or someone you know made.

You should say:

who made the decision

what the decision was

what the results of the decision were

and explain why you think it was a good decision.

Part 3

Decisions in General

Who would you say is more likely to make bad decisions, men or women?

Decisions and Children

In your country, who generally makes the important decisions concerning the education of children, their mother or their father?
Do you think parents should always make decisions for their children (their sons and daughters)?
What are some examples (or some kinds of) decisions that are difficult for children to make?
At what age do you think children are suitable for making their own decisions?

Sources of Advice

Do you think it's a good idea to listen to the advice of others before making an important decision?
Would you say young people should seek advice before making an important decision?
Who can people seek advice from?
Do you think we can trust the advice of people we don't know?

PDF

Describe a faraway place, such as a city or country that you would like to visit.

You should say:

what place it is

how you would go there

what you would do there

and explain why you would like to visit this place.

Part 3

Holidays in Your Country

Do people in your country like to have holidays?
What do people like to do during their holidays?
What do people your age usually do during their holidays?
Can you suggest why some people prefer to stay at home during their holidays?
Why do you think people who work need a long vacation every year?
How many days would you say would be enough as a vacation for most most working people?
Can you suggest why some young people choose to have a one-year break after graduation before starting work?
Do you think that's a good idea?
What are the benefits of young people choosing a year off between high school and university?
Do you think it's important (or, necessary) for high school graduates to prepare themselves for going to university?
What are some examples of this preparation?

Travel

What are the most popular tourist destinations in your country?
Where do people in your country like to travel to?
Do you think that people living different places (countries) have different temperaments?
Why are some people unwilling to travel abroad?

PDF

Describe a family business (or, a small business) that you know.

You should say:

what business it is

how you know it

who the customers (or clients) are

and explain what you think of this business.

Part 3

Big & Small Companies

Do people in your country generally prefer to work for a small company, or a big one?
Why do some people choose to work in a small company?

Starting / Running a Business

Would you prefer to have your own business, or to work as an employee (in someone else's business)?
Why do so many people want to be self-employed?
In your country, how can someone be a successful businessperson?
What abilities does a person need to have in order to successfully run a business?
What do you think is the most important thing when running a business?
What do you think is the most difficult part of running a business?
Do many women run businesses in your country?
What does someone need (to do, or have) in order to start a business in your country?
What do you think are the advantages, and disadvantages, of having a family business?
Which do you think would be better, to start a business with a member (or members) of your family, or to start one with someone outside the family?
If you found your family member was not suitable to be your business partner, what would you do?

International Business

Do you think international trade is good?
Do you think international trade is important?
What would you say are the advantages and disadvantages of limiting the amount of imports into a country?
Would you say globalization is a positive development?

PDF

Describe a film or TV program that made you laugh.

You should say:

what film or TV program it was

what the film or TV program was about

who the actors were

and explain why (or how) it made you laugh.

Part 3

Laughter

Would you say it's good for people to laugh?
Can you give any examples of what makes children laugh?
Do you think children laugh more often than adults?

Humour

Do you think it's important for teachers to be funny?
(Similar to above, but not exactly the same) Do you think it's important for teachers to have a sense of humour?
(Different to above) Do you think it's good for teachers to sometimes use humour in their lessons?

Happiness

What are some examples of what makes people in your country feel happy?
Would you say children are generally happier than adults?
What do you do when you feel sad?

PDF

Describe a free day from work or study that you had recently.

You should say:

when it was

why you had a free day

what you did

and explain how you felt about it.

Notes

Here, "a free day" means one particular day in the past. not "a free day" in general.
"recently" means any time within the past year or two.
The English expression is "a day off work" (or, a day free from study) not, "a day out of work". "Out of work" = "unemployed" but that is not correct because a day off work it is just a break and you are still employed.

Part 3

Leisure-Time Activities in Your Country

What do people in your country like to do on a free day?
Do men and women generally do the same kinds of things?
What do children usually do on a free day?
What do elderly people do in their free time?
Do families usually do things together?
Does everyone usually go to the same places in their free time, or do different people tend to go to different places?
In general, do parents arrange (or choose) what their children do, or do the children chose what to do themselves?
Do you think children are able to manage their own free time?

Holidays & Free Days

Do you have many public holidays in your country?
Would you say that, in general, people like having time off work?
What's your favourite public holiday?
Do people in your country today have more free days (off work or school) than they did in the past?
Why do you think people are still so busy today?
Do you think that people nowadays spend are spending too much time sitting and not enough time out in the open or in the countryside?
Do you think it's good that so many people are spending so much time online or playing computer games?
In the future, what do you think young people will be doing in their free time?
Do you think people will have more free time in the future, compared to now, or less?
Do you think science and technology will become more and more dominant in society (or, in people's lives)?
Would you like to have more free days (or, free time)?
Do you think it's important for people to have free time?
Why do companies give their employees vacation time?
When people have limited free time, how do they choose whether to spend time with the family, or on their own interests?
(Different to above) If someone had limited free time, how would (or, could) they choose whether to spend time with the family, or on their own interests?

Work

Do you think it would be an improvement if companies allowed their employees to have more flexible working hours (than they have now)?
How do you think people's work (or, working hours) will change in the future?

PDF

Describe an achievement of one of your friends that made you feel proud.

You should say:

who this friend was (or, is)

what the success was

how your friend achieved this success

how long you have known this friend

and explain why you were (or, are) proud of your friend's success.

Note

The word, "success" might be written instead of "achievement".

