IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions -The Cultural Impact of Overseas Travel

The Cultural Impact of Overseas Travel
• Why do so many Chinese people want to go abroad? (Possibly not just referring to travel
but also to all travel including study & migration.)
• Compare the benefits of traveling abroad with domestic tourism.
• When people travel to places that are different to where they come from, what effects does
this have on these people?
• Do you think travelling (overseas) can contribute to a person's education?
• What can people learn from overseas travel?
• Do you think people can learn anything about themselves from overseas travel?
• What is the importance (or value) of experiencing different cultures?
• With more and more students going abroad to study, what effect do you think this has on
China when they come back?
• In the past 20 or 30 years, have people's attitudes towards overseas travel changed in
China?
• What factors determine how people decide which country to go to?
• How do people decide which country to go to?
• What overseas country would you most like to visit? (Why?)
• Do you think traveling to that country would help you understand the culture of that country
more? (If yes, how?)
• Why do people like to buy things when they travel abroad?
Preparations Before Overseas Travel
• What are some of the things people have to do before they can travel (or, go) overseas?
• Is it easy to get a visa to most countries? *
• Does it take long to get a visa now? *
• What do people need to do before going abroad to study?
• How do you think traveling abroad to study is different to what it was to several decades
ago?

Tour Group Travel
• How do you think individual travel (as a tourist) and travelling in a tour group are different?

• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling in a tour group?
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A Gift
Describe a special gift that you (recently) gave to a friend.
You should say:
what the gift was
when you gave this gift
who you gave it to
how you got this gift
and explain why you chose that particular gift. *

Note
• The wording seems similar to Topic # 85. In fact, it might be the same as Topic #85 but
with a few different part 3 questions.
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Possible follow-up questions:
• Was he/she (the receiver of the gift) very grateful?
• Would you like to receive this same gift from someone?
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic # 85
Gifts
• In China, when (on what occasions) do people give gifts to others?
• What sorts of things do they give?
• Do people today still give the same kinds of gifts that people used to give, many years ago?
• Why do people like to receive gifts?
• What are some of the possible different reasons why give gifts to other people?

• Do you think it's suitable to give money as a gift?
• Do you think it's a good idea for people who are doing business with each other to exchange
gifts?
• Why do some people not give gifts to others very often?
• Why do some people not like giving gifts?
• How do people decide on what gift to give a person? (I.e., what factors do they consider?)
• Do you think it's suitable to give the same (kinds of) gifts to young people and older
people?
• Do you think something that you made yourself is suitable as a gift?
• Which do you think is better, to give something you made yourself or to give something
you bought? (Answer & compare)
• Why do some people prefer to buy a gift rather than make a gift themselves?
• Compare giving a gift with receiving a gift. What are the differences between the two?
• Some people don't like receiving gifts. Why do you think they feel that way?
• There are some people who like to give presents to others but don't like receiving presents.
Can you guess why they feel this way?
• What do you think makes people happier, to receive a gift to to give a gift? (Why?)
• Would you say it's true that the more a person gives you gifts, the more it shows that this
person likes you?
• Do you think that expensive gifts are (always) a sign of true friendship?
• What is the difference between a "precious" (or, "valued") gift and a "valuable" gift? *
• What kinds of things do people in China give as wedding gifts?
Other Ways to Give, for example, Helping Others
See also Part 3, Topic #156
• Do you think people today are more willing, or are they less willing to help others than they
used to be? (Why do you say that?)
• Do you think that people of different ages need different forms of help?
• What should be done to help people find suitable jobs?
• In schools today in China, are children taught the importance of consideration for others?
• Do young people in China help old people (or, older people) very much?

• Why do you think young people should help old people?
• How can young people help the elderly? (Or, older people) ('old' = your grandparents;
'older' = your parents and grandparents)
• Are people today willing to do volunteer work?
• Are people today more willing to do volunteer work than people 20 or 30 years ago?
• Do you know how charities work? (= how they are operated)
• Can you suggest any ways that charities could encourage people to help others more? (I.e.,
to do charitable work or donate money to charity.)
Awards and Rewards
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #43 that are related to rewarding people
Rewards
• Do you think we should give rewards to people who help others?
• Do you think we should reward a child when he or she does something good?
• What are some suitable ways to reward a child for doing something well, such as doing well
at school?
• Do you think that children should always be offered an incentive (a reward of some kind)
when parents ask their children to do something?
• Do you think it's always a good idea to reward children?
• What do you think is the best way to reward people for doing a good job at work?
Awards
• Do you know the difference between an 'award' and a 'reward'?
• What are some examples of international awards, for example, Olympic medals?
• Do you think these awards are good (or, are useful)?
• What do you think is the value of these awards?
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IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 Topics and Questions
Page 33

