0. The four I.D. checking questions.

(Not really part of Part 1)

1. Your Work or Your Studies
2. Where You Live
3. Your Home (Your Accommodation) N

One of the three topics above is a compulsory topic and you will
be asked 3 to 5 questions on this topic. You will then be asked
questions on two of the topics from below. (Again, 3 to 5
questions per topic).
Note (added Sept. 20, 2014): There are a few reports that some examiners are choosing two of the
the topics above, not just one. So it looks like this rule might have been changed.
4. Shoes N
5. Colours N
6. Housework N
7. Teachers N
8. Writing N
9. Friends N
10. Natural Places N
11. Advertising N
12. Public Holidays N
13. Weather & Seasons
14. Concentration
15. Cars
16. Museums and Art Galleries
17. Street Markets
18. Maps
19. Gifts

20. Days of the Week

21. Parks
22. Food
23. Photography
24. Travel
25. Your Leisure Time
26. Television N
27. Taking a Break N
28. Shopping N
29. Birthdays

Part1

1a)

Your Work

What work do you do?

Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)?

Was that an easy choice to make?

Have you always wanted to do that type of work?

(Possibly) Is that a very popular job in your country?

Would you recommend that job to others?

What do you do in that job?

Do you like you job?

Does your job keep you interested?

(Similar to above) Is your job very interesting?

Do you like challenges at work?

How would you handle a task that was very lengthy and time consuming?

Do you think you are more efficient (or, productive) in the mornings or in the afternoons?

(Why?)
(Possibly the question above is this) Do you work better in the mornings in in the

afternoons? (Why?)

Do you plan to continue doing that work? (or, that type of work / or, that job)

(Possibly the question above is this) Do you intend to change your job in the near future?

Do you prefer to work in a quiet environment or in a place that has some noises (or
sounds)?
What do you do if there's too much noise (when you are trying to work)?

1b)

Your Studies

What subject(s) are you studying?

Why did you choose to study that subject? / Why did you choose to study those subjects?

Was that an easy choice to make?

Have you always studied that subject?

(Possibly the question above is this) Have you always wanted to study that subject?

Do you like your subject? (Why?/Why not?)

Is it very interesting?

Would you say you are good at that subject?

What was/is your university like?

(For high school students & recent HS graduates) What was/is your high school like?

Why did you choose (to attend) that school/university?

How long will you continue studying there?

Will you (or, do you intend to) continue studying that subject?

(For high school students & recent HS graduates) What was /is your favourite subject at high
school?

(Possibly) What was /is your most useful subject in high school?

(Continuing from the question above) Will you (or, do you intend to) continue studying that
subject?

Was there/is there any high school subject that you didn't like?

Do you prefer to study in the mornings or in the afternoons? (Why?)

(Possibly the question above is this) Do you study better in the mornings in in the
afternoons? (Why?)

(For non-high school students & non-recent H.S. graduates) What are you going to (or,
planning to) do in the future?

(For university students) What do you think you will do after you graduate?

2. Where You Live

Note: The questions below are about the city or place that you are living in now, regardless of
whether it is your hometown or not.

Where are you living at the moment? (= Where do you live?)

Do you like living in _______ (your hometown, or where you are living now)?

What are the good points and the bad points about living here/there?

(Possibly) Is there anything you dislike about it?

Can you suggest how it could be improved?

Would you say it has good facilities?

Is the public transport system in your hometown convenient to use?

Would you say it's a good place for (families with) children to live?

Do you have many neighbours?

(Possibly) Do you know your neighbours very well?

Will you continue to live there (in the future)?

(Similar to above) Do you plan to continue living there?

3. Shoes

(Possibly) Do you like shopping for shoes? (Why? / Why not?) *

How often do you buy shoes?

(The question above might be this) How long is it since you bought some shoes?

What kinds of shoes you usually buy? (or, prefer to buy)

Do you prefer comfortable shoes or good-looking shoes?

4. Colours

Do you have a favourite colour? (Why is that your favourite colour?)

Was that also your favourite colour when you were a child?

Were colours important to you when you were a child?

Did you wear bright coloured clothes when you were young?

Do you prefer light colours or dark colours?

(Slightly different to above) Do you prefer light colours or bright colours?

What colour would you choose to paint the walls of your room?

What colour car would you choose to buy?

5 Housework

Do you like doing housework?

How do you think housework could be made more interesting?

Did your parents ask you (or, make you) do any housework when you were a child?

Do you think children should do some housework?

Which do you think is better for doing housework, a machine (or, a robot) or a person?

(Possibly the question above is this) Which do you think can do housework better, a machine
(or, a robot) or a person?

In the future, do you think machines will replace humans for doing housework?

6. Teachers

Do you (or, did you) have a favourite teacher?

Why do you like him/her?

(Possibly) How does (or did) this teacher help you?

Do you think you could be a teacher?

(Possibly the question above is this) Would you like to be a teacher?

7. Writing

Do you often write things?

Do you write everyday?

What do you usually write?

How many hours a day do you spend writing?

Do you think writing is important?

Do you like writing to people?

Do you write letters very often?

How often do you send e-mails?

What are your main reasons for using e-mails?

Do you like to send e-mails?

Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer(, typewriter or word-processor)?

(Similar to above) Do you prefer to write by hand or write using the computer?

Do you prefer to write letters or emails?

Nowadays, how do most people write things?

What do you think are the benefits of writing letters?

Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?

When do children begin to write in your country?

(Similar to above) When did you start to learn how to write?

How did you learn to write?

What did you write when you were in primary school? (If you are still a high schools student.)

What did you write when you were in high school? (If you have finished high school.)

What did you write when you were in university? (If you have graduated from university.)

Would you like to write a book one day?

8. Friends

What do you usually do with your friends?

How long have you known your best friend?

When will you see him/her next?

What do you (and your best friend) usually do together?

Which do you think is better, to have many friends or just a few close friends?

9. Natural Places

(Possibly) Do you like visiting natural places? *

(Possibly) What are some well-known natural attractions in your country?

Have you ever gone camping?

What would you say are the good points and the bad points about living in the countryside?

Has the countryside in your country (or, around your city) changed much in recent years (or
decades)?

What future changes do you imagine might happen to the countryside?

(Similar to above) How will the countryside look in the future?

(Similar to above) What do you think the countryside will look like in the future?

Do you like a natural environment?

How do city kids in your country have contact with nature?

Do you have any memories of nature from your childhood?

10. History

Do you like (to learn about) history?

What historical event do you find most interesting?

(Similar to above) What historical event do you think was most important?

Do you think history is important?

Do you like to watch programs on TV about history?

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

Do you think you (= one) can (really) learn history from films and/or TV programs?

Do you think the internet is a good place to learn about history?

(Similar to above) Do you think learning about history on the internet is good?

(Similar to above) Do you think studying history on the internet is good?

Can you name a person from history who you would like to learn more about?

Why would you like to learn more about him/her?

11. Advertising

Are there many advertisements in your country

Why do you think there are so many advertisements now?

What are the various places where we see advertisements?

How do you feel about advertisements?

(Similar to above) Do you like advertisements?

(Similar to above) Do you think there are too many advertisements? (in society/on TV/in
magazines and newspapers/on the street)

What kind of advertisement do you like the most?

(Similar to above) What kinds of advertisements do you find most interesting?

(Similar to above) What type of advertisement do you prefer to use for getting information?

Do advertisements (ever) influence your choice about what to buy?

(Similar to above) Have you ever bought anything after seeing (or hearing) an
advertisement?

(Possibly) Have you ever bought anything that you have not seen advertised?

Where can we (or, what are the various places where we can) see advertisements?

Do you like advertisements on TV?

Do you prefer advertisements on TV or those in magazines?

(Similar to above) What are the differences between advertisements on TV and those in
magazines?

(Similar to above) (In your opinion), which are more effective, TV ads or newspaper and
magazine ads?

What do you think is the purpose of advertisements (or, advertising)?

12. Public Holidays

This meaning of "holiday" is , similar to "festival".

(The other meaning is the same as, "vacation" or . This is usually used in the plural
form such as, "my summer holidays" = "my summer vacation". But this just means your
"break from work or from school". If, during your "summer holidays" you go for a twoweek trip to the seaside, that trip and that experience is usually spoken as "my
summer holiday" not "my summer holidays". In other words, a special trip made for the
purpose of relaxation or recreation is also called a "holiday".)

What public holidays do you have in your country? *

(Possibly) Do people in your country celebrate Christmas?

The following two questions might be part of this topic or they might have been erroneously
reported using the word, "a holiday" when in fact the examiner used the word, "a weekend".

Do you prefer doing things indoors or outdoors on a holiday?

In your country, do old people usually do the same things as young people during a holiday?

Do you like public holidays?

Which public holidays do you like the most?

(Similar to above) What's your favourite public holiday?

What did you do during the last public holiday?

What do other people in your country usually do on public holidays?

What would you like to do during the next public holiday?

Do you think public holidays are important?

Do you think there should be more public holidays in your country?

(Similar to above) Would you like to have more public holidays?

What family holidays do you (or, does your family) usually celebrate?

13. Weather & Seasons

What's the weather (or climate) like in your hometown?

Would you say the weather in your hometown is generally good, or bad weather?

How are the (four) seasons different in your hometown?

Which season do you like the best (or, the most)?

Would you prefer to live in a place with one season all year round, or four different seasons?

Would you say there have been any changes in the weather (in your hometown) in the recent
past?

Does the weather have much impact on your life?

(Similar to above) Does the weather have much impact on (daily) life in your country?

Do you often talk about the weather with your friends?

(Similar to above) Do you like to talk about the weather? (Why?/Why not?)

What sort of climate do you prefer?

Do you like extreme climate? (Why?/Why not?)

14. Concentration

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

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

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

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

Could you concentrate when you were a child?

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

15. Concentration

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

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

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

17. Cars

Do you like traveling by car?

When was the last time you traveled by car?

(Possibly) When was the last time you traveled by taxi?

Do you prefer to travel by car or to use public transport?

Do you think it would be good if everyone had their own car?

Do you think it's important to have a driver's license?

18. Museums and Art Galleries

Do you like visiting museums and art galleries?

What did you learn from visiting these places?

(Similar to above) What have you learned from visiting these places?

(Possibly) Which did you (or do you) prefer to visit, museums or art galleries?

Do you think schools should take their students to visit museums and art galleries?

19. Street Markets

Do you like visiting street markets?

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

What is usually sold in these street markets?

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

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

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

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

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

be different to street markets in your country?

20. Maps

Do you (ever) use a map?

When do you use a map?

(Similar to above) How often do you use a map?

Who taught you how to use a map?

(Similar to above) How did you learn to use (or read) a map?

Do you prefer to use electronic maps or those made of paper?

(In your city) have you ever asked others for directions?