Part 3

Success in Your Country

What kinds of people are considered to be successful in your society?
How do these people become successful?
What personal qualities do you think someone needs in order to become successful?
Do you think a university degree is a guarantee of future success in one's career?
Do you think people who do mental work are more likely to be successful (or viewed as successful) than people who do practical work?
Why do you think many people fail to become successful?
Would you say successful people are generally happier than other people?
What are the rewards (the benefits) of success?
How important do you think success is in life?

Success at School

Do you think it's possible for students to be successful?
Do you think grades in school are the only measure of success?
What are some examples of the different forms of success that students can have at school?
Do you think students can be taught how to be successful?

PDF

Describe an occasion when you gave a gift that you had made yourself.

You should say:

what it was

who you gave it to

how you made it

and explain why you gave a self-made (or, handmade) gift

and explain how the other person reacted on receiving this gift.

Part 3

Handmade Products

Have you yourself ever received a gift that someone else had made?
Which do you prefer, a gift that was made by the gift-giver or a gift that was bought in a shop?
Which do you think is better, food that you make yourself or food that you buy?

Art in Schools

In your country, are art lessons in school considered to be important?
Do you think they should be given more importance?
Do you think creativity should be encouraged (or, taught) in schools?

PDF

Describe a gift you received that you really needed (or, wanted).

You should say:

what it was

who gave it to you

why you really needed (or wanted) it

and explain how you felt about it.

Part 3

Consumerism (Buying things)

What are some examples of things that young people (in your country) typically buy (or, spend their money on)?
When it comes to buying something (or not), are you ever influenced by other people?
What do you think parents should say (or do) when their children ask them to buy something because their friends (or other kids) have that thing?
Can you suggest why people sometimes buy things they don't really need?
Do you think that's a problem?
(If "Yes" to the question above) What do you think can be (or should be) done about that problem?
Do you think consumption is important for a country?
Does the government in your country do anything to encourage consumption?

PDF

Describe a good law in your country.

You should say

what the law is

how you first learned about this law (or, how you know about this law)

who benefits from this law (or, who is affected by this law)

and explain why you think this is a good law.

Part 3

The Law

Can you give any examples of what is illegal in your country?
Do all the people in your country obey the law?
Many people think that an occasional and minor breach of the law is OK. Do you agree?
What would you say is the role (or purpose) of the law in society?
If there were no laws. what do you think society would be like?

Lawyers and the Police

What kinds of people become police officers?
Would you say kindness is an important quality in a police officer?
Do you think a police force should include both men and women?
Would you say police officers are (or, should be) well-paid?

PDF

Describe a foreign language you would like to learn (besides English).

You should say:

what language

how you would learn it

what difficulties you think you might (or would) have when learning this language.

and explain why you would like to learn this language.

Part 3

Learning a Language

Do you like learning languages?
How did you learn the languages that you know?
Why do people learn languages?
(Similar to above) What are the benefits of learning a foreign language?
Would you say it's important to learn a foreign language?
Do you think everyone should learn a foreign language?
Do you think children should learn foreign languages in school?
Is English a popular language to learn in your country?
What do you think is the best way to learn another language?
What difficulties do people have in learning a language?
What qualities do you think a good language teacher needs to have?
How do you think language classes could be made more interesting?
What methods do you think teachers should use when teaching a foreign language?
Can you suggest why some people learn foreign languages faster than others?
Why do some people reach a higher level of proficiency in a language than other people?
Do you think that some people are particularly talented in learning languages?
What skills do you think people need to use in order to learn a foreign language?
Do you have any suggestions that would help people learn a language?
Do you think some people can learn a third language faster than their second language?
Do you think children have an advantage over adults when learning a language?
What age would you say is the best age to start learning a language?
Do you think it's easier to learn a foreign language in a foreign country?

Languages in the World

Which language do you think will be the most common language in the future?
Do you think English will still be dominant in the future?
Do you think it would be better if everyone in the world spoke the same language?
Do you think there would be advantages if everyone in the world spoke the same language?
What would be the disadvantages if everyone spoke the same language?
Do you think people can get to know the culture of another country without knowing the language there?
Would an international language be good for doing business (international trade)?

PDF

Describe a new public facility in your hometown (such as a cinema or a park)

You should say:

where it is

when it was built

who goes there

and explain how you feel about it.

Notes

"New" can mean it was built within the past 2 or 3 years. In fact, it would be possible to describe a new facility in an old building. For example, an old building was was recently converted into a cinema.

Part 3

Public Facilities

What kinds of public infrastructure, including buildings do you have in your hometown?
(Similar to above) What kinds of public facilities, including buildings do you have in your hometown?
Are these places very popular with the people who live there?
What kind of public facility do you think people like the most?
Who do you think uses public facilities more, old people or young people?
How does (or can) the government find out what the people want and need?
Would you say facilities such as cinemas and parks are important in a (or, the) city?
How important would you say development in the cities is?
Do towns and villages also need facilities?
What new facilities do you think we will see in the future?
Which facilities in your city do you thing are better, the old ones or the new ones?
In general, are young people very willing to share facilities with old people?
Which group of people likes going to a park more, old people or young people?
Which would you say is more important, facilities for young people, or facilities for old people?

City Living

Would you say people in the cities are less likely to communicate with others than people in rural areas?
Do people in the cities usually know their neighbours?

PDF

Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn.

You should say:

what it was

when you learned it

how you use this skill

and explain why it took you a long time to learn it.

