雅思口语topic

Your Studies

1. What subject are you studying?

2. Why did you choose to study that?

3. Do you like your subject? (= your major = your subjects if a high school student)

4. Where do you study (= what school/university do you attend)?

5. Why did you choose that (particular) school/university?

6. When did you start this course and when will you finish it? Do you like university life?

7. What do you think of your school/university?

8. (Similar to above) What do you think of the place where you are studying?

9. What is the best thing about your university/school?

10. Why are you taking the IELTS test?

11. What are your future study plans?

12. What are your future work plans? (after you graduate)

13. When you start working, do you think you will prefer that to being a student?

Your Hometown

1. Where is your hometown? (Or, what part of China do you come from?)

2. Do you think you'll always live there?

3. Where do you live at the moment?

4. Do you like your hometown? (Why?/Why not?)

5. What sorts of buildings are there in your hometown?

6. What would you say is the best part of your hometown?

7. What's the most famous thing about your hometown?

8. Is there anything worth visiting in your hometown?

9. Has your hometown changed much in the past few years? (e.g. 20 years)

10. Would you say your hometown is suitable for children to grow up in?

11. What parts of your hometown are most suitable for families and children?

12. What's the weather usually like in your hometown?

13. Has the weather in your hometown changed much in recent years?

Your Home (Your Accommodation)

1. Do you live in a house or a flat?

2. Please describe the place where you live.

3. How have you decorated your home (or, your room)?

4. Do you have anything (hanging) on the wall of your home (or your room)? (e.g., decorations)

5. What can you see when you look out the window of your room?

6. What is the environment like in your neighbourhood?

7. Do you like your neighbours?

8. What kind of people are your neighbours?

1Part 2&3

People

1. A Famous Foreign Person

Describe a famous person you would like to meet.

You should say:

∙who this person is (or, was)

∙how you first learned about him or her

∙how/why this person is famous *

and explain why you would like to meet this person. *

part3

1.What benefits do people get from being famous?

2.Can you think of any disadvantages to being famous?

3.Do you think famous people can (or, do) keep their privacy after they become famous?

4.Compare the types of people who were famous about 30 or 40 years ago (or, in the past) with the

people who are famous today.

5.Do you think famous people change their ways of thinking when they become famous?

2. A Person you Have Lived With

Describe a person you live with. *

You should say:

∙what kind of person he or she is (= what his or personality is like) *

∙how long you have been living with (or, lived with) him or her

∙what the two of you do together

and explain why you live with this person*

part3

1.Today, more and more (young) people are not willing to live at home with their parents. What do

you think of this?

2.Why do they not want to live with their parents?

3.When people live together, what are the most important things (= the most important factors) to

enable them to get along with each other?

4.Do old people relate to others the same way that young people do?

5.Why do some people prefer to live alone?

23. A Family

Describe a family (not your own) you enjoyed spending time with.

You should say:

∙where this family lived (or, lives)

∙who the members of the family were (or, are)

∙how you know them

∙what each person in this family is interested in

and explain why you like this family

Part 3

The Treatment of the Youngest and Oldest family Members

1.What do you think are some differences between families where the grandparents are living with

their grandchildren, compared to families where they live separately?

2.Can you think of any activities that younger family members and older family members

(usually/often/sometimes) do together? FQ

3.(Similar to above) How can old family members be made to feel that they are valued members of

the family? FQ

4.Do you think it's important to include old family members in family activities? (Why?/Why not?)

5.In China, has the way that parents treat their children changed at all in the past few years (20 or

30 years)?

The Importance of Family

6. In general, which do you think is more important, people as individuals or the family? Difficult Question

Living Arrangements

7. How can people get along with those they live with?

8. In the future, how do you think people's living arrangements will be different to the way people

live today?

9. Do people in China prefer to rent or buy their home?

4. A Famous Artist

Describe a famous artist you admire (e.g. a painter, a performer etc.)

You should say:

∙who he or she is

∙how you know about this person (or: when you first learned [learnt] about this person)

∙what he or she has done to become famous

3and explain why you admire this person.

Part3:

1.Do you think art (or, the arts) is (are) important? FQ

2.How are children (or, young people) exposed to art?

3.How important do you think it is for children to have art classes in school? FQ

4.What are some good ways to teach art to children? FQ

5.Do you think art and literature (or, the arts) should be taught in universities? FQ

6.(Similar to above) Do you think the different arts should be taught at universities? FQ

5. A Person you Helped

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

∙who you helped

∙how you helped them

∙why you helped them

explain how you felt after you helped this person.

Part3：

Neighbours/Community/Your Social Circle

1. In what ways do average people help others (or, help each other)?

2. What are the benefits that result when someone helps another person?

3. In your social circle (= the people you know, your friends etc.), do people help each other very much? (If yes, give examples. If no, why not?)

