ALL PART 1 QUESTIONS

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Updated May 17, 2008

All Part 1 Questions

This page shows all the topics and all the questions for those topics that have been used from January 2006 to the present. It is now necessary to prepare for Part 1 by studying this page because examiners in China are sometimes now using past sets of questions and we don't know which past questions they will use. You can choose to just prepare the questions as listed on the page, 'Current Part 1 Questions' but it would be safer to also prepare for the questions that are listed on this page.

In your test, you will be asked questions from one of the first 3 topics (Topics 1 to 3), followed by two other topics.

Note that the topics and questions that are listed under, "Current Part 1 Questions" are not included here.

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Index

1a. Your Studies

1b. Your Work

2. Your Home (Your Accommodation)

3. Your Hometown

4. Bicycles

5. Birds

6. Clothes

7. Collecting

8. Computers

9. Daily Routine

10. Dance

11. Drawing or Painting

12. Family Life

13. Films

14. Flowers

15. Food/Cooking

16. Friends

17. Games

18. Housework

19. Gifts

20. Languages

21. Leisure Time & Relaxing

22. Letters & Emails

23. Meals

24. Music

25. Newspapers

26. Noise

27. Outdoor Activities

28. Parks and Public Gardens

29. People's Ages

30. Photography

31. Rain

32. Reading

33. Restaurants

34. Shopping

35. Sport/Exercise

36. Sports Teams

37. Telephones

38. Television and Radio

39. Transport

40. Travel

41. Weather

42. Weekends

43. Your Primary School

44. Your Secondary School

45. Family

46. Seasons

47. Names

48. Teachers

49. Art (Or, 'The Arts')

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1. Your Work/Studies

Do you work or are you a student?

1a. Your Studies

Your Subject (= your major)

What subject(s) are you studying?
Why did you choose to study that?
Do you like your subject? (Why?)
Is there anything about your subject you don’t like?
Do many people in China choose to study this subject? (Why?)
Is this a popular subject at your university? (= Do many students study this at your university?)
For university students: What's the most interesting thing about your subject? (Why?)
For high school students: Which of your subjects is the most interesting? (Why?)
For university students: How do you think your subject is important? (If the words of the question are these, you can answer how the subject is important to you, not just important to society. Or, mention how it is important in both aspects, to you personally and to society.)
For high school students: Which of your subjects do you think are the most important? (Why?)

Your Studies in General

What's the best part of your studies?

Your Course

Can you describe your course? (Not sure if the word here is 'subject', 'studies' or 'course'. The posting HERE [message # 26] seems to indicate that the word is 'course'. This is similar in meaning to your 'studies' - it includes all the classes you study, not just your main subject. An example of a 'course' is: 'A Bachelor of Civil Engineering course.')
What part of your course do you like best?
What's your favourite subject? (For high school students)
Which class do (did) you enjoy the most? (Why?)
What is the most difficult part of your course?

Your University/School

Where do you study? (What university/school and in what city?)
Why did you choose to attend your university/school (instead of choosing another one)?
(Similar to above) Why did you choose this school to study your particular subject?
Do you like your university/school? (Why?/ Why not?)
What do you most like about your university/school? (Why?)
(Similar to above) What part of your school/university do you like best? (Why?)
Would you say your school/university is a good one? (Why?)
Does your university/school specialize in any particular subject?

Time Spent as a Student

How long is your course? (How long do you have to spend studying before you graduate?)
How long have you been a student?
(Similar to above) How long have you been studying this course?
What year are you in?

Help With Studies

Is there anyone who helps (helped) you (with your studies) at university/school? (Who? In what way?) (Who gives you the most help?)

Friends at University/School

Are you good friends with your classmates (schoolmates)?
(Similar to above) Do you get along well with your classmates (schoolmates)?
(Similar to above) How do you get along with your classmates (schoolmates)?
(Similar to above) How do you feel about your classmates?
(Similar to above) Do you like your schoolmates?
Do you ever talk to students who are studying different subjects to you? (= students from different courses)
Do you think you will continue to be friends with him/her/them after you graduate?
(Similar to above) In the future, do you think you and your friends will continue to be together (or, continue to be friends)?
How do you think you will maintain your friendship(s) after you graduate?
(Similar to above) How will you keep in contact if you are not together?
(For graduates) Have you kept up (maintained) your friendships from university (school)?
Are there any classmates/schoolmates who you dislike (disliked)? (Who? Why?)
Do you often get together with ( = go out with = do things in your free time with ) your classmates after classes? (What do you do?)

Holidays

What holidays from university/school do you have during the year?

Extra-Curricular Activities

Does your school/university have any extra-curricula activities? (What?) ('Extra-curricular' = 'after school')

Being A Student

Do you enjoy being a student? (Why?/Why not?)
When you start working, do you think you'll enjoy that more than being a student?
For you, what's the most enjoyable part of being a student?