Part 3

Learning Skills

Can you give any more examples of skills that take a long time to learn?
Why do people want to learn those skills?
(Similar to above) What is the value (or importance) of learning new skills?
Can you explain why some people need a long time to learn a skill?
In general, how do you think people feel after they have learned (or, mastered) a skill?
Do you think most people are satisfied with learning a skill in a short time, or do they prefer to learn those skills that take a long time?
(Similar to above) Which do you think is more satisfying, to learn a skill that takes a long time, or to learn one that takes just a short time?
Some people are not willing to learn new skills. Can you suggest why?
Some people are not willing to spend a long time to learn new skills. Can you suggest why?
Do you think it's worth spending a long time to learn a skill?
Would you say it takes a long time to learn a language?
Do you think there are any people who have a natural (inborn; innate) ability (or talent) for some skills?
Can you give any examples of careers that require practicing a skill over a long time?
Why do think talented athletes still need to spend so much time training?

Social Skills / Work Skills

Can you give any examples of what can be described as "social skills"?
Can you think of any skills that involve patience?
Can you give any examples of careers that require patience?
Can you give any examples of jobs that require people to be patient with others?
Would you say that elderly people are more patient than teenagers?

Children Learning Skills

Do you think there are any essential skills that children should (or, need to) learn before they start school?
Do you think children generally learn new skills (or, new things) faster than adults?

PDF

Describe a kind of food that people in your country eat during a special event

You should say:

what it is

how it is cooked (or made)

during what special events it is eaten

and explain why this food is eaten at this (or these) special events.

Part 3

Food in Your Country

What kinds of food do most people eat in your country?
(Similar to above) What are the most popular types of food in your country?
Are there any differences in what people eat in between different parts of the country, such as between the north and south?
Is food considered to be an important part of the culture in your country?
Are traditional dishes very important?
What kinds of foods do people eat at parties (or on special occasions) in your country?

Eating Habits in Your Country

How are people's eating habits today different to those of the past?
Have foreign influences had any impact on people's dietary habits in your country?
Do you think people should eat meals with their families?
What would you say is the value of eating with one's family?

Food Production

Are there any difficulties (or problems) concerning food production in your country?
Do you think there will be more difficulties in the future?
Do many people in your country grow their own vegetables?
(Similar to above) Do many people in your country grow their own food?
Can you suggest why some people (choose to) grow their own food nowadays?

PDF

Describe a subject that you once were not very interested in but are now interested in.

Describe a subject that you once thought was not very interesting but now think is interesting.

You should say:

what subject it is

how long you studied it

why you thought it was not interesting

and explain why you now find it to be interesting.

Note

A few people have reported this as, "Describe a subject that you didn't like before but now like." However, most people report it using the word, "interesting" or "interested in".

Part 3

Students

What subjects do most students in your country study at school?
Do you think it's better for high school students to study many subjects or to specialize in just a few subjects?
Which subjects would you say everyone should (or, needs to) study?
Can you suggest why some school students learn more than others?
How can a student master the subject they are studying?
Why do we need to learn things at school?
Do you think communication skills need to be learned?

Teachers

What would you say is the main job, or task of being a teacher?
Do you think teachers should guide the students?
Do you think a teacher needs to be interested in what they are teaching?
(Different to above) Do you think a teacher needs to be interested in teaching?
What would the result if a teacher was (were) bored?

The Internet as a Source of Knowledge

Do you think using the internet is a good way to increase one's knowledge?
What sorts of information can be found on the internet?
Is it easy to search for information on the internet?
Do you think playing games on the internet teaches people anything?

PDF

Version A

Describe an interesting talk or speech you heard.

You should say:

who gave the speech

where it was

what it was about

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

Version B

Describe an interesting talk or lecture you heard (or, attended).

You should say:

who was speaking / who spoke (or, who gave the talk or lecture)

where it was

what it was about

and explain why you thought it was interesting.

Part 3

Public Speaking (e.g. Giving a Speech)

What types of people (personality) would you say are good at talking?
What types (categories) of people do you think usually give a speech?
What characteristics (or, traits, or qualities) do you think a person needs to have in order to give a good speech?
Would you say most people in your country would feel nervous if they had to speak (to a large) group of people?
What do suggest someone could do in order to reduce that nervousness?
What qualities does someone need in order to speak in front of a (large) group (or, speak in public)?
How important would you say self-confidence is when speaking in front of a group (or, speaking in public)?
Which do you think is more important when speaking in public, confidence or knowledge?

Being a Listener

What are some occasions when it's important to be a good listener?
How can a person be a good listener when attending a talk or lecture (or a speech)?
Why do you think some people are not very good listeners (sometimes)?
(Similar to above) What are some reasons why some people can't concentrate on a lecture (or talk or speech)?
Would you say most people prefer to be a listener, or a speaker?
What types of people usually attend a lecture?
Do you usually remember everything you hear when you attend a lecture?
How can you remember what you have heard?
Do you take notes when you attend a lecture?
Do you think taking notes in a lecture would distract you from listening to the lecturer?
What do you think makes a lecture (or, a talk, or speech) interesting?
Can you suggest how some lectures could be improved?
What preparations would you make if your were going to give a talk or lecture?

Giving a Talk to Children

Do you think it's important for children to listen to a speech (or a talk, or a lecture)?
What types of people do you think are most often invited to give a talk to children?

PDF

Describe a teenager who you know.

