Building Design What are the different types of homes in China? • Do young people and old(er) people (like to) live in the same kinds of places? Different Kinds of Homes • What are the differences between houses and flats (apartments)? (or, " the differences between a house and a flat") FQ • In the cities of China, people mostly live in houses or flats? (Why?) • What you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a flat and living in a house? FQ • In the future, what kind of home would you prefer to live in, a house or a flat? • What you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a high-rise apartment? • Compare the different types of people who live in different types of homes (Different types of houses and flats - urban & rural/ wealthy & poor) FQ The Design and Appearance of Buildings (or, Homes) • In general what is the (architectural) style of the buildings (or, homes) in your hometown? FQ • Do you like the design of the buildings (or, homes) in your hometown? FQ • Do you think the (outside) appearance of a home is important? (Why?/Why not?) FQ • (Similar to above) Which you think is more important in a home - its functional qualities or its appearance? • Who should be responsible for the appearance of a home? See Note • Do you think government should make rules about the (outside) appearance of people's homes? FQ • (Same as above) Do you think local government should have the right to regulate on the (outside) appearance of people's homes? FQ • Do you think the climate of a place affects the way the buildings in that place are designed? FQ • (Similar to above) What effect does the temperature of a location have on building design? FQ • In China, are there any differences between homes in the north of China and those in the south? • In China, is there any difference between the north-facing side of houses and the south side? * • In the cities, you think there should (sometimes) be restrictions on the height of buildings? (Why?/Why not?) • What qualities (and skills) should a good architect have? • In the future, what sort of home would you like to live in? * • How you think homes of the future will be (or, might be) different to the homes we have today? • When a building (e.g., a house) is being designed and being constructed, what things should the designer or the builder pay attention to? (Hint: Safety regulations) • What reforms or improvements you think could be (or should be) made to housing design in your country? Balconies and Backyards (These questions were reported overseas but have never been reported in China.) • • • • • What people in China like to in the outside parts of their home, for example on their balcony or in their backyard? What your neighbours on their balconies? Can you suggest any new ways for using backyards and balconies? (这是假设的话 Use "could" not "can".) Which you think is the better place for children to play outside, a private place such as a backyard or a public place such as on the streets, a public park or a playground? Old Buildings • • • • • What are the characteristics of traditional Chinese architecture? FQ Do you think the government should put some restrictions on the appearance of old buildings? Do you think spending money on maintaining old buildings is a waste of money? Do you think old buildings should be preserved (protected)? FQ (Similar to above) Do you think old homes that were well built should be demolished to make way for new buildings or should they be maintained? Urban & Rural Living • • • • • • What are some of the main differences between living in a city and living in the countryside? Sometimes people move from the city to live in the countryside Can you guess why they that? What are some of the problems that people experience when they live in a city? FQ How you think these problems could be solved? FQ Do you think (city) governments should have a plan for the development of the city? What kind of urban plan you think would be best for solving the urban problems that we have now? Urban Plans • • • • • • • What's your favourite part of your hometown? (Why?) * Would you prefer to live in the city centre or on the edge of a city? Do you think there should be more houses in the centre of cities (downtown)? (Why? How?/Why not?) FQ Do you think the city centre is best used as a commercial centre or a place for living? FQ Where you think the government should encourage the building of homes? (Why?) Quite often, city governments impose height limits on buildings Why you think they that? What reforms or improvements you think could be (or should) made to urban planning in your country? ************************************************************ *********** 175 No Topic ************************************************************ *********** IELTS Part and Part Topics and Questions Page 36 176 177 178 179 180 A Sports Event (2) (Sept 6, 2008) A Good Friend (Sept 6, 2008) A Story from TV (Sept 6, 2008) A Childhood Game (2) (Prob May 2008) (Probably no longer used) A Polluted City (July 7, 2007) (Probably no longer used) RETURN TO PART TOPIC INDEX FQ = frequent question = a question that has frequently been reported = a question that is probably in the examiner's question book ************************************************************ *********** 176 A Sports Event (2) (Sept 6, 2008) Describe a sports event that you watched or took part in You should say: when this event was held where it was held who participated in the event and explain why you remember this event so well -Possible follow-up questions: • -Part See also the part questions for Topic 64 that are similar to these questions Children's Sport (Especially at school) Children's Sport in General • In China, what sports school children at school? FQ • Do you think it's important for children to participate in some kind of sport? • (Similar to above) What are the benefits of sport for children? FQ • In China, how much time children spend on sport (and exercise) at school? • Do you think this amount of time should be increased? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think schools in China should encourage students to participate more in sport? FQ • Outside of school, what sports would you suggest a parent in China encourage their child to take up? (= to start doing) • What you think are the advantages and possible disadvantages of sport for children? FQ • For children (or, young people), is there much difference between sport and entertainment? • (The previous question might be:) For children (or, young people), is there much difference between sport and other forms of recreation? Team Sport versus Individual Sport • Which you think is better for children, individual sports or team sports? FQx2 • (Similar to above) Compare the advantages (and disadvantages) that children gain from taking part in team sports with the advantages they gain from taking part in individual sports FQ • What you think are the advantages and disadvantages of competitive sport for children? FQ • Can you think of any disadvantages of individual sports for children? • Do you think co-operation is important in modern society? • What are some ways that co-operation between countries can be encouraged? Competition and Awards in General See also the Part questions for Topic 43 and Topic 109 for the topics of competition, cooperation and rewards/awards Competition • Do you think the experience of competing in sport can bring benefits to people in life outside of sport? • In what ways you think competitive sport in childhood can benefit a person in adulthood? • Besides sport, can you think of any other competitive situation that people face in life? * • Do you think competition is a good thing? • In general, what you think are the benefits of having competition in life? • What are some examples of competition that exist in the classroom (at school)? FQ Awards for Excellence in School • Do you think it's a good thing to give school students awards or prizes to encourage them? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think it's a good thing to give top students in school an award or some prize? FQ • Are there any (possible) disadvantages to awarding only the top students? • Besides awards (prizes), you think there any other ways that could encourage children to well at school? FQ Co-Operation • • • • What are the benefits of co-operation? Can you think of examples in life when people co-operate with each other? * Can you think of ways that nations or can co-operate with each other? In competitive sports teams, such as football teams, what you think would be the result if a player in a team has a personality that is too competitive? Sports Events • • What would you say are the benefits to society of having sports events? What you think are the differences and similarities between high school sports events and the (international) University Games? Sports Organizations in Your Country • • • • How are Olympic athletes selected and nurtured in China? Can you give some examples of sports organizations (in your country)? In general, how would you describe the spirit of these organizations? What you think is the benefit (are the benefits) of this spirit? ************************************************************ ********** 177 A Good Friend (Sept 6, 2008) Describe one of your good friends * You should say: how (and when) you first met this person when you see this person * what kind of character (or, personality) he or she has (= what he or she is like) what you usually together and explain why you became (or, are) such good friends Notes • The topic might be, "Describe your best friend." -Possible follow-up questions: • Do you think you will always be good friends? * • Are you still good friends? -Part The Nature of Friendship • • • • • Do you think friendship is important? (Why?) FQ (Similar to above) How important is friendship to you? FQ What are the qualities of a good (or, a real) friend? FQ (Similar to above) How can one be a good friend? What you think are the benefits of having a good friend? Do you prefer old friends or new friends? FQ • (Similar to above) Some people think it's good to change friends every now and then while others disagree with that What's your opinion? FQ • When you go out (to enjoy yourself / to have some fun), you prefer to go out with friends or family members? (Why?) • Which you think is more important, friends or family? FQx2 See Note • What are some of the main differences between family relationships and friendships? • Do you think distance (= living far apart) can affect a friendship? FQ • How can people maintain a friendship when the two people are living far from each other? • What kinds of people make friends easily? • Some people make friends very easily Do you think this is a good quality to have? Male/Female Differences Frequent Topic • Do you think a man and a woman can be best friends? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think men and women can have (close) friendships with each other? FQ • Do you think there are any differences when men are friends with each other and when women are friends with each other? FQx2 • (Similar to above) How are friendships between boys (or males) different to friendships between girls (females)? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think friendships between boys (or, males) are stronger than friendships between girls (or, females)? FQ • Friendships between Non-Equals • • • • • • • • Do you think people can be friends with others in the same workplace? Do you think co-workers (= work colleagues = workmates) should also be friends with each other? FQ Do you think it's possible for a boss (an employer) at work to be friends with the people he or she manages (the employees)? FQx2 Do you think a boss should be friends with his or her staff? FQ Do you think there are any advantages or disadvantages to a boss being friends with his or her staff? How you think an employee (or, the employees) can/could get along with a terrible boss? Do you think a teacher can be friends with one of his or her students? FQx2 How you think a person should react if they encounter an unfriendly person? • • • • (Similar to above) How can people get along with an unfriendly boss or an unfriendly coworker? FQ What qualities you think a good boss should have? How should a good boss motivate the employees at work? How can a boss have a good relationship with his or her employees? Joining Groups; Co-operation and Teamwork Do you think it's important that people should join groups or be a part of a community? (Why?/Why not?) • Some people think it is better to be a 'loner', someone who is independent and self-sufficient and who doesn't join any groups or a community What you think of that attitude? • What benefits can people get from joining groups? • In life (or, in work), you think teamwork is important? FQ • (Similar to above) What are the (social) benefits of teamwork (or, co-operation) between people? FQ • Can you think of any examples of work (or, jobs) where teamwork is especially important? FQ • Can you think of any reasons why teamwork, for example, in the workplace, is sometimes difficult to achieve? • (Similar to above) Can you give any examples of circumstances when teamwork is especially important? (Possibly not just referring to work but to life in general.) • Do you think competition should be encouraged in school? • (Similar to above) Which you think should be encouraged more in school, co-operation or competition? International Relations • Do you think countries can also be friends with other countries? (How?) • Do you think international co-operation (or, collaboration) between countries is important? FQ • (Similar to above) What is the role of international co-operation between countries? • (Similar to above) What are the results (the effects) of international co-operation between countries? • Can you give any examples of international co-operation? • • • • How you think international sporting competition and cultural exchanges enhances understanding between nations? Do you think there have been any changes in the past few years in the way countries cooperate (or don't co-operate)? FQ Do you think international competition can help promote international co-operation? ************************************************************ *********** 178 A Story from TV (Sept 6, 2008) Describe an interesting story you watched on TV You should say: When you watched it Who was in the the story What the story was about and explain why you thought it was so interesting * or and explain what you thought about this story * Notes • • • • Possibly the word "interesting" is included: "Describe an interesting story you watched (or saw) on TV" A 'story' can be either true or fictional An example of a true story is a story about something that happened in history, such as the story of a famous battle in China about 2000 years ago Or it could be, for example, the story about the discovery in the 1970's of a tomb in China - a story you saw on a documentary program Or it could be a biographical story about one person who did something interesting, such as the story about the scientist who bred a new type of rice in China Most 'stories' on TV are a complete episode of one program, for example, the funny story of one episode of a sit-com (situational comedy) program But it's also possible to describe a 'story' that you saw that was covered over several programs Of course, it's also possible to describe the story of a film you saw on TV But, it would be better not to prepare an answer that fits both a 'film' Part topic and this topic - examiners might be suspicious of that and realize your answer was prepared before the test -Possible follow-up questions: • Did other people in your family also think that was a good TV program? • Did you talk about that program with your friends or family? • Would you recommend that TV program to your friends? -Part TV and Society Note: For some of the questions below, the wording might be, "radio and television", not just "television" (TV) TV tastes in China • What kinds of TV programs are most popular in China? FQx2 • Why you think people like to watch TV? FQx2 • Do you think people today watch more television than they used to? • Do old people like watching TV? • Do people prefer to watch entertainment programs or educational programs (such as documentaries)? • Are the TV programs in China very different to TV programs in the West (e.g., the U.S.)