Speaking Part 1 — IELTS Practice Hub

01Animals and pets

What's your favourite animal?
Have you ever had a pet?
What's the most popular animal in your country?

02Days off

When was the last time you had a few days off?
What do you do when you have days off?
What would you like to do if you had a day off tomorrow?
Do you usually spend your days off with your parents or with your friends?

03Food

What kinds of food do you particularly like?
What kinds of food are most popular in your country?
Is there any food you don't like?

04Keys

Have you ever locked yourself out?
Do you think it's a good idea to leave your keys with a neighbour?
Have you ever lost your keys?
Do you always bring a lot of keys with you?

05Dreams

Do you remember your dreams when you wake up?
Do you think dreams will affect life?
Do you think dreams have special meanings?
Do you like hearing other people's dreams?
Do you share your dreams with others?

06Reading

Do you like reading?
What books do you like to read?
What book did you read recently?
What did you learn from it?

07Gifts

What kind of gifts are popular in your country?
What's the best gift you have ever received?
What do you give others as gifts?
What gift have you received recently?
How do we choose gifts?

08Morning time

Do you like to get up early?
What is your morning routine?
What do you usually do in the morning?

09Hobby

Do you have any hobbies?
Do you have the same hobbies as your family members?
Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?
Do you have a hobby that you've had since childhood?

10Sports teams

Have you ever been part of a sports team?

11Typing

Do you type on a desktop or laptop keyboard every day?
When did you learn how to type on a keyboard?
How do you improve your typing?

12Walking

Do you walk a lot?
Did you often go outside to have a walk when you were a child?
Why do people like to walk in parks?
Where would you like to take a long walk if you had the chance?
Where have you gone for a walk lately?

13Buildings

Do you take photos of buildings?
Is there a building that you would like to visit?

14Views

Do you like taking pictures of different views?
Do you prefer views in urban areas or rural areas?
Do you prefer views in your own country or in other countries?

15Scenery

Do you like to take pictures of good scenery?

16Childhood activities

What did you enjoy doing as a child?
Did you enjoy your childhood?

17Movies

Are actors and actresses important to movies?
films?
Are historical films popular in your country?
Why are Japanese animated films so popular?
Do you believe movie reviews?
What kinds of movies are popular in your country?
Should actors be paid more?
Should famous actors and actresses be paid a lot of money?

18Being proud

On what occasions would adults feel proud of themselves?
Is it a good idea to reward children for doing homework or housework?
What would children do to make their parents proud?
What did you do to make your parents proud when you were young?
What advantages of yours make you proud?
When was the last time that you felt proud of yourself?

19Jobs

What kind of jobs do children like?
How can people find a perfect job?
What factors should people take into account when choosing a job?
Which is more important when choosing a job, high salary or interest?
Is salary the main reason people choose a certain job?

20Mobile phones

Do young and old people use phones in the same way?
What positive and negative effects do mobile phones have on friendship?
Is it a waste of time to take pictures with mobile phones?
examples of that?
Do you think there should be laws on the use of mobile phones?

21Fame and children

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a famous child?
What can children do with their fame?
What can today's children do to become famous?
Do people become famous just because of their talent?

22Having a rest, doing exercise

Why is it difficult for some people to relax?
relax?
Which is more important, mental relaxation or physical relaxation?
Do people in your country exercise after work?
What are the benefits of doing exercise?
What is the place where people spend most of their time in their home?

23New and old things, toys

Do you think that keeping old things in a family is a great way to connect with the past?
Why do grown-ups hate to throw away old things?
How have people's shopping habits changed in recent decades?
How has the way people buy things changed?
How do shops attract customers?
What makes people buy new things?

24Smiling

Do you think people who like to smile are more friendly?
Why do most people smile in photographs?
Do women smile more than men? Why?

25Advice

What problems can people face if they ask many different people for advice?
Why do some people like to ask others for advice on almost everything?
In general, what kind of person is most suitable for giving advice to others?

26Apps or programs

What are the drawbacks of having too many apps?
Why do some people not like using apps?
What are the most and the least popular apps in your country?
What kind of apps do you have on your phone?

27Working abroad, travelling

Why do people like travelling?
What jobs can people do abroad for a short period of time?
Is it good that now people have an opportunity to work abroad?

28Old things, museums

people kept in the past?
family for a long time?
generation?

29Transportation, air pollution

How are transportation systems in rural and urban areas different?
Which mode of transport is more popular in your country, a bicycle or car?

30Shopping

Do you think that people buy a lot of things that they don't need?

31Imagination

What kind of jobs require imagination?
Do scientists need imagination in their work?

32Films

What makes a movie a blockbuster?
Are actors and actresses important to movies?
films?
What kinds of movies are successful in your country?
Do people in your country still like to go to a cinema?
Where do people watch movies?

33Stories

Why do most children like listening to stories before bedtime?
Is a good storyline important for a movie?
Why do children like hearing the same bedtime story?
Are people born clever or need to learn to be clever?
Why are some children more intelligent than others?
Do you think society needs people with different types of intelligence?
Does modern society need talents of all kinds?
How can parents teach their children to protect nature?
Should schools teach children to get close to nature?
Do you think there should be laws to protect nature?

34Spending and saving money

What do young people spend money on?
Is it good and necessary to teach children to save money?
Do you think it is important to save money?
Do you think that people buy a lot of things that they don't need?

35Helping others

What can children help parents with?
In your view, should children be taught to help others?
What are the differences between talking with friends online and face-to-face?
What technology do people currently use?

36Music events

What kind of music events do people like today?

37Encouraging others

Is the role of a leader important in a group?
How can leaders encourage employees?
When should parents encourage their children?
better?
Do you think learning many subjects is beneficial to your work?
Do you think all teachers should have entertaining teaching styles?
Should teachers make lessons fun?
Is it important for people to learn new skills all life long?

