IELTS SPEAKING P2

How To Speak in Part 2Starting from this page, you will be able to read several different suggestions to help you speak better in Part 2 and avoid some mistakes. Click on the blue links to read more details.1.How Part 2 is ConductedSummary: The examiners all give the same instructions to all candidates. If you are still talking at the two minute point, the examiner will say, "Thank you" and you must stop.2.What Skills is Part 2 Testing?Summary: All the skills (pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency and coherence) are tested. But Part 2 especially tests your fluency and coherence skills.3.Is Part 2 like a Speech?Summary: Part 2 is definitely not like a speech in a Speech Contest. It is like giving a short story in any natural conversation situation. So don't memorize an answer, word-for-word. If the examiner realizes your answer is memorized, you will lose points!4.Understanding the Instructions on the CardSummary: a) Make sure your answer includes any key adjective or adverb that is in the first line. b) The words, "You should say" really mean, "You should include these points but also include other suitable points".5.How to Best Use Your 1 Minute of Thinking TimeSummary: This is brainstorming time.a.Mentally note the verb tense for each point on the card.b.Check your first idea to see if it really is the best idea.c.Divide the paper into four parts and write a key word or two to address each of the fourpoints. Then write a few key words (at least one) to represent extra details.d.Don't write full sentences. Spend most of the time imagining as many ideas (details) aspossible.6.How to Begin TalkingSummary: A formal-sounding introduction is unnecessary. Instead, 'jump straight into the story'. A particularly strong first sentence includes a relative pronoun (such as 'which' or 'who') and a summary of your answer to the last line of the card.7.How to Finish TalkingSummary: If you have finished but the examiner does not say, "Thank you" immediately, tell the examiner you have finished. Two other possible ways to more clearly finish are, a) by repeating the topic or, b) by repeating the main point, especially your main feeling in your story.8.How to Answer the One or Two Follow-up QuestionsSummary: a) Not every candidate as asked a follow-up question. b) Most follow-up questions are'Yes/No' questions. c) Give a short answer but not just a simple "Yes" or "No".9.Grammar in Part 2Summary: There are six main grammar points that are especially important in Part 2:1.Verb tense or verb form2.The first, complex sentence3.Being consistent when using, "he", "him", "his", "she" and, "her".4.Reported Speech (间接引语)5.Perfect Modals (情态动词完成式)6.Looking for opportunities to show conditional sentences (条件句)10.Do I Have to Tell the Truth?Summary: You don't have to tell the truth. Examiners know that sometimes candidates don't have a real example from their own lives to answer the card. But true stories are often spoken more convincingly, are easier to speak and result in a story that has a more unified (= coherent) feeling.11.Try to Make Your Story Interesting!Summary: Part 2, like all parts of the test, is a situation of communicating naturally with another human being, not just 'giving a performance'. As well as that, the more interesting the story, the less the examiner will notice your small errors. A story is interesting when the listener receives new information about your country, China, and new information about you, which includes your feelings and opinions.243. A Modern Building (2) (January 9, 2010)Describe a modern building that you think is interesting.You should say:[where it is *]what it is used forwhat it looks likehow you know about this buildingand explain what you think is interesting about this building.∙Are there many modern buildings in your hometown?Part 3Old and Modern Buildings∙What are some of the main differences between modern buildings and buildings from the past (or, "of the past" or, "in the past"). FQx2 See Note∙Do you prefer old buildings or modern buildings? FQx2∙What do you think are the advantages of modern buildings over old buildings? FQx2∙(Similar to above) Compared to old buildings, what benefits do modern buildings bring us?FQx2∙(Similar to above) In what ways is it more convenient to use modern buildings (than old buildings)? FQx2Styles of Buildings∙Do you think the (outside) appearance of a building is important? FQ∙(Similar to above) Do you think the style of a building's design is important? FQ∙Which do you prefer, traditional architecture or modern architecture? FQ∙Do you think it is reasonable for governments to spend a great deal of money on building ornate government buildings? FQ∙Do you think government buildings should be more practical (or, functional) than attractive?FQx2∙Do you think interesting modern buildings can (or, could) be used to attract tourists? FQ ∙(Similar to above) Do you think cities could use interesting buildings as a way of attracting tourists? FQ (Perhaps this question does not specify modern buildings.)∙(Similar to above) Do you think it's important for cities to have attractive buildings, such as government buildings, in order to make the city more interesting for visitors to the city? FQCity LifeModern Cities (esp. facilities)∙(Similar to above) What facilities do you think modern cities should have? FQ244. A Wild Animal (2) (January 9, 2010)Describe an interesting wild animal from your country. *You should say:where you learned about this animalwhat it looks like *where it livesand explain why you think this is an interesting animal.Possible follow-up questions:∙Do your friends also like that animal?Part 3∙Zoos∙Do you think zoos are good or bad? FQx2∙(Similar to above) Do you think it's good to keep wild animals in zoos? FQx2∙(Similar to above) Compare the good and bad points of zoos. FQx2∙Why do you think so many cities have zoos? FQx2∙(Similar to above) What is the purpose of having a zoo? FQx2∙(Similar to above) Why do we put wild animals in zoos? FQx2∙In your opinion, what features should a good zoo have? FQ∙Compare a nature reserve and a zoo, as places for wild animals to live. FQ∙Do you think zoos might disappear in the future? FQ∙(Similar to above) In the future, do you think people will still be going to zoos to see wild animals? FQ∙What future developments do you think we will see concerning zoos? FQx2The Protection of