IELTS Tip for speaking practice - Part 3 - Answer questions

Type 1 - Comparing
1. Are school nowadays the same as school in the past ?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. However I guess the most significant would the that schools nowadays have new and modern facilities more than in the past. Students can enjoy learning with computers or be familiar with many technologies.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that the content of lessons in school nowadays is diversified and new.

2. Are TV programs nowadays the same as TV programs in the past?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. However, I guess the most significant would be that TV programs nowadays are much more diversified than TV programs in the past. Many channels have produced a lot  of interesting programs to attract people.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that nowadays there are many live programs on TV such as music, news.. People like watching live programs to enjoy and relax comfortably.

3. Are restaurants nowadays the same as restaurants in the past?
Well obviously, there are a lot of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that restaurants in the past are not very popular and they are very small. because people prefer eating at home to going to the restaurants.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that there are a lot of kinds of foods in restaurants nowadays. People like choosing these restaurants for having lunch or dinner with their friends and family.

4. Are free time activities nowadays the same as 20 years ago in your country?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that nowadays free-time activities are more diversified in my country. People like joining the club, watching live shows, shopping at supermarket, going on picnic.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that young people have a lot of opportunities to participate in free-time activities. They relax and enjoy with their friends and family comfortably.

5. Are shops nowadays the same as shops when you were young?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that nowadays they are displayed and decorated very beautiful so they can attract the attention of buyers.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that there are a lot of goods in shops nowadays

6. Are trips nowadays the same as trips that your parent had when they were young?
Well obviously, there are a variety possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that trips nowadays are more convenient and easier. This could be because there are many means of transport such as car, boat, airplane, train..
In addition, a second key distinction would be that nowadays people can visit many beautiful and famous places in the world.

7. In what ways are magazines different to newspaper?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that every magazines is publish for only specialized field such as fashion magazine, sport magazine..
Whereas on the other hand, newspapers are publish with diversified information and different fields. Newspapers include many fields such as Economics, Law, Fashion, Society, Education, Sports, Culture...

8. Do adults and children make friend the same ways?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that adults have a lot of opportunities to make many friends. They make friend due to many purposes  such as working , studying, doing business or traveling.
Whereas on the other hand, children make friends for studying and playing together. They don't have high demand to make many friends.

9. Are families nowadays the same as families in the past?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that people nowadays don't spend much free time together at home. They must work or study all day.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that there are many generations living together in the past.

10. Are buildings nowadays the same as building 100 years ago?
Well obviously there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that buildings nowadays are very high in almost cities in the world. High buildings have been built for living and working because the population has raised fast in big cities.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that modern buildings today have been equipped well for living and working.

11. Is public transport nowadays the same as public transport 20 years ago?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here . But I guess the most significant would be that there are many kinds of public transport nowadays such as buses, taxis, airplane, ferry, train.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that public transportation is used more and more popular in many pats of the country.

12. Do old and young people like the same hobbies?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that the old people want to enjoy relaxed and mellow atmosphere such as listening to classical music.
Whereas on the other hand, the young people like noisy and fun atmosphere for relaxing such as going to bars, cinemas or club.

13. Do men and women have the same attitude to shopping?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that men prefer shopping at supermarket to the market because they believe that the prices are fixed at supermarket or shops.
Whereas on the other hand, women spend a lot of time for shopping. They like shopping in many different places. They can bargain the prices and choose goods carefully.

14. What is the differences between things made by hand and things made by machines?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that things made by hand are unique, artistic and customized. Because people spend much time to make handmade products.
Whereas on the other hand, things made by machines are produced with large quantity in a short time so they are not unique.

15. Do people nowadays eat the same food as people 50 years ago?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that people nowadays often use canned food and eat fast food. Because they are very busy and do not have time to cook.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that people nowadays prefer eating meat to vegetables because the foods produced from meats are taste and delicious.

16. Is weather in North Vietnam the same as the weather in South Vietnam?
Well obviously, there are a variety possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that the weather in North Vietnam is colder than the weather in South Vietnam. The weather in North Vietnam is very cold in winter. The temperature is from 12 to 20, even below 12 in some areas.

17. How has education change in recent years in your country?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here but I guess the most significant would be that e-learning has been more and more popular in recent years in my country. People can stay at home to study and get the certificates accredited from a lot of College or University.