38Making plans

In general, do you think planning is important?
Do you think everyone in your country makes everyday plans?
What is the right age for a child to learn drawing?
Why do most children draw more often than adults do?
Why do some people visit galleries or museums instead of viewing artworks online?
Do you think galleries and museums should be free of charge?
How do artworks inspire people?

39Stages in life

How do people remember each stage of their lives?
At what age do you think people are the happiest?
Do you enjoy being the age you are now?
What did you often do with your friends in your childhood?
Do you have any plans for the next five years?
What do you think is the most important thing at the moment?

40Daily routine

How do you organise your study time?
What is your daily study routine?
Do you ever change your plans?
Have you ever changed your routine?
What's your favourite time of the day?
Do you go to sleep early or stay up late?
Do you often stay up late?

41Art

Do you like modern art or traditional art?
Do you like art?
Have you ever visited an art gallery?
Do you think it would be interesting for you to be an artist?

42Carrying things

What do you do if your item is heavy?
When you go out what do you carry with you?
When you go to different places, do you carry different kinds of things?
What is the difference between the things you carry in the evening and in the morning?

43Shoes

How often do you buy shoes?
Have you ever bought shoes online?
Do you like to wear shoes that are comfortable or good-looking?
Do people like to wear shoes that are comfortable or good-looking?
What is your favourite type of shoes?

44Plants

Do you keep plants?
Have you ever had a plant?
Do you know anything about growing a plant?
What plants did you grow when you were younger?
Do people in your country send plants as gifts?

45Noisy places, quiet places

Do you like quiet or noisy places?
Would you like to go to quiet or noisy places on weekends when you are free?

46Public places

Have you ever talked with someone you don't know in public places?
Do you wear headphones in public places?

47Having a break

What do you usually do during a break?
What do you like to do during a break?
How often do you take a break?
Do you take a nap when you have a rest?
How do you feel after taking a nap?

48Rules

Are there any rules for students at your school?
Do you think students would benefit more from more rules?
Do you have a teacher who does his or her job very well?
What did you learn from visiting museums and art galleries?
Do you think museums are important?
Are there many museums in your hometown?
Do you like visiting museums and art galleries?
Do you often visit museums?
When was the last time you visited a museum?

49Doing something well

Have you ever had an experience where you did something well?
Have you ever had an experience where your teacher thought you did a good job?
Do you often tell your friends when they do something well?

50Dream job, plans for future

What was your dream job when you were young?
Have you changed your mind on your dream job?

51Advertisements

How do you feel about advertisements?
Do you like advertisements?
Do you like advertisements on TV?
Is there much advertising in your country?
What are the different places where we see advertisements?
What advertising do you have in your country?

52Borrowing and lending things

Have you ever borrowed books from others?
Have you ever borrowed money from others?
Do you like to lend things to others?
How do you feel when people don't return things they borrowed from you?

53Crowded places

Do most people like crowded places?
Do you like crowded places?
When was the last time you were in a crowded place?
Is the city where you live crowded?
Is there a crowded place near where you live?

54Sharing things

When you were a kid, did your parents encourage you to share things with others?
Is there anything you don't want to share?
What kind of things are not suitable for sharing?
What kind of things do you like to share with others?
Do you have anything to share with others?
Who is the first person you would like to share good news with?
What kind of news do you share with your friends?

55Fruits and vegetables

Do you think it's easy to grow vegetables?
Should schools teach students how to grow vegetables?

56Going out, cash

How often do you use cash?
Do you often bring cash with you?
What do you and your friends do together?
Are friends important to you?
What do you value about your friends?

57Chatting

Do you argue with friends?
Do you prefer to chat with a group of people or with only one friend?

58Staying with old people

Have you ever worked with old people?
Are you happy to work with people who are older than you?
What are the benefits of being friends with or working with old people?
Do you enjoy spending time with old people?

59Parks, nature

Why do people like visiting places with trees or forests?
Why is it important to have parks in the city?
What benefits can a park bring to a city?

60Music

Should every child learn to play a musical instrument?
What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
What kinds of music are most popular in your country?
What kind of music do people like at different ages?
Is it necessary for the government to require all children to learn music?
Do you think music lessons are important?
Do you think music is beneficial for children at school?

61Telling lies

Can a person's eyes and body tell us if a person is lying?
How do you know when others are telling lies?
Are there any situations when it isn't polite to tell the truth?
Should we tell the truth at all times?
intentions (a white lie)?
Do you think sometimes people should tell lies?

62Getting lost, maps

How can people find their way when they are lost?
Do you think that children should be taught to read paper maps at school?
Are paper maps still necessary?
How do people react when they get lost?
Do you think it's important to do some preparation before you travel to new places?

63Talents

and painters when they grow up?
Do you think artists with talents should focus on their talents?
Why do people like to watch talent shows?
Is it easy to identify children's talents?

64Business

Is it good to work with family members?
Would you like to start a family business?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses?
What kinds of family businesses are common in your country?

65Habits

Why do we develop bad habits?
Do you think a person's good habits would influence those around him or her? How?
What habits should children have?
What should parents do to teach their children good habits?
habits?

66Old things

Do you think that keeping old things in a family is a great way to connect with the past?
Why do grown-ups hate to throw away old things?
family for a long time?
generation?

67Toys, kids and ads

How does advertising influence children?
Do you think advertising that targets children should be banned?

68Scenic spots, buildings

Should all scenic spots charge an entry fee?
Is visiting scenic spots the best choice for us while travelling?
Why do some people like to live in big cities?
Is it necessary for tourists to visit landmarks when travelling in a place?
Which do most people prefer, living in a bungalow or in a tall building?

69Making decisions

What kind of decisions do you think are meaningful?
What important decisions should be made by teenagers themselves?
Why are some people unwilling to make quick decisions?
Do people like to ask for advice about their personal life or their work?
Why do people like to ask others for advice?

70Eating out, food

Why is it important to share food with others during a celebration?
Do you like to cook at home?
Is it a hassle to prepare a meal at home?
Do people prefer to eat out at restaurants or eat at home on special occasions?
What food do you eat on special occasions?

