For IELTS TEST

Speaking Questions
IELTS Model Questions
Compiled by : DB a.k.a M. Basistha

9841954870

S e k gM d le p a in o u
THREE parts. 11-14 minutes A ssessed on : Pronunciation - 1 Fluency - 1 Vocabulary - 1 Grammar 1 Presentation i.e. how you explain things especially when the word doesnt have an English equivalent. - 3 Body language i.e. the etiquettes like manner of entering, greeting, sitting, reacting, maintaining eye contact, smiling to name a few. - 2 Pr 1 at Warm-up stage/Introduction. Greeting and introduction followed by questions based on personal experience like friends, family, hobbies, interests, favourites, pets, wild animals etcetera. Lasts for about 4-5 minutes Phrases used to : 1 . G e fa a in rm tio : iv ctu l fo a n Actually, in fact, of course, obviously, generally, in general, as a matter of fact, most of the time, as a rule, on the whole, Now, let me see, surprisingly enough, Interestingly enough. 2. In d ce y u o n o in n : tro u o r w p io In my opinion, Well, personally speaking, I personally think, I believe that, I feel that, To my mind, Obviously, It seems that, From my point of view, As I see it, Im fairly certain/convinced that P r 2: at Individual Long Turn OR one-way discussion A topic card with a set of questions to discuss is provided. Make notes for a minute ( pencil + paper is given to you) Talk for two minutes. Remember to answer all the questions within the given time. 3-4 minutes time P ra e u e to : h s s s d 1 . O e th ta : p n e lk To start/begin with, Id like to begin with, Id like to tell you about, After some consideration, Ive decided to tell you about, On second thoughts, Id like to talk about, Finally, Ive chosen to tell you about

2 .

O a ize k id a : rg n /lin es So, next, also, besides this, as well as, and then, afterwards, although, however, not only but.., on the other hand, yet, otherwise, whats more, though, Perhaps I should mention 3 . G ee a p s: iv x m le For instance, Take the way, Take for example, For one thing, To give you an idea, namely, say, To cite an instance of this. Pr 3 at : Two-way discussion Abstract questions based on topic card are asked Lasts for 4-5 minutes Phrases used to : 1 . C m a a d c n st : o p re n o tra The main difference, One of the differences, In contrast, On the other hand, Similarly/Likewise, Just a little similarity/difference, Totally different, Slightly different, whereas , while, whereby 2 . S e la : p cu te It may/can/ might/ could be that, Maybe, I guess, Its quite possible that, I imagine that, Perhaps, I suppose, I expect. 3 . Ju stify : Thats why, besides, because, so, what I mean is, you see, to be honest, let me explain, the reason why, what Im saying is 4 . G e y u lf tim to th k d rin th ta : iv o rse e in u g e lk Now, let me think, Its difficult to exactly say, but, How shall I put it?, Thats an interesting question, The best way I can answer this is, Mm, thats a difficult question. Let me think, Ill have to think about that, Lets put it this way. R mme e e b r: 1. You are being judged whether you will be able to adjust to an English Speaking environment or not. 2. Maintain speed i.e. go at the same pace in all the sections as far as practicable. 3. Use gap fillers as often as possible. This makes your talk natural. G p fille : a rs Um, well, actually, Im not so sure but, to be honest with you, so, then, yes, not exactly, as far as my knowledge is concerned, frankly speaking, speaking my mind, er, ah, oh, as you know, I think, to me, you see.,

Part I
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

1. What do you like about living in your country?

Can you tell me about your last vacation? Who do you like travelling with? Where would you like to travel to in the future? What sort of music do you like? Is music important to you? Do you like the same kind of music as your family? Describe an advertisement that you have seen recently.
You should say :

Part II

W hat the advertisem ent was about W here you saw or heard the advertisem ent How effective the advertisem ent was And explain how you felt about the

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Whats the most popular form of advertising in your country? 2. Would you like to work for an advertising company? 3. Is there too much advertising? 4. Do you agree that advertisements for smoking and drinking alcohol should be banned? 5. Certain products can only be advertised in restricted time-slots on television. Is this sort of restriction necessary? 6. What role does advertising play in your society? 7. How has advertising contributed to globalisation? 8. How might advertising change in the future?