4. Do you think people should help their neighbours? (Why? How?) FQ

5. Do you ever help your neighbours (or, help in your community)? FQ

6. What do you get from helping in your community? FQ

7. Why do you think neighbours should help each other?

8. Compared to the past, how is the way people help others (or, get help) different today?

9. Is it hard to ask others for help?

10.Do you think people nowadays are more willing, or less willing to help others than before? (Why?) FQx2

11. (Similar to above) Do you think people have become more selfish than they used to be?(Why?) FQx2

46. A Friend You Admire

Describe a friend you admire.

you should say:

●who he or she is *

●how you first met this person *

●.................

and explain why you admire him/her. *

Part3:

1.What are the qualities of a good friend? FQ

2. Are friends more important than family? FQ

3. What is the nature of friendship?

4. How do friends affect your life? * (= How important is friendship to you?)

5. How do people in China form friendships? FQ

6. What is your opinion of making new friends on the internet?

7. How can friendships be maintained?

8. How do friends keep in contact with each other when they move to a different part of China?

9. Why do some friends drift apart (= lose contact with each other)?

10. (As above) How do some friendships break up?

11. Do friendships change, as people grow older? (= Do people change friends or change their attitudes

about friendship, as they grow older?)

12. When you are old, how important do you think friendship will be to you?

13. Does your family like your friends?

14. Are you and your parents good friends?

15. Who has the bigger influence on children, friends or family? (Why?) FQ

16. How do you think people will form friendships in the future?

17. Do adults and children make friends the same way?*

7. A TV or Radio Presenter

Describe a TV or radio presenter

You should say:

∙Who this person is

∙what program he or she presents

∙what kind of person he or she is

and explain how people feel about this person

Part 3

∙What skills does a person need to be a TV or radio presenter?

∙What are some differences between a radio presenter and a TV presenter?

5 在线一对一外教陪练 www.2uedu.cn 淘宝店：2uedu.taobao.com 雅思QQ群：1543667888. A Person Speaks Another Language (N!)

Describe a person you met who speaks a foreign language.

You should say:

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

∙what this person is (or, was) like*

∙what this person does (work, study etc.) *

and explain what you learned from this person.

Part3:

1. What are some reasons why foreigners come to China?

2. What do you think is the best way to learn a foreign language?

3. Why do you going overseas is the best way to learn a foreign language?

4. How, or where can Chinese people make foreign friends in China?

5. Many people say that "the world is getting smaller". What do they mean?

6. What's your opinion of American-style fast food restaurants and other foreign ideas coming into China?

7. Do you think these foreign ideas and customs might damage Chinese culture?

8.. Do you think this is a good thing?

9. A Childhood Teacher (N!)

Describe a teacher you had when you were a child and who you liked. *

You should say:

∙what he/she looked like

∙what he or she taught

∙how often you saw him or her

and explain why you liked him or her. *

Part3:

1. Is teaching a popular profession in China? (= Do many people in China want to work as teachers?)

2. What do people in China think of teachers?

3. If China could afford it, do you more money should be spent on teachers or on facilities?

4. Do you think school fees will increase in the future?

5. What could (should) the government do to improve the education system?

6. Do you think there should be fewer exams?

6 在线一对一外教陪练 www.2uedu.cn 淘宝店：2uedu.taobao.com 雅思QQ群：154366788

7. Do you think teachers are useful (or, necessary; or, important)? (Why?/Why not?)

8. What (personal) qualities do you think teachers should have?

10. An Old Friend (N!)

Describe a friend you have known for a long time.

You should say:

∙who this friend is

∙how you first met

∙what kind of person he or she is

and explain how your friendship has lasted so long.

Part3:

1. What are the qualities of a good friend?

2. Are friends more important than family?

3. How do people in your country meet (make) new friends?

4. Where do people go to meet new people?

5. What are some differences between friendship in the past and friendship today?

6. Do you think modern technology influences how people make friends?

7. Do you like making new friends on the internet?

8. What's the difference between making friends on the internet and making friends by face to face contact?Place

1. A Modern Building

Describe a modern building.

You should say:

●where it is

●what it looks like (Or: How it is designed)

●when you visited this building

and explain why you like or dislike this building.

Part3

1.Does your city have many tall buildings?

2.What’s the tallest building in your city?

3.What do you think of tall buildings?

4.How have science and technology changed the way modern buildings are constructed?

5.Do (or can) tall buildings have any effect on the environment? http://news.sohu.com/20060906/n245193802.shtml

6.Compare residential and commercial buildings.

2. A Garden

Describe a garden or park you visited and liked.

You should say:

●where it was

●what it looked like

●what people did (or, were doing) there

and explain why you liked it. *

Part3

1.What do you think are the benefits of having gardens in the city?

2.Do you think governments should provide public gardens for people to visit?

3.Do you think the government should spend more money on public gardens for the cities or for

the villages and small towns in the countryside?

4.How do people of different age groups use public gardens?

5.If you had your own personal garden, which would you prefer to grow, vegetables or flowers?