You should say:

how old they are (= how old he or she is)

how and where you met him or her (or, how you know this person)

what you and this person do together (or, what this person likes to do)

what kind of person he or she is (his or her personality)

and explain how you feel about him or her.

and explain whether you like or dislike this person and why

Part 3

Teenagers

What would you say are the differences between teenagers and children?
What are the differences between teenagers and adults?
What are the differences between teenagers and elderly people?
Can you think of any teenage behaviour that is (more or less) unique to teenagers?
Would you say teenagers today have a good attitude towards elderly people?
In what ways do you think teenagers today are different to teenagers 20 or 30 years ago?
Would you prefer to be a teenager today or a teenager 20 or 30 years ago?
At what age do teenagers begin to be treated as adults?

PDF

Describe a time you looked for (= searched for) information on the Internet.

You should say:

when it was

what you searched for

how long it took you

and explain why you used the internet to search for this information *

and explain why you searched for (or, why you wanted) this information.

Part 3

What kinds of information can you (= we) find on the internet?
What would you say are the advantages of searching for information on the internet?
Do you think there are any disadvantages from searching the internet for information?
Has the way people get (or, find) information changed in the past few decades?
What would you say are the differences between getting information from a library and getting it from a newspaper?

PDF

Version A

Describe a time when you received some money as a gift.

You should say:

who gave it to you

what the occasion was

(= why they gave you the money)

how you felt

and explain what you did with the money.

Version B

Describe a time when you received some money as a gift.

You should say:

what the occasion was

who gave it to you

what you did with the money

and explain how you felt about this gift.

Part 3

Money as a Gift

On what occasions in your country do people give money as a gift?
In your country, when do children receive money as a gift?
Do parents give their children money for doing housework?
Do many parents give their children pocket money in your country?
Would you say it's important for children to develop good attitudes about money?
Do you think it's important to teach children how to manage their money?
Do you agree with the saying that, "Money is the root of all evil"?

Paying for Things

Note: Debit Cards are different to credit cards but are also used by people to buy things. The difference is that, when using a debit card, you are using money from your bank account but when you use a credit card, you are borrowing money.

In your country, do people prefer to pay cash when they buy things, or to pay using a card?
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using a credit card?

PDF

Describe a free-time activity that you do alone.

You should say:

what activity it is

how often you do it

where you do it

and explain why you do this activity.

Part 3

Young People's Free Time

Do young people in your country spend a lot of time alone?
What do young people in your country usually do in their spare time?
Do you think high school students in your country should have more free time (than they have now)?
Do you usually plan what you will do in your free time, such as what you will do tonight or next Sunday? *
How do you plan what you will do in your free time?
How do you choose what to do in your free time? *
Do young people do whatever they want to do in their free time or are they told what to do?
Should parents help their children to manage their time?
Do you think parents should spend more time with their children?
Why do you think some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors while others prefer to do indoor activities?
Would you say people nowadays are living at a faster pace than they did in the past (e.g., several decades ago)?

Work

Do young people like their jobs in your country?
Do you think people in your country spend too much time at work?
Would you say that people in your country now work longer hours (per week or per day) than in the past?
What would you say are the advantages and disadvantages of having a flexible work time?
Would you say that busy people at work are always more productive than people who are not so busy?

PDF

Version A

Describe a period in history that you would like to know more about.

You should say:

what period it was

how you heard about this period

what you know about this period

and explain why you would like to know more about this period.

Version B

Describe an historical event that you would like to know more about.

You should say:

what event it was

how you heard about this event

what you know about this event

and explain why you would like to know more about this event.

Notes

About 50% of people are reporting this as, "Describe an historical period .." and 50% as, "Describe an historical event .." The two are quite different. Most likely both words are used in the Part 3 questions, which is the cause of this confusion.
No-one has reported that the first line says, "in your country".
Slightly different versions of this have been reported in the past. It is possible that this Part 2/3 is a repeat of a previously used topic.

Part 3

Learning About History

Do you think history (= knowing about history) is important?
Can you suggest why some people are not interested in (knowing about) history?
How do people learn about history?
(Similar to above) How can people get information about history?
Do you think websites about history are useful?
Which historical periods do you think are the most important to know about (learn about)?
How do children (or school-age people) learn about history?
(Similar to above) Do schools in your country teach history?
Do many high school students in your country choose to study history as one of their school subjects?
How is history taught at school in your country?
Do you think those school lessons are interesting for most students?
Can you suggest how those lessons could be made more interesting?
Do you think history textbooks are usually interesting?
Which would you prefer, to learn history from a textbook or to learn it by watching documentary videos about history?
(Similar to above) Do you think students would learn more from history textbooks or from watching documentary videos about history?
Are there any other ways in which most people learn at least a little about history?
What's the difference between learning about history in school and learning about it outside of school?
Do you think books such as historical novels are a good way to learn about history?
Would you say the history in books like that is accurate?
Do you think watching a popular movie about an historical event is a good way to learn about history?
Do you think popular movies ever distort (their depiction of) history?
Do parents in your country usually tell their children about history?
What do you think is the value of parents and grandparents telling their children about history? *
Do many people in your country study history at university?

Historical Buildings

Do you think there is any value (or, any need) to preserve historical buildings?
What would you say is the difference between, "an historical building" and "an old building"?
How are historical buildings preserved (maintained / protected)?
Do you think it's better for the government to maintain historical buildings, or for this to be done by private companies?
Why is it quite expensive to maintain historical buildings? *
Who pays for the cost of such maintenance?
Who do you think should pay for the cost of such maintenance?
(Similar to above) What would you say is the best way to pay for the maintenance of historical buildings?
Do you think the whole population of a country should pay for it (via the taxes they give to the government)?