Future Work

Do you have any particular work or study goals? *
What are your future work plans?
Do you think it will be easy for you to get a job after you graduate?
After you graduate, what effect do you think you will have on society?
After you start working, do you think you will prefer that kind of life to being a student?

Further Studies

If you were to pursue further studies, would you choose to continue studying this subject?

Sitting for the IELTS Test

Why did you decide to sit for the IELTS test?
Which country are you preparing to go to?
Why did you choose that country?

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1b. Your Work

What work/job do you do?
Why did you choose this job / that kind of work? (or, that job)
How long have you been working?
How long have you been doing this job?
How did you get this job?
Do you work full-time or part-time? (Why?)
Is your job a popular choice in China? (Why?)
Is your job (your work) very important to you? (Why?/Why not?)

Job Details

What do you mainly do at work?
(Similar to above) Can you give me a brief description of your work (your job)?
(Similar to above) What are your main responsibilities at work?
(Similar to above) What do you do in a typical day at work?
(Similar to above) Tell me about your typical daily routine at work.
What are the main skills needed for your work?
Do you think what you studied (in university/college or high school) was useful for your work?
What's the most difficult part of your job? (See Note)

Liking Your Job

Do you like/enjoy your job? (Why?/Why not?) = 'How do you like your job?' (= How do you feel about your job?)
Would you recommend this job (or, this kind of work) to your friends (to others)?
What part of your work do you like best?
(Similar to above) What is the best thing about your job?
Is there anything you don’t like about your job?
Do you prefer working to being a student? (Why?/Why not?)

Interest

Would you say it's an interesting job? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Are you very interested in your job? (How? or Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Is your work interesting? (How?/Why not?)
Do you work more for interest (job satisfaction) or for the money?
What is the most interesting part of your work?
Do you meet many interesting people in your work? Or: Are there many interesting people at your workplace?

Changing Jobs

What is the biggest problem you have at work?
Would you like to change your job? Or: Are you planning to change your job in the near future? (Why?/Why not?)
Are you planning to change your job in the near future? (Why?/Why not?)
If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you choose to do?
(Similar to above) Would you like to continue working in this company for a long time?
Do you think you will continue to do this type of work (or, this job)?
What are your future work plans?

Help With Work

Is there anyone who helps you with your work? (= helps you do your job)
How do you and your work colleagues help each other at work? (Or: Do you and your colleagues help each other at work? How?) (Or: Who gives you the most help at work?)

Working Conditions

Do you think people today have a bigger work load (or, more work pressure) than people did several decades ago?
Do you think there should be a minimum and a maximum working age for people? * (See NOTE)

Socializing with Colleagues

Do you often get together with your colleagues (workmates) after work? (What do you do?)

Holidays

What holidays from work do you have during the year?

Work Goals

Do you have any particular work goals? *

Sitting for the IELTS Test

Why did you decide to sit for the IELTS test?
Which country are you preparing to go to?
Why did you choose that country?

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2. Your Home (Your Accommodation)

See NOTE

Basic Facts

What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?
(Similar to above) What sort of accommodation do you live in at the moment - a house or a flat? (If you live in a dormitory but the examiner only gives you the choice of flat or house, you can begin your answer by saying something such as, "Well, neither, actually. I live in a dormitory at my university.")
Who do you live with?
How long have you lived there?
Can you describe the place where you live? = Please describe your home a little. (Talk mostly about the place, not the people you live with.)
Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
What do you usually do in your house/flat/room?

Improvements/Decorations

Do you think your home (or, the place where you live) needs any improvements?
What improvements do you think your home needs?
What kind of decorations does it (do the rooms/does your room) have?
(Similar to above) How do you decorate (or, how have you decorated) your home? (or, your bedroom or your part of your dorm room)
What kind of housing is most popular in China?
In the future, what kind of place would you like to live in?

Liking the Place Where you Live

Do you like it? (Why?)
What part of your home do you like the most?
(Similar to above) What would you say is the best thing about your home?
(Similar to above) What do you like most about your home?
What do you least like (= like least) about your home?
Which is your favourite room? (Why?)

Around Your Home (Your Neighbourhood)

Are there many people living near you?
Do you know all your neighbours?
How well do you know your neighbours?
(Similar to above) How (well) do you relate to your neighbours?
What kind of people are your neighbours?
Do you spend much time socializing with your neighbours in your neighbours' homes? ('socializing' = talking to; 跟他们一起玩 )
What are the surroundings like there? (= What is the neighbourhood like?)
Do you like the environment (around) where you live?
Would you say the place where you live is good for families with children? (Hint: Children need a place to play outside.)
What public facilities are there near your home?

Moving

One of the following questions might be asked.

