INTENSIVE ENGLISH 1

SPEAKING REVIEW - QUESTION BOOKLET

SPEAKING PART 1
1. Hometown
• What kind of place is it?
• What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
• What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
• Would you say it’s a good place to live? (why?)
• Are there many schools in your hometown?
• What can people see on the internet about your hometown?
• Is your hometown an expensive place to live?

2. Where you live

• Where do you live?
• Do you like the area where you live?
• How has this area changed in the last few years?
• What type of jobs do people do where you live?
• Is your neighbourhood a good place for children?
• Do you know much about the history of where you live?

3. Travel
• Which countries of the world would you like to visit?
• Do you often visit different places in your country?
• Have you travelled to an English speaking country?

4. Tourist attraction
• What type of places do visitors in your country like to see?
• Does your country attract many foreign tourists?
• Is your hometown a good place for foreign tourists?
• In the future, do you think your country will have more tourists?

5. Places to study
• Where do you usually prefer to study?
• Do you prefer to study alone or with other people?
• How much of your studies do you do using a laptop?
• Do you listen to music when you study at home?
 6. Maps
• Do you ever use maps?
• When do people usually need to use a map?
• Do you prefer paper maps or using an electronic map?
• Do you usually ask people for help when you are lost? Why/why not?
• Have you ever got lost when you have been to a new place?

7. Birthdays
• Do you enjoy celebrating your birthday?
• What did you do for your last birthday?
• Do you prefer giving or receiving birthday gifts?
• What birthdays are important in your culture?

8. Festivals
• Which festivals are popular in your country?
• What is your favourite festival?
• Do you prefer to celebrate festivals with your friends or family?
• Do you think festivals are more important when you are a child? Why/why not?
• Are there any festivals for children in your country?
• What do you know about festivals from other countries?
• Have you ever been to a music festival?

9. Weddings
• Have you been to many weddings?
• What was the last wedding you went to?
• What do people usually do when they get married in your country?
• What special food do people eat at weddings in your country?

10. Graduation
• How do people in your country celebrate leaving school?
• Do people wear any special clothes on the last day of school?
• Do school children stay in touch with their teachers after leaving school?
• Are school reunions popular in your country?
 11. Gifts and presents
• What is the best present you have ever received?
• Do you like giving or receiving gifts?
• What kind of gifts do you prefer?
• Do you give expensive gifts?
• What kinds of gifts are popular in your country?

12. Electronic items

• What electronic items do most people own?
• What electronic appliances do you use most?
• Do you enjoy shopping for new electronic items?
• Do older people in your country use laptops and mobile phones?
• What are the best colours to buy a phone or laptop in?
• Are electronic items cheap or expensive in your country?

13. Online shopping

• How often do you buy things online?
• What types of things do people usually buy online?
• What are the disadvantages of buying things online?
• Do you often order take away food using apps?
• Do you enjoy online shopping?

14. Mobile phone

• Do you have a mobile phone?
• What do you use your mobile phone for the most?
• Do most people in your country have a mobile phone?
• How will mobile phones be different ten years from now?
• How old were you when you got your first mobile?
• Have you ever lost or damaged a mobile phone?
• How often do you buy a new phone?
• What brand of mobile phone do you think is the best?

15. Computers
• How often do you use computers?
• Do you use computers to help you learn English?
• What are the disadvantages of spending time on a computer?
• Do older people in your country usually use computers?
• Do you spend too much time sitting in front of your laptop?
• Have you ever lost an important document on your computer?
 16. The Internet
• Do you use online resources to help you learn English?
• What social media sites do you use the most?
• Do you often read newspapers online?
• Do you like to play games online?

17. Weather
• What’s the weather like today?
• What is your favourite type of weather?
• Do most people in your country prefer hot or cool weather?
• How does the weather affect your mood?

18. Seasons
• How many seasons does your country have?
• What is your favourite season?
• What do people usually do during this season?
• Do young and old people like the same seasons?

19. Holiday (and weather)

• Do you enjoy going on holiday?
• Do you prefer spending time at the beach mountains?
• What type of weather do you like when you go on holiday?
• Do foreign visitors like the weather in your country?

20. Cold climates

• Are there any parts of your country which have cold weather?
• How do people dress when it is cold?
• Do you eat different food when the weather is cold?
• Do you prefer to spend time indoors or outside when the weather is cold?
• Have you ever travelled to a very cold country?