3. A Childhood School

Describe a school you enjoyed going to when you were a child.*

You should say:

●where it was

●what the other students were like

●what the teachers were like

and explain what you enjoyed during your time at this school.1.Which do you think is better, students studying in big classes or studying in small classes? FQx2

2.What do you think are the advantages and the disadvantages of children studying in big classes,

compared to small classes? FQx2

3.What do you think are the benefits of studying in a large school? FQ

4.For chi ldren these days, do you think it’s easier to make friends in a small school or a large school? FQ

5.Do you think it's easier for kids to make friends when they are in primary school or in high school? FQ

6.Some people want to be teachers. Why do you think they want to do that job? FQ

7.Do you think teaching young children (e.g., early primary school age) is important? FQx2

8.Do you think everybody is suitable for becoming a teacher?

9.What are the qualities of a good teacher? FQx2

4. A place Where You Learned about the Past

Describe a place you visited where you learned something about the past.

You should say:

●where you went

●why you went there

●what you saw (and did) there *

and explain what you learned from (visiting) this place.

Part3

1.How did you learn about history in your childhood?

2.As children grow older, do you think they will remember the history they have learned in their childhood?

FQ

3.Why do you think some adults can't remember some of the history they learned in school? FQ

4.Do you think it's useful for children (and young people) to learn about (recent) history from old people?

FQ

5. Recent Changes to Your Hometown

Describe an area of your city that has recently changed.*

You should say:

1.what part(s) of your hometown has (have) changed

2.when these changes were made

3..................

and explain how you feel about these changes.

Part 3

Cities

1.(If doing the test away from your home country, e.g., Australia) - How are cities in Australia different to

cities in your home country?

2.Should people have the right to ask for changes when they are dissatisfied with something about their

city?

3.What are the most important needs of people when they live in a city?4.What are some differences between young people in the past and at present?

5.Among people, what differences in attitudes are there about change?

6.What kinds of people like change and what kinds of people dislike change?

7.When governments make changes to society, who usually benefits the most? Traditions

8.What do you think about the value of traditions?

6. A Place with a Lot of Noise (N!)

Describe a place you have been to that had a lot of noise.

You should say:

●what place it was

●where it was

●why it had a lot of noise

and explain how you felt about this noise.

Part3

1.What noises (= sounds) can we hear in a city?

2.How do you suggest this noise could be controlled (or, decreased)?

3.What do you think the government should do about excessive ( = too much) noise?

4.Do you think it's possible to completely eliminate all noise?

5.Would you agree to your neighbours having a party on the weekend?

6.What time would you want them to finish the party?

7. A Restaurant (N!)

Describe cafe or restaurant that you know.

You should say:

●where it is

●what kind of food they serve there (or, what service they provide)

●who you usually go there with

and explain why you like to eat at this place.

part3

1.Are there many restaurants near your home/school/university/work?

2.What (different) types of restaurants are there in your hometown?

3.What kinds of eating places are there at your school/university?

4.Does Chinese families often go to a restaurant to eat?

5.What are the most popular kinds of restaurant in China today?

6.How have restaurants in China changed in the last few (e.g. 20) years?

7.What are some of the factors that make a restaurant a good one?

8.Do you think advertising has an effect on what foods people eat?

9.Do you think that junk food should be banned?8. A River in Your Hometown (N!)

Describe A River in Your Hometown

you should say:

●where it is

●what it looks like

●what do people often do there

and explain why you like this river.

Part3

1.Do you think water is important?

2.Does China have many places with water?

3.Do you think there is enough fresh water (= non-sea water; drinkable water) in the world for the needs of

all the world's people?

4.Compare the ways that water is used in urban environments with the ways it is used in rural

environments.

5.Which location do you think uses more water, the cities or the rural areas?

6.What do you think is the difference between water for industrial usage and water for domestic usage?

7.Do you think water use will increase in the future, or not?

8.What are some ways that we (or, people) can (help to) conserve water?

9.Would you say that people in China are aware of the various problems connected with water?

10.How can (or, could) people be made more aware of these problems?

11.Do many people choose to go to a place (for a holiday or for recreation) that has a lot of water?

12.Why do people in China like to go to places such as Hainan Island for a holiday?

9. A Hotel (N!)

Describe a hotel you stayed at or have seen.

You should say:

●The name of the hotel

●Where it was

●What facilities it had

And explain your impressions of this hotel.

Part3

1.How have hotels changed (improved) in recent years (or, compared to the past)?

2.What facilities should a (good) hotel have?

3.Is the hotel industry an important part of China's economy?

4.Has tourism had any bad effects on your hometown?

5.What kind of people (what kind of personal qualities) are best suited to work in a hotel?

