IELTS Speaking Questions & Topics

for Part One

Common Topics
These are common IELTS Speaking Questions so you should make sure you practice them regularly. Remember the test changes
regularly so the types of questions around these topics will vary.

Hometown

I’d just like to ask you some questions about your hometown.

1. Where is your hometown?

2. What was it like growing up there?
3. Has it changed much since you were a child?
4. What do you like most about living there?
5. What kinds of things can visitors to your hometown go and see?
6. Do you think you will live there when you are older?
Home

I’d like to ask you some questions about your home.

1. Do you live in an apartment or a house?

2. Is it a large apartment/house?
3. Who do you live there with?
4. What is your favourite room in your apartment/house?
5. Is it a quiet or noisy place to live?
6. What can you see from the windows in your apartment/house?
7. If you could change anything about your apartment/house, what would you change?
Studies

I’d just like to ask you some questions about your studies.

1. What are you studying?

2. Why did you choose that particular course?
3. What is your favourite subject?
4. Are you friends with many other students on your course?
5. What job would you like when you have completed all your studies?
6. Will you have to do further studies in the future?
Work

I’d just like to ask you some questions about your work.

1. What work do you do?

2. What do you enjoy most about your work?
3. What are your main duties?
4. Is there any other work you would like to do in the future?
5. What do you normally do when you finish work everyday?
6. Will you have to do more training for your work in the future?

Other Common Part 1 IELTS Speaking Questions

These are some other IELTS speaking questions and topics that you may see in the test that will follow your questions about home,
work or study.

Remember again that this list is not exhaustive. IELTS are always coming up with new topics or changing current ones, so the IELTS
speaking questions you get in the test are likely to vary.
Free Time

I’d like to move on and ask you some questions about your free time

1. What type of activities do you like to do in your free time?

2. How long have you been interested in these activities?
3. Do you like to do theses activities alone or with other people? (Why)?
4. Do you think people have enough free time?
Family

I’d like to move on and ask you some questions about your family.

1. How many people are there in your family?

2. Do you all live in the same house?
3. What things do you like doing together?
4. Who is your favourite family member?
Timing

Let’s move on and talk about being on time for appointments.

1. Is being late acceptable in your culture?

2. Are you ever late for appointments?
3. What type of excuses do you think are alright for lateness?
4. How do you feel when someone is late for an appointment with you?
Neighbours

Let’s change the topic and talk about your neighbours

1. Do you know the people who live next door to you?

2. How often do you see each other?
3. What kind of relationship do you have?
4. How can neighbours be helpful?
5. What kind of problems can people have with their neighbours in a big city?
Food

Moving to a new topic, I’d like to discuss cooking and meals with you.

1. Do you enjoy cooking?

2. What type of things can you cook?
3. What kinds of food are popular in your country?
4. Is it an important part of your culture to have dinner parties?
5. Do you prefer to eat with other people or on your own?
Dreams

I’d now like to discuss your night time dreams with you.

1. Do you dream much at night?

2. Do you often remember your dreams?
3. Do you think we can learn anything from dreams?
4. Do people in your country talk about their dreams?
5. Do you think that dreams can come true?
Magazines and Newspapers

Okay, let’s move to a different topic and discuss magazines and newspapers.

1. Which do you prefer reading, newspapers or magazines?

2. What type of stories do you like to read about?
3. Do you think reading a magazine or a newspaper can help you learn a language?
4. Why do you think some people prefer magazines to newspapers?
Humour

Let’s change the topic and talk about comedy and humour.

1. What type of programmes do you find funny on TV?

2. Which types of programmes are most popular in your country?
 3. What kind of things make you laugh?
4. Do you like to make people laugh?
5. Do you think it is important to have a sense of humour? (Why)?
Museums

Let’s move on and talk about museums.

1. Are museums popular in your country?

2. Did you visit museums when you were a child?
3. Do you like to visit museums nowadays?
4. Do you think you should pay to visit museums?
Mobile Phones

Now lets talk about mobile phones.

1. Do you have a mobile phone?

2. At what age did you first get a mobile?
3. What do you most use it for?
4. Is it a nuisance if people use mobiles in public places such as trains and buses?
Television

We'll now talk about television.

1. How many hours a day do you spend watching television?

2. What type of television programs do you like to watch?
3. Do you think children in your country watch too much television?
4. Do you think television is useful for education in schools?
The Sea

Now we'll talk about the sea.

1. Do you like to go on holiday by the sea?

2. Are there many hotels by the sea in your country?
3. What kind of activities can people do by the sea?
4. How long do people normal visit the sea for when they go on holiday?
Flowers

Now we'll talk about flowers.

1. How you ever given anybody flowers?

2. Is it popular to give flowers to people in your country?
3. On what special occasions do people give flowers in your country?
4. What kinds of flowers would you like to receive as a present?
The Weather

Now we'll move on to talk about the weather.

