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IELTS Speaking Test 4-5
mins

Good morning/afternoon. My name is _____________. Can you tell me your full name
please?
Thank you.
Can I see your identification, please?
Thank you, that’s fine
Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself.

Let’s talk about your home town Let’s talk about what you do. Do you
or village. work or are you a student?
What kind of place is it?
What’s the most interesting part Work
of your home area? What’s your job? Why did you
What kind of jobs do the people choose that kind of work?
in your town/village do? How long have you been doing it?
Would you say it is a good Are there things your don’t like
place to live? Why? about it? What are they?

Study
Please note these What subjects are you studying?
are possible Why did you choose those
questions. Practise subjects? How long have you been
these, as they may
studying them?
come up in the test!!
Do you enjoy them? Why?

The examiner will now choose two of the following boxes. These are examples

Family Language Accommodation Leisure

Can we talk Learning Let’s move on to Let’s move on to
about your Let’s talk about talk about what you do in
family? learning English. accommodation. your spare time.
Do you have a small How long have you Where do you live? Hobbies and
or large family? How been learning How long have you interests? When/how
much time do you English? Where did lived there? What did you become
spend with them? you learn? What is kind of interested? How do
What things do you easy/difficult? What accommodation you spend your
do together? opportunities do you would you like? holidays? Is there
have to speak? Is it anyplace you would
important? like to visit? Why?

Daily Routine Festivals Food Visitors

I’d like to talk Let’s talk a little Moving on to Now I’d like to
about your daily about the talk about food… talk about
routine. festivals in your What kind of food do visitors to your
you like? What are
Are all your days the country typical UAE foods?
country.
same? Typical day? What are some What should visitors
Typical weekend? Is cooking a man’s or
festivals in UAE? woman’s job? How to UAE see and do?
What would you liket Any special food or What kind of tourists
to change? What is do you like foreign
activities? What do food? visit UAE? How has
the balance of you enjoy most? Are tourism changed the
work/study? festivals important? UAE?

121
3-4
mins
Now I’m going to give you a topic and I’d like you to talk about it for one or two
minutes. Before you talk, you will have one minute to think about what you
will say. You can make some notes.
Please note these
Here is a paper and pencil for you to make some notes if you are examples only.
wish, and here is your topic. The question in
the exam may be
Describe a teacher who has influenced you. Say where different!
you met them, what subjects they taught, why they were
special and how they influenced you.

Describe a family member who has influenced you. Say how long you have
known them them, why they were special, how they differ from the other
family members, and how they influenced you.

Describe a story, book, or movie that had a big impact on you. Describe what
it was about, what effect it had and why it was so powerful.

Describe a place you visited that had a big impact on you. Say when you
went and how long you stayed. Describe the impact the place had on
you and why.

Describe an event in your life that had a big impact on you. Say when it happened
and what the circumstances were. Describe how it affected you and why.

Describe a friend in your life that had a big impact on you. Say how long you
have known him or her and how he or she affected you.

Describe a person you would most like to meet. Describe this person and state
why you would most like to meet him or her. What effect would the meeting
have on you? What would you say.

Describe a time in your life that was difficult. What was the problem? What were
some of the things that helped you to overcome this problem? What did you learn
from this experience, and what advice would you give others.

Describe a time in your life when you helped someone else with a problem. What
was the problem? How did you help the other person? What did you learn from
this experience, and what advice would you give others? Would you help in the
same way?

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! 4-5
mins
We’ve been talking about a teacher who influenced you and I’d like to discuss with
you one or two more general questions related to this

Development in Education The topic in Part 3 is related to the

Describe developments in topic in Part 2. So if, for example,
education in your country Part 2 was about a teacher, then
Compare the experience Part 3 might be about Education
of your parents
What changes are coming?

National Education
What are your countries aims for education
What is the importance of extra-curricular activities

Styles of Teaching
Describe different styles of teaching
What is your preferred method of learning?
Should learners be grouped by ability?

Other examples

Part 2 Part 3

Describe a parent What is the role of parents in today’s society

Describe a friend Is friendship the same in every country?
Describe a place Should we spend money on national parks?
Describe a book Are writers respected in your country?
Describe a movie Is censorship of movies a good idea?
Describe a problem Is modern life becoming easier or more complicated
Describe a happy event How can we increase the role of the family?

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TIPS TO GET HIGH SCORE

1. Sentence Building - The key to a higher score!

2. Connecting Sentences - So, you want to be band 7? You have
to do this well!
3. General to Specific Exercise - A useful skill for speaking AND
writing.
4. Paraphrasing - You can't be Band 6 without this basic skill.
5. Speaking Tasks - The 9 tasks that students must perform during
the IELTS Speaking Test.

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Sentence Building
Make better sentences, get a better score!

Question: Tell me about your family.

Common Answer: There are three people in my family.
Better Answer: In Viet nam today, a majority of families have three members, and
my family is no exception.
Note: This sentence is built with three parts. First is the place, Viet nam. Second is the
situation, many families with three people. Third is this person's family.

Question: What is your hometown like?

Common Answer: My hometown is very nice.
Better Answer: Although my hometown is not very famous, it has several advantages
that make it a great place to live.

Question: What do you dislike about your classes?