18. Nowadays people make friends in a same way as people 20 years ago?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that people nowadays make friends easily and quickly. People can make friends through on Forums, Clubs and Social Network on the Internet.
In addition, a second key distinction would be that people have good opportunities to make a lot of friend all over the world when they travel to different countries or study abroad.

19. Are the way in which people become famous nowadays the same ways that people became famous 100 years ago?
Well obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. But I guess the most significant would be that nowadays, famous people known as not only in the country but also in the world. Because they are introduced on media such as TV, magazine, newspaper, internet...


Type 1 - Predicting.
1. What will schools be like in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see schools will use more technologies such as record lessons, do assignments and project on computers...
As well as this, I suppose it's quite possible that we may have schools that will be designed smarter and more efficient.

2. What will restaurants be like in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see restaurants have automatic robots that are responsible for introduction or cashier.

3. What types of people will become famous in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see people working in Environmental Preservation and Peace World become famous.

4. What will shopping habits be like in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see the significant development of e-commerce websites and payment online.
As well as this, I suppose it's quite possible that we may have a lot of mobile shopping or TV shopping habits.

5. What will public transport be like in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see the development of hydrogen-powered buses and trains for better fuel economy, better performance and reduce CO2 emission considerably.
As well as this, I suppose it's quite possible that we may have a lot of high-tech vehicles supported.

6. What types of hobbies will become popular in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see the significant increment of people joining in social network, forums online, blogs.

7. What types of trips/holidays will people take in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see the significant increment of space tourism or submarine tourism.

8. What will cars be like in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see the change from hydrogen to electric and bio-fuel cars.
As well as this, I suppose it's quite possible that we may have cars using nonpolluting fuels such as solar, electricity or even water.

9. What will TV programs be like in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see TV will be like the web.

10. What kinds of gifts will become important in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess we might begin to see people will send together digital photo, sending online on mobile, internet or camera.
Beside that people can send e-greeting cards or something like that.

11. What new inventions do you think we will see in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess we might begin to see new inventions about artificial organs, electric clothes , undersea resort or something like that.

12. What environmental problems will we see in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess we might begin to see rising oceans, disturbance in ecosystem integrity.

13. Do you think we will see any changes in the weather in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess we might begin to see summer temperature will be very high and winter will last longer and very cold.

14. Do you think we will read book in different ways in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see the significant increment of people reading book on the internet, on digital-books.

15. Do you think we will get news in different way in the future?
I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. And I guess that we might begin to see people will get news from digital devices such as mobiles, notebooks, email, social network.

Type 3 : Why question
1. Why is it important to protect old / historical building?
Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that, there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because the historical buildings enhance a community's culture significantly.

2. Why so many people move from the countryside to cities?
Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because in the city we will have high standard of living such as better education, transportation and healthcare facilities.
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because in the city we will have more job opportunities than in the country side.

3. Why is it important to protect the environment?
Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because protecting the environment help to regulate temperature, CO2 levels and provide oxygen.
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because we can preserve animals species and maintain plants.

4. Why do people like to know about the private lives of famous people?
Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because people have curiosity. People are amazed (ngac nhien) with what celebrities do because they have the fame and the fortune (tai san) that most of us don't have.
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because people want to know why famous people have become successful.

5. Why do many people want to live abroad?
Well in my opinion, I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because living abroad we may have better job opportunities.
Beside that, we will have high standard of living.

6. Why do people like travelling to foreign country?
Well in my opinion, I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because we would like to meet people from other countries, different cultures, landscape and food.

7. Why is it important to learn a foreign language?
Well in my opinion, I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because we can broaden our knowledge. Learning a foreign language is a great way to expand our knowledge of a new culture, society and landscape.
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because the demand to speak another language like English or Chinese may increase our opportunity for getting a good job.

8. Why supermarkets so popular nowadays?
Well in my opinion, I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because in supermarkets there are something like cheap price, safe and high quality products.
As well as this, a subsequent could be because buying goods in supermarkets is very convenient.

9. Why is it important to play sports?
Well in my opinion, I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because playing sports is a great way to keep fit and maintain psychological health.
 As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because playing sport help in building team work among adults and children.

10. Why is watching TV so popular around the world?
Well in my opinion, I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved and the key explanation is possibly because watching TV help people get a lot of news and general knowledge.
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because there are a lot of interesting and useful programs on TV.