1. What kind of weather do you like the most?

2. Does the weather affect the way that you feel?
3. Do people like the weather in your country?
4. Do the kinds of outside activities people do in your country change when the weather changes?
Public Transport

Now we'll move on to talk about public transport

1. What kinds of public transport do they have in your country?

2. What kinds of public transport do most people use?
3. What is your favourite type of public transport?
4. What do you do when you are travelling on public transport?
5. How could public transport in your country be improved?
Sport

Now we'll move on to talk about sport.

1. What is the most popular type of sport in your country?

2. Is there a lot of sport on television in your country?
3. What sports do children normally do at school?
 4. Do you think people do enough sport these days?
Writing

Now we'll talk about writing

1. Do you enjoy writing?

2. What age do children normally learn to write in your country?
3. Did you used to write a lot when you were a child?
4. Do you ever write letters?
5. Do you prefer writing letters or sending emails?
Animals

Now we'll talk about animals.

1. What is your favourite animal?

2. What types of animals do you have in your country?
3. What types of animals are kept as pets in your country?
4. Do you think animals should be kept in zoos?
Dictionaries

Now let's move on to talk about dictionaries.

1. Do you ever use a dictionary?

2. Do you prefer paper or electronic dictionaries?
3. Are dictionaries used a lot in schools in your country?
4. Do you think dictionaries are useful for learning a language?
Fashion and clothing

Now let's move on to talk about fashion and clothing.

1. Were you interested in fashion when you were a child?

2. Is fashion important to you now?
3. What types of clothes are fashionable for young people in your country these days?
4. Does fashion change for people as they get older?
Birthdays

Now let's move on to talk about birthdays.

1. What did you usually do on your birthday when you were a child?
2. How do you normally celebrate your birthday now?
3. Is your birthday now still as important to you as when you were a child?
4. Do you think it's important to give someone a card when it's their birthday?
5. Do you think the price of a gifts/presents is important?
Books

Now let's move on to talk about books.

1. Do you like reading books?

2. What kinds of books do you like to read?
3. What is the best book you've ever read?
4. Is reading books a popular activity in your country?
5. Do you think that electronic books / eReaders are better than real books?
Exercise

We'll now talk about exercise.

1. Do you do much exercise?

2. Do you do more exercise now than when you were a child?
3. Do people in your country do a lot of exercise?
4. What do you think is the best exercise to keep fit?
5. Have the types of exercise people like to do changed since you were a child?
The internet

We'll now talk about The Internet.

1. Do you use The Internet?

2. Are children allowed to use The Internet at school in your country?
 3. Do you think that The Internet is useful for study?
4. Have you ever used The Internet to buy something?
5. Are there any dangers of buying things online?
Daily Routine

We'll now talk about daily routines.

1. Tell me about your daily routine?

2. Has your daily routine changed since you were a child?
3. Is your daily routine different at the weekend to during the week?
4. What would you like to change about your daily routine?
5. Do you think it's important to have a daily routine?
Musical Instruments

We'll now talk about musical instruments.

1. Do you think it's important for children to learn to play a musical instrument?
2. Do children have to learn to play a musical instrument at school in your country?
3. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
4. What do you think is the best age to start to learn to play a musical instrument?
5. What do you think would be the most difficult musical instrument to learn to play?
Pets

We'll now talk about pets.

1. Do you have a pet?

2. What types of animals do you think make the best pets?
3. Why do people have pets?
4. Should dogs be left in the house alone while their owners are at work?
5. Is there any types of animals that you think should not be kept as a pet?
Seasons

We'll now talk about seasons.

1. What is your favourite season?

2. Tell me about the different seasons in your country.
3. How do the clothes people wear in your country change with the seasons?
4. Do any types of jobs people do in your country change with the seasons?
5. Is tourism popular in a particular season in your country?
Photographs

We'll now talk about photographs.

1. Do you enjoy taking photographs?

2. Do you prefer to take photos with a phone or with a camera?
3. Do you take many photographs when you travel?
4. Do you like looking at photographs of yourself?
5. Have you put any photographs you have taken on the walls in your house?
Trees

Now let's talk about trees.

1. Do you like trees?

2. Are there many trees in your hometown?
3. Do you think there are enough trees in most cities?
4. What are the benefits of planting more trees?
Email

Now let's talk about email.

1. Do you email people often?

2. Do you chat with friends or family more with email?
3. Do you think people prefer to receive an email or a letter?
4. Do you think it's easier to write an email or a letter?
5. Do you think email will eventually replace letter writing?
IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 - Cue Cards

A Person You Know

Describe an old person that you know.

You should say:

 What your relationship is to this person

 How often you see them

 What people think about this person

Explain why you like them.