(Possibly) Would you ever ask people for directions in your city?

(Possibly) Do you prefer to use a map or ask people for directions?

21. Gifts

Do you like to receive gifts? (Why?/ Why not?)

What kind of gifts do you like to receive? (Why?)

What gifts did you receive in your childhood?

(Similar to above, but different) What sorts of gifts did you like to receive when you were a
child?

Do you like giving gifts to people? (Why?/ Why not?)

(Possibly) What gifts did you give to others in your childhood?

22. Days of the Week

Do you do the same things every day of the week?

Is there anything you would like to change about your weekly routine?

How many days off do you have every week? *

Do you usually have days off together or are they separated (by work/attendance at class)?

What do you usually do on weekends?

Which day would you say is your busiest day of the week?

Which is your favourite day of the week?

(Possibly) What would cause you to change your favourite day of the week?

23. Parks

Do you like going to parks and/or public gardens? (Why?/ Why not?)

Who do you usually go there with?

When was the last time you went to a park?

Do you think the parks and gardens where you live could be improved in any ways?

Would you like to see (or, have) more parks and gardens in your hometown (or where you
are living)?

Do you prefer to relax with your friends in a park or an indoor place?

(Possibly) Would you prefer to entertain guests (or visitors) in a park or an indoor place?

24. Food

What kind(s) of food do you like to eat?

Did you also like to eat that when you were a child?

(Similar to above) What food did you (like to) eat when you were a child?

Would you give that food to your children if they asked for it?

Do you prefer to eat at home or to eat out? *

Do you know how to cook?

When do you usually eat?

25. Photography

Make sure you know how to pronounce "photograph", "photography",

"photographer" and "photographic". The word stress (i.e., which syllable is
stressed more) is different in some of these words.

Do you like to take photographs? (Why?)

Do you think it is better to take photos using a camera or a mobile phone?

(Similar to above) Do you prefer to take photos using a camera or a mobile phone?

What do you most like to take photos of?

What do you do with your photos after you have taken them?

Do you ever share your photos with other people on the internet?

Would you like to attend a photography class?

26. Travel

Do you like traveling?

In which season do you prefer to travel?

Would you say your country welcomes travelers (or, tourists)?

(Possibly the question above is this) Would you say your country is a good place for travelers
(or, tourists) to visit?

27. Your Leisure Time

Instead of the word, "relax", it is possible the examiner just uses words such as, "spend
your leisure time".

What do you do to relax?

Do you do any healthy activities to help you relax?

(Similar to above) Do you think sport (or, exercise) is a good way to relax?

What did you do to relax when you were a child?

Part2 / Part3

Describe a magazine that you like to read.

You should say:
what magazine it is
how often you read it (or, when you read it)
what the magazine is about (or, what the articles in the magazine are about)
what kinds of people generally read this magazine or newspaper *
and explain why you like to read it.

Part 3
Magazines

What are some of the different types of magazine that are available in your country? *

What types of magazines do people in your country (like to) read? FQ

(Similar to above) What (types of) magazines are most popular in your country? FQ

Are there any differences between the types of magazines that males and females like to
read? FQ

Do old people like to read the same types of magazines that young people do?

Why do people read magazines?

Can you suggest why some magazines are so interested in having articles about famous
people?

When do people usually read magazines?

What do you think are the similarities and differences between magazines and
newspapers? FQx2

What do you think are the similarities and differences between books and magazines?

What do you think are the similarities and differences between books and newspapers?

What influence(s) do magazines have on people?

What can we learn from reading a magazine, compared to what we can learn from a
newspaper?

What information can we get (or, what can we learn) from magazines?

Is the information in magazines different to that in newspapers?

Do you think everything you read in magazines is true?

Do you think electronic magazines will replace paper ones in the future?
The Reading Habits of People in Your Country

Is reading very important?

(Similar to above) Is reading very important to you?

Would you say that people in your country like reading?

What kinds of things do people in your country like to read? FQ

Do you think people's reading habits today are different to people's reading habits in the past
(e.g., 30 yrs ago)? FQ

Do you think people today are reading less than people did in the past? FQx2

Why do some people like reading novels?

What do you think are the differences between a book (a novel) and a film based on that
book? FQ

Why do you think some people don't like reading?

How do you think people could be encouraged to read more?

Are there any differences between the reading habits of old people and those of young
people? FQx2

Do young people and old(er) people like to read the same types of things? FQx2

What do you think are the differences between reading for pleasure and reading for other
purposes?

Why do some people still read newspapers?

How do you think people's reading habits might change in the future? FQ
E-Books
In what ways do you think e-books and paper books are similar and in what ways are they

different?
Journalism / The Media

Would you like to work as a reporter?

(Similar to above) Do you think working as a reporter would be (or, is) a good job? FQ

What does a reporter do in his or her job?

Do you think it's a dangerous job?

Do you think it would be (or, is) an interesting job?

What qualities (including skills) do you think a good reporter (or, journalist) should
have? FQx2

Are there any differences between a TV reporter and a newspaper reporter?

Is it important to you that journalists report the facts?

Do you think that all reporters are objective (or, report/write objectively)?

What would cause them not to be objective?

Newspapers
Do you think there are differences between local (or, national) newspapers and international

ones?

What are the differences between traditional paper newspapers and electronic versions of

those newspapers?
What are the advantages of reading (& seeing) the news on the internet compared to reading

it in newspapers and magazines?

Describe something you did to help

another person (or other people) *

You should say:

what you did
when you did it
who you helped
and explain how you felt after (or, when) you gave this help.

Part 3
Helping in Everyday Life

Do you think people today are more willing to help others than people in the past?

Do you think more people in society today need help than in the past?

Are there many lonely people (living in cities) who need some kind of help? (Why?)

How do you suggest those people could be helped?

In general, who do you think gives more help in a family (or marriage), the husband or the
wife?

If somebody gave you some help, how would you react to that person?

What do you think are the drawbacks and possible benefits of being selfish?

Do you think volunteer work is important in society?

Neighbours

Do you think neighbors are important? FQ

Do you think it's important to have good relationship with ones neighbours?

What benefits do people get from helping their neighbours?

Do you think a person can learn anything from helping their neighbours?

Do you think people's relationships with their neighbours are the same as they were in the
past? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think people today communicate with their neighbours as much as
they used to, in times past?

Would you say these are changes are for the better or changes for the worse?

How do (or, how can) neighbours help each other? FQ

Which neighbours need help (more than others)?

Why are some people reluctant to help their neighbours (or, help others)?

Do you think many people living in cities feel lonely? FQ

Do you think the size of the city makes a difference to how lonely someone is (or feels)?

Do you think peoples' relationships with their neighbors are the same in the cities as they are
in rural areas? FQ

Do you think today's urban living environment encourages people to get to know their
neighbours? FQ

Who do you think is more likely to help their neighbours, people living in cities or people in
living rural environments? FQ

Why do people living in cities not communicate with their neighbours very often? FQ

What are the benefits of belonging to a community?

Why are online "virtual communities" becoming more popular nowadays?

Around where you live (= in your neighborhood), are there any activities that groups of
people can participate in?

Do you think these local events are very beneficial to people

Helping in the Workplace

Note that some questions here are about employees giving help (to other employees and even to
the employer) and other questions are about employers giving help to employees.

Do you think colleagues need to help each other in the workplace?

How do (or, how can) colleagues help each other at work? FQ

Do you think teamwork is important in the workplace?

Do you think a person should receive more pay if they help others at work (or should they do
it for free)?

How do (or, how can) an employee help their (his or her) employer?

How do employers in your country help their employees?

Do you think that employees are encouraged to work better (or work harder/ work more)
when the employer helps them?

What do you think is the role of (departmental) managers in a company (or the CEO)?

What benefits do employees get in your country?

Do you think employers should be obligated (by law) to provide benefits for their employees?

In your country, in what ways are employers obligated (by law) to provide benefits for their
employees?
Do you think it benefits the employees if a company provides leisure facilities at the

workplace?
Children Learning to Help

Do you think children naturally want to help others, (or do they need to be taught this)? *

Do you think it's important for parents to teach their children to help others? *

How can parents teach their children to help others?

(Similar to above) How can parents teach their children the value of helping others?

Do you think engaging children in team (or group) activities helps them learn about helping
others?

Who do you think should be more responsible for teaching children about helping, the
parents or the child's school teachers?

In what ways do parents want their children to help them (around the home)?

(Similar to above, but different) How can (or, how do) children help their parents at home?

Do parents in your country expect their adult children to give them help?

Do you think children should help with the housework at home? FQ

In general, who do you think is more willing to give help (e.g., with the housework), boys or
girls (males or females)? FQx2

(Similar to above) In general, who do you think is more willing to help others, boys or girls (or,
males or females)?

Do you think children can learn about helping from other children?
International Help

How can (or, how do) countries give help to other countries? FQ

Do you think countries are obligated to share their research discoveries with other countries?

Do you think countries should help one another in times of disasters?

Do you think natural disasters are consequences of the nature or caused by human beings?

Do you think international organizations should exist to provide help when a natural disaster
strikes a country?

Describe a family celebration that you attended.

You should say:

where this celebration was held
why it was held
what you did at this celebration
and explain why you enjoyed this celebration.

Marriage & Weddings

Are weddings considered very important in your country?

Would you say marriage (or, weddings) today is (are) considered less important than it was in
the past? FQ
(Similar to above but a little different) Are weddings today considered less important, or more

important than they were in the past? FQ

(Similar to above) Are weddings today (in your country) the same as weddings have always

been? FQx2

Are weddings today more expensive (= dearer) than weddings in the past, or cheaper?

Do you think people spend too much money on weddings? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it's worthwhile to spend so much money on a wedding? FQ

Where are weddings held? (= where are wedding ceremonies held)

Where are wedding banquets held?

Who usually pays for the costs of a wedding (a wedding celebration or banquet)?

What preparations need to be done before a wedding takes place?

In your culture, who does most of the preparation when a couple are going to get
married? FQ

(Similar to above) Who do you think should do the preparation work for a wedding?

(Possibly) Who officiates (= carries out) weddings in your country?

Do you think it's important to marry someone who has the same level of education as you
do? FQ

Can you suggest why more and more people are getting married today at a later age than
they used to? FQx2

(Similar to above) Can you suggest why more and more people are getting married today at
a later age than they used to and delaying having children? FQx2
Other Celebrations Besides Weddings

Note: Be careful of saying "holidays" when you mean traditional festivals such as the Lunar New Year
celebrations, or Christmas. In British English, "on holidays" or "during holidays" etc. most often
means "during one's vacation (from school or work)", . Although traditional festivals /
celebrations, , are usually also public holidays, I suggest using words such as "festival" or
"celebration". This question is further complicated by the fact that English speakers tend to use the
word "festival" to refer more to public festivals that are celebrated, for example, on the street or in
public places, involving large crowds of people, not traditional celebrations that are held in the
home..

