Speaking Practice Test

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 1 - Health

Part 1 - sample questions

Health and Fitness

What do you do to stay healthy? Is it easy to keep fit where you live? What do you think is more important, eating healthily or doing exercise? Do you have a good public health system in your country? Is there anything you’d like to improve about it?

Part 2 – sample task card

Describe something you do to keep healthy.

You should say:

what this activity is when you do it and how often you do it

and explain why you think it’s a good way to look after your health.

Part 3 – sample questions

1. What are the most popular ways of keeping healthy in your country?2. Do you think people worry more about their health as they get older?3. Why do you think some people continue bad habits when they know that they are

damaging to their health?4. How can children be encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits?5. Do you think people have become more health conscious in recent years?6. Could governments do more to promote healthier lifestyle options?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Useful Vocabulary

Healthy activities / habits – things that are good for your health

taking regular exercise playing sport(s) (going) swimming (going) cycling going to the gym doing yoga / pilates / tai chi

eating fresh fruit and vegetables eating organic foods eating regular meals drinking water having a balanced diet

Unhealthy habits – things that are bad for your health

smoking binge drinking (excessive

amounts of alcohol)

taking drugs eating too much salt / fat / sugar being overweight

Health Collocations

a health farm a health centre a health club a health service a health risk / hazard a health check a health problem a health visitor a health inspector health food health insurance

healthcare health and safety (rules / regulations /

guidelines) a healthy lifestyle a healthy diet a healthy appetite a healthy economy a healthy bank balance a healthy profit a healthy attitude a healthy respect

Verb + Noun Collocations

to look after your health to take care of our health to maintain your health to be in good / poor health to regain your health

Verb + Adjective Collocations

to feel healthy to look healthy to be healthy to keep / stay healthy

Useful Linking Expressions

Adding more detail

In (actual) fact, … Actually, … More to the point, … Indeed, … To be more precise / exact, …

Sample Answer

Qu.6 Could governments do more to promote healthier lifestyle options?

Yes, in my opinion the government has a big responsibility to try to persuade people to live more healthily. I think they could provide more education in schools to teach children how to eat more healthily and show them the importance of taking physical exercise. In fact, it’s the parents too that also need to be re-educated on these issues. Another thing, I think there should be more government warnings on TV showing people the dangers of obesity and poor diet, for example. Actually, they do have some that show the health risks of smoking and drinking, which are quite powerful, but not really about healthy eating. Finally, there could be more public facilities to help people keep fit, like swimming pools, gyms and sports centres. More to the point they need to be affordable so that everyone has the opportunity to use them.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 2 - Work

Part 1 - sample questions

Do you work or study? What do you do for living? Did you have any difficulty getting your present job? Do you enjoy your work? Which part of your job is exciting? What are the main tasks in your job? Do you plan to continue/stay in this job for a long time? Would you like to change this job? Which is more important – your job or the people you work with?


Describe the job you would most like to have.

You should say:

what this job would be where you would work which qualifications you would need

and explain why you would like to have this job most.


1. Which jobs are most respected in your country?2. Do you think that some jobs are still more suited to either men or women?3. Do you think schools provide enough advice and support about future careers?4. What changes have there been in recent years in employment in your country?5. Do you agree that salaries should reflect the level of contribution to the community that

the job makes?6. Do you think more and more people will work from home in the future?

* Useful Vocabulary

Work

to apply for a job / post / promotion to get / have a part-time/full-time job to work in [field / place]

to work for [a company] to specialise in [field] to be a qualified [job] to work shifts / unsociable hours to get / have an interview to be shortlisted to be demoted / promoted to be transferred / to put in for a transfer to be fired / sacked / dismissed to be made redundant to retire / to be retired to get a pension the perks of a job (benefits) to work from home (home-working) to be self-employed / to work for yourself to work / do flexi-time / overtime


Sequencing ideas

firstly / first of all, … secondly, … thirdly, … then … another point / reason / example is … lastly / finally, …. overall, …

Sample Answer

Qu. What changes have there been in recent years in employment in your country?

I think there have been many changes in the types of jobs that people do nowadays compared to 20 or 30 years ago. First of all there are much fewer jobs related to heavy industry such as mining or ship-building or even manufacturing. Secondly, there has been a big increase in the number of jobs in the service and leisure industries like shops, gyms, and hotels. And finally, since the launch of the internet there has been a big surge in the number of jobs related to IT, such as web development and design.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 3 - Travel


Which form of transport do you usually use? How do you prefer to travel on long journeys? Do people use public transport where you live? What are the benefits of public transport? Are there any problems with public transport?