6.What could be done to improve the level of service in hotels?Event

1. A Relaxing Day

Describe a relaxing day you had once after a period of hard work. *

You should say:

●when you had this relaxing day

●where you spent this day

●who you spent it with (and what you did)

and explain why it was relaxing. *

Part3

1.Where do people go nowadays when they want to relax? FQ

2.Is there much difference between the way old people relax and the way young people relax? (Why?) FQ

3.Do people of different ages spend their free time differently? (Why?) FQ

4.Do you think sleeping is a good (or, an effective) way to relax? FQx2

5.Do you think there is much difference between the amount of sleep that old people need and that which

young people need? FQ

2. A Walk with a Friend

Describe a walk with a friend that you remember.

You should say:

●when it was

●who you walked with

●where you walked

●what happened during the walk

and explain why you remember it.

Part3

1.Do people in China walk very much? FQ

2.Where do they usually walk

3.What are the benefits of walking? FQx2

4.Do you think exercise is important? (Why?) FQ

5.In previous years, did people used to walk more than today, or less? FQ

6.Do you think people will walk more than they do now in the future? FQ

7.How do you think people could be encouraged to walk more? FQx2

8.How do you think people could be encouraged to walk to work?

3. A Long Journey

Describe a trip that didn't go as you had (originally) planned (or, expected). *

You should say:

●where you were traveling to

●who was travelling with you *

●what happened that was unplanned (OR: what didn't happen according to plan) *

●what you did

and explain how you felt.

Part3

1.How does travel affect different (types of) people in different ways?

2.What are some of the different reasons why people travel from one place to another? FQ

3.In what ways is a business trip different to a holiday trip? FQx2

4.In general, do you think people like traveling? FQ

5.What are some of the problems that people might experience when they go on a trip and what

can/could the traveler do to resolve (or, avoid) these problems? FQx2

4. An Important Cerebration (N!)

Describe an important celebration in your culture.

You should say:

●what this celebration is

●when this celebration is held

●what people do during this celebration

and explain why this celebration is important.

Part3

1.Do you think "globalization" will eventually bring all the cultures of the world closer together?

2.How important do you think it is to observe traditional celebrations?

3.Are traditional celebrations today different to the traditional celebrations in the past?

4.Do you think that, today, there's too much emphasis on making money from traditional celebrations?

5.How much do young people in China know about traditional culture?

6.Can you suggest how traditional culture could be promoted among young people?

7.Is there much difference between the attitudes of young people and older people concerning traditional

culture?

5. A Time When You Were Late (N!)

Describe an important occasion when you were late.

You should say:

●when this happened

●what occasion you were late for

●why you were late (Or, how you explained your lateness)

and explain the result of your being late.Part3

1.What are some of the common excuses/reasons that people give when they are late?

2.Some of these excuses might not be true. Do you think it is good to be dishonest like that?

3.Are people in China usually punctual when they have to be somewhere at a certain time?

4.What do people in China think of people who are late?

5.Do you think it's important to be on time? (Is punctuality important?)

6.Why do you think some people are often late? What sort of problems does this person have?

7.What do you think is the main reason why some people are late for something?

8.Do you think people who are often late can change this habit? (How?)

9.Do you think people will place more emphasis, or less emphasis on punctuality in the future?

10.For what situations is being on time very important? (Why important?)

11.For what situations is it not so important to be on time? (Why not so important?)

6. An Outdoor Activity (N!)

Describe an outdoor activity that you like doing (or do regularly). *

You should say:

●what this activity is

●where you do it

●when you do it (or, how often you do it)

and explain why you like it.

Part3

1.Would you say people spend more time outdoors today than they did, say, 20 years ago?

2.What are the benefits of doing things outdoors?

3.Are there any outdoor activities that many people used to do ?

4.What are the most popular outdoor activities in China?

5.What sorts of activities do children like to do outdoors?

6.Do boys and girls like to do the same kinds of things outdoors?

7.Do old people and young people like doing the same kinds of things outdoors?

8.How do you think climate and the environment affect what activities people do outdoors?

7. Something Naughty You Did (N!)

Describe something naughty you did when you were a child.

You should say:

●when you did it

●what you did

●why you did it

and explain how your parents felt about what you did.Part3

1.How important do you think pre-school education is?

2.Why do you think some people like teaching little kids?

3.And why do you think some people don't like teaching little kids? (What difficulties are there?)

4.What do you think are the features of (the qualities of) a good teacher for young kids?

5.Do you think there's too much pressure on school students nowadays to do well at school?

6.What effects does going to a kindergarten have on the development of children?Object

1. A Wild Animal

Describe a wild animal from your country.

You should say:

●what the animal is

●what it looks like

●where it lives

●

and explain how people in your country (or, you) feel about this animal.

Part3

1.Why do you think some people don't want to have a pet?

2.What kinds of pets are most popular in China?

3.What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet?

4.Do you think animals have feelings and rights? (Why?/Why not?)

5.Some people breed animals such as dogs for money. How do you feel about that?

2. An Unused Thing

Describe something you bought (or borrowed) recently but have never used (or not often used).

You should say:

●what it is

●when you bought it

●where you got it from

and explain why you have not used it very much.