Type 4 : Advantages
1. What are the advantages of having  a private car?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However I guess the most evident would be that a private car is the fast and convenient mean of transport. Besides that, a second plus point could be that it's a good idea to travel with friends and family by private car because we can stop at on the way anytime or anywhere.

2. What are the advantages of zoos?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However I guess the most evident would be that zoos is a good place of education. Kids, adults and teens go to the zoos to learn about their favorite animals and many other species.

3. What are the advantages of playing team sports?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However I guess the most evident would be that participating in team sports allows individuals to work on interpersonal skills as well as build character and confidence. Besides that, a second plus point could be that it's a good way to keep fit and maintain psychological health.

4. What are the advantages of being famous?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that famous people don't have to worry about paying bills, can afford the best clothes and drive the latest models of fast cars. Besides that, a second plus point could be that famous people have more opportunities to help because by participating some charitable organizations.

5. What are the advantages of watching film in a cinema?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that cinemas have new and modern facilities than our home such as the very large screen can play 3D films, the brilliant sound system. Besides that, a second plus point could be that we can take our friends and family to the cinema for watching a movie. That's a good idea to enhance our relationship.

6. What are the advantages of living in cities?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that in the city we will have high standard of living such as better education, transportation and healthcare facilities.
Besides that, a second plus point could be that in the city we will have more job opportunities than in the country side.

7. What are the advantages of using a public library?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that public libraries lend books, compact discs, DVDs, and other materials free of charge to their library card-holding patrons.
Besides that, a second plus point could be that public libraries subscribe many newspapers, magazines that library patrons can read for free.

8. What are the advantages of spending time in a foreign country?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that spending times in a country we have many opportunities to communicate and make friends with many people around the world. Besides that, a second plus point could be that we would be able to broaden our knowledge of new cultures, societies and landscapes.

9. What are the advantages of getting news from newspaper?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that getting news from newspapers is a good way to have a lot of information about many fields such as education, fashion, sport, economics, etc
Besides that, a second plus point could be that newspaper are very mobile and cheap.

10. What are the advantages of online shopping?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that online shopping is very convenient because we can shop easily anywhere such as at home, in office, on train, etc..
Besides that, a second plus point could be that it's a good way to save our time. we don't have to spend a lot of time for going to the shop and then come back home.

11. What are the advantages of listening to radio ( compared with TV)?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that listening to radio is very convenient. This could be because we can enjoy it anytime anywhere such as at home, in office, on train, etc...
Besides that, a second plus point could be that radio is cheaper than television.

12. What are the advantages of advertising?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that advertising help to sell a bigger market. Therefore, the more goods are sold, the cheaper they become.
Besides that, a second plus point could be that advertising has a valuable informative function that help potential customers know more about the characteristics and prices of products or where they can buy a particular product cheaply.

13. What are the advantages of hand-made products?
Obviously, there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that things made by hand are unique, artistic and customized. Because people spend much time to make handmade products. They are made with love, more attention to detail and creativity.
Besides that, a second plus point could be that handmade products are more environmental friendly.

Type 5 : Disadvantages
1. What are disadvantages of air travel?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that when flying we can't stop wherever we want to enjoy beautiful and famous landscapes.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that flying is often the most expensive form of transportation. Besides that flight often depends on weather. In the bad situation, flights can be delay because of the weather.

2. What are disadvantages of shopping in supermarket?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcoming. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that when shopping in supermarket, more goods are bought than intended, therefore buyers spend a lot of money.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we frequently spend a lot time standing in line to pay the bill. This is a clear limitation because sometimes I feel very frustrated and exhausted because of it.

3. What are disadvantages of using technology in education?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcoming. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that using too much technology in education lead to the loss of communication skills and interactive abilities between students and teacher, and students to peers.

4. What are the disadvantages of going on holiday in foreign country?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcoming. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that going on holiday in foreign country you have to spend a lot of money.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we have to be familiar with different cultures, societies, different languages, and different foods.

5. What are disadvantages of having a fixed daily routine?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that our lives become boring because we do the same stuff for all the time and we don't bring to our lives anything new.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we can lack of creation and become lazier.

6. What are disadvantages of machine made products?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that the goods are not unique, artistic and customized.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that people gradually lack of detailed skills and the sense of patience.

7. What are disadvantages of zoos?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that the zoos don't provide suitable environments for wild animals. The climate and habitat is often different from their native environement and some wild animals find it difficult to adjust.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we cost money and time to take care of them.