Describe a child that you know and like a lot.

You should say:

 Who the child is

 How you know them

 What they enjoy doing

Explain why you like them a lot.

Describe someone who has had an important influence on your life.

You should say:

 Who the person is

 How long you have known him/her

 What qualities this person has

Explain why they have had such an influence on you.

Describe a person that you think is very interesting.

You should say:

 Who this person is

 How you met them

 What they like to talk about

Explain why this person is very interesting.

Describe your favourite teacher from school.

You should say:

 What school he/she taught at

 What he/she looked like

 What subject he/she taught you

Explain why you remember this teacher so well.

Presents or Gifts

Describe a present or gift you have given someone.

You should say:

 Who you gave it to

 What kind of present it was

 How it compared to other presents you have given

Explain why you decided to give this particular gift.

Describe a present or gift someone gave you that you really liked.

You should say:

 What kind of present it was

 Who gave it to you

 Why you were given it

Explain why you liked it.

Memories

Describe a happy childhood event.

You should say:

 When it happened

 Who was involved

 How you felt at the time

Explain why you remember this particular occasion.

Describe photograph that you like.

You should say:

 Who is in the photograph

 When the photograph was taken

 Where the photograph is

Explain why you like the photograph.

Food

Describe a meal that you had that you remember well.

You should say:

 Where the meal was

 Why you had the meal

 Who you went with

Explain why you remember this particular occasion.

Describe a meal that you ate out.

You should say:

 Where you went

 What you ate

 Who you went with

Explain why you remember this meal.

Music

Describe your favourite song.

You should say:

 What is the name of the song

 What the song is about

 When you first heard the song

Explain why it is your favourite song.

Sport and Exercise

Describe a sporting event you attended.

You should say:

 What kind of sport is was

 How it compared to other events you’ve been to

 How often it takes place

Explain why you consider this event to be of interest.

Describe a type of exercise that you like to do.

You should say:

 What the exercise is

 When you do it

 Where you do it

Explain why you like this particular exercise.

Describe a sport that you would like to try.

You should say:

 Which sport it is

 Where you could do the sport

 Who you could do it with

Explain why this sport would be good to try.

Entertainment

Describe a comedian that you think is very funny.

You should say:

 Who the comedian is

 Where they usually perform

 Who likes to see the comedian

Explain why you think this comedian is very funny.

Describe a TV show that you enjoy.

You should say:

 What type of show it is

 How often it is on

 How popular it is with other people in your country

Explain why you like it.

Travel

Describe a country you would like to visit in the future that you haven't been to yet.

You should say:

 Which country it is

 Where it is located in the world

 What you could see there

Explain why this country is would be such a good place to visit.

Describe a lake, a river or a sea you have visited.

You should say:

 Where the lake is

 How often you have visited it

 What activities you do there

Explain why you like this particular place.

Describe a holiday that you recently went on that you enjoyed.

You should say:

 Where you went

 Who you went with

 What you did

Explain why this holiday was enjoyable.

Buildings

Describe a building that you particularly like.

You should say:

 Where the building is

  What it looks like

 What you can do there

Explain why you like this building.

Reading

Describe your favourite book.

You should say:

 When you read the book

 What the book is about

 Why you read it

Explain why this book is your favourite.

Describe a website that you visit a lot.

You should say:

 What the website it about

 How you found the website

 Who else you told about the website

Explain why you visit the website a lot.

News

Describe some good news that you recently received.

You should say:

 What the news was

 How you got the news

 Who else you told about it

Explain why this was good news.

Daily Routine

Describe your favourite part of the day.

You should say:

 What time of day this is

 What you like to do at this time

 Who you are usually with

Explain why this is your favourite part of the day.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 - Questions and Topics

Eating habits

1. Tell me about the types of food that people eat in your country.
2. How are the eating habits now in your country different from eating habits in the past?
 3. How healthy is your country’s food?
4. Why do you think different cultures have different table manners?
5. How may eating habits change in coming decades?
Education

1. How are education priorities today different from those in the past?
2. What is your opinion on the way languages are taught in schools?
3. How can the type of school you go to affect career success?
4. What changes do you think will happen in the classroom in the near future?
Environment

1. Is water pollution a problem in your country?

2. What are some of the causes of water pollution?
3. What can individuals do to try and ensure water is kept clean?
4. Do you think problems with the cleanliness of water will improve in the future?
Influence of television

1. How popular is watching television in your country?

2. Tell me about the types of programme that are generally on television in your country.
3. Why do people like watching television?
4. Do you think state or private television is better?
5. What effects can watching television have on children?
Influences on the young

1. What type of people influence the young in your country?

2. Why it is important to have role models?
3. Do you think the education system in your country influences young people’s behavior?
4. What type of person (parents, teachers, friends etc) are best to influence young people’s behavior?
5. What do you think young people will be most influenced by it the future?
Leisure activities