Do you plan to move?
Would you like to move to another place to live? (Why? Where?)
Are you prepared to move? (This means: 你愿意搬家吗? Or: "If, in the future, you have to move, are you ready to do that?") People report on the bulletin boards that the question is: 你准备搬家吗? Most probably this is the question that is used.
Have you (ever) thought of moving to a different place? (Why?/Why not?)
(If the words of the question are these, the meaning is 你(在任何时候)想过搬家吗?)
Are you preparing to move to a different place soon? ( = Are you planning to move soon?) (Why?/Why not?)
Are you planning to (= thinking about) moving to live in a different place? (Why? Where? /Why not?)
(Similar to above) If you had the opportunity, would you move to a different place? (Why? Where? /Why not?)
In the future, what type of place would you like to live in?
What kind of neighbourhood/environment/surroundings would you like to live in?

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3. Your Hometown

Basic Facts

Whereabouts (=where) did you grow up? (Or, Where were you born?)
(Similar to above) Where are you from?
Is that a city or is it in the countryside?
(Similar to above) Are you from a city or village (countryside)?
Do you still live there?
Does (do) your family still live there?
Do you still visit your hometown?
How do you visit your hometown? (=What kind of transport do you use to go there?)
Who do you visit in your hometown?
Where do you live now?
Why do you live there/here?
Do you like the city where you are living now?
(Similar to above) Which place do you prefer, your hometown or the city where you are studying or working?

Description of Your Hometown

What kind of place is your hometown? (= Describe your hometown)
(Similar to above) Could you describe your hometown a little?
(Similar to above) Please tell me something about your hometown.
What work do the people in your hometown do?
How do people get to (= go to; travel to) work?
Are the people in your hometown very friendly?
(Similar to above) Is your hometown a friendly place?
What's the most famous (= well-known) place in your hometown?
What's the oldest part (the oldest area/section) of your hometown?
(Similar to above) What's the oldest structure in your hometown? (= the oldest existing structure)
(Similar to above) What's the oldest thing in your hometown? (See NOTE)
How has your hometown changed in recent years? (E.g., the past 20 or 50 years or since you were a child)
(Similar to above) In what way has your hometown changed the most in the past few years?
(Similar to above) What part of your hometown has changed the most in the past few years?

Your Feelings/Opinions about Your Hometown

Would you say it's a good place to live/grow up?
Would you say it's a good place for young people to live/grow up?
(Similar to above) Would you say it's a good place for children to grow up?
(Similar to above) (Similar to above) Would you say your hometown is a good place for (families with) children to live? (See NOTE.)
What do you like best about your hometown? (See NOTE)
(Similar to above) What part of your hometown do you like best? (Why?) (= What's the best thing about your hometown? = What do you find most attractive about your hometown?)
Would you retire there when you are old?

Visitors to Your Hometown

Do many people visit your hometown (as tourists)?
(Similar to above) Do people from other places often visit your hometown? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Do people like traveling to (or visiting) your hometown? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Is your hometown a good place for visitors (tourists)?
(Similar to above) Does your hometown have any tourist attractions?
(Similar to above) Would you say your hometown is suitable for tourists to visit? (Why?/Why not?) (See NOTE)
What do visitors see or do when they go to your hometown?
(Similar to above) Does your hometown have any special tourist attractions?
What forms of transport do visitors use to come to your hometown?
How could your hometown (be improved in order to) attract more visitors?
Would you say your hometown is suitable for development as a tourist spot (or, tourist attraction)? (Why?/Why not?)

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4. Bicycles

Are bicycles popular in your city? (Why?/Why not?) [Note: 'common' & 'popular' are not always the same.]
What kinds of people ride bicycles?
Do you often ride a bicycle? (Why?/Why not? Where? When?)
How long have you ridden a bicycle? (= How many years have you known how to ride a bicycle?)
What do you think are the advantages (and disadvantages) of
bicycles compared to cars?
Would you say bicycles are suitable for people of all ages?
Can you think of any people who are not suited to riding a
bicycle? (Hint: very young, very old and disabled people)
(As above) Who is most suitable for riding a bicycle and who is
least suitable?
Do you think bicycles are suitable for present society?

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5. Birds

How do you feel about birds? (Why do you feel that way?)
How do Chinese people feel about birds?
Are there many birds near your home?
Have you seen many different kinds of birds? (near your home)?
Do any birds have any particular significance in China? For
example, does China have a national bird?
Do you think birds should be protected? (Why? / Why not? How can
they be protected?)
Do Chinese people like raising (keeping) pet birds?
Have you ever raised (kept) a pet bird?
What did you feed it?

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6. Clothes

Styles/Types of Clothes

What kinds/styles of clothes do you like to wear? (Why?)
(Similar to above) What kind of clothes do you like best? (Why?)
(Similar to above) What kinds of clothes do you usually wear?
Do your friends have the same tastes in clothes as you? (= Do your
friends wear the same kinds of clothes as you? Or: Do the people
around you wear the same kinds of clothes as you?) (See NOTE)
Do you think you will still be wearing the same kinds of clothes
when you are old? (You could include what you think you will be or won't
be wearing when you are old.)
Do you prefer informal (= casual clothes = leisure clothes) or formal clothes? (Why?)
Do you feel comfortable when wearing formal clothes? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you think formal clothes are important?
When do people wear formal clothes?

