IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions(September December, 2010 ) Notes
There will be new questions added and some other changes made after each test. For some of these topics, there might be two sets of different but similar questions, for example, the "Sport" topic. Certainly the "Work/Studies" questions exist in different sets. N = new topic or question. But some of these might be mistakes. When a second person has confirmed that he or she got this topic or question, this label will be changed from N to NC. You can be confident that any topics and questions with this label are b eing used now. C = confirmed that this question or topic is currently being used. Questions labeled with C or NC are the most likely questions and (most questions) questions labeled with N are also very likely . Those topics and questions without a C label were the topics and questions that were predicted before the first test of September. The p redicted questions without a C label are still possibly in use now, even if no-one has so far reported that they got those questions.
Many of the questions have the words, "(Why?/Why not?)" written in the examiner's question book after the question. I have not always shown that here but you should include this information when you answer any an y questions about your preferences, opinions, likes and dislikes or any other answer that obviously needs you to state a ex aminer will ask you "Why?" reason for a complete, coherent answer. If you do not, the examiner or, "Why not?". If the examiner is forced to ask that several times, you will be b e losing valuable time and you will not give a good impression. * = A question that I have guessed is in the test OR a question that seems to exist but which has not been reported clearly so I have guessed the wording
*************************************************************************** ** 0. The four I.D. checking questions. (Not really part of Part 1) 1. Your Work or Your Studies C 2. Your Hometown C
One of the two topics above is a compulsory topic and you will be asked about 4 questions on this topic. You will then be asked questions on two of the topics from below. be low. (Again,
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about 4 questions per topic). (There's a 50% chance that you will get Topic 1 and a 50% chance that you will get Topic 2.) 3. Animals C 4. Colours C 5. Food C 6. Mobile Phones C 7. Leisure Time C 8. Sport C 9. Sounds (Noises) C 10. Collecting C 11. Languages C 12. Weather & Seasons C 13. Films C 14. Clothes and Fashion C 15. Shopping C 16. Flying NC 17. Museums NC 18. News NC 19. Holidays NC 20. Travelling C 21. Cooking C 22. Dancing NC 23. Books NC 24. The Ocean NC
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about 4 questions per topic). (There's a 50% chance that you will get Topic 1 and a 50% chance that you will get Topic 2.) 3. Animals C 4. Colours C 5. Food C 6. Mobile Phones C 7. Leisure Time C 8. Sport C 9. Sounds (Noises) C 10. Collecting C 11. Languages C 12. Weather & Seasons C 13. Films C 14. Clothes and Fashion C 15. Shopping C 16. Flying NC 17. Museums NC 18. News NC 19. Holidays NC 20. Travelling C 21. Cooking C 22. Dancing NC 23. Books NC 24. The Ocean NC
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25. Friendship NC 26. Daily Routine NC 27. Emails and Letters NC *************************************************************************** ** 1. Your Work or Your Studies C
Do you work or are you a student? C
1a) Your Work C See also ALL_PART_1_QUESTIONS 1b. Your Work
General Description of Your Job
What job (or, what work) do you do? C Why did you choose to do d o that job (or, that kind o f work)? C Is that a popular choice of career in your country? What skills do you need for that job? What do you do (in a typical day) at work? C (Similar to above) What are the main tasks that you do at work? C (Similar to above) What are your (main) responsibilities at work? C
Finding a Job N
How did you get that job? N Is it easy (for other people in your country) to find work doing your job? NC Where do people get information about jobs, from newspaper or from TV? N Are there other ways for people to get information about jobs? N
Feelings about the Job
What's your job like? Do you like (or, enjoy) your job (or, your work)? C (Similar to above) How do you like your current job? (Similar to above) Is your job (or, your work) very important to you? What do you like about your work? Do you think it's very important for people to do a job that they like? NC Would you say it's a good job? What's the best thing about your job? Is your work very easy to do? NC Do you plan to continue in this same job (or, kind of work) in the future?
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Would you like to change your job? C What other job do you think you would enjoy, apart from your present job? C (Similar to above) If you had a choice, what would be your ideal job? C (Similar to above) If you had change your career, what other job would you choose? C
Future
What are your plans for the future? (Similar to above) What are your work plans for the future? What job (or, work) would you like to do (in the future)? Why are you taking the IELTS test?
Your First Day at Work
Do you remember your first day at work? What did you do on your first day at work? Did you like your first day at work? (Similar to above) How did you feel on your first day at work? Do you think the first day at work is important? (Similar to above) Do you think a person's first impressions of a new job are important?
1b) Your Studies C
Note: For high school students or recent high school graduates who have not yet started university, the word "school" or the words, "high school" or "secondary school" will be used instead of "university". If you are no longer a student now and have not yet started to work, the questions will be about the last time you were a student, either high school or university, and the questions will be asked in the past tense. General Description of Your Studies
What subject(s) are you studying? C Why did you choose to study that subject? C (For high school) Why did you choose those subjects? Is that a popular subject (to study) in your country? NC Do you think it's popular because people want to gain knowledge or is there some other reason? N Have you always wanted to study _____ (your subject)? What are the most popular subjects (= university degree courses = majors) in China?
Family Support for Your Choice
Did your family help you choose that course? (Similar to above) Did your family have an y influence on your choice of subject?
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(Similar to above) How do your parents feel abo ut your choice of subject? (Similar to above) Did your parents agree with your choice of subject? (Similar to above) Do your family support your choice of subject?
School/University
What school (or university) do you go to? Why did you choose that university (or, school)? Do you have any recreational or entertainment activities at your school/university? N (Past tense if not at school or university right now)
Liking/Disliking Your Studies
How do you like your subject? (Similar to above) Do you like your subject? (= your major = your subjects if a high school student) (Why?/Why not?) C What do you like about your subject? C (Similar to above) What part of your subject do you like the most? C Do you think it's important to choose a subject you like? (Why?) NC (For university students) What are your favourite classes/courses/subjects at university? (Unclear which word is used) (For high school students) What's your favourite subject at school? (Don't say P.E. – that's not really a subject that people study .)
Interesting
Is your subject interesting? (Why?/Why not?) N Do you think it's important to choose a subject you are interested in? (Why?) N (What's the most interesting part of your subject? C (Similar to above) What's the most interesting part of your studies? C (Similar to above) For you, what's the most interesting part (or subject o r class) of your course? C (For high school) What's the most interesting of your subjects at school?
Future Future Work
What are your future work plans? (after you gradu ate) C (Similar to above) What do you plan (or, do you want) to do after you finish your course? C (Similar to above) What work would you like to do after you finish your studies? C Do you think what you are studying now will be very useful (or, relevant o r, important) for this type of work? How will you (or, how do you plan to) get the job you want? Do you think it will be easy to find that kind of work? C
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(Similar to above) Do you think it will be easy to find that kind of work (without help)? N (Similar to above) Do you think it will be easy to find work (or, find a job) after you graduate? C (Similar to above) Is it easy to find a job with this major? NC
Further Studies
Why are you taking the IELTS test? What country do you plan to go to for further study? (Why?) What do you plan to study at university?
Your First Day at University (or high school) (The word, "university" is probably replaced by the words, "high school" or "secondary school" if you have not been to university yet.)
Did you like your first day at university? (Similar to above) Did you have a good first day at university? (Similar to above) How did you feel on your first day at university/high school? Do you think the first day at university is important? How important do you think it is for people to have an enjoyable first day at university (or, school)? (Similar to above) Do you think a person's first impressions of a new school or university are important?
2. Your Hometown C
Notes: – Your 'hometown' is the place where you grew up, not necessarily the place where you were born. – Sometimes the questions below are used not for your hometown but for the place where you are living now, even if the word, "hometown" is used in a question below. – Several questions here are similar because there is more than one set of questions for the topic, "Your Hometown" The Place
Where do you come from? C (Similar to above) Where is your hometown? N Where do you live at the moment?
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How long have you been living there/here?
Your Family
Do your parents also live there? (Similar to above) Does your whole family live there? Did your family ever move away from the place you were born? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Has your family always lived in that cit y/town?
Attractions
What tourist attractions are there in your hometown? Would a foreign visitor enjoy them? (Similar to above) What parts of your hometown would you recommend (or, suggest) a visitor go and see? (Similar to above) What tourist attractions would you recommend to visitors who com e to your hometown?
Famous NC
Is your hometown famous for anything? NC (If you answer no) How could it become famous? N
The History of Your Hometown NC
Do you know much about the history of your hometown? N Did you learn (or, have you learned) much about the history of your hometown in school? NC
Change NC (The wording of this question is unclear. At pre sent (Sept. 20) it is just known that a question about "change" exists.)
(Possible question) How has your hometown changed, compared to historical times? * N (Possible question) In what ways has your hometown changed in the past few years? * N What do you think needs to change in your hometown? C
Transport N
What form of transport do you prefer to use in your hometown? N
Free Time Activities in Your Hometown
What do people in your hometown do in their free time? N
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What place(s) in your hometown do you go to in your spare time? (Why? Include what you do there.)
Your Feelings about the Place
Why did you choose to live here/there? (If not living in your hometown) Do you like _____? (The place you are living in now / your hometown) (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you like living here/there? Would you say it's a good place to grow up (in)? What do you like (most or, best) about (living in) your hometown (or, about living where you are living now)? C What do you think needs to be done to make your hometown a better place to live in? (Similar to above) How do you think your hometown could be improved? C
Future Plans
Do you plan to live there/here for a long time? What (other) place would you like to live in (in the future)?
3. Animals C
Do you like animals? "Do you like me?"
What's your favourite animal? (Why?) C Are people in your country fond of animals? C (Similar to above) Do people in your country keep animals at home (= keep a pet)? C Do you think cities are suitable places for keeping a pet? Do children like animals? (Similar to above) What animals do children like? What was your favourite animal when you were a child? N Did you have any pets when you were a child? What do you think are the benefits of a child having a pet? N (Possibly the question above is this) What benefits did you get from having a pet? If you have children in the future, will you allow them to raise a pet? (Similar to above, but different!) If you were a parent, wou ld you let your children raise a pet?
4. Colours C
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What's your favorite color? (Why?) C Do you usually (or, often) wear clothes in your favourite colour? C Are there any colours that have a special meaning in your country? C What colour would you choose to paint the walls of your room? (Don't use, "will".) C Do you think different types of people like different colours?
5. Food C
What foods do you usually eat? Did you like to eat the same food when you were a child? (Similar to above) What food did you like to eat when you were a child? C Do you still like that food now? C (Similar to above) Would you want your children to eat the same food now? N (Similar to above) If your children asked for that food now, would you make it for them? If you had children, what foods would you recommend they eat? C (Similar to above) In the future, if you have children, what food will you recommend they eat? C Do you think it's good to (often or sometimes) take children to restaurants? C How has food in your country changed since you were a child? Do you think the food in different countries is different? N (Probably only used if you are doing the test away from your home country.)
