DESCRIBING PEOPLE

116

Describe A Person You Want To Talk To

You should say:

 who the person is

 what he/she does

and explain why you want to talk to him/her.

Model Answer:

A person who I would like to communicate with is my friend Jane. She leads a wonderful family
life. and she is always cheerful and happy. When you talk to her. you will always be cheered up
by her. She is very patient, sensitive and warm-hearted. She knows answers to every question,
even those very silly. Being so patient and sensible. she even helps us to solve our problems. She
is very understanding. When I communicate with her. | always feel that she knows how I feel and
I can forget the troubles I am in. and sometimes she can tell me the solutions to my troubles.
Even if she just listens, I feel quite relieved. She is a good listener. In the end, I would like to say
that Alice really deserves admiration. She shows people how to love, how to live and she teaches
us how to be a better person.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

What activities will help the communication?

I guess people are going to communicate better if they feel relaxed. Going to a quiet café or a tea
house is a good idea.

How can we improve our communication skills?

I know that there is a course which is called communication skills. People can learn it. Another
method is to listen first and then communicate. It must be helpful.

What’s the difference between the communication between adults and children?

Adults will have effective information after communication. As for children. most of time. they
just concentrate what they themselves are talking about. There is rarely useful information.

What‘s the difference between the communication between human and animals?

Human beings have the language ability. and as for animals. they just possess some simple ways
to communicate. They communicate by simple movements or some simple gestures.
What are the communication strategies for adults?

Adults have a lot of means for communication. Most of time, Chinese people like to have meals
together with others, and then we communicate with each other. We also like to talk to each other
on the Internet or make phone calls to each other.

What kind of communication is the best?

I guess the best way is face-to-face communication. We can see the expressions of each other and
then make responses. In this way the communication is more effective.

Do you think anybody can improve their communication ability after training?

Definitely. People can learn some communication strategies. For example. they learn how to
overcome their shyness and nervousness. They also know how to use body language and eye
contact.

What kind of skills do people need for communication?

If people want to be successful in communication. first of all. they need to be a good listener, and
then they should be eloquent as well.

Why are some people bad at communication?

I guess the main reason is that they tend to misunderstand what others are talking about. And
then communication failure results in.

What kind of jobs do you think need talking to other people most?

I guess sales people always have to talk to their potential customers. Businessmen have to
negotiate with their business partners as well.

How do children learn to speak?

Most of time. their parents will teach them to speak. They imitate the adults’ sound and try to
utter some simple words.

Who will learn to communicate more quickly, children or adults?

Adults will do it better. They have more experience. and this is beneficial for communication. As
for children. it depends on their mood. When they have a good mood. they can learn it quickly.

How can we teach children to learn communication?

We should teach them to be polite. So I guess the first thing is to teach them to address the adults.
If there is a shy child, how do you teach him or her to communicate?

First of all, I will encourage him or her. and then make him or her confident. This is the first step
in communication.

115

Describe A Teacher Who Has Greatly Influenced You In Your Education

You should say:

 where you met him/her

 what subject he/she taught

 what was special about him/her

and explain why he/she influenced you so much.

Model Answer:

I have many teachers in my years of education, and there is only one teacher who will remain in
my memory forever. His name is Tom. and he taught me spoken English in a language school
last year. He’s not tall but he‘s energetic. He comes from America. He‘s humorous but in class he
was strict with us. We were not allowed to speak Chinese and had to take a quiz every day. If you
failed. you had to stay in the classroom studying until you could talk to him in English fluently.
One day. I left my textbook in the classroom, and when I returned, it was already 9 o’clock in the
evening. Much to my surprise, Tom was still there helping some of my classmates improving
their pronunciation. And his voice was low and husky, I was quite sure he didn’t have dinner. He
made a strong impression on me because of his responsibility. I will remember him forever.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

What do you think education should be like?

Oh, I guess education should focus on the development of ability of students. The capability of
students should be explored instead of the fact itself. That’s the education we need.

Are there any problems in education?

Well. I think education in China has got some problems. Traditional education makes students
bored. Teachers only teach them to remember the figures in the books, and we can’t encourage
students to be creative. So some students have high examination scores, but their practical ability
is low.

How do you think the government can solve the problem?

Governments should bring some reforms to examination system, cooperate with foreign
universities, encourage students to study aboard, and teachers should be sent to other countries to
receive some training.

Do you still remember your school days?

Well, my school days were very boring. We were asked to study everyday. There were no
extracurricular activities.

What impressed you most when you were at university?

There were both happiness and bitterness in my memory. I think the academic ability and
responsibility of my teachers made me impressed.

Which is the best university in your country?

I believe Peking University is the best in China. The staff and students are the most excellent and
their equipment and facilities are very advanced. Besides, this university has a long history.
Students in this university are open-minded and courageous.

What do you think of the practice of selling up key schools in primary and
secondary school education in China?

Well, I don’t know much about it. but I think it’s good to set up key schools where excellent
students can enlarge their knowledge. Their academic ability is different from other students and
they can learn more advanced things at key schools. And if the students are not so excellent. they
can study at other schools.

What’s the difference between your educational period and your working period?

When I was a student, I had much time to study new knowledge but I often skipped lessons to
play cards in my dorm room or read novels on bed. Until i got a job. I began to realize that
school life was relaxing. I‘m so busy now that I can’t do what I like. I usually go on business and
try to get along with all kinds of people. I’m tired of working.

What’s the difference between today’s education and that of twenty years ago?

In the past, many children couldn’t go to school. and educational conditions were very terrible.
But now. government offers compulsory education. .Each child is endowed with the right go to
school. And there’re better facilities and staff. Classes are more interesting.

Is there any difference between your parents’ generation and your generation in study?

The subjects for the old generation were very limited. but university graduates could always find
satisfactory jobs at that time. But at present. it’s difficult for students to find jobs after
graduation. Their pressure is heavier than before.
114

Describe A Person Who Is Good At Cooking

You should say:

 who the person is

 what he or she is good at cooking

 how he or she learned cooking

and explain why you think he‘or she is a good cook.