Part I
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

1. Who do you live with in your room?

Can you describe your room to me? What do you do to relax in the evenings? Do you like playing sport? Do you enjoy studying English? Can you remember your first English lesson? What do you plan to do after this speaking test?

Part II
Describe a memorable sporting event that you participated in or watched.
You should say :

What the event was Why the event is memorable How you felt at the event And describe whether or not winning or losing is a significant memory.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you often go to sporting events? 2. Are you very competitive? 3. Governments allocate large amounts of money to sporting events such as the Olympics. Do you agree with this spending? 4. Can or should sport play a significant role in developing international relations? 5. The idea of sportsmanship has changed over the years. Should professional sports players act in a particular way? 6. A significant amount of money and time is spent on testing for the use of drugs in sport. How important is this? 7. Large companies now sponsor major sporting events and teams. Can this relationship lead to problems? 8. What do you think the future of international sports will be?

3 Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Which part of Nepal are you from? Can you describe your hometown for me? What do you like about living in Nepal? Do you work or are you a student? What do you like to do in your spare time? Why are you studying English? How long have you been studying English?

Part II
Describe the main forms of transport in your hometown.
You should say :

What the different forms of transport are How often you use them Which types of transport are most popular And consider whether or not the transportation systems are satisfactory.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you prefer travelling by public transport or by car? 2. Whats the longest journey you have ever been on? 3. What is the traffic like in your hometown? 4. What are the benefits of travelling by public transport? 5. In your opinion, in what ways can governments encourage people to use public transport? 6. Having too many cars on our roads causes air pollution. What are some of the other causes of pollution? 7. How are environmentally-friendly practices encouraged in Nepal? 8. Science can be used to develop environmentally-friendly alternatives. In what ways can this be done?

Part I
1. 2. 3.
4.

4
Which part of Nepal are you from? Can you describe your hometown for me? Who do you live with? Do you spend much time with your family? What do you like to do on the weekend? Why are you studying English? How long have you been studying English?

5. 6. 7.

Part II
Describe a famous person who has/had great influence on the people of your country.
You should say :

Part III

Who the person is What the person did/has done How you feel about the person And explain why you particularly like this person.

Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What would you do if you met that famous person? 2. Do you think youll ever be famous? 3. Famous people often become role models for teenagers. How significant is this? 4. Do actors and models get too much attention in the media? 5. Should people lose the right to privacy just because they are famous? 6. If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive), who would it be and why? 7. In your opinion, do certain personality types handle fame or attention better than others? 8. Do you feel that there should be restrictions on actors according to their age or sex?

Part I

1. I see you are from Nepal. Can you tell me about the town you come from? 2. Has your family always lived in (your town)? 3. Where are you living now? 4. How often do you contact your parents? 5. Do you have any brothers and sisters? 6. Can you tell me what you are studying or where you are working at the moment? 7. What do you like about the work or study you are doing? 8. Describe your school or workplace. 9. What is/was your favourite subject at school? Why? 10. What hobbies do you have if any? 11. Why do you enjoy these activities/this activity? 12. What do you do and where do you go when you get together with your friends? 13. What kind of holidays do you like? 14. What sports do you play or like to watch? 15. What type of books do you enjoy reading? 16. Is there anything you find difficult in your present life?

Part II

Talk about a library that you belong to or have visited.

You should say :

Where it is located and how the library is organised. Who visits the library and why people go there. When and why you last visited the library. Part III And what rules the library. Now Id like to ask you a few more questions.

1. Besides lending books to borrowers, what other services are provided by a good library? 2. Does a library serve any other function in the community? 3. How has access to information changed over the last hundred years or so? 4. What are the advantages of using the Internet over visiting a library? 5. Are there any advantages of using a library in preference to searching the Internet? 6. Do you think that the Internet disadvantages some people over others? In what way? 7. Many people cannot read or write well in their own language. How can this be solved? 8. How can people be encouraged to read more? 9. What about electronic books- do they have a future?