21. Sunny weather

• Do you like to go to the beach when it’s a sunny day?
• Talk about a time when you felt too hot.
• Do you prefer to use a fan or an air conditioner?
• Do you like getting a suntan or do you avoid the sun?
• Do you usually wear sun protection on hot days?
 22. Sports
• What is your favourite sport?
• What type of sports are popular in your country?
• Do men and women in your country like to play similar sports?
• Do sports people in your country do well in international events?
• Are there any famous football teams in your country?
• Talk about a time when you tried learning a new sport?
• Did you take parts in sporting events at high school?

23. Watching sporting events

• Do you often watch sporting events on television?
• What type of sports do people like to watch?
• Are there any sports which people don’t enjoy watching?
• Do you support any football teams from outside your country?
• Have you ever seen a live football match?
• Is it better to watch sporting events alone or in a group of people?

24. Swimming
• Do you enjoy swimming?
• Do most people in your country learn to swim when they are a child?
• Is it better to swim in a swimming pool or the sea?
• What benefits can you get from swimming?
• Do you prefer to swim in the sea or in a swimming pool?

25. Competitions
• Have you ever won a competition?
• Did you take part in competitions when you were a child?
• What type of prizes do people usually win?
• Are you a competitive person?

26. Teamwork
• Do you prefer to work alone or part of a team?
• When did you last work as part of a team?
• What can you learn from working with others?
• Are there any disadvantages to working in a team?
 27. Uniforms
• Have you ever worn a uniform?
• What type of jobs require a uniform?
• What are the advantages of wearing a uniform?
• Are there any disadvantages to wearing a uniform?

28. Small businesses

• Would you like to own your own small business?
• What type of business would you like to start?
• Is it better to own your own business or work for a company?
• What type of small businesses are popular in your country?

29. Management
• Would you like to be a manager?
• Is it easier to manage a small or large team of people?
• What type of jobs require good management skills?
• Do you find it easy to manage your time?

30. Business
• Would you like to start your own business?
• Would you like to work in a family business with your relatives?
• Is there a particular company that you would like to work for?
• Would you consider doing an unpaid internship?
• Are there any businesses from your country which are famous globally?
• Would you prefer to work for a large or small organisation?
• What type of business would you be good at running?

31. Money and finance

• Which do you enjoy more: earning money or spending money?
• How do you feel after spending a large amount of money?
• Do you save enough money? What savings goals do you have?
• How do you prefer to pay for purchases? With cash or some other payment?
• What was the first job or task you ever received money for?
• Have you seen another country’s money? Which countries have beautiful notes or coins?
• How often do you think about money?
• Of the things you have bought in your life, which do you remember most happily?
• Is there something you regret buying? Why?
• Did you receive pocket-money/an allowance when you were a child?
• What would you tell someone if they asked how much you get paid?
• Do you and your friends lend money to each other?
 32. Friends
• Who is your best friend?
• How long have you known each other?
• What type of things do you like to do with your friends?
• Do you have friends of different ages?
• Do you have any long-distance friends?
• Do you make friends easily?
• Has a friend ever let you down?
• Have you made any friends over the Internet?
• How are your friendships different now than they were when you were a child?
• How do you make new friends?
• What do you do when you have a misunderstanding with your friend?

33. Famous people

• Who is your favourite celebrity?
• Why do you like this person?
• Would you like to be a celebrity?
• Have you ever met a famous person in real life?

34. Neighbours
• How well do you know your neighbours?
• How often do you see them?
• Where you you meet them?
• How can neighbours help each other?

35. Space travel

• Would you like to travel into space?
• What do you imagine it would be like?
• Will people go to different planets in the future?
• Why do people like exploring new places?

36. The environment

• Is it important to protect the planet?
• What do you to help the environment?
• What environmental problems are in your country?
• Do you like spending time in nature?
 37. Wildlife
• What type of wild animals can you find in your country?
• What do people do to protect wild animals?
• Are people in your country fond of animals?
• What types of animals make good pets for children?