Model Answer:

The best cook I know is one of my friends. We got to know each other about two years ago, and
we got to know him from a birthday party of my friend. From then on. he always invites us to
enjoy the food he cooks. He is good at cooking all kinds of food, like spicy food, salty food and
sour food. Whenever we go to his home, he will ask us first what kind of food that we like. He
told us that he had never been to the cooking school. and he learned to cook by himself. We think
that he has gift in cooking. Sometimes we go to some famous restaurants together, and if we like
a dish. he will try cooking it at home and the taste is exactly the same. I often go to his home on
weekends to enjoy the delicacy. and now i become really picky. I don’t like the food cooked by
others. I told him that my appetite was spoiled. Anyway, if you have the chance to taste the food
cooked by him. I am sure that you will like it.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Do you think it is important for Chinese people to eat together?

I guess so. Chinese people like to have a get-together when there is a big event to celebrate. We
eat together for our birthdays or at weddings.

Do you think it takes a long time to cook?

Definitely. First of all. you have to prepare the ingredients. and then you need to slice them. lf
you want to boil soup in China. it’s going to take hours.

What do you think of healthy food?

Healthy food is quite necessary for our body. We should intake sufficient vitamins. minerals and
protein every day. Healthy food contains a lot of nutrition.

As consumers, how do Chinese people take healthy food?

If we really want the food to be healthy. we are going to boil it without putting in any seasonings
as they will damage the nutrition of the food.

113

Describe Your Favorite Sports Star

You should say:

 who this person is

 what sports does this person play

 what achievement he/she has

and explain why you like this person.

Model Answer:

My favorite sports star is a tennis player. and she is quite famous in the tennis field. Serena
Williams is her name. She is popular with a lot of fans. I like her as she has her individuality. She
has signed an endorsement contract with sportswear giant Nike that makes her one of the richest
woman in sport. And she plans to make her on-court outfits even more extravagant and revealing
now she’s in the Nike brand. I know that Williams became well- known for her unique tennis
outfits. Whenever she was on the tennis court. you could see how stunning she was. She is going
to be closely involved in the design of her outfits and those produced for the masses by Nike.
Williams has talked previously of her desire to pursue other interests outside the sport though she
has said she plans to continue playing for another 10 years. I think she is one of the greatest
athletes, male or female. in the world. She has not played competitively since capturing her
second Wimbledon title and her world ranking has slipped. but I just like her all the same.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

What’s the difference between the sports in the past and now?

In the past, sports were not emphasized by people. Nowadays. health is most important, and I
guess that’s why people do all kinds of sports to keep healthy.

Do you think that it’s reasonable for sports stars to earn more money than others?

I think so. They have made great efforts in their training. Besides. what they do is extremely
dangerous. They will easily get injured.

Do you think it’s ok for sports star to make money by advertising?

They have the freedom to do what they like. Advertising can improve their reputation. it’s ok.
What do you think of the sports industry?

Sports industry is a new one in China, and it’s going to develop fast. The government can earn
money from the tickets.

How can a sportsman gain honor for his country?

It doesn’t matter whether he wins the gold medal or not. His spirit is what a nation cares. He
should make great efforts to win the match.

What sports do you like?

I don’t like to do sports. but I’m crazy about watching tennis or football.

What are the advantages of doing sports?

I can make a lot of friends because we have the same interest. Besides. I can become stronger.

Why are there so many fans in favor of one team?

Fans like a team because it has got his or her favorite star, and maybe it’s also because it’s the
tradition of the family.

What’s the value of sports?

It can improve the communication between countries. People from different cultures will also
enjoy the same kind of sports.

Should there be sports events all over the world?

Yes. Sports can be international. No matter where you come, you can get pleasure from both
watching and playing.

Should sportsman drink?

They shouldn’t drink in public because they are the idols of the youth, but if there are important
celebrations. it’s ok.

Can sports be a career for people?

When people are young, they can be the players. When they retire, they can become the coach.

Do you think that team spirit is important in sports?

Cooperation is important in sports. No matter how excellent you are, you need the help from
other players.
112

Describe A Past Family Member Who Led An Interesting Life

You should say:

 who he/ she was

 when he/ she lived

 what he/ she did

and explain why you think he/ she led an interesting life.

Model Answer:

I got to know about my great-grandfather from my grandparents. He was born at the end of 19th
century. His family was extremely poor when he was young. He was sold to a landlord and
became his servant. He worked hard and won the trust of his boss. The landlord sent him to be in
charge of one of his shops in another city. He went there and learned to deal with business. Later,
he won great success and made a profit for his boss. Before his boss passed away. he gave the
ownership of the shop to him and he became rich. Later, he set up his chain stores and became a
capitalist, but unfortunately he lost everything because of unwise investment. However. he didn’t
lose confidence. Instead, he restarted his business and got successful again.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

What is the role of father and mother in the family?

Fathers make important decisions in the family and they give suggestions to children about their
major, their job and their future. They support the family. As for mothers, they most of time will
do the housework and take the responsibility of taking care of their children.

What is the difference between their roles in the past and now? Why?

Well. in the past. fathers were the breadwinner and they played the dominant role in the family,
but now, both parents share their duties in supporting the family.

What is the responsibility of parents?

Parents should educate their children and bring them up. They should provide healthy
background for the growth of them.

What is the difference between the help from your family and friends?

My family members will try their most to give me help of any kind. As for my friends, they will
consider whether they want to take the troubles.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being selfish?

When people are selfish, they have few friends as nobody likes selfish people, but they protect
themselves better.

What is your family history?

I know that my ancestors used to live in the south of China, and they dealt with the coal business.
Later, we moved to the present place and my parents are now working for the government.

Is it important to know one’s family history?

A family history and past generations affect present day life through customs. beliefs, and
traditions within a family unit.

How do you know your family history?