Part I

1. Where do you come from? 2. Tell me about your family. What do your family members do for a living? 3. What do you and your family like to do together? 4. Where do you live now? 5. What kind of place do you live in (a house or a flat)? 6. Describe the neighbourhood that you live in at the moment. 7. Have you ever had a full-time job? If you have, tell me about it. 8. What are/were the advantages and disadvantages of this job? 9. Have you ever had a part-time job? 10. Did you enjoy your time at school? Tell me what you liked and what you didnt like. 11. Are you studying at the moment? If so, what are you studying and where? 12. What do you find most difficult about your study and why? 13. What is your favourite pastime? Why do you enjoy doing this? 14. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities? Why? 15. Do you belong to any clubs? If so, why did you join? 16. Do you read much? What do you like to read? 17. What else do you like to do in your spare time?

Part II
Describe a person who has had a major influence on you.
You should say :

Who that person is and what s/he looks like. How you first met His/her special qualities and characteristics. And why that person is so important in your life.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How do you think peoples attitudes to life have changed over the last hundred years or so? 2. How is your behaviour different to your parents behaviour? 3. What do you think has caused these changes- why have people changed so much? 4. How is modern life better than in the past? 5. In what ways was life better in the past? 6. Describe the main problems that people face living I the modern world. 7. Are there any solutions to these problems? 8. Do you think the way we live will continue to change in the future? In what way? 9. What do you think will be the greatest influence on young people in the future? 10. . and what are the greatest dangers that young people will face? 11. Who are the best role models for young people these days?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4.
a.

b. c. d. e. o o o o o

Could you describe your hometown? What would a tourist go to see there? How do people your age spend their weekends in your hometown? Do you enjoy living there? Why? Where do you work? How do you get there? What does an average day at work involve? How did you become interested in the type of work you do? Are there things you would like to change about your work? What are you studying at the moment? When did you decide to study these subjects? What influenced you to make this decision? Do you enjoy studying these subjects? How will they help you with your future career?

Part II

Describe a famous person whom you admire.

You should say :

Part III

Who this person is What he/she is like The length of time you have admired this person For what this person is well known And explain why you look up to this person.

Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What do you think about the wealth of the famous people? 2. How differently do the celebrities spend their money from the way we do? 3. Do you think the famous peoples earning is appropriate? 4. Describe the role marketing plays in famous peoples lives. 5. Is it necessary to do marketing in the lives of famous people? 6. How beneficial is it if famous people publicise? 7. Describe the responsibilities of the press towards famous people. 8. Is it right to report private details of famous people? 9. Do you think press can have positive or negative influence on the readers in relation to famous people?

Part I

a) Tell me about your family members. b) Where do they live? c) What is each person doing at present? d) Are there special times in the year that you spend together? e) Do you socialise with them at other times? 1. When did you first start learning English? 2. Which English skill do you find easiest to learn? Why? 3. In what ways do you practise your English? 4. How will improving your English benefit you personally? o What public transport is available in your hometown? o How much do fares cost? o Are there any discounts for students? o What hours does public transport operate? o Is it a system that you would recommend to others? Why?

Part II
Describe a place that is very special to you.
You should say :

Where it is What it is like there How often you go there How you feel when you are there And explain why this place is important to you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. o Describe the advantages of city living o What are the main differences between country and city living? o Where do you prefer to live? Got anything to comment on the current population in your hometown? Explain the changes in population growth over the past 20 years. Speculate on the future trend of population growth. Describe the hazards of urbanization Why do you think people move from country to city areas? Speculate on the effects of megacities of the future.

1. 2. 3.

Part I
1. Where do you live? 2. Do you have any brothers and sisters? 3. What do they do for a living? 4. What subject are you studying? 5. Why did you choose this subject? 6. How do you use English in your studies?

Part II
Describe what you like doing most in your free time.
You should say :

When you first started doing the particular activity How frequently you do it Whether you do it on your own or with other people And explain why you like it.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What do you think the advantages are of doing leisure activities?

2. Is a hobby like chess more important than say a physical activity like swimming? 3. In what way do leisure activities help us cope with modern life? 4. Should a leisure activity be incorporated in the working day? 5. Do you think life will be more stressful or less stressful, in future? 6. How do mental and physical activities improve health?