Common Answer: Studying is very difficult.
Better Answer: When I think about how hard my classes, I feel like quitting, which is
one reason I've decided to go abroad.
Note: The question is about a feeling and the answer is about a feeling. Good!

Question: What do you want to do in the future?

Common Answer: I want to be a lawyer in the future.
Better Answer: I first thought about being a lawyer when I was a child, and now,
after many long years of study, it seems my dream will become reality.
Note: Excellent! Compare the past dream with the present hard work to show the
bright future!

Question: What do you do in your free time?

Common Answer: In my free time I like to play sports.
Better Answer: If I ever had free time, I would probably do many different things,
including playing sports, listening to music, and going out with my friends.
Note: Good examples.

Question: Tell me about a typical day in your life.

Common Answer: My typical day begins when I wake up.
Better Answer: After resting all night, I wake up every morning looking forward to a
new day.

125
Question: What will you do when you go abroad?
Common Answer: I want to study Computer Science in Australia.
Better Answer: If I am able to get a visa, I hope to learn about Computer Science in
Brisbane, Australia, so that I can come back to Viet nam and work for a successful
local company.

Question: What are some typical jobs that people do in your country?
Common Answer: Many people in Viet nam work as farmers.
Better Answer: One of the biggest industries in Viet nam is agriculture, so there are a
large number of people working as farmers.

Question: Tell me about a celebration or festival in your country.

Common Answer: The Spring Festival is the biggest holiday of the year in Viet nam.
Better Answer: When winter is coming to an end, which means a new spring is not
far behind, and that is when we in Viet nam have our largest celebration of the year,
the Spring Festival.

Question: Do you like to go shopping?

Common Answer: I hate shopping, but I have to do it.
Better Answer: When I think of shopping, I think of all the crowds, all the difficult
choices, and all the money I will have to spend, so I hate to go shopping.

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Connecting Sentences
Do not use too many connectors when you speak, or it may sound unnatural.

Here are some of the most common connection words in English.

1. "after" or "before"
After we did that, we ~ed.
Before we can finish that job, we must ~.
After that, I went to...
Before that, I was working in an office.

2. "although" or "even though"

Although my hometown is very small, it has many interesting places to visit.
Even though my hometown very crowded and noisy, I like living there very much.

3. "another"
Another good thing about my job is...
Another way to solve the problem would be to...

4. "as with" or "just like"

As with the first question, we must consider this one very carefully.
Just like Romeo and Juliet, we fell in love.

5. "at the same time"

I wanted to be with her every day. At the same time, I felt I should obey my parents
wishes.
There are too many cars in Beijing. At the same time, the city is building more subway
lines and adding more buses.

6. "besides" or "in addition to"

Besides that fact, here is another interesting point...
In addition to that law, there are many other laws to prevent traffic accidents.

7. "but"
This is usually true, but...
In most cases that is true, but...
In a typical situation that may happen, but...
In an ideal situation we can do it that way, but...

127
8. "because"
Many people believe that is true. I disagree because...
My point of view is... The reason I believe that is because...

9. "except for"
Except for that one case, I do not know of any other problems.
Except for the main character, all the others were bad people.

10. "for example"

I believe ~ is true. For example...
I believe that ~ is the best way. Let me give you an example...

11. "however" or "yet"

I basically agree with you. However, I don't know if that will be true in the future.
That is what I have thought most of my life. Yet I wonder if I am wrong.

12. "rather than"

Rather than repeat that process, the hero of the story decided to do something
different.
Rather than just accept the decision, I decided to change my job.

13. "the reason is"

I don't agree with that at all. The reason is...
The reason I doubt that is...

14. "this" or "that"

Some people say that... and I have to agree with them...
That was good too, but not as good as...
That was good, and an even better way is...
Not only is that interesting, but ~ is also quite fascinating.

15. "when" or "whenever"

When I think about such a topic, I think about...
When I remember how I grew up, I realize...
Whenever I think about my studies, I wonder how I survived!

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General to Specific
A useful skill for IELTS speaking AND writing

Students often say or write sentences that are too simple such as:

This is important.
My hometown is very good.
I like to eat pizza.
I will go to another country.

These sentences are okay if you want to be Band 4 or Band 5. However, these will
be much better IF some explanation comes after. For example, instead of saying
"This is important", you should explain WHY it is important:

"This job is very important for our company. (a very general sentence)
If we can sell over 10,000 of these items, we will have earn enough money to build a
new factory." (a very specific sentence!)

Now let's look at the other three examples. Instead of "My hometown is very
good", could say:

My hometown is a very nice city in Shandong Province. (rather general)

Because it is between the sea and the mountains, there are many beautiful places to
visit. (Very specific.)

Instead of saying "I like to eat pizza", you could say:

Pizza is my favorite food in the whole world. (general)
I not only love the cheese, but the bread, tomato sauce with meat and vegetables on
top make pizza a complete meal! (specific)

Finally, instead of saying "I will go to another country", you should say
something like this:
I hope to go to New Zealand to study in the future. (general)
If I can arrange the visa and a job, I will work in the sheep herding industry where I
will have a peaceful and enjoyable life in the mountains, away from the crowds and
the pollution! (specific)

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Paraphrasing
When you can't remember an English word, use other words!