6. Mobile Phones C
Do you have a mobile phone (= "a cell phone")? * (Similar to above) Do you use a cell phone? What do you use it for? How often do you use it? C When did you get it? (Similar to above) When did you get your first mobile phone? C How did you feel when you got your first mobile phone? What feature (or, function) of your cell phone do you like the best? Is there anything you dislike about using cell phones? C
7. Leisure Time C
How much free time (or time to relax) do you have (per week)? C How do you relax? What do you do in your spare time (= free time)? C
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(In the evenings), do you prefer to relax at home and watch TV or go out with your friends? C (Similar to above) Would you prefer to relax at home and watch TV or go out with your friends? C (Similar to above) Would you prefer to relax at home and watch TV or go shopping? N Do you think it's important to (have time to) relax? C Do men and women relax ( = spend their free time) in the same way? What do you usually do with your family? Do you think modern people like to do things with others, in a group? Do you often do things in a group? Do you prefer to do things in a family group or in a group of friends? How did you spend your last holidays (vacation)?
8. Sport C
Are you interested in sport? (Similar to above) Do you like sport? C What sports do you like? (Why?) C (Similar to above) What sports do you usually play? NC Do most people in your country like sport? (Similar to above) What sports do people in your country like to play? Do men and women feel the same about sport? N (Possibly the question above is) Do men and women play the same sports? NC What benefits do you think sport can bring us? Do (did) you often play sport at school? (What sport?) (Past tense if you have finished school.) What sports did you play when you were a child? NC What are the benefits of playing sport? N What are the differences when boys and girls play sports? NC Do you think we should encourage children to play sport in school? (Similar to above) Do you think it's important for children to play sports? Will you let your children play sport? N (Similar to above) Would you let your children play sport? N (Similar to above) Would you encourage your children to play sport? N
9. Sounds (Noises) C
Do you prefer a quiet environment or an environment with some sounds? (Similar to above) Do you prefer a quiet environment or a noisy environment? C (Similar to above) Do you prefer to study (or work ) in a quiet environment or an environment with some noise (or, sounds)?
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(Similar to above) Would you prefer to study (or wo rk ) in a quiet environment or an environment with some noise (or, sounds)? Does your school have any quiet places for studying? What natural sound do you like (the most)? (Why?) C What sounds do you dislike? (Why?) C (Possibly the question above is worded this wa y:) Are there any sounds that you dislike? (Why?) What sounds remind you of your childhood? C
10. Collecting C
Did you collect anything (such as stamps or CD 's) when you were a child? C Do you still collect them now? C Do you collect anything as a hobby now? C Why do you like collecting things? Do people in your country like to collect things? N Why do you think people like collecting things? C What are some examples of things that some people collect (as a hobby)? Do you think you will collect anything in the future? If you had a lot of money, what would you like to collect? C (Similar to above) If you had a lot of money, what would you collect? (Don't use, "will".) C
11. Languages C
What foreign languages have you studied (or, learned)? (Similar to above) How many languages can you speak? N Why did you choose to study that language? How did you learn that language? (Similar to above) How did you learn (to speak ) English? C How long have you been learning that language (or, learning English)? Would you say it's a difficult language to learn? (Why?) (Similar to above) Compared to other languages, would you say English is difficult? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Is that language hard for you? Do people in your country have many chances to practice oral English? N Do you think it's important to know more than one language? If you had the chance, would you be willing to learn another language? N (Similar to above) What other language would you like to learn, (if you had the opportunity)? (Why?) C
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12. Weather & Seasons C
What's the weather (usually) like in your hometown? C
(Similar to above) What has the weather in your hometown been like recently? N Do you like that weather (or, that kind of climate)? (Why?/Why not?) Have there been any changes in the weather over the past few years? What's your favourite season? (Why?) (Similar to above, but different) What's your favourite weather? (Wh y?) What do you usually do during your favourite weather (or season)? Is there any season you dislike? (Why?) C Would you prefer to have (or live in a place that has) the same climate all year, or a place that has different seasons? When is (what season has) the best weather in C hina (or, in your hometown)? How often is the weather good in your hometown? What did you do the last time the weather was good? (Similar to above) What do you usually do when the weather is fine? Do you (or, do people in China or, in your hometown) do the same thing in different seasons? Do you pay attention to (or, watch/listen to) the weather forecasts? Does the weather ever affect what you do? (Similar to above) Does the weather ever affect you? (If yes, how?) (Similar to above) Does the weather affect your life? (Similar to above) How does bad weather affect your mood? (Similar to above) How does bad weather affect people's mood? How do you feel when the weather is cloudy? N
13. Films C
Do you like to watch films? How often do you watch a film? N What types of films do you like? C Are there any types of films that you dislike? What kinds of films did you like to watch when you were a child? Where do you prefer to watch films? N Do you like to watch films in a cinema? (Why?/Why not?) N Do you prefer to watch films at home or in a cinema? (Why?)
14. Clothes and Fashion C
Shopping for Clothes
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Do you like shopping for clothes? (Similar to above) Is shopping for clothes important to you? Where do you buy your clothes? Where do you think you can buy the most fashionable clothes? Where do you usually buy your clothes? N When was the last time you went shopping for clothes? Do you think men and women think the same about clothes? Do you like to try on clothes before you buy them? (Why?/Why not?) For you, is the colour of the clothes very important when you are shopping for clothes?
Wearing Clothes
What kinds of (or, style of) clothes do people in your country like to wear? What kinds of (or, style of) clothes do you usuall y wear (or, buy)? C (Similar to above) What kinds of (or, style of) clothes do you like? Do you wear the same clothes both at work and after work? Do you wear the same kinds of clothes in winter and summer? (Possible question) Do you think you will change the style of clothes you wear in the future?
Fashion
Are you very interested in fashion (or, clothes fashions)? (Similar to above) What do you think of (or, about) fashion? (Similar to above) What do you think about fashion nowadays in your country? Are people's ideas about fashion (or, ideas about what is 'fashionable') today the same as people's ideas in previous years? What types of clothes are in fashion now? N Are the clothes that people in your country wear today the same as people's clothes in previous years? Do many people (in your country) follow fashion? What are the benefits of following fashion? Do you think your tastes in fashion will be the same when you are old? (Similar to above) Do you think fashion trends will be the same when you are old(er)? N
15. Shopping C
Do you like (going) shopping? (Why?/Why not?) How often do you go shopping? Which day of the week do you usually go (or, do you like to go) shopping? What do you usually buy when you go shopping? When was the last time you went shopping? C (Include what you bought.) What are some differences between men and women concerning shopping? N In what ways do you think people's present and past shopping habits are different?
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Do you prefer to buy things in small shops or in big shops such as supermarkets and department stores? (Similar to above) Do you enjoy shopping in big shopping malls (big shopping centres)? C (Similar to above) What are the pros and cons of buying things in big shops compared to buying things in small shops? What do you buy in big shopping centres? Do you think it's good that there are more and more big shops nowadays? Is there anything you dislike about shopping? Do you like window shopping?
16. Flying NC
Have you ever traveled by (= flown in a) plane? N (Similar to above) Do you often travel by aeroplane? NC (Similar to above) Do you often travel by air? NC Do you like it (like flying)? NC (Similar to above) What do you think about traveling by plane? N How does flying compare to other forms of transport? NC Would you like to travel by plane again? N (Similar to above) Do you think you will be using aircraft more in the future? N (Possibly not a real question) Do you think aircraft will b e used more in the future? N If you travel by plane again, where do you think you will go (or, you will be going)? N
17. Museums NC
Are there many (or, any) museums in your hometown? N (Similar to above) Are there many museums in your country? N (Similar to above) Are there any famous museums in your country? N Do you think museums are useful for visitors to your hometown/countr y? N Do you often visit a museum? N Did you go to any museums when you were a child? N When was the last time you visited a museum? NC Do you think museums are important? N Do you think it's suitable for museums to sell things to visitors? NC (Similar to above) Do you think museums should sell things to visitors? N
18. News NC
How do you usually get your news? *
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Do you prefer to read newspapers or watch TV to get your news? NC What news topics are you most interested in watching/reading abou t? N Do you ever read the news on the internet? N How important do you think the news is? N
19. Holidays NC (= vacations)
If the wording to a question is, "go on a holiday" or "go on holidays" it means to travel somewhere for pleasure during your holidays.
What do you usually do when you have holidays? NC What did you do in your last holidays? NC Would you like to go to the seaside for a holiday? N Why do you think people who don't live near the ocean like going to the seaside for a holiday? N Do you think holidays are important? NC (Similar to above) Do you think it's important (for people) to ha ve holidays? NC Is there anything you dislike doing during holida ys? Do you prefer spending holidays alone or with other people? NC (Similar to above) Do you prefer to go on holidays alone or with other people? NC Do you think we have enough holiday time (or should people's holidays be longer)? (Similar to above) Do you think people in China need more holidays (vacation time)?
20. Travelling C
Almost certainly, this means tr aveli ng to places as a touri st away f rom your hometown , not travelling (commuting) to work or school in your city or town. The emphasis of this topic seems to be on tourism, although the word "travel" can apply to simply going somewhere, not necessarily as a tourist. For example, you might sometimes make long trips to go from your hometown to another city where you attend university. It looks like there might be two different sets of "travelling" questions.
Do you like travelling? C Where do you like to go when you go traveling? NC (Similar to above) What places have you traveled to? Have you ever traveled for a long time? = Have you (ever) been on any long trips? NC Do you like long trips? C What's the longest journey you've been on? How do you feel when you travel? C What form of transport do you prefer to use when you travel?
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What was the last place you traveled to? Which city (or place) that you have been to did you like the most? (Why?) Have you ever been to any unusual (or, strange) places? N Have you ever travelled alone? Where (which country or place) would you like to travel to (in the future)? C What makes a place attractive for visitors (or, tourists)? What places in China are (or, would be) attractive for foreigners to travel to? (Similar to above but note the wording) What p laces in China would you recommend (or suggest) foreigners travel to? Why do you think traveling is so popular nowadays? Do you think finding out about other people's culture is important? (Why?)