I collect information about my ancestors. I collect vital statistics. such as when and where my
ancestors were born. lived, and passed away. Each family member is like a piece of a puzzle. As
you collect and record family stories, pictures. and documents, a fascinating part of your own
history reveals itself. I ask my parents about their birth dates, and where they were born, when
and where they were married. As you did with yourself. write a story about your parents. It can
be your best memory of them or it can be a story of what they mean to you.

111

Describe A Family Member You Admire

You should say:

 what the person’s name is

 what the person’s personality is like

 what hobbies he/she has

and explain why you admire him or her.

Model Answer:

Well, I admire my father. He is over 40 years old, and he’s the president of a computer company.
My father is warm—hearted and he always tries his best to help others if they go to him with
troubles. He started the company when l was in the middle school. and it was really hard time for
both him and the family. At that time, he always went on business. and he couldn’t stay with the
family on weekends. He made some money and he began to have time to be with me. Then
something terrible happened. His partner ran away with the money. and the payees came to my
father’s office every day. Everyone in the family was worried and scared, but my father kept
calm. He asked those people how much the company owed them and gave them the deadline of
paying them. My father worked harder and he sold his car and some antiques. but he paid off.
His company is now one of the best ones in the city and he has won a reputation for himself.
When I work, I also want to be one like him.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Can you describe your family to me?

Well, there are five people in my family. my parents, my sisters and me.

Is it of a typical family structure?

It used to be popular 20 years ago. People wanted to have more kids in a family at that time.

What do you think of the change of family structure in the past years?

Well. in the past, the grandparents lived with their children and grandchildren. But at present.
children will have their own family after they get married. They tend to move out and live by
themselves. Women’s role in the family has changed.

What do you think of this?

Well, I think this is a symbol of the development of the society. In the past, women had no
income and they had to depend on their husbands. but now women can do what they like. and
they can support themselves. Women have more freedom and they have their status in the
society.

What kind of influence does it have on the society?

Well. divorce rate is high. Women have more freedom, and their economic situation enables them
to leave their husbands if they are not satisfied with the marriage.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of children living together for the family
members?

If children live with their grandparents. they learn how to take care of the old when they are
young. but the problem is that old people tend to spoil children. It’s hard for parents to discipline
the children.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of children living with parents only?

If children only live with parents, they don’t know how to respect the old. and their relationship
with the old is not close. but they have more freedom to eat what they like. and they don’t have
to deal with the generation gap.
Do you think that all family members will live together or separately in future?

I guess in the future. family members will live together in China, as they can take care of each
other. If they live separately, it takes them a long time to get to each other’s home.

Has the government done anything to support families?

The government has some programs which support poor families to meet the lowest living
standard. The families can get money from the government at the beginning of every month.
Besides, our government establishes some institutions to provide food and accommodation for
old people without families.

110

Describe An Old Man You Are Familiar With

You should say:

 who he/ she is

 how you got to know him/ her

 what he/ she often does

and explain how he/ she has influenced you.

Model Answer:

I am familiar with an old person who used to be a writer when he was alive. He lived next door
to my grandparents. I didn’t know that he was so famous until after I grew up. His name is Qian
Zhongshu. He was one of the greatest writers in the 20th century in China. He left many
masterpieces for us. I enjoy reading his novels. When I was reading about them, I was impressed
by his talent. A journalist said that people from other countries usually had two wishes when they
came to China. One was to go to the Great Wall and the other was to meet with Mr. Qian. Some
people even regard him as the image of Chinese literature. One of the most amazing things about
him was his marvelous memory. It is said that he could get any details after reading a book once.
Many people admire him but he was still modest. I thought that was what a real scholar should
be like. I want to be like him and have some achievements as well in my life.

Notes:

 When…was young, he liked to take risks.+adventurous person

 engaged in the adventurous games 20 years ago.+adventurous person

 30 years ago. …won the Champion of …+adventurous person

 20 years ago, …started his own business with a factory of seven people. ..+a leader you admire
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:
What is the difference between the young and old in China?

Young people are easy to accept new ideas, but the old sometimes are conservative. and they
always follow the traditions.

What are problems of Chinese old people?

Their children are always busy with their work or their own family, so the old people may feel
lonely because there are rarely entertainments for them.

What is the main problem of old people in their jobs?

They have enough experience. but they are not physically strong enough for the job. They cannot
go on business by themselves because maybe they will fall sick.

What are the problems about the experience of old people?

The experiences sometimes are not applicable in today’s society, but the old people refuse to
accept the fact. They still want to cling to their old ideas.

What do you pay attention to when you take photos of an old person?

I shouldn’t make the old person too tired. I will also try to catch their best expressions. Besides. I
shouldn’t make them stand for a long time. Otherwise, they may get exhausted.

What’s the attitude of your country to old people?

Old people are respected in China. and we also hold the view that they should be supported by
not only the families but also the society. People are going to be looked down upon if they do not
respect the old.

What’s the influence of old people in their home?

Their children will try best to listen to their ideas, and they can make important decisions in the
family. They are most of time the spiritual symbol of the family.

What’s the difference between the young and old in their attitudes to problems?

Young people are adventurous. and they like to try new ideas. but old people are afraid of the
problems. They will try to avoid taking risks.

109

Describe One Of Your Best Friends

You should say:

 how you met each other

 how long you know each other

 how you spend time together

and explain why you think he/she is your best friend.

Model Answer:

My best friend is Ray. He is my university classmate. Ray is a handsome guy. He likes basketball
and so do I. We always play basketball together. and we won a lot of matches under his
leadership. He has the ability to deal with troubles. and we trust him, so our class is the best one
in our department. He’s a friendly boy, and he gives me a lot of help. For example. he bought
medicine and food for me when l was ill. We are both interested in western films. and we often
go to cinema together. And because we know that English is essential to us in future, we go to
the English Corner to practice our spoken English.