161. A Photograph (3) (July 12, 2008)

162. Someone You Enjoy Spending Time With (2) (Aug. 16, 2008)
163. An Important Letter You Wrote (May 10, 2008)
164. Your Favourite Season (2) (Sept. 6, 2008)
165. Clothing for Special Occasions (Sept. 6, 2008)

RETURN TO PART 2 TOPIC INDEX
FQ = frequent question = a question that has frequently been reported = a question that is probably
in the examiner's question book
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A Photograph (3)
Describe a photograph that is important to you.
You should say:
where (and when) you saw this photograph
what (or who) is in the photograph
when this photograph was taken
and explain why this photograph is important to you.



Notes:
• It seems that on about July 12, some new Part 3 questions started to be used for the
'Photograph' topic. For this reason, the topic is being treated as a new topic.
• So far, the wording of this new Part 2 is a little unclear. It is possible the first line is,
"Describe a photograph that impressed you." (or, " a photograph that had an effect on you")
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------------- Possible follow-up questions:
• Do other people like that photograph?
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------------- Part 3

See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #110
See what this note says about the meaning of the words, 'my photograph'
Personal Photography
(Instead of the words, "take a photograph", the words, "use a camera" might be used for some of these questions.)
Basic Facts about Personal Photography
• What are some situations when people take photographs?
• Can you give me an example of a happy time when you took a photograph?
• Do you think it's important for a person to have photographs of his or her life through the
years?
• What is the value of keeping photographs of one's life over the years?
• In general, do people in China prefer to take photos of scenery or of people?
Feelings about Taking Photographs
• Do you like taking photographs?
• Why do some people dislike taking photographs?
• Some old people don't like taking photos. Can you suggest some reasons why?
• Compare cameras today with those of, say, 30 years ago.
• Some people dislike (using) a camera. Can you suggest who and why? FQ
Feelings about Having One's Photo Taken
• Why do some people dislike having their photo taken?
• Are there any cultural reasons (in China) why some people might not want their photograph
taken?
"I'm shy about people taking my photo."
Attributes of Photographs
Attractive Photos
• What makes a photograph attractive to people?
• What kind(s) of photographs are most attractive to people?
• What are some differences between photographs today and photographs 20 or 30 (or 50)
years ago?
• Do you think colour photos are more attractive than black and white photos?
Attention-catching photographs

• When you're walking outdoors, what are some examples of the scenes that can especially
catch your attention?
• What are some ways that a photograph can catch people's attention?
• What are some examples of (or an example of) photographs that catch the attention of
people?
• What types (usages) of photographs especially catch people's attention?
• What are the attributes (qualities) of these photographs that make them so attention-
catching?
• Do you think a photograph can affect a person's judgment? (or, opinions or beliefs)
'Good' and 'Bad' Quality Photographs
• What do you think makes a 'good' photograph?
• Sometimes a person doesn't like (the look of ) a photograph that he or she has taken. What
are some the reasons why these people don't like these photographs?
• Do you think photographs taken by professional photographers are better quality than the
photos that average people take?
• Do you think the quality of the photograph is (always) more important than the contents of
the photograph?
• What are some reasons why a person might throw away (or tear up) a photograph?
• Do you think people should throw away photographs that are not good quality?
• Some people don't like to throw away photographs even when the quality of the
photographs is not very good. Can you guess why they feel that way?
• Do you think a photograph that someone takes could ever become valuable (= worth
money)?
Preserving Photographs
• Do you think it's important to preserve (or keep) photographs?
• How can that be done?