? Watching TV as a family Activity • Why people watch TV? FQ • (Similar to above) Why you think watching TV is such a popular activity for people to at home? FQ • Would you say TV plays a positive role in the lives of people? • Do you think TV has any effects on family relationships? • What are the benefits for family members watching TV together? • (Similar to above) What you think are the benefits of having parents watch TV with their children? FQ • Do you ever discuss a TV program with your friends or family members? • Do you think families watching TV together can be harmed by watching TV? • Do you agree that there are "good" television programs and "bad" television programs? • Do you think parents should control the amount of TV their children watch? FQ • Do you think it's necessary to have government controls on what is shown on TV? • Is this already happening in China? The Effects of TV on People's (Children's) Education • Does TV play a role in (or affect) (children's) education? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think watching TV has any effect on the education of school children? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think watching TV has any effect on how well students at school? • How you think TV could be used to promote education? • Which you think is better for children's education, to use the internet or watch TV? • Do you think using the internet might be a better way to improve one's English? • Do you think TV program producers have a responsibility to reflect the traditional culture and values of society? TV and Reality • Do you think what you see on TV is actually close to real life? • Do you think that what you see on TV is related to people's real lives? • Do you think that children could benefit more by sometimes going outside the home instead of watching TV? (Hints: a) see the real world, b) get exercise, c) relate to other people such as friends) TV versus Other Media • Compare programs on TV and radio programs FQx2 • (Similar to above) Do you prefer to watch TV or listen to the radio? FQx2 (Similar to above) Which is more popular, TV or radio? FQx2 • Does radio have any advantages over TV? • Do you think radio will "die" in the future? ( = Do you think this medium will stop being used?) • How is radio supported financially? • Do you think the internet is better than TV as a source of entertainment, or news or as a way to improve your English? FQ • How you think television (or the way people watch it) will change in the future? • Do you think watching TV will grow in popularity in the future? FQx2 • (Similar to above) Do you think the number of people who watch TV in the future will increase? FQx2 • Do you think computers (the internet) will (or, might) replace television in the future? Advertisements on TV • Do you think it's important (or necessary) for TV stations to make money? • How can they make money? • Do you like [to see (or, watch)] advertisements on TV? • Do you think there are too many advertisements on TV? • (Similar to above) Do you think there is a good balance between (the amount of time given to) TV programs and advertisements on TV? Parental and Government Controls of TV • Do you think there should be any government controls over what is shown on TV (or should it be completely free)? • What laws (or, regulations) you think should exist concerning television programs? • Do you think parents should supervise what their children watch on television? • ************************************************************ *********** 179 A Childhood Game (2) (Prob May 2008) (Probably no longer used) Describe a game you enjoyed when you were a child (Not a sport.) You should say: what the game was when, where and with whom you usually played it how you played it and explain why you enjoyed this game.* or and explain what was special about this game * Notes • • It's possible that the wording is: "Describe a game you enjoyed playing with other children when you were a child." (However, I think the person who reported those words was really reporting Topic # 196, A Childhood Activity.) Topic #100 was due to retire in May 2008 but seems to be still in use • • • Why some people dislike visiting historic sites? Can you suggest any ways to make historic sites more attractive (or, interesting) for those people who are not very interested in visiting these places? (Best to say "could", not "can" in your answer.) Do you think TV programs focusing on history can encourage people's interest in history? The Value of Knowing History Do you think it's important to study history? (Why?/Why not?) FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think it's important for people to know the history of their own country? FQ • What would a person (or, people) lose if they didn't know anything about the history of their own country (or people)? (虚拟语气) • What (various) methods (can) people use to get information about history? • How important you think old photographs as a source of information about history? • Sometimes the interpretation of history changes over time Can you suggest any reasons why that happens? • Do you think people generally have an objective view of events that have occurred in history? • In the future, when historians write about (or discuss) the 20th century (1900 - 1999), what you think they will say? Museums • How important you think museums are for giving people information about history? • What kinds of museums Chinese people like? • Do you think museums should charge entry fees (or should they be free)? • In what