Notes:

 My friend likes to take risks and he has tried a lot of extreme games.+adventurous person
 I have a friend who is much older than me, and he is the leader of a company. +a leader you
admire

 …and I were neighbors, before he became the leader of…+a leader you admire

 My best friend is an old person. We have been friends for a long time.

 I have a good friend and he used to be my teacher. We got to know each other when l was
studying at…

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Are you good at keeping in touch with your friends if you don’t see them regularly?

Yes. always. To be honest, several of my friends have moved away, got married. and so on. I
have a friend whom I went to school with and ten years ago he immigrated to Canada. We still
write to each other.

What does friendship mean to you?

Friendship is important to me. I can talk with my friends about my family, my worries or my
plans. They will give me a lot of advice and support. I can share my happiness or sadness with
them. Without friends. it will be difficult to survive in modern society. which is full of
competition and struggle.
What kind of characteristics must your friends have?

I like making friends with active and optimistic people. They can cheer me up when I feel
depressed. My friends should be helpful and warm-hearted. I don’t like selfish people.

What are the possible factors that cause friends to break up?

I think honesty and trust are the most significant things among friends. Lies would destroy
friendship. I cannot endure my friends if they are late because I’m always punctual. Besides. I
will be angry if my friends cheat me. and this will cause us to break up.

Do you think it’s easy to make friends in China?

I think it’s the same everywhere. It’s just a kind of feeling. When you see a person for the first
time, you will know whether you will be friends or not.

Do you think there’s a difference between adult and children making friends?

Yes. definitely. When we were young, our friends were mainly neighbors or classmates. if we
often did homework and went to school together. we were friends. And parents would tell us
whether we could make friends with a particular person or not. But after we grow up, our circle
of friends will be larger. Our friends may include people of different background. We can choose
our own friends.

How do you make friends with others?

I have some colleagues and we often go to bars. We talk about a lot of things together. and
gradually, our relationship is closer and closer. We become good friends.

What’s the most important factor that you should consider when you make friends?

Well, it’s hard to say, but I guess understanding and honesty are the two factors that I‘ll take into
account. As for other things. they’re not so important. I believe that a friend means a person you
can trust and he or she can trust you too. Friends can help you when you are in trouble. And
when they are in trouble. you will help them too.

108

Describe A Successful Person

You should say:

 who this person is

 how you knew him/ her

 what he/ she does

and explain why he/ she is successful.

Model Answer:

I guess the most successful person I have ever seen is Xu Tao. She is the hostess for a legal TV
program. She has experienced a lot of troubles herself to get the first hand sources for her TV
program. She won a lot of awards of journalism. A few years ago, she was elected the torch
carrier for Olympic Games. She is like a policeman. She wears a helmet and exposes the secret
of many illegal companies. She also helps the policeman arrest the suspects. I remember a story
about her. Once, a suspect was caught and he said to the police, I watch her program every day,
when she says. you will never escape the law. | always feel she is talking about me. I think she is
successful because she is known by so many TV viewers. Later I read reports about her, and it
says that she also has a harmonious family. She tries to balance her work and her family life.
When she is not working, she will go to the park with her family. To me. a successful person
should be successful not only in work but also in life.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Do you want to be successful?

Sure. If I am successful. my parents are going to feel proud of me and I’m going to have sense of
achievement.

Why do people want success?

When people are successful, they probably will get what they want. Maybe. they will have more
money to enjoy the luxurious life.

What is the standard of success?

It depends. Some people think that being famous means success, and others may think that
having a lot of money is successful.

Does money mean success?

It is one of the indicators of success. There are also other factors like social status and
recognition among the public.

Do you have any other ideas about success?

If a person wants to be successful, he should devote to what he is doing, and sometimes, talent
and intelligence is also what he needs.

Can you be successful without money?

Sure. Money is not essential to success. Even if you have money. you can’t be successful without
the right opportunity or strong perseverance.

What is the importance of money?

Money can satisfy the basic demand of a person. Besides. you support yourself and have enough
freedom to do what you want. People buy food with their money and buy a shelter for their
family. It’s not possible without money.

What is the difference between being successful and rich?

Being rich means having a lot of money or material things like real estate or antiques, but you
can be successful without being rich. Say, a person can be successful by being the best in their
field. but maybe he or she is not rich.

Is there a controversy between success and happiness?

I think so. If you want to be successful, maybe you can’t stay with your family all the time. and
this makes you unhappy.

How can you strike a balance between them?

I think people should make a list and know what they care most. They will ask themselves
whether they are going to be happy being successful. They should try to do more things which
make them happy.

Is it worthwhile to give up happy life for success?

It’s not worthwhile. Happy life is the greatest thing that has happened to a person. It’s easier to
be successful than to be happy.

Can everyone achieve success?

Not exactly. Success is determined by talent, opportunity. and luck. It’s hard to be successful for
those people who have medium intelligence.

How do successful people live?

They are like living under a microscope, and sometimes, reporters follow them everywhere and
expose their privacy to the public.

Can their private life be known by others?

Yes. People can read reports about them. Their stories are on newspapers, W programs or magazines.

106
 Describe A Leader You Admire In Business, Sports Or Politics

You should say:

 what he/ she does

 how you got to know him/her

 why he/ she is a good leader

and explain what makes you admire him/her.

Model Answer:

I’d like to talk about a businessman. He is Niu Gensheng, chairman of Mengniu Dairy Group. He
has experienced a lot of ups and downs in his life. He has a motto, that is. few people have gone
through the experience from having nothing to possessing something, and then back to state of
having nothing again. Gaining possessions brings one satisfaction because his value is
acknowledged, and giving up what one has earns respect for him. He has won people’s respect
because he has donated a lot of money to charity, which not many entrepreneurs can do. He has
made an impression on me also because once he said that while many Chinese firms have yet to
reach a stage where they can shoulder the cost of corporate social responsibility. They should
give priority to the environment from the start. He began a project in 2004 using cow manure to
generate electricity for civil use. The company produces 800 tons of cow manure every day. He
believed that By doing this farmers are happy, society is happy, those drinking milk are happy
and those realizing that we are not damaging the environment are happy. I really admire his
courage and soul.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Do you want to be a leader?