21. Cooking C
Who usually does the cooking in your family (or, in your home)? C Do you know how to cook? C Would you like to (learn to) cook in the future? C (If you say you don't know how to cook.) (Similar to above) Do you think you will learn to cook in the future? N What (food/dishes) would you like to (learn to) cook in the future? C (If you say you don't know how to cook.) Do you like cooking? C When did you learn how to cook? (Similar to above) Did you learn how to cook when you were younger (or, when you were a child)? C (Similar to above) Did you ever cook (or, make a meal) when you were a child? Who taught you how to cook? When was the last time you did some cooking? Can you see yourself cooking more in the (near) future? Why? (Similar to above) In the future, do you think you will be cooking more than you do now, or less? (Why?) C
22. Dancing NC
Do you like dancing? NC Have you ever learned to dance? NC When was the last time you danced? NC (Similar to above) When was the last time you wen t dancing (出去跳舞 )? N (Similar to above) When was the last time you wen t to a party where people danced? N Do you like to watch dance performances? N (Similar to above) How do you feel when you watch dance performances on TV? N Why do you think some (or, many) people like to dance? N
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(Similar to above) Why do young people like dancing? N
23. Books NC
Do you like reading books? NC What (kinds of ) books do you like to read? NC Do (young) children like reading books? N For children, what do you think are the benefits of reading? N (Possible) What do you think are the benefits of reading to children? (= someone else reading while the child listens) N When you were young, what books (or, what kinds of books) made the greatest impression on you? N (Similar to above) What (kinds of) books did you like reading when you were a child? N Is reading books important for you now? N Would you like to write a book? N Do you like receiving a book as a gift? N (Perhaps the above question is this) Would you like to receive a book as a gift? (Perhaps the above question is this) How would you feel if someone gave you a book as a gift?
24. The Ocean NC
Have you ever been to the seaside? N How many times have you been to the seaside? N Did you like the ocean (or, the sea; or, the seaside)? NC What would you enjoy doing if you were at the seaside? N Would you like to live in a house near the ocean? NC
25. Friendship NC
Do you have many friends? N What do you usually do with your friends? N Where did you (first) meet your friends? N Do you often make new friends? N How do young people meet others in order to make new friends? NC Where do young people go to make new friends? N What do they do there? N Where do young children make new friends? N Do you ever meet any foreigners where you live? N Where can you (go to) speak to foreigners in your country? N
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26. Daily Routine NC
What do you do mainly do with your time? N (Similar to above) What do you do in your daily life? N What is the best part of the day for you? (Why?) C (Similar to above) What time of the day do you like best? C (Similar to above) What part (or time) of the day do you feel most active (or, feel your best)? (Why?) NC When do you do most of your study? N How do you think your daily routine could be improved? N (Similar to above) Would you like to change your daily routine (in any way)? N (Similar to above) Is there anything you would you like to change about your daily routine? N
27. Emails and Letters NC
Do you write many letters or emails? N What are the differences between emails and letters? N What do you usually write about? N Is it hard to think of what to write? NC What kind(s) of letter/email do you think is (are) the hardest to write? N What kinds of emails (or letters) do you receive that make you feel excited? N
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All IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions(1-15) This is not the list of the current Part 1 topic and questions, although some of the current topic and questions are included in this list. This page shows all the topics and all the questions for those topics that have been used from January 2006 to the present. It is now necessary to prepare for Part 1 by studying this page because examiners are sometimes now using past sets of questions and sometimes we don't know which past questions they will use. You can choose to just prepare the questions as listed on the page, 'Current Part 1 Questions' but it would be safer to also (if you have time) prepare for the questions that are listed on this page under the same topics that are being used now. If, between now and your test date, you will pass through either January 1, May 1 or September 1, there definitely will be some chan ges to the current Part 1 and looking at this page is a good way to prepare for the unknown new Part 1 topics. 18
In your test, you will be asked questions from one of the first 3 topics (Topics 1 to 3), followed by two other topics. Note that the topics and questions that are listed under, "Current Part 1 Questions" are not included here.
*************************************************************************** *** 1a. Your Studies 1b. Your Work 2. Your Home (Your Accommodation) 3. Your Hometown 4. Bicycles 5. Birds 6. Clothes 7. Collecting 8. Computers 9. Daily Routine 10. Dance 11. Drawing or Painting 12. Family Life 13. Films 14. Flowers 15. Food/Cooking 1. Your Work/Studies
Do you work or are you a student?
1a. Your Studies
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Notes: For high school students or recent high school graduates who have not yet started university, the word "school" or "high school" will be used instead of "university". If you are no longer a student now and have not yet started to work, the questions will be about the last time you were a student, either high school or university and asked in the past tense.
Your Subject (= your major)
What subject(s) are you studying? Why did you choose to study that/those subjects? Family Support for Your Choice
Did your family help you choose that course? (Similar to above) Did your family have an y influence on your choice of subject? (Similar to above) How do your parents feel abo ut your choice of subject? (Similar to above) Did your parents agree with your choice of subject? (Similar to above) Do your family support your cho ice of subject? Liking Your Subject(s)
How do you feel about your studies/your subject/your subjects? (Similar to above) How do you like your studies/your subject/your subjects? Do you like your subject? (= your major = your subjects if a high school student) Have you always wanted to study _____ (your course or major)? (For university students) What are your favourite classes/courses/subjects at university? (Unclear which word is used) (For high school students) What's your favourite subject at school? (Don't say P.E. – that's not really a subject that people study .) What's the best part of your studies? What part of your course do you like best? What's your favourite subject? (For high school students. Don't sa y P.E.) Which class do (did) you enjoy the most? (Why?) Is there anything about your subject you don’t like? The Popularity of Your Subject
Do many people in China choose to study this subject? (Why?) Is this a popular subject at your university? (= Do man y students study this at your university?) (Similar to above) Is this a popular subject in your coun try? What are the most popular subjects (= university degree courses) in China? Interest
(For university students) What's the most interesting thing about your subject? (Why?)
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(For high school students:) Which of your subjects is the most interesting? (Why?) What part of your subject do you like the most? (Similar to above) What's the most interesting part of your subject? (Similar to above) What's the most interesting part of your studies? (Similar to above) For you, what's the most interesting part (or subject or class) of your course? (For high school) What's the most interesting of your subjects at school?
The Importance of Your Subject
For university students: How do you think your subject is important? (If these are the words of the question, you can answer how the subject is important to you, not just important to society. Or, you can mention the importance to both you and to society.) For high school students: How do you think your subjects are important? Or: Which of your subjects do you think are the most important? (Why?) Your Course (Course contents)
Can you describe your course?
(Not sure if the word here is 'subject', 'studies' or 'co urse'.This is similar in meaning to your 'studies' - it includes all the classes you study, not just your main subject. An example of a 'course' is: 'A Bachelor of Civil Engineering course.')
(Similar to above) What (specific things) do you learn in your course? What have you been studying in the past year? Are there any particular skills that you learn in your studies? Do you think (all of) those subjects are useful to you? (For high school students) Do you think (all of) your subjects are useful to you? Your University/School
Where do you study? (What university/school and in what city?) Why did you choose to attend your university/school (instead of choosing another one)? (Similar to above) Why did you choose this school to study your particular subject? Does your university/school specialize in any particular subject? Do you like your university/school? (Why?/ Why not?) (Similar to above) What do you think of your school/university? Would you say your school/university is a good one? (Why?) What do you most like about your university/school? (Why?) (Similar to above) What part of your school/university do you like best? (Why?) (Similar to above) What's the best thing about your u niversity/school? Which is the best university in your country (or, ci ty)?
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Time Spent as a Student
How long is your course? (How long do you have to spend studying before you graduate?) How long have you been a student? (Similar to above) How long have you been studying this course?
What year are you in?
When did you start this course and when will you finish it? (= How long have you been doing this course?) (Similar to above, for high school students) How man y years have you spent in school? (Possible question) What year are you in at school/university? * Difficulty
Do you think that's a difficult subject to study? What's the most difficult part of your course? (Similar to above) What's the most difficult part of your studies? (Possible question for high school students or graduates) Are (or, were) your subjects at school very difficult? (Possible question for high school students or graduates) Which subjects at school do you (or, did you) find difficult and which do you (or, did you) find easy? Help With Studies
Is there anyone who helps (helped) you (with your studies) at university/school? (Who? In what way?) (Who gives you the most help?) Study Tools, Equipment, Facilities
What "study tools" (or equipment) do you use? Do you think these tools are useful? What facilities are there at your school/university to help you in your studies? Do you use computers in your studies? What do you use them for? Studying with Others
Do you prefer studying independently ( = studying alone) or with others (or, in a group)? (Why?) What do you do with your classmates? (If answering that you prefer to study with others.) Friends at University/School
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In what ways (or, how) do you associate with your classmates (or other students doing your subject)? (Similar to above) What things do you do with the other students who are also studying your subject? Are you good friends with your classmates (schoolmates)? (Similar to above) Do you get along well with your classmates (schoolmates)? (Similar to above) How do you get along with your classmates (schoolmates)? (Similar to above) How do you feel about your classmates? (Similar to above) Do you like your schoolmates? Do you ever talk to students who are studying different subjects to you? (= students from different courses) Do you think you will continue to be friends with him/her/them after you graduate? (Similar to above) In the future, do you think you and your friends will continue to be together (or, continue to be friends)? How do you think you will maintain your friendship(s) after you graduate? (Similar to above) How will you keep in contact if you are not together? (For graduates) Have you kept up (maintained) your friendships from university (school)? Are there any classmates/schoolmates who you dislike (disliked)? (Who? Why?) Do you often get together with ( = go out with = do things in your free time with ) your classmates after classes? (What do you do?) Holidays
What holidays from university/school do you have during the year? Extra-Curricular Activities
Does your school/university have any extra-curricula activities? (What?) ('Extracurricular' = 'after school') Being A Student
Tell me about your student life. (= Tell me about your life as a student) Do you like university life? (Similar to above) How do you like university life? ( = How do you feel about life at university?) (Similar to above) What part of university life do you like best? (Why?) Do you enjoy being a student? (Why?/Why not?) When you start working, do you think you'll enjoy that more than being a student? For you, what's the most enjoyable part of being a student? Future Work
Do you have any particular work or study goals? * What are your future work plans?
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(Similar to above) What do you plan to do after you finish your course? Why do you want to do that kind of work? How do you plan to get that job (or, that kind of work)? Do you think it will be easy for you to get a job (or, that job) after you graduate? (Similar to above) How difficult do you think it will be to achieve your career goal? Is there much competition to get that kind of work? (If finished studies) Have you applied for a job yet? After you graduate, what effect do you think you will have on society? After you start working, do you think you will prefer that kind of life to being a student? Do you think the things you are studying now in school/university will prepare you well for your future work? (Similar to above) Do you think what you are studying now is very useful (or, relevant or, important) for this type of work? When you start working, do you think you will prefer that to being a student? What jobs are most popular (among young people) in your country? Further Studies
If you were to pursue further studies, would you choose to continue studying this subject? What are your future study plans? What country would you like to go to for further study? (Why?) Other Benefits from Your School/University Life
In addition to gaining knowledge, what other ways have you benefited from your school/university experience? Sitting for the IELTS Test
Why did you decide to sit for the IELTS test? Which country are you preparing to go to? Why did you choose that country? Your First Day at University (or high school)
(The word, "university" is probably replaced by the words, "high school" or "secondary school" if you have not been to university yet.)
Did you like your first day at university? (Similar to above) Did you have a good first day at university? Do you think the first day at university is important? How important do you think it is for people to have an enjoyable first day at university (or, school)? (Similar to above) Do you think a person's first impressions of a new school or university are important?