Other Uses of Photographs
• Do you think photography has (or, photographs have) any relationship to culture?
Photographs and History

• What is the value of photographs in the study of (or, the representation of) history? FQ
• What do you think is the value of having (old) photographs in museums? FQ
• Sometimes a photograph can change a person's understanding of, or attitude towards a
certain historical event. Why (or, how) do you think this happens? See this photo
Photography in the Media
• Do you think photographs are a useful means of communication? (How? Give examples.)
• How are photographs used in the (news) media?
• (Similar to above) What is the value of using photographs in the news media? FQx2
• (Similar to above) What is the value of using photographs when reporting a news story in
the media? FQx2
• Why do newspapers sometimes have photographs with their news stories? FQx2
• What qualities do you think photographs in newspapers should have?
• Do you think photos in newspapers always give an accurate portrayal of news events?
The Impact of Photos on People
• Do you think a photograph can influence people's ideas? FQ
• In what ways do you think photographs can influence people?
• Can you think of any photos in newspapers (or news magazines) that greatly moved you
(or, that left a deep impression on you)? (How did it/they affect you?) FQ
• (Similar to above) How do some photos in newspapers leave a strong impression on
people?
• Do you think photos in newspapers are sometimes too powerful (or, overpowering)?
• Do you think a photograph could (have enough impact to) change the world? (E.g., a very
high-impact photo in the news)
• If there were no photographs in newspapers or magazines, what would (or, what could)
journalists do to make up for the absence of photos? (This question is testing your
grammar)
Photographs as Art
• Why do some people especially like looking at photographs and paintings?
• (Similar to above) What benefits can people derive from visiting an art exhibition or art
gallery? FQ

• What benefits can children derive from visiting an art exhibition or art gallery? FQ
• How are paintings and photographs different (and how are they similar)? FQx2
• (Similar to above) Do people look at photos and paintings in the same way?
• Compare artists (painters) and photographers. Do they use the same skills?
• Tell me about the visual arts in China, for example, painting. *
Photographs in Advertising and Marketing
• How are photographs used in advertising and marketing?
• Can you give an example where photographs are very useful in advertising?
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162. Someone You Enjoy Spending Time With (2) (Aug. 16, 2008)
Version A
Describe someone you enjoy spending time with.
You should say:
who this person is
how you know this person *
what you do together *
and explain why you like to spend time with this person. *

Version B
Describe someone you would like to spend time with.
You should say:
who this person is
how you know this person *
what you would like to say to (or ask) this person *
what you would do together *
and explain why you would like to spend time with this person. *


Notes

• It is not clear if it is Version A or Version B, but it is probably Version A.
• If it is Version A, it is probably more or less a repeat of Topic #106.
• If it is Version B then the title of the topic should be, "Someone you would like to spend
time with".
• Be careful if it is Version B. See Notes
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------------- Possible follow-up questions:
• Do others also like to spend time with him/her?
• Do you think you'll (still) like to spend time with Him/her in the future?
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 106.
Friendship
• Do you think people have more free time today than they did before? (Why?/Why not?)
• What are the sources of pressure in people's lives?
• How do you think people can (or do) deal with this pressure?
• In general, do you think people spend more time with friends or with family?
• Do you feel that you, personally, will remain friends with your parents for a long time?
• Is that the same for people in the countryside and people in the cities?
• When people are together with their friends, do they usually prefer to chat or to watch TV?
• What are some ways to make new friends?
• What are some ways that people can help colleagues or classmates?
• What are some methods for maintaining a friendship with someone who is living far away?
• Can men and women become genuine friends?
• Can work colleagues (workmates) become friends?
• Do you think employers and employees can become friends?
The Relationship Between Individuals and Groups
• Which do you think is more important, to be an individual or a member of a group? *
• In life, for example, at work or as a student, what can people do when they need help? FQ

• At work or in school do you think people need to (or should) help each other? FQ
• Do you think it's better for a person to study alone or in a group?
• (Similar to above) Do you prefer to study alone or study with others? See Note
• Some people say there are advantages and disadvantages from studying or working with
others. What do you think?
• If a person is always working or studying alone, what do you think the result might be?
• How would you feel about working in an organization composed of only one person – you?
• In the future, do you think students will be studying and working more as individuals or
more in groups? FQ
• What is the value of teamwork? FQ
• (Similar to above) Do you think teamwork is important? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
• How do you help your colleagues at work?
• Do you think it's important for nations to have good international relations with other
nations?
• What impact do you think small businesses have on the world?
• Are there any disadvantages from being a member of a group?
Interpersonal Relationships in Society
• Do you think people today are closer to other people or more isolated from other people,
compared to the past?
• In general, what are the factors that are most important for having good communication
between people?
• Do you think modern people have enough time to communicate with others?
• When do you have free time to spend with your family?
Community Size
• Do you think the closeness of people to each other is related to the size of a community?
For example, are people who live in cities as close to each other as people who live are in
villages?
• What do you think future relationships between people will be like?
Modern Technology and Interpersonal Relationships
• How have mobile phones and the internet improved the way people communicate today