Well. I don’t want to be a leader as being a leader means a lot of pressure. What you do is going
to be the focus of others. If you make a wrong move, maybe the whole team is going to fail.

What qualities should a leader have?

A good leader is supposed to have sharp insight. He or she should know when to take actions to
compete with his opponents in business.

How do you think we can improve the leaders qualities?

They may take the courses for the leaders. They should learn how to cope with people of
different personalities. They should also take the advice from others.

Do you think a leader should be perfect in all fields?

Not necessarily. The most important quality for a leader is the strategy of managing people. He
should have the charm of attracting elites from all walks of life.

Why do we need a leader?

A leader is going to give us global views and tell us when to take the right action. As long as we
follow their instructions, we are going to succeed.

What can they do?

Leaders are going to make plans for us. allocate the tasks between us. Also. they know what the
best solution is for a problem.

Why do some people not want to be leaders?

Well, for me. a leader means a lot of responsibilities. Other people’s future relies on me. I have to
be extremely cautious. I don’t want to worry about this all the time.

What is the world going to be like without leaders?

I guess the world is going to be a chaos. People’s life and property cannot be protected. People
are not going to have a safe life any longer. Anything can happen to them.

Is the communication skill important to a leader?

This skill is really essential to leader. They are supposed to express their ideas to their
employees. They should also have negotiation with leaders of other organizations. That’s why
they must have this kind of skill.

Is it important for leaders to take other people’s advice?

They should listen to other people’s advice. but they are going to make the final decision. As
long as they believe that their moves are definitely correct. they should do it.

Do you think leaders are the examples of people?

I guess so. A lot of people admire them. and they should set a good example. Common people
may want to learn from their experiences.

105

Describe A Person In History In Your Country

You should say:

 who this person was

  how you got to know this person

 what he/ she did

and explain how he/she influenced Chinese history.

Model Answer:

l’d like to talk about the first female emperor in Chinese history. She was Wu Zetian. She was
born of a royal family during the Tang Dynasty. She entered Emperor Taizong’s harem when she
was 13 and that of the successive emperor Gaozong after. She was a master of manipulation and
she persuaded the emperor to declare her one rank below the empress. When Gaozong suffered a
stroke five years later. Wu governed behind the scenes. She created a secret police force to spy
on her opposition, jailing or killing those who stood in her way. After Gaozong’s death she
reigned through puppet emperors, her sons Zhongzong and Ruizong. She finally proclaimed
herself Emperor. the first woman to do so. Wu ruled until her 80s when she was unable to thwart
a coup. She died shortly after. Despite her ruthless climb to power, her rule was benign. Wu
reduced the size of the standing army. and replaced aristocrats in the government with scholars.
She was fair to the peasantry. lowering taxes, raising agricultural production, and strengthening
public works. Wu also campaigned to elevate the status of women and had scholars write
biographies of famous women. She was considered to be the first one in Chinese history to try to
improve the social status of women.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Is it important to learn history?

l guess so. History is essential to us as we will learn some lessons from the events in the past and
avoid making the same mistakes again in the future.

Do you think children should learn the history of their own country or that of other
countries?

I guess children should learn both national and international history. Once they have learned the
history of their country. they are going to be proud of the long tradition.

What’s the importance of knowing the family history?

l really don’t know much about my family history. | just heard from my grandfather that his
grandfather came from another province, and they moved to the present place about a hundred
years ago.

Where did you get information about your family history?

Most of time, i heard the stories from my grandparents. They told me about their past events.
What do you think about forgetting history?

I think it’s unforgivable. Everyone should remember their history. It is the root of a nation.
Without it, people have got no roots.

What do you think of recording history with computer photos and other things?

Well, it’s a good way as well, but the only problem is that photos are going to be lost if there is
something wrong with the computer system. Printed photos are better choices.

104

Describe A Child You Are Familiar With

You should say:

 His or her name

 how old he/ she is

 What his/ her hobby is

and explain what you think of the child.

Model Answer:

I want to tell you something about my neighbor’s boy. He is about eight years old now, and he is
studying at a primary school. When he was about four years old, he began to learn to play the
piano, and he spent a lot of time on that every day. Last year, he won a national prize for playing
the piano, which gives him more motivation in practice. He also likes to play with his friends.
His parents want him to have more opportunities to enjoy his childhood. On weekends. the little
boy is encouraged to invite his classmates or neighbors to come. They can enjoy the games that
they like. Besides, the little boy is also very polite. Whenever he meets us, he says hello to us
first and holds the door for us. When I visit his home. he offers me some fruits and snacks. He
will not have snacks until those who are older have taken their share. | always see him in the lift.
and he greets me with a lovely smile. He tells me something interesting about what has
happened. He is really cute.

Notes:

The child is crazy about playing games. and he also has a lot of toys. Sometimes, he will tell
stories to you.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Who are luckier. children in the past or at present?

Children at present are luckier. They have many toys to play with. and they have great care from
parents and grandparents. Their material life is full.

What’s the influence of pressure brought to children by their schools and parents?

Sometimes, pressure coming from adult affects children’s happiness. They are going to hate
study if their parents always compare them with other children.

What do you think of the education in primary schools in China?

Primary education in China is better than in other countries for children can lay a solid
foundation. After they graduate, they can study well in middle school.

What problems are there?

There‘s great gap between primary schools in the countryside and in the cities. Students will
receive better education in the cities.

What’s the improvement in education in the past years?

Teachers not only pay attention to knowledge but also to practice. Students can learn all kinds of
practical skills.

What did you like when you were a Child?

At that time, I was a very quiet boy. My greatest interest was to play games with my classmates.

How can parents educate their children?

Besides telling children regulations. parents should be their children’s examples. They should set
aside some time to communicate with them.

What’s the difference between Chinese children and western children?

Chinese children study hard thus they have good foundation of knowledge while western
children are more independent, and they are good at imagination as well.