38. Oceans
• Do you like spending time by the sea?
• When was the last time you visited a place next to the sea?
• What do people like doing in your country when they are at the seaside?
• What benefits do you get from spending time by the sea?
 SPEAKING PARTS 2 AND 3
Describe your favourite place that you have visited
You should say:
• Where it is
• When you went there
• How it makes you feel
• What you did there
Why this place is your ideal place

Sample answer
A place that I love is Vũng Tàu, in Vietnam. I was born and raised there, and I can say it is
definitely my favorite place. It is located in the south of my country and it is on the coast. The
town is both traditional and modern. I call it traditional because there still are many festivals
celebrated by the locals, yet modern, as there is also a lot of development and new buildings.
Vũng Tàu is about a two-hour bus ride from the capital city of Vietnam. Although it is my
hometown, it is also special as it offers many attractions for tourists and visitors. What I love
about this place is that it has lots of beaches. Front beach and Pineapple beach are popular places
to hang out, especially on the weekends. The tall statue, Christ of Vũng Tàu, is also a well-
known monument and can be seen from many parts of the town.
Among all the places I have been to, I think Vũng Tàu is one of the best. As my family live
there, I always feel happy to spend time in the town and usually go back once a month when I
am not too busy with my studies. There’s nowhere quite like it.
 Describe a famous building you have seen or know about.
You should say:
• What it looks like
• What it is used for
• Why it is famous
And say whether you would like to live in or near this building.

Sample answer
The building I want to talk about is Dunnottar Castle, in the north of Scotland near Stonehaven. I
went there on holiday about two years ago and I really enjoyed my visit. I can’t remember the
specific details, but it was many hundreds of years old, which really impressed me. In fact, it
might have been almost a thousand years old! If you go there on a clear day you can see the
castle from all around because it sits on top of a hill with really steep sides, so it stands out. It is
important in Scottish history because that’s where the kings and queens of Scotland lived, and so
it’s been at the center of the country’s past, as well as its battles with England.

The Castle is still important today both as an historical landmark. It was also used in the filming
of the movie Hamlet. It’s also supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. Some
visitors to the castle have claimed to see the ghost of the Green Lady walking down the
corridors.

Part 3: Places
1. Do most people in your country spend their whole life in their hometown?
2. What are some reasons why people leave their hometowns?
3. Do some places in your country face problems due to an aging population?
4. Is it cheap or expensive to travel around your country?
5. What are some things people miss when they leave their country?
6. What overseas cities are popular places for students to go and study in?
7. Is it better to live in a city or in the countryside?
8. Which countries have a high cost of living?
 Describe a festival in your country that you enjoy.
You should say:
• What happens during the festival
• Where it takes place
• What time of year it is celebrated
And say whether other people you know also enjoy this festival.
Sample answer
I am going to talk about an important holiday (or festival) that is celebrated in Vietnam, which is
called Tet. Besides the Western calendar’s New Year, the Vietnamese also celebrate Lunar New
Year. In China it is also celebrated.

The Lunar New Year, or Tet usually takes place around the end of January or the beginning of
February, depending on when the lunar calendar ends. Tet provides the opportunity for reunions
for Vietnamese families, as people tend to return to their hometowns at this time of the year.

Like the Christmas tree in Western countries, in Vietnam, we buy a kumquat tree, an apricot
blossom tree or some branches to decorate our houses. People also buy new clothes and clean
their houses to welcome in the New Year.

During the Tet holiday, Vietnamese visit their relatives to wish them all a happy new year. They
also go to the pagodas frequently to wish for a better year to come for their families. Adults give
lucky money to children. I think this is the only time of year when people can forget about all the
worries of their daily lives, when they can relax, enjoy, indulge themselves, and get ready for
another new year.

Part 3: Festivals and celebrations

1. What kinds of things do people celebrate in your culture?
2. Why is celebrating these things important to people?
3. What role does religion play in these celebrations?
4. What role do gifts play when celebrating festivals?
5. What role does music play in festivals in your country?
6. What traditional clothes do people wear in your country for festivals?
7. Do men and women celebrate festivals the same way?
8. Do you know of any festivals that started for commercial reasons?
9. Are festivals celebrated in the same way across your country?
 Describe an electronic item you own that is important to you.
You should say:
• What it looks like
• What it can do
• How it helps you in your life
And say what you would do if you did not have this item.

Sample answer
I'm going to describe my mobile phone. It is an Iphone 11 and it was a present from my parents
after passing my exams.

I use the phone to keep in touch with friends and family, for communication by voice, text and
email. It has various features like video, music player, internet, digital camera and games. It's
easy to share photos and music. I use it for almost everything, it even has a calendar that reminds
me about appointments.

My phone is an essential part of my life. It holds my contacts, my photos, my music collection.

I've got instant access to my favourite websites. It's like having my whole life in my pocket. I
couldn't live without it.