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1b. Your Work
General
What work/job do you do? Why did you choose this job / that kind of work? (or, that job) Did you want to do that kind of work when you were very young? How did you get this job? Do you work full-time or part-time? (Why?) Is your job (your work) very important to you? (Why?/Why not?) Have you always wanted to be a _____ (your job)? Popularity
Is that a popular choice of career in your country? (Similar to above) Is your job a popular choice in China? (Why?) Job Details
What does your company do? What do you mainly do at work? (Similar to above) Can you give me a brief description of your work (your job)? (Similar to above) What are your main responsibilities at work? (Similar to above) What do you do in a typical day at work? (Similar to above) Tell me about your typical dail y routine at work. What are your (main) responsibilities at work? (Similar to above) What are your (main) tasks at work? What are the main skills needed for your work? What qualifications do you need for that work? Do you think what you studied (in university/college or high school) was useful for your work? (Similar to above) Is your job related to what you studied in university? Time Questions
How long have you been working? How long have you been doing this job? What have you been doing at work in the past year? Liking Your Job
How do you feel about your job (or, your work)? (Similar to above) Do you like/enjoy your job? (Why?/Why not?) = 'How do you like your job?'
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Would you say it's a good job? Would you recommend this job (or, this kind of work) to your friends (or, to others)? (Use 'would', not 'will' in your answer.) What part of your work do you like best? (Similar to above) What is the best thing about your job? Is there anything you don’t like about your job? Do you think your job is good for (or, suitable for) a woman? Do you prefer working to being a student? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you prefer your life now, as a working person, to the life you had as a student? Is your job (or, your work) very important to you? What jobs are most popular (among young people) in your country? Interest
Would you say it's an interesting job? (Why?) (Similar to above) Are you very interested in your job? (How? or Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Is your work interesting? (How?/Why not?) Do you work more for interest (job satisfaction) or for the money? What's the most interesting part of your work? Do you meet many interesting people in your work? Or: Are there many interesting people at your workplace? Difficulties at Work
Would you say it's an easy job? What's the most difficult part of your job? (Similar to above) What is the biggest problem you have at work? (Similar to above) What's the greatest difficulty you've had at work (or, in your job)? How did you solve this problem? Changing Jobs
Would you like to change your job? (Similar to above) Are you planning to change your job? (Similar to above) Are you planning to change your job in the near future? (Why?/Why not?) What would influence you to change your job? If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you choose to do? (Similar to above) Would you like to continue working in this company for a long time? Do you think you will continue to do this type of work (or, this job)? What are your future work plans? What job (or, work) would you like to do (in the future)? (Similar to above) What would be the ideal job for you? (Similar to above) What other job do you think you would enjoy, apart from your present job?
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In the future, what changes do you think will take place in your industry? (Similar to above) What possible changes in the future might affect your job (or, your work)? Possibly the question above is: In the future, what changes do you think will take place in the typical workplace? Help With Work
Is there anyone who helps you with your work? (= helps you do your job) How do you and your work colleagues help each other at work? (Or: Do you and your colleagues help each other at work? How?) (Or: Who gives you the most help at work?) Working Conditions
Do you think people today have a bigger work load (or, more work pressure) than people did several decades ago? Do you think there should be a minimum and a maximum working age for people? * Work Tools/Equipment
What tools or equipment do you use in your work? (Include information about how useful it is/they are.) Is it/are they very helpful to you? (Similar to above) Would you say it's/they're very useful? (Similar to above) How useful would you say it is/they are? Do you use computers in your work? What do you use them for? Socializing with Colleagues
Do you often get together with your colleagues (workmates) after work? (What do you do?) (Similar to above) Do you do anything with your colleagues after work? Holidays
What holidays from work do you have during the year? Work Goals
Do you have any particular work goals? (Similar to above) What are your work plans for the future? Do you plan to continue in this same job (or, kind of work) in the future? The Future of Your Industry
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In the future, what changes do you think will take place in your industry? Sitting for the IELTS Test
Why did you decide to sit for the IELTS test? Which country are you preparing to go to? Why did you choose that country? Working with Others and Co-operation
Do you have to talk to a lot of people at work? Do you need to work with (= co-operate with) other people at work? (teamwork question) (Similar to above) Do you prefer working alone or with others (or, in a group)? (Why?) What do you do with your colleagues (workmates)? (If answering you prefer to work with others.) Do you like working with them? How (well) do you get along with your colleagues? The Preparation You Had for This Job/ Qualifications Needed
Do you think your (school or) university education prepared you well for the work you are doing now ? What qualifications do you need for that work? Training
What kind of training is necessary for you to do your job? Have you received any ("on-the-job") training at work? How often do you receive this training? Do you think training (or, this training) at work is important? Would you like to receive more training in the future? (This question possibly asked if you say "Yes" to the first question.) Would you like to receive some training? (This question possibly asked if you say "No" to the first question.) Do you think you will you receive any ("on-the-job") training in the future? * (Unclear if this is a real question.) What kinds of future training do you think you will need in the future? Finding Work
Is it easy to find that kind of job? Is it easy to get a job where you work? Your First Day at Work
Do you remember your first day at work?
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What did you do on your first day at work? Did you like your first day at work? (Similar to above) How did you feel on your first day at work? Do you think the first day at work is important? (Similar to above) Do you think orientation is important on the first day at work? How important do you think it is for people to have an enjoyable first day at a new job? (Similar to above) Do you think a person's first impressions of a new job are important?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Your Home (Your Accommodation)
Basic Facts
What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in? (Similar to above) What sort of accommodation do you live in at the moment - a house or a flat? (If you live in a dormitory but the examiner only gives you the choice of flat or house, you can begin your answer by saying something such as, "Well, neither, actually. I live in a dormitory at my university.") Who do you live with? How long have you lived there? Do you plan to live there for a long time? (If you answer you haven't lived there long) What's the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past? Can you describe the place where you live? = Please describe your home a little. (Talk mostly about the place, not the people you live with.) Which room does your family spend most of the time in? What do you usually do in your house/flat/room? Are the transport facilities to your home very good? (Similar to above) Is it easy to travel to and from your home? Preference: Flat or House
Do you prefer living in a house or a flat? (If you had the choice) Would you prefer to live in a house or a flat? (Why?) What are the benefits of living in a flat/house? [Whichever one you said you live in.] Liking the Place Where you Live
Do you like it? (Why?) (Similar to above) How do you like your flat/house? ( = How do you feel about your house/flat?) Please describe the room you live in. What part of your home do you like the most? (Similar to above) What's your favourite room in your home?
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What do you do in this room? (= What is this room used for? = What is the function of this room?) (Similar to above) What would you say is the b est thing about your home? (Similar to above) What do you like most about your home? (Similar to above) What's the best thing (the best part) of your home ( = the place where you live)? Is there anything you don't like about the place where you live? What do you least like (= like least) about your home? Which is your favourite room? (Why?) Decorations
What kind of decorations does it (do the rooms/does your room) have? (Similar to above) How do you decorate (or, how have you decorated) your home? (or, your bedroom or your part of your dorm room) How do you think this room (your favourite room) could be improved? Describing What You Can See
What can you see when you look out the window of your room (or, the windows of your home)? Is there anything on the walls of your home (or your room)? Improvements
Do you think your home (or, the place where you live) needs any improvements? What improvements do you think your home needs? How do you think this room could be improved? How do you think your home could be improved? (Similar to above) Is there anything about your room (or, your home) you would like to improve? (Similar to above) How do you plan to improve your home in the future? If you could change one thing in your apartment, what would it be? (Possibly the question above is this) If you could ch ange one thing about your apartment, what would it be? Around Your Home (Your Neighbourhood)
Are there many people living near you? Do you know all your neighbours? How well do you know your neighbours? (Similar to above) How (well) do you relate to your neighbours? What kind of people are your neighbours? Do you spend much time socializing with your neighbours in your neighbours' homes? ('socializing' = talking to) What are the surroundings like there? (= What is the neighbourhood like?)
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Do you like the environment (around) where you live? Would you say it's a good place to live? (Similar to above) Would you recommend that as a good place (a good location) to live? (Similar to above) Would you say it's a suitable place to live? Would you say the place where you live is good for families with children? (Hint: Children need a place to play outside.) What (public) facilities are there near your home? Are the transport facilities to (or near) your home very good? (Similar to above) Is it easy to travel to and from your home? (Similar to above) Is the public transportation good in the area where you live? Moving One of the following questions might be asked.
Do you plan to move? Would you like to move to another place to live? (Why? Where?) Are you prepared to move? (This means: "If, in the future, you have to move, are you ready to do that?") Most probably this is the question that is used. Have you (ever) thought of moving to a different place? (Why?/Why not?) Are you preparing to move to a different place soon? ( = Are you planning to move soon?) (Why?/Why not?) Are you planning to (= thinking about) moving to live in a different place? (Why? Where? /Why not?) (Similar to above) If you had the opportunity, would you move to a different place? (Why? Where? /Why not?) In the future, what type of place would you like to live in? What kind of neighbourhood/environment/surroundings would you like to live in? Types of Housing in Your Country
What kind of housing is most popular in China?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Your Hometown (Your 'hometown' is the place where you grew up, not necessarily the place where you were born.) Current Living Place
Where do you live at the moment? Why do you live there/here? Family
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Do your parents also live there? (Similar to above) Does your whole family live there? Did your family ever move away from the place you were born? (Why?/Why not?) Did your family ever move away from the place you were born? (Why?/Why not?) If Not Living in Your Hometown Now
How long have you been living there? Do you plan to live there/here for a long time? Do you like _____? (The place you are living in now) (Why?/Why not?) (similar to above) Do you like the city where you are living now? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Which place do you prefer, your hometown or the city where you are studying or working? Do you still visit your hometown? How do you visit your hometown? (=What kind of transport do you use to go there?) Who do you visit in your hometown? The Location of Your Hometown
Where is your hometown? (Or, what part of China do you come from?) Whereabouts (=where) did you grow up? (Or, Where were you born?) (Similar to above) Where are you from? (Similar to above) Where is your hometown? Is that a city or is it in the countryside? (Similar to above) Are you from a city or village (the countryside)? Do you prefer to live in a big city or in the countryside? (Similar to above) Would you prefer to live in a big city or in the countryside? Do you still live there? Does (do) your family still live there? (Similar to above) Do you still live there now? (Similar to above) Where do you live at the moment? Why do you live there/here? Future Living Place
Do you think you'll always live here/there? How long do you intend to continue living there/here? (Similar to above) Have you ever thought about moving to live somewhere else? (Why?/Why not?) What place (city) would you like to live in (in the future)? Description of Your Hometown
What kind of place is your hometown? (= Describe your hometown) (Similar to above) Could you describe your hometown a little? (Similar to above) Please tell me something about your hom etown.