71Creativity, inspiration

Do you think visual media (film, photography) is important in how news is presented?
Should every child learn to play a musical instrument?
What are the benefits of children learning a musical instrument?
What can schools do to nurture children's creativity?
Do you think art (drawing) can make a person more creative?

72Swimming, water, water transportation

What do you think of people who waste water?
What are the characteristics of goods transported by water?
What are the pluses and minuses of transporting goods on water?
Are rivers and lakes good for transport?
Why do people like to live near water?
What water sports are popular in your country?
Why do people like water sports?
Is being able to swim important?
Do you think it's good to teach swimming in schools?

73Changes, daily routine

What do people normally plan in their daily lives?
Is time management important in our daily lives?
What changes do people often make?
Who would make changes more often, young people or old people?
Is it good for people to change jobs frequently?
people?

74Travelling, long journeys

What are the differences between group travelling and travelling alone?
What do we need to prepare for a long journey?
What is good and bad about travelling by plane?
Why do some people prefer to travel in their own country rather than going abroad?
Why do people choose to travel or live abroad?
Why are more and more young people going on long trips nowadays?
Why do some people prefer long journeys?

75Shopping, service

What are the benefits and drawbacks of consumerism for a country's economy?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping at a big shopping centre?
What makes large shopping malls so popular?
What are the differences between shopping online and in-store?
What do you think are the pros and cons of shopping online?
Are small shops important?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping in small shops?

76Inventions

Do all inventions bring benefits to our world?
Who should support and sponsor inventors, governments or private companies?
What are the qualities of a scientist (or inventor)?
years or so?
Are there any other inventions that make the world better?

77Natural places

What kind of people like to visit natural places?
What are the differences between a natural place and a city?
Do you think that going to the park is the only way to get closer to nature?

78Popularity

Why are some students popular in school?
Is it important for a teacher to be popular?
Do you think good teachers are always popular among students?
What are the qualities of being a good teacher?
Is it easier to become popular nowadays?
Why do people want to be popular?

79Restaurants

What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating at a restaurant?
What fast food restaurants are there in your country?
Do people eat fast food at home?
Why do some people choose to eat out instead of ordering takeout?
Do people in your country socialize in restaurants?
Do people in your country value food culture?

80Text messages

Do you reply to messages as soon as you receive them?
How often do you send text messages?
Is sending messages popular in your country?
Did you send more messages when you were younger?

81Jewelry

Why do some people wear a piece of jewelry for a long time?
Do you like wearing jewelry?
How often do you wear it?
Do you wear a lot of jewelry?

82Geography

Have you ever learned Geography?
Do you think Geography is useful?
Do you like Geography?

83Names

Is there any tradition about naming babies?
Does your name have any special meaning?
Do you like your name?

84Staying up

Do you go to sleep early or stay up late?
Do you go to sleep early or stay up late?
What were you doing when you stayed up late last time?

85Birthdays

Is it important for you to celebrate your birthday?
How do children celebrate birthdays in your country?
How did you celebrate your last birthday?
the present?

86Making plan

Do you like making plans?
What are benefits of making plans?

87Public transport

What's the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?
Will you use public transport more in the future?

88Puzzles

Is it good for old people to do puzzles?
Do you prefer doing word puzzles or number puzzles?

89Snacks

What is your opinion on snacks between meals?
Is it healthy to eat snacks?
What kind of snacks do you like to eat?
What kind of snacks do children in your country like to eat now?
What was the most popular snack when you were young?
When do you usually eat them?
Do your parents allow you to eat snacks?

90Memory

How do you remember important things?
Are you good at memorising things?
Have you ever forgotten something important?
What do you need to remember in your daily life?

91Patience

Are you patient?
Would you say you are a patient person?
Did you use to be more patient or less patient than you are now?
Have you ever lost your patience?
What do you become impatient about?
Do you think patience is important?

92Writing

Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?
Nowadays, how do most people write things?
Did you like writing things when you were a child?

93Weather

What's the weather usually like in your hometown?
Do you have a habit of checking the weather forecast?
Do you like hot weather?
What do you do in hot weather?
Do you like wet weather?
Would you like to visit a hot country?

94Spending time by yourself

Do you like spending time by yourself?
Are you happy when you are alone?
What do you do when you spend time by yourself?

95Spare time

What free time activities are popular with people in your country?
Who do you usually spend your spare time with?

96Housework and cooking

Do you have breakfast at home every day?
Do you want to learn how to cook well?
Do you think your home is clean and tidy?
What housework do you dislike?
What housework do you like?

97Chocolate

Do you like chocolate?
Did you like chocolate when you were a child?
How often do you eat chocolate?
Why do you think chocolate is popular all over the world?
What's your favourite flavour of chocolate?
Did you give chocolate as a present to someone?
Do you think it's good to use chocolate as a gift to others?

98Making lists

Do you make a list when you shop?
Do you make a list for your work? Does it work?

99Outer space and stars

Have you ever taken a course about stars?
Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
Do you want to travel in the outer space?
What would you do if you had an opportunity?
Are you interested in films about outer space and stars?
Is it important to study stars?

100Singing

Do you think singing can bring happiness to people?
Do you often sing?
When do you like to sing?
What kinds of music do you like to sing?

101Small businesses

Do you prefer buying things in big companies or from small businesses?
Do you know many small businesses where you live?

102Machines

What is your favourite machine in your home?
Do you think washing machines and sweeping machines are important?
Do you read the instructions before using a machine?
Do you think it is important to read the instructions?

103Saying 'thank you'

Have you ever sent a thank you card to others?
Do people in your country often say thank you'?
On what occasions do you say 'thank you'?
Why do people need to say 'thank you'?

104Praising

Have you achieved anything recently?
How do you feel when you’re praised?
Do you often praise others [e.g. by saying “You did a great job” to a friend]?
Do you think parents should praise their children often?