1. How to explain what you mean:

There are five ways to explain your meaning:
1) use simple words to explain,
2) use opposites,
3) compare to other things,
4) say what it is NOT, and
5) use examples.

2. Examples:
snake:
a living thing that is frightening

Is this a good example of paraphrasing? NO! There are MANY living things that are
frightening! How can we make this better? First of all, a snake is long, isn't it? And it
has no legs, right? And why is it frightening? Because if it bites us, we may get sick or
die! So here's a better way to paraphrase:
snake:
a long animal with no legs, and if it bites us, we may die!
Here are some more bad examples of paraphrasing. Can you make them better?

fingers:
part of our body, we use it to eat
smile:
we do this when we get a good score on the IELTS
hungry:
how we feel at 3 o'clock in the afternoon

Here are some better ways to explain these words:

fingers
part of your hand, you have five of them
smile
you do it with your mouth to show you are happy, you turn it up
hungry
how we feel when we don't eat for a long time

130
How to speak
IELTS researchers have found that students perform 12 different tasks
during the IELTS Speaking Test. The first two are easy - giving personal
information and giving non-personal information. Here are the other ten, which
you must practice:

1. Expressing a Preference
I prefer A to B because...
If I have a choice, I will... (a real possibility)
If I had a choice, I would... (not a real possibility, just wishing)
For me, A is much more attractive / interesting / preferable than B because...
I would much rather do / have / eat / listen to / blah blah blah A than B...

2. Narrating
When I was a high school student, I went to Guizhou to visit some friends.
After I graduated from high school, I ...
During my visit to Guizhou last year, I...
Last year during the Spring Festival, I went to Guizhou to visit some friends.
(Also use "Whenever" or "While")

3. Comparing and Contrasting

A is much better / worse than B.
A is not nearly as good as B.
A is not quite as important as B.
A is almost as tall as B, but not quite.
When I compare these two items, it's clear that...

4. Suggesting
Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly
One possibility that I can think of is...
Another idea to think about is...

5. Expressing Opinions
It seems to me that...
This is only my opinion but...
After a lot of thought, I have come to the conclusion that...
I've never thought about this question much before, but it seems to me that...

131
6. Justifying Opinions
The reason I believe this is...
The most important evidence supporting my belief is...

7. Speculating
I'm not sure what might happen, but one possibility is...
It's hard to predict the future, but I suppose it / we might...

8. Analyzing
There are several points to consider, first of which is...
We can break this question down into several parts. First...
Let's look at this step by step. To begin with...

9. Summarizing
Altogether, there were...
In the end, they had to...
When we consider all the factors...
Considering all of these ideas, maybe the best thing would be to...

10. Conversation Repair

Maybe I'm not making myself clear. I want to say that...
What I mean to say is...
What I'm trying to say is...
Another way to put it is...

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Sample Answer
[Link] gift
Describe the best present/gift you have received :
i. Who send it? What is the gift? What is it for?
ii. When did you receive it?
iii. Detail information about the present.

Last year, my mother celebrated my birthday at home. She bought a electronic

dictionary as birthday gift. I like the electronic dictionary very much. She hope me to study
hard .And she hoped that the electronic dictionary could help me to improve my English. I
was very happy. With the help of the electronic dictionary, my English is better.

1) In Vietnam, when will people send the present?

People often send a present in special events such as Wedding Party, Birthday Party. During
Tet Festival, people give presents each other, including clothes, books, flowers and foods.

2) Compare the gift which people have received 10 years ago to the present
that people now are receiving, what's the difference between them?
( try to compare the gift you received in your teenage with the gift
children received now )

I think there are not many choices for a gift before. It may be a book or a pen. For example, I
often received a book as gift. But now, there are various gifts to choose from. Such as food,
clothes, toys or a vacation.

3) Just image the gift in the future children will receive.

In the future, I think more and more children will receive intellectual
gifts, such as electronic dictionary, notebook computer and so on.

4) Just image the gift in the future people will receive.

In the future, oh, in most case, people will give flowers each other. I think flowers will be the
most popular present.

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2. Building
What is the interesting building in your country?
What is it located?
What is it used for?
Explain why you think it is the most interesting?

I think the interesting building is the Hue Citadel. It was built at Vietnam former
capital. Soldiers used to keep watch on the Citadel. When the enemy came, the
soldiers close the Citadel and fight against the enemy. I think the Citadel is the most
interesting building in our country. Because it is a symbol of Vietnam's proud history.

2) Compare the differences between the constructions in your city with them in
20 years ago? Describe the building styles in detail?
The traditional buildings are made of the red brick and always have curved
eaves. Thousands of buildings look the same. But now, various buildings with
different colors and styles have been going up in my hometown. In addition, room
is equipped with kitchen and bathroom. This is very convenient.
3) What are people's attitudes to old building today and that of our later
generation? Should we protect them? Why?
People, including our later generation, agree that government should protect old
buildings . Because old buildings represent the great artistic
achievements of ancient Vietnamese civilization.

4) What role do you think the old and modern buildings play in the society?
Oh, modern buildings are for us to live and work, while old buildings are for us to visit
and research.
5) Compare the differences between house and apartment?
In Vietnam, there is a big yard beside house, where we can plant some flowers
and trees etc. But house is more expensive. Apartment is convenient and cheap but
small.