8. What are disadvantages of eating out in restaurants?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that eating out in restaurants is very expensive
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that meals in restaurant are often full of fat and sugar, they are not as safe as foods at home.

9. What are disadvantages of online shopping?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that we have to pay shipping cost and have to wait for the items.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we may face with some risk factors because nowadays there are many scam organizations, therefore we need to find out carefully the shops before buying anything from them.

10. What are disadvantages of being famous?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. And I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that celebrities don't have their own life. The privacy is always a target of paparazzi.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that they always have to meet their fan expectations and working under pressure make them exhausted.

11. What are disadvantages of living in cities?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. But I guess the most impractical characteristic could the that we have to face with environment pollution because the air in the city is always polluted and there is too much noise.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we have to face with traffic jam and because of heavy traffic so it's very dangerous to travel in town by car or on foot.

12. What are disadvantages of living in the countryside?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. But I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that in the country, we don't have many things to do during the free time.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that people living in the country can't enjoy the miracles of the latest scientific achievements. Besides that, the unemployment rate is much higher than in the city.

13. What are disadvantages of living near the sea?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. But I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that living near the sea, we can be affected by storm, tsunami or something like that.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that we have to face with the cold in the winter.

14. What are disadvantages of living in an old building?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. But I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that old building are often associated with high humidity and the cost for repairing and restoration is rather high.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that sometimes it is not safe enough to live. This could be because all facilities are downgraded.

15. What are disadvantages of advertising?
Of course, there are a couple of shortcomings. However I guess the most impractical characteristic could be that advertising creates the confusions. This could be because the same type of things are often advertised one after another which confuses us what products we should choose.
Supplementary to this, an additional weak point may be that advertisement are not always truthful. The advertisers tend to increase the benefits of the items they want to sell. Therefore, the customers become victims of such advertising.

Type 6: Problems
1. What problems are caused by international tourism?
Obviously, we can say there are a couple of problems relating to this issue. First and foremost, one major worry is probably that tourism raises the prices so local people can't afford goods in shops.
Another matter which causes unease is the point that popular local destination are overcrowded and spoiled.

2. Obviously, we can say that there are a couple of problems relating to this issue. One major worry is probably that tourism can cause the increase of pollution.

3. What environmental problems are common in your country?
Obviously, we can say there are a couple of problems relating to environment in my country. First and foremost, one major worry is probably that we have to face with environment pollution such as air and water pollution. We don't have fresh air in the morning poisonous smoke coming from factories, especially chemical ones.
Another matter which causes unease is the point that garbage problems because of overpopulation.

4. What are the problems facing the natural environment?
Obviously, we can say there are a couple of problems relating to the natural environment in my country. First and foremost, one major worry is probably that we are facing with the loss of wildlife habitats. This is the result of the rapid growth of the world population. There is less and less room on our planet for wild animals. Many rare species are on the way of extinction.
Another matter which causes unease is the point that we have to face with the problems of deforestation and land degradation. the main reason is from our awareness. We cut down trees to receive benefits so that the natural environment is damaged.

5. What problems are associated with overcrowded cities?
Obviously, there are a couple of problems relating to this issue. First and foremost, one major worry is probably that the environment is polluted because of the increase of garbage.
Another matter which causes unease is the point that there are the problems of decreasing supply of water, less job opportunities, insufficient houses, schools, and health care.

6. What problems are associated with the Internet?
Obviously, there are a couple of problems relating to the Internet. First and foremost, one major worry is probably that many people are facing with internet addiction. They like to use the internet as a method of escape from their daily life. It negative effects their lives and those around them.
Another matter which causes unease is the point that there are various health problems to any person who is using the internet for a long time such as it harms the users's eyes.

7. What problems are associated with globalization?
Obviously, there are a couple of problems relating to globalization. But I guess one of the problems could be that we will have greater risk of diseases being transported between nations.

8. What problems are caused by the use of too much technology?
Obviously, there are a couple of problems relating to this issue. First and foremost, one major worry is probably that we have to face with the environment pollution because of the increasing modern transportation means.
Another matter which causes unease is the point that technology also makes us passive in thinking and movement.

9. What problems are associated with the news media (journalists) ?
Obviously, there are a couple of problems relating to this issue. But I guess one of the problems could be that some reports are inaccurate and some articles are quite misleading and even harmful.