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Is that a big city or a small town (or, a village in the countryside)? (Similar to above) How big is that place? * For you, what benefits are there to living in a big city? Do you think it's good to live in a big city? (Similar to above) In general, what benefits are there to living in a big city? What facilities does your hometown have? What sorts of buildings are there in your hometown? What work do the people in your hometown do? How do people get to (= go to/travel to) work? Are the people in your hometown very friendly? (Similar to above) Is your hometown a friendly place? What place(s) in your hometown do you go to in your spare time? (Why? Include what you do there.) Particular Places in (or aspects of) Your Hometown (the most .. .place) The Oldest
What's the oldest part (the oldest area/section) of your hometown? (Similar to above) What's the oldest part (area/section) of your hometown? (Similar to above) What's the oldest structure in your hometown? (= the oldest existing structure) (Similar to above) What's the oldest thing in your hometown? The Best
(These questions are also under the topic, 'Your Feelings/Opinions about Your Hometown')
What would you say is the best part of your hometown? (Similar to above) What would you say is the best thing about your hometown? What do you like best about your hometown? (Similar to above) What part of your hometown do you like best? (Why?) (= What's the best thing about your hometown? = What do you find most attractive about your hometown?) (Similar to above) What would you say is the b est thing about your hometown? The Most Famous (This question is also under the topic, 'Visitors to Your Hometown')
What's the most famous thing about your hometown? The Most Attractive
What's the most attractive part of your hometown?
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Tourist Attractions
What tourist attractions are there in your hometown? Would a foreign visitor enjoy them? (Similar to above) What parts of your hometown would you recommend (or, suggest) a visitor go and see? (Similar to above) What tourist attractions would you recommend to visitors who come to your hometown? Changes in the Past 20 or 30 Years
Has your hometown changed much in the past few years? (e.g. 20 years) (Similar to above) How has your hometown changed in recent years? (E.g., the past 20 or 50 years or since you were a child) (Similar to above) In what way has your hometown changed the most in the past few years? (Similar to above) What part of your hometown h as changed the most in the past few years? Compared to the past, would you say your hometown today is more suitable for living in, or less suitable? Your Feelings/Opinions/Judgments about Your Hometown
Do you like your hometown? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you like living here/there? Would you say it's a good place to live/grow up in? (Similar to above) Would you recommend that place to others (as a good place to live)? Compared to the past, would you say your hometown today is more suitable for living in, or less suitable? What would you say is the best part of your hometown? (Similar to above) What would you say is the b est thing about your hometown? Would you say it's a good place for young people to live/grow up? (Similar to above) Would you say it's a good place for children to grow up? (Similar to above) (Similar to above) Would you say your hometown is a good place for (families with) children to live? (Similar to above) (Would you say it's a good pla ce to grow up (in)? Do you like your hometown? (Why?/Why not?) (Or: Do you like the place you are living in now?) What do you like best about your hometown? (Similar to above) What part of your hometown do you like best? (Why?) (= What's the best thing about your hometown? = What do you find most attractive about your hometown?) (Similar to above) What would you say is the b est thing about your hometown? (Similar to above) What's your favourite part of your hometown? Would you like to retire there when you are old? Is there anything you don't like about your hometown?
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Improvements
What do you think needs to be done to make your hometown a better place to live in? (Similar to above) How do you think your hometown could be improved? Visitors to Your Hometown
Would you recommend your city as a travel destination to your friends? Do many people visit your hometown (as tourists)? (Similar to above) Do people from other places often visit your hometown? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do people like traveling to (or visiting) your hometown? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Is your hometown a good place for visitors (tourists)? (Similar to above) Does your hometown have any tourist attractions? (Similar to above) Would you say your hometown is suitable for tourists to visit? (Why?/Why not?) What would you recommend (or, suggest) visitors to your city see and do? What's the most famous thing about your hometown? What do visitors see or do when they go to your hometown? (Similar to above) Does your hometown have any special tourist attractions? What forms of transport do visitors use to come to your hometown? How could your hometown (be improved in order to) attract more visitors? Would you say your hometown is suitable for development as a tourist spot (or, tourist attraction)? (Why?/Why not?) The Weather in Your Hometown
What's the weather usually like in your hometown? Has the weather in your hometown changed much in recent years? Traffic in Your Hometown
What's the traffic situation like in your hometown (or, where you are living now)?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Bicycles
Bicycles and You
Do you ever ride a bicycle? (Similar to above) Do you often ride a bicycle? (Why?/Why not? Where? When?) (Similar to above) Do you like riding a bic ycle? What do you use a bicycle for? How old were you when you first learned to ride a bicycle?
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(Similar to above) How long have you ridden a bicycle? (= How many years have you known how to ride a bicycle?) Would you say it's difficult to learn to ride a bic ycle? Bicycles and People in Your Country
Are bicycles popular in China? (Similar to above) Are bicycles popular in your city? (Why?/Why not? ) [Note: 'common' & 'popular' are not always the same.] What are the reasons why people ride bicycles? What are the advantages (or, benefits) of riding a bicycle? (Similar to above) What are the benefits for children to ride a bicycle? What kinds of people ride bicycles? Do children also ride bicycles in your countr y? Why do children enjoy riding bicycles? Would you say bicycles are suitable for people o f all ages? Can you think of any people who are not suited to riding a bicycle? (Hint: very young, very old and disabled people) (As above) Who is most suitable for riding a bicycle and who is least suitable? Has the number of bicycle riders in China changed much in the past few years? Do you think the number of people using bicycles (in your hometown/country) will change in the future? Would you say it's still suitable to ride a bicycle in today's society? Bicycles in Society
Do you think bicycles are suitable for present society? What do you think are the advantages (and disadvantages) of bicycles compared to cars? Would you say it's safe to ride a bicycle in the city (or, in China)?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5. Birds
How do you feel about birds? (Why do you feel that way?) How do Chinese people feel about birds? Are there many birds near your home? Have you seen many different kinds of birds? (near your home)? Do any birds have any particular significance in China? For example, does China have a national bird? Do you think birds should be protected? (Why? / Why not? How can they be protected?) Do Chinese people like raising (keeping) pet birds? Have you ever raised (kept) a pet bird? What did you feed it?
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6. Clothes The Importance of Clothes
Do you think it's important what clothes a person wears? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you think the clothes a person wears are important? Is it important what clothes you wear at your job? (your company) Do you think the clothes a person wears leaves an impression on others? Styles/Types of Clothes
What kinds/styles of clothes do you like (or, prefer) to wear? (Why?) (Similar to above) What kind of clothes do you like best? (Why?) (Similar to above) What kinds of clothes do you u sually wear? Do your friends have the same tastes in clothes as you? (= Do your friends wear the same kinds of clothes as you? Or: Do the people around you wear the same kinds of clothes as you?) What kinds of (or, style of) clothes do people in your country like to wear? Do you think you will still be wearing the same kinds of clothes when you are old? (You could include what you think you will be or won't be wearing when you are old.) Do you prefer informal (= casual clothes = leisure clothes) or formal clothe s? (Why?) Do you feel comfortable when wearing formal clothes? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think formal clothes are important? When do people wear formal clothes? Fashion
Are you very interested in fashion (or, clothes fashions)? (Similar to above) What do you think about fashion? (Similar to above) What do you think about fashion nowadays in your country? Do you think clothes are important to people? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Are clothes very important to you? Where do you think you can buy the most fashionable clothes? What kinds of clothes are popular in China? What do you think of modern fashions? Do you like the latest fashions? (Why?/Why not?) Is the brand of clothes important to you? (Why?/Why not?) What clothes materials do you like best? (Why?) Are people's ideas about fashion (or, ideas about what is 'fashionable', or, fashion tastes) today the same as people's ideas in previous years? Do many people (in China) follow fashion? What are the benefits of following fashion? Different People Wearing Different Clothes
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Do you think the clothes a person wears leaves an impression on others? Do students and working people wear the same kinds of clothes? What can you learn about a person from the clothes they wear? (Similar to above) What can we tell about a person from the clothes they wear? (Similar to above) How does the clothes a person wears represent that person? Shopping for Clothes
How often do you go shopping for clothes? Do you like shopping (for clothes)? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Is shopping for clothes important to you? When was the last time you went shopping for clothes? Do you like window-shopping for clothes? (Why?/Why not?) Why do some people frequently go shopping (for clothes)? Do you think some people pay too much attention to clothes? Do you think some people spend too much time/money on shopping (for clothes)? Do you think people spend too much time choosing their clothes? Do men and women have the same ideas (feelings) about shopping for clothes? Do you like buying clothes on the internet? Do you like to try on clothes before you buy them? (Why?/Why not?) Uniforms
Do you think employees in a company should wear a uniform? Are you (would you be) willing to wear a uniform at work? (Similar to above) Would you like to wear (or, do you like wearing) a uniform? (Similar to above) How do you feel about wearing a uniform? What kinds of people wear a uniform? (Hint: soldiers, policemen, most school students, etc.) In China, are students allowed to wear different clothes to other students? The Colour of Clothes
Do people care about the colour of their clothes? (Why?/Why not?) How about you - do you care about the colour of your clothes? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you think the colour of one's clothes is important? (Why?/Why not?) What's your favourite clothes colour? (Why?) When you buy clothes, how do you choose the colour? Do any colours have special meaning in your culture? Do you think colour(s) is (are) important in daily life? Traditional Clothes
Do any people in China still wear traditional Chinese clothing? Do you ever wear traditional Chinese clothes? (When?)
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Why do you think traditional clothes are popular (with some kinds of people)? How (much) is traditional Chinese culture being affected by foreign clothes styles? Men and Women
Do you think men and women think (or, feel) the same about clothes?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7. Collecting
Do you collect anything (as a hobby)? Why do you collect ....(that/those things)? Have you ever collected anything? Did you collect anything (such as stamps or CD 's) when you were a child? Do you still collect them now? Why do you like collecting things? Is collecting a popular pastime in China? What are some examples of things that some people collect (as a hobby)? (Similar to above) What items are considered collectibles in your countr y? Does anyone in your home collect anything? Do a lot of people in China collect things and what do they collect? Why do you think people like collecting things? What are the benefits of collecting? Do boys and girls usually collect the same things? Do you think you will collect an ything in the future? If you had a lot of money, what would you like to collect? (Similar to above - probably this is the question being used) If you had a lot of money, what would you collect? (Don't use, "will".)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8. Computers Note: 'Computers' and 'the internet' are not exactly the same thing. Your Computer-Using Habits
Do you use computers very much? When do you use a computer? What do you use computers for? (Similar to above) What part do computers play in your life? Your First Computer Usage
When did you start using computers?