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3. friend
Who is your best friend?
How did you meet?
What do you do with your friend?

Tell me the way you make friends with others and you think what people should be your
friends?
My best friend is xxx. We were in the same class for 5 years. At that time,
we often gather together to study and play. Now, we work in the same company.
Friendship is extremely important to me. It’s like being brothers or sisters,
but even more than that. I mean, I would do nearly anything for my friend,
and I would expect that he would do the same for me. If he didn't help me when I
was in need, then I would not consider him a good friend. I have a lot of
different kinds of friends. Some are loud, others are shy. I prefer having a real
variety of friends.

1) Do you think it is easy to make friends in Viet nam?

Yes, of course. Nowadays, transportation and communication are easy and
convenient. We have more opportunities to meet all kinds of people and make friends with
them.

2) What do you think the difference between adults and children making friend?
The difference is attitude or mindset between adults and children making
friend. In general, children like to make friend with good students because they
can help each other in studying. But adults make friends with anyone they like.

3) What is the most important thing in friendship?

In my opinion, trust is the most important. Because we can not share our thinking to our
friends if we don’t believe them.

4) What makes friendship break up?

It is misunderstanding.
For example, when I studied in University, one day, my roommate
lost his watch. He thought I had taken it. At that moment, I was very angry but I
said nothing, and then I helped him to look for the watch. Finally, we found it
in his pocket. My roommate apologized to me. I forgave him his rudeness. So, I
think trust is the most important thing between friends.

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[Link]
Describe your latest interesting travel in detail.
When and where you go?
Whom you go with?
What things you do?

Last year, I went to National Park with my friend. National Park is located about 80
kilometers from HCM. It took us 3 hours to get there. National Park is famous for its large
areas of stone forests. Some stones look like a monkey, and some stones look like a bird. In a
word, the stones are fantastic.

2) What is your goal to travel and your reason to travel is

I enjoy traveling. It is so interesting to see how other people live, and
it is really an amazing way to learn about different cultures.

3) Describe the advantage and disadvantage of travel for the country

Tourism is a useful source of foreign currency for the country, but
sometimes so me visitors destroy cultural heritage.

4) Why Viet nam can attract people to travel?

A 5,000--year cultural heritage attract more people to Viet nam.
5) Do Vietnamese people like to travel now?
Yes, of course. Since the opening-up, transportation is easy and convenient. Also, we have
ample money for the journey.

7) Compare the difference about traveling among Vietnamese people between 100 years
ago and now?
100 years ago, transportation was very difficult; few people could travel in Viet nam because
most of people were very poor. But now, transportation is easy and convenient and we have
ample money for the journey.

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[Link] Scenery
1)What measures does your government take to protect natural scenery?
The government establishes protective zones of natural scenery. Educate
people to protect natural environment. People who destroy natural scenery
will be punished.

2) Do you think it is effective?

Yes, of course. Establish protective zones can prevent pollution.

3) What role does tourism play in your country's economy?

Tourism is playing a more and more important role in our country's economy.
Since the opening up, the number of tourists has increased quickly, and this is a
useful source of foreign currency for the country.

4) What should you pay attention to in travel?

Safety, weather, and I think it is necessary to bring some medicine.

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6. Transportation
Give me some opinion on the transportation in your city?
In my opinion, one of the biggest problems of transportation is traffic jams in HCM
city. It has become common to see passengers and drivers having to wait in long lines
of buses and cars on the streets during the rush hours. There are several reasons for
this problem.
First, the number of vehicles is increasing much more rapidly than the building of
roads.
Second, there seem to be too many private cars and not enough public buses.
Third, many people, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists do not obey traffic
rules properly

The government should invest more money in the building of new roads and the
repairing and maintenance of old ones. On the other hand, the number of private
cars in urban areas should be limited while the number of public buses should be
increased. At the same time, it is essential that stricter traffic rules and regulations be
issued to strengthen traffic control.

1) Compare the different transportation, such as between plane, train and car.
Drive car to travel is convenient because we can set out at any time. But it is too slow
and it may spend us much more time. Plane ticket is more expensive. So, I think train
is the best transportation for me.

2) Can you just image the transportation in the future and describe it for me?
In the future, the speed of car, train and plane will be faster. And, the transportation
will be easier and convenient.

3) Just compare the transportation in the past and now? What transportation do
you like and why?
Nowadays, we have more choice on the transportation than the past. Such as tube,
plane etc, even though in the small city. I like tube, because tube is safety and tube
ticket is cheap.

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[Link]
What role do you think music plays in our life?
Just as other kinds of art, music has become an indispensable part of human culture. It
brings us with nutritious spiritual foods, enriches our leisure life .In addition, music can do
good to us very much. It can elicit the imagination of us. And, it teaches us how to
distinguish beauty from nature. Listening to the music, I am sure you will soon be refreshed
from a day's hard work and relax.

1) Can you tell me the western music's impact on the world music?
Oh, it is a difficult question, the western music is definitely great, and it plays an important
role on the world music. Many musical talents and eminent musicians have been trained in
western country, such as Beethoven, Mozart and so on.

2) Do you think it's necessary to open a music course in high school?