If I did not have this phone I would not be able to keep in touch easily with my friends and
family I would not be able to post photos on social media.

Part 3: The Internet and technology

1. How much time do people in your country spend on the Internet?
2. What are some of the benefits of the Internet?
3. What are some of the dangers of the Internet?
4. How much time should children spend on the Internet?
5. Should parents monitor their child’s internet use?
6. How has the Internet changed the world?
7. What will the Internet be like in ten years?
8. Should governments monitor citizens use of the Internet?
9. How can the Internet influence people’s beliefs about the world?
10. Do older people in your country usually access the Internet?
 Describe something you do when the weather is good.
You should say:
• Where you do it
• How you get there
• Why you choose to do this in good weather
And say whether it is possible to do this when the weather is bad.

Sample answer
For me, my favourite weather is cold, winter weather. I currently live in Spain and during the
winter I like to travel home to visit my parents in the UK. They live in the North of England, so
it is often very cold in the winter there. With temperatures getting below zero, you need to wear
your warm clothes and make sure that you have the heating on when you are in the house. With
living in Spain now, the temperatures in the winter are much warmer than in the UK. You can
still sit outside for a coffee in December or January on a sunny day.

I like to visit my parents and in December it snows, with heavy thick snowflakes and a full
pinkish, grey sky, the snow can get quite deep. I like to get dressed up in a big thick coat, woolly
hat and scarf, put on my Wellington boots and go for a long walk in the snow. It is pretty and
awe inspiring to see everything covered in thick layers of white snow as the streets are deserted
and everything is quiet. Then after the walk when I return home again, I like to sit and drink tea
or hot chocolate by the fire with the dogs and watch some English TV shows.

I really like to visit my parents' home during the winter, not only to see them and spend time
with them but to enjoy the winter weather. Going for long walks in the countryside or on the
beach is really refreshing in the cold weather. You can feel like you have lots of energy after
walking.
Part 3: Weather and climate
1. What do you think of when you hear the term extreme weather?
2. In your opinion, is your country affected by extreme weather?
3. What should people do when bad weather is coming to their area?
4. Do you think the weather in your country is becoming worse or better?
5. What type of climate do people from your country like?
6. What problems occur from living in a climate that is too hot?
7. Should schools and colleges be closed when it is too hot?
8. Do you think office workers should be allowed to dress down in hot climates?
9. What parts of your country are colder than others?
10. Why do you think people enjoy talking about the weather?
 Talk about a game you played when you were
a child. You should say:
• Where you did it
• How often you did it
• If you were good at it
And say whether you would like to play that game again in the future.

Sample answer
As a child I enjoyed playing chess. It is probably the best-known board game in the world, where
two players try to defeat the other by taking his or her pieces and finally trapping his King. This
final move is called checkmate.
You probably know the Western version of this game, which is known as King chess. The
former is more popular among younger generations, whereas the latter is mostly played by older
people. I personally enjoy both of them equally.
These games are difficult in that you have think to ahead and plan your steps carefully, while
keeping an eye on your opponent’s moves. This is exactly the kind of challenge that I relish, and
I feel excited whenever I manage to outwit the other player.
Chess games are also a good way to build a bond with your friends, since they encourage healthy
rivalry and prevent you from being arrogant, because there’s always someone who’s able to beat
you. I would love to play this again, but I am too busy these days with my studies.

Part 3: Sports and competitions

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the word competition?
2. In your opinion, why are some people very competitive?
3. Would you agree that competition is good for us?
4. Do you like competitive people?
5. In what way is education a competition in your country?
6. Do you think life is a competition?
7. Do we learn to be competitive or are we born competitive?
8. What sports require a competitive nature?
9. What sports does your country do well in at an international level?
10. Should men and women compete together in the same sporting events?
 Talk about a small business you would like to do in the future.
You should say:
• What type of business it is
• Why you are interested in it
• Where you would set it up
And say whether you think it would be successful.

Sample answer
I'd like to talk about a small business idea that I have been considering for a while and that is to
open a craft cafe. I would like to rent a property in a popular area Where I live, with enough
space for a coffee bar, tables inside, a workshop in the back and an outside seating area. This
would be a creative environment, for people to come and spend time with their friends or on
their own to make something and have a coffee.