Wild Animals∙(Similar to above) Why do you think wild animals should be protected? FQx2∙In what ways does human activity result in the extinction (or near extinction) of some animal species? FQ∙At present, many animals are already facing extinction. How do you think average citizens could (help) protect wild animals? FQMankind's Relationship with Animals∙Why do you think films or books for children so often include animals? FQ∙(Similar to above) Why do you think films or books for children so often have animals as the leading characters in the film or book? FQ253. A Walk with a Friend (Jan. 23, 2010)Describe a walk with a friend that you remember (or, enjoyed). *You should say:when it waswho you walked withwhere you walked[what you talked about *]what happened during the walkand explain why you remember (or, enjoyed)Part 3Walking∙(Similar to above) Do people in China walk very much? FQ∙(Similar to above) Do people today walk more than people used to in the past? FQx2∙(Similar to above) In previous years, did people used to walk more than today, or less? FQx2∙How do you think people could be encouraged to walk more? FQx2∙Why do you think office workers prefer to drive to work or take public transport, rather than walk or ride a bicycle? FQ∙(Similar to above) Why do most people take the bus or drive to work instead of walk to work?FQ∙What are the benefits of walking? FQx2∙Do you think exercise is important? (Why?) FQ∙Do you think computers have influenced the amount of walking that people do? (hint: internet, working from home) FQ∙Do you think people will walk more than they do now in the future? FQ255. A Well-known Story from Your Country (Jan. 9, 2010)Describe a well-known story from your country.You should say:who told you the storywhen you (first) heard itwhat it was aboutand explain how you felt when you heard this story. *orand explain why this story is so well-known. *Part 3Children's Stories∙Why do you think (little) kids like listening to stories? FQx2∙(Similar to above) Do you think (young) children prefer to be read a story or to read a story themselves? (Why?) FQx2∙(Similar to above) Parents often read bedtime stories to their children. Why do you think children like that? FQx2Traditional (Children's) Stories∙(Similar to above) Do kids prefer to listen to traditional stories or modern stories? FQ ∙Are traditional (children's) stories still popular in China? FQ∙Do you think (traditional) stories are an important part of one's culture? FQ∙In what ways has modern technology affected the popularity of traditional culture? FQ ∙Do you think Hollywood productions (films & TV) cause people to pay less attention to traditional culture?∙(Similar to above) What do you think are some good ways to maintain the popularity of traditional stories? FQ∙Do you think everyone can be taught the ability to write a story? FQ256. An Exciting Message (Jan. 23, 2010)Describe an exciting message you received by phone, email or text message. *You should say:what the message waswho it was fromwhat you did after you got this messageand explain why this was important news for you. *orand explain why you felt excited by this message. *Notes∙The word used might be "news" instead of "message".∙Make sure you know the differences (in meaning, usage and pronunciation) between the two words, "exciting" and "excited". And make sure you know the differences (in meaning andpronunciation) between the two words, "message" and "massage"!∙Someone has reported that the adjective used is "interesting", not "exciting". You should prepare for this possibility. (I always thought "exciting message" was a bit strange because it is rare for a person to receive a message that could be described as "exciting".)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Possible follow-up questions:∙Did you share that news with anyone?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Part 3Communication Skills∙How important do you think communication between people is? FQ∙Do you think it's important to have good communication skills? FQ∙In what situations do you think communication is very important? FQ∙Do you think communication is more important between parents and their children or betweena husband and a wife?∙In general, do you think it's easy for people to communicate with other people? (This is a general question, not a personal question.)∙Would you say you are a good communicator? FQx2∙What sorts of skills do you believe are important for good communication? FQx2∙(Similar to above) How can people communicate well with others?∙What sorts of jobs (or, work) especially require good communication skills? FQx2∙(Similar to above) What are some examples of jobs (or, work) that especially require good communication skills? FQ∙Do you think communication skills can be taught or are they part of the (inborn/innate) nature of a person? FQx2∙How can (or, could) people be taught to communicate better?∙What communication skills do school children learn at school?Face-to face vs. Electronic Communication(Note that video conferencing on the cell-phone or computer is both face-to-face and electronic communication!)∙Do you prefer to communicate face-to-face or to communicate by text message, email etc.?FQx2∙(Similar to above) Why do some people prefer face-to-face communication? FQx2∙Do you think sending messages is the best way to communicate?∙In what situations do you think face-to-face communication is best?∙In what circumstances do you think writing an email is more suitable than writing a letter and when is a letter more suitable than an email?Modern Communication Technology∙What different forms of (methods of) communication technology are there today?∙Are these the same in different countries?∙How do you think people benefit from these modern technologies?∙How do you think recent changes in communication technology have changed people's communication? FQ See Note∙Can you think of any problems that result from the use of modern communication technologies such as the internet and cell phones?∙Why do you think many people prefer to use the telephone to communicate rather than speak face-to-face with people? FQx2∙Do you agree that (cell-phone) text messages can cause people to quickly change their plans?∙In what situations do you think it is suitable to use emails to communicate (and when is it not very suitable)?Communication Differences(old & young/ male & female) Frequent TopicAge Differences∙How do you usually keep in contact with your friends?