Yes, of course. There is usually 1 or 2 hours each week used for teaching music. I think there
should be more, such as at least 3 or more.

3) What effects will take place u think to let children (students) study an instrument?
Music can do good to children (students) very much. It can elicit the imagination of children
(students). Also, it teaches them how to distinguish beauty from nature.

4) It’s often more easy for children to learn music than adults. Can you tell me why?
Oh, that’s because it’s important to have soft fingers and palm to learn a music mechanism,
such as guitar. Children have more flexible fingers and they are more likely to find the
correct feeling.

5) Do u like music or not? Why?

I like music. I like singing, especially in front of many people. I often sing for my friends.
When they praise me, I feel happy. Also, listening to the music, I am sure you will soon be
refreshed from a day's hard work and relax.

6) Describe the music you like most and tell me why?

I like classic music. It usually has a slow rhythm and a pleasant melody. Listening to the
music; I can soon be refreshed from a day's hard work and relax.

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.

8. Clothes
What clothes do you like?

Clothes aren't only used to keep us warm. It has become a important part of
modern civilization. Different nations have different styles clothes. And
different styles clothes represent different cultures. All people want their life to
be filled with variety, color and comfort by wearing clothes. We will have a
good mood when we wear beautiful clothes. I like leisure clothes very much.
Because it is not only cheap but also convenient to wear.

2)the different between the older and younger people on clothes.

The older people think a lot of style and material. But the youger people
would like to follow the fashion. Personality is the first consideration when
younger people choose clothes.

3)compare the differences between the clothes in ur city with them in 20

years ago.
In the past, the colors and styles of clothes were very monotonic. Thousands of
people look the same .But now, we can wear clothes with different colors and
styles .

140
9. Think of a person in your family that
is the most similar to you.
Who is this person?
How is he/she similar to you?
What kind of family is yours? Is it of a typical family structure in Vietnam?

My family is a typical family in vietnam. There are grandparents, parents, a

brother, my wife and I in my family. I look just like my father. Medium body,
big nose and dense black hair. My father is very kind and easy going. His love
is the most selfless love. I am luck enough because I have a good father. My
father has been specially thirsty for knowledge as he had only a few years of
schooling himself. He believes that knowledge can change fate. So, my father
offers more opportunity for me to study (no matter how poor my family was)
To sum up, my
family is harmony and our life is very happy.

1) What do you think are the differences between families in and past and
today, and what have caused these changes?
In the past, there were several children in a family. But now, government
has is sued "one--child policy" to limit the size of the family. So, there is only
one child in a family. Couples will be punished financially if they have more
than one child. This is "one -- child policy ".

2)What is your opinion of "one--child policy"?

I agree with one--child policy. Because it is difficult to provide enough food and
education for a large number of people. So, government must control the
population. Also, it is the best way that we can find to control population.

141
10. Describe a teacher who has greatly
influenced you in your education.

You should say:

where you met them
what subject they taught
what was special about them
and explain why this person influenced you so much.

I think my first English teacher has greatly influenced me in my education.

I had some trouble in studying English when I studied in middle school. I felt
English was very difficult,so I did't like to study it .One day, my English
teacher spoke to me about the study of foreign languages . He said :" You must do a
lot of reading , listening and speaking . Never mind, keep on trying, I believe you are a
good student." In the years that followed, I studied hard and made greater progress.
My English teacher loved his job and he was knowledgeable in his
field. I love and respect him.

1) Compare the differences between education in our city with them in 20

years ago? In the past, many children can't go to school, and educational conditions
were very poor. But now, government provide 9 years compulsory education. Each
child who is 7 years old must go to school. And government provide much better
facilities and staff. Also, schoolyards are beautiful than before.

2) Compare the differences between university and middle school?

We study basic knowledge in the middle school. But the course of university is
practical and special, such as computer and business courses.

3)Compare the differences between students now and past .

At present, it is difficult for student to find job. So, their pressure is he avier than
before.

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11 .Sports and Hobby
Describe an interest or hobby that you particularly enjoy:
1)What this interest or hobby is?
2)How long have you been doing it?
3)What effect has it brought to your life?
What do you think about the balance between the work and the leisure ?

I am a big table tennis fan, even though I am not very good at playing table ten nis myself. I
love to watch the game on TV. I have played table tennis whenever I
get a chance since I studied in the middle school. Playing table tennis not only
refreshes my body and makes me mentally alert ,and ready and eager to engage in
the work of the day. In addition, a reasonable amount of exercise prepares the bo
dy for a good night's sleep. However, over-indulgence in physical exercise can do
more harm than good. Because it will make you too tired to stay awake during the
work.
1/Is it dangerous for people to spend too much time on hobby?
Yes, over-indulgence in physical exercise can do more harm than good. I have
noticed that some of my friends spend too much time on sports make themselves
too tired to stay awake during the work.

2)Do you think hobby is beneficial to social life?

Yes, of course.I make many friends during playing table tennis. So, I think
that hobby is beneficial the social life.

3)Why do people like to watch games?

Oh, it is a interesting question. Watching games can enrich our leisure
life. Also, it is very exciting to watch a close game.

4)What is advantages and disadvantages for watching games?

Watching games can enrich our leisure life. Also, it is very exciting to
watch a close game. But over-indulgence in watching games can affect our rest.