Describe an interesting journey you have been on.

You should say:

where you went how you travelled there who you went with

and explain what was so memorable about the journey.


1. What methods of transport are most popular in your city / country?2. What are some of the problems of long-distance travelling?3. Has the way people travel changed much in the last few decades?4. Do you agree that governments should do more to encourage greener methods of

transport?5. What measures could be taken to reduce problems of congestion in cities?6. Do you think that transport problems are worse in urban or rural areas?

Useful Vocabulary

Popular methods of transport in cities

by metro by tram by bus by motorbike / scooter / moped by bike on foot to go by bus to catch the metro to take the tram to go on the motorbike to cycle

to walk

Other methods of transport

by plane by train by coach by boat / ferry

Transport problems

long delays (in airports) lost luggage cancellations (of flights / trains) missed connections traffic-jams / congestion roadworks / diversions breakdowns / accidents pollution

Solutions to inner-city congestion

road access charges in city centres bypasses / ringroads park and ride schemes free rental of city bikes more cycle lanes more frequent buses cheaper public transport more pedestrianised streets more electric trams more accessible metro system


Giving examples

for example for instance such as like / as another example / way

Sample Answer

Qu. 5 What measures could be taken to reduce problems of congestion in cities?

There are many ways that congestion could be reduced in big cities. In my city, for example, they have introduced a bike rental system where members can pick up a bike at one point and drop it off at another. It’s proving to be very popular and as a result more cycle lanes are also being provided.

Another example, which unfortunately doesn’t exist in my city, is a park and ride scheme where you leave your car outside the city in a carpark and then take a free bus into the centre. Another way to prevent people bringing their cars into the city would be to charge a special fee to access the centre, like they do in London, though I guess this wouldn’t be quite so popular with the residents.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 4 - Tourism


Are there many public or national holidays in your country? Do you think there are enough public holidays? Do you like going away on holidays? Where did you go on your last holiday? Describe a place you like to go to during your holidays. What is the most interesting place you’d like to visit on your holidays?


Describe a holiday you would like to go on.

You should say:

what place you would like to go to how you would like to get there what you would like to do while you were there

and explain why you would like to go on this holiday.


1. Which places in your country do visitors enjoy visiting most?2. What are some of the benefits of going away on holiday?3. Have there been any recent changes in the types of holiday that are popular in your

country?4. What kinds of benefits might a significant increase in tourist numbers bring to a

location?5. What are some of the negative effects of a dramatic increase in tourism?6. What developments affecting international travel might there be in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Positive aspects of holidays (personal)

chance to unwind spend quality time with family / friends get away from work / stressful environment have a change of routine / scenery visit new places / experience new things / cultures broaden your horizons visit family or friends abroad

Positive aspects of holidays (commercial)

creates new jobs in tourist industry attracts media attention to the resort ensures good level of infrastructure improves services for local residents provides revenue to protect /maintain local heritage

Negative aspects of holidays (personal)

loss of earnings (if self-employed) can be stressful (to be out of your comfort zone) can be difficult to cope in foreign country / unfamiliar place may encounter travel problems (plane/train delays / traffic jams) may not have access to health facilities may lose your luggage may not be able to speak the local language

Negative aspects of holidays (commercial)

can cause overcrowding tourists may not respect local customs/traditions can cause excess of litter / noise may cause damage to local environment area becomes too built-up due to increase of hotels/shops etc may cause increase in prices of local services and goods


Adding more reasons / examples

in addition (to) … furthermore, … as well as … also … not only … but also both … and … besides …

Sample Answer

Qu.2 What are some of the benefits of going away on holiday?

There are many benefits of going on holiday. Besides giving you a chance to unwind and relax, it also allows you to spend some quality time with your family, not only in a different environment but more importantly, away from the routine pressures of work and daily life. In addition to this, it also gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons by visiting new places and experiencing a different way of life.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 5 - The Environment


What is the climate like in your country? Are there any problems with the climate in your country? What is your favourite type of weather? What kind of weather do you dislike? Would you prefer to live in a hot or cold country? What is the best/worst weather for travelling in?


Describe an environmental problem. You should say:

what it is how long it has existed how it affects people’s lives

and explain how you think the problem will develop in the future.