10 Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Please tell me your full name? Whats your nationality? Whats your first language? Do you know any other languages? Can you tell me something about your educational background? Tell me about your occupations and work experience. Got any personal interests? Describe a wedding you have been to or heard about.
You should say :

Part II

Who got married What they wore What they did on the day And explain how you felt about this wedding.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What kinds of events are popular in your country? 2. Do you think the youth today are following the culture honestly? 3. Is there any evidence that your culture is influenced by other cultures? 4. Do you think there will be just one culture in the world in the future?

11 Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. Where are you from actually? Can you tell me the kind of society you have in your hometown? How are elders treated in your society? Has there been much change in your hometown since you last visited there? 5. How safe is your hometown to live? 6. How are children viewed in your society?

Part II
Describe a wild animal that can be found in your country.
You should say :

What it looks like Where it lives What you like/dont like about it And explain how people in your country generally feel about it.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How are wild animals treated in your country? 2. Do you think every Nepali citizen advocates on animal rights? 3. Have human activities contributed to the loss of animals habitat? 4. Do you think human beings have exploited the animals a lot?

Part I

12

1. Do you have a large or a small family? 2. Can you tell me something about them? 3. How much time do you manage to spend with your family members? 4. What sorts of things do you like to do together? 5. Do you get on well with your family? [Why?]

Part II
Describe a teacher who has influenced you in your education.
You should say :

Where you met them What subject they taught What was special about them And explain why this person influenced you so much.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How has education changed in your country in the last 10 years? 2. What changes do you foresee in the next 50 years? 3. How do the expectations of todays school leavers compare with those of the previous generation? 4. What role do you think extracurricular activities play in education? 5. What method of learning works best for you? 6. How beneficial do you think it is to group students according to their level of ability?

Part I

13

1. Tell me about the most important festival in your country. 2. What special food and activities are connected with this festival? 3. What do you most enjoy about it? 4. Do you think festivals are important for a country? [Why?]

Part II
Describe a film or a TV programme which has made a strong impression on you.
You should say :

What kind of film or TV programme it was. When you saw the film or TV programme What the film or TV programme was about And explain why it made such an impression on you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you think the cinema has increased or decreased in popularity in recent years? 2. In your opinion, will this trend continue into the future?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of making films of real-life events? 4. How important do you think it is for a film-maker to remain true to the original story? 5. Should films and television be censored or should we be free to choose what we see? 6. How do you think censorship laws will change in the next 20 years?

Part I

14

1. What would you suggest a visitor should see and do in your country? 2. Are there any traditional arts or music you would recommend? 3. Tell me about the kind of foreign visitors or tourists who go to your country. 4. In what ways has tourism changed your country?

Part II
Describe a memorable event in your life.
You should say :

When the event took place Where the event took place What happened exactly And explain why this event was memorable for you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How important are ceremonies in our lives? 2. Do you see the role of private and public ceremonies changing in the future? 3. Have attitudes to marriage changed in recent years? 4. In what ways do men and women feel differently about marriage, in your opinion? 5. What sort of national events make headlines in your country? 6. Do the media in your country pay more attention to global or national events?

15 Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. What would you like to change in your daily routine? Are all your days the same? Tell me about your typical weekday and your typical weekend. What is the balance of work/study and free time in your normal day? Describe something you own which is very important to you.
You should say :

Part II

Where you got it from How long you have had it What you use it for And explain why it is so important to you

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What kinds of possessions show status in your country? 2. Do you think it was different for your grandparents? 3. Modern society is often called materialistic. Why do you think this is? 4. Do you think consumerism is a positive or a negative development? 5. What is the role of advertising? 6. How do you think the Internet will affect buying patterns in the future?

Part I

16

1. Are your friends mostly your age or different ages? Why? 2. Do you usually see our friends during the week or at weekends? Why? 3. The last time you saw your friends, what did you do together? 4. In what ways are your friends important to you?

Part II
Describe an interesting historic place.
You should say :

What it is Where it is located What you can see there now And explain why this place is interesting.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How do people in your country feel about protecting historic buildings? 2. Do you think an area can benefit from having an interesting historic place locally? In what way? 3. What do you think will happen to historic places or buildings in the future? Why? 4. How were you taught history when you were at school? 5. Are there other ways people can learn about history, apart from at school? How? 6. Do you think history will still be a school subject in the future? Why?

