Speaking Questions

Firstly: Independent Tasks

1. Choose a place you go to often that is important to you and explain why it is
important. Please include specific details in your explanation.

Solution

One place I go to often that is very important to me is the gym. It’s important for several
reasons.

First, the gym helps me stay physically fit and healthy. I work out regularly to build strength and
maintain my energy levels. For example, I focus on weightlifting and cardio exercises to improve my
endurance and overall fitness.

Second, the gym is a place where I can relieve stress and clear my mind. After a long day, exercising
helps me feel more relaxed and focused. It’s my way of taking care of my mental health.

Finally, the gym is where I challenge myself to achieve personal goals. Whether it’s lifting heavier
weights or running longer distances, every small achievement motivates me to keep improving.

2. What kind of reading material, such as novels, magazines, or poetry, do you most
like to read in your free time? Explain why you find this kind of reading material
interesting.

Solution

The kind of reading material I most like to read in my free time is personal development
books. I find them interesting for several reasons.

First, these books help me improve different aspects of my life. For example, books like Atomic
Habits by James Clear teach me practical strategies to build good habits and break bad ones.

Second, personal development books inspire and motivate me. They often include stories of
successful people and valuable lessons that encourage me to work harder toward my goals.

Finally, I enjoy how these books expand my mindset. They challenge me to think differently, explore
new perspectives, and develop skills like time management and emotional intelligence.

In short, reading personal development books is not just enjoyable but also highly beneficial for my
growth and success.

3. Some students would prefer to live with roommates. Others would prefer to live
alone. Which option would you prefer and why?

Solution

I would prefer to live with roommates for several reasons.

 First, living with roommates is more social and enjoyable. For example, I can share meals, watch
movies, and have conversations with them, which makes daily life more fun and less lonely.

Second, it’s more affordable. Splitting rent and utility costs with roommates reduces financial stress,
especially as a student on a budget. This allows me to save money for other priorities, like books or
personal activities.

Finally, having roommates can be helpful in practical ways. We can share responsibilities like
cooking and cleaning, and there’s always someone around to help in case of emergencies or
unexpected situations.

In summary, living with roommates provides companionship, financial benefits, and support, making
it a more appealing option for me.

4. Some students prefer to work on class assignments by themselves. Others believe it

is better to work in a group. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

Solution

I prefer to work on class assignments in a group for several reasons.

First, working in a group allows me to learn from others. Everyone brings different ideas and
perspectives, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions. For example, during a recent
group project, one of my teammates suggested an approach I hadn’t considered, and it improved our
overall result.

Second, group work helps distribute tasks, making the workload more manageable. Each person can
focus on their strengths, whether it’s research, writing, or presenting, which saves time and increases
efficiency.

Finally, collaborating in a group improves communication and teamwork skills. These skills are
important for future careers and personal growth, so practicing them during assignments is valuable.

In conclusion, working in a group is more productive, educational, and helps build important skills,
which is why I prefer it.

5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is important to learn about
other cultures. Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

Solution

I completely agree that it is important to learn about other cultures for several reasons.

First, learning about other cultures helps us build better relationships with people from different
backgrounds. For example, understanding someone’s traditions and values makes it easier to
communicate and work together, especially in today’s diverse world.

Second, it broadens our perspective and reduces stereotypes. When we learn about other cultures,
we become more open-minded and accepting. For instance, studying different holidays or customs
shows us how unique and interesting each culture is, which helps us appreciate diversity.
 Finally, cultural knowledge is essential in a globalized world. Whether traveling, studying, or working
internationally, understanding other cultures makes these experiences smoother and more
enjoyable.

In conclusion, learning about other cultures promotes respect, understanding, and connection,
making it an important skill for both personal and professional life.

6. Choose a teacher you admire and explain why you admire him or her. Please include
specific examples and details in your explanation.

Solution

One teacher I deeply admire is Mr. Mohammed, my high school teacher. He made a lasting impact
on me for several reasons.

First, Mr. Mohammed was incredibly passionate about teaching. He taught mathematics, a subject
many students find challenging, but his clear explanations and engaging teaching style made it
enjoyable and easy to understand. For example, he often used real-life examples to explain complex
concepts, which helped us see the practical value of what we were learning.

Second, he genuinely cared about his students’ success. He always encouraged us to ask questions
and was patient when we struggled. I remember one time I was having trouble with algebra, and he
stayed after class to help me until I fully understood it. That extra effort meant a lot to me.

Finally, Mr. Mohammed was a great role model. He always emphasized the importance of hard work,
honesty, and kindness. His dedication inspired me to work harder and believe in myself, not just in
academics but in life overall.

In conclusion, Mr. Mohammed’s passion for teaching, support for his students, and strong values
make him a teacher I admire greatly.

7. Some students study for classes individually. Others study in groups. Which method
of studying do you think is better for students and why?'

I believe studying in groups is better for students for several reasons.

First, group study allows students to learn from one another. Each person may have a different
understanding of the material, and by discussing and explaining concepts to each other, everyone
gains a deeper understanding. For example, during a group study session, a friend once explained a
concept in physics that I found difficult, and it helped me grasp it much faster.

Second, studying in groups makes it easier to stay motivated and focused. When you study alone, it’s
easy to get distracted or lose interest. In a group, the shared goal of learning creates a productive
environment where everyone encourages each other to stay on track.

Finally, group study improves communication and teamwork skills. These are essential for success in
both academic and professional life. For instance, working together to solve problems in a group
prepares students for future collaborative projects at work.

In conclusion, studying in groups is more effective because it promotes understanding, motivation,

and teamwork, which are all beneficial for students.
Secondly: Integrated Tasks

Task 1: Bus Service Elimination Planned

The university has decided to discontinue its free bus service for students. The reason given for this decision is that few
students ride the buses and the buses are expensive to operate. Currently, the buses run from the center of campus
past university buildings and through some of the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. The money saved by
eliminating the bus service will be used to expand the overcrowded student parking lots.

The man expresses his opinion of the university's plan to eliminate the bus service. State his opinion and
explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.

Task 2 : Social Interaction

People deal with each other every day. This interaction is at the heart of social life. The study of social interaction is concerned with the
influence people have over one another's behavior. People take each other into account in their daily behav ior and in fact, the very
presence of others can affect behavior. For example, one principle of social interaction, audience effects, suggests that individuals' work
is affected by their knowledge that they are visible to others, that the presence of others tends to alter the way people behave or perform
an activity.

Explain how the examples of tying shoes and learning to type demonstrate the principle of audience effects.

Task 3: The speakers discuss two possible solutions to the woman's problem. Describe the problem and
the two solutions. Then explain what you think the woman should do and why.

Task 4 : Using points and examples from the talk, explain the two definitions of money presented by the professor.

Task 5: Actor-Observer
People account for their own behavior differently from how they account for the behavior of
others. When observing the behavior of others, we tend to attribute their actions to their character
or their personality rather than to external factors. In contrast, we tend to explain our own
behavior in terms of situational factors beyond our own control rather than attributing it to our
own character. One explanation for this difference is that people are aware of the situational
forces affecting them but not of situational forces affecting other people. Thus, when evaluating
someone else's behavior, we focus on the person rather than the situation.

Explain how the two examples discussed by the professor illustrate differences in the
ways people explain behavior.