Part3

1.What products do people buy in China? FQ

2.Do young people and old(er) people buy the same kinds of things?

3.What are the advantages and disadvantages of huge shopping malls (or, huge supermarkets/huge

department stores)?FQ

4.When people go shopping, do you think they are more concerned about price or quality?FQx2

5.When people go shopping, do you think they are more concerned about the appearance of the product

or its quality? FQx2

3. A TV Program that You Didn’t Like

Describe a TV program that you watched but didn't like.

You should say:

●what program it was

●when you saw it

●what it was about

and explain why you didn't like it.Part3

1.Do you think TV celebrities are good role models for children? FQx2

2.Television and film stars are often role models for young people. What do you think of that? FQx2

3.(Similar to above) Do you think it's good that TV celebrities are often role models for young people? FQx2

4.In your opinion, what qualities does someone need to have to become a TV celebrity? FQ

5.(Similar to above) What skills and abilities does a person need to be a TV celebrity? FQ

6.Many TV stars have an income that is very high. Do you think this is reasonable? FQx2

4. A Well-known Story in Your Country

Describe a well-known traditional story from your country. *

You should say:

●who told you the story

●when you (first) heard it

●what it was about

and explain how you felt when you heard this story.

Part3

1.Why do you think (little) kids like listening to stories? FQx2

2.(Similar to above) Do you think (young) children prefer to be read a story or to read a story themselves?

3.(Similar to above) Parents often read bedtime stories to their children. Why do you think children like

that? FQx2

4.Please compare kids' stories today with kids' stories in the past.

5. Something Healthy You Would Recommend

Describe something you do that is good for your health.

You should say:

●what you do

●when you do it / Or: when you began to do it

●whether you enjoy doing this (or, how much you enjoy doing it)

and explain why you think this is important for your health.

Part3

1.What do you think are the differences between healthy food and 'junk food'?

2.What things do you think people in China need to do (or, need to change) in order to improve their

health?

3.Do you think modern people do enough regular exercise?

4.How do schools in your country teach about health?

5.Do you think the media can play a role in educating people about health? (How?)6. A Piece of Equipment

Describe an electrical (or electronic) machine or device you would like to buy.

You should say:

●what special features you would like it to have

●how you know about it

●how much it would cost

and explain why you would like to buy it.

Part3

1.Do you think science and technology are very important in today's society?

2.What are the advantages and disadvantages of this situation?

3.How have the changes in communication technology changed society?

4.How are the computers used in education today?

5.How has modern science and technology changed the way people work in the past generation (20 to 30

years)?

7. Using Computers

Describe something you have learned to do on computers (such as studying). *

You should say:

●what it was

●when you learned it

●how you learned it *

●

and explain what benefits you get from having this skill.

Part 3

The Benefits of Computers in the Home

1.What do you think are the benefits of using computers at home?

2.Please compare writing by hand and writing on a computer.

3.Do you think that people who are very sociable use computers very much?

4.Do you think the next generation (about 30 years in the future) will use computers the same way as we

do today?

8. A Type of Popular Music in Your Country

Describe a type of music that is popular in your country.

You should say:

●what type of music it is

●where people listen to (or, can hear) it

●what types of people usually like this type of music *

and explain why you it is so popular. *

Part3

1.Would you say that people of all ages like music?

2.Would you say that people of all ages like the same types of music?

3.What's your favourite type of music?

4.(Similar to above) What types of music are popular with your generation? FQ

5.Do your parents also like that kind of music?

6.(Similar to above) What types of music are popular with people of your parents' generation? FQ

7.Compare the music that young people like to listen to with the music that older people like to listen to.

8.Compare classical music and modern music.

9.What's the difference (the differences) between traditional music and modern music?

10.Can you suggest how classical music could be made more attractive for young people?

11.Do you think some people tend to classify others according to the music they like?

12.Do you think friends should have the same tastes in music?

13.Do young people and older people have the same views concerning music? (Hint: This wording is not

asking about likes and dislikes but about attitudes.)

14.Why do you think people in different age groups like different kinds of music?

15.Compare the music that people of different age groups like. FQx2

16.Do you think people's tastes in music change as they get older? FQx2

9. A Childhood Toy

Describe a toy that was special to you when you were a child.

You should say:

●when you got it

●what it looked like

●who gave it to you

and explain how you used it (how you played with it).

Part 3

Toys

1.What are the most popular kinds of toys in China?

2.Do boys and girls like the same toys?

3.Do you think it's good for kids to play with toys?

4.Do you think it's good if parents only buy "educational" toys for their children? FQ

5.Which do you think is better to give a child, a computer or a toy?

Children's Hobbies and Leisure Interests

6.(Originally, this was reported as in the Part 3 of a part 2 topic, "Describe a hobby you had when you were

a child." But that might have been a mistake and possibly it was all in part 3 of the "toy" topic.)

7.What are some typical children's hobbies and leisure time activities?