∙Which do you think is better, letters or emails?∙Do old people and young people today generally use the same methods to communicate with each other (from afar)? FQ∙(Possibly the above question is this:) Do children and adults communicate in the same ways?∙Do young people and old people about the same kinds of topics?∙Do you think modern communication technology is just for young people?∙In what circumstances would it be very useful for old people to use modern communication technology?∙Why don't old people use modern forms of communication technology very much?∙How can old people be helped to use this technology?Gender Differences∙In general, do men and women communicate the same way? *∙Do you think that people find it easier to communicate with others of the same sex, or with people of the opposite sex? (Why?)Information∙What sorts of (or, what are some examples of) public information that people want to know about?∙Do you think there is too much information in our lives today? See Note***********************************************************************257. A Family (2) (Jan. 23, 2010)Version ADescribe a family (not your own) you enjoy spending time with.You should say:where this family lived (or, lives)who the members of the family were (or, are)how you know themwhat each person in this family is interested inand explain why you like spending time with this family. *orand explain what effect this family has had on you. *Version BDescribe a family (not your own) you would like to spend time with.You should say:where this family liveswho the members of the family arehow you know themwhat each person in this family is interested inand explain why you like this family. *Notes∙I think both versions are equally likely to be the true wording. The wording of Version A might be " ...you have enjoyed spending time with" but that doesn't change the topic verymuch.Version B has been reported as the wording by several people. But sometimes several people report the same mistaken wording because they have all read this mistaken version in a blog somewhere on the internet. If the wording is, "would like to spend time with", you would need to talk about a family who you do not normally now spend time with, even though you have met them. (For example, "I would like to have a car" implies, "I don't have a car now.") It seems a little strange to say you don't spend time with a family but you have met them and you know what each person in the family is interested in, which implies you know them quite well. On the other hand, if the real wording is, "would like to spend more time with", then it would make sense.∙This seems very similar to Topic 146.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Possible follow-up questions:∙Do you often visit this family?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Part 3See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 146The Oldest Family Members∙What do you think are some differences between families where the grandparents are living with their grandchildren, compared to families where they live separately?∙What do you think are the benefits (or, the advantages) of young family members (children) and grandparents living together? FQ∙Do you think it's important to include old family members in family activities? (Why?/Why not?)∙Can you think of any activities that younger family members and older family members (usually/often/sometimes) do together? FQx2∙(Similar to above) How can old family members be made to feel that they are valued members of the family? FQThe Importance of Family∙In general, which do you think is more important, people as individuals or the family as a group? Difficult QuestionLiving Arrangements∙How can people get along with those they live with?∙In the future, how do you think people's living arrangements will be different to the way people live today?∙Do people in China prefer to rent or buy their home?***********************************************************************258. An Artist You Admire (Jan. 23, 2010)Describe (a famous) artist you admire (e.g. a painter, a performer etc.)You should say:who he or she ishow you know about this person (or: when you first learned [learnt] about this person)what he or she has done to become famousand explain why you admire this person. *orand explain why this person deserves your respect or admirationPart 3The Arts in Society∙Do you think art (or, the arts) is (are) important? FQ∙(Similar to above) How important do you think the arts are? FQ∙(Similar to above) What is the value of the arts in people's everyday lives? FQ∙(Similar to above) What is the value of the arts in society? FQ∙(Similar to above) Do you think art is useful in people's lives? FQ∙What would you say is (are) the most popular art form(s) in China today? FQ∙How has art (or, the arts) changed (in China) in the past few years (or, decades)? FQ∙How do you think the way people experienced (or appreciated) art in the past compares to the way people experience art today? FQ∙Do you think art is important in business? (Hint: advertising) FQ∙In the future, do you think art will be affected by new technologies? (Include in your answer how it will/might be affected.) FQx2∙(Similar to above) Do you think technology will help the development of art in the future?FQx2Working as an Artist∙Why do some people want to work as artists?∙Do you think it's easy to make a living as an artist of some kind (including an author)? FQ ∙(Similar to above) Do you think it's easy to find work as an artist? FQ∙How are children (or, young people) exposed to art? FQ∙(Similar to above) In general, what access to (or, contact with or, experience of) art do children (in your country) have? FQ∙How important do you think it is for children to have art classes in school? FQX2∙What are some good ways to teach art to children? FQ∙Do you think art and literature (or, the arts) should be taught in universities? FQ∙(Similar to above) Do you think the different arts should be taught at universities? FQ∙(Similar to above) Do you think studying one of the different arts is useful for university students? FQ∙(Similar to above) Do you think studying one of the different arts, such as literature or fine art would help university graduates fins a job? FQ∙Do you think traditional art forms will (or might) disappear in the future? FQ。