17 Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What kinds of food do you like to eat? What kind of new food would you like to try? Why? Do you like cooking? Why/Why not? What was the last meal you cooked? Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from the restaurant? Why?

Part II
Describe an interest or hobby that you enjoy.
You should say :

How you became interested in it. How long you have been doing it Why you enjoy it And explain what benefits you get from this interest or hobby.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you think having a hobby is good for peoples social life? In what way? 2. Are there any negative effects of a person spending too much time on their hobby? What are they? 3. Why do you think people need to have an interest or hobby? 4. In your country, how much time to people spend on work and how much time on leisure? Is this a good balance, do you think? 5. Would you say the amount of free time has changed much in the last fifty years?

6. Do you think people will have more or less free time in the future? Why?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

18
Do you have any hobbies or interest? What are they? How did you become interested in this hobby? What is there to do in your free time in your home town? How do you usually spend your holidays? Is there anywhere you would particularly like to visit? Why?

Part II
Describe a river, lake or sea which you like.
You should say :

Part III

What the river, lake or seas is called. Where it is What the land near it is like. And explain why you like this river, lake or

Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What do people enjoy doing when they visit rivers, lakes or the sea? Why do you think these activities are popular? 2. What benefits do you get from the activities they enjoy in the water? 3. What are the different advantages of going to the sea or to a swimming pool to enjoy yourself? What do you think the disadvantages are? 4. How does water transport, like boats and ships, compare with other kinds? Are there any advantages/disadvantages of water transport? 5. How important is it for a town or city to be located near a river or the sea? Why? 6. Have there been any changes in the number of jobs available in fishing and water transport industries? Why do you think this is?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

19

What place do you most like to visit? How often do you visit this place? Why do you like it so much? Is it popular with many other people? Has it changed very much since you first went there? In what way?

Part II
Describe a website you have visited.
You should say :

What the website was How you found the address for this website What the website contained And explain why it was useful to you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What effect has the internet had on the way people generally communicate with each other? 2. Why do you think the internet is being used more and more for communication? 3. How reliable do you think information from the internet is? Why? What about the news on the internet? 4. Why do you think some people use the internet for shopping? Why doesnt everyone use it in this way? 5. What kinds of things are easy to buy and sell online? Can you give me some examples? 6. Do you think shopping on the internet will be more or less popular in the future? Why?

Part I

20

1. Where do you live now? 2. Who do you live with? 3. What kind of place do you live in ( a house or an apartment)? 4. Do you think its better to live in a house or an apartment? Why? 5. Describe you neighbourhood. 6. Do you like it? Why or why not? 7. How do people choose their place to live?

Part II
Describe a gift you have received that was important to you.
You should say :

Who gave it to you and for what occasion What it looks like and how you use it Why it is important to you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Do you enjoy giving and receiving gifts? Why or why not? Who do you give gifts to? Who usually gives you gifts? In your country when do people usually give gifts? What kinds of gifts do they give? Do you think gift giving customs are different now than they were in the past? How? 7. Do you think they will change in the future? How?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

21

What kind of food do you enjoy eating? What are some kinds of food you never eat? Why? Do you generally prefer to eat at home or at a restaurant? Why? What are some reasons that people eat at restaurants? Describe a popular food in your country. Why do people like this food?

Part II
Describe a teacher from your past that you remember.
You should say :

What class the teacher taught you and how old you were. What the teachers special qualities and

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What kind of person makes a good teacher? 2. Why do people choose to become teachers? 3. Do you think education will change in the future? How? 4. How does technology affect education?

Part I

22

1. Do you have a job? Do you like it? Why or why not? 2. Why did you choose this job? 3. What kind of education 25 4. r training did you need to get this job? 5. If you dont have a job, what job would you like to have? 6. Why would you like this kind of job? 7. How can you prepare yourself to get this kind of job? How do people choose jobs? Describe a holiday that you have celebrated recently.

Part II

You should say :

What the purpose of the holiday is. Who you celebrated with When and where you went Why this holiday is important to you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What are some important holidays in your country? 2. Why do people celebrate holidays? 3. Do you think holiday celebrations have changed over the years? Why/why not? 4. How will holidays be different in the days to come?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4.