8.Do you think any of these hobbies would be useful for the children when they grow up?

9.Do you think people will have more free time in the future?10. A Hobby

Describe a hobby you had when you were a child.

You should say:

●what it was

●how you did this activity

●how you became interested in this hobby

and explain why you liked this hobby.

Part 3

1.No-one has reported the following questions yet but they are highly likely.

2.What are the most popular hobbies in your country? *

3.How important do you think it is for people to have hobbies? *

4.What benefits do people get from having hobbies? *

5.Can a hobby ever become a "problem"? *

6.Do people of different ages have the same hobbies? *

7.Compare children's hobbies with adults' hobbies? *

8.Compare young people's hobbies with old(er) people's hobbies? *

9.Compare men's and women's hobbies. *

10.Compare hobbies today with hobbies of several decades ago. *

11.What influences (factors) cause people to choose one hobby instead of another? *

12.How do you think people's choice of hobbies will (or might) change in the future? *

13.If you had the choice of any new hobby, which one would you choose (and why)? *

11. A Film

Describe a film you (recently) enjoyed watching. (Either at home or in a cinema). *

You should say:

●what type of film it was

●where you watched this film

●what the film was about

●why you chose to watch this (particular) film

and explain why you enjoyed this film. *

Part 3

1.Compare watching DVD's at home and watching films at the cinema. FQx2

2.Do you prefer to watch DVD's or to download films from the internet?

3.What kinds of films do people in China like to watch? FQx2

4.Do you have any favourite film stars (or, actors or actresses)? FQx2

5.In what ways are the films that you watch today different to the films you watched when you were a child?

FQx212. Your Future Work Plans

Describe the work ( = the job) that you plan to do in the future.

You should say:

●where you plan to work (what country/city etc)

●how you plan to prepare for this work

●why you choose this kind of work

and explain what skills are necessary for this work.

Part 3

1.(In China,) why (or how) do people choose what job to do in life? (career)

2.What are your views on the different kinds of jobs that exist? For example, a street sweeper. Why don't

you choose to do that job?

3.What's the main reason why people go to work?

4.What makes a job enjoyable?

5.Do people in China change their jobs very often? (= change to a different employer)

6.What's your opinion of people who often change their job(s)?

7.What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a job or career - the salary, how

interesting the job is, or how much power one can gain from the job?

8.Why do you think it's important for people to have goals?

13. A News Story That Made You Happy

Describe a news story that made you feel happy.

You should say:

●what the news was about

●where you got this news from

●what people were involved with this news story

and explain why it made you feel happy.

Part3

Newspapers and Magazines

1.Do people in China like reading newspapers?

2.What different kinds of newspapers are there in China? FQ

3.Have you ever read an English language newspaper from overseas? *

4.How do you think newspapers in your country compare to newspapers in Western countries? DIFFICULT

QUESTION

5.Compare the differences and similarities of newspapers and magazines.

6.Do you think newspapers are important for people?

7.Why do think newspapers are important for people?

8.Why do people like reading the newspaper?

9.What is the benefit of (the purpose of) newspapers having photographs accompanying news stories?

FQ

10.Which do you think is more important in a newspaper, the photographs or the written words?11.What kinds of things (books/newspapers/magazines) do young people read in China?

12.What are the benefits of reading?

13.How do you think newspapers of the future will be different to those of today?

14.Some people say that some newspaper content is exaggerated. What do you think?

15.(Similar to above) Do you think the internet will replace newspapers in the future? FQ

16.How do the media influence people?

17.How has the (news) media changed in the past few years? (E.g., the past few decades)

18.What are some other ways that newspapers are useful? (Hint: Example - wrapping garbage)

19.In China, do you see any particular trends in the way newspapers are developing?

20.What are some of the methods that newspapers use to increase their readership?

News

1.How do most people in China get their news nowadays? FQ

2.(Similar to above) What are the different ways that people use to get their news? FQ

3.Why do you think young people prefer to get their news from the internet while older people prefer to

get their news from newspapers?

4.Compare newspapers and the internet as sources of news. FQx2

5.Compare newspapers and television as sources of news. FQ

6.Which news medium is the most accurate, newspapers, TV or the internet? (Why?)

7.How important is it to see news in pictures on television?

8.How does the news influence people? (or, influence society) FQ

9.Do you like to read stories about celebrities in the newspaper?

10.(Similar to above) How do you feel about newspaper stories about celebrities such as film stars? (Do you

think this is really news?)

11.Sometimes, a news article is presented in an exaggerated or distorted way. How does this exaggeration or

distortion occur?

12.What do you think of news stories that are false, that is, news stories that do not tell you the truth? FQ

13.What can be done about the problem of such false news? FQ

14.Some people say that the internet has a lot of false news stories. Do you agree?

15.Do you think good news and bad news are equally important?