105Countryside

What are the consequences of the decrease of population in the countryside?
What kinds of places do people like to visit in the countryside?

106Taking photos

Why do people like to share photos on social media?
On what occasions do most people take photos?

107Expressing feelings, communication

What is the difference between males and females in terms of expressing their feelings?
Who tends to show their feelings more openly, adults or children?
Do you think it is good or bad for people to show feelings openly?

108Decision-making

At what age can children make decisions on their own?
What decisions can children make by themselves?

109Rewards, shopping, goals

Should employees have their own goals?
What rewards can companies offer to outstanding employees?
Why do people like shopping more now than in the past?

110Health and keeping fit

Is it hard for modern people to live a healthy lifestyle?
What can parents do to help improve their children's health awareness?
Do schools have the responsibility to provide health education?
Where can people find information about keeping healthy?
How do today's people keep healthy?

111Farming, growing plants

How do people grow plants in cities?
Do you think farming is important?
done in the past?
Do people like to grow vegetables in your country?
Do you think it's good to let kids learn how to plant?

112Intelligence

Are people born clever or need to learn to be clever?
Who plays a more important role in a child's development, teachers or parents?
Do you think smart people tend to be selfish?
Do you think smart people are happy?
Do you think society needs people with different types of intelligence?
Do you think smart people are not good at certain things?

113Money

Do you think it's a good thing that more and more people are using digital payment?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards?
Why do people rarely use cash now?
When do children begin to comprehend the value of money?
Should parents reward children with money?
Is it good and necessary to teach children to save money?

114Making noise

Is it good for children to make noise?
Should children not be allowed to make noise under any circumstances?
How can people consider others' feelings when chatting in public?
What type of noise do you come across in your daily life?
Are cities becoming noisier?
Do you mind noises?
Do any noises bother you?

115Fashion, clothes

Do most people in your country prefer to buy clothes online or at the street market?
Do you think people would use clothing to show their identity?
What are the differences between cheap and expensive clothes?
Why do people prefer to buy rather expensive clothes?
Why do some people care so much about their clothing?
elderly people?

116Colour

1. What's the colour you dislike?
2. Have you ever bought something because of its colour?
3. What is your favourite colour?
4. What colour would you never use in your home?

117Hats and caps

1. Do you like to wear hats?
2. What kinds of hats do you have?
3. Is wearing hats popular in your country?
4. Why do people wear hats or caps?
5. Did you use to wear a hat when you were a child?
6. Where do you like to buy hats?

118Apps

1. What apps have you used recenty?
2. What apps are you usually interested in?
3. What apps would you like to use in the future?

119Noise and quiet places

1. Do you mind noises?
2. Do any noises bother you?
3. Do you think there's too much noise in modern society?
4. Are cities becoming noisier?
5. Where is there louder noise, in cities or in the countryside?
6. What type of noise do you come across in your daily life?
7. Are there any sounds that you like?

120Physical work, robots

work?
2. Can physical workers receive higher salaries in the future?
3. What kinds of jobs need a lot of physical work?
4. Do you think that nowadays all jobs could be done by robots?
5. Do you think machines could replace human workers in the future?
6. What are the benefits of replacing human workers with robots?
7. How have robots and computers changed the way people work?
8. Why are so many processes controlled by robots instead of people?

121Difficult jobs, robots

2. What qualities do people need to do difficult jobs?
3. What role can robots play in the car manufacturing process?
4. What jobs do you think are difficult to do?
5. Do you think that people who do difficult jobs should get higher salaries?
6. Do you think that nowadays all jobs could be done by robots?
7. Do you think machines could replace human workers in every industry?

122Science

1. Should scientists explain the research process to the public?
2. Should people continue studying science after finishing school?
3. How do you find out about scientific news?
4. Why do some children not like learning science at school?
5. Do you think science is important?
6. How does science influence our life?
7. Should children learn science?
8. What science subject is the most important for children to learn?

123Travelling, public transport, cars

1. What needs to be improved in public transport?
2. Will there be fewer people using cars because of improved public transportation?
3. Will there be fewer cars if public transport is free?
4. Should governments encourage people to use public transportation?
5. What's the most popular means of transportation in your country?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private transport?
7. Who likes to travel more, older people or younger people?

124Changes, daily life, jobs

1. Who would make changes more often, young people or old people?
2. What changes do people often make?
3. What do people normally plan in their daily lives?
older people?
5. Is it important to manage your time efficiently?
6. Is time management important in our dally lives?
7. Is it good for people to change jobs frequently?

125Shopping, advertising

1. Do you think advertisements can influence our decisions when shopping?
2. What do you think about advertising?

126Forgetting things, memory

1. What kinds of things do people forget easily?
2. Why is it difficult for some people to remember things?
3. What kinds of people are more forgetful?
4. How can people improve their memory?
5. Why do you think some people have better memory than others?

127Travelling abroad

1. Do you think it's important to have a national identity?
2. What do you think of national identity?
3. How can people develop their national identity?
company?
5. How can people benefit from travelling?
6. How does travelling abroad affect young people?
7. What makes one country different from the other?
countries)?
9. What is the best way to learn a foreign culture?
10. How do people get information about other countries?

128Promises

1. Why do some people fail to keep their promises?
2. Do children keep their promises?
3. Do parents in your country make promises to their children?
4. What kinds of promises do people often make?
5. Do most people fulfill their promises?
6. Do you often keep your promises?
7. Is it useful to write down promises?
8. Do you think children should be given rewards for keeping promises?
9. On what occasions do children make promises to their parents?
10. Do you think it is important to keep a promise?

129Songs and poems

1. What can people learn from songs or poems?
2. Why do children like the rhythm of songs or poems?
3. Do you think it is easier for children to learn a song or poem than for adults?
4. Do you think it is a waste of time for kids to learn songs or poems?
5. Are you good at memorizing things?
6. Do you agree that learning history may help people understand the present?
7. Is it important for kids to learn history at school?