PDF

Describe an important plant in your country (such as a vegetable, fruit or flower).

You should say:

what plant it is

what it looks like

where it grows

and explain why it is important.

Part 3

Plants in Your Country

Can you give me any more examples of the plants that grow in your country?
How are those plants used? (= What are those plants used for?, What is the role of those plants?)
Why did people in the past use plants as medicine?

Living in the Countryside

Would you say plants are more important in the countryside, or in the city?
Why do some people like to live in the countryside?
Why is there air pollution in the cities?
Who do you think prefers living in the countryside, young people or old people?
How do you think the countryside might (or, will) change in the future?

Green Cities

Are there many trees and green areas in the city where you live?
Would you say it's important to have plants growing in cities?
What do you think are the benefits of growing things (or, trees) in a (the) city?

Growing Plants at Home

"At home" can be considered to include, "at the office".

Do people in your country like growing plants at home?
(different to above) Do many people in your country grow plants at home?
Can you explain why people like to put plant in their home or office?
(Similar to above) Why do some people attach importance to greening their living (or working) environment?
What kinds of plants do they grow?
How (or where) do people who live in cities (or, in apartments) grow plants?
Are there any differences between the plants that people grow indoors compared to those that are grown outdoors?
What would you say are the benefits of having indoor plants?
What kind of people like to plant flowers at home?
Who do you think likes growing plants more (= "prefers growing plants"), old people or young people?
Why do old people like to grow plants at home?
Have you ever grown any plants?

Education about Plants

Do schools in your country teach children about growing (or, how to grow) plants?
Do you think schools should teach children about growing plants?
(Similar to above) Do you think schools should teach children how to grow plants?
(Similar to above) Do you think children should study agriculture at school?
What benefits can children get from growing plants?

Farming

What are some examples of the crops that are grown in your country?
Can you explain why some people enjoy working as farmers?
Would you like to be a farmer?
How is farming in your country today different to farming in the past?
(Similar to above) How has farming in your country changed over the past few decades (or, generations)?
What's the difference between the social status of farmers today and their status in the past?
Where (or how) do people today learn about farming?
(Similar to above) Where (or how) do students today study agriculture?
How do you think farming might change in the future?
Do you think more people will be growing their own food in the future?
Do you think children should do farm work?
In what ways do you think the environment affects the growing of crops?

PDF

Describe a (very) intelligent person you know.

You should say:

who this person is

when and where you (first) met them (him or her)

what this person does in life (e.g., work/ study)

and explain why you think this person is intelligent.

Part 3

The Nature of Intelligent People

Do you think very intelligent people have certain characteristics that are different to those of average people?
Do you think they are usually socially awkward?
Do you think more intelligent people are more selfish than average people?
Do you think more intelligent people are happier than average people?
Do you think more intelligent people are generally healthier than average people?
Do you think having high intelligence gives people an advantage in improving the quality of their lives?
Do you think having high intelligence helps people in their relationships with others?
Would you say highly intelligent people are more helpful (towards others) than average people?
Would you say highly intelligent people are proud of their intelligence?
(Different to above) Would you say highly intelligent people are arrogant about their intelligence?

The Nature of Intelligence

Can you suggest why some people are more intelligent than others?
Do you think it's possible for people with average (or, low) intelligence to become highly intelligent?
Can you explain why some intelligent people are called "geniuses" when they are young?

The Intellectual Development of Children

I suggest you use the words, "intellectual development" rather than, "education" except in those cases when the examiner actually uses the word, "education" in a question.

Do you think children can be trained to be intelligent?
(Similar to above) Do you think the intelligence of people can be promoted (developed) when they are children?
How do you think this can be done?
Who would you say is more important in the intellectual development of children, their parents or their school teachers?
In general, what role do parents play in the intellectual development of their children, and what role do teachers play?
How do you think teachers and parents can make children more interested in learning?
Do you think games are useful in promoting intellectual development?
Do you think creative activities play a role in promoting intellectual development?
Do you think books (or, promoting a love of reading) is important in promoting the intellectual development of children?
Would you say the intellectual development of children is important?

Questions you might be asked:

Highly) Intelligent People

Besides the qualities that you just described, what other ways do people use to judge someone's intelligence?
Do you think the intelligence of a person is important?
Do you think it's good to be more intelligent than average people?
Do you think that there are any things that highly intelligent cannot do easily?
(Similar to above) Do you think there is anything that intelligent people tend not to be good at?
(Similar to above) Do you think there is anything that intelligent people find difficult to do?
Do you like being with an intelligent person?
Do you think that much older people are more intelligent than young people?
Do you think high intelligence is related to one's degree of happiness?
(Similar to above) Do you think there is a relationship between the amount of knowledge a person has and his or her happiness?
Do you think (highly) intelligent people tend to be happier than average people?
(A possible question) Which would you prefer to be, someone who is happy but has low intelligence, or someone who is not so happy but is highly intelligent?
Do you think that most intelligent people are good people (= have good moral values)?
Do you think that intelligent people tend to be more selfish than other people?
Do you think highly intelligent people are less affectionate than people with average intelligence?
Do you think it's good to be (highly) intelligent?
Are highly intelligent people valued in your culture?
Do you think it's possible to be "too intelligent" (= "overly intelligent" or "excessively intelligent")?
What do you think is the difference between "an intelligent person" and "a genius"?
Why do we use this word, "genius"?