Fashion

Do you think clothes are important to people? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Are clothes very important to you?
What kinds of clothes are popular in China?
What do you think of modern fashions?
Do you like the latest fashions? (Why?/Why not?)
Is the brand of clothes important to you? (Why?/Why not?)
What clothes materials do you like best? (Why?)
Do any people in China still wear traditional Chinese clothing?
How (much) is traditional Chinese culture being affected by
foreign clothes styles?

Different People Wearing Different Clothes

Do students and working people wear the same kinds of clothes?
Do you think the clothes a person wears are important?
What can you learn about a person from the clothes they wear?
(Similar to above) How does the clothes a person wears represent that person?

Shopping for Clothes

How often do you go shopping for clothes?
Do you like shopping (for clothes)? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you like window-shopping for clothes? (Why?/Why not?)
Why do some people frequently go shopping (for clothes)?
Do you think some people pay too much attention to clothes?
Do you think some people spend too much time/money on shopping (for clothes)?
Do you think people spend too much time choosing their clothes? (See NOTE)
Do men and women have the same ideas (feelings) about clothes?
Do you like buying clothes on the internet?

Uniforms

Do you think employees in a company should wear a uniform?
Are you (would you be) willing to wear a uniform at work?
(Similar to above) How do you feel about wearing a uniform?
In China, are students allowed to wear different clothes to other students? (See NOTE)

The Colour of Clothes

Do people care about the colour of their clothes? (Why?/Why not?)
How about you - do you care about the colour of your clothes? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Do you think the colour of one's clothes is important? (Why?/Why not?)
What's your favourite clothes colour? (Why?)
When you buy clothes, how do you choose the colour?
Do any colours have special meaning in your culture?
Do you think colour(s) is (are) important in daily life?

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7. Collecting

Do you collect anything?
Why do you collect ....(that/those things)?
Is collecting a popular pastime in China?
What items are considered collectibles in your country?
Does anyone in your home collect anything?
Do a lot of people in China collect things and what do they
collect?
What are the benefits of collecting? (= Why do people like
collecting?)

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8. Computers

Do you use computers very much?
When was the first time you used a computer?
(Similar to above) When did you learn how to use a computer?
What do you use computers for?
(Similar to above) What part do computers play in your life?
Have computers changed (= influenced) your life in any way? (If
yes, how?)
Are computers used much in your country?
Do you think computers are useful (or important) in everyday
life? (How?)
(Similar to above) What role do computers play in modern life?
(Similar to above) Do you think computers are important in
everyday life?
(Similar to above) How are computers useful to people?
Do you think computers have changed our lives for the better? (How? Compare today & our lives in pre-computer times.)
Computers are now used a lot in education. What do you think of
this?
(Similar to above) In China, when do children at school use a
computer?
(Similar to above) Computers are now used a lot in the
education of children. What do you think are the advantages of
this?
(Similar to above) Do you think computers are good or bad for
children?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's a good or a bad thing to teach children how to use a computer?

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9. Daily Routine

What are you usually doing at this time? (See NOTE)
Do you do the same thing(s) every day?
Tell me something about your daily routine.
(Similar to above) Please describe your typical daily routine. (Summarize your
typical day - morning, afternoon & evening. Avoid using 'will' -
use the present tense. Of course, the question refers to your typical Monday to Friday day.)
(Similar to above) What do you do in a typical day?
(If you do not work) For you, what's the best time of day for
studying?
(If you work) For you, what's the best time of day (or, day of
the week) for working?
What part of the (= your) day do you like best? (Why?) (= What
part of your daily routine makes you the happiest? Or = What part of the day are you most efficient?)
(Similar to above) What's your favourite time of the day? (Why? What do you do at
that time?)
If you could make one change to your daily routine, what would
it be?
(Similar to above) Would you like to change anything about your daily routine right
now (or, about your life)? (If yes, what?/Why?)
If you had more free time, what would you do?
Do you get together with your fellow students/work colleagues
(=classmates/workmates) after classes/work? (What do you do?)
[This question is possibly in the Work/Studies topic.]
Do you like to plan what you will do each day? (Why?/Why not?)
How do you plan your day?
What do you usually do at this time of day? (= What are you
usually doing at this time of day?)
Do you usually do the same things at the same time each day?
How do you plan (organize) your study time?
Do you ever (or, do you often) change these plans?
Can you think of any improvements to your daily routine?
(Similar to above) What do you usually do for leisure or
entertainment in your free time?

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10. Dance

Do you like to dance? (Why?/Why not?)
What kind of dancing do Chinese people like? (Unsure if the question
meaning is, ‘like to watch’ or ‘like to perform’ or both.)
When do Chinese people like to dance?
Does China have any traditional dances?
Is traditional dance still popular today in China? (Why?/Why
not?)
Is there much difference between traditional dancing and modern
dancing? (What?)
What kinds of dancing are popular with young people in China?
Do old people in China like the same kind of dancing as young
people? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think is the influence of dance on society?