(compared to the days before we used these inventions)?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of, on the one hand, using mobile phones and
the internet to communicate and, on the other hand, of face-to-face communication?
• In the future, do you think the use of high-tech communication equipment will enhance co-
operation between people or hamper co-operation?
• Do you think the internet has brought people closer together, with it's communication
capability or has it created a greater gap between people? FQ
• At home, do you think the computer has a good effect on family life?
• In the future, do you think these inventions will lead to people spending time with other
people less than they do today? FQ
• What would be the advantages and disadvantages of spending less time with other people?
• (Similar to above) What are the advantages of modern-day electronic forms of
communication?
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163. An Important Letter You Wrote (May 10, 2008)
Describe an important letter you wrote.
You should say
who you wrote to
when you wrote it
what you wrote
and explain why you wanted to write to this person. *
or
and explain why you wrote that letter. *

Notes
• This has been the topic in use since May 10, 2008. Topic #105, 'An Important Letter You
Received' was last reported on April 19, 2008.
• The card might say, ' ... important letter or message'. If the card says that, a posting on an
internet message board or an email should be suitable to use as your answer. In fact, even if

the card doesn't say that, such examples might be suitable. Ask the examiner.
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------------- Possible follow-up questions:
• Do you often write letters?
• Did you receive a reply? *
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See also the Part 3 questions for Topic # 105.
Communication
• What are the different types of letters that people write? (= the different purposes for
writing letters. E.g., business letters, love letters, invitations, applications for a job, ...)
FQx2
• Besides letters, what are some other ways to communicate with someone?
• Do you think people will continue to use (hand-written) letters in the future?
• When do you think a phone call is more suitable and when is a letter more suitable? FQx2
• (Similar to above) Compare the advantages of letters and the advantages of phone calls.
FQx2
• How have mobile phones and the internet improved the way people communicate today
(compared to the days before we used these inventions)? FQ
• (Similar to above) What are the advantages of modern-day electronic forms of
communication? FQx2
• Of all the different ways to communicate (emails, faxes, hand-written letters, phone calls &
text messages), which way do you think is the most effective? (Why?)
• What are some differences (and similarities) between emails and handwritten letters?
• Do you think there are any disadvantages from using those methods of communication?
• Do you think a photograph can communicate much information?
International Language
• Do you think it would be a good idea to have an international language so people all over
the world could communicate with each other? FQ
• Do you think this will happen in the future?

• Do you think now is a good time to have an international language?
Communication at work
• Do you think good communication is important at work?
• What are some examples of jobs where people need to have good communication skills (or,
ability)?
Communication Skills; Face-to-face Speech
• With the greater use of modern, hi-tech means of communication, would you say that
people today communicate better with others than they used to?
• In general, what are the factors that are most important for having good communication
between people? FQx2
• Why do you think some people are good at interpersonal communication while others are
not so good? FQx2
• What are the advantages of face-to-face communication? FQx2
• Which do you think creates a more powerful impression on people, to be told something
face-to-face or to be told by letter? (Why?) FQx2
Letters to the Editor
• Do you think writing letters to newspapers is important? FQ
• (Similar to above) What is the value of writing letters to newspapers?
Emails
• What sorts of people write emails? *
• Why don't many old people write emails?
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164. Your Favourite Season (2) (Sept. 6, 2008)
Describe your favourite season or time of the year.
You should say:
what season (or time of the year) it is
what the weather is like at this time
what you usually do at this time
and explain why you enjoy that season or time of the year.

Notes
• Since the topic card almost certainly says, " ... or time of year", it should be ok to talk
about a time such as the Spring Festival or your school summer vacation.
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------------- Possible follow-up questions:
• Is that also your friends' favourite season?
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------------- Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #25 and Topic #95.
The Different Seasons
• Is there anything you don't like about that season (the one you just talked about)? (What?
Why?)
• What's the difference between 'season' and 'weather'?
• What are the differences between the different seasons in China? FQ
• Please briefly describe the different seasons in China. FQ
• What are the signs that the season is changing (for example, from summer to autumn)? FQ
• Which season would you say is the best for tourism?
• Which season do you like best for sport?
• In general, how do you think climate of a place effects the people who live there?
• What are the different things that people can do in different seasons (or, in hot weather and
in cold weather)?
Climate and Living Place
Climate in Different Parts of Your Country
• What's the climate (or, weather) like in your hometown?
• How does the climate in your hometown compare with other parts of China?
Living in Hot versus Cold Places
• What kind of climate do most people prefer to live in? Why? (Hint: a mild or warm climate)
• In general, do you think people prefer to live in (very) hot places or in (very) cold places?
FQ