On what occasions do people in your country hold a celebration?

What would you say are the most important family celebrations in your country?

Besides weddings, on what other occasions do people in your country hold celebrations?

Besides weddings, on what other occasions do people in your country hold family
celebrations?

Do you prefer celebrating with your family or with your friends?

Do you think everybody enjoys attending family celebrations? FQ

Are young people and old people equally enthusiastic about family celebrations?

Do you think people like attending national celebrations (e.g. National Day)?

What do you think are the differences between family celebrations and national (or public)
celebrations? FQ

Do people in your country generally prefer family celebrations to national celebrations, or

vice versa?

Do you think all public holidays are "celebrated"?

Have their been any changes to the culture of your country resulting in celebrating something
that was not traditionally celebrated in your culture? (changes in the past few decades)

Describe your first mobile phone (or communication device).

You should say:

when you got it (or, how old you were when you got it)
how you got it *
what you used it for *
and explain how the mobile phone changed your life.

Notes
"Cell-phone" is more American usage while "mobile phone" is more common in British

English. But either is OK.

Part 3
Mobile Phones in Your Country

What do you think are the main differences between cell phones today and the first cell
phones (in the 1990's)?

Do you like having a mobile phone? FQ

(Similar to above) Is your mobile phone important to you? FQ

Are mobile phones very common in your country? FQ

Are mobile phones very popular in your country? FQ

Do all types of people use mobile phones or is it mostly a case of certain types of people
(certain groups) using them?

What do people use their mobile phone for? FQ

Would you say cell-phones are useful when one is traveling?

Do you think it is important for someone going on a business trip to use a mobile phone
while on the trip?

Do many old people use mobile phones? FQ

(Similar to above) Who do you think uses mobile phones more, young people or old(er)
people? FQx2

Who changes their cell phones for newer models more often, young people or older people?

(Why?)

Do you think old people find it easy to use a cell-phone?

Do old(er) and young people use mobile phones in the same way?

Do you think there are any downsides (bad points) to using a cell-phone? FQ

Do people use their cell-phones more for speaking or more for sending text
messages? FQx2

(Similar to above) What are the differences between sending text messages and making
calls on a cell phone? FQx2

(Similar to above) Would you say that text messaging is replacing making call calls?

What are the shortcomings of using cell phones? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think that cell phones have any brought any negative influences to
people (or, society)?

Do you think there are times when it is acceptable (or, reasonable) to ask others to turn off
their cell-phones?

What can someone do if they lose their cell-phone?

What problems can result if a person loses their cell-phone?

What are the major differences between a fixed-line phone and a mobile phone?

Do you think the use of cell phones will increase in the future?

Do you think that you will be using a cell phone more in the future, or less?
Smart-Phones

Why do we have smart phones (or, why do people use) smart phones when we already have
mobile phones and the internet?

Why do people (like to) use smart-phone apps? FQ

Would you say cell phone apps are important?

Which apps are most popular? FQ

Children and Mobile Phones

At what age do people in your country usually get their first cell-phone? FQx2

Why do you think kids aged about 11 or 12 need to (or, want to) have a cell phone?

Which do you think is more suitable for young children to use, a mobile phone or a fixed-line
phone at home?

What do you think could be done to stop school students from using their cell-phone during
class? FQ

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

You should say:

what language
how you would learn it
what difficulties you think you might (or would) have when learning this language.
and explain why you would like to learn this language.

Learning Another Language

Do you think it's important to learn a foreign language? FQ

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of learning (or studying) a foreign
language?

Do you think everyone should learn a foreign language? FQ

Would you agree that some people are better at learning a language than others?

Do you think it's good that some school students are forced to study a foreign language (= it
is compulsory for them to study a foreign language)?

(Similar to above) Do you think it's necessary (or, important) for schools to teach foreign
languages? FQ

Do you think it's important to learn a foreign language in a formal classroom?

What people need to learn a foreign language?

What benefits do children (or, people) get from studying (learning) a foreign language?

Do you think there are any possible downsides from studying a foreign language?

What difficulties do people experience when they try to learn another language?

Why do you think different people seem to have different capabilities for learning
languages? FQ
(Similar to above) Why do you think some people are better than others at learning

languages? FQx2

How do high school teachers in your country teach English?

How do you think school teachers could make studying a foreign language more interesting?
FQ
How do you think school teachers could make studying a foreign language more effective?

FQ

What are the reasons why people learn a foreign language?

What kinds of people are most likely to learn a foreign language?

In your country, which are the most commonly studied foreign languages?

How can people use the knowledge they have of a foreign language?

On the question of learning a foreign language, do you think there are any differences
between men and women?

Who do you think finds it easier to learn a foreign language, men or women?

How would you convince a person of the importance of learning your language?

Do you think there is a strong relationship between language and culture?

How important (or, how useful) is it to learn a language in a formal classroom?

International Communication

How do people use social media (or, use the internet) to make contact with foreigners (who
speak a foreign language)?

What do you think are the similarities and differences between the way people of different
languages communicate?
An International Language

Do you think it would be good to have one main international language? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it is important to have one main international language? FQ

Which language would you say is the dominant language in the world today? FQ

Which language do you think will be the dominant language in the future? FQ

(Similar to above but different) Which language would you say is the most important
language in the world today? FQ

Some people say that all languages are important. Do you agree?

Do you think English should be made the official international language? FQ

In the future, what language do thing will be the most prevalent in the world?

Do you think Chinese should be made an (or, the) international language?

Describe a school you have attended (in your childhood).

You should say:

where it was (or, what school it was)
what the classrooms were like (or, looked like)
what the teachers were like *
and explain how you felt about this school.

Part 3
Schools

Which do you think is better, a big school or a small school?

(Similar to above, but different) Which do you think is better, a big class or a small class?

What age do you think is most suitable for children to start school?

What do you think are the benefits of extra-curricula activities at school?

Do you think it should be compulsory for all children to attend a school?

Do you think it's better for high school-aged boys and girls to be educated together, or
separately?

(Similar to above) What are the pros and cons of single-sex high schools as compared to coeducational high schools?

Do you think school students today are overburdened?

Have there been any changes to the education system in your country in the recent past?
Teachers

Is teaching a very popular profession in your country?

Would you like to work as a teacher?

Why do some people choose to (or, want to) become teachers of children? FQ

What kinds of people become (or, work as) school teachers?

What do you think are some of the differences between high school teachers and primary
school teachers? FQ

Who do you you think is easier to teach, primary school students or high school
students? FQ

Why do you think some people prefer to teach adults (e.g., over 18 yrs old) rather than
children?

What qualities do you think a good (primary school) teacher should have? FQx2

Were your teachers strict when you were a child?

What are the differences between male and female teachers? FQ

Who do you think is more suitable for working as a primary school teacher, men or women?

Can you suggest why we see more female than male primary school teachers?

Do you think teachers should allow their students to speak to each other during class?

Do you think a "spoon-feeding" style of education is the best method?

Should school students be encouraged to ask questions?

Kindergartens

Do you think kindergartens are important? *

Would you like to teach little kids?

Do you think teaching little kids is a difficult job?

What qualities do you think good kindergarten teachers have?

Describe something you bought but don't often use. *

You should say:

when you bought it
where you bought it
what it is used for *
why you bought it
and explain why you don't often use it.

Part 3
Shopping & Consumerism

Do you think many people are many things that they don't really need?

What do you think has caused these people to love shopping so much?

Do you think people (or, these "shopaholics") will change their attitudes in the future?

How often do you go shopping (or, buy something)?

Do people in your country like to go shopping?

Do many people buy things in street markets?

What do you think are the pros and cons of shopping in a large department store? FQ

What factors do people consider before they decide to buy something?

For you (or, for most people), which is more important when buying something, the price or
the quality? FQ

Do you think more expensive, brand-name clothes are always better quality than cheaper

clothes?
What are the differences (and similarities) between buying something in a shopping mall and

buying something online?

Why do some people prefers to buy things online? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you prefer to buy things online or in the real world? FQ

Do you think there are any problems associated with the quality of products when buying
online?

Do many people in your country buy fake (fake brand name) goods?

Do you think it's safe to use credit cards?

Recycling

Do you often use products made from recyclable materials?

What types of materials can be recycled?

Do you thing recycling is important? (Why? / Why not?) FQ

(Similar to above) In your country, is recycling considered to be important?

(Similar to above) Why did people in your country start recycling?

Do you think it's important to recycle things made of plastic?

Have people's attitudes towards recycling changed in recent years?

When did people in your country start recycling?

Why do you think more people are promoting and practicing recycling nowadays?

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of recycling? FQ

Advertisements

What do you think about advertisements?

Are they effective?

Are they useful (or beneficial) for people?

Can you compare advertisements on TV and those in magazines?

Do you think advertising methods always ethical?

What do you think are the pros and cons of having government supervision of the advertising
industry?
Describe an indoor game that you played when you were a child.

You should say:

what the game was
who you played it with *
how you played it *
and explain why you played that game.

Part 3
Games in General

Do people of all ages play games, or is it only children?

Which do you think are better, indoor or outdoor games? FQ

(Similar to above) What are the differences between indoor and outdoor games? FQ

What are the most popular indoor games in your country? FQ

How do people learn to play games?

Do you think it's hard to learn the rules of games?

Children's Games
"Games" here includes all games, not just indoor games unless the examiner specifies "indoor".
"Indoor games" does not mean "indoor sports".

What games do children play today? FQx2

Are those the same as the games kids used to play in the past? FQ

Do you think it's good for children to play games? FQ

What can they learn from games? FQx2

(Similar to above) How do you think children can benefit from playing games? FQ

Do you think children can learn new skills from games?

Would you say children in your country prefer outdoor games, or indoor games? FQ

Which do you think is more beneficial for children, indoor games or outdoor games? FQ

How can (or how do) children benefit from outdoor games (or, outdoor activities)?

How do children's (indoor) games and those of adults differ?

What do you think would be some of the qualities of a good game for a 3-year-old child (or,
3-yr-old children)?

Do you think it's necessary for children's games to be competitive? FQ

How do competitive games at school affect children?

How important would you say it is to develop a sense of competition in children?

Do you think playing (some) games can help children develop their imagination?

Do you think games can be useful when teaching children in the classroom?

Do you think it's good for children to play competitive games (i.e., games with winners and
losers)?

Do you think electronic games are good for children?

Some traditional games that are hundreds of years old are still popular with children today.
Can you suggest why (or how) that happens?
Children's Play
These questions were reported only once, so they might be mistakes. "Play" and "play a game" are
not exactly the same thing.

Do you think it's good for children to play?