1. What types of leisure activities are popular in your country?

2. Why it is important for people to have time for leisure activities?
3. Why are some activities more popular than others?
4. Are the types of leisure activities that are popular today the same as those that were popular when your parents were young?
5. What types of leisure activities may become more popular in the future?
Shopping

1. Is shopping a popular activity in your country

2. How have shopping habits changed over recent years?
3. To what extent do you think advertising affects the way people shop?
4. Do you think shopping habits are likely to change in the future?
Sports

1. What types of sports are popular in your country?

2. What are the benefits of playing a sport?
3. Do you think the types of sport that are popular will change in the future?
4. how can sports bring people from different countries closer together?
Transport

1. How do most people travel long distances in your country?

2. Have the types of transport people use changed much over the last few decades?
3. What kinds of improvement have there been in transport in your country in recent years?
4. Do you think transport is likely to continue to improve in the future?

Fitness, Diet and Health Vocabulary

Fat
Overweight
 70% of the population is now overweight according to official figures.

Extrememly fat or overweight.

Obesity
Obesity is now a real problem for teenagers.

Teenagers who are obese are often bullied at school.

A mental illness in which people eat far too little or far too much food and are
unhappy with their bodies.

Eating Disorder

Bulimia and anorexia are types of eating disorder. Both are becoming more
common.

Any substance which plants or animals need in order to live and grow.

Nutrients
A healthy diet should consist of all the essential nutrients.

This meal is very nutritious.

The food and drink usually eaten or drunk by a person or group.

OR

When someone eats less food, or only particular types of food, because they
want to become thinner or for medical reasons.

Diet

It is important to have a healthy diet. People must eat plenty of fruit and
vegetables.

I've been on a diet now for four weeks, and I've lost about one kilo.
 Eating more than your body needs.

Overeating

There is evidence that overeating is one of the main causes of obesity..

A food that is used with other foods in the preparation of a particular dish.

Ingredients

The ingredients of the dish include nuts, raisins, and parsley.

A condition that makes a person become ill or develop skin or breathing

problems because they have eaten certain foods or been near certain
substances.

Allergy

Allergies are becoming more common, and this could be connected to diet.

If I eat nuts, I have an allergic reaction. I cannot breath properly.

A substance which is added to food in order to improve its taste or appearance

or to preserve it.

Additive

This food is full of additives so I'm not going to eat it.

To stop something from happening.

Prevent
Lots of exercise will prevent a heart attack.

The prevention of health problems should be encouraged by the government.

For example, they could ban the advertising of fast food to children.

Often changing and being different.

Variety
 When preparing meals, you need to think about variety and taste as well as
nutritional value.

When you want to eat food.

Appetite

All that exercise has given me an appetite.

A substance in foods such as fruit, vegetables and brown bread, which travels
through the body as waste and helps the contents of the bowels to pass
through the body easily.
Fibre

A diet that is high in fibre is important in order to maintain a healthy body.

Happening or doing something often.

Regular

Regular physical exercise is important for good health.

Any of a group of natural substances which are necessary in small

amounts for the growth and good health of the body.

Vitamins

Many people take vitamin supplements these days in order to keep their
body healthy.

A disease in which the body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood.

Diabetes

Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent ( = common or widespread)

amongst children.

The condition of the body and the degree to which it is free from illness, or the
Health state of being well.
 Fruit has several health benefits.

Elderly people can have many health problems.

The health care in the country is deteriorating ( = getting worse).

There may be health risks from eating too much red meat.

Health education is very important if we are to prevent illness and reduce

medical costs.

Sweden has one of the best health systems in the world.

_____________________________________________

The population of the country is in good health.

Lack of exercise can lead to poor health.

_____________________________________________

He has a very healthy diet.

I have a healthy appetite.

Crime Vocabulary

A law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a

parliament.

Legislation

There needs to be changes to crime-related legislation.

To make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by threatening

bad results if they do it.

Deter

Tougher prison sentences may be a deterrent toother would-be

offenders.

Someone who is guilty of a crime.

Offender

Prison should not be used for first-time offenders.

 To cause someone who has done something wrong or committed a crime
to suffer, by hurting them, forcing them to pay money, sending them to
prison, etc

Punish

Those responsible for serious crimes must bepunished.

When you stop something from happening or stop someone from doing
something.

Prevention

The government should focus on the prevention of crime rather than

introducing harsher prison sentences.

To do something illegal or something that is considered wrong.

Commit

People who commit serious crimes should be given lengthy (long) prison
sentences.

A person who commits a crime.

Criminal

Criminals who commit violent crimes should not be given probation.

A period of time when a criminal must behave well and not commit any
more crimes in order to avoid being sent to prison.