• (Similar to above) If people had to choose between living in a very hot place (very hot in
summer) and a very cold place (very cold in winter), which place would they prefer?
• (Similar to above) Which do you prefer, cold weather or hot weather? FQ
• (Similar to above) In general, do you think people prefer to live in hot places or in cold
places?
• Why do some people live (or, prefer/choose to live) in cold places? FQ See Note
• (Similar to above) What are some of the good points about cold weather? FQ
• (Similar to above) What are some of the advantages from living in a place that has cold
winters? FQ
• Why do many children like winter?
• In general, how do you think temperature affects people?
• Do you think the personality (or, character) of people who live in cold climates is
influenced by the climate? FQ
Work in Different Seasons - FREQUENT TOPIC
• Do you prefer working in the winter or in the summer?
• How does the weather (or, the seasons) effect people's work? (Does it place any restrictions
on work)? FQ
• (Similar to above) What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in the summer
and in the winter? FQ
• Are there any jobs for which people are especially hired in a particular season (or a
particular time of the year)?
• Can you think of any examples of work that don't exist in all four seasons?
Changes in Weather Patterns (esp. Global Warming )
• In general, how does the weather effect people's lives (or, affect society)?
• Do you think the weather patterns (the climate) have changed much in recent years in your
hometown? (Hint: The question is referring to global warming.)
• In your opinion, is 'Global Warming' really taking place? *
• Do you know what is causing Global Warming? *
• What does 'the Greenhouse Effect' mean? *
• Can you explain how this 'Greenhouse Effect' works? *

• (Similar to above) Have you seen any effects of (or, evidence of) global warming in your
country?
• How does (or will) global warming affect the community?
• (Similar to above) In the future, what do you think will (possibly) be some of the effects of
global warming? FQ
• In the future, do you think Global Warming will affect the way people work?
• What is the government doing about (preparing for) these changes?
• What do you think the government could/should do about this? *
• Would you say that Chinese people feel climate change is an important topic? FQ
• (Similar to above) For Chinese people, how important is protecting the environment? FQ
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165. Clothing for Special Occasions (Sept. 6, 2008)

Describe an item of clothing that you wear on special occasions. *
You should say:
what this clothing looks like
where you bought it
on what special occasions you wear it
and explain why you wear it on special occasions. *
or
and explain what other people think about this item of clothing. *

Note
• The wording might be, "Describe something you wear on special occasions". If this is the
case, there are other things that people 'wear' besides clothes. See Notes
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------------- Possible follow-up questions:
• Do other people like your _______? (The thing you just talked about)
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Part 3
See also the Part 3 questions for Topic #67 and the previously used Part 1 Clothes questions.
Clothes Choices & Fashion
• Do Chinese people spend much money on clothes? (Why?/Why not?) FQ
• What about you - do you spend much money on clothes?
• What sorts of clothes do you like to wear?
• Have the clothes that people wear in China changed much in the past 20 or 30 years?
• Do old(er) people and young people think the same about clothes?
• Do you think people's tastes in clothes change at different stages of their life?
• Do you think a person's job affects the kinds of clothes that person wears?
• (Similar to above but different) Quite often people choose to wear clothes that fit their
requirements. Can you give any examples of that?
• Do you think different lifestyles are reflected in the different types of clothes people wear?
(Give examples) FQ
• (Similar to above) Do you think you can learn anything about a person from the clothes
they wear? (E.g., their identity, interests, income, personality, mood (feeling) etc.) FQ
Formal & Casual Clothes
• Compare formal clothes and casual (informal) clothes. FQx2 See Note
• (Similar to above) What are the differences between formal and casual clothes? FQx2
• In China, what are some occasions when people wear formal clothes? FQx2
• Do you think people today wear formal clothes today more often than they used to, (or less
often than they used to)? FQx2
• Do you think restaurants should have a 'dress code'?
• What's your opinion of people who wear formal clothes?
• In China, what are some occasions when people wear casual clothes? FQ
• What style of clothes (formal or informal) do you think is most suitable for people working
in an office? (Why?)
Fashion
• Why do you think fashions in clothes seem to be constantly changing? FQ