What benefits do children get from playing?

Do you think children's play is more for fun or for learning?

Recreational Facilities / Parks

Do you think parks play an important role in the lives of people?

Can you suggest how parks could be improved?

Do you think your city should have more parks?

Describe a good law in your country.

You should say
what the law is
how you first learned about this law (or, how you know about this law)
who benefits from this law (or, who is affected by this law)
and explain why you think this is a good law. *

Part 3

The Law

Do you think rules and laws are important? FQx2

(Similar to above) Why do you think we need to have rules and laws? FQx2

How do people benefit from having rules and laws?

What types of work particularly involve the law?

In relation to the law, what is the difference between the work of government officials and that
of lawyers? (Difficult question)

Do you think all laws are fair?

Would you say that the behavior of people is restricted by the laws we have?

Is that a good situation? *

In your country, do people generally feel that they should obey the law? FQ

(Similar to above) Are rules and laws strictly obeyed in your country? FQ

Do you think it's OK to occasionally break the law, (in a small way)? FQ

(Similar to above) In what circumstances do you think it would be acceptable to break the
law? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you think we should obey all laws, all the time?

(Similar to above) Can you suggest any situations when a person can be excused for not
obeying a law? FQx2

(Possibly) Can you suggest any occasions when a person cannot obey a law?

(Possibly) Can you suggest any occasions when a person should not obey a law? *
Lawyers and the Police
Several of these questions are asking you to make comparisons between lawyers and the police.
Lawyers

What are some of the situations when a person needs to use a lawyer?

What qualities does one need in order to be a good lawyer? FQx2

Do many people in your country want to be lawyers? FQx2

The Police

What do you think is the purpose of having police?

(Similar to above) What do you think are the duties / responsibilities of the police (Br. =
policemen & policewomen, U.S. = police officers)?

Are there different types of police?

What do you think is the difference between a policeman directing traffic on a road and other
policeman?

Do you think the police should carry guns?

Who do you think is more suitable for being a police officer, men or women?

Who do you think is more suitable for being a lawyer, men or women?

What is the difference between the work of the police and that of lawyers?

Do many people in your country want to be police officers? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you think being a police officer would be a good job? FQ

(Similar to above) Why do some people prefer to be police officers and some prefer to be
lawyers? FQx2
Which job do you think would be (or, is) more interesting, being a police officer or being a

lawyer?

Which do you (or do people) respect more, lawyers or the police?

Who do you think provides more of a service (or better service) to society (or, the people),
police or lawyers?

Which would most parents prefer their children to marry, a police officer or a lawyer?

Who do you think earns more money, lawyers or police officers?

What qualities does one need in order to be a police officer? FQx2

Do you think it's important for a police officer to be punctual (or, have good time management
skills)?

What sorts of training do you think trainee police officers receive?

International Law

Do you think it's important to have international law? FQ

Can you give any examples of international law?

Who decides what the international laws should be?

Do you think the United Nations should exist and, if so, what should it regulate?

How can international law be enforced?

Do you think there are any difficulties (or, problems) concerning the enforcement of
international law?

Do you think there should be an international police bureau (or organization)?

Describe something that you have shared with others (or another person) *

You should say:

what you shared
who you shared it with.
why you shared it
and explain how you felt about sharing it.
Part 3
Sharing in General

Do you like sharing things with others?

Can you suggest why some people don't like sharing?

Besides the example that you just spoke about (in Part 2), what are some other examples of
sharing in everyday life?

Do people in your country (or, you) prefer to share public transport or do they (you) prefer to
use private transport? FQx2

How do (or can, or could) people share transportation? FQx2

(A little different to above) How do you think more people could be encouraged to share
public transport? FQx2

Do you think sharing one's car with others is a good idea? (car pooling)

Do many people in your country share their home with other or do they mostly live alone? *

Why do you think people share some things with others? FQx2

(Similar to above) What are the benefits of sharing? FQ

Do you think rural people share more than city people?

Do you think there are any advantages to sharing your home with other (non-family) people?

When people share a house, do you think it's important to have some "house rules"? FQ

(Possibly) Do you think there should be (or are) some general rules for people when they
share things? *

Do you think it's good to share personal information with others on the internet? FQ

Do you think online privacy is important?

Would you share your clothes with a friend if they were cold?

Would you ever share your food with someone else?

Do you think sharing food is important?

Do people (in your country) share food during celebrations (or, festivals)? FQ

How do people share information online?

(Possibly) Can you think of any things that people don't usually share with others? *
Children and Sharing

In general, are children willing to share things? FQ

What are some examples of things that children share?

Do you think there are any things that children should not be expected to share with others?

What are some examples of things that children don't like to share?

Do you think children like sharing their parents with their brothers and sisters?

Do you think children need to be taught to share? FQ

How do you think children could be taught to share? FQx2

International Sharing

Do you think countries should share things? (If so, what?)

Describe a situation (or time) when you received some useful advice. *
You should say:
what the situation was
who gave you the advice
what the advice was
and explain how this advice was useful to you.

Part 3

Where should consumers look for prices?

Do you read customer reviews?

Do you find them useful?

Do you think harmful cosmetic products should be banned? Why?

Do you like receiving advice?

Do your friends often ask you for advice?

Do you usually follow the advice of your parents?

Which do you think is better, advice from one's family members or advice from one's
friends? FQx2

On what topics do you think young people might ask their friends for advice? *

Do people, such as your family or friends, generally offer advice to you or do you usually
need to ask for advice?

When you are given advice, do you usually follow that advice or do you make your own
decisions? FQ

What do you do when you have an opinion about what is best to do that is different to that of
your parents?

Do you think people should get advice from others before they decide on what career to

follow?

Do you think that the advice that people gave 50 years ago is still relevant today?

What kind of people are suitable for giving advice to others?

What type of personality do you think someone needs to have in order to be a good advicegiver?
Do you think a teacher should give any kind of advice to students or should he or she only

give advice about academic questions? FQ

Do you think teachers should give (or, are suitable for giving) advice to their students about

career choices?
What should (or, what does) a teacher do when a student needs advice of a more personal

nature?
Advice on the Internet

Do you think it's a good idea to seek advice, or look for advice, on the internet?

Where can people get information about prices for products on sale on the internet?

Do you think it's useful to read customer reviews at (or about) online buying and selling
websites?
Government Advice / Information

What kinds of advice does the government give people?

Where (or how) can a person get advice from the government?

Describe a foreign film that you enjoyed watching. *

You should say:
what type of film it was
who the actors were
what the film was about *

and explain what you liked (and possibly disliked) about this film.
Part 3

Foreign Films

What kinds of films are most popular in your country? FQ

Do you like films from your own country?

(Possibly) Do you prefer films from your own country, or foreign films?

What are some English language films that have been (or are) popular in your country?

Is it easy for people in your country to watch foreign films (or, films in English)? FQ

Do you think it's easier to watch foreign films today than it was 20 or 30 years ago?

Can they understand the film just by listening?

Which do you think are more enjoyable, foreign films that are dubbed into your language or
foreign films that have subtitles (in your language)?

What do you think we can learn from foreign films?

Do you think a person can improve their English by watching foreign (English language)
films? FQx2

Which do you think is better for improving one's English, reading books written in English or
watching foreign films? FQ

What are the differences between Hollywood (= American) films and films from your
country? FQ

What types of Hollywood films are most popular in your country?

Do you think people can learn about the culture of a foreign country by watching films from
that country? FQ
Films in General

What do you think are the differences reading a novel and watching a film based on that
same novel?

What types of people are most likely to watch films?

At what age do people mostly go to the cinema in your country?

How (or why) do some films become popular while other are not so popular?

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

where this person comes from

how you first learned about him or her
(or: how you know about this person)
why / how this person is famous
and explain why you would like to meet this person

Part 3

Fame / Famous People

Do you think everyone would like to be famous?

Would you like to be famous? (Or: Do you want to be famous?)

Is it easy to become famous in your country?

How do people become famous? FQ

What types of people become famous?

Do you think some people are born to be famous?

How can a famous person maintain his or her fame? (= stay famous or well-known)

What kinds of famous people stay famous for a long time? (How? / Why?) FQx2

(Similar to above) Why do you think some people who died a long time ago are still
famous? FQx2

(Similar to above) Why do you think some people are famous just for a short time while
others are famous for a long time (e.g., hundreds of years)? FQx2

(Similar to above) What factors determine which famous people stay famous for a long time
(e.g. historically) and which people don't stay famous? FQx2

Do you think all famous people are wealthy?

(Similar to above) Do you think being famous is the same as being rich?

Do you think famous people have much influence on young people? FQ

Have you, personally, been influenced by any famous person?

In what ways do famous people influence ordinary people?

(Similar to above) How do famous people influence ordinary people?

Do you think that the impression that average people have of famous people is accurate (or
is it just an illusion)?

Do you think famous people ever do thinks such as commit crimes or get drunk?

How do you think famous people can contribute to society (or, the community)?

Do you think they can help society overcome big problems?

What are the benefits of being famous?

Are there any disadvantages from being famous? FQ

Why do the media so often report on the private lives of celebrities? FQ

Do you think celebrities have a right to preserve their privacy? FQ

Do you think the internet will help more people become famous?

How can (or how does) a country benefit from their famous people?

Do you think that famous people can do some things that average people cannot do?

Do you think that famous people are capable of doing things that are good for society (or, for
the country)?

Describe a job that you think is interesting

You should say:
who this person is
what job the person does
what this person does in this job
how he/she (they) got this job *
and explain why you think this person's job is interesting.
Part 3

Jobs / Careers + Part-time vs. Full-time Work

Do you think that job you just spoke about only has positive sides? Are there any downsides
to doing that job?

What (types of) work do people (most commonly) do in your country? FQx2

Do men and women work in these areas equally?

In your country, what jobs (or, careers) are the most popular choices among young
people? FQ

What job would you like to do?

Would you (or, do you) prefer to work full-time or part-time? FQ

What jobs give people the highest salary?

How do people choose their careers (or jobs)? (Note: A "job" and a "career" are not exactly
the same in meaning) FQx2

(Similar to above) How do people make their choice of career or the subject (the major) they
study at university? FQx2

Do you think it's easy (or difficult) for people to choose a career (or job)? FQ

Which do you think is more important when choosing a career (or job), the salary or what
one is interested in? *

(Similar to above) Which factor is more important for people in your country when they
choose a career (or job), the salary or what one is interested in? *

(Separate from choosing a career) How do people find jobs (= find employment) in your
country?

Is it easy for find a job in your country?

In what occupations does your country have a shortage of workers?

Is it easy to find work abroad?

Do people more often change a job these days?

Does it mean that they are unhappy with their jobs?

How can a person stay interested in their job for many years?

Do you think it's good to move to a different part of one's country for work?