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(Similar to above) When was the first time you used a compu ter? (Similar to above) When did you learn how to use a computer? What was your impression (or feeling) when you used a computer the first time? How did you learn to use a computer? The Value of Computers
Have computers changed (= influenced) your life in any way? (If yes, how?) Are computers used much in your country? Do you think computers are useful (or important) in ever yday life? (How?) (Similar to above) Do you find computers very useful in your everyday life? (Similar to above) What role do computers play in modern life? (Similar to above) Do you think computers are im portant in everyday life? (Similar to above) How are computers useful to people? (Similar to above) What do you think are the benefits of (using) a computer? Do you think computers have changed our lives for the better? (How? Compare toda y & our lives in pre-computer times.) Do you think a computer can give you better access to knowledge? Do you think there there are an y disadvantages (or, drawbacks) to using computers? Children and Computers/Computers in Education
Computers are now used a lot in education. What do you think of this? (Similar to above) In China, when do children at school use a computer? (Similar to above) Computers are now used a lot i n the education of children. What do you think are the advantages of this? (Similar to above) Do you think computers are good or bad for children? (Similar to above) Do you think it's a good or a bad thing to teach children how to use a computer? Computer Games
Do you play computer games? How often do you play computer games? Problems
What do you do when your computer has problems? The Future of Computers
Do you think computers are perfect now or do they still need to be improved?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9. Daily Routine
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What are you usually doing at this time? Do you do the same thing(s) every day? Tell me something about your daily routine. (Similar to above) Please describe your typical daily routine. (Summarize your typical day - morning, afternoon & evening. Avoid using 'will' - use the present tense. Of course, the question refers to your typical Monday to Friday day.) (Similar to above) What do you do in a typical day (at work or at school/university)? In a typical day, what do you do in the classroom? (If you do not work) For you, what's the best time of day for studying? (If you work) For you, what's the best time of day (or, day of the week) for working? What time do you usually get up? What do you usually do after you get up (or, in the morning)? What part of the (= your) day do you like best? (Why?) (= What part of your daily routine makes you the happiest? Or = What part of the day are you most efficient?) (Similar to above) What's your favourite time of the day? (Why? What do you do at that time?) What do you usually do at that time? (Or: What are you usually doing at that time?) Is you life now the same as it was before? (Similar to above) Has your life recently changed in any way? (Similar to above) How is your life (or, your daily routine) toda y different to what it was when you were a child? If you could make one change to your daily routine, what would it be? (Similar to above) Would you like to change anything about your daily routine right now (or, about your life)? (If yes, what?/Why?) (Similar to above) What changes would you like to make to your daily routine (or, to your life) in the future? If you had more free time, what would you do? Do you get together with your fellow students/work colleagues (=classmates/workmates) after classes/work? (What do you do?) [This question is possibly in the Work/Studies topic.] Do you like to plan what you will do each day? (Why?/Why not?) How do you plan your day? What do you usually do at this time of day? (= What are you usually doing at this time of day?) Do you usually do the same things at the same time each day? How do you plan (organize) your study time? Do you ever (or, do you often) change these plans? Can you think of any improvements to your daily routine? (Similar to above) What do you usually do for leisure or entertainment in your free time?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10. Dance
Do you like to dance? (Why?/Why not?) What kind of dancing do Chinese people like? (Unsure if the question meaning is, ‘like to watch’ or ‘like to perform’ or both.)
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When do Chinese people like to dance? Does China have any traditional dances? Is traditional dance still popular today in China? (Why?/Why not?) Is there much difference between traditional dancing and modern dancing? (What?) What kinds of dancing are popular with young people in China? Do old people in China like the same kind of dancing as young people? (Why?/Why not?) What do you think is the influence of dance on society?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11. Drawing (or Painting)
Have you ever learned to draw (or paint)? Do you like drawing (or painting)? Did you like drawing (or painting) when you were a child? (Why?/Why not?) Do you draw (or paint) now? (Why?) (Similar to above) Do you ever (or, often) draw pictures in your spare time? How often do you draw (or paint) something? What kind of pictures do you like to draw? Do you think drawing (or painting) is difficult? Do you think it's important for children to learn to draw? What do you think are some of the benefits for children from drawing (or painting)? Do adults draw (or paint) very often? What do you think about adults drawing (or painting)? (Similar to above) Do you think it's important for adults to learn to draw? What are the benefits of drawing (or painting) for adults? What's the difference between an adult and a child learning to draw? Do you think a person can teach him or herself how to draw (or paint)? To draw (or paint) well, what factors do you think are important?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12. Family Life
Is family very important to you? (Why?) How much time do you spend with your family? If you were married, how many children would you choose to have? (Why?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13. Films
Do you like to watch films? How often do you go to the cinema? Are most of the people in the cinema usually children or adults? How much time does it take to watch one film? How much time do you spend watching films?
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(Possibly the question above is really this:) How often do you watch films? Who do you usually watch films with? Do you prefer to watch films in a cinema or at home? (Why?) What kind of films do you like to watch? (Why?) Is there any kind of film that you don't like to watch? (Why?) What kinds of films did you like to watch when you were a child?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14. Flowers
Do you like flowers? (Why?) What flowers do you like? (Why?) Which/What is your favorite flower? Do you think flowers are important? (Similar to above) Are flowers important in your culture? (Give examples) On what occasions are flowers important? What are the occasions when people send or receive flowers? (Similar to above) When do Chinese people give flowers to other people? When was the last time you gave (or, sent) flowers to someone? (Similar to above) When was the last time you bou ght flowers for someone? (Possible question) When was the last time you yourself bought flowers? (Possibly the question above is this:) When was the last time you bought flowers for yourself? Where did you buy these flowers? (Similar to above) Where do (can) people buy flowers? What meaning do flowers (= does giving flowers) have for Chinese people? What flowers have special meaning in China? Do you like to have flowers in your home? Do you (ever) grow flowers at home? (Give details) (Similar to above) Have you ever grown flowers at home? (Give details) Do many people in your country grow flowers at home? Do people in China like growing flowers? Does anyone in your family like growing flowers? Do old people in China like gardening?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15. Food/Cooking Food Preferences
Is food important to you? (Why?) What kind(s) of food do you particularly like? (Why?) (Similar to above) What's your favourite food? How often do you eat that? When was the last time you ate that? Have you always liked that food?
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(Similar to above) Did you like to eat that when you were a child? (Similar to above) When did you start to like that fo od? Do you usually make that yourself or do you usually buy it? (Similar to above) When was the last time you ate 'junk food'? (Unconfirmed question) Do you always (or, usually) eat the same food every day? Is there any food you don’t like? (Why?) What food did you like (most) when you were a child? Is there any food that you liked when you were a child but you don't like now? What types of food do children generally like to eat? What kinds of food are most popular in China? or, What kinds of food do Chinese people (like to) eat? Would you like to try any food that you have never eaten before? Cooking
Do you know how to make (prepare) a meal? (Similar to above) Do you know how to cook? How well do you cook? (Similar to above) How good are you at cooking? (If answering, 'No' to the previous question) Have you ev er thought about learning how to cook? How did you learn to cook? Who taught you how to cook? Do you usually eat at home or do you usually eat away from home (= "eat out")? Do you like cooking? (Why?/Why not?) What do you like to cook? Who usually does the cooking in your home (or, in your family)? Do you (ever) do any cooking at home? (Why?/Why not?) When you were young, did you learn how to make a meal (= how to prepare food = how to cook)? Have you ever thought about learning how to cook? Do you think everyone should learn how to cook? Do you think it would be useful to teach cooking in school? Do you think university students should know how to cook? Can you see yourself cooking more in the (near) future? Why? (Similar to above) In the future, do you think you will be cooking more than you do now, or less? (Why?) Eating Places
When do you usually eat your meals? Where do you usually eat your meals? (Similar to above) Where do prefer to eat your meals? Do you prefer to eat at home or in restaurants? (Why?) (What are the advantages of home cooking?)
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What do you think are the benefits of eating at home, (instead of in a restaurant)? Who do most Chinese people usually eat with? (Why?) Do you often eat with your family? or, Do Chinese people (or you) prefer to eat with family or with friends? (Why?) Do you think it's important for people to eat with their family? (Why?)
All IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions(16-35) This page shows all the topics and all the questions for those topics that have been used from January 2006 to the present. It is now necessary to prepare for Part 1 b y studying this page because examiners in are sometimes now using past sets of questions and sometimes we don't know which past questions they will u se. You can choose to just prepare the questions as listed on the page, 'Current Part 1 Questions' but it would be safer to also (if you have time) prepare for the questions that are listed on this page under the same topics that are being used now. If, between now and your test date, you will pass through either January 1, May 1 or September 1, there definitely will be some chan ges to the current Part 1 and looking at this page is a good way to prepare for the unknown new Part 1 topics. In your test, you will be asked questions from one of the first 3 topics (Topics 1 to 3), followed by two other topics. Note that the topics and questions that are listed under, "Current Part 1 Questions" are not included here.
*************************************************************************** *** 16. Friends 17. Games 18. Housework 19. Gifts 20. Languages 21. Leisure Time & Relaxing 22. Letters & Emails 23. Meals 45
24. Music 25. Newspapers 26. Noise 27. Outdoor Activities 28. Parks and Public Gardens 29. People's Ages 30. Photography 31. Rain 32. Reading 33. Restaurants 34. Shopping 35. Sport/Exercise
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16. Friends
Having friends
Do you have many (close) friends? Who Your Friends Are
Are most of your friends from school (or university) or from outside school (or university)? (Similar to above) Are most of your friends from your work or are the y not connected with your work? Your Feelings about Friendship
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Do you think friendship is important? (Similar to above) Is friendship (= are friends) important to you? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you like to spend time with friends? (Why?) Do you prefer to spend time with friends or spend time alone? (Why?) Are friends more important than family? (Why?) What kind of people do you like to have as friends? Time With Friends
How often do you meet with (or, go out with) your friends? (Similar to above) How often do you do something with a friend? Do you feel that you spend enough time with your friends? (Similar to above, but different) Do you feel that you have enough time to spend with your friends? If you had the opportunity, would you spend more time with your friends? Activities With Friends
What do you and your friends do together? Do you prefer to meet your friends at home or away from your home? (Similar to above) Do you prefer your friends visit you (at your home) or do you prefer to visit them (at their homes)? How do you keep in contact with your friends? Places to Spend Time With Friends
Where do you usually meet (= spent time with) your friends? Do you prefer to meet your friends at home or away from your home? (Similar to above) Do you prefer your friends visit you (at your home) or do you prefer to visit them (at their homes) or, to go out with your friends? Meeting New People/Making Friends
Do you like meeting new people? Do you like making friends with (a lot of) people? Do you like face-to-face conversations with people? (Similar to above) Do you like talking to strangers? (Similar to above) Do you like making new friends? (Similar to above) Do you like making friends with (a lot of) people? Have you met any interesting people recently? (Similar to above) When was the last occasion you met someone new? What kinds of people do you like to make friends with? (Similar to above) What kind of people do you like to meet (or, to talk to)? How do Chinese people make friends? (= where, in what situations, e.g. at school & at work.)