1. Which environmental problems are people most concerned about in your country?2. What are the main causes of these environmental problems?3. Do you think it is the responsibility of governments alone to protect the environment?4. What measures can individuals take to protect the environment?5. Do you think large companies and business orginisations should be more

environmentally friendly? Why? How?6. How can we teach children about the importance of protecting the environment?

Useful Vocabulary

Environmental Problems

destruction of the rainforests (deforestation) melting of the icecaps extinction of many species (loss of biodiversity) destruction of the ozone layer global warming / the “greenhouse effect” rising sea levels pollution of land, sea and air increase of natural disasters eg, earthquakes, landslides, floods

Causes of Environmental Problems

excessive emissions of greenhouse gases, eg carbon dioxide chemical and industrial waste emissions from cars and planes improper dumping of household waste overuse of non-renewable fossil fuels genetic modification over-consumption over-urbanisation

Solutions to Environmental Problems

recycling using renewable sources of energy, eg solar heating, wind-farms replanting trees cutting carbon emissions cleaner waste disposal sustainable consumption and development buying products with less packaging buying organic products buying products made from recycled material / renewable sources using natural remedies as alternative medicine


Explaining causes

caused by due to because of a result of

Explaining effects

leads to results in causes

Sample Answer

Qu.1 Which environmental problems are people most concerned about in your country?

I think people in my country are most concerned about future shortages of fresh drinking water, which I suppose is both a result of poor water management and general global warming. I think everyone is feeling the effects of the latter problem which is causing us to experience more extreme temperatures, for example, much colder winters and much hotter summers. The long hot summers are particularly worrying in the south of the country where there is a real risk of drought due to the consistent lack of rainfall.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 6 - Technology

Part 1 – sample questions Do you use a computer at work or at home? What do you use a computer for? Do you like using computers? When did you learn to use a computer? What is the importance of computers nowadays? What jobs do computers do better than people?

Part 2 – sample task cardDescribe a piece of technology that you find useful.You should say:

what it is what you can do with it how often you use it

and explain why you find it so useful

Part 3 – sample questions1. What are some of the main uses of technology for communication?2. Do you agree that some people use technology for communication too much?3. What differences are there between the attitudes of older and younger people to

technology for communication?4. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in

schools?5. Would you agree that the rapid development of digital technology has had a positive

impact on the world of work?6. Do you think that the rate of technological expansion will slow down in the years to

come?

*Useful VocabularyUses of internet for communication

sending emails sending text messages tele-conferencing

video conferencing online chatting social networking

blogging posting messages on forums

using an intranet system

Advantages offers immediate communication cheaper than telephone calls / face-to-face meetings allows global communication without the need to travel more convenient / people can communicate on-the-move allows friends and family overseas to stay connected gives everybody the chance to have a public voice

Disadvantages people may lose “real” social skills people may spend less time socialising face-to-face people may become more introverted people may become adicted to social network sites people spend too much time in front of a screen

Technology and Education

interactive whiteboards e-learning online degrees

self-access centres / study online tutor blended learning (online + face-to-face)

Advantages offers more flexibility for the learner allows people in rural areas the same study opportunities cheaper for students (no travel / accmmodation costs) students & teachers are less bound by time and space

Technology and Work

automated processes automated manufacturing automated customer services high-tech computer systems

computerised filing / administrative systems huge databases intranet system / internal emailing

Disadvantages has made some jobs redundant gives customers less personal service requires staff to be technically skilled may cause security issues /files may be lost requires a lot of investment breakdowns in the system may cause severe problems

Useful Linking Expressions Giving reasons

due to (the fact that) … because of … because …

as a result of … … that’s why …

Sample AnswerQu. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in schools?I think the growth of the internet has had a major impact on current teaching methods and I’m sure general standards have improved as a result. I strongly believe that the motivation for both learning and teaching has increased because of the phenomenal amount of information now available to both students and teachers. On the other hand, due to a danger of information overload, some people may be put off using technology in the classroom, wishing for a return to more traditional methods.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 7 - Free Time


How much free time do you have? How do you spend your free time? What kinds of things do you like doing in your free time? Do you prefer to spend your free time alone or with other people? Do you think people have enough free time these days? What do you usually do on weekends? What did you do last weekend? Do you have plans for the next weekend?


Describe a leisure activity you like doing in your free time.

You should say:

what kind of activity it is how often you do it what equipment you need to do it

and explain why you enjoy doing it.