Do you think it's good for a country to have a mobile workforce?

Do you think it's easy to find a job overseas?

Employers / Companies

Why do many (or some) people want to work for the government?

In what ways do you think big and small companies are different (and similar)? FQx2

Why do you think some people prefer to work for small companies, while others prefer to
work for large companies? FQx2

Can you suggest why some people prefer to work in a small company? FQx2

Do you think it's easier to work in, and to learn things in a small company or a big one?

In your opinion, what are the qualities of a "good company" to work for?

Would you like to have your own business (or, company)?

What types of companies prefer to hire university graduates?

Qualifications / Traineeships + Part-time vs. Full-time study

Do you think people have to do some study (or learn some skills) in order to get a good job?

Do you think it's important for people to gain educational qualifications? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it's important to have good educational qualifications? FQ

(Similar to above but different) Do you think it's important for people to
gain university qualifications?

What do you think are the most important qualifications?

Why do some companies invest in (or attract) highly educated employees by offering them
high salaries? FQ

(Similar to above) Can you suggest why many companies pay higher salaries to employees
who have more (or higher) educational qualifications than others? FQ

Do most (tertiary) students prefer to study full-time or part time? FQ

(Similar to above) What are the pros and the cons for tertiary students to study full-time as
opposed to studying part-time? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you (or, would you) prefer to study part-time or full-time? FQ

Why do some students study part-time (while working)? FQ

What is the value for companies of giving traineeships to students (students who are
studying part-time)? *

What do you think is the value for students doing traineeships (while studying part-time)? *

Do you think most companies prefer to hire trainees (who are still studying) or do they prefer
to hire people who have graduated from university (or some training college)?

In your country, do companies and other employers invest in the training of their
employees? FQ

Why do so many (or some) companies send their employees to advanced training? FQ

Should companies pay for training courses for their employees?

Describe a time when you saw an interesting animal.

You should say:
what animal it was
where you saw it
what happened when you saw it
and explain why you thought it was interesting. *

Part 3

Teaching About Animals in School Frequent Sub-topic

Do you think school students should learn about animals in school?

(Similar to above) Do you think it's important for school students to learn about animals in
school? FQ

(Similar to above but different) Do you think it's necessary for school students to learn about
animals in school? FQ

If you were a teacher, how would you teach your students about animals?

Do you like to watch TV programs about animals?

Which do you think is better for children, to learn about animals from TV or to have personal
contact with animals?

What do you think is the difference between learning about animals from TV and learning
about them from books?
The Protection of Wild Animals Frequent Sub-topic

Do you think all wild animals should be protected? See Note

How do you think endangered animals could be / should be protected?

Is the government in your country doing anything to protect wild animals?

Would you say it is one of the duties (or, responsibilities) of government to protect
endangered animals?

Do you think it's good to keep wild animals in a zoo? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you think keeping endangered animals in a zoo is a good way to
protect them? FQx2
Do you think average people can play a role in helping to prevent the extinction of wild

animals? (Hint: ivory) FQ

Pets

What do you think are the pros and cons of a child having a pet? FQ

Do you think it's good for a child to have a pet? FQ

(Similar to above) What are the benefits of a child having a pet? FQ

Which animals do you think are most suitable for children to have as pets?

What does a person have to do in order to take care of a pet?

Zoos

Are there any zoos in your hometown (or, where you are living)?

Is it good to take children to a zoo?

Do you think it's good to keep wild animals in a zoo? FQx2

(Similar to above) Do you think keeping endangered animals in a zoo is a good way to
protect them? FQx2

What do you think are the good and bad points of (having) zoos? FQ

(Similar to above) What do you think are the good and bad points of (having) wild animals
living in zoos? FQx2

(Similar to above) Why do you think some people are opposed to zoos? FQ

If you were planning a zoo, what would it be like? *

Other Uses of Animals in Society

Do you think it's good that humans kill animals?

Animals Eaten for Meat

What animals do people in your country eat?

Are there any animals that people in your country do not eat? *

Work Animals
Do you think animals should be used for work?

Experimentation on Animals
Do you think it's good to perform experiments (or tests) on animals in laboratories?

Describe something special you brought home from a holiday. *

You should say:

what it was
when and where you went on this holiday
what you did with it after you brought it home
and explain why you thought it was special.
Notes
It's possible that this topic has the words, "why you bought it" but not every souvenir is

something that people buy.

Don't confuse the two words, "brought" and "bought".

The wording for this is not clear. It might say, "Describe something special you brought home
from a holiday trip". Such a trip could simply be a one-day or two-day trip to the countryside, for
example, or to another city.

Part 3
New word - "memorabilia"
Souvenirs

Do you (or, do people in your country) prefer to buy souvenirs when they visit a place or do
they prefer to simply take something (not buy it) from the places they visit?

Why do people buy souvenirs? FQ

What (types of) things do people buy as souvenirs? FQ

Do you think it is really worth the money to buy souvenirs? FQ

Do you think different types of people tend to buy different sorts of souvenirs?

Are children and adults the same when it comes to souvenirs?

What types of souvenirs do visitors to your country buy?

If you bought a shirt as a souvenir from some place you visited, would you prefer to wear that
shirt or hang it on the wall as a display?

Do you think some people buy souvenirs in order to show others where they have been? FQ

(Different to above) Do you think some people just buy souvenirs to show of (to impress
others)? FQ

What do you think is the value of keeping a souvenir for a long time?
The Souvenir Industry

Do any people earn a living from souvenirs?

Do you think it would be a good investment for a local person living in a tourist area to open a
shop to sell souvenirs?

(Similar to above) Do you think it is a good investment for a local person living in a tourist
area to open a shop to sell souvenirs?

(Similar to above) Do you think it's good for people to earn money by selling souvenirs? FQ

Do you think the price and quality of souvenirs are always reasonable? *

Does the sale of souvenirs have an effect on the local economy?

Does the sale of souvenirs ever create problems?

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

Why do people often take photos when they go on a trip? FQ

Do you think it's a waste of time to take photos on a trip (or holiday spent away from home)?

Do you like to show your photos of a trip to your friends?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking a camera on a trip? FQ

When you travel, do you prefer to take a lot of photos or to spend that time walking around,
looking at things?

Why do you think people like to show the photos of their trip to their friends and relatives?

What are the differences between writing a diary about a trip and taking photos of your
trip? FQ
Traveling

How do people choose a travel destination?

Do you think people should plan their trip before traveling?

Describe a place where you would like to have (or, build) a home.
You should say:
Where it is
What the place looks like
How you know about the place
When you first went to this place
What work you would do if you lived there
and explain why you would like to live there.

Notes

After "You should say" there will be only three points on the card (not including the line, "and
explain ...").

Some people report this topic as, "Describe a beautiful place where you would like to live"
but I'm not sure if the word "beautiful" is really used. You might have a good reason for wanting to
live in a place (e.g., a city) that is not so beautiful.

It could be a holiday home, a second home, not your main home.

Some people think that the words "would like to" are used to talk about the future. Those

words can refer to the future but they can also refer to the present - a present that is not true now.
For example, "I would like to be a millionaire" usually means the same as, "I wish I were a
millionaire".

Part 3

The Location of Homes

How important to you is the locality and the surroundings of your house?

Why do many people like to have a home near a park or public garden?

Where (what types of places) do most people in your country prefer to live?

What do you think about building a house in (or living in) the countryside? FQ

(Similar to above) What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the
countryside? FQ

(Similar to above) If you could only build a home (or, "your dream home") in the countryside
(not in the city), would you do it?

(Similar to above) Do people (in your country) prefer to live in cities or rural
environments? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it would be good to live at the seaside? FQ

Do you think the big cities are becoming too crowded?

Do you think we should let big cities continue to grow, or is there a better alternative?

Do you think the government should encourage more people to live in the countryside (or,
away from big cities)? FQ

What do you think the government could do to attract more people to live in rural areas? FQ

Do you think rural people and city people have similar outlooks on life?

Where do you think is the best place for old (e.g., retired) people to live?
Types of Homes

What kinds of home do people in your country live in?

What do you think is the best type of home for families to live in?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a house compared to living in an
apartment? FQ

What do you think are the benefits and the drawbacks of living in an old house or
apartment? FQx2

Do elderly people and young people like to live in the same kinds of homes?

What types of homes are best for families with children?

The Size of One's Home

What do you think are the pros and cons of living in a big home, compared to living in a small
one? FQ

Which do you think is better for old people to live in, a big house or a small one?

Which do people in your country prefer to live in, a small home or a big place?

Do you think mobile homes are suitable for children to live in?
The Cost of a Home

Would you say the cost of housing in your country is reasonable?

Who People Live With

Do you prefer to live alone or with others?

Which do you think is better for an unmarried young person, to live with his or her parents or
live away from their parents?

How do people today in your country feel about living with relatives (e.g., elderly
parents)? FQ

What are the advantages of living with family members?

Is this different to the way people have traditionally lived?

Describe a place where you stayed when you were away from your home. *

You should say:

where it was
how long you stayed there
what you did there (or, why you stayed there) *
and explain how you felt about (staying at) this place. *
or
and explain how you felt during your stay. *

Notes
The words, "stay away from" something can mean, "avoid" something but they can also

mean, "spent one or more nights away from" something. The second meaning is the meaning here.
In Chinese, "stay" more or less means but we don't say "live" in English when we talk about just
spending a night or two in a hotel or at a friend's house. That is, we normally say, "stay" in a hotel or
hospital, not "live" in these places. But if you stayed in a hotel for a long time, such as several
months or more, then "live" might be suitable.
Keep in mind that, if the word, "stay" is used, it means that you lived in this place temporarily,

at least for one night. It could even be at your grandparents' home.

Boarding at school is not a very good example if the word, "stay" is in the wording because

people board at school (= live there) for long periods (many months), not just, "stay" there.
If the wording above is more or less correct, your answer does not necessarily have to be

about a building such as a hotel or a hospital it could be about staying in a town, city or even
another country, for example. But, judging from Part 3, the wording of Part 2 might imply staying in a
building of some sort.

Part 3

Staying with Relatives or Friends

In your country, when people travel to see friends or relatives, do they usually stay with the
people they are visiting or do they usually stay in a hotel? FQx2

What do you think are the pros and cons of visitors staying in a hotel rather than in the home
of the people they are visiting? FQ

Is it preferable to stay with relatives, or with friends?

What are some differences

between staying with relatives or friends and living in your own home? FQx2
Visitors / Hospitality

How often do you have friends or family visiting you at home?

Do you ever allow your home to be used by other people? (e.g., someone who has no place
to stay/to live)
If someone stays in another's home as a guest, do you think they should help with the

housework? FQx2

How would you react if a guest rejected (or, ignored / or, did not return) your hospitality?