23

Who is your best friend? Why do you call this person your best friend? What makes this friend closer than your other friends? Do you think its better to have a large group of friends or a few close friends? 5. How do people choose their friends?

Part II
Describe a relative who you are like.
You should say :

Who the relative is and how close you are to them. What makes you and your relative alike. Why you think you and your relative have these shared qualities.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you enjoy spending time with relatives? Why or why not? 2. Which of your relatives do you spend the most time with? 3. Who do you spend the least amount of time with? 4. When do you and your extended family gather? 5. What types of traditions do you and your relatives have? 6. Do you think family members are more important than friends? 7. Is there anyone in your life who is not related but is considered part of the family?

Part I

24

1. 2. 3. 4.

What kind of food do you like? Tell me about any typical kinds of food in your country. In your country, is cooking a mans or a womans job? How do you feel about eating food from another country?

Part II
Describe a recent news story that you heard or read about.
You should say :

How you heard about the news story What people, places and events are involved How you felt about the news story And why you found this news story very interesting.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How important is the role of the newspaper in our daily lives? 2. Do you think newspapers are more or less reliable than television as a source of information? 3. What is the reasoning behind censorship? 4. Do you feel that what is reported in the media should be more strictly controlled or do you feel that there is too much censorship? 5. What personal qualities do you think make a good journalist? 6. To what extent do journalists have the power to change lives or situations?

Part I

25

1. Do you prefer outdoor or indoor games? Why? 2. How did you get interested in this game? 3. Did any one teach you? 4. How important do you think it is to have guidance?

Part II
Describe a photograph that you have taken yourself or seen in a book that you like.
You should say :

What the picture shows Where you saw it Why you particularly like it.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you like taking photographs/paintings/drawing? 2. Do you prefer photographs or paintings? 3. Explain the value of teaching art in primary and secondary schools. 4. What is the role of traditional arts and crafts in your country? 5. Are technology and the video camera changing our appreciation of photography?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4.

26

Do you go to cultural shows? What do you like most about such shows? Remember any interesting event where you took part? Do you think cultural shows will be more or less popular in the future?

Part II
Describe a character in a book you have read or a film you have seen.
You should say :

Why you chose this character When you read the book/ saw the film How this character influenced you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Would you like to be like this character? 2. Do you know anyone who is like this character? 3. What is the value of encouraging children to read stories or novels? 4. How do you think authors create characters for their books? Where do these characters come from? 5. Do you think film is the best medium for telling a story?

Part I

27

1. Do you prefer to have one particular friend or a group of friends? Why? 2. What do you like doing most with your friend/s? 3. Do you think its important to keep in contact with friends you knew as a child? 4. What makes a friend into a good friend?

Part II
Describe an important choice you had to make in your life.
You should say :

When you had to make this choice What you had to choose between Whether you made a good choice And explain how you felt when you were making this

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What are the typical choices people make at different stages of their lives? 2. Should important choices be made by parents rather than by young adults? 3. Why do some people like to discuss choices with other people? 4. What kind of choices do people have to make in their everyday life? 5. Why do some people choose to do the same things every day? Are there any disadvantages in this? 6. Do you think that people today have more choices to make today than in the past?

28

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4. How do most people travel to work where you live? What traffic problems are there in your area? Why? How do traffic problems affect you? How would you reduce the traffic problems in your area?

Part II
Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.
You should say :

What kind of game or sport it is Who you play it with Where you play it And explain why you enjoy playing it.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How have games changed from the time when you were a child? 2. Do you think this has been a positive change? Why? 3. Why do you think children like playing games? 4. Do you think competitive games are good or bad for children? In what way? 5. How can games sometimes help to unite people? 6. Why is competition often seen as important in todays society?

Part I

29

1. Which instrument do you like listening to most? Why?

2. Have you even learned to play a musical instrument? Which one? 3. Do you think children should learn to play a musical instrument at school? 4. How easy would it be to learn to play an instrument without a teacher?

Part II
Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.
You should say :

What you do Where you do it Who you do it with And explain why you think doing this is

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What do most people do to keep fit in your country? 2. How important is it for people to do some regular physical exercise? 3. Why do some people think that modern lifestyles are not healthy? 4. Why do some people choose to lead unhealthy lives? 5. Should individuals or governments be responsible for making peoples lifestyles healthy? 6. What could be done to encourage people to live in a healthy way?