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11. Drawing (or Painting)

Have you ever learned to draw (or paint)?
Do you like drawing (or painting)?
Did you like drawing (or painting) when you were a child?
(Why?/Why not?)
Do you draw (or paint) now? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Do you ever (or, often) draw pictures in your spare time?
How often do you draw (or paint) something?
What kind of pictures do you like to draw?
Do you think drawing (or painting) is difficult?
Do you think it's important for children to learn to draw?
What do you think are some of the benefits for children from drawing (or painting)?
Do adults draw (or paint) very often?
What do you think about adults drawing (or painting)?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important for adults to learn to draw?
What are the benefits of drawing (or painting) for adults?
What's the difference between an adult and a child learning to draw?
Do you think a person can teach him or herself how to draw (or
paint)?
To draw (or paint) well, what factors do you think are
important?

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12. Family Life

Is family very important to you? (Why?)
How much time do you spend with your family?
If you were married, how many children would you choose to have?
(Why?)

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13. Films

How often do you go to the cinema?
Are most of the people in the cinema usually children or adults?
How much time does it take to watch one film?
How much time do you spend watching films?
Who do you usually watch films with?
Do you prefer to watch films in a cinema or at home? (Why?)
What kind of films do you like to watch? (Why?)
Is there any kind of film that you don't like to watch? (Why?)

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14. Flowers

Do you like flowers? (Why?)
Which/What is your favorite flower?
What are the occasions when people send or receive flowers?
(Similar to above) When do Chinese people give flowers to other people?
When was the last time you gave (sent) flowers to someone?
What meaning do flowers (= does giving flowers)
have for Chinese people?
What flowers have special meaning in China?
Do people in China like growing flowers?
Does anyone in your family like growing flowers?

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15. Food/Cooking

Is food important to you? (Why?)
What kinds of food do you particularly like?
Is there any food you don’t like? (Why?)
What kinds of food are most popular in China? or, What kinds of
food do Chinese people (like to) eat?
Do you like cooking? (Why?/Why not?)
Who usually does the cooking in your home?
Do you prefer to eat at home or in restaurants? (Why?) (What
are the advantages of home cooking?)
Who do most Chinese people usually eat with? (Why?)
Do you often eat with your family? or, Do Chinese people (or
you) prefer to eat with family or with friends? (Why?)
Do you think it's important for people to eat with their family?
(Why?)

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16. Friends

Is friendship (= are friends) important to you? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you prefer to spend time with friends or spend time alone?
(Why?)
What kind of people do you like to have as friends?
Do you like to spend time with friends? (Why?)
What do you and your friends do together?
What do your friends think of you? (Do your friends think that
you are a good friend? Why?)
Are friends more important than family? (Why?)
How do Chinese people make friends? (= where, in what
situations, e.g. at school & at work.)
Do adults and children make friends in the same way?
Do you like face-to-face conversations with people? (See NOTE)
Do you like meeting new people?
(Similar to above) Do you like talking to strangers?
(Similar to above) Do you like making new friends?
What kinds of people do you like to make friends with?
How do people get to know (get to meet) new people?
Do you think it's easy to form new friendships?
How long does it take to get to know a person? (See NOTE)
When was the last occasion you met someone new?
Have you met any interesting people recently? (See NOTE)
(Similar to above) When (or where) was the last time you met someone interesting?
Can you remember your first (or, your earliest) friends? (Who
were they?)
How will you make new friends in the future?
Do you think it's possible to become real friends with the people you meet on the internet, for example, on chat sites or personal introduction sites? * (See NOTE)

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17. Games

Do you often play games? (Include examples such as: chess; majiang (= mahjong in English), weiqi, card games, word games, drinking games, computer games etc. and children's games such as hopscotch and hide-and-seek.). Don't choose sports games such as basketball, ping-pong etc.
(Similar to above) Do you like to play games? (Why? What games?)
(Similar to above) What games do you like to play?
Can you play this game with friends?
How do people learn to play this game?
Can you get information about this game on the internet?
Are there other ways to get information about this game?
What benefits do you get from playing this game?
(Similar to above) What benefits do people get from playing
games?
Do different age groups of people like to play different games?
(Give examples - What games?)
What games are popular in China?
What's the most popular game in China?
How have computers influenced the games people play?
Do you know of any games that are studied in university? (Hint: Games Theory) *
What can people learn from games?

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18. Housework

Note: "Housework" and "homework" are two different things!

Do you usually do any housework?
Who usually does the housework in your home?
Do you like to do housework? (Why?/Why not?)
What housework do you least like doing? (Why?)
Who usually does the housework in your home?
When you were a child, did you ever do any housework?
Do you think it's important for children to do some housework?
(Similar to above) Do you think children should lend a hand around the home? (Why?/Why not?)
If a child helps do some of the family housework, how do you think this affects the child's development?
What do you do to help the family?