How do you think a visitor to someone's home should behave?

If a guest is staying at your house, do you think they should adapt to your family (or the
people who live permanently there)? (Hint: smokers)
(Similar to above) If a guest visits your house, such as for a party or dinner, do you think they

should adapt to your family or other friends? (Hint: smokers)

Hotels

Do people in your country often stay in (or, at) hotels?

Why do people stay in hotels?

Do you think people like staying in hotels?

What factors do people consider when they are choosing a hotel to stay at? FQx2

(Similar to above) What qualities do people look for in a hotel? FQx2

If there were two hotels to choose from, one with friendly service and another with good
facilities, which would you choose?

Do you think it's important for the staff in a hotel to give good-quality service?

How do you think hotels in your country could be improved? *

Is Hotel Management (or, Hospitality) a very popular career choice in your country?

When people are choosing a hotel to stay in, which do you think people give more weight to,
the location or the price?

(Similar to above) Which do you think is more important when choosing a hotel to stay in, the

location or the price?

Do you think it's important (or, necessary) to have (luxurious) 5 star hotels?

How do you think the hotel staff in luxury hotels are (or might be) different to the staff in less
luxurious hotels?

Do people in your country prefer to stay in hotels or in hostels?

Do you think it would be an interesting job to write reviews (e.g., in travel magazines) of
hotels?
Traveling / Tourism

Are there any differences today (in your country) about traveling abroad, compared to a few
decades ago?

What forms of transport do people use when they go on a trip?

How is the transport that people use today different to what they used in the past?

Why do so many people (like to) travel as tourist?

Do you think they have time to go traveling?

(Similar to above) Why do so many people (like to) go traveling when they have a vacation
(from school or work)?

What preparations do people usually make before they go on a trip?

What foreign countries do people from your country most like visit?

Which do most people prefer, to visit a place close to home or a place far from home?

Why do (you think) some people spend their vacations (holidays) at home rather than go
somewhere?

Which would you prefer to do, spend your holiday at home or travel somewhere?

Are there any differences between old people and young people when it comes to
traveling? FQx2

Do you think the tourist industry (or, hospitality industry) is a good industry to work in for
young people in your country? FQ

Should there be any regulations controlling (or governing) the hospitality industry? FQx2

(Possibly the question above is this) Should there be any restrictions on the travel business?

(Possibly the question above is this) Should there be any restrictions on the tourism industry?

(Possibly the question above is this) Should there be any restrictions on business travel?

Some people say that we don't need to visit (distant) places nowadays because we can learn
all about such places from the internet, videos or from books. Do you agree with that? FQx2
What are the differences between viewing images of a place on the internet and actually

visiting that place? FQ

Describe a city you visited or lived in.

You should say:
when you visited (or lived) there
why you went there (or why you lived there)
what you did there
which time of the year is best for visiting this place
and explain how you felt in that city. *
or
and explain what you liked and/or disliked about that city. *

Part 3

Living in Cities

Why do many people want to live in cities? FQ

What are the pros and cons of living in a (big) city? FQx2

Did most people live in cities in the past?

Do you think living in cities today is the same as it was in the past?

Can you suggest why families with children tend to prefer living in a city?

How are cities (in your country) different to cities in the past? FQ

In what ways has the use of cars changed cities?

In general, what types of people (like to) live in cities? FQx2

In general, what types of people live in rural areas? FQ

Do people prefer to live in the inner city or in the outer suburbs of cities?

Why do some people move from rural areas to cities? FQ

Which place do you think is better for children to live, a city or a rural environment? FQ

What benefits are there for families with children to live in a city? FQ

Which do you think is safer, living in a city or living in a rural environment?

Which do you think has more pollution, cities or the countryside? FQ

Why do some people move from one city to another city to live?

Do you think cities have more females living in them, or more males?

If you had the choice, where would you choose to live, in a city or in the countryside?

In general, what are the differences in educational opportunities between cities and rural
areas?

What do you think are some of the results of urbanization on the lives of the people who
move into big towns and cities from the countryside?

Do you think cities are more suitable for old people, or for young people to live in? FQ

Can you suggest why some city people go to live in the countryside (after they retire)?
The Problems that Cities Have

What do you think are the most serious problems that cities today are experiencing?

How would you suggest these problems be addressed? = What do suggest could be/should
be done about these problems?

Do you think it's possible (or, a good idea) for large parts of a city to be moved to a new
location? (satellite cities)

Traveling

What are some of the different reasons why people travel?

Do people in your country like traveling as tourists (= "traveling for pleasure")

When do people go on a trip (or, go on a holiday)?

Where do they go?

Do they prefer to travel within or country or to go abroad?

Why do you think some people don't like traveling?

Who do you think prefers to travel, young people or old people?

Describe an achievement of one of your friends that made you feel proud.
You should say:
who this friend was (or, is) *
what the achievement was *
how your friend celebrated this achievement *
and explain why you were proud of your friend's achievement. *

Notes

The word "achievement" or the word "success" might be used, or both might be used.

For both Part 2 and Part 3, make sure you know the differences in usage and pronunciation
between the three words, "to succeed" (verb), "a success" (noun), "successful" (adjective). I think
most English speakers usually say "be successful (in doing something or achieving something or at
something) rather than, "have a success" or "achieve a success", but those two latter expressions
are sometimes used and they don't sound too bad..

art 3

The Nature of Success

(Some of these questions seem to be unusually abstract and difficult! See any notes I wrote for
previous topics related to success.)

How can (or how do) people become successful in life?

In general, how do people judge (or, assess) the success (or otherwise) of others? FQ

Do you believe "being successful" and "making a lot of money" are the same thing? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think "success" is only measured by the amount of money a
person makes? FQ

How do people achieve success at school? FQ

How would you define the the expression, "success at school"? FQ

(Similar to above) How do most people assess (= judge) the level of a person's success at
school? FQ

Which do you think is more important, academic success or success in more practical,
everyday skills?

Which do you think is more important, success with one's studies (academic success) or
success in sport?

(Similar to above) If a school student wants to be a success at something, do you think it is

better for them to focus on academic activities, artistic activities or sporting activities?

Do you think the meaning of "success" is the same for primary school students, high school
students and university students?

Do parents in your country pay more attention to (or, give more value to) academic success
or to some other example of success? (Why?)

What do you think are the differences between success at school and in the wider society?

Which do you think is more important, to learn academic skills or practical skills?

What kinds of people are most likely to be successful in their work?

Which factor do you think is more important for success, talent or opportunity?

Besides academic and job success, what do you understand "success in life" to mean?
Rewards for Success

How do you think successful students at school are rewarded?

How do you think successful students at school should be rewarded?

(Possibly) How do you think (= suggest) a successful teacher could be rewarded?

How are (employed) people's salaries determined?

In your opinion, how should people's salaries be determined?

Describe a country you would like to visit for the first time. *
You should say:
what country it is
how long you would stay there
in what season you would prefer to go there
and explain why you would like to visit this particular country.

Note
Someone has reported the following wording, "Describe a country that you would

choose to travel to if you had a chance to travel". This is the same meaning as
shown above. Obviously it does not have to be a place that you strongly want to go to,
but if there is a place that you do strongly want to go to, that would be suitable to talk
about, using the words, "want to" more than, "would like to".
I suggest using a sentence such as "If I went there, I would + verb..." at least
once to show that you know this grammar but don't repeat the full sentence too often,
which is unnatural. Just say, "and I would ..." to add more points.

Part 3

Going Abroad as a Tourist

Do people in your country prefer to be tourists in their own country or in a foreign

country? FQx2

What places in your country do they like to visit?

What foreign countries do people from your country like to visit? FQ (Why?)

What factors do you think determine which country a person chooses to visit?

Has foreign tourism from your country changed in the past few decades?

What do they do in these countries?

Do these people who travel abroad usually visit several countries (or places) or do they
usually stay in one place?

Is traveling abroad popular with young people in your country?

Do you think it's usually young people or old people who prefer to stay in one place?

What do you think are the benefits of foreign travel (benefits for the traveler)? FQx2

Are there any advantages to visiting (as a tourist) places within your country rather than
going overseas?

Before visiting a foreign country, do you think one should first try to learn something about
that country?

Some people think they can experience another country by seeing it on the internet. Do you
agree? FQ

What effects does tourism have on a country that many tourists visit?

What effects do foreign tourists have on the countries they visit? FQ

How does tourism benefit a country?

(Similar to above) What do you think are the positive and negative effects of (foreign) tourism
on a place? FQx2

Do you think tourism can have a negative affect on the environment?

How do you think more people could be encouraged to travel abroad?

Do you think the government should encourage more people to travel abroad?
Going Abroad for Reasons Other Than Tourism

Besides tourism, what are reasons are there for people going overseas (or, visiting foreign
countries)? FQ

What countries do people from your country most want to migrate to (= settle in)? ("people" =
those people who want to leave your country)

Are there any differences between the most popular tourist destinations and the most popular
migration destinations? *

What jobs do people from your country do when they migrate overseas?

Do you think teaching your national language abroad would be a good job?
The Tourism Industry

Do you think tourism is an important part of the economy in your country?

Does tourism have any negative effects on a place or a country? FQx2

Have you ever heard of "cultural invasion" caused by foreign tourists?

Other Cultures

What are the various ways that a person can learn about foreign cultures?

Which way do you think is best?

Which would you prefer to do, watch a TV documentary program about another country, or
visit that country?

How do you think a visitor to another culture could avoid any cultural conflicts with the local
people? FQ

Do you think it's important to respect local cultures when you travel abroad? FQ

(Similar to above) To what extent do you think people should respect local customs when
they visit (or migrate) abroad? FQ

Do you think cultural diversity is a good thing?

Compared to several decades ago, do you think there is more cultural diversity in the world
today, or less? FQ

Describe an important letter or email you wrote

You should say:

when you wrote it

who you it wrote to

what you wrote about
and explain why it was important.

Part 3
Letters & Emails

What letters do people receive nowadays?

What types of emails (or letters) do you usually get?

When people say they have received a "good" letter or email or a "bad" letter or email, what
do you think they mean?

What do people use the post office for?

Which do you think old people prefer to use, emails or (handwritten) letters?

Do you think letter-writing is important? FQ

Do you think handwriting is an important skill? *

How do you suggest people could be encouraged to keep writing handwritten letters?

Why do many modern people dislike writing letters?

What do you think could be done to encourage people to write letters?

Which are better, emails or letters? FQ

(Similar to above) Which do you prefer, emails or letters? FQ

Who most often writes emails, old people or children?

Communication Methods

Besides emails and letters, what other ways can people use to communicate with others? FQ

Do you think communicating with others is important?

Which do you think is better (or, more effective) for communicating with someone, a cell
phone call, an email or a letter? FQ

(Similar to above) Which do you think is better for communicating with someone, a cell

phone call or an email? FQ

In what situations do you think people usually communicate by phone?