130Buildings NEW

1. Is the appearance of a public building as important as its functionality?
2. Is it worth spending a lot of money on the appearance of a building?
3. Is it more important for a building to look good on the outside or on the inside?
4. Why do people like to visit historical places?
5. What types of buildings are popular in your country?

131Planning

1. Why do parents still make plans for their children nowadays?
2. How does technology help people make plans?
3. Do old people often change plans?
4. Do young people like to change plans?
5. What are the common reasons when people need to change plans?
6. How would you tell your friends if you had to change your plans?

132Environmental protection

1. Do you think recycing is important?
2. How can recycling help the environment?
years?
4. What is the importance of environmental education?
5. Is it important to teach students environmental protection at school?

133New things

1. Are people influenced by famous people?
2. Are people influenced more by their friends or their parents?
3. How do young and old people react differently to new things?
4. Who would prefer to try new things, young people or old people?
5. Do you think that the majority of people nowadays are too self-centred?
6. Why are there many self-centered people?
7. Do you think more and more people become more self-centered?
8. What have you learned from your friends?

134Water activities, water. water transport

1. What do you think of people who waste water?
2. What are the characteristics of goods transported by water?
3. What are the pluses and minuses of transporting goods on water?
4. Are rivers and lakes good for transport?
5. Why do people like to live near water?
6. What water sports are popular in your country?
7. Why do people like water sports?
8. Is being able to swim important?
9. Do you think it's good to teach swimming in schools?

135Sports, keeping fit

1. Are sports important for children?
2. How can we make children aware of the importance of doing sports?
3. What are the benefits of sports for children?
4. Do children need to exercise?

136Parties and performances

1. Is it expensive to watch a live performance in your country?
2. Is it easy to invite your friends to attend your party or your performance?
3. Do you think it is hard for people to perform in front of their friends?
4. What kind of parties have you had so far?
5. Why do people like live performances (concerts or theatre)?

137Parks

1. Why do people like visiting places with trees or forests?
2. Do we need big parks or small parks in the city?

138Phone calls, silence, people's behaviour

phone and sitting next to people who talk to each other while travelling by train?
2. Should people be banned from talking loudly in public places?
3. Is it acceptable to talk on the phone in public?
4. What is your attitude to people who speak on the phone in public?
5. Do most people mind others talking on the phone in public places?
6. Should parents teach their children to behave well in public?
7. Why do some people not care that their behavior disturbs people around them?

139Unexpected things

1. On what occasions are people most likely to bump into other people?
2. Are there any meetings that people need to plan in advance?
3. Are there any jobs related to unexpected things?
4. Do unexpected things lead to progressing our civilization?

140Expressing yourself

1. When do you think children begin to have the ability to express themselves?
2. How do babies express themselves?

141Work/Studies

● Do you work or are you a student?
● Why did you choose this kind of work/to study this subject?
● Do you like your job?
● What’s the most interesting part of being a ... (... / student)?
● What’s the most difficult part of being a ... (... / student)?
● What do you dislike about your work or studies?
● What kind of work would you like to do in the future?

142Accommodation

● Do you live in a house or an apartment/flat?
● Can you describe the place where you live?
● What do you like about your flat?
● Which is your favourite room in your home?
● What can you see from the windows?
● Would you change anything about your home?
● Would you like to move to a different home in the future?

143Your Country

● Where is your country located?
● Which part of your country do most people live in?
● What are the main industries in your country?
● What are some of the good things about living in your country?
● What are some of the bad things about living in your country?
● Will you stay in your country in the future?

144Libraries

Did you go to a library when you were a kid?
Do you often go to the library?
Do kids in your country often go to the library?
What kind of people would go to a library to read and study?

145Holidays

Which do you prefer, to spend time on a beach or have excursions in a city?
Do you prefer a leisurely or a busy holiday?
Can you describe your perfect holiday?
What was the best holiday in your life?

146Happy things

Is there anything that has made you feel happy lately?
What will make you happy in the future?
When do you feel happy at work?
Do you feel happy when you buy new things?
Do people in your country feel happy when they buy new things?
What made you happy when you were a child?

147Being busy

Are you often busy?
Why are you busy?
When are you busy?
Are you busier now than when you were a child?

148Flowers

Do you love flowers?
Do you know anyone who loves flowers?
Are there a lot of flowers where you live?
Do you take photos of flowers in your daily life?
Do people in your country often send flowers to others?

149Internet

When did you start using the Internet?
How often do you go online?
How does the Internet influence people?
Do you think you spend too much time online?
What would you do without the Internet?

150Parties

Have you been to a party recently?
Do you prefer to go to small parties or big parties?
Do you like parties?
How often did you have a party when you were a kid?
Have you ever organised a party?

151Teaching and learning

Which age group is the best at learning new things?
What can be done to improve modern teaching methods?
What are the differences between online and face-to-face teaching?
Which do you think is more important, practical skills or academic skills?
Should teachers make lessons fun?
What kind of people are good at teaching?

152Beauty, beautiful things September

What beautiful scenic spots are there in your country?
books?
literature?
Where do you think people usually come into contact with beautiful things?
Are there more beautiful things now than in the past?
Why do people create beautiful things?
What do you think the word 'beauty' means?

153Disagreements

How can we stop an argument from escalating into a fight?
Why do some people avoid arguing with others?
Who do you think should teach children to respect their teacher?
How do we show respect to others when we disagree with them?
What do you do if you disagree with someone?
What disagreements do parents and children usually have?

154Bad behaviour, bringing up children

What bad behaviour do children usually have?
How should parents stop their children from behaving badly in public?
Are parents these days stricter than those in the past?
Whose influence on children is more important, that of friends or that of parents?

155Stars, planets and space

What kind of people are interested in stars?
Is high technology helpful for star watching?
Should kids know more about stars and planets?
Would people be willing to get up early to watch and enjoy the sunrise?
When would people watch the sky?
Do many people pay attention to the shapes of stars?

