Question Type 1: Basic Description Questions

Part One Part Two

Do YOU like... Describe YOUR favorite

How often do YOU... Describe something YOU like doing...

Tell me about X in YOUR city. Describe something that is popular in YOUR country

In Part Three, there is a definite change in the focus. The questions are no longer about you or your life. The general focus of Part Three is "other people" or "society in general". The questions in Part Three may be based on things in your country, things in general (no particular place) or they may be about global issues.

There is a direct relationship between your Part Two topic and your Part Three topics. However, it is important to realize that your Part Three topics will not be exactly the same as your Part Two topic.

For example, in Part Two your topic was:

Describe an interesting trip you have been on.

(You described a trip to Hong Kong.)

In Part Three, your examiner might ask you questions about:

Different types of trips and holidays

Travelling abroad / travelling in your own country

The importance of tourism

The examiner will NOT ask about:

Travelling to Hong Kong

Your favorite ways of travelling

Why you like travelling

This aspect of Part Three is important to understand because the content of your answers must be based on "general ideas" and not your "personal information".

It is important to remember that your ideas are not being tested - the examiner is only testing your ability to express your ideas in spoken English.

Candidates who continue to talk about themselves in Part Three will lose marks.

Part Three questions and strategies are given later in this chapter.