Probation

Probation is a good way to reduce prison overcrowding, but it must only

be used for those who have committed minor crimes.
 To return someone or something to a good or healthy condition, state or
way of living.

Rehabilitate
It is important to rehabilitate criminals while they are in prison otherwise
they may re-offend (commit a crime again) when they are released from
prison.

Having done something wrong or committed a crime.

Guilt
If jurors (the members of a jury) find a defendantguilty, then that person
must be punished.

A group of people chosen to decide in a court of law if someone is guilty of

a crime or not.

Jury

To ensure fairness in a criminal trial, there must be a jury.

To decide officially in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime.

Convict
He has been convicted of arson (starting a fire intentionally to damage
something) two times now.

Being made to pay money for breaking the law.

Fine

Motorists should be given a fine if they are caught speeding.

Being put in prison.

Imprisonment

Murderers are usually given life imprisonment.

 Work that people do to help other people without payment, and which
young criminals whose crime was not serious enough for them to be
put in prison are sometimes ordered to do.
Community
Service

Community service is a good alternative to prison for minor offences.

Fairness in the way people are dealt with.

Justice

Those who commit assaults must be imprisoned because the victims

want justice.

Someone who has suffered because of the actions of someone else.

Victim

The victims of crime often need help and support to recover from their bad
experience.

Education Vocabulary

To complete a first university degree successfully

Graduate
I graduated from the University of Salford in 2009.

My graduation ceremony was in 2009.

The group of subjects studied in a school, college, etc.

Curriculum

Schools must ensure they have an excellent curriculum.

An official record showing that you have finished a training course or

have the necessary skills, etc

Qualification
Good qualifications are really important if you want to get a well-
paid job.

I am qualified to teach English.

 Regular work done by students as part of a course, but assessed
independently of formal exams.
Coursework

The coursework on my degree was really difficult.

When male and female students are taught together in the same
school or college rather than separately

Co-educational

Co-educational schools prepare students for their future better

than single-sex schools.

To behave in a dishonest way in order to get what you want

Cheat
He did really well in his exams but he cheated. He copied from a
friend.

Cheating on exams is not recommended.

The ability to read and write.

Literacy
Literacy rates have declined considerably in Western countries over
the last decade.

However, most children are literate.

Unable to read and write

Illiterate

Many children in the poorest countries are illiterate.

First years of formal education from around age 5 to 11.

Primary
(elementary)
Education
A good primary education is crucial for a child's development.

Education during the time as a teenager.

Secondary Education

I loved it at my secondary school as I had so many friends.

Non-compulsory education after finishing school, such as university,

as well as vocational education and training at colleges.
Higher (tertiary)
Education
60% of children now go into higher education after they finish
school.

To direct your attention or your efforts towards a particular activity,

Concentrate
subject or problem
 It is difficult to concentrate on my work if there is a lot of noise.

I keep losing concentration due to the noise.

Work Vocabulary

Someone who is paid to work for someone else.

Employee

The company has several hundred employees.

A person or organization that employs people.

Employer

Employers monitor their employees very carefully these days.

When someone is paid to work for a company or organization.

Employment
Due to the recession, there are thousands of people looking
for employment.

I was employed in the company for several years.

Not working.

Unemployment

Levels of unemployment in the economy have been rapidly increasing.

He has been unemployed for 6 months now.

To make the same journey regularly between work and home

Commute
 It is taking longer for people to commute to work because of traffic
problems.

Commuting to work everyday by bus is tiring.

Formal way to say 'job'.

Occupation

What is your occupation?

Working life or a particular job during one's working life that gets better
in terms of salary and position.

Career
He is retired now but he had an amazing career ( = succesful working
life).

He hopes to have a career in the army

Any type of work which needs special training or a particular skill, often
one which is respected because it involves a high level of education.

Profession

The teaching profession is not as good as it used to be because salaries

have decreased.

Money paid each month to an employee for their work.

Salary / Wages
Public sector salaries are not keeping up with inflation.

He receives a good wage because he works for a prestigious company.

Businesses and industries that are owned or controlled by the

Public Sector government.
 You get a good pension if you work for the public sector, but the salary
is not always so good.

Businesses and industries that are privately owned.

Private Sector
Most graduates hope to work in the private sector when they finish
university as there are more opportunities and the pay is better than
the public sector.

To stop working because of old age or ill health.

Retire
The retirement age in most countries is 65.

He had to retire early due to ill health.

Working a fixed number of hours but having flexibility with start and
finish times.

Flexitime

They have introduced flexitime at my work place so I usually start at

10am now and finish at 6pm.

To leave a job.

Resign / Quit
He resigned from his job yesterday.

Don't quit your job unless you have another one to start.