What’s the difference between western parents and Chinese parents?

Western parents tend to treat their children like friends. and they try to reason with their children.
Children feel respected. Chinese parents always want to be authoritative in front of their
children.

Do you think that young people should have more freedom?

Yes. Young people in China are controlled by their parents, and they should be free to make
decisions for themselves.

Do you think that parents care too much about children’s education?

Chinese parents want their children to be the best among the peers and they spend much money
sending children to learn different skills like dancing, singing or painting. I think they care too
much about children’s education

103

Describe An Adventurous Person

You should say:

 who the person is

 how you knew about this person

 how often you meet her/ him

and explain why you think she/ he is adventurous.

Model Answer:

retirement. He wanted to conquer all the mountains in his country. He started the journey in June,
and then he climbed over 100 mountains in Japan within one year. When he was interviewed in
the program, the host asked him why he had the courage. He quoted a famous mountaineer. He
said, “The mountain is there.” When I was watching the program, I was quite impressed.
Everyone has a dream. and not many people have the courage to fulfill their dreams. but he did
it. I admire him. and I really want to be like him some day in the future.

Notes:

This is not necessarily the people around is also possible that the film in the role, there may be a
celebrity or historical figure. Candidates the best preparations for extreme sports name
vocabulary. The content must be unique and challenging. The difficulty many candidates of
Chinese do not know how to say, do not understand the adventure sports. The recommendations
can be found about Wang, Zhang, Zhang Jian, who deeds.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Are you an adventurous person?

I don’t think so. I don’t even want to ride the roller-coaster, and it is terrifying experience for me.
I really don’t understand why so many people are crazy about it.
Do you think that the society should help the adventurous person?

I don’t think so. The adventurous people are those who do extreme games, and it is risky. We
shouldn’t encourage this kind of behavior, but we should rescue them when their life is In
danger.

Do you know any adventurous activities/extreme games?

Car racing and hot air ballooning are extreme games and they are dangerous. Parachuting is an
extreme game as well.

Do you like them?

It is too risky for me, and I have no interest in it at all. I have only one life, and I don’t want to
sacrifice my life for it.

Why do people like adventures?

Some people are born with the adventurous spirit and they can’t resist the temptation to take
risks. Life is meaningless if there is no adventurous experience.

Why are there so many adventurous programs?

Some people don’t do it themselves, but they like to watch it. They are curious about that kind of
life.

What‘s your idea of people spending extra money on this?

It’s OK. As long as people can afford the game, they can buy whatever they like. People have the freedom
to spoil their hobbies a little bit.

79

Describe A Person You Know Who Is Good At His Or Her Job

You should say:

 who the person is

 how you know this person

 what job they do

and explain what impact this person has on other people.

Model Answer:
I’m currently working as a teacher in a primary school, and one person I see every day doing an
amazing job is another teacher here. His name is Robert.

I know this person because we teach at the same school and see each other every day. He’s been
working there for a few years now whereas I’ve only just started.

He teaches 5th grade and has a class of ten children of all abilities. He teaches many subjects
including English, math, science and geography. He’s extremely talented to be able to teach so
many different things.

Robert has a huge impact not only on his students but also on the other members of staff. He has
been a great support ever since I started teaching here and is always full of advice whenever I
have a problem that I need help with. His experience has been a great help on many occasions.
Of course the main impact he has is on his students. He’s a wonderfully inspiring teacher who
motivates his class to embrace learning with open arms. His enthusiasm and energy is infectious
and makes everyone in his class more focused on their work and their school-life. When Robert
teaches he doesn’t just use a textbook, he makes the subject come alive by telling stories and
taking his students out on trips to see things for themselves. He’s also very intelligent and knows
many things, so he‘s able to answer almost any question you ask him. His students are well-
prepared for their future studies because they have such a wonderful teacher.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

What are the differences between high school education and university education?

High school education is quite broad and contains education in a large number of subjects. It’s
often compulsory to study core subjects such as math, science, English and Chinese. This
prepares all high-school students with a wide range of basic understanding. University education
is much more specialized and students can choose most of their classes. If you want to study 16th
century pottery then you can. The work is a lot more in-depth at university level as students
choose a subject that they find particularly fascinating. Of course, the work is also a lot harder as
universities educate at a higher level than high school does.

In high school in China, are there many Opportunities for you to gain practical work
experience? What about in university?

For the high school students, there aren’t many opportunities to gain practical work experience,
because here in China academic study is really important for the students if they want to go to
universities. They spend most of their time studying for tests and therefore there isn’t much time
for them to get a part-time job or to gain other social experience. For university students it’s
different. In university, there are many student leagues and social work opportunities, and
sometimes students’ grades are related with their practical work experience: the more social work
they do, then the better grade they have. This is great for both students and society.

What skills do you think are most important for young school leavers?
If someone leaves school and wants to enter the world of work straight away then they need
skills that show they have maturity and are willing to take responsibility. The number one skill is
punctuality: being able to show up on time. If an employee is always late or takes many days off
work then they are seen as unreliable and are unlikely to be promoted. They may even be fired.
Without this basic skill, it’s very difficult to be taken seriously. It’s also important to be
enthusiastic and adaptable to new situations. Working can be very different from studying and
you need to be able to adapt to a new situation and be enthusiastic about your work.

What work skills do you think will be most important in the future?

It seems obvious now that computers will continue to play a vital role in all areas of the economy
for the foreseeable future. If you cannot use a computer, then a large number of jobs are off-
limits to you. Computer skills will be essential in the future as more and more jobs require a
computer to be done effectively. The information technology sector has seen phenomenal growth
over the past few years and this is not likely to stop any time soon. As more and more
workplaces become fully integrated with computers, computer specialists will also be in greater
demand as these systems need to be maintained and set up.

78

Describe a family (not your own) that you know well

You should say:

 where this family lives?

 who the members of the family are?

 what each person in this family does in life?

and explain how you feel about this family.