16.How has the news media changed or developed in China in the past few years (e.g., 20 or 50 years)? FQ

17.How do you think people will be getting their news 20 or 30 years in the future? FQ

18.Do you think newspapers will continue to be important in the future? (... in light of the development of

other media, especially the internet.)

14. An Exciting Message

Describe a piece of good news that you received by phone.

You should say:

●what the news was

●where you were when you received this news

●who gave you this news

and explain why you felt this was good news.Part3

1.Do people in China use telephones (including cell-phones) very much? (Give examples of the uses of

telephones)

2.Which do people in China use more, cells phone or fixed line phones (= landline phones)?

3.Which do you think is better, cell phones or fixed line phones? (Why?)

4.Some people don't like using cell phones very much. Can you suggest why?

5.How do you think people will be communicating with each other in the future (e.g., 30 years from now)?

15. A Useful Skill (N!)

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

You should say:

●why you learned this skill *

●how (and when) you learned it *

●how difficult it was to learn

and explain how this skill is useful to you.

Part3

1.What are some differences between the skills people learn today and the skills people learned in the

past?

2.What skills do you think children should (or, need to) learn?

3.Do you think it's better to learn things in "real life" or from textbooks?

4.What kinds of skills do you think are the most useful (in everyday life)?

5.Should women also learn (these) skills?

6.Compare the skills women learn with those that men learn.

7.Which do you think are more important, the skills that children learn at home or those they learn at

school

8.Do you think high school students should learn skills that will be useful in the workplace?

16. Something You Want to Buy (N!)

Describe something special you want to buy in the future.

You should say:

●what it is

●what it is like (or, what you think it will be like or look like)

●how long you have wanted to buy it

●(when you intend to buy it)

●(who you want to buy it for *)

and explain why you want to buy it.

Part3

1.In general, are men and women the same when it comes to shopping?

2.In general, do you think shopping has positive or negative effects on society?3.Do you think shopping is beneficial to people?

4.Do you think shopping is a good way to pass the time?

5.Do you think shopping (as a way to pass the time) has become more popular than it was in the past?

6.Some people say shopping is a waste of time. What's your view on this?

7.Some people become "shopaholics" (i.e., addicted to shopping). Why do you think this happens?

8.In China, how has the way people do their shopping changed in the past 20 or 30 years?

17. A Good Law (N!)

Describe a good law in your country.

You should say

●what the law is

●how you first learned 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. *

Part3

1.What role does law play in society?

2.(Similar to above) What role does the law play in the lives of people?

3.(Similar to above) How does law affect the everyday lives of people?

4.(Similar to above) What is the function (the purpose) of the law for a nation (or society)?

5.(Similar to above) Why are laws important in modern society?

6.Do you think laws have much influence on (or relationship with) the economy? (Hints: Commercial law;

laws regulating banking & the stock market - e.g. the U.S.A. today.)

7.If there were no laws, what do you think society (or life) would be like?

8.Can you give any examples of what is illegal in China?

9.Which job would most people prefer - to be a policeman/policewoman (= a member of the police force)

or a lawyer? (Why?)

10.In what situations (or, areas of activity) do you think international law is most important?

11.Can you think of any foreign law that China could adapt for use here?

18. A Project or Homework Assignment (N!)

Describe a project or some work that you did with others.

You should say:

●what the project or work was.

●who was with you

●how easy or difficult it was

and explain why you did this with other people.

Part3

1.Can you give any examples of how people in your culture co-operation with others?

2.Do you think students in China have too much homework? (Why do you say that?)

3.Do you think homework is necessary (or, important)? (Why?/Why not?)

4.Do you think it's important (or, necessary) for children to go to school to be educated or is it possible for a

child to be educated at home, without attending a school?

19. Something You are Good At (N!)

Describe something you are good at doing.

You should say:

●what it is

●how often you do it

●how you learned to do it (or, who taught you how to do it)

and explain how you feel when you do it

Part3

1.Are you very confident that you will reach the goal that you just spoke about (in Part 2)?

2.What successes have you had in your life?

3.How would you define the word, 'success'?

4.Do you think that failure is always a bad thing?

5.What are the factors that lead to success?

6.Why do some people not succeed?

7.How do you think parents can encourage their children to be successful in life?

8.Do you think most people want to succeed in life? (Why do they feel this way?)

9.When do people most want to be successful? (At what stage in their lives?)

10.What do you think is a good definition of the word, "success"?

11.In (Chinese) society, how is success defined or measured?

12.What are the good and bad results of this type of thinking?

20. A Quiz Show (N!)

Describe a quiz show on TV that you would like to take part in.

You should say:

●what kind of quiz show it would be

●what kinds of questions would be asked *

●what preparation you would need to do for this show

and explain why you would like to be a competitor in this program. *

Part3

1.Is this kind of TV program popular in your country?

2.Do many people want to compete in quiz shows?

3.Are your friends very competitive?

4.Do you think competition between friends can affect their friendship?

5.What do you think of commercial competition? (competition in business)21. Clothes (N!)