156Friendship, social media

Do you still keep in touch with your friends from childhood?
What's the difference between having younger friends and older friends?
Has technology changed people's friendships? How?
What do you think of communicating via social media?
Will online social media replace face-to-face communication?
Is it necessary for kids to have some close friends?

157Foreign languages

What is the impact of IT on learning foreign languages?
Is it interesting to be a foreign language teacher?
What effect will it have on students if a teacher is impatient with them?
Why do people learn foreign languages?
Do you think learning a foreing language is important?
What qualities should a good language teacher have?
What makes a good language teacher?
Do you think grammar is important?

158Motivation, goals

What are some good ways to persuade children?
How does advertising influence children and their parents?
How do ads persuade people?
Do you think advertisements can influence our decisions when shopping?
How does marketing make people choose particular goods and brands?
Who do children listen to more, their parents or their teachers?
What do parents often persuade their children to do?
What advice should young people follow?

159Goals NEW

Do people in your country set goals?
Do people usually set long-term goals or short-term ones?
Why is setting goals important in the workplace?
What is the difference between goals set by old people and young people?
How do people set goals?
Do you think people should have personal life goals?

160Arguments

Is it easier for you to have arguments with your family or with your friends?
for advice?
Do you think people should change the way they think when having arguments?
Is the argument important?
What arguments occur between family members?
What personal qualities should lawyers have?
What makes a good lawyer?

161Punctuality

Do you think people should remember their family history?
Do you think it's important to be on time?
Is punctuality important?
What do you think is a good way to record things?
Which is more important, a work-related appointment or an appointment with a friend?
their appointment. Is that true?
How do people who are busy remember things they need to do?

162Clothes

Do you think the style of the clothing is more important than its comfort?
Do you think young people wear unusual clothes more than other age groups?
What factors affect people's decisions when buying clothes?
Do you think it's a good idea to buy clothes online?
people?
What kinds of clothes should people wear at work?
Do you think people should wear formal clothes in the workplace?

163Jokes, laughter, comedies

Is it good to tell jokes in business activities?
Should teachers tell more jokes in class?
Why do some people like to make others laugh?
What kind of people like comedy?
Do you like movies that make you laugh?
Do people like comedies?
Why do people of all ages like to watch cartoons?

164Internet, TV, libraries, apps

What kinds of people would still go to the library to read and study?
Will libraries be replaced by the Internet?
Are libraries still necessary?
What are the most and the least popular apps in your country?
What's the difference between the Internet and television?
What are the differences between old and young people when they use the Internet?
Why do people like to read news on the Internet instead of on TV?

165Success, goals

How would you define success?
Are successful people often lonely?
What do people need to sacrifice for success?
What kinds of success can students achieve at school?
Should students be proud of their success?
In general, how do people judge or, assess the success of others?
Do you think people should set goals for themselves?

166Novels, reading

How does technology help people tell stories?
What kinds of novels are suitable for a film adaptation?
Why are mystery novels so popular nowadays?
Is there any difference between popular novels today and those in the past?
Do you prefer to read e-books or printed books?
world?

167Plastic waste

How can we reduce our use of plastic?
What kinds of plastic waste are often seen in your country?
Why do people like to use plastic products?
Do you think we should use plastic products?
Do you think we can do without plastic altogether in the future?
What can governments do to reduce plastic pollution?

168Jobs, school, kids

What should parents prepare for their kids when the kids first go to school?
How do children socialize with each other?
Is socialization important for children?
Why do some people quit and change jobs?
What advantages and disadvantages come along with changing jobs?
Is it better to work in big companies than in small ones?

169Sports events

Do you think it is necessary to award prizes and incentives to athletes?
What kind of sports are popular in your country?
What kind of competitions do people in your country like to watch?
Do you think there should be more matches or competitions broadcast on TV?

170Doing sports, sports venues

What are the benefits of sports for children?
Do children need to exercise?
Do young people like to do sports?
Is it necessary to build public sports spaces?
What do you think of companies donating sports venues for poor children?
Is technology helpful for people to do sports?
Do you think local sports teams can help increase community connections?

171TV programs, videos

What shows do old people and young people watch?
What other programs do you like to watch?
What TV programs are popular in your country?
Do people in your country like to watch foreign TV programs?
Do you think watching talk shows is a waste of time?
Do you think we can acquire knowledge from watching TV programs?
What's the benefit of letting kids watch animal videos rather than visiting zoos?
Do teachers play videos in class in your country?

172Home

Why is it so expensive to buy a house or an apartment now?
apartments?
Is natural light important for a house or apartment?
What kind of houses or apartments do people prefer to buy?

173Cities and the countryside

What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city?
Do you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside?
Is it good for elderly people to live in large cities?
Is it possible that all of the population move to cities?
Will people live in the countryside in the future?
Do you think people in the countryside are friendlier than in cities?
What should the government do to improve citizens' safety?
What changes usually take place in cities and towns?
Are there any changes in your city?

174Customer service, complaints

price?
What problems do customers often have while shopping?
online?
As a customer, what kinds of services do you expect from a company?
What is good service?
What are the differences between shopping online and in-store?
Do you think customers' complaints will improve products or services?

175Travelling

Is it important to take photos while travelling?
What factors affect how people feel about travel?
Can you trust other people's travel journals on the Internet?
Will you go to a foreign country to travel because of the distinct landscape?
What kinds of comments do travellers typically leave online after a trip?
How can tourists have a good travel experience?

176Outdoor sports

What outdoor sports are popular nowadays?
How does weather affect outdoor sports?
What are the differences between indoor sports and outdoor sports?
What outdoor sports are popular among elderly people?
What outdoor sports are popular with children?
Which is more dangerous, team sports or individual sports?

177Information

Is it good if people could have more access to information in the future?
Does the development of the Internet have any impact on disadvantaged people?
What information can people get from television?
What are the ways of getting information nowadays?
How can people check whether a piece of information online is correct or not?
Do people trust information online?
Why do some people NOT trust information online?
Will libraries be replaced by the Internet?
Are libraries still necessary?