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Do adults and children make friends in the same way? How do people get to know (get to meet) new people? Do you think it's easy to form new friendships? How long does it take to get to know a person? (Similar to above) How long do you think it takes before you can get to know a person? Do you think it's possible to become real friends with the people you meet on the internet, for example, on chat sites or personal introduction sites? * How will you make new friends in the future? Can you remember your first (or, your earliest) friends? (Who were the y?) Other Friendship Questions
What do your friends think of you? (Do your friends think that you are a good friend? Why?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17. Games
Do you often play games? (Include examples such as: chess; majiang (= mahjong in English), weiqi, card games, word games, drinking games, computer games etc. and children's games such as hopscotch and hide-and-seek.). Don't choose sports games such as basketball, ping-pong etc. (Similar to above) Do you like to play p lay games? (Why? What games?) (Similar to above) What games do you like to play? Can you play this game with friends? How do people learn to play p lay this game? Can you get information about this game on o n the internet? Are there other ways to get information about this game? What benefits do you get from playing this game? (Similar to above) What benefits do people get from playing games? (Similar to above) Why do you (or do people) play games? Do different age groups of people like to play different games? (Give examples - What games?) What games are popular in China? What's the most popular game in China? How have computers influenced the games people play? Do you know of any an y games that are studied in university? (Hint: Games Theor y) * What can people learn from games?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18. Housework Note: "Housework" and "homework" are two different things!
Do you usually do any housework?
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(Similar to above) Do you often do housework? (If yes, what? How often? If no, why not?) Who usually does the housework in your home? Do you like to do housework? (Why?/Why not?) What housework do you least like doing? (Why?) Who usually does the housework in your home? When you were a child, did you ever do any housework? Do you think it's important for children to do some housework? (Similar to above) Do you think children should lend a hand around the home? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you think it's necessary (or, a good idea) for children to do some housework? (Why?/Why not?) If a child helps do some of the family housework, how do you think this affects the child's development? What do you do to help he lp the family? Have there been any changes in the housework people do since the time when your parents were your age? Do you think people should be paid to do household chores?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19. Gifts Gifts and You
Do you often give gifts to people? What was the last gift you received? (Similar to above) Have your friends ever given you gifts? What was the last gift you gave someone? Do you like giving presents to other people? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you often give presents p resents to other people? (Why?/Why not?) Do you and your friends or family members give each other gifts? (Similar to above) Do you often buy bu y gifts for friends or family members? What sorts of gifts do you give to your friends? Do you think it's easy to choose what to give other people? When considering a present to give to someone, how do you (or, how do people) select this gift? Do you think it's important to give expensive gifts? Have you ever given someone a gift you made yourself? Do you think gift-giving is very important? Gifts and People in General
Do people in VN like to give gifts (to other people)? What sorts of things do people in VN usually usuall y give as gifts? When do people in VN give gifts? (On what occasions?/In what situations?) (Similar to above) What are some of the gift-giving customs in VN?
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Why do they give these gifts? In VN, is it necessary to bring a gift when you visit someone? What sorts of things do they bring? In VN, is it necessary to bring gifts when you return home after traveling to another plac e (such as overseas or a different part of VN)?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20. Languages
What languages do you speak? What language do you usually speak? Besides English, have you studied any other languages? What foreign languages have you studied (or, learned)? Why did you choose to study that language? How did you learn that language? When did you start to study that? (Similar to above) How long have you been learning that language? What do you think of your level in that language? (= Can you speak it well?) Would you say it's a difficult language to learn? (Similar to above) Is that language hard for you? Is it difficult to learn a foreign language? (Why?/Why not?) What is the most difficult part about studying a foreign langua ge? What do you think is the most effective way to learn a foreign language? langua ge? Why do people learn a second or third language? Do you think it's important to learn foreign languages? (Why?/Why not?) How did you learn English? Why did you choose to study English? En glish? Would you say English is a difficult language to l earn? (Why?) (Similar to above) Compared to other languages, would you say English is difficult? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think it's important to know more than one language? What is the value of knowing a foreign language? If you had the opportunity to study another foreign language, which one would you choose? (Why?) (Similar to above) What language would you like to learn in the future? (Why?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21. Leisure Time & Relaxing The Way You Relax
When do you have free time? How do you like to relax? (What’s your favourite way to relax?) How do you relax? (Similar to above) When you relax, what do you like to do?
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How do you usually relax (in your spare time)? (= What do you usually do to relax/for relaxation?) (Similar to above) What do you usually do in your free time (spare time/ leisure time)? (Similar to above) What do you like doing in your leisure time? (Why?) Do you have any hobbies or interests? (= What are your hobbies or interests?) Time for Leisure Activities and Relaxing
Do you have enough time for your hobby (hobbies)? How much time do you spend relaxing (or, on leisure activities)? Do you think modern people have enough time for relaxing? What can people do to find more time for relaxing? (It's best to use, 'could ', not 'can' in your answer.) Leisure Activities with Others
Do you often do things with others in a group? Do you ever go out with your workmates/colleagues or classmates? Do your friends ever come to your home in their free time? What do you usually do together? Do you prefer to do things in a family group or a group of friends? What leisure activities do you and your family like d oing together? In your leisure time, what do you usually do with your friends or family? (= Do you do things in your leisure time with friends or family? What?) Do you think it's important to spend your leisure time with your family? Why? Do you and your family often get together for a family gathering What do you do at these family gatherings? Relaxing - People in General
How do people like to relax? What do other people around you (= other people who you know) like to do in their free time? What kinds of leisure time activities are popular with young people today?
Where do people (in your country) go nowadays to spend their leisure time?
What types of outdoor leisure time activities are there (in your countr y)? Do older people like to do the same activities? What do people in your hometown do to relax? In general, what activities do people do for relaxation? Does your hometown have many facilities for entertainment? How does the way people like to relax compare with western countries? Compare the way people relax today and the way they used to relax many years ago. Do you think modern people like to get together with others? How do you think people will relax in the future?
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What are some of the public holidays that VN has? Can you think of any hi-tech products that play an important role in the leisure/entertainment industry? The Importance of Relaxing & Leisure Time
Do you think it's important to have leisure time? (Similar to above) Do you think it's important for people to spend some time relaxing? Why? (Similar to above) Do you think relaxing is important for peo ple? (Similar to above) Why do people need to have some leisure time? Do you think it's easy for people to relax (nowadays)? (Similar to above) Do you think modern people have enough time for relaxing? How could we (or one, or you) find more time for leisure? (Similar to above) What can people do to find more time for relaxing? What changes can one make to one's life in order to be more relaxed? Do you think it's reasonable for an employer to ask his or her employees to work in their rest time?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22. Letters & Emails The words, 'an email ' or 'emails ' and the words, 'a letter ' or 'letters ' might be interchangeable for some of these questions. Your Letter-writing or Email-writing Habits
Do you like to write letter and/or emails? Do you often write letters or emails? How often do you write letters or emails?) Who do you usually write to and what do you write about? 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?) Emails
Do you often write (or, send) emails? What do you write about? Do you think emails are useful? (Similar to above) What role do emails (or letters) play in your life? ( = Why do you write these emails or letters?) What kinds of emails do you send and receive? (Business emails? Personal emails?) (Similar to above) Who do you send emails to? Do you think it is a good thing that some companies send out letters/spam emails for the purpose of advertising?
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Letters
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? How do you keep in touch with (= keep in contact with) your friends and relatives? (... by email, letter, by phone or some other way?) Different Kinds of Letters (and Emails)
What (do you think) is the most difficult kind of letter (or email) to w rite? (Why?) In what situations do you write to (or email) a friend? What sorts of letters (or emails) do you think are the most difficult to write? (Similar to above) Which do you think is easier to write, a letter or an email? (Similar to above) What sorts of letters or emails are the most difficult to respond to? Comparing Different Forms of Communication
Phone versus Email
Do you usually write letters to people or do you usually use a cell-phone or email? (Similar to above) When you communicate with people, do you prefer to write a letter, write an email or call on your cell-phone? (Why?) Which do you prefer, to make a phone call or write an email? (Why?) (Similar to above) How do you prefer to contact people, by email or by phone? (Why?) (Similar to above) Do you prefer to receive a phone call or a letter? Email versus face-to-face speaking
(Similar to above) How do you communicate with others at work – by email or is it more convenient to communicate face-to-face? Emails versus (handwritten) letters
Do you prefer to write letters or emails? (Why?) (Similar to above) Compare emails and (handwritten) letters. (Similar to above) What are the differences between handwritten letters and emails? Do you think there are any (possible) negative points about emails? Do you think emails might one day replace handwritten letters?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23. Meals
Which meal do you prefer, lunch or dinner (supper)? (Why?)
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What do you usually eat for lunch? What do you usually eat for your evening meal? Do you prefer to eat three full meals a day or do you prefer to eat many snacks throughout the day? (Similar to above) Do you think it is better to eat one big meal a day or is it better to eat several smaller meals each day? Which meal of the day do you think is the most important? (Why?) Do you think breakfast is important? (Why?/Why not?) What do you usually eat for breakfast? Is there any special food that you particularly like? Would you like to try any new food? (If yes, give an example &/or say why.) Do you like cooking (or, preparing your own meals)? (Why?/Why not?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24. Music Your Tastes in Music
Do you often listen to music? (Similar to above) Do you like listening to music? (Why?/Why not? ) (Similar to above) Do you like music? (Why? What kind?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Is music important to you? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) How important is music to you? (Why?) When do you listen to music? How much time do you spend listening to music every day? What kinds of music do you like to listen to? (Similar to above) What kinds of music do you most often listen to? What's your favourite kind of music? How often do you listen to (that type of) music? When did you start listening to this type of music? Where do you listen to it? How do you feel when you listen to this music? Do you like listening to songs? Have you ever been to a musical performance? Musical Instruments
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Do you or do any of your friends know how to play a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Do you play an y musical instruments? If you had the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, what instrument would you learn? (Why?) [If the examiner asks " ...what instrument would you learn?" you should answer, "I would learn the violin." or some similar answer. If the examiner asks you, " ...what instrument would you like to learn?" then you should begin your answer with "I'd li ke to learn the violin".
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(Similar to above) What musical instrument would you like to learn to play? What musical instrument(s) is (are) most popular in China? Which instrument would you prefer to study - the piano or the violin? What musical instrument do you most enjoy listening to ( = enjo y listening to most)? (Why?) Have you ever listened to anyone play this instrument? (Who?) What benefits do children gain by studying music (learning a musical instrument) (in school)? Do you think it's important to learn to play a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Do you think it's important for children to learn (to play) a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Do you think parents should encourage their children to learn a musical instrument? (Similar to above) What advantages (or, benefits) do you think there are for a child to learn (to play) a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Why do some parents want their children to learn (to play) a musical instrument? What musical instrument do children in China most often learn? Do you think schools should teach children how to play a musical instrument? Music in School
Is music an important subject at school in China? When do children in China start to study music in school? What benefits do children gain by studying music (learning a musical instrument) (in school)? Music in Childhood
Did you often listen to music when you were a child? (If yes, give details.) What kinds of music did you like when you were a child? What are some differences between the music you listened to as a child and the music you listen to now? Do you think it's important for children to learn (to play) a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Do you think parents should encourage their children to learn a musical instrument? (Similar to above) What advantages (or, benefits) do you think there are for a child to learn (to play) a musical instrument? (Similar to above) Why do some parents want their children to learn (to play) a musical instrument? Music in Society
Is music very important to people in China? (Similar to above) What role does music play in the cultural life of people (or, of society)?
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What kinds of music are (most) popular in China? How does music affect (or influence) people? Compare the music that young people like and the music that old(er) people like. Why do many old people dislike pop music?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25. Newspapers
Do you often read newspapers? (Similar to above) Are newspapers an important part of your everyday life? (Why?/Why not?) How old were you when you first started to read newspapers? (Similar to above) When did you first start reading newspapers? Do you think it's important to read newspapers? (Why?/Why not?) Why do (you think) people read newspapers? (Similar to above) What can people get from readi ng newspapers? What different types of newspaper are there in Ch ina? Do you care about the news? Is the news important (to you)? What kinds of news do Chinese people read in newspapers? Do you prefer to read about domestic (or local) news or international news? (Why?) What are some methods that newspapers use to att ract readers? What influence do you think newspapers have on society? Do you think the internet is a good way to get news?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26. Noise
Do you mind noises? (Do any noises bother you?) What type of noise do you come across in your daily life? Are there any sounds that you like? Are cities becoming noisier? What are some of the advantages of quiet places? Would you like to work in a noisy place? (Why?/Why not?) ----------------------------
Do you prefer a quiet environment or an environment with some sounds? (Similar to above) Do you prefer a quiet environment or a noisy environment? (Similar to above) Do you prefer to study in a quiet environment or a noisy environment? What natural sound(s) do you like (the most)? (Why?) What sounds do you dislike? (Why?) (Similar to above) Are there any sounds you dislike? What sounds remind you of your childhood? What (kinds of) music do you like the most? (Unconfirmed question) How do you feel when you hear your national anthem
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27. Outdoor Activities
What do you do in your spare time? What outdoor sports do you like? (Why?) How much time do you spend outdoors every week? How often do you do outdoor activities? What are some examples of outdoor sports that are pop ular in China? Do you think people spend enough time outdoors? (Why?/Why not?) (As above) Do you think it's important to spend some time outdoors? (Why?/Why not?) [Possibly the question above is worded as, "Is taking pa rt in outdoor activities important to you?" (Why?)] Can children play sport at school in China?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------28. Parks and Public Gardens
Are there many parks or public gardens where you live (or, in your hometown)? Do you often (or, ever) go to a park or a (public) garden? How often do you go there? What do you (like to) do when you go to a park or public garden? What do other people do in these places? When do other people go there? Do you think parks and public gardens are important to a city? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you think every city and town should have parks and public gardens? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) What do you think are the functions of parks and public gardens?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29. People's Ages Your Personal Feelings about Your Age
Do you enjoy being the age you are now? (Similar to above) Do you like your present a ge? (Why?/Why not?) (= Would you prefer to be a different age to the age you are now?) If you could change your age, what age would you choose to be? do you think is the best age to be? What age do you think will be the best (happiest?) in your future? People's Ages in General
What do you think is the most important age in a person's life? (Why?) (Similar to above) what's the most important age in people's lives? (Why?) Are birthdays important in your culture? What birthday is most important in Vnese culture?
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In China, which birthday is more important, one's 18 th birthday or one's 20th birthday? Do you think people have different pressures at different times of their life? What age do you think is the happiest in people's lives? What age in life is the most difficult? (Why?) (Similar to above) Which age is the most tiring for people?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30. Photography Photography and You
Do you like to take photographs? (Why?) (Similar to above) Do you like photography (= taking photographs/taking pictures)? (Why?/Why not?) (When you 'take a photograph' you are the person using a camera, that is, standing behind the camera, not the person standing in front of the camera!) Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take photos? (Why?) How long have you liked taking photographs? (Include 'since' or 'for' in your answer. E.g., '... since I was about ten years old' or '... for about 5 years'.) How (why) did you become interested in photography? How often do you take photographs? (You should include an approximate time, such as 'about once every 2 or 3 months.') In what situations do you take photographs? What kind of photos do you like to take? (Why?) Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery? Who do you take photos of? How do you keep your photos? Do you keep your photographs on your computer? Are there any photos on the walls of your home? Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos? (If yes, which? & why?) Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that you took yourself? (Why?) (Or: As a souvenir of a place that you visit, do you prefer to buy a postcard or take a photograph yourself?) Photography and People in General
Is photography a popular hobby in VN? Why do (you think) some people do not like taking photographs? (Similar to above) What types of people don't like taking photographs? What is the value of taking photographs? Why do you think some people like taking photographs when they visit another place? Do people like to visit photograph exhibitions? What kind of photos do they like to look at? Do you think being a photographer would be a good job? (Why?/Why not?) Why don't some people like having their photo taken? (Similar to above) Why do some people dislike having themselves photographed? What factors make a good photograph?
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31. Rain
Does it rain much inVN? (Where? When?) Do you like rainy days? (= How do you feel on rainy days? = Do you feel sad on rainy days?) How does rain affect different people’s moods? (Or: How does rain effect people's lives?) What do you do on rainy days (or, on a rainy day)? Do you think rain is good? (Why?) Is there any part of VN where it doesn't rain much? (Where?) (or: Is there an even distribution of rain throughout China?) What effects can a shortage of rain (a drought) have on people's lives? When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hom etown? What about the other parts of VN? (In which season does it rain most in other parts of China?) Can you remember any time when it rained particularly heavily in your hometown? (When?) Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?) Do you think the seasons have changed in recent years, compared to the past? (Why? How?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32. Reading Your Reading Habits
Do you like reading? (Why?/Why not?) How much reading do you do everyday? When did you learn to read? What kinds of books (or, what kinds of things) do you usually read? (Similar to above) What kinds of things do you like reading? What types of things (books) do you dislike reading? (Similar to above) Are there any types of boo k you dislike reading? How many hours a day would you say you spend on reading? Where do you usually read? What books have you read recently? What's the most recent book you've read? * Do you do much reading at work? Since you started working, have you continued to read as much as you did when you were a student? (Similar to above) When you start working, do you think you'll spend as much time reading as you do now? * Reading in General (Other People's Reading Habits)
In general, do adults today like reading?
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What reading materials do different kinds of people like? What kinds of books do average adults inVN read? Do you think adults should read more? Childhood Reading
Did you like reading when you were a child? (What did you read then?) (Similar to above) Did you read much in your childhood? What reading materials do young people (e.g. aged 15 to 25) like to read? Do children (aged 4 to 12) (or, young people) today like reading? (Make Guesses: Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you think children like reading nowadays? (Why?/Why not?) What sorts of things (or, books) do children like to read? Do you think children today should spend more time reading? What would you say is a suitable amount of time for children to spend reading each day? For children, what are the benefits of reading? The Importance of Reading
What types of people like reading? Why do some people dislike reading? Do you think reading is important? (Why?/Why not?) What is the function of (the purpose of) reading? Would you ever give a book as a gift to one of your friends? Have you ever given a book as a gift to a friend? Do you think a 'book club' (where people discuss & exchange books) is a good idea? (Exact wording unclear)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33. Restaurants
Do you usually go out to eat or do you usually eat at home? How often do you go to a restaurant (to eat)? (Do you often go to restaurants (to eat)? How often?) Why do you (or, why do people) go to restaurants? What kind of restaurants do you like? (prefer) (Why?) (Or, How do you choose which restaurant to go to?) What kind of restaurants do young people in VN prefer? (Why?) What do you usually do there? What kind of foods do you like to eat in restaurants? How (do you think) restaurants have changed, over the past few years? (=How are restaurants today different to those of before?) How do you think they will (might) change in the future? What skills do people need to work in a restaurant? What are the qualities of a good restaurant?
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34. Shopping Your Feelings About Shopping
Do you like (going) shopping? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) How do you feel about (going) shopping? (Similar to above) Do you like to go shopping? (Why?/Why not?) What do you think is the most difficult (or, unpleasant) part about shopping? Is there anything you don't like about shopping? What don't you like about shopping? (Similar to above) What thing(s) do you least like bu ying? Your Shopping Habits
Do you prefer to buy things yourself or to have your parents buy things for you? Do you often go shopping? (Similar to above) How often do you buy something (in a shop)? Do you prefer shopping alone or with others? Who do you (usually) go shopping with? Do you prefer to go shopping with family members or with friends? What do you usually buy when you go shopping? (Similar to above) What do you like buying? (Similar to above) What (kinds of things) do you usually bu y when you go shopping? What was the most recent thing you bought? When do you prefer to go shopping? What are the most fashionable things to buy? Do you have a regular time to go shopping? (Similar to above) What time of the day do you prefer to go shopping? Do you like to go window-shopping? (Why?/Why not?) When was the last time you went shopping? Shopping for Your Family
Who usually does the shopping in your home? (Similar to above) Who does most of the shopping in your family? Places for Shopping
Where do you like to shop? Are there many shops near your home? (What kind?) (Similar to above) What places for shopping are there near your home? What type(s) of shop do you prefer to go to? (Why?) (Similar to above) What kind of shops do you most like? Do you prefer shopping in small shops or big supermarkets and department stores? (Why?)
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(Similar to above) What are the pros and cons of buying things in big shops compared to buying things in small shops? Would you say the people who work in those shops (the people who serve you) provide good service? (Similar to above) Do these shops provide good service? What type(s) of shop would you recommend a visitor VN go to? (Why?) (Similar to above) What places for shopping in your h ometown would you recommend to foreigners (or, recommend to visitors to your hometown)? Internet Shopping
Do you like shopping for clothes or other goods on the internet? What do you think are the advantages of buying things on the internet? Do you think there are there an y disadvantages (or dangers) from buying on the internet? (What?) Changes in Shopping in VN
How do you think shopping has changed in VN since you were born? (Similar to above) In VN, how has shopping changed in the past few decades? (Similar to above) In your hometown, what has b een the biggest change in shopping in the past few years? Have any (new) shops recently opened near where you live? (If yes, what?) People's Shopping Habits
Do you think people spend too much time (or money) on shopping? (Why?/Why not?) (Similar to above) Do you think that some people spend too much time or money on shopping? Why do you think they do that? What kinds of people spend an excessive amount of time or money on shopping? Why do you think (some) young people like shopping so much?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35. Sport/Exercise In the questions below, the word "sport" might be replaced by the word, "exercise" for some questions.
Sport/Exercise and You
Are you interested in sport? Do you like any particular sports? (What sports?) 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?)
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