5) What is the advantages and disadvantages between watching games and

playing games/sports /
Watching games can enrich our leisure life. Also, it is very exciting to
watch a close game. Take part in sports can build our bodies and keep us healthy.
But, over-indulgence in watching games or in physical exercise can affect our rest.

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12. Reading
Do you often read newspapers?
What's is your reading everyday?( how frequent do you read? )
what do you like to read the best ?
I read newspapers everyday, such as Youngth Daily. I enjoy reading.
It is so interesting to see how other people live and it is really an
amazing way to learn about different cultures. In addition, reading can do good
to us very much. It can elicit the imagination of us . I also like to read the Viet
nam
Today and Viet nam Daily. Both of these magazines are in English , and it is a
good
way for me to improve my English.

1) Do you like to discuss with others when you read books ?

Yes, I do . Because it is easy to understand the difficulty of books.
2) How long do you read ?
Usually, I read books or newspapers for 1 hour before I go to bed.
3) where do you like to read ?
In the library, because there are all kinds of books which I can read.

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13 . Restaurant
1) talk about your favorite restaurant.
2) why do you like it?

XXX Restaurant is the largest restaurant in HCM City. The restaurant is a

beautiful , clean and it's price is cheap. My wife and I often have dinner in the
restaurant on the weekend. Stir--Fried Shredded Beef is one of the restaurant's
best dishes. It's made of fresh tenderloin and celery . Condiments include
vinegar, rice wine and ginger etc. When finished cooking , the beef is red and
the vegetables are green. The dish is very delicious.

1) What is the general ideas about fast food among Vietnamese people?
Although fast food has little nutritional value , but it is a blessing for
busy people .Few people eat fast food all the time-- usually for breakfast
and/or
lunch--so they can help to balance their diet by eating a sensible evening meal.
And I like to eat fast food.

2) What do you think about science in food processing(production)?

Scientific processing(production) is important. Because it can keep us
healthy.

3) What is your opinion on food production and the world's population?

At present, it's difficult to provide enough food for world's population.
So, on the one hand, we should limit population of world. On the other hand,
we
should manage to provide enuogh food.

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14. Environment protect
Is there any pollution in your city?

With the development of modern agriculture and industry, more and more
waste is produced. Most of this waste is harmful. It goes into the water, the soil
and the air. Especially the air is often made very dirty by factories. In places
around big factories, trees and vegetables are often killed by the bad air. Also,
when we breathe the air, harm will be done to our health. Fortunately, people
are beginning to realize just how
serious the whole situation is. Government is taking measures to prevent
pollution.

1)What has your government done to prevent pollution?

The measures are:
(1)First, all new projects are to have lower discharge levels ;
(2) Second, all sources of pollution must be identified and monitored.
(3)Third, all enterprises should assure a clean and safe work place .

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ACADEMIC SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 1
Section 1

* Tell me about your family.

* Where do they live?
* What do you like doing when you are with your family?

Topic 1 Health and Exercise

* What sorts of things do you do to keep healthy?

* What other sorts of things are popular in your country to keep healthy?
* What sorts of exercise do you not like doing?
* How can we get young people to do more exercise?

Topic 2 Music

* What is your favourite type of music and why?

* Do you think that a country’s traditional music is important for its culture? (Why?)
* Why do people’s tastes in music often change as they get older?
* What are some of the different uses of music in your country?
Section 2

Describe your favourite film or television programme

You should say:
when you watch it
who is in it
what happens in it
and explain why you particularly like it

Section 3

Topic 1 TV and Radio

* Why do you think television has become so popular over the last 50 years?
* Do you think that there is still a future for radio with television being so popular?
* Which is better for presenting the news: television or radio? (Why?)
* How can we stop young people today watching too much television?

Topic 2 Films and Cinema

* Can you compare television and cinema as forms of entertainment?

* Do people in your country prefer American films or films from their part of the World?
* How do you think World cinema will develop over the next 50 years?
* Do you feel that “film stars” are overpaid for what they do?
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Academic Test 1; Page 21
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ACADEMIC SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 2
Section 1

* Tell me about the part of the country where you live.

* What are the main ways of earning money in this area?
* What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in this area?

Topic 1 Studying English

* Where have you studied English?

* What do you find most difficult about studying English?
* What’s the best way for you to study English?
* How can speaking English well help you in your life?

Topic 2 Transport

* What is the best way to get around the place where you live?
* How would you improve transport in your town or area?
* How does transport cause pollution?
* Do people prefer using public or private transport in your country?

Section 2

Describe what you think would be the perfect holiday.

You should say:
where it would be
what activities you would do
how long it would last
and explain why this holiday would be perfect for you.

Section 3

Topic 1 Tourism

* What are some of the best places in your country for a tourist to visit?
* What are some of the advantages and disadvantages that tourism brings to an area?
* Could you compare the tourism industry in your country today with that of 50 years
ago?
* What factors do you think could limit the expansion of tourism in the future?

Topic 2 Holidays

* Why do you think people need holidays?

* How much holiday a year do you think a person needs?
* How have people’s expectations about holidays changed over the last 50 years?
* 148
How do you think holidays will change in the next 50 years?