Teachers

If the examiner uses the word "education", it mostly (but not totally) means "academic education", not education in such things as learning how to be polite or learning the value of helping others. But you can adapt your answer, after answering the question as it is asked.

Who do you think has the greater influence on a child's education (or learning) , the child's teachers or the parents?
In connection with a child's education, what do you think is the role of teachers and that of the parents?
(Slightly different to the first question) Who do you think is better able to educate a child, the teachers at school or the child's parents?
Do you think a teacher can actually influence a child's intelligence?
Do you think parents and teachers should be patient with children?
Do you think anyone (or, everyone) can be a teacher?
Who do you think are better suited to be teachers, men or women?
What qualities do you think a good teacher should have (or, has)?
Do you think a good teacher needs to be a patient person?
Can you suggest why some school children don't like going to school?
Do you think teachers should use entertaining teaching methods?
How can a teacher encourage an enthusiasm for (or interest in or, a love of) learning among his or her students?
Do you think playing games in the classroom can be a good way to teach young kids?
Which do you think is more important, teaching (or learning about) the arts or teaching (or learning about) the sciences?
How can an interest in the arts be cultivated (in a child)?

The Development of Intelligence in a Child

In your opinion, how do some people become more intelligent than others?
(Similar to above) In your opinion, why are some people more intelligent than others?
(Possible question) Do you think a person's intelligence is more an in-born quality or is it more the result of the early childhood environment? *
Do you think the way parents and teachers treat a child can influence how intelligent that child becomes?
How do you think the development of intelligence in a child can be encouraged/stimulated?
Do you think encouraging a "love of learning" is important in the development of a child's intelligence?
How do you suggest a parent (or a teacher) could encourage the development of a love of learning in a child?
What do you think are the differences between the role that teachers play in developing a child's intelligence and the role that parents play?
Who do you think is more important in the intellectual development of a child, the parents or the child's teachers?
Do you think that a person who had a close relationship with his or her grandparents (in the pre-school years) might grow up to be more intelligent than a person who never had a close relationship with his or her grandparents?

The Importance of Intelligence and Talent

Do you think it's important for people to be intelligent?
Is it the only thing that is important?
Do you think nowadays people need to be more intelligence than people in the past?
Do you think it's important for people to have some talent (in some area)?
Would you like to be more talented (in some area)?
How do you think a person can become more talented?

Artificial Intelligence

Do you think computers have "intelligence"?
What do you think is the difference between the intelligence of a computer and that of a human?
Do you think computers might one day be more intelligent than humans?

The Education of Highly Intelligent Children

Do you think there are more highly intelligent children nowadays, compared to the past? (Why?/Why not?)
And do you think people in the future will, on average, be more intelligent than people today, or will they be about the same?
How do we know which children are highly intelligent and which are average in intelligence?
Do you think we (people, society) should distinguish between highly intelligent children and those who are average? = (Should we give highly intelligent special attention or should we treat them the same as other children?) Hint: Talk about advantages and disadvantages.
Do you think it's best for these highly intelligent children to go to normal schools or do you think they should go to special schools?
Can you suggest any methods for educating highly intelligent children?

The Education of Children with Different Levels of Intelligence

How do you think poor students (i.e., students who are not very good at studying) should be educated?
Do you think poor students could benefit by being educated with the good students?
And do you think there are any benefits for the good students if all the students are educated together?
In general, do you think schools today do a good job in educating students?
How do you think schools could be improved?
How do you think school education will develop in the future?
What do you think of the idea of replacing teachers in schools with equipment that has artificial intelligence, such as computers?
(Similar to above) What would be the good and bad points if teachers in schools were replaced by equipment that has artificial intelligence, such as computers?

The Development of Intelligence in Children

Do you think very intelligent people and not so intelligent people are born that way and their intelligence cannot be changed during their childhood?
How do you think children develop their intelligence?
Can you suggest any ways for parents to encourage the development of intelligence in their children?
Do you think TV helps children become more intelligent?
Do you think (highly) intelligent people are happy?
Do you think games can help children become more intelligent? (Why?/Why not?)

Children's Play (and Intelligence)

What did you do for play when you were a child?
Do you think play can help children develop their intelligence? (If yes, how? If not, why not?)
What sorts of games or play activities do you think most help children to develop their intelligence?
Are there any differences to the ways children today play, compared to the past? (e.g. 20 to 50 years ago)
Which do you think is better (for the development of a child's intelligence), children playing alone or playing with other children?
In what ways do you think children can benefit by playing with others (or, other children)?

PDF

Describe an old person who you think is interesting.

You should say:

who this person is

how you met (or how you know) this person

what you do together

and explain why you think this person is interesting.

Part 3

Young-Old Relationships

What are the main differences between young people and old people?
What aspects of the elderly do you think are most interesting?
What do you think happens when we show an interest in another person?
Do you think old people should live with their families?
Do you think old people and young people can become friends?
Is this phenomenon common in your country?
Do you think old people and young people can share the same interests or hobbies?
Can you give any examples of interests or hobbies that some young people have in common with some old people?
Can you explain why many young people do not find old people to be interesting?
In general, what do you think leads to a person understanding another person?
Do you think young people are too self-centred?
Would you say young people today are more polite towards old people than in the past?

The Young and Old Teaching Each Other

What do you think are the main difference between the elderly and young people when learning new things?
Do you think it's possible for young people and the elderly to teach each other things?
Can you give any examples of that?
What skills do you think they can teach each other?
Do you think elderly people could learn to play computer games?
Can you explain why not many young people teach old people about the latest pop music?