I would like to start this business in the next five years if possible, starting out with a small
property and then possibly expanding into a larger space if the profits allow. The next step would
be to create a learning centre next to the workshop so that people could also learn other skills and
attend courses there. I have not yet had the time or money to start this business, as quite a lot of
money would be needed to rent and renovate a space.

Part 3:Business
1. Do you think anyone can start their own business?
2. What are the dangers of having your own business?
3. Do men or women make more successful business owners?
4. What advice would you give to people starting in business?
5. What kind of people are good at business?
6. Is it easy to start a business in your country?
7. Is it important to study business to be a success in this field?
8. What skills can people learn from studying about business?
9. What are the benefits of working for a family business?
10. Is it important for a company to be ethically responsible?
11. Should workers be paid a minimum wage?
Part 3: Money and finance
1. Is money a stressful part of life?
2. What does ‘money doesn’t grow on trees‘ mean? Do you agree?
3. If a young person wanted to know what career they should pursue to make as much
money as possible, what would you recommend they do?
 Talk about someone who looked after you when you were young.
You should say:
• What the person was like
• When they looked after you
• What things they used to do with you
And say whether you are still in touch now.

Sample answer
I’m going to talk about my cousin Han, who took very good care of me when I was little. He’s
25 years old now, and he lives near my parents in District 9, which is not too far from here.

First, he’s a very intelligent person as he travelled a lot during his younger years. I know he has
encountered various problems, so he has lots of valuable experience and life lessons to pass on. I
remember when I first started learning to ride a bike, I fell off my bike several times. Every time
I fell, I just wanted to give up, but he told me, ‘No matter how hard a situation is, never give up.
If you fail, that’s okay! If you put your heart into whatever you’re doing, you can do anything’.
What he said is so inspirational and means so much to me.

Second, he’s a caring person. When I was a kid, my parents were very busy with work, so I
stayed at home with my aunt, uncle and cousin most of the time. Han is very kind and generous.
He spends lots of time engaging in voluntary activities such as local environmental campaigns or
other community service projects. So, if I had to talk about a person who looked after me when I
was a kid, it would be Han.

Part 3: People
1. What are some things you should not ask people in your country?
2. Is it acceptable to ask a person's age in your country?
3. In your opinion, where are some good places to meet people?
4. In your culture, do people shake hands when they meet a person?
5. What is the favorite topic for new acquaintances in your country?
6. Is it OK to touch another person in your culture?
7. What is a favorite topic for new people of your age in your country?
8. How do people usually know if you can trust a person they just met?
9. Do businesspeople exchange business cards in your culture?
10. How far apart do people stand from when they talk in your culture?
Part 3: Universe
1. How important is learning about space?
2. Will humans ever travel to different solar systems?
3. What is the most interesting thing you know about space?
4. What is the most interesting planet in our solar system?
5. What is the most important thing for astronomers to research?
6. What characteristics make a good astronaut?
7. What do you think of your country’s involvement in space?
8. Is it a waste of money funding space programmes?
9. How can children be encouraged to learn about the universe?
10. Why is space travel a popular topic for film plots?
 USEFUL LANGUAGE IN SPEAKING
I. For giving opinion
• I think …
• I believe …
• In my opinion …
• I personally feel that …

II. For presenting points (if your answer includes many points, like in
speaking part 2)
• I’d like to talk about/I’d like to tell you about …
• First of all /First, let’s look at ...
• I’d also like to talk about...
• I’d also like to give you some information about ...
• When it comes to …
• Moving on to …
• In summary/Finally …

III. Fillers (use if you need time to think)

• That’s a difficult question, let me think for a second.
• That’s a very interesting question, let me think.
• It’s very difficult to know exactly, but I think/but I believe/perhaps….
• It’s difficult to say, I think….
• I don’t really know for sure, but I would say….

IV. Develop your answer by asking yourself (why?)

Examiner: What can people do to reduce water pollution?
Student: I believe the best way to keep water clean is to curb water use at home. (why?) The
vast majority of water is used in the home, (why?), for cooking, cleaning and washing, (why?)
therefore by reducing the amount of water we use, (why?) the government can conserve the
water supply and keep it clean.

V. The AREA technique (to develop your answers in speaking part 3)

Do you think that it's important for people to go on holiday?
VI. Indicate time in the past
• I think it was when I was around ...... years old.
• When I was a (school) student, …
• In my (school) days, …

VII. How to ask the examiner when you don’t understand the questions
• Could you say that in other words?
• I’m not sure what you mean exactly.