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19. Gifts

Do you often give gifts to people?
What was the last gift you received?
What was the last gift you gave someone?
Do you like giving presents to other people? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Do you often give presents to other people?
(Why?/Why not?)
When considering a present to give to someone, how do you (or, how do people) select this gift?
When do people in China give gifts? (On what occasions?)
(Similar to above) What are some of the gift-giving customs in
China?
In China, is it necessary to bring a gift when you visit
someone?
What sorts of things do they bring?
In China, is it necessary to bring gifts when you return home
after traveling to another place (such as overseas or a
different part of China)?

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20. Languages

What languages do you speak?
Besides English, have you studied any other languages?
When did you start to study that?
What do you think of your level in that language? (= Can you
speak it well?)
If you had the opportunity to study another foreign language,
which one would you choose? (Why?)
Is it difficult to learn a foreign language? (Why?/Why not?)
What is the most difficult part about studying a foreign
language?
What is the value of knowing a foreign language?
What do you think is the most effective way to learn a foreign
language?
Why do people learn a second or third language?
Do you think it's important to learn foreign languages?
(Why?/Why not?)
Why did you choose to study English?

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21. Leisure Time & Relaxing

The Way You Relax

When do you have free time?
How do you like to relax? (What’s your favourite way to relax?)
How do you relax?
(Similar to above) When you relax, what do you like to do? (See NOTE)
(Similar to above) What do you like doing in your leisure time? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Do you have any hobbies or interests? (= What are your hobbies
or interests?)
Do you have enough time for your hobby (hobbies)?
What do you do in your holidays (= vacations)? (= How do you
spend your holidays?) Or: How do people in China spend their
holidays?
In your leisure time, what do you usually do with your friends or
family? (= Do you do things in your leisure time with friends or
family? What?)
Do you think it's important to spend your leisure time with your
family? Why?
Do your friends ever come to your home in their free time? What
do you usually do together?

Relaxing - People in General

How do Chinese people like to relax?
What do people in your hometown do to relax?
Does your hometown have many facilities for entertainment?
How does the way Chinese people like to relax compare
with western countries?
Compare the way people in China relax today and the way they
used to relax many years ago.
How do you think people will relax in the future?
What are some of the public holidays that China has?
Can you think of any hi-tech products that play an important role in the leisure/entertainment industry?

The Importance of Relaxing & Leisure Time

Do you think it's important to have leisure time?
(Similar to above) Do you think it's important for people to spend some time relaxing? Why?
Do you think it's easy for people to relax (nowadays)?
How could we (or one, or you) find more time for leisure?
Are holidays important (to people/to you)? (Why?) Or: Do you
think holidays are necessary? (Why?) Or: Why do we need to have
holidays?
(Similar to above) Do you think holidays are important? (See NOTE)
What changes can one make to one's life in order to be more
relaxed?
Besides relaxing people, does watching television bring any
other benefits to people?

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22. Letters & Emails

Do you often write letters? (Or: How often do you write letters?)
Who do you usually write to and what do you write about?
What (do you think) is the most difficult kind of letter (or
email) to write? (Why?)
Do you often send emails?
Do you think emails are useful?
How do you prefer to contact people, by email or by phone? (Why?)
Do you prefer to write letters or emails? (Why?)
What role do emails (or letters) play in your life? ( = Why do
you write these emails or letters?)
How do you feel when you receive letters?
How often do you write letters?
How often do you write emails?
What kinds of emails (or letters) do you most like receiving?
(Why?) (= What kinds of emails/letters make you happy?)
What are the differences between handwritten letters and emails?
Do you think it is a good thing that some companies send out
letters/spam emails for the purpose of advertising?
Do you like writing letters to your relatives and friends?
(Why?/Why not?)
Do you and your friends keep in touch by (handwritten) letter?
How do you keep in touch with (= keep in contact with) your
friends and relatives? (... by email, letter, by phone or some other way?)
Do you usually write letters to people or do you usually use a
cell-phone or email?
(Similar to above) When you communicate with people, do you
prefer to write a letter, write an email or call on your
cell-phone? (Why?)
(Similar to above) How do you communicate with others at work –
by email or is it more convenient to communicate face-to-face?
What kinds of emails do you send and receive? (Business emails?
Personal emails?)
Compare emails and (handwritten) letters.

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23. Meals

Which meal do you prefer, lunch or dinner (supper)? (Why?)
What do you usually eat for lunch?
What do you usually eat for your evening meal?
Do you prefer to eat three full meals a day or do you prefer to
eat many snacks throughout the day?
(Similar to above) Do you think it is better to eat one big meal
a day or is it better to eat several smaller meals each day?
Which meal of the day do you think is the most important? (Why?)
Do you think breakfast is important? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Is there any special food that you particularly like? (See NOTE)
Would you like to try any new food? (If yes, give an example &/or say why.)
Do you like cooking (or, preparing your own meals)? (Why?/Why
not?)