Model Answer:

My friend grew up in Beijing with her parents who moved here from Dalian. In her family
everyone had to do their part.

They all had certain responsibilities. Her father was the main bread winner. He worked as an
accountant in a big non-profit organization. He had to get up very early every morning to go to
work. So her mother would get up extra early to make breakfast. They would make her get up
early too. Her father thought it was healthy for a child to have a good sleeping schedule. So she
would go to sleep at 9 or 10 pm. every night and wake up at 6 am every morning. Every morning
she would have to go and get the newspaper for her father to read while he drank his tea. Then
she would get ready for school. Her father and her would leave at about 7 am. for work and
school. Her mother would stay at home and clean the house until she had to pick her up from
school. When they got home she would help her with her homework, then she would prepare
dinner. When her father came home they would sit and have dinner. Her father was very
interested in world politics, so it would often become a topic of discussion.

I think she is very lucky to have such a close family that helps each other so much. She often
says that she is proud to have learned how to be responsible and successful in life. I think her
family taught her the skills she needs to be an independent adult.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Who would you say is the head of your family?

My father is the head of our family. He is the main bread-winner. He sets the rules of the house.
He makes sure the bills are paid on time, and that everyone has food to eat. He handles all of the
family’s finances. He is very intelligent and understanding. Whenever I have a problem or any
worries about something, he is always there for me to talk to. He comforts me and gives me good
advice on how I should handle the difficulties of life.

In your opinion, what are the attributes of “a good parent”?

Attributes of a good parent are love, discipline, and the ability to cultivate a child’s interests into
talents. Parents should be open and honest, and they should respect their child. They should
prepare family activities, and should teach them culture and traditions. If a family does not have
any traditions, then they don’t have a family life. A child also should have responsibilities of
their own because if they are not taught this early, they may have a hard time learning this later
in life.

Do you think that parents today should spend more time with their children than they do at
the moment?

Yes, I believe it is a very important thing that a parent spends time with their children. Today the
world is changing so much. There are more and more bad influences in the world. A parent needs
to be more involved in their children’s lives. They need to make sure that their children are not
around bad friends. They also need to direct their children in the right path. Parents should train
their children to be prepared for the obstacles of life. Children are easily influenced by the world
around them, and parents need to make sure those influences are good.

What effect do you think it would have on family life if a person had to spend seven days a
week working, or seven days a week at school?

I think that if a person spends most of his or her time at work or at school, their family life can
really suffer. If a family never spends any time with each other, there is no possible way they can
have a good relationship. They won’t know what the others’ interests are, so communication
would break down. Whenever they are home they will be so tired from the day’s events, that all
they would want to do is relax. Plus, if they are anything like me when I am tired I get easily.

77
 Describe A Person Who Visited Your Home

You should say:

 who the person was

 why they visited your home

 how you spent the time with this visitor

and explain how you felt about the visit.

Model Answer:

Many foreigners have been coming to Beijing from all over the world; but for me, one girl; ‘
from the United States, has stood out more than the rest. Her name was Jane. I invited her to my
house a few times over the summer.

Honestly, at first, I think we both just wanted to practice our language skills; but I believe that
something more grew out of this relationship. We became close friends.

We both played basketball and badminton together, and we talked about many interesting ‘
topics. We skipped past the common cliche conversations like, ” Where are you from, and what
is your home town like?” to more meaningful topics such as our fears, passions, life ; dreams. I
never thought that I would have so much in common with someone from another country. For
example we both wanted to become fashion designers. We loved watching foreign fashion shows
from Paris. More than just our similarities we had fun together. We ‘ began joking around, acting
silly together.

I now feel like I have known her all my life. I was surprised how open and understanding she
was, and how open I became with myself. I think in the short time we had together we became
closer than any of my other friends. I was very sad when she had to return home, but I think that
we will both remember our experiences together. I also believe that we both learned something
new about the world. Despite all of our differences, we are still somewhat the same.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

When you travel to another city, do you prefer to stay in a hotel or with friends?

When I travel to another city, I prefer to stay in a hotel rather than with my friends. I do not like
to be an inconvenience to my friends; also I like to have privacy. When I get up in the morning, I
can move freely without the awkwardness. I Know everything in the hotel is mine to use, so I do
not have to worry about my friend getting upset if i touch something I am not supposed to. Also
if I am traveling I like to relax, so it is nice to have someone else clean up after me.

What qualities should people who work in hotels have?

I think hotel employees should be helpful and knowledgeable at the front desk. They should be
warm and friendly. The receptionists should know the tourist spots of the city and where there
are good restaurants. The room service should be quiet, almost unseen, and respectful for
people’s privacy. Everyone in the hotel should always answer with a smile and never make a
guest feel unwelcome.

How should employees in the hospitality industry be trained?

Employees in the hospitality industry should be constantly evaluated. They should practice
friendly ways of answering common questions. Everyone should be taught what to do if they do
not know an answer to a question, and how to deal with uptight people. Employees should know
how to handle difficult situations with grace. They should be taught organization skills. And most
of all, they should do their jobs professionally and efficiently.

How do you think hotels could attract more guests?

A hotel can create its own buzz by the services it provides, and by how it provides them. Hotels
can attract more guests with excellent and memorable service. The best advertisement is word of
mouth. If a hotel can provide a guest with a remarkable experience and good advice, that hotel
will leave a lasting impression. Be sure that guests will tell their friends. A hotel can exist or not
exist in the mind of a traveler. It is up to the hotel and its employees to make a lasting impression
with good advice, useful tips, and excellent service.

76

Describe A Person Who You Would Like To Be Similar To/Role Models

You should say:

 who this person is?

 how you know this person?

 what impresses you about this person?

and explain why you would like to be similar to this person.

Model Answer:

If I could be like anyone in this world it would be my mother. My mother is a tough woman, but
you would not know it from her appearance because she is so tiny. She has been my source of
inspiration and I will always respect the influence that she has had on my life.