Part I

30

1. How important are clothes and fashion to you? Why/why not? 2. What kind of clothes do you dislike? Why? 3. How different are the clothes you wear now from those you wore 10 years ago?

4. What do you think the clothes we wear say about us?

Part II
Describe a festival that is important in your country.
You should say :

When the festival occurs What you did during it What you like or dislike about it And explain why this festival is important.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Why do you think festivals are important events in the working year? 2. Would you agree that the original significance of festivals is often lost today? Is it good or bad? 3. Do you think that new festivals will be introduced in the future? What kind? 4. What role do the media play in festivals, do you think? 5. Do you think its good or bad to watch festivals on TV? Why? 6. How may globalization affect different festivals around the world?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4.

31

Do you prefer relaxing at home or going out in the evening? Why? When you go out for an evening, what do you like to do? How popular is this with other people in your country? Is there any kind of entertainment you do not like? Why/why not?

Part II
Describe a memorable sporting event that you participated in or watched.
You should say :

What the event was Why the event is memorable How you felt at the event And describe whether or not winning or losing is a significant memory.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What do you think are the most important qualities for friends to have? 2. Which are more important to people, their family or their friends? Why? 3. What do you think causes friendships to break up? 4. What other types of relationship apart from friends or family, are important in peoples lives today? 5. Have relationships with neighbours where you live changed in recent years? How? How important do you think it is for a person to spend some time alone? Why/why not?

Part I

32

1. What is your favourite colour? Why? 2. Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were younger? Why/why not? 3. What can you learn about a person from the colours they like? 4. Do any colours have a special meaning in your culture?

Part II
Describe a song or piece of music you like.
You should say :

What the song or music is What kind of song/music it is Where you first heard it And explain why you like it.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What kinds of music are popular with young people in your culture? 2. What do you think influences a young persons taste in music? 3. How has technology affected the kinds of music popular with young people? 4. Tell me about any traditional music in your culture. 5. How important is it for a culture to have musical traditions? 6. Why do you think countries have national anthems or songs?

Part I

33

1. Which part of your country do most people live in?

2. Tell me about the main industries there. 3. How easy is it to travel around your country? 4. Has your country changed much since you were a child?

Part II
Describe a well-known person you like or admire.
You should say :

Who this person is What this person has done Why this person is well known And explain why you admire this person.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What kind of people become famous people these days? 2. Is this different from the kind of achievement that made people famous in the past? In what way? 3. How do you think people will become famous in the future? 4. What are the good things about being famous? Are there any disadvantages? 5. How do media in your country treat famous people? 6. Why do you think ordinary people are interested in the lives of famous people?

Part I

34

1. What would you like to change in your daily routine?

2. Are all your days the same? 3. Tell me about your typical weekday and your typical weekend. 4. What is the balance of work/study and free time in your normal day?

Part II
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
You should say :

Where you got it from How long you have had it What you use it for And explain why it is so important to you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What kinds of possessions show status in your country? 2. Do you think it was different for your grandparents? 3. Modern society is often called materialistic. Why do you think this is? 4. Do you think consumerism is a positive or a negative development? 5. What is the role of advertising? 6. How do you think the Internet will affect buying patterns in the future?

Part I

35

1. What would you suggest a visitor should see and do in your country? 2. Are there any traditional arts or music you would recommend? 3. Tell me about the kind of foreign visitors or tourists who go to your country. 4. In what ways has tourism changed your country?

Part II
Describe a memorable event in your life.
You should say :

When the event took place Where the event took place What happened exactly And explain why this event was memorable for you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How important are ceremonies in our lives? 2. Do you see the role of private and public ceremonies changing in the future? 3. Have attitudes to marriage changed in recent years? 4. In what ways do men and women feel differently about marriage, in your view? 5. What sort of national events make headlines in your country? 6. Do the media in your country pay more attention to global or national events?

Part I

36

1. Tell me about the most important festival in your country. 2. What special food and activities are connected with this festival? 3. What do you most enjoy about it?