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24. Music

Do you like music? (Why? What kind?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Is music important to you? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) How important is music to you? (Why?)
When do you listen to music?
What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
How often do you listen to (that type of) music?
Where do you listen to it?
What kinds of music are (most) popular in China?
Have you ever been to a musical performance?
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
(Similar to above) Do you or do any of your friends know how to play a musical instrument?
(Similar to above) Do you play any musical instruments?
If you had the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, what
instrument would you learn? (Why?) [If the examiner asks "
...what instrument would you learn?" you should answer, "I would
learn the violin." or some similar answer. If the examiner asks
you, " ...what instrument would you like to learn?" then you
should begin your answer with "I'd like to learn the violin".
See HERE for more on this grammar point.]
(Similar to above) What musical instrument would you like to learn to play?
Which instrument would you prefer to study - the
piano or the violin?
What musical instrument do you most enjoy listening to ( = enjoy
listening to most)? (Why?)
Have you ever listened to someone play this instrument? (Who?)
Is music an important subject at school in China?
When do children in China start to study music in school?
What benefits do children gain by studying music (learning a
musical instrument) (in school)?
Do you think it's important for children to learn (to play) a
musical instrument?
In what ways does music affect people?
Compare the music that young people like and the music that
old(er) people like.
Why do many old people dislike pop music?

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25. Newspapers

Do you often read newspapers?
(Similar to above) Are newspapers an important part of your everyday life? (Why?/Why not?)
How old were you when you first started to read newspapers?
Do you think it's important to read newspapers? (Why?/Why not?)
Why do (you think) people read newspapers?
What different types of newspaper are there in China?
Do you care about the news?
Is the news important (to you)?
What kinds of news do Chinese people read in newspapers?
Do you prefer to read about domestic (or local) news or
international news? (Why?)
What are some methods that newspapers use to attract readers?

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26. Noise

Do you mind noises? (Do any noises bother you?)
What type of noise do you come across in your daily life?
Are there any sounds that you like?
Are cities becoming noisier?
What are some of the advantages of quiet places?
Would you like to work in a noisy place? (Why?/Why not?)

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27. Outdoor Activities

What do you do in your spare time?
What outdoor sports do you like? (Why?)
How much time do you spend outdoors every week?
How often do you do outdoor activities?
What are some examples of outdoor sports that are popular in
China?
Do you think people in China spend enough time outdoors?
(Why?/Why not?)
(As above) Do you think it's important to spend some time
outdoors? (Why?/Why not?)
[Possibly the question above is worded as, "Is taking part in
outdoor activities important to you?" (Why?)]
Can children play sport at school in China?

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28. Parks and Public Gardens

Are there many parks or public gardens where you live (or, in
your hometown)?
Do you often (or, ever) go to a park or a (public) garden?
How often do you go there?
What do you (like to) do when you go to a park or public garden?
What do other people do in these places?
When do other people go there?
Do you think parks and public gardens are important to a city?
(Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) Do you think every city and town should have
parks and public gardens? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) What do you think are the functions of parks and public gardens? (See NOTE)

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29. People's Ages

Your Personal Feelings about Your Age

Do you enjoy being the age you are now?
(Similar to above) Do you like your present age? (Why?/Why not?) (= Would you prefer to be a different age to the age you are now?)
If you could change your age, what age would you choose to be?
do you think is the best age to be?
What age do you think will be the best (happiest?) in
your future?

People's Ages in General

What do you think is the most important age in a
person's life? (Why?)
(Similar to above) In China (or, in Chinese culture), what's the most important
age in people's lives? (Why?)
Are birthdays important in Chinese culture?
What birthday is most important in Chinese culture?
In China, which birthday is more important, one's 18th birthday or one's 20th birthday?
Do you think people have different pressures at different times of their life?
What age do you think is the happiest in people's lives?
What age in life is the most difficult? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Which age is the most tiring for
people?

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30. Photography

Photography and You

Do you like to take photographs? (Why?)
(Similar to above) Do you like photography (= taking photographs/taking pictures)? (See NOTE) (Why?/Why not?) (When you 'take a photograph' you are the person
using a camera, that is, standing behind the camera, not the
person standing in front of the camera!)
Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people
take photos? (Why?)
How long have you liked taking photographs? (Include 'since' or
'for' in your answer. E.g., '... since I was about ten years
old' or '... for about 5 years'.)
How (why) did you become interested in photography?
How often do you take photographs? (You should include an
approximate time, such as 'about once every 2 or 3 months.')
In what situations do you take photographs?
What kind of photos do you like to take? (Why?)
Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery? (See NOTE)
Who do you take photos of? (See NOTE)
How do you keep your photos?
Do you keep your photographs on your computer?
Are there any photos on the walls of your home?
Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos? (If yes,
which? & why?)
Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that
you took yourself? (Why?) (Or: As a souvenir of a place that
you visit, do you prefer to buy a postcard or take a photograph
yourself?)

