Speaking Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students

 

1. Many people are distrustful of modern medicine. They believe that natural medicines from herbs and plants work much better.

* Do you think that using natural medicine is a valid form of treatment? Why or why not?

* Some argue that laughter is a better cure than any medicine. Do you agree? Why or why not?

* Some say that curing illnesses is more mental than physical? Do you agree? To what extend?

2. It is said that first impressions are the most important. Perhaps for this reason both men and women spend a lot of time and money on their appearance in an attempt to keep up with the latest trends.

* How does beauty affect one’s success in life?

* What are the different standards of beauty in Ukraine for men and women?

* Is there more pressure on women to modify their appearance than men?

3. Each country has different rules of etiquette and behavior.

* Why is it important to respect the rules of etiquette in a foreign country?

* What practices you know seem strange to how you were raised?

* Are there any common rules of etiquette in Ukraine that you believe are outdated?

4. Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Art is a human activity which has its purpose the transmission to others of the highest and best feelings to which men have risen.”

* How can art reflect our personal ideals?

* Do you think we can learn from different forms of art?

* How does art communicate the values of a culture? Give an example.

5. The Internet and television have made that world a much smaller place, and virtually everybody is aware of pop culture icons like Paris Hilton and Lady Gaga.

* Is it important to keep up with pop culture? Why or why not?

* If you stopped paying attention to pop culture how would your life be different?

* How does pop culture create similar interests in people throughout the world, regardless of nationality?

6. Athletics are very popular among the nation’s youth. They are a good way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and they help kids to develop skills as a team player as well as an athlete.

* Do you think kids should be forced to participate in athletics while growing up?

* How does competition among peers influence their development into adulthood?

* If a child is not interested in athletics, what are possible alternatives and what skills can they develop?

7. How would you explain diversity to a person who has lived in a homogenous society where everyone looks the same?

* What examples can you give to explain this?

* Is it important to live in a place where there is diversity?

* How does living in a society influence a person’s worldview?

8. Imagine that you are a villain from your favorite book or movie. Give an apology to the hero of the book or movie.

* Why would society look down on your past actions?

* How would you make amends?

* Do you believe it is possible to find redemption or do we always live with the consequences of our actions in the past?

9. Some people believe it is important to share wisdom with future generations so that they avoid making the same mistakes. Imagine that you are speaking to your future granddaughter or grandson about lessons you have learned so far in your life.

* What lessons would you like to share and why are they important?

* What traditions do you hope he or she will carry on in the future?

* What constitutes wisdom and what makes you qualified to pass it on?

10. Multimedia has become extremely advanced within the last decade. What is your view on media in the 21st century?

* Is it good that people can have access to almost anything through the Internet? Why or why not?

* In your opinion, what are the benefits of the advances in media?

* What do you imagine media will be like by the year 2025?

11. In many cultures age is regarded differently either as a positive or a negative attribute.

* How are cultural values reflected in the way elders are treated?

* How are the elderly regarded in Ukrainian culture?

* What are the advantages and disadvantages of a society that places more value on youth?

12. In today’s world, taking care of your body has become very important as more and more people choose not to smoke, exercise regularly, and are very careful about the types of food they put in their body. Becoming a vegetarian is an increasingly popular lifestyle decision all over the world.

* What is the effect of consuming meat on our bodies?

* What is the effect of consuming meat on the environment?

* What are challenges of being a vegetarian in Ukraine? How do Ukrainians typically view vegetarians?

13. Extreme sports have become increasingly popular in today’s society. The X Games competitions demonstrate how popular these sports have become.

* Would you ever participate in an extreme sport like sky diving or snowboarding? Why or why not?

* Do you think these sports require more or less training than sports like football, hockey and basketball? Why or why not?

* Do you believe an athlete who wins a gold medal in curling or snowboarding is as athletic as an athlete who wins a gold medal in football or gymnastics? Why or why not?

14. Parents often have certain expectations of their children regarding their education, career and life choices.

* Do you think it is more important to listen to your parents or follow your heart?

* How do parental expectations affect the lives of children?

* What societal factors shape parental expectations?

15. Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mildness. Broad wholesome, charitable views cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth.”

* How do you interpret Twain’s statement?

* Is it necessary to travel in order to develop an understating of other peoples? Why or why not?

* What are other ways of learning to be open-minded and tolerant?

16. Online journals and blogs are becoming increasingly popular. Often people who publish

online diaries write about personal events and feelings, and allow anyone on the Internet to

read them.

* What is the appeal of online journals?

* What are the consequences of publishing personal thoughts online instead of in a private diary?

* Do you keep a diary, online or otherwise? If not, which format would appeal to you more and

why?

17. In life you are sometimes required to work with people whom you do not like or agree with.

* Some people do not voice their opinion because they are afraid of conflict. What is the correct balance between keeping the peace and voicing your opinion?

* How does success in the workplace depend on teamwork?

* How would one’s strategy for cooperation change from dealing with a difficult boss to a difficult co-worker?

18. Friendship is a very important part of life.

* What is the process of a person changing from being an acquaintance to a friend?