other ways could museums get money? • Popular Films (and TV) and the Portrayal of History • • • • • Do you think watching movies (about historical events) can help people's understanding of history? FQx2 Do you think that films have influenced peoples' understanding of (or, perception of) what happened in the past? (If yes, what effect & how?) Do you think films always give an accurate or true picture of history? Do you think film makers should give an accurate portrayal of history (or is it ok to make changes to what really happened for the sake of entertainment?) FQ (Similar to above) Do you think it's good to change history in films or should films always reflect what really happened in history? FQ ************************************************************ ********** 189 A Library (Jan 10, 2009) Describe a library that you know (A public library or a university or school library)* You should say: what (type of) building it is in (or, what kind of library it is) where it is what you like(d) or dislike(d) about this library and explain what is useful about this library (what books and facilities it has) Notes • • See also Topic #52 It is not clear if the verb tense is present tense (habit) or past tense Pay attention to the verb tense that is used on the card and use that verb tense in your Part answer -Possible follow-up questions: • -Part Libraries The Benefits from using Libraries • Are libraries very important to you? • How often you go to a library? • In general, would you say libraries are very important? • What is the purpose or role of libraries? FQ • (Similar to above) What is the role of public libraries? FQ • What information can people get from libraries? • Do children (or, young people) and adults (or, old people) use libraries in the same way? (Hint: Compare the two groups) FQx2 • How can children benefit from using libraries? FQ • (Similar to above) What benefits can children get from using libraries? FQ • Can you suggest some ways to make a library (more) attractive for children? (e.g., to 12 years old) • (Similar to above) Can you suggest some ways to make a library attractive (for people)? FQ • What benefits can old people get from using community libraries? FQx2 • Do you think libraries (in a particular town or city) are very useful for tourists who visit that town or city? Library Staff and Facilities • Do you think everybody should be able to use a public library? FQ • (Similar to above) Do you think everybody should know how to use a library? FQ • Do you think it's important for students to know how to use (how to access) the information that libraries have? • If you wanted to find a particular book in a library, (or a book on a particular topic), how would you find it (without asking the library staff for help)? • What skills (and knowledge) you think library staff should have? FQ • In general, what facilities and recourses libraries have? FQ • In the future, you think books will still be used as much as they are today? • In the future, you think there will be fewer libraries because of the use of advanced technology (i.e., the internet and information stored electronically such as on CD's)? FQ • (Similar to above) In the future, you think people will use the internet instead of going to libraries? FQ • How you think libraries in China could be improved? People's Attitudes about Libraries • What factors (do you think) influence people's attitudes towards libraries? • Do you think fewer people use libraries today, compared to the past? • How you think libraries could attract more people? FQ • Do you think information technology has changed people's views towards libraries? Public Libraries • Do you think government has a responsibility to provide public libraries for the people? FQ • Do you think government should pay for libraries or should the people who use them pay for them? FQ • Do you think libraries should be free of charge to use? • What are the pros and cons of having a library that is free? • Do you think it's possible to have public libraries all over China? • (Similar to above) Do you think the government should (or, has a responsibility to) build libraries for everyone(, all over China)? • Can you suggest how a town or city could make best use of a public library? (maximum utilization) ************************************************************ ********** 190 An Advertisement (Jan 10, 2009) Describe an advertisement that made you (caused you to) buy something * You should say: what kind of advertisement it was when and where you saw (or heard) this advertisement * what product (or service) it advertised and explain why you decided to buy that product See Notes • The exact wording for this topic is unclear at the moment • See also Topic #65 -Possible follow-up questions: • Do you often buy something because of an advertisement? -Part The Use of Advertising in Your Country • • • • Do you think we need to have advertisements? What you think is the role (or, the purpose) of advertisements? Do you think there are too many advertisements? In what different places can we see advertisements? Is there more advertising in newspapers than on TV? • What are the different ways that products and services are advertised? • (Similar to above) What are the different kinds of advertisements that we see (and hear) in our daily lives? • How are they different? • In China, what changes have occurred in advertising in the past 20 or 30 years? (Why?) • Do you think the number of advisements will increase in the future? FQ • What impact advertisements have on people's lives? • What group (in society) you think advertisements are mostly aimed at? • Advertisements are most useful for advertising what (kinds of) products? (Why?) FQ • (Similar to above) What (kinds of) products you think are most suitable to be advertised? FQ • At the moment in China, what sorts of products are advertised most? • In what ways you think an advertisement for clothes and an advertisement for a car might be different? • What you think are the positive and the negative aspects of advertisements in our lives? • Do you think advertisements can (or, do) make people feel they are being put under some form of pressure? • Do you feel that advertisements in your country reflect your national culture? FQ • Do you think advertisements should reflect the national culture of the countries they are in? FQ • Do you think it is good for advertisements to include famous people promoting a product? Regulating the Advertising Industry • When it comes to advertising and the media, what role you think the government should play? • (Similar to above) What you think is the responsibility of government when it comes to the question of setting regulations for the advertising industry? • Do you think there should be some controls placed on the advertising industry? FQ • What restrictions you think should be applied to the advertising industry? • Do you think there should be restrictions on the advertising of certain products and services (or certain types of products and services)? • Are there any devices that block TV commercials in China? • Are there any (TV) advertisements that are not suitable for children to see? (If yes, what?) • How can we solve the problem of children seeing these advertisements? • The Qualities of Advertisements in Different Media • • • • • • • • Are people (or, are you) easily influenced by advertisements? Do you think young people tend to buy things on impulse after seeing an advertisement? Different advertisements can have different effects on people Can you give any examples of that? What are the different ways that goods and services are advertised? In what ways advertisements in different media differ from each other? FQ What's the most popular method of advertising? (Why?) What kinds of advertisements you think are the most effective? (Similar to above) What are the features (qualities) of advertisement that leave the deepest impression on people? • • • • • • • • • Why you think some advertisements are (only) on TV and other advertisements are (only) on the radio? What kinds of advertisements are on the radio? FQ (Similar to above) What kinds of things (goods and services) are suitable for radio advertising and what kinds of things you think are not very suitable for radio advertising? FQ Why you think some advertisements include music and others don't? What impact on people does (or can) music in advertisements have? FQ And what kinds of music you think are most effective in advertisements? FQ What impact on people (or can) pictures in advertisements have? FQ What visual effects (or, pictures) you think make advertisements most effective? FQ What kinds of advertisements you think will be the most effective in the future? The Effects of Advertising on Children • • • • • • • Are there any (TV) advertisements that are not suitable for children to see? (If yes, what?) How can we solve the problem of children seeing these advertisements? Do you think companies should advertise to children? (Similar to above) Do you think children's TV shows, such as cartoon programs, should have advertisements? FQ (Hint: Kids have little or no money!) Do you think advertisements aimed at children have a good or a bad effect on children? What effect (or can) advertisements have on young children? FQ See Note Do you think there should be some restrictions (or rules) concerning advertisements aimed at children? ************************************************************ ********** IELTS Part and Part Topics and Questions Page 39 191 A Family Member (Jan 10, 2009) 192 A Course You Would Like to Study (Jan 10, 2009) Not Confirmed as a Part Topic 193 A Piece of Good News (Jan 10, 2009) 194 A Future Change (Jan 10, 2009) 195 Your Favourite Part of Your Hometown (Jan 10, 2009) RETURN TO PART TOPIC INDEX FQ = frequent question = a question that has frequently been reported = a question that is probably in the examiner's question book ************************************************************ *********** 191 A Family Member (Jan 10, 2009) Describe the person in your family who you spend most time with You should say: who this person is when you usually are together * what kind of person he or she is (= what his or personality is like) what you usually (when you are) together and explain why you spend more time with this person than with other members of your family * -Possible follow-up questions: • ... *********** IELTS Part and Part Topics and Questions Page 36 176 177 178 179 180 A Sports Event (2) (Sept 6, 20 08) A Good Friend (Sept 6, 20 08) A Story from TV (Sept 6, 20 08) A Childhood Game (2) (Prob... *********** IELTS Part and Part Topics and Questions Page 37 181 1 82 1 83 184 185 A Happy Event (August 11, 20 07) (Probably no longer used) Some Advice You Received (3) (Prob Oct 20 08) A Traffic... ********** IELTS Part and Part Topics and Questions Page 39 191 A Family Member (Jan 10, 20 09) 1 92 A Course You Would Like to Study (Jan 10, 20 09) Not Confirmed as a Part Topic 1 93 A Piece of