1. What kind of free-time activities are typical in your country?2. Have there been any recent changes in the types of leisure activities that people fnd

popular?3. Do you agree that it’s important for people of different ages to do leisure activities

together?

4. In your opinion, who is responsible for encouraging children to take up different leisure pursuits – parents or teachers?

5. Do you think people have less time for leisure activities now compared to the past?6. Do you think that technology will have a significant impact on the types of leisure

activities we will enjoy in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Popular Outdoor Leisure Activities

playing / practising / doing sport(s) rambling / hiking / walking running/ jogging cycling fishing horse riding (wind) surfing (ice) skating sailing / canooing / kayaking skiing snowboarding skateboarding hanging out / meeting up with friends eating out / going to restaurants or cafes

Popular Indoor Leisure Activities

going to the gym / keeping fit / doing exercise doing yoga / pilates / aerobics doing martial arts (karate/judo) swimming going to the cinema / theatre playing a musical instrument acting (amateur dramatics) dancing (ballet / tap / ballroom / hip-hop / freestyle / latin) singing (in a group / choir) playing computer games surfing the internet cooking reading playing board games doing puzzles listening to music


Natural fillers

I suppose … I guess … Let me think … Let me see …

Um, well … Er, I’m not sure … … like, you know … … I don’t know …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you agree that it’s important for people of different ages to do leisure activities together?

Um … well … I think in some cases it could be important for people of different ages to do leisure activities together. For example, parents or even grandparents can enjoy doing fun things with their children or grandchildren, like, you know, things that don’t require a lot of physical ability such as playing games, reading or cooking. I guess that sometimes it is very important for older people to do things with younger ones, especially more difficult skills that need to be taught like … I don’t know … martial arts or playing a musical instrument.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 8 - Entertainment


Cinema

Do you like watching films? What kinds of films do you enjoy? Do you prefer watching films at home or at the cinema? Do people go to the cinema or the theatre in your home town? How often do you watch films / go the cinema? When was the last time you went to the cinema or the theatre? What did you see? When you were a child what kind of movies did you like to watch? Would you like to be in a film / play? Why / why not?

Television

Do you watch much TV? When do you usually watch TV? Who do you normally watch TV with? What kind of TV programmes do you like the most? Do you have a favourite TV programme at the moment? What TV programmes do you remember from your childhood?


Describe a film you found interesting.

You should say:

when you saw this film why you decided to see this film what happened in the film

and explain why you found this film interesting.


1. Is the cinema a popular form of entertainment in your country?2. Which do you think is more enjoyable, watching films in the cinema or watching films

at home?3. Do you think that films shown in cinemas should have an educational value?4. Is it important for governments to support film-making in their countries?5. Do you think the Internet has already had a big impact on the entertainment industry?6. In what ways do you think that entertainment media may develop in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Cinema (advantages)

the thrill of watching something on the big-screen more exciting/intense atmosphere big screen really brings the characters to life able to appreciate the cinematography can enjoy a night out with friends the excitement of watching a premiere screening

Watching TV (advanatges)

can sit in the comfort of your own home can choose what you want to watch can flick through the channels can invite your friends round can watch a variety of programmes can switch it off if you get bored

Film-making

social responsibility to make educational/informative films good media for reaching wide audiences has high impact on the public can get worldwide recognition can deliver social messages can bring widespread attention to social/world problems

Technology & Entertainment (examples)

online gaming / games / gambling downloading films / videos (YouTube) downloading music (iTunes) computer game consoles (PlayStation / Wii) social networking (Facebook / Twitter)


Giving more exact information

in (actual) fact … actually … as a matter of fact … to be more exact … to be more precise …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you think that films shown in cinemas should have an educational value?

No, I don’t think that it’s necessary for all films to be educational. In fact, I think people go to the cinema because they simply want to be entertained, not always educated. Watching a film on the big screen is a form of escapism and so people want adventure, romance or fantasy. As far as I’m concerned, if I’m looking to be educated I would choose to read a book or watch a documentary, although actually I do also enjoy historical films which teach me something about the past.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 9 - Education


Do you work or are you a student? What subject are you studying? Is it a difficult subject? Why did you choose this subject? What do you like most about this subject? What’s the most interesting aspect of your subject? What do you plan to do when you finish studying? At what age do most people leave school in your country? Do you think it’s a good age to leave school? What was your favourite subject at school? Why? What do you think are the most important subjects at school?


Describe a teacher that had a positive influence on you.