178Classmates, colleagues

Can children choose their deskmate in schools your country?
Why should children be kind to their classmates?
What do you think makes someone a good colleague?
What matters most about a colleague's personality?
Do you think that having good colleagues is the most important thing at work?
Are good colleagues important at work?
What kinds of people are popular at work?
Are knowledgeable people popular at work?

179Advertising

How does advertising affect people?
Do you think it is good to see the same advertisements everywhere?
Do people pay attention to advertisements on public transport?
Where do we often see advertisements?
What are the advantages of advertising?
Do you think the influence of advertising is good?
How does advertising influence children?
Is there any advertising that can be harmful to children?

180Animals

Do you think people are more interested in animals now than they were in the past?
nowadays?
How did animals help people in te past?
How do animals help us today?
Why do you think wild animals should be protected?
Do you think animals are important?
What should we do to protect endangered animals?
Why do stories and movies for children always feature animals?
Do you think children love animals more than old people do?

181New things NEW

What can children learn from their parents?
parents?
Is it necessary for adults to learn new things?
How can people learn new things?
Does the Internet make learning easier or more difficult?
Can people acquire more knowledge now than before?

182Making friends

What do you think of making friends online?
Is it a good idea to make friends with people who are much older than you?
Do you enjoy meeting new people?
Do you think friendship is important?
Why is it difficult for some people to make friends with others?
Do we benefit from having friends with different personalities?

183Recycling, consumerism

How do people usually handle the clothes they don't want?
Some people think it's a waste to buy too many clothes for children. What do you think?
Why do people buy second-hand clothes?
Should the government encourage people to recycle items they don't want?
What problems will occur if people don't recycle?
How do people in your country recycle various items they don't want?

184Neighbours, cooperation

Do you think parents should teach children how to cooperate with others?
Do you think it's important for children to learn about cooperation?
How do children learn to cooperate with each other?
Do you think neighbours help each other more often in the countryside than in the city?
Do you think it's important to have a good relationship with neighbours?
Is it beneficial to get along well with neighbours?
How do neighbours help each other?

185Communication

Do you think old people can work better than young people?
How do people have a conversation with an elderly person?
What are the advantages of having people of different ages living in the same house?
What topics do young people talk about?
What kinds of communication skills are important?
Are communication skills important at work?
What are the differences between talking with friends online and face-to-face?
What are the differences between online and onsite meetings in a company?
Do you think old people and young people can share interests?
What kinds of things can young people learn from old people?

186Role models, motivation

What qualities make someone a role model?
Why should children learn from role models?
Who do children listen to more, their parents or their teachers?
Who can influence children more, teachers or parents?
What kind of international news inspires people?
Besides parents and teachers, who else can motivate children?
Can online teaching motivate students to learn?

187Watching sports games

What kinds of sports events are broadcast on TV or other media in your country?
Do people in your country enjoy watching football games?
Do encouragement and applause from the audience have an impact on athletes?
What kind of sports are popular in your country?
Why do so many children like to watch basketball games?
Which do people in your country prefer to watch, team sports or individual sports?

188Home, accommodation

What safety risks are there in residential buildings in cities?
What are the differences between buildings in the city and in the countryside?
What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city?
Do you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside?
What is the role of plants in home decoration?
Do you think location is a key factor in where people choose to live?
Is it expensive to decorate a house or an apartment in the place where you live?

189Photos

Why do some people like to keep photos?
Do people in your country like to take photos?
Why do people like to record important things with photos?
What can people learn from historical photographs?
Is taking photos the best way to remember something?
On what occasions do most people take photos?
Which is better, taking photos or keeping a diary?
Why do some people like to keep old photos?

190Cultures, living abroad

What do people from different cultural backgrounds usually talk about with each other?
backgrounds?
Is it easy to meet people from different cultural backgrounds in your country?
Is it good to live in a multicultural society?
What are the benefits of living in another country?
Why do people choose to travel or live abroad?

191Technology

What technology do people currently use?
Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
from one to the next?
Why do technology companies often upgrade their products?
How does technology affect our lives?
Does the development of technology affect the way we study?

192NAME

1. Who gave you your name?
2. Does your name have any particular (or special) meaning?
3. Do you like your name?
4. In your country, do people feel that their name is very important?
5. Would you like to change your name?
6. Is it easy to change your name in your country?
7. Who usually names babies in your country?
8. Do you have any special traditions about naming children?
9. What names are most common in your hometown?

193STUDY/WORK

Do you work or are you a student?
Is that a popular subject in your country?
What are the most popular subjects in China?
Why did you choose that university?
What are your favourite classes/ courses/ subjects at university?

194HOMETOWN

1. What's (the name of) your hometown (again)?
2. Is that a big city or a small town?

195Punctual

1. Do you think its Important to be on time?
2. How do you feel when others are late?
3. Are you, yourself, late very often?

196TELEVISION

1. How much TV do you (usually) watch?
2. What's your favourite TV programme?

197MUSEUM

1. Are there many (or, any) museums in your hometown?
2. Do you think museums are useful for visitors to your hometown/country?
3. Do you often visit a museum?
4. Did you go to any museums when you were a child?
5. When was the last time you visited a museum?
6. Do you think museums are important?
7. Do you think it's suitable for museums to sell things to visitors?

198FILM

1. Do you like to watch films?
2. Do you prefer foreign films or Chinese films?
3. How often do you go to a cinema or watch a movie?
4. Do Chinese people like to go to a cinema to watch a film?
5. What kinds of movies do you like best?
6. What was the first film that you watched?

199LEISURE TIME

1. What do you do in your spare time?
2. What do you do to relax?
3. How do you usually spend your evenings?
4. What do you usually do after work/after classes?
5. Do you prefer to stay at home in the evenings or do you prefer to go out?
6. Do you think modern lifestyles give people enough time for leisure?
7. Do you think people today have more time to relax than in the past?
8. Do you think it's important for people to have leisure time?