To remove someone from their job, especially because they have done
something wrong
Fire / Sack /

Dismiss
He was fired / sacked / dismissed because he was late for work every
day.
 A job position that is not filled and so is available.

Vacancy

I spoke to the company and they said they had several vacancies.

Working more than your contracted hours.

Overtime

The employees often work overtime but they are not given extra money
so it is not fair.

The time worked in a job that is not normal hours.

Shift

She is a nurse so she has to work in shifts. One week she does the morning shift,
and then the next week she will do the night shift.

Shift work can be very tiring.

Information Technology Vocabulary

The right to use or look at something

Access
Everybody should have access to the internet.

Modern and well developed

Advanced
Technological advances have brought many benefits to the world.

Japan has very advanced technology (not 'high' technology!).

To make a process in a factory or office operate by machines or

computers, in order to reduce the amount of work done by humans and
the time taken to do the work
Automation

The automation of production processes has led to increased

unemployment.
 Many production processes these days are automated.

When something joins or is joined to something else, or the part or

process that makes this possible

Connection
Most people are connected to the internet these days.

Having a connection to the internet is important.

I often have problems connecting to the internet.

The act of communicating with people

Communication
Email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and
faster.

Communicating with people by email is very easy.

An object or machine which has been invented for a particular purpose

Device
It is important to have some kind of communication device such as a
mobile telephone or the internet.

A new idea or method

Innovation
Smart phones are the latest innovation in computer technology.

Steve Jobs was a great innovator.

Something which has never been made before, or the process of creating
something which has never been made before

Invention
The world changed rapidly after the invention ofthe telephone.

Many useful devices have been invented over the last few decades.

A piece of equipment with several moving parts which uses power to do

a particular type of work

Machine
Factories now make use of machines to do a lot of the work humans
used to do.

Machinery does most of the work in factories.

Modern, recent, or containing the latest information

Up-to-date

Teenagers think it is important to have the most up-to-date technology.

 If something, especially something related to a computer, is user-
friendly, it is simple for people to use
User-friendly

Modern mobile phones such as the i-phone are very user-friendly.

Environment Vocabulary

The air, water and land in or on which people, animals and plants live.

The

Environment
More must be done to protect the environmentfrom pollution.

Environmental problems are becoming very severe in many countries.

The weather conditions generally present in an area or over a long period.

Climate

The mediteranean region tends to have a mild climate over the winter.

The change in global climate patterns which appeared from the mid to
late 20th century onwards, caused mainly by the increased levels of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Climate

Change
The climate around the world has been changingrapidly over the last
decade.

Climate Change is one of the most serious problems that the world is
facing today.

The gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals

breathe out.
Carbon

Dioxide

(CO2)
The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into
the atmosphere, which leads to global warming.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide.

 A natural fuel such as coal, gas, or oil formed in the geological past from
the remains of living organisms.

Fossil

Fuels
Some people do not believe that human's reliance on fossil fuels is to
blame for global warming.

A gradual rise in the world's temperatures caused by polluting gases such

as carbon dioxide which are collecting in the air around the Earth and
preventing heat escaping into space.

Global

Warming

Deforestation is contributing to global warmingbecause trees absorb

carbon dioxide.

Cutting down and clearing areas of forest.

Deforestation

Deforestation is destroying animal habitats.

The natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives.

Habitat

With so many areas of woodland being cut down, a lot of wildlife is losing
its natural habitat.

All the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the
environment.

Ecosystem

The world has a delicately balanced ecosystem, and pollution can

damange this.

The marine (= related to the sea) ecosystem was baldy damaged by the
oil spill..
 The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat,
a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.

Biodiversity

The rich and diverse biodiversity of our planet must be protected.

To make something less pure by exposing it to poisonous or polluting

substances.

Contamination

The water has been contaminated by the release of toxic chemicals into
the river.

The water supply is being tested for contamination.

Poisonous / A poisonous substance

Toxic /
The dumping (= disposing of something in a careless way) of toxic waste
Toxin has contaminated the area.

Leaded fuel from cars releases toxins into the air which can affect the
brain.

A material or substance which is eliminated or discarded as no longer useful

or required after the completion of a process.

Waste

The Green Party opposes any kind of nuclear waste being dumped at sea.

The production and discharge of something.

Emission
Emissions from car exhausts cause pollution around cities.

Carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced.

 To graually reduce or destroy.

Erosion

Over-farming causes soil erosion.

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of

water.

Drought

The severe drought this year has led to the loss of many lives.

Damage caused to water, air, land etc. by harmful substances or

waste.

Pollution

Environmental pollution must be a top priority of governments.

The air around the factory is very polluted.

Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to

continue for a long time.

Sustainable

Countries need to promote sustainabledevelopment in order to protect

the environment from further damage.