What effects have modern scientific & technological advancements had on communication?
Communication Skills
Why is it that some people who can speak very fluently cannot write equally as well (or

fluently)?

Do you think a person's ability to communicate is inborn (or is it learned)?

How would you describe (or, define) a "poor communicator" and how would you describe a
"good communicator"?

Which people (doing what work) in society do you think are the best communicators?

Do you think leaders need to be good communicators?

Describe a family member who you like to spend time with. *

or
Describe the member of your family who you spend the most time with. *
You should say:
who it is (or, who they are)
how often you spend time together *
what you usually do together *
and explain why you like to spend time with this person. *
or
and explain why you spend the most time with this person (and not some other family member). *

Part 3
Family Relationships

Do you think family relationships are important? FQx2

In your country, what influence does one's family relationship have on society?

(Similar to above) In your country, what role do family relationships play in the overall
society?

In recent decades, has family life changed much in your country?

Do you think it's important to spend time with other members of one's family? FQ

Do you think parents today should spend more time with their children?

What effects do you think it would have on a child if the child's parents (or one of the parents)
spent very little time with the child?

What do people in your country do together as a family?

Why do you think some people do not have good relations with the members of their
family? FQ

Why do some people choose to live independently from their family? FQ

Do you think people from different cultures differ in their family relationships? FQ

Have family relations (or, has the family structure) changed in the past few decades,
compared to what it has been traditionally?

In the future, do you think people will have better relations with members of their families
than they do now, (or worse relations, or about the same as now)?

(Possibly the question above is this) In the future, do you think people will
have closer relations with members of their families than they do now, or will they be less
close (more estranged) than they are now?
Old Family Members

In your country, do old people generally look after themselves or do family members look
after them?

In your country, who takes care of old family members who need help?

Do people consider it a burden to look after their old family members?

Some young people like to spend time with old family members (or, possibly, old people in
general) while other young people don't like it. Can you suggest why these differences exist?

Do you think adults should regularly visit their (elderly) parents, (e.g., once a week or once a

month)?
In your culture, would you say that old people are losing their importance as members of

society (or family members) or is their importance increasing?

Maintaining Family Relationships from Far Away
How can people maintain communication with their family members after they have moved

far away (e.g., overseas)?

Do you think using online communication resources such as Facebook or Skype are suitable

for keeping in touch with family members? FQ

Why are websites such as Facebook so popular? FQ

Are there any disadvantages from using those resources? FQ

Do old people in your country generally know how to use those online services?

What do you suggest could be done about the problem of old people not using the internet?

Describe something you did with a group of people.

You should say:
what you did
when you did it.*
who the other people were
how you prepared for this activity *
and explain why you did it in a group *

Part 3

Group Activities in General

Do you prefer to do things in a group or to do things individually (= alone)?

What are some examples of activities that people in your country like to do in groups?

What are the advantages of doing some things in a group?

What do teenagers like to do as a group?

What are some of the reasons why people do things in groups?

(Similar to above) What are some of the reasons why doing something in a group is often
more successful than doing it as an individual? FQ

What (types of) activities are most suitable for groups and what (types) are most suitable for
a single person to do?

Which do you think is better, a decision made by one person or a decision made by a group?

Do you think a group leader is important? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think a group always needs to have a leader? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think a group needs a leader in order to be successful? FQ

(Probable question) What qualities do you think a group leader needs to have? *

Why do you think some people don't get along well with others in a group situation? FQ

(Similar to above, but different) Why do you think some people don't work well with others in
the workplace? FQ

How can a working person get along well with his or her colleagues? FQ
Communication Within Groups

Why (or, how) do you think communication problems sometimes occur within groups or
organizations?
Family Groupings

What do families in your country generally do as a group?

Do you think parents should spend more time with their children?
Children and Group Activities

How do you think children learn how to interact with other people?

Do you think children prefer playing with other children or playing with adults? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think children prefer playing with other children or spending time
with adults? FQ
(Similar to above) Do you think children prefer spending time with other children or spending

time with adults? FQ

Mixed Gender Groups

How do groups of men and groups of women differ?

What do you think are the benefits of little boys and little girls playing together (from an early
age)? FQx2
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having co-educational high

schools (= boys & girls together)?

Traveling in a Group
What do you think are the pros and cons of traveling in a group?

Teamwork

Why do some (most) people work together with others at their workplace?

What would you say are the advantages and possible downsides of doing things in a team?

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

You should say:
who it was
when & where you (first) saw this person
what kind of person they were (maybe = what kind of personality they had) *
and explain what it was that you thought was beautiful or handsome about this person *

Part 3

People's Appearance / People's Physical Attractiveness

Do you think it's good to be physically attractive (pretty/ beautiful/ good-looking etc)?

What standards do people use when they describe a woman as "beautiful"? FQ

(Similar to above) In your opinion, what are the physical features that make someone a,
"good looking" person? FQ

What benefits do good-looking people get from their good looks?

Are there any possible disadvantages form being good-looking?

Do you think many people care about the appearance of others (and themselves)?

(Similar to above) Do you think a person's appearance is important?

Do you think people who are attractive on the outside always have inner beauty?

Which do you think is more important, a person's appearance or their inner qualities? FQ

(Similar to above) Which do you think is more important, a person's appearance or whether
they have a good heart? FQ

How do people become good-looking? Is it just good luck?

Why do you think advertisements that show a person usually use good looking people (as
opposed to "average-looking" people)?

Do you think it's good that advertisements only use very good-looking people?

How does it affect people when they see only beautiful and handsome people in
advertisements? FQ

We often see tall, thin models in (women's) magazines. What effect do you think that has on
young women? FQ

Can you suggest why models like that are chosen to be in magazines and in fashion shows?

Do you think models such as that sell more clothes?

Do we really need to have fashion models?

Do you think models lead an exciting life?

Do you think clothes are important to a person's appearance? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think a person's clothes affect their appearance? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think wearing attractive clothes makes people more attractive? FQ

If an ugly person wore good looking clothes, do you think that would make this person "good
looking"? FQ

Do you think it's good for women to wear make-up?

Do you think it's a good idea for people to use plastic surgery to change their
appearance? FQ
The Beauty of Nature and Man-Made Beauty
Know the difference between "landscape" and "natural scenery"

What do you think the word, "beauty" (or "beautiful") means?

Which do you think is more beautiful, a city or a natural place? (Why?)

What are some examples of beautiful urban places (or, beauty in an urban
environment)? FQ See Note 2

What are some examples of natural beauty? FQx2

What are some examples of beautiful natural places (in your country)? FQx2

(Similar to above) What are some examples of beautiful places in the countryside? FQ

What are some of the characteristics of a beautiful natural scene (or place)? *

What (benefits) do people get from beautiful places?

Do you think natural places (or scenes) are always "beautiful"?

Expressing Beauty

What do you think are the best ways of communicating one's feelings about beauty to other
people?

Which do you think is more suitable for expressing the idea of beauty, (written) words or a
picture?

How (or why) do people write poetry to express beauty?

A Park or Garden
Describe a garden or park you enjoyed visiting.

You should say:

where it was
what it looked like
what you did (or, were doing) there [or, what people were doing there]
and explain why you liked it. *
or
how you feel about this garden or park. *

Even if the card does not tell you to say when you visited this park, you must indicate some
time in the past whenever you use the past tense. But this seems more suitable for a park or garden
that you only visited once most people visit a park more than once. Perhaps it is a park that you
still visit nowadays. So you might have to vary your verb tense to suit the example you talk about.
The most likely variations here would be, "I used to visit" (= "I would visit") for a past habit / "I visit"
and "I have been visiting" for a current habit / "I have visited" for a place that you visited at some time
in the past, including a place that you visited more than once. For this last situation, you probably
should use the past tense to say when you first visited it or use the past tense to say which year you
visited it (even more than once). This is similar to the "past habit" situation but is not emphasizing
that it was a habit or something you used to do frequently.

Public Parks and Gardens

Can you suggest why most people like parks and gardens in their city (or, like greenery in
their city)?

Who do you think should be responsible for the public parks and gardens in a town or city?
(Why?) FQ

Are there any disadvantages to having a public garden as compared to a public park?

Do you think gardens should be destroyed when new apartment buildings are built?

How important do you think it is for a country to have national parks?

Are national parks important in the protection of wildlife?

Flowers

(In your country), what roles do flowers play in people's lives (or, in society)?

(Similar to above) What are flowers used for in your country?

Can you suggest why some people like to grow flowers?

Do any flowers have any particular significance (or meaning) in your culture (or, your
country)?

Private Gardens

Would you like to have your own garden?

Do you think it's a good idea for a poor person to have their own garden (if possible)?

If you had your own garden, what would you grow in it? FQ

Possibly) If you had your own garden, what would you do in it (or, how would you use it)?

Do you think the vegetables that someone grows in their own garden are healthier than the
vegetables that you can buy in the shops? (Hint: organic farming)

An Advertisement

Describe an advertisement that you like. *

or
Describe an advertisement that you remember. *

You should say:

when you saw it
where you saw it
what the advertisement was about
and explain why you like(d) it. *

or
and explain why you remember it. *

So far, no-one has mentioned that the word "like" is in the topic wording. That is just my
guess. It might actually say, "an interesting advertisement" or some other adjective. But think about
this if something is "interesting" to you then you like it because human beings like to find things
interesting. Therefore, if the card says, "an advertisement that you like" then you can say that you like
it because there's something interesting about it. However, there are other reasons to like something,
such as liking the music (for a TV commercial) or liking the good-looking girl in a certain ad.!
("Interesting" means it appeals to your logical brain, not necessarily to your emotions. The panda is a
"cute" animal (describing your feelings) but it is "interesting" for other reasons, such as the fact that
female pandas don't get pregnant very often, which is unusual in the animal world.)

The Nature of Advertising

What are some of the different types (or examples) of advertising? FQ

What types of advertisements are most common in your country?

Do you think advertising is important?

What do you think is the role (or purpose) of advertising? FQ

Do you think advertisements are effective?

Do you only buy things as a result of seeing or hearing an advertsiement?

Why do some people dislike advertisements (esp. those on TV)? FQx2

What do you like and dislike about advertisements?

Do you think it's good to have advertisements aimed at children? FQx2

Do you think government public service announcements have much influence on the health
of the citizens?

The Power of Advertising

Do you think people really buy the things they see in advertisements? FQx2

What is the influence of advertising on people?

(Similar to above) How does advertising influence people?

What types of advertisements have the biggest effect on people?

Do you think advertising influences young people's consumption? FQ

Are there any advertisements that are aimed specifically at children? FQ (Hint:: McDonalds)

Do you think it's good for some advertisements to be aimed at children? FQ

The Sounds of TV Advertising

Which do you think is more important for a TV (or video) advertisement, what we see on the
screen or or what we hear?