4. Do you think festivals are important for a country? Why?

Part II
Describe a film or TV programme which has made a strong impression on you.
You should say :

What kind of film or TV programme it was When you saw the film or TV programme What the film or TV programme was about And explain why this film/TV programme made such an impression on you.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Do you think the cinema has increased or decreased in popularity in recent years? 2. In your opinion, will this trend continue into the future? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of making films or real-life events? 4. How important do you think it is for a film-maker to remain true to the original story? 5. Should films and television be censored or should we be free to choose what we see? 6. How do you think laws will change in the next 20 years?

Part I

37

1. Do you have a large or a small family? 2. Can you tell me something about them? 3. How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family? 4. What sorts of things do you like to do together? 5. Did/Do you get on well with your family? Why/why not?

Part II
Describe a teacher who has influenced you in your education.
You should say :

Where you met them What subject they taught What was special about them And explain why this person influenced you so much.

Part III

Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. How has education changed in your country in the last 10 years? 2. What changes do you see in the next 50 years?

Part I

38

1. How do you usually contact your friends? Why? 2. Do you prefer to contact different people in different ways? Why? 3. Do you find it easy to keep in contact with friends and family? Why/why not? 4. In your country, did people in the past keep in contact in the same ways as they do today? Why/why not?

Part II
Describe a party that you enjoyed.
You should say :

Whose party it was and what it was celebrating. Where the party was held and who went to it. What people did during the party. And explain what you enjoyed about this

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What are the main reasons why people organise family parties in your country? 2. In some places people spend a lot of money on parties that celebrate special family events. Is this ever true in your country? Do you think this is a good trend or a bad trend? 3. Are there many differences between family parties and parties given by friends? Why do you think this is? 4. What kinds of national celebration do you have in your country? 5. Who tends to enjoy national celebrations more: young or old people? Why? 6. Why do you think some people think that national celebrations are a waste of government money? Would you agree or disagree with this view? Why?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4.

39

What kinds of thing make you laugh? Do you like making other people laugh? Why/why not? Do you think its important for people to laugh? Why/why not? Is laughing the same as feeling happy, do you think? Why/why not?

Part II

Describe an idea you had for improving something at work or college.

You should say :

When and where you had your idea What you idea was Who you told about your idea And explain why you thought your idea would make an improvement.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Some people think that education should be about memorizing the important ideas of the past. Do you agree or disagree? Why? 2. Should education encourage students to have their own new ideas? Why? 3. How do you think teachers could help students to develop and share their own ideas? 4. Should employers encourage their workers to have new ideas about improving the company? Why? 5. Do you think people sometimes dislike ideas just because they are new? Why? 6. What is more difficult: having new ideas or putting them into practice? Which is more important for a successful company?

Part I
1. 2. 3. 4.

40

Have you ever been in very cold weather? When? How often is the weather cold where you come from? Are some parts of your country colder than others? Why? Would you prefer to live in hot place or a cold place? Why?

Part II
Describe a competition (e.g. TV, college/work or sports competition) that you took part in.
You should say :

What kind of competition it was and how you found out about it. What you had to do What the prizes were And explain why you chose to take part in this competition.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. Why do you think some school teachers use competitions as class activities? 2. Do you think it is a good thing to give prizes to children who do well at school? Why? 3. Would you say that schools for young children have become more or less competitive since you were that age? Why? 4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of intensive training for young sportspeople? 5. Some people thin that competition leads to a better performance from sports stars. Others think it just makes players feel insecure. What is your opinion? 6. Do you think that it is possible to become too competitive in sport? In what ways?

Part I

41

1. Which is your favourite season? Why?

2. Why do you think some people like to work in summer season only? 3. Tell me about the most interesting thing you did recently. 4. Do you study about the climate of places you prefer to go beforehand? 5. Is the preference of the season the same with the rest of your family members?

Part II
Describe an interesting conversation you have had.
You should say :

W hat the conversation was. W whom and how long you talked ith And explain why you particularly like this talk.

Part III
Now Id like to ask you a few more questions. 1. What sorts of topics do you usually discuss with your family? 2. Do you think its a good idea to share every opinion with friends? 3. Can you tell me about the longest talk you have had on the phone? 4. Group- discussion, is it a common practice in your country? 5. Remember any embarrassing talk you have had? Topics :

Shopping habits, clothing