Science Vocabulary

A drug which has no physical effects, used in pharmaceutical tests to

compare the physical effects of taking a real drug from its psychological
effects.

Placebo

She was given a placebo, not the real drug, but she said she felt much
better.
 The placebo effect is when someone's condition improves because they
think they are taking medicine.

Placebo

Effect
She was given a placebo, not the real drug, but she said she felt much
better- that's the placebo effect.

An extra, usually bad, occurrence caused by taking a drug.

A side

effect Drugs should not be tested on animals because there are many
possible side effects.

Much of today's modern medicine has side effects. I prefer alternative

therapies.

To show a particular result after a period of time.

Proof
The amount of evidence that scientists now have proves that climate
change is being caused by humans.

We now have proof that climate change is caused by human activity.

A test done in order to learn something or to find out whether

something works or is true

Experiment

Experimenting on animals is necessary in order to discover if new drugs

are dangerous or not.

Scientists are conducting experiments to test the effectiveness of the

new drug.

A part of the DNA in a cell which contains information in a special

pattern received by each animal or plant from its parents, and which
controls its physical development, behaviour, etc
Gene
 Genes are an important factor in personaility development.

The doctors think his illness was genetic. It came from his mother
because she had the same illness when she was young.

Changing the structure of the genes of a living thing in order to make it

healthier or stronger or more useful to humans.

Genetic

Engineering /

Modification There is evidence that genetically modifiedfood is harmful to humans.

Some plants have been genetically engineeredto be resistant to

herbicides.

Plants, animals or micro organisms that have changed through genetic

engineering.
Genetically

Modified

Organisms
Most commercialised GMO crop plants are insect resistant and/or
(GMOs)
herbicide tolerant.

A plant or animal which has the same genes as the original from which
it was produced

Clone

The first animal to be cloned was Dolly the sheep.

I believe that cloning humans is unethical.

The deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climate system, in

order to try and control global warming

Geoengineering
Some scientists believe geoengineering is the only way to reduce the
warming of the climate.

Controlling the weather by geoengineering is a possible solution to

climate change, but it is controversial.
 A prefix for things related to computers, especially the internet.

Cyber
Cyberbulling via social media such as Facebook has become a major
problem.

A cybercafe is a place where you can buy drinks and use computers at
the same time.

Using the most advanced and developed machines and methods.

High-
Tech /

Hi-Tech
Japan is a very high-tech country. Everyone has all the latest electronic gadgets.

A formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas

which are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or
explanation

Theory

There are two opposing theories on the causes of climate change - one says it is
caused by humans, the other believe it is a natural cycle.

The Arts Vocabulary

Art forms created by humans, divided into visual, literary, and performing.

The Arts

The govenment should not waste money on the arts. This should be spent
on public services instead.

The systems of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, attitudes,

meanings, hierarchies, religion that are shared by a relatively large group
of people.

Culture
The culture of a country is reflected in its art.

Cultural differences can cause problems if you do business in another

country.
 Relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the
production of an artistic work.

Creative

He is an incredibly creative person - he's written many books and plays

and he can paint as well.

Music that is considered to be part of a long especially formal tradition and

to be of lasting value.

Classical

I prefer classical music such as Mozart and Bach to modern day pop music.

A play or film in which part of the story is sung to music (noun).

OR

A skill in or great liking for music (adjective)

Musical

"The Phantom of the Opera" is one of the best musicals that I have ever
seen.

Everyone in the family can play an instrument - they are very musical.

An art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work

combining text and music, usually in a theatre.

Opera

Opera is not very popular amongst young people these days.

A building, room, or outside structure with rows of seats, each row usually
higher than the one in front, from which people can watch a performance
Theatre or other activity.
 My hometown does not have any theatres. There are many in the capital
though.

A show or action involving the entertaining of other people by dancing,

singing, acting, or playing music.

Performance
His performance as MacBeth was amazing.

There will be a performace of a famous play at the Lyceum Theatre

tonight.

An organized set of special events, such as musical, art or film

performances.

Festival

The Cannes Film festival has some great movies this year.

The local council organizes a music festival in my town every year.

An event at which objects such as paintings are shown to the public.

Exhibition
There will be an exhibition at the weekend to show all of his latest
paintings.

His paintings were exhibited at the local art gallary over the weekend.

The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract

forms, especially by carving stone or wood.

Sculpture

The museum has many life-sized sculptures of past Kings and Queens of
England.

A type of painting, drawing, or sculpture that uses shapes, lines, and colour
Abstract in a way that does not try to represent the appearance of people or things.
 Jackson Pollock is one of the most famous abtractartists. He famous for
dripping and splattering paint onto his canvas

A collection of objects or pictures arranged for people to look at, or a

performance or show for people to watch (= being shown).

Display

Jackson Pollock's most famous paintings are on display at the Tate Modern
Art Gallery in London for 10 days.