200SPORTS

1. Do you like to watch sports on TV?
2. Do you play any sports?
3. Do you have a favourite sports star?
4. What's the most popular sports in China?
5. What kind of sports would you like to try in the future?
6. Have you ever tried any dangerous sports?

201Vegetables and fruits

1. What's your favourite vegetable and fruit?
2. How often do you eat fruits?

202MATHS

1. When did you start learning maths?
2. Do you like maths?
3. Who taught you maths?
4. Who's your favourite teacher so far?
5. Is maths difficult for you to learn?
6. Do you like to use a calculator?

203SKY

1. Do you like to watch the sky?
2. What is the sky like at night in your hometown?
3. Do you like to watch stars?
4. Have you ever taken a course about stars?
5. Is it important to study stars?
6. What's your favourite star?

204SLEEP

1. How many hours do you sleep every day?
2. Is it necessary to take a nap every day?
3. Do old people sleep a lot? Why?
4. How to have a good sleep?
5. Do you like to get up early in the morning?
6. Can you sleep well if you are in a noisy environment?

205TREE

1. Do you like trees?
2. Are there any important trees in your country?
3. Is there a forest near your hometown?

206NEWSPAPER

1. Do you often read newspapers?
2. Which do you prefer reading, magazines or newspapers?
3. What kinds of newspapers (or magazines) do you usually read?
4. How old were you when you first started to read newspapers?

207MEMORISING

1. What do you remember to do every day?
2. What helps people to remember things?
3. Why do old people forget about things easily?
4. Have you ever forgotten something important?

208FRIEND

1. How often do you like to hang out with friends?
2. Who do you usually like to hang out with?
3. Where do you like to go when you hang out with your friends?
4. Do you like to go out with a big group or just few friends?

209TRANSPORTATION

1. What's the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
2. How often do you take buses?
3. Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?
4. Is driving to work popular in your country?
5. Do you think people will drive more in the future?
6. Would you ride bikes to work in the future?
7. What will become the most popular means of transportation in China?
8. Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?

210Letters or Emails

1. Do you write many letters or emails?
2. Who do you usually write to?
3. Do you prefer to write letters by hand or to use a computer?
4. How often do you write an email or a letter?
5. What are the differences between emails and letters?
6. Is it hard to think of what to write?
7. What kinds of letter/email do you think is the hardest to write?
8. How do you feel when you receive a letter or email?
9. What sorts of letters or emails are the most difficult to reply to?

211Swimming

Can you swim?
Are there many places to swim near you?
Do you think everyone should learn to swim?

212HELP

1. Do you like to help others?
2. When was your last time you helped others?
3. Did your parents teach you the importance of helping others?
4. Have you ever refused to help others?
5. Would you like to keep helping others in future?

213HISTORY

1. Do you like (to learn about) history?
2. What historical event do you find most interesting?
3. Do you think history is important?
4. Do you like to watch programmes on TV about history?
5. Do you think you can really learn history from films and TV programmes?
6. Do you think the Internet is a good place to learn about history?

214HANDWRITING

1. Do you often write things?
2. Do you write everyday?
3. What do you usually write?
4. Do you like writing to people?
5. How often do you send e-mails?
6. What are your main reasons for using e-mails?
7. Do you like to send e-mails?
8. Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?
9. Nowadays, how do most people write things?
10. Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?
11. When do children begin to write in your country?
12. How did you learn to write?
13. Do you think handwriting is very important (nowadays)?
14. How can children today improve (or, practice) their handwriting?
15. What impression does a person's handwriting have on other people?

215Teachers

1. Do you have a favourite teacher?
2. Why do you like the teacher?
3. How does (did) this teacher help you?
4. Do you think you could be a teacher?
5. Would you like to be a teacher?

216Being in a hurry

When was your last time you did something in a hurry?
Do you like to finish things quickly?
What kind of things do you never do in hurry?

217Being alone

1. Do you like to be alone?
2. What do you like to do when you are alone?

218Teamwork

1. When was your last time worked with a team?
2. Do you like to work or study with others or just by yourself?
3. What's the most important thing for teamwork?
4. Do you like to be a leader?

219Social network

1. What kinds of social networking websites do you like to use?
2. Are you a social person?
3. What kinds of people do you like to make friends with on those websites?
4. Is it good to find real friends on social network?

220Hanging out with friends

1. How often do you like to hang out with friends?
2. Who do you usually like to hang out with?
3. Where do you like to go when you hang out with your friends?
4. Do you like to go out with a big group or just few friends?

221Job / Studies

Do you work or study?
What was your typical day like at work / school?
Is there anything you don’t like about your job / studies?

222Family

How many people are there in your immediate family?
Who do you get on best within your family?
What do you do together with your family?

223School

Do you miss your life at school?
Who was your favorite teacher at school?
Do you still keep in touch with your friends from school?

224Friends

Do you have a best friend?
How often do you meet with your friends?
What do you spend your time with them?

225Lifestyle

What do you do in your free time?
Do you have a busy social life?
Has your life changed much in the last year?

226TV

Do you like watching TV?
How often do you watch TV?
What kind of TV programs do you like to watch?

227Books

Do you like reading books?
How often do you read?
Do you have many books at home?

228Cinema

How often do you go to the cinema?
Are cinema tickets expensive in your country?
What are the advantages of seeing a film at the cinema?

229Ads

Do you like watching advertisements?
Will you buy something because of an advertisement?
Do you like funny or serious advertisements?

230Computers

Do you use computers?
What do you use a computer to do?
Do you think computers changed your life a lot?

231Newspapers

Do you often read newspapers?
Do you prefer to read local news or international news?
Which is more popular where you live, newspapers or magazines?

232Traveling

Where was the last place you visited on holiday?
Would you like to go back there again?
What kind of tourist destinations do you usually prefer?

233The internet

How important is the Internet to you?
Do you use the Internet more for work or in your free time?
Do you think you use the Internet too much?