Do you think some TV advertisements are too loud?

Do you think music plays much of a role in advertising? FQ

Consumerism

Do you think it's good for people to spend money on goods and services?

Which do you think is better for the economy of a country, having people spend money or
having people save money?

(Similar to above but a little different) Which do you think is better for economic growth in a
country, having people spend money or having people save money?

Do you think it's possible to have economic growth when consumption is reduced?

A Gift You Received

Describe a present (a gift) you received when you were a child
You should say:
what the present was
who gave it to you
how you used this present
and explain how you felt when you got this present.*

Gifts

If gift-giving considered to be important in your country (your culture)? FQ

What are some customs (or traditions) that you have in your culture about gift-giving?

In your country, what are some of the more popular gifts that people give each other
today? FQ

Do you think gift-giving in your country today is different to gift-giving several decades ago?

What factors do people consider when they are buying a gift for someone? FQ

(Similar to above) What do people need to pay attention to when selecting a gift for
someone?

Do you think it's a good idea to give money as a gift?

What gifts do you think are suitable to give to superiors at work?

Which do you think is better to give to someone who you care about (such as a friend or
family member), a gift, or your time? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it is true that some people use gifts to "pay off" family and
friends instead of spending time with them? FQ

(Similar to above) Do you think it is true that some people use gifts to compensate others,
such as family and friends, for not spending time with them? FQ

Gifts and Children

What factors do people consider when they are buying a gift for a child?

What do you think are good gifts for children?

Can you suggest why children like playing with toys?

Do boys and girls generally get the same types of gifts? FQ

Should boys and girls generally get the same types of gifts?

Since gift-giving is a good thing, do you think that the more gifts you give a child, the better?

An Old Thing in Your Family

Describe an antique or some other old object that your family has kept for a long time. *
You should say:
what it is
how your family first got this thing *
how long your family has kept it
and explain why this thing is important to your family. *

It seems that the word, "object" might be used somewhere in the wording, instead of "thing".
But this might be a mistake.

It looks like a mixture of verb tenses is necessary here.

No, your old dog is not a suitable example.

You should talk about something that has been passed down from a one generation to the
next. That is, from your grandparents to your parents (or to you), or from an earlier generation than
your grandparents. Naturally, if any of your grandparents are still alive, any of their possessions is
only a suitable example if it was passed down to them from their parents (your great-grandparent).
Just because your grandmother, who is still alive, has kept something she bought when she was
young is not a good enough reason to describe that something because it hasn't yet been passed
down to the next generation.

Of course, if you can't think of anything, just make up a story. But try to do it and say it
skillfully so the examiner believes you!

Old Things

Besides your example (from Part 2), what other things do people often keep in the family for
a long time?

Why do people keep these old things?

How do people keep things within a family for a long time?

History / Old Buildings

Do you think the study of history is important?

Do you think (all) old buildings should be preserved? FQ

Why are old buildings sometimes demolished?

Do you think historical buildings should be preserved? FQ

Do you think it is worth the money to preserve historical buildings?

If old buildings were preserved, what do you suggest they could be used for?
Museums

What kinds of museums do you have in your country?

Why do people go to museums?

What can people learn from a museum?

(Similar to above) What are the benefits of keeping old things in a museum? FQ

Are there any other ways to learn about the things in museums besides actually going to the
museum?

Besides going to a museum, what other ways can people use to learn about the past?

Can you suggest how more people could be encouraged to visit museums?

A Product from Your Country

Describe something that is produced in your country (e.g., a food, a handicraft, or a car)

You should say:

what the product is
what it is used for *
what part of your country it is produced in *
and explain why your country produces this product. *
or
and explain how it is produced. *

Food Production

Frequently Used Sub-topic

What are some of the main food products ("foods") that your country produces?

What food would you say is the "national food" (the staple food) of your country?

What are some food products that come from different parts of your country?

(Similar to above) Do the same food products come from all parts of your country? FQ

(Similar to above) Is the food that people eat in the north of your country the same as the
food that people in the south eat?

Are there any widely consumed food products that are mainly imported into your country? *

Do you think it's important for a country to be self-sufficient in food? *

Products in the Home

What products do people buy especially for their home?

What do you think are the major differences between food production and the production of
goods such as electrical appliances?
International Trade

Are there any particular parts of your country where many goods are produced for export?

In what ways are imported products the same or different to products from your own country?

What are some foreign brands that are popular in your country?

Do you think the globalization of industry and commerce is a good thing? *

Do you think every country should make everything it needs or should it import some things?
*

What are the disadvantages of a country producing everything it needs? *

Luxury Products Frequently Used Sub-topic

What are some examples of luxury goods that some people buy?

Why do people buy luxury products?

(Similar to above but different) Do you think it's really necessary to have these products for

sale?

Who buys these luxury products?

In your opinion, why do they buy these luxury items?

A Film You Didn't Like

Describe a film you didn't like.

You should say:

when you saw it *
where you saw it *
what it was about *
and explain why you didn't like it.

It looks like only one person has reported this and he or she seemed surprised
that the word, "disliked" was used. It might be a mistake. For example, maybe the
examiner asked a follow-up question about disliking a film. So, there is almost certainly
a new topic asking you to describe a film but the wording is still unclear.

Even if the words, "dislike" or "didn't like" are used, it is possible to simply
describe a film that "disappointed" you rather than one you disliked. But if you do that, it
is important to communicate to the examiner that there is no film that you have ever
(strongly) disliked but there have been a few that disappointed you. This adaptation of
the wording of Part 2 topics is allowable, as long as you explain it to the examiner. If the
words used on the card are "didn't like" or "disked" but you simply describe a film that
disappointed you without explaining it to the examiner, then you will not get as good a
score as if you had explained what you said.

Leisure Time Activities/ Entertainment

Note: Some questions might be about recreation and others about entertainment, which
is a specific type of recreational activity. Where "entertainment" is written in some
questions below, the examiner might simply use, "recreation" or "recreational".

In general, what do people in your country do in their leisure time?

What do young people prefer to do?

In your leisure time, do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?

(Similar to above) For leisure time activities, do people in your country generally
you prefer to engage in indoor or outdoor activities?

Do you think leisure-time activities today are very different to those of the past
(e.g., 20 to 30 years ago)? FQ

How do you think leisure-time activities might change in the future? FQ

Who do you think should be responsible for the construction of public

entertainment facilities? *

(Similar to above) Who do you think should be responsible for the construction of
sports facilities?

How do young people entertain themselves at home?

Do you think the internet has changed home entertainment?

(Similar to above) Do you think the internet (and/or computers in general) will
change home entertainment in the future?

How do you think computer games will (or might) develop in the future?

Do you think entertainment can be used in education?

Films

Do people (in your country) prefer to watch films in the cinema or at home? FQx2

Would you say people in your country prefer to watch comedy films or dramatic films?

Do you think films of today have changed, compared to those of the past (e.g., 10-30 years
ago)?
What role does the computer (or, the internet) play in people's film watching behaviour

today?

Do you think computer technology has changed (the production of ) films in recent years?

In general, what are the qualities of a good-quality film and those of a bad-quality film? *

Are many foreign films shown in your country?

Do you think that international (= foreign) films have a positive effect ,or a negative effect, on
the culture of your country?

Do you think watching foreign films can help you improve your English?
The Entertainment Industry (Show Business)

Do you think the government should financially support the film (or entertainment)
industry? FQ

A Class / Course You Studied

Describe a high school, university or evening class (or course) you studied *

You should say:

what you did in this class (or course)
how long the class or course was
who taught the class (or course)
and explain why you enjoyed studying this subject (or course) *

Important - If the word "class: is used in the wording, it means "a course", not "a
lesson". For example, "I studied a class called Calculus 101 in first year at university".

The word, "class" can sometimes be used to mean a single lesson, but I don't
think that is the usage here. For example, "We had an interesting class today in which
we learned about photosynthesis".

Courses

What are the most popular university courses in your country?

What are the least popular courses?

What do you suggest a country (or region) could do if there was a shortage of
people trained in a certain profession or skill?

Education / The Acquisition of Knowledge

What are some of the different ways by which people gain knowledge?

How can a person get access to information if they don't have a computer?

Do you think watching television is a good way to gain knowledge? FQ

How important do you think it is to have (or acquire) knowledge? FQ

Who do you think has more knowledge, males or females?

Do boys and girls (or, males and females) generally have the same types of
knowledge?

Do you think it's important for people to have (broad) general knowledge?

How can people get general knowledge?

How important do you think it is for students to have a "love of learning"?

Can you suggest how a love of learning could be instilled into children?
Teachers

What do people in your country think of teachers (or, the teaching

profession)? FQ
Why do some people not want to become a teacher? FQ

How so you think the teaching profession could be made more attractive as a
career?

How do you think teachers could improve the results of their work (i.e., have more
students learn more or learn better)?

Do you think teachers should encourage their students to ask questions? FQ

Adult Education

Do you think it is worth it for adults to continue their education after they have
graduated from university?

In your country, besides universities, are there any other places (institutions)
where adults can study?

What courses can (or, do) adults study at these places? FQ

Why do some adults enroll in a course of study?

Do many adults who have been working for some time return to a college of
some sort for further study?

Why do you think some adults are not interested in doing any further study?

Who pays for this adult education? FQx2

(Similar to above) How are these courses funded? FQx2

Do the students have to pay tuition fees?

In the future, do you think more adults will enroll in courses of study?

How would you feel if you were a teacher of adults and some of them were older
than you? *

Do you think adults education is useful? *

A Busy Time

Describe a time when you were very busy.

You should say:
when this time was
what you did (or, were doing) at this time
why your were busy *
and explain how you managed your time. *

Being Busy / Leisure

Do you like being busy? FQ

(Similar to above) Some people like having a busy life. Why do you think that is? FQ

What can (or, what do) people do to relieve the pressure of a very busy life? FQ

Do you think it's necessary for everyone to spend some time in a relaxed, quiet place? FQ

(Similar to above, but different) Do you think it's necessary for everyone to spend some time
alone?

Do you think advances in technology are giving people more free time, or less free time?

Some people say that people's leisure time is increasing. What do you think the impact of
that will be if this continues into the future?

Some people who are very busy look enviously at the leisurely lives of retired people and
think it is not fair. Do you think this is a reasonable attitude?

Routines

What routines do you have in your life?

Who do you think has the greater need to follow a daily routine, young people or older
people?

(Possibly the question above is this) Which group tends to follow a daily routine more, young
people or older people?

What do you think are the benefits of having a daily routine? (Or, routines in one's life)

Why do you think some people dislike breaking their daily routine?

To be Continued.
...