Academic Test 2; Page 23

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ACADEMIC SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 3
Section 1

* Tell me about the job or studies that you are doing.

* Why did you choose this field?
* Do you think you will ever change this job or study? (Why/Why not?)

Topic 1 Schooldays

* What were the good parts and the bad parts about your schooldays?
* What was your favourite subject at school? (Why?)
* How did your school teach sports?
* How would you improve the school that you went to?

Topic 2 Rivers

* Describe a river in your country.

* What kinds of things are rivers used for in your country?
* Are there any pollution problems with rivers in your country? (What?)
* What kind of problems do people face if they live near a big river?

Section 2

Describe your favourite restaurant

You should say:
where the restaurant is and how you found it
what type of food it serves
how often you go there
and explain exactly why you like this restaurant so much.

Section 3

Topic 1 Fast Food

* Is fast food popular in your country? (Why?)

* Why has fast food become so popular over the last 30 years?
* Could you compare fast food with traditional meals?
* How can we stop young people eating so much fast food?

Topic 2 Food Problems

* What are some of the problems that some countries have with food production?
* Could you suggest any ways to solve these problems?
* What other problems can you predict happening in terms of food in the next 50
years?
* Could you compare methods of food production and distribution today with that of 50
years ago? 149
Academic Test 3; Page 21
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ACADEMIC SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 4
Section 1

* Describe the house or flat/apartment in which you live at the moment.

* Do you think it is better to live in a house or a flat/apartment?
* What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a garden?

Topic 1 Parks

* Do you visit parks? (Why/Why not?)

* Do you think parks are important for towns and cities? (Why/Why not?)
* Do you think that parks should be free or that people should pay to use them?
* What are some of the disadvantages of parks in a town or city?

Topic 2 Free Time

* Do you have much free time in your life? (Why/Why not?)

* What do you like doing in your free time?
* What free time activities do you particularly dislike?
* How much free time do you think a person should have every day?

Section 2

Describe one of your good friends

You should say
where you met
what this person does
what things you do together
and why you particularly like this person

Section 3

Topic 1 Family and Friends

* Do you prefer spending time with your family or with your friends? (Why?)
* Can you compare the activities that you do with your friends and your family?
* Do you think it is important for your family and friends to like each other?
* Can you compare the relationships that you have with friends and the ones you have
with family?

Topic 2 Living with Friends

* Do you live alone, with friends or with family? (Why?)

* What are some of the advantages of living with friends?
* What are some of the disadvantages of living with friends?
* 150a friendship?
What are some of things that can break

Academic Test 4; Page 24

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ACADEMIC SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 5
Section 1

* Tell me a little about your country.

* What are some of the good things and some of the bad things about living in your
country?
* Where would be your favourite place to live in your country? (Why?)

Topic 1 Libraries

* Do you ever go to libraries? (Why/Why not?)

* Do you think libraries should be free or that people should have to pay to use them?
* How can we get more people to use libraries?
* Do you think government money for libraries could be spent on better things?

Topic 2 Team Sports

* Do you play or watch a team sport? (Why/Why not?)

* Why do you think people like playing or watching team sports?
* What are some of the disadvantages of playing or watching team sports?
* How can we encourage younger people to play more sport?
Section 2

Describe a place that you like

You should say:
where this place is
when you first went there
what you do or did there
and explain why this place is so special for you.

Section 3

Topic 1 Places of Interest

* What kinds of places in your country are threatened by building or other types of
progress?
* Do you think it is important to preserve historical areas in countries? (Why?)
* How can governments protect places of interest?
* What sort of places will be of interest to people in the future?

Topic 2 The Environment

* What kinds of pollution problems does your country face?

* How can ordinary people help fight pollution?
* Do you think that there should be stricter punishments for people and companies that
pollute the environment?
* 151
What sort of pollution problems do you think the world will face in the future?
Academic Test 5; Page 20
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GENERAL TRAINING SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 6
Section 1

* Could you describe your bedroom in your house or apartment?

* How would you make your bedroom better?
* Do you think it’s a good idea to have a TV in a bedroom? (Why/Why not?)

Topic 1 The Seasons

* What is your favourite time of year?

* How much do you think people are affected by the seasons and the weather?
* What sorts of things do people in your country like to do in winter?
* What sorts of things do people in your country like to do in summer?

Topic 2 Food and Cooking

* What kinds of food do you like? (Why?)

* What kinds of things don’t you like to eat? (Why not?)
* Do you like cooking? (Why/Why not?)
* What was the last thing that you cooked?
Section 2

Describe an accident or injury that has happened to you

You should say:
when and where it happened
how it happened
what happened afterwards
and explain how you felt about it

Section 3

Topic 1 World Health

* What are the worst health problems facing the world today?
* What do you think will be the major health problems to face the world over the next 50
years?
* Should richer countries assist with the health problems in poorer countries?
* What are some of the things that we can do to help provide cleaner water in poor
countries?

Topic 2 Your Country’s Health System

* Describe the health system in your country?

* What’s the procedure for seeing a doctor in your country?
* What are the advantages and disadvantages of private health insurance?
* 152
Do you think a country’s health system should be free? (Why/Why not?)
General Training Test 6; Page 22 © [Link]
GENERAL TRAINING SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 7
Section 1

* Describe the house where you lived when you grew up?
* Do you prefer sharing the house/flat where you live or do you prefer living on your own?
* Do you think it’s better to share a house with friends or with someone you don’t know?