I often look forward to a cup of tea in the living room with mom to discuss the day’s events,
future plans, or even just to share a moment of silence after a busy day.
She has been my teacher, counselor, role model, and friend for the past 21 years. I feel like she is
my best friend. She makes me a better, stronger person. She tells me my faults” mistakes, and
weaknesses even if I don’t want to hear them at times. She pushes me to succeed and encourages
me to work harder when things look impossible. Her approachable nature makes it easy for me to
open up my heart to express my true opinions. She has contributed greatly to my development as
an individual. I will take all that she has taught and use it as a guide for my future and as a
stepping stone in the pursuit of my dreams.

I admire my mother and all of the struggles she had been through. She came from a poor family
and despite all of her hardships she remained optimistic about life. She is a strong person and
makes everyone around her stronger. She is the backbone and guiding light of our family. So I
really want to be a person like her.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

What kinds of people do children in China want to be similar to when they grow up?

Most children in China want to be similar to their parents. Parents are the people who are most
involved in a child’s life, thus he or she wants to be most like them. Also children always think
that their parents are the greatest people in the world. They often brag about their parents’
achievements to their friends. I once read a psychology book; it said that you can always see
people from three different aspects, as a child, as a sophisticated adult, or as their parents. I
believe this idea has a lot of significance in a person’s character.

Do you think it is good for children and young people to use entertainment stars as role
models?

No, I do not think it is good for children and young people to use entertainment stars as role
models. One reason is that many young people get depressed, because they cannot measure up to
the impossible standards that the entertainment industry sets. Another reason is that many
celebrities live very immoral lives. Many celebrities abuse alcohol and drugs, and many are in
constant troubles with the law. Basically, the majority of entertainment stars are not fit to serve as
role models for young people today.

Why do some companies advertise products by using famous people?

Some companies use famous people to advertise their products, because many people aspire to
be famous or at least respect famous people’s opinions. It is also a well-known fact that most
famous people are also very wealthy. So, if people see that someone famous is using a certain
product, they get the impression that it is a quality product. Another reason is that famous people
are usually attractive. Having an attractive person in your advertisement draws in people’s
attention, and will keep people’s attention longer than unattractive person.

Do you think this is good?

It is good for the company that is trying to sell the product, because it gets their product
some recognition. So when consumers go to buy something at the store. this advertisement will
be in their mind. As a result it can increase their sales. It is good for the economy because people
are spending money on these products and cash is continuing to exchange hands. Production and
transportation continue, thus, creating jobs for the common man and lowering unemployment.

Do you think famous people who appear in advertisements have any special responsibilities
towards society?

I think these people who constantly appear on TV and advertisements do have a special
responsibility to the public. They are constantly seen by young people that aspire to be them, so
they need to be responsible role models, even if they never wanted to be a role model, because
young people respect them and imitate them. If they are cut getting arrested and being seen doing
bad things, it will certainly become common knowledge. Then young people will begin to think
that it is ok for them to do it.

75

Describe A Friend Who You Had At School

You should say:

 What he/she looked like?

 How you became friends?

 What you do/did together?

and explain why you remember him/her so well.

Model Answer:

I want to tell you about my best friend, Sam, who I met when we were both only five years old.
He hasn’t changed much since then. He’s still a little fat, with short brown hair, and always
laughing.

To be honest, I can’t remember the exact details about how we became friends because we were
so young. We were in the same class in school and hung out together a lot. We visited each others
houses every weekend and played together in the playground. We were together almost all the
time.

We were both interested in fantasy stories, so we used to play games where we would act out
made-up adventures about knights and dragons, aliens and robots, and other far- fetched
scenarios. We were also big fans of computer games, so we’d talk about them constantly, and of
course we‘d play them together as well. I often went round to his house and ate dinner there,
which was great because his mum always seemed to cook much nicer food than I’d get at home.
I’ll always remember Sam well because he was my closest companion during my time at primary
school. We were best friends and played together all the time. He’s such a larger than life
character; he always has a story to tell and a joke to share. It’s hard to forget such a unique
person. Nowadays we live on opposite sides of the world and lead very different lives, but I’m
sure we’ll always be friends.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question and Sample Answer:

Do you think friends are important?

Of course friends are important! Without friends we would be lonely much of the time, and
although sometimes it’s nice to be left alone, it would be horrible to have no one to talk to. With
friends we can enjoy similar interests, talk about our lives and share experiences. Friends should
be held close, because they‘re some of the most valuable things we can have. A true friend will
always be there for you when you need them most. A strong group of friends is as good as, if not
better than, a family.

Do you prefer to have one or two close friends or a wide circle of friends?

I have a wide range of interests, so I think it’s good to have a wide circle of friends because that
way I’m always able to find someone who I can talk to about something. To be honest though,
it’s much better to have one or two close friends because those are the friends that count. Close
friends will always stick by you through thick and thin, and you can talk about more personal
issues than you can with mere acquaintances. I’ve had many, many friends over the years but
I’ve lost touch with most of them. Only a few have been my friends the whole time, and I think
that‘s the mark of true friendship.

What do you think is the difference between a “close friend” and a “best friend”?

Some people attach great significance to the title of ”best friend”. Personally, I don’t think it’s
possible to single one person out as the “best” and better than other friends. Sometimes it makes
your other friends feel inferior because they are not given this title. The idea of a best friend is a
good one though: it means someone who you absolutely trust, have known for a long time and
get along with very well. It’s a special relationship that means a lot to both people.

How can one distinguish between a close friend and an acquaintance?

It‘s easy to tell the difference. An acquaintance may be someone you enjoy Spending time with and
probably has similar interests to you, but you don’t know enough about each other to really be good
friends. Acquaintances are often made at school or work where people Spend a lot of time with each
other, and you probably like them and enjoy being with them but don’t have much of a relationship
beyond that. A close friend is someone who you’ve maybe known for a long time and know very well. A
close friend is someone you can talk to about your thoughts and feelings, but you probably wouldn’t do
that with an acquaintance.