Photography and People in General

Is photography a popular hobby in China?
Why do (you think) some people do not like taking photographs?
(Similar to above) What types of people don't like taking photographs?
What is the value of taking photographs?
Why do you think some people like taking photographs when they
visit another place?
Do Chinese people like to visit photograph exhibitions? What
kind of photos do they like to look at?
Do you think being a photographer would be a good job? (Why?/Why
not?)
Why don't some people like having their photo taken? (See NOTE)
(Similar to above) Why do some people dislike having themselves
photographed?
What factors make a good photograph?

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31. Rain

Does it rain much in China? (Where? When?)
Do you like rainy days? (= How do you feel on rainy days? = Do
you feel sad on rainy days?) How does rain affect different people’s moods? (Or: How does rain effect people's lives?)
What do you do on rainy days (or, on a rainy day)?
Do you think rain is good? (Why?)
Is there any part of China where it doesn't rain much? (Where?)
(or: Is there an even distribution of rain throughout China?)
What effects can a shortage of rain (a drought) have on people's
lives?
When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hometown?
What about the other parts of China? (In which season does it
rain most in other parts of China?)
Can you remember any time when it rained particularly heavily in
your hometown? (When?)
Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?)
Do you think the seasons have changed in recent years, compared
to the past? (Why? How?)

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32. Reading

See NOTE

Do you like reading? (Why?/Why not?)
How much reading do you do everyday?
When did you learn to read?
What kinds of things do you like reading?
What types of book do you dislike reading?
(Similar to above) Are there any types of book you dislike
reading?
Did you read much in your childhood?
Where do you usually read?
Do you do much reading at work?
What reading materials do different kinds of people like?
What reading materials do young people (e.g. aged 15 to 25) like
to read?
Do Chinese children (or, young people) today like reading? (Make Guesses: Why?/Why not?)
What types of people like reading?
Why do some people dislike reading?
Do you think reading is important? (Why?/Why not?)
What is the function of (the purpose of) reading?
Have you ever given a book as a gift to a friend?
Do you think a 'book club' (where people discuss & exchange books) is a good idea? (Exact wording unclear)

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33. Restaurants

Do you usually go out to eat or do you usually eat at home?
How often do you go to a restaurant (to eat)? (Do you often go
to restaurants (to eat)? How often?)
Why do you (or, why do people) go to restaurants?
What kind of restaurants do you like? (prefer) (Why?) (Or, How
do you choose which restaurant to go to?)
What kind of restaurants do young people in China prefer? (Why?)
What do you usually do there?
What kind of foods do you (or Chinese people) like to eat in
restaurants?
How (do you think) restaurants have changed, over the past few
years? (=How are restaurants today different to those of
before?)
How do you think they will (might) change in the future?
What skills do people need to work in a restaurant?
What are the qualities of a good restaurant?

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34. Shopping

Do you like shopping? (Why?/Why not?)
(Similar to above) How do you feel about going shopping?
(Similar to above) Do you like to go shopping? (Why?/Why not?)
Do you often go shopping?
(Similar to above) How often do you buy something (in a shop)?
What do you like buying? (Or: What do you usually buy?)
What do you think is the most difficult (or, unpleasant) part
about shopping?
(Similar to above) What don't you like about shopping?
(Similar to above) Is there anything you don't like about
shopping?
Who usually does the shopping in your home?
(Similar to above) Who does most of the shopping in your family?
Where do you like to shop?
Do you have a regular time to go shopping?
What do you usually buy when you go shopping?
Are there many shops near your home? (What kind?)
(Similar to above) What places for shopping are there near your home?
What type(s) of shop do you prefer to go to? (Why?)
Do you prefer shopping in small shops or big supermarkets and
department stores? (Why?)
Would you say the people who work in those shops (the people who serve you) provide good service?
(Similar to above) Do these shops provide good service?
What type(s) of shop would you recommend a visitor to China go to? (Why?)
Do you like to go window-shopping? (Why?/Why not?)
How do you think shopping has changed in China since you were
born?
(Similar to above) In China, how has shopping changed in the past few decades?
Do you think people spend too much time (or money) on shopping? (Why?/Why not?)
What kinds of people spend an excessive amount of time or money on shopping?
Do you like shopping for clothes or other goods on the internet?
What do you think are the advantages of buying things on the internet?
Do you think there are there any disadvantages (or dangers) from buying on the internet? (What?)

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35. Sport/Exercise

Sport/Exercise and You

Do you like to do daily exercise? (Why?/Why not?)
What sports or exercise do you like to do? (Why?)
(Similar to above) What sport or exercise do you do?
How do you do it?

Exercise and People in General

Do Chinese people like to do daily exercise?
What forms of exercise are most popular in China?
Where do people in China usually exercise?
What are the advantages of doing regular exercise?

Sport and People in General

What sports are most popular in China?
Are boys and girls good at the same sports?
What sports do children prefer?
(Similar to above) Do you think sport or exercise helps (= benefits) people? (How?)
Why do you think people like (to participate in) sport?
Do you think primary school children should have sports classes
at school? (Why?/Why not?)

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36. Sports Teams

Do you like sport? (Why?/Why