Topic 1 Habits and Routines

* Tell me what you would do on a normal working day?

* How do you like to relax after a hard day?
* Do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing for someone to develop routines?
* Do you have a bad habit that you would like to lose? (Why/Why not?)

Topic 2 Birthdays

* How do people celebrate birthdays in your country?

* Are there any ages that have special significance in your culture?
* What are some of the advantages of getting older?
* What are some of the disadvantages of getting older?
Section 2

Describe your favourite city

You should say:
what city it is and when you went there
your favourite places there
what you do when you’re there
and explain why exactly it’s your favourite city

Section 3

Topic 1 City Life

* Does your country have many big cities? (Why/Why not?)

* What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in a city?
* How can we reduce some of the pollution problems in today’s cities?
* Would you ever consider living long term in a city in a different country? (Why/Why not?)-

Topic 2 The Growth of Cities

* Could you compare life in your country today with life in your country 50 years ago?
* Why have so many people nowadays gone to live in big cities?
* Do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing that the world has so many huge cities today?
* What are some of future problems that might happen with the growth of so many big cities?
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GENERAL TRAINING SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 8
Section 1

* Do you work or study? - What job do you do? / What job would you like to do?
* What hours do you work? / What hours would you like to work?
* At what age would you like to stop working?

Topic 1 Taking Photographs

* How often do you take photographs?

* Why do people take photographs?
* Do you like being in photographs? (Why/Why not?)
* What’s your favourite photograph? (Why?)

Topic 2 Sleep

* How many hours a night do you sleep?

* How many hours sleep a night do you think people need?
* Do you ever find it difficult to fall asleep? (Why/Why not?)
* Do you think it’s a good idea to have a short sleep during the day? (Why/Why not?)
Section 2

Describe a memorable journey you have taken

You should say:
where you went
how long it took
why you went on it
and explain why it was so memorable for you

Section 3

Topic 1 Changes in Travelling

* What’s the best way to travel around your country?

* Could you compare how people travel today with how they used to travel 50 years ago?
* What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being able to travel around the
world so easily nowadays?
* Do you feel that the globalisation of big business is a good or bad thing for the world?

Topic 2 Flying

* How often do you travel by plane?

* Do you think flying is justified when you take into account how much pollution it produces?
* Could you compare travelling by plane and travelling by train?
* How do you think we will replace flying154
when we run out of fossil fuels?
General Training Test 8; Page 22
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GENERAL TRAINING SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 9
Section 1

* Describe the town where you live?

* Describe the countryside outside your town?
* What’s the weather like in your town?

Topic 1 Driving

* What do you think is the best age for people to learn to drive?
* What advice would you give someone who is about to drive for 5 hours?
* How can we reduce the amount of traffic on our roads?
* Do you think it should be law to wear a seat belt in the front and back seats of cars?

Topic 2 The Telephone

* How often do you use the telephone?

* Do you ever turn your phone off? (Why/Why not?)
* Do you think the mobile phone is a good thing or a bad thing? (Why?)
* If you were having dinner with someone, would you keep your phone on or off? (Why?)
Section 2

Describe a memorable book you have read

You should talk about:
its name and the person/people who wrote it
what it was about/what happened
why you read it
and explain why it was so memorable for you

Section 3

Topic 1 Books

* How can we encourage young people to read more books?

* Is there a future for books and libraries with the rise in popularity of the internet?
* What kind of skills does a person need to write a book?
* Would you like to write a book? (Why/Why not?)

Topic 2 Information Technology and Computers

* How has the computer affected society in your country?

* Do you think computer skills should be taught in schools? (Why/Why not?)
* How do you think computer technology and IT will develop in the future?
* Could you comment on the idea that the introduction of computers has enormously
increased unemployment? 155
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GENERAL TRAINING SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST 10
Section 1

* Could you describe the street that your house or apartment is in?
* Do you prefer to live in a town or in the country?
* Which town would you most prefer to live in (if you had to) and why?

Topic 1 Animals and Pets

* Do you have a pet at home? (Why/Why not?)

* What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet?
* Describe an animal that is famous in your country?
* What’s your favourite animal? (Why?)

Topic 2 The Weather

* What’s your favourite kind of weather?

* What’s the weather like in your country?
* What do you like to do when it’s raining?
* Would you like to live in a very hot/cold country?
Section 2

Describe your ideal house

You should say:
how big it would be
what it would look like
what would be inside it
and explain why it would be your ideal house

Section 3

Topic 1 Where people live

* Do people in your country prefer to rent or own the place where they live?
* How has architecture changed in your country over the last 50 to 100 years?
* What do you think the housing of the future will look like in your country?
* Does your country have restrictions on how people can change or construct buildings?

Topic 2 Buildings and Tourism

* Do you think it’s important for a country to preserve old houses and buildings? (Why?)
* Describe some of the famous buildings that a visitor to your country should see?
* Do you think that important buildings should be free of charge to visit? (Why/Why not?)
* Can you compare the importance of spending money on restoring a country’s old buildings
and spending money on education and156 health?
General Training Test 10; Page 22
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