You should say:

what subject this teacher taught how long he/she was your teacher what positive attributes this teacher had

and explain why you remember this teacher in particular.


1. Is there a system of free state education in your country?2. Do you think school and university prepares young people adequately for real life?3. Do you think there is too much pressure on young people at school these days?4. Do you agree that there is too much emphasis on formal testing?5. Have there been significant changes in schooling methods in your country in recent

years?6. Do you think schools provide enough careers advice to young people?

Useful Vocabulary

School

nursery / primary / secondary schools / education state school / private school boarding school all girls / all boys school to go to / attend school the curriculum extra-curricular activities school trips to sit / do / take an exam to resit / retake an exam to revise (for an exam) to pass / to fail an exam to get exam results to get qualifications / to be qualified to leave school / a school-leaver to drop out of school / to be a dropout to study for [a qualification / an exam] to be academic / to be an all-rounder

University

tertiary / higher education colleges of higher education / technical colleges / universities to apply for a course to get an (un)conditional offer to do a course in [subject] halls of residence / student accommodation student union / student body an undergraduate a graduation ceremony to get a university degree / a Masters / a Doctorate (Phd) to graduate from university / to graduate in [subject] a university graduate a postgraduate student / course to do a postgraduate course / a Masters / a PhD (Doctorate) to be a qualified [job title] to qualify in [subject] to take a gap year

to drop out of university


Introducing a contrast

However, … Nevertheless, … On the one hand …. but on the other hand … Although … Despite … But, …

Sample Answer

Qu.1 Is there a system of free state education in your country?

In my country there is a state education system offering free education for children from 3-18, although parents still have to pay for food, materials, school trips and other extra-curricular activities. This is only one part of the system, however, because there are also private schools and semi-private schools, which are partly funded by the state. So on the one hand it appears that we do have free state education, but in actual fact it isn’t available to everyone because places are limited.

Speaking Practice Test: Practice Test 10 - Communication


What languages do you speak? Do you think it’s important to learn a foreign language? When did you start learning a foreign language? Do you enjoy learning languages? Do you think young children should learn to speak a foreign language at school? Are there any languages you would like to learn? What are they? Why? What activity do you find most useful for learning English? What do you find most difficult about learning English?


Describe a conversation you had which was important to you.

You should say:

when the conversation took place who you had the conversation with what the conversation was about

and explain why the conversation was important to you.


1. What differences are there when using various channels of communication (face-to-face, telephone, writing)?

2. To what extent do you think the media influences how people communicate with each other?

3. Do you think there are differences in the way men and women communicate?4. Do you think that people become better communicators as they get older?5. Do you agree that education has a strong and positive effect on people’s ability to

communicate effectively?6. What impact has the growth of technology had on the way people communicate and

how do you think this will develop in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Common forms of communication

speaking / talking face-to-face speaking / talking on the phone / by mobile phone sending a text message / an SMS (texting) sending / writing a letter (snail mail)

sending / writing an email using an electronic messenger service social networking sending a fax

Non-verbal forms of communication

lip-reading using body language using sign language using hand gestures / signals using facial expressions

Informal utterances

Give me a call Call me Send me a text / an email Text me / email me Drop me a line (letter/email)

Give me a buzz (call) Give me a bell (call) Keep / Stay in touch I’ll be in touch

Other forms of communication

making / giving a speech speaking in public / public speaking giving a lecture / lecturing giving a seminar

Reasons for communicating

giving a demonstration / demonstrating giving instructions / instructing asking for / giving directions (directing) asking for / giving advice (advising)

making a complaint / complaining making small talk / building social relations exchanging views / opinions gossiping

Business communication

writing a report / proposal / recommendation participating in a call conference participating in a video conference

giving a presentation chairing a meeting

Effective communication skills

maintaining eye-contact projecting your voice varying your intonation

punctuating your sentences emphasizing / repeating key words engaging the listener


Giving opinions

In my view, … In my opinion, … From my point of view, … In my experience, … As I see it, …

Personally, I think … I believe / feel that … For me personally, … As far as I’m concerned, …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you think that people become better communicators as they get older?

I think that people’s ability to communicate does improve with age because generally speaking, people get more confident as they gain more experience of life and I believe that confidence is a major factor. On the other hand, some people may become more self-conscious as they got older, particularly when they reach certain stages in their life such as adolescence. For me personally, I feel that I’m a better communicator now than when I was younger.

Speaking Practice Test

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