PDF

Describe an interesting part of your country.

You should say:

where it is

how you know about it

...........

and explain why you think it is interesting.

Part 3

Notes

If the wording is, a "part of your country" instead of, "a place in your country" then you could use general words such as, "the north-east part" or "the far-western part" without actually giving any names. But including a name or two along with naming the part would be better.
"Interesting" means "interesting to you". It might not be especially interesting to other people.
"Interesting" means it stimulates your mind, your thinking, not necessarily your feelings. For example, there might be something that you think is unique about this place, or something you would like to learn more about this place. It does not necessarily have to be "attractive", or other adjectives that refer to feelings.
The missing clue might be: "what you know about this place", "whether or not you have visited this place" or, "how well-known this place is" . . . You can include a few words about all of those points.

Part 3

Your Country

What are the differences between the northern and southern (or, eastern and western) parts of your country?

Living in Cities

What do you think are the main differences between living in a city and living in the countryside (in a village or small town)?

Countries of the World

What sorts of things make one country different to another country (or, different to other countries)?

PDF

Version A

Describe an interesting person who you would like to meet.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know about them

what you would say to this person * (or, what you would talk about)

and explain why you would like to meet this person.

Version B

Describe a person you have never met who you would like to get to know.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know about them

what you would say to this person * (or, what you would talk about)

and explain why you would like to get to know this person.

Version C

Describe a person you know but who you would like to get to know better.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know them

what you would say to this person * (or, what you would talk about) *

and explain why you would like to get to know this person better.

Part 3

Making Friends

Do you have many friends in your community?
Do you prefer to have a large circle of friends, or just a few friends?
How do you think a newcomer to a community can be helped to fit in (or, adapt) to the new environment?
Do you think modern technology helps people build relationships between each other?

People's Personalities

What kinds of personalities do your friends have?
Do you think a person's personality is reflected in the clothes they wear?

PDF

Version A

Describe an outdoor sport that you would like to try

You should say:

what it is

where you would try it

how easy or difficult you think it would (or, will) be

and explain why you would like to try this sport.

Version B

Describe an outdoor activity that you would like to try

You should say:

what it is

where you would try it

how easy or difficult you think it would (or, will) be

and explain why you would like to try this activity.

Notes

More than half the people who got this topic are reporting Version A but several peoples are reporting Version B. I think both are possible but Version B is probably the more likely true wording. That version allows you to choose a sport or some other outdoor activity. "Outdoor sport" is one of the Part 3 sub-topics. I suggest you prepare for both Version A & B.

Part 3

Outdoor Sports

Do people in your country have many opportunities to engage in (do) outdoor sports?
What kinds of outdoor sports do people in your country do?
(Similar to above) What are some examples of the outdoor sports that people in your country do?
What are the major differences (and similarities) between indoor sports and outdoor sports?
(Similar to above) What are the main advantages and disadvantages of outdoor sports, in comparison with indoor sports?
Which is more exciting, in your opinion?
Do you think outdoor sports are closer to nature?
Do you think schools should cancel outdoor sports on days when the weather is extreme (e.g., temperatures above 35 degree)?

Sport in General

For these questions, it is possible that the questions here are asked in such a way that "liking" a sport can either mean, "like to play it" or, "like to watch others play it".

What sports do young people in your country like?
Do old people also like those sports?
What would you say are the advantages & disadvantages of team sports as opposed to individual sports?

PDF

Describe something you bought but do not often use.

You should say:

what you bought

where you bought it

why you bought it

and explain why you don't often use it.

Part 3

Shopping in Your Country

Where do people do their daily shopping?
In general, would you say people like shopping?
When people go shopping, do they usually have a plan of what they intend to buy?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping in big shopping centres (shopping malls) and department stores?
What is more important for most people when they buy a product, the quality or the price?
Do you think people like advertising?

Recycling

What are the most commonly recycled things (or, materials) in your country?
Why are these things recycled?
What would be the results if they were not recycled? *
When people buy things, do you think there is too much waste material included with what they are buying?

PDF

Describe a time you received bad service at a shop or a restaurant.

You should say:

what goods or services you bought

who you were with when you were served

why you went there

and explain how you felt about the service.

and explain what you did after receiving this bad service.

Notes

For this usage (this meaning), the word "service" is a non-count noun. So it is not correct to say, "I received a bad service" because "a" means, "one", which is counting. The correct wording is, "I received some bad service" or simply, "I received bad service". "Services" (plural) is used in English but not for this usage, where "service" is a general type of behaviour. (Similarly, "advice", which is a general type of language or communication, is non-count.)

English speakers often use the term, "poor service" (= poor-quality service) although "bad service" is also used. "Bad service" is worse than "poor service". If your example is not so bad, adapt your language to include the term, "poor service", which is more or less the same and is still answering the question.

Part 3

Service in Your Country

Would you say that the service that people receive in your country is generally good, or generally bad?
Can you explain what the words, "bad service" mean?
Besides the example you just spoke about, can you think of any other examples of bad service that people experience?
What would you say are the most common places where people are given bad service?
Please compare good service and bad service in a restaurant.
Why do some people give bad service to others?
In general, how do you think people can give good service to others?
How do you feel about the word "service"?
Would you say good service is important?