Describe an item of clothing that you recently bought.

You should say:

●what it is

●what it looks like

●when & where you bought it

and explain why you bought it. *

Part3

1.Do you like shopping (for clothes)?

2.Do you like window-shopping for clothes? What style of clothes do you like?

3.What styles of clothing do you dislike?

4.Do many people around you like buying clothes?

5.What are some influences that affect the choices young people make when they buy clothes?

6.Does the media affect people's choices of clothes?

7.How do you (or, how do people) choose (=decide) what style of clothing to buy?

8.Compare the materials and fashions of today's clothing with those of the past.

9.Do men and women have the same buying habits when they buy clothes? What are the differences

between the clothes old people wear (or, buy) and those that young people wear?

10.Many school students have to wear a school uniform and some people have to wear a uniform at work.

What do you think of this?

11.Do you think employees should wear a uniform?

12.Are there any good points about wearing a uniform?

13.Are there any bad points about wearing a uniform?

14.What kinds of clothes do high school kids wear to school in China?

15.What do high school kids like to wear on weekends?

16.Do Chinese people think the brand name of clothes is important?

17.Are there any good points about wearing a uniform?

22. A Piece of Advice (N!)

Describe some good advice you received.

You should say:

●what the advice was

●who gave you the advice

●what resulted from this advice

and explain how you felt when you received this advice.

Advice Giving

1.What kind of advice do parents give their (adult) children?

2.Is this advice usually accepted? If not, why?

3.Do you think that some young people reject the advice of their parents simply as a result of a generation

gap? ( = misunderstandings resulting from being in different generations)4.What's your opinion? Do you think people should accept the advice of their parents?

5.Why do some children or some young people not listen to the advice of their parents?

6.Do you think teachers are capable of giving students advice about life situations?

7.In general, what do you think of the value of advice from old people? Is it useful?

8.Which advice has more influence on young people, that from their parents or that from their friends?

9.Which do you think is more useful (=effective), giving advice to someone or actually showing them or

teaching them how to do something?

The Helping Professions

10.Can you think of any occupations where the person gives advice as part of their job?

11.Do you think these professionals should receive special training in giving advice? (Why? What specific

training?)

12.How should people in the helping professions, such as doctors and teachers, be trained and regulated?

13.What's your opinion about on-line 'experts' giving advice?

14.How do you think these so-called experts can be controlled (regulated)?

Work Suggestions

15.Has anybody given you advice about work? Who? What was this advice? (This might include choosing

what career to follow in life.)

16.Has anyone given you advice at work? (Who? What advice?)

17.Was this person trained to give you advice?

18.Do you think special training (for giving advice) is useful?

23. A Broken Thing (N!)

Describe A Broken Thing

you should say:

●What it is

●what it looks like

●why it is broken

and explain how you would like to repair it.

Part3

1.What electrical appliances are generally used in homes in China?

2.Why do people (feel they) need these things?

3.What are the advantages of using electrical equipment?

4.Of the home electrical appliances, which do you think is the most frequently used (in your country)?

5.Of the home electrical appliances, which do you think is the most popular (in your country)?

6.Do you think people sometimes feel they are under pressure to have some of these products?

7.What are some electrical appliances that people need and some that people have but don't really need

(i.e., luxuries)?

8.Do you think there are any shortcomings from using electrical household appliances?

9.What would be the impact on your life if your _____ was not working (needed repairs)?

10.What do you think electrical or electronic home appliances in the home will be like in the future?24. An Advertisment(N!)

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

●what the advertisement said

and explain why you decided to buy that product.

Part3

1.What are the different kinds of advertising?

2.What kind of advertising is most common in China?

3.(Advertisements on) which media have the greatest effect on people - TV, radio, billboards, newspapers ...?

Why?

4.Is advertising on the internet very influential?

5.How do advertisements attract the attention of people? (= What is the best way for advertisements to

attract people? = What are the factors that make advertisements appealing to people?)

6.What is the purpose (= the function) of advertising? = Why do companies spend money on advertising?

7.What kinds of advertisements are most attractive to children (or, young people)?

8.Do you think advertisements are a good or bad influence on children?

9.Do you think advertisements actually influence people to buy things (perhaps things they don't really

need)?

10.Do overseas advertisements used in, or adapted for use in China affect Chinese culture and values?

11.Is this a good thing?

12.Does the Chinese government control advertisements in any way? How?

25. Something to Protect the Environment (N!)

Describe sth you did to protect the environment

you should say:

●What this problem is

●How long it has existed

●What you did to protect the environment

explain why you did this to protect the envieonment

Part 3

1.Dealing with Environmental Problems

2.What do you think is the most serious environmental problem in China? (Why?)

3.Do you think it is the government's responsibility to solve environmental problems or is it the

responsibility of each individual?

4.Compared to before, do you think people's awareness of environmental problems has increased or

decreased? (How? Why?)

5.Do older people in China have the same attitudes towards the environment as young people?