* How do people balance their romantic relationships with their friendships?

* Is it possible to be close friends with someone from the opposite sex in a non-romantic way? Why or why not?

19. In recent years there were many breakthroughs in genetic engineering.

* What factors should be considered in genetically engineering food products?

Are there benefits to producing genetically modified foods?

* Do you think that eating food that has been genetically modified is unhealthy?

Are there benefits to producing genetically modified foods?

* Do you think that people should have this power? Why or why not?

20. Imagine you had the power to change one historical event. However this action would create a chain reaction that would result in you never being born.

* What event would you change? Why?

* What would be the consequences of you never being born?

* Is it better to sacrifice one person for the benefit of all or not?

 

Speaking Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students

 

1. Athletes are very popular among the nation’s youth. They are a good way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and they help kids to develop skills as team players and athletes.

* Do you think kids should be forced to participate in athletics while growing up?

* Is competition among peers a good or a bad thing?

* Should athletics focus more on winning or just having fun?

2. Imagine that you are a villain from your favorite boo or movie. Give an apology to the hero of the book or movie.

* What have you done wrong?

* What do you regret?

* How will you make amends?

3. Some people believe it is important to share wisdom with future generations so that they avoid making the same mistakes. Imagine that you are speaking to your future granddaughter or grandson about lessons you have learned so far in your life.

* What life lessons would you like to share?

* What traditions do you hope he or she will carry on in the future?

* What wisdom would you pass to him or her from your grandparents?

4. Some people believe that living a healthy lifestyle is the key to one’s happiness.

* What is your idea of a healthy lifestyle?

* How has the definition of health changed over time, and from culture to culture?

* Can a person who is not healthy still be happy?

5. C. L Lewis once wrote: “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... it has no survival value; rather, it is one of those things that give value to survival.” Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not?

* If you did not have friends, how would your life be easier?

* How would it be more difficult?

* Throughout history, how has friendship helped people survive?

6. The Internet and television have made the world a much smaller place, as virtually everyone is aware of pop culture icons like David Beckham and Lady Gaga.

* Is it important to keep up with pop culture? Why or why not?

* If you stopped paying attention to pop culture, would you be able to participate in the same kinds of conversations with your friends?

* Does pop culture create similar interests in people throughout the world, regardless of culture?

7. There is a commonly known phrase, Jack of all trades, and master of none.”

* How do you interpret this phrase?

* Would you rather be really good at one thing or average at many things?

* What is the difference between being good at something and being great at something?

8. Imagine you had the power to change one historical event. However, the action would create a chain reaction which would result in your never being born.

* What event would you change? Why?

* What would be the consequences of you never being born?

* Is it better to sacrifice one person for the benefit of all or not?

9. The way that people behave and what they desire are constantly changing. What differences can you predict about food, culture, clothing etc. in the future?

* Do you think it will be easier to live one hundred years from now?

* In what ways would it be more difficult?

* What new challengers do you imagine your generation will face in the future? Are you prepared to face these challenges?

10. Many people are distrustful of modern medicine. They believe that natural medicines from herbs and plants work much better.

* If you were sick, would you go to a regular doctor or a doctor who uses herbs and plants as medicine?

* Some argue that laughter makes a person fell better than any medicine can. Do you agree? Why or why not?

* Have your parents ever treated you with medical remedies? Were they effective?

11 .Both men and women spend a lot of time and money on fashion in an attempt to keep up with the latest trends.

* Does beauty affect one’s success in life?

* Do you think the standard of beauty is the same in Ukraine as in America?

* Is there more pressure on women than on men to be beautiful?

12. Each country has different rules of etiquette and behavior.

* What are some common rules of etiquette in Ukraine?

* Why is it important to respect the rules of etiquette in a foreign country?

* Which practices do you know that are different from what you are used to?

13. Leo Tolstoy wrote. “Art is a human activity which has as its purpose the transmission to others the highest and best feelings to which men have risen.”

* How can art reflect our personal ideals?

* Tell about a painting, play, book or song that reflects your beliefs.

* Do you think we can learn from different forms of art?

14. Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter. You have the opportunity to interview any living person in the world.

* Who would you choose to interview, and why?

* How has this person influenced your life and the lives of others?

* What is the goal of your article, and how will you make it newsworthy?

15. If you could be the pet of a character in any book you have read, who would you choose?

* Why did you choose this person? Describe your new owner’s caretaking habits.

* Why did you choose them to be your caregiver?

* What kind of food do you think you would eat?

16.Social networking sites like vKontakte and Facebook are seemingly all over the place. Do you see this as a good thing or bad thing? Why?

* If all social networking sites were shut down forever, how would your life be affected?

* Apart from socializing with friends, what other uses do social networking sites have?

* How can social networking sites be used as an agent of social change in Ukraine?

17. Imagine that you are in a place that does not speak your native language. Instead the world will be required to speak English.

* What would be the advantages and disadvantages of having only one universal language?

* How important is your native language to your own cultural identity?

* What do you think would change if everyone spoke the same language?

18. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

* Do you agree with this statement?

* What would be the hardest thing to forgive?

* Are there any situations where doing something unforgivable can be justified?

19. In Ukraine children grow up believing in Father Frost while in America they believe in Santa Claus. Why do you think societies create fictitious parental figures?

* What role did these figures play in your upbringing?

* How do you think being told an untruth as a child manifests itself later in life?

* If you could create a new fictional holiday character, what would he or she be like?

20. As one grows older, schedules become more important.

* What do you think your schedule will be like five years from now?

* Do you prefer following a strict schedule or do you prefer to be spontaneous?

* How can you maintain independence while living up to a schedule?

 

Speaking Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students

 

1. Fast food is generally considered unhealthy, but many people still eat it.

* Why do you think restaurants like McDonald’s are so popular?

* How would you make McDonald’s better?

* If you could add one thing to the menu, what would you add?

2. Think of a powerful childhood memory.

* How did you feel at that time?

* How does the memory affect you when you think about it today?

* What sensory experiences trigger that memory for you (smell, tastes, etc.)?

3. Many children grow up listening to or watching fairytales that contain moral lessons. What was your favorite childhood book or story?

* What was the moral of the story, and is it still relevant today?

* Why do you think stories are a good way to teach morals?

* If you could write a new fairytale, what moral value would you want your readers to take away from it?

4. Some people believe that living a healthy lifestyle is the key to one’s happiness.

* What is your idea of a healthy lifestyle?

* How has the definition of health changed over time, and from culture to culture?

* Can a person who is not healthy still be happy?

5. Imagine you are in charge of giving five billion dollars to any one country in the world. What country would you give aid to, and why does this country deserve it?

* How has this country demonstrated a need for the money?

* What criteria did you use to make your decision?

* How could you ensure that the money would not be wasted?

6. In the age of computers and instant information, we are constantly exposed to the latest news and information.

* What influences your choices when selecting what content to view?

* How should people sort and filter the information they lake in?

* What are the positives and negatives of such constant exposure?

7. The proverb,” The more languages you speak, the more of a person you are,” is often heard in our language classrooms. What does this saying mean to you?

* Do you agree with this proverb?

* Do you know any examples of people who embody this statement?

8. In your opinion, what are the tree most important qualities a great teacher should have?

* Tell about a time when you were in a challenging class and you witnessed a teacher demonstrate these qualities.

* How do these qualities help students learn?

* Would you rather have a teacher with high expectations who teachers interesting, difficult classes or a teacher whose classes are easy and boring?

9. Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter. You have the opportunity to interview any living person in the world.

* Who would you choose to interview and why?

* How has this person influenced the lives of others?

* How has this person influenced your life?

10. Some people live for music and some people do not seem to care.

* What is your attitude towards music?

* What role does music play in your life and in your culture?

* Why are some people moved by music and others not?

11. If you could be a character in any book you have read, whom would you choose? Why?

* Describe the character you have chosen, including both their physical appearance and their personality traits.

* Does this character have any weaknesses?

* What traits does this character have that you do not? Similarly, is there anything you like about yourself that this character does not possess?

12. Social networking sites (like Facebook) are becoming more and more popular.

* Do you see social networking as a positive or negative thing? Why?

* If all social networking sites were shut down forever, how would your life be affected?

* In what way do social networks affect communication between people?

13. Language barriers often make it difficult to communicate with people from other countries.

* Would you prefer to live in a world where everyone spoke only one universal language? Why?

* What would be the advantages and disadvantages of having only one universal language?

* What do you think would change if everyone spoke the same language?

14. C. L Lewis once wrote: “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... it has no survival value; rather, it is one of those things that give value to survival.”

* How do you interpret this quotation?

* What is more valuable in your life, your friends or your family? Why?

* What does friendship mean to you?

15. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

* What is your opinion of this statement?

* Is there a time when you have forgiven someone even though it was difficult?

* Do you regret your decision? Why or why not?

16. Ever since humans landed on the moon, people have been obsessed with the idea of extraterrestrial life.

* Do you believe in this possibility?

* What would you do if you met an alien?

* How do you think humanity would react to the discovery of alien life?

17. Assume you are a descendent of Albert Einstein. You have found his journal and it has information that would affect his reputation.

* Would you publish it or would you keep it hidden? What would be the consequences?

* Does the public interest in the information outweigh your personal right to protect your family’s name?

* What would you consider when making this decision?

18. If you made a terrible life-changing mistake and you had the option to forget it, would you take this opportunity?

* What are the positive and negative consequences of your answer?

* What role do painful experiences play in shaping our character?

* Is it necessary to experience difficult situations to appreciate the good?

19. Imagine that you are the owner of a new museum.

* From which time period would you gather most of your materials?

* Who would be the most interested in visiting your museum?

* What type of museum would you like to own?

20. Young people play computer games now more than ever. Some people say that computer games can be bad for a child’s development.

* Do you agree with this opinion?

* What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing computer games?

* Do you think parents should limit the amount of time children play on the computer?