To be filled with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do

something creative.

Inspired
Shakespears plays have inspired many young people to take up writing and
acting.

His method of acting really inspires me.

An object that is made by a person, such as a tool or a decoration,

especially one that is of historical interest.

Artefact

The museam in town has many artefacts that were found in the local
area. Most are tools from the Stone Age.

Compose the sequence of steps and moves for a ballet or other

performance of dance.

Choreograph

Their dance routines had been carefully choreographed so there would

be no mistakes.

Children and the Family Vocabulary

Family group consisting of a pair of adults and their children

Nuclear family

Most households in the Western world tend to be nuclear families.

 Larger than the nuclear family - consisting of aunts, uncles, and
cousins all living nearby or in the same household.

Extended family

If you live with your extended family they can help to look after the
children.

A parent, not living with a spouse or partner, who has most of the
day-to-day responsibilities in raising the child or children.

Single-parent
Some people believe that it is not good for children to grow up in
a single-parent household.

Group of people related by blood or marriage

Relatives
Relatives, such as grandparents, can play an important role in
helping to raise children.

Brothers or sisters

Siblings

I have three siblings – one brother and two sisters.

A young person who is developing into an adult

Adolescent
Children can sometimes cause more problems for their parents when
they become adolescents.

Someone who depends on you for financial support, such as a child

or family member who does not work

Dependants
My dependants will be well-looked after when I die as I have left a
lot of money to them in my will.

Demanding that people obey completely and refusing to allow them

freedom to act as they wish

Authoritarian

His father was very authoritarian and he used to scare me quite a

lot.

Strongly limiting someone's freedom to behave as they wish, or likely

Strict
to severely punish someone if they do not obey.
 Some parents believe that they have to be verystrict with their
children to ensure they behave well.

(the use of) any of various methods intended to prevent a woman

becoming pregnant

Birth control /
Contraception
One of the reasons for the falling number of births in developing
countries is birth control. Medical clinics often distribute
free contraception.

The number of babies born over a given time

Birth Rate
The birth rate has been falling in many countries.

To care for a child until he or she is an adult, often giving him or her
particular beliefs

Bring Up /
Upbringing Children should be brought up to respect their parents.

I had a very good upbringing.

To take care of a person (or an animal or plant) until they are

completely grown

Raise

Her parents raised her very well as she is now a very kind and
considerate young woman.

The biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in

human beings between birth and the end of adolescence

Child Development

There is no doubt that there are factors external to the family that
significantly impact on a child's development.

Care for children provided by either the government, an organization,

or a person, while parents are at work or are away for another reason

Childcare

Cheap childcare is very important in order to allow mother's to

return to work.

An official or legal process to end a marriage

Divorce

My parents divorced when I was 15.

 Divorce is very common these days.

An arrangement, but not necessarily done legally, by which two

married people stop living together as a couple

Separation

Me and my partner are having a trial separation. Hopefully we can

sort things out.

A form of child abuse where there is an ongoing failure to meet a

child's basic needs, such as being left without adequate food, clothes,
shelter, medicine etc.
Child Neglect

Social services will intervene if a child has been neglected.

A family where there is conflict, misbehavior, and often child neglect,

resulting in poor emotional and physical health
Dysfunctional
Family
The child comes from a very dysfunctional family. The father was
violent and is now in prison and the mother has a drugs problem.

To feel happy and secure from having enough love, acceptance and
respect

Emotional Security

The most important factor leading to a fulfilled and happy life for a
child is emotional security.

Reasonable and has good judgment and their behaviour is not

difficult or strange

Well-adjusted

A child brought up by responsible parents and provided with

emotional security will grow up to be very well-adjusted.

Having good judgement and the ability to act correctly when bringing
up a child e.g. ensuring they are not in any danger
Responsible Parent

If you have children it is very important to beresponsible parents.

A period of a person's life, usually childhood, that has a big influence

on the person they become and the rest of that persons life

Formative years

If things go wrong for someone in their formative years, it can have

an impact on their adult life.

Taking on the legal responsibilities as parent of a child that is not

Adoption
one's biological child
 If a couple can't have a child they may decide to adopt.

Taking on the responsibilities for a child in place of the child's natural

parents but without legally adopting the child.

Fostering
Fostering a child can be a very fulfilling experience.

They have decided to become foster parents.

Care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing

Nurture
It is the family that can provide a supportive, secure,
and nurturing environment, which is crucial to the way in which a
child becomes an adult.

Wishing to protect a child too much

Overprotective
Parents
Children who have had overprotective parentsdo not build up a
strong character to deal with the outside world on their own.

A child who shows bad behaviour from overindulgence by their

parents
Spoiled Child

Children who are given everything that they demand from their
parents may become very spoiled.