Reacting to Bad Service

If a person receives bad service from a business (or organization) in your country, what do they usually do?
Are people in your country used to complaining when they receive bad service?
Why do some people choose to remain silent when they receive bad service?
Who do they complain to?
How do the employees who give bad service usually react when a customer complains?
If you complain about bad service, do the businesses or organizations usually address your complaint?
Who should be responsible for bad service?

Improving Service

How could service in your country be improved?
What can employers do to improve the service that their employees provide?
(Similar to above) If you were managing a business, what would you do to avoid (or, prevent) your employees giving bad service?
Can you suggest why some businesses that give poor service don’t do anything about it?

PDF

Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of equipment (e.g., a TV or a washing machine)

You should say:

what equipment

what problem you had

when you had this problem

and explain what you did about this problem. [Or: how you fixed (resolved) this problem]

Notes

Possibly the first line asks you to talk about some equipment that was broken, which is just one example of having a problem with equipment. On the other hand, if the word, "problem" is used then the equipment might not necessarily have been "broken". For example, if it was equipment that was working perfectly well but you didn't know how to correctly use it then it was you who had the problem, not the equipment.
It could be equipment at home, at your work or study place or any other place where you go, such as the machine that dispenses tickets in the subway.
Other examples of "problems" with equipment could be: equipment that was too big to be stored in a convenient place; equipment that made too much noise to be used where you live; equipment that was too complex to use; equipment that was too heavy for you to use . . . .

Part 3

Modern Equipment

What are some examples of the common home appliances that people have (in their homes) today?
Besides a mobile phone and a computer, what equipment would you say is "essential" for most people to have?
If you had a piece of equipment (including electrical / electronic equipment) that was not working, would you try to fix it yourself or have someone else fix it?
When a piece of equipment is no longer working, do you usually buy a new one, or get it fixed?
What are some common reasons why equipment stops working?
When does equipment usually stop working?
What sorts of things can a person do to maintain equipment in good, working order?
(Similar to above) What sorts of things can a person do to extend the working life of a piece of equipment?
Would you say that modern equipment tends to make people lazy?

Problem Solving
- Would you say you are a good problem solver?

PDF

Describe a piece of good news you heard (e.g., from TV or the internet)

You should say:

where you heard it

when you heard it

what it was about

and explain why you think it was good news.

Part 3

The News in Your Country

Can you give any more examples of news that could be called, "good news"?
Are there different kinds (categories) of news in your country?
What kind of news are most people in your country most concerned about?
Which types of people pay more attention to domestic (national) news than to foreign news?
Do average people in your country care much about foreign news?
Are elderly and young people usually interested in the same news?
Are there any types of people who care little about the news?
Can you suggest why some people are interested in bad news?
Why do many people like to talk about bad news?
Would you say people are being given (exposed to) too much news nowadays?
Can you explain why some people put news stories on social media?
How can people distinguish between false news and genuine news?
(Similar to above) How can people trust that the news they hear or read is true (or accurate)?
How do you think the way we get the news will (or, might) change in the future?

School Students and the News

How do school-age people learn about (or get) news?
Do you think school children should be paying attention to the news?
(Similar to above) Do you think school children should be watching the news?
Do you think they should hear (or, should be exposed to) bad news?
Do school teachers guide students to understand the news?

PDF

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?

PDF

Describe someone you would like to work or study with.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know this person

what you would do together

and explain why you would like to like to work or study with this person.

Part 3

Education in Your Country

What do children study at school in your country?
Do you think school boys and girls should sit together in the classroom?
How important would you say it is that school children study with people who they like?
Do you think it's good for a child to learn (or, study) alone?

Work in Your Country

What kinds of people do you like to work with?
(Similar to above) What kinds of people would you like to work with?
(Similar to above) What kinds of people do you want to work with?
In a workplace (e.g., a company) do you think the personality of the employees (or, one's colleagues) is important?
Which is (or, would be) more important for you, developing your work-related skills, or being being recognized (or, appreciated) by your supervisor?
Do you think managers can be friends with their subordinates?

PDF

Describe a person you know who tries to protect the environment.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know them

what they do to try to protect the environment

and explain why you think they do this.

Part 3

Protecting the Environment

In addition to your example from Part 2, what are some other things that can be done to protect the environment?
Some people say the use of plastic bags is an environmental problem. Can you explain why they say that?
Can you explain how some waste (= garbage) is recycled?
In your opinion, who do you think is (or, should be) most responsible for protecting the environment, governments, companies or individuals?
How much do you think companies should be responsible for the pollution that they produce?
Which industries would you say are the biggest environmental polluters?
What can (or does) the government do to protect the environment?

Education about Protecting the Environment

How can people (= individuals) be encouraged to protect the environment?
Do you think it's important for people to be educated about (= to be made aware of) environmental problems?
Do you think this topic should be included in school syllabuses (= should be taught in schools)?

PDF

Version A

Describe a person who you wanted to be similar to when you were younger.

You should say:

who this person was

how you knew (about) this person

what impressed you about this person

and explain why you wanted to be similar to this person.

and explain in what ways you wanted to be similar to this person.

Another likely (old) version:

Version B

Describe a person you know who you would like to be similar to.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know this person

what impresses you about this person

and explain why you would like to be similar to this person.

and explain in what ways you would like to be similar to this person.

Part 3

Role Models

In general, what kinds of people do children and teenagers want to be similar to when they grow up?
Can you explain how the use of movie stars in advertisements influences people?
Do you think there are any negative influences from using movie stars in advertisements?
Would you say the influence of parents on their children today is as strong as it used to be in the past?