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Post by Bonobo on May 9, 2008 11:56:53 GMT 1
This is a list of topics I use with my advanced students. They are a useful practise before taking an oral advanced English exam.
1 My family.
Family or friends – which is more important?
What is your ideal home?
2 Job
my future job - advantages and disadvantages.
What is the most and the least stressful job?
Are there jobs which should be done only by men or women?
What qualities do you need to be a teacher, pilot, astronaut………. etc?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a doctor, teacher …….etc?
Working part time and going to school at the same time.
6 Television.
Violence and blood on TV.
Children shouldn`t watch TV.
TV plays an important role in education.
7Abortion
abortion should be legal in every case.
8 Military service
compulsory military service should be abolished.
9 Holidays and traveling
The best way to travel is on foot/by bicycle
Camping is the best way of spending holidays.
Travel broadens mind.
What would you like to show a foreigner who comes to Poland?
10 Education
Education helps people to get a better job
Are mixed classes better than single-sex classes?
How has technology helped to improve the educational system?
What was school 100 years ago like?
Is school the best preparation for your working life?
Should everyone have a university education?
Should students wear a school uniform?
11 Death penalty
Should serial murderers be killed in the name of law?
12 Money
Money is the most important thing in the world.
Are rich people more interesting than poor people?
13 Life
Living in the city or in the countryside – the advantages and disadvantages
14 Animals
Dangerous animals should be killed mercilessly
Animals in danger of extinction – how can we help them?
In what ways are wild animals threatened by man?
Should animals be kept in zoos?
15 Sport
Bloody sports like boxing, bullfighting should be banned
Is sport a relaxation or has it become a frustration?
What qualities do you need to do a football player, boxer etc.?
16 Science
Genetic engineering – for or against?
Scientist shouldn`t experiment on animals in their research.
17 War
Why do people make wars?
18 Driving
Are you a safe driver?
19 Health and fitness
Healthy diet and unhealthy diet.
Why do people eat so much fast food nowadays?
Is vegetarianism dangerous to your health?
Smoking is dangerous to you.
20 Drugs
Marihuana and other soft drugs should be legal.
21 Crime
Juvenile delinquency – why do young people commit
crimes?
What precautions should you take when you go out?
Once you begin a life of crime it is very hard to give it up
22 Euthanasia
Should terminally ill people have right to kill themselves?
23 Advertising
How do advertisements influence our lives?
24 Customs and traditions
Why do people follow certain traditions?
What festivals and occasions are celebrated in your country?
Do we need such celebrations like Halloween or Valentine`s Day?
25 Marriage
Should parents find partners to their children
What is a typical Polish family?
Homosexual marriages.
Should people of two different nationalities get married?
What are some traditions of getting married in Poland?
26 Hobby
Why should people have a hobby?
27 Natural and man-made disasters and accidents
28 Horoscopes and superstitions
Why do people believe in superstitions?
Are horoscopes credible?
29 Environment
What are the biggest environmental problems on our planet?
Recycling will solve all the problems.
30 Entertainment
What are the most popular forms of entertainment?
Discuss the film you have seen recently.
31 Shopping
Supermarkets or small shops – where do you prefer to do shopping?
32 Transport
What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by taxi, bus, plane, etc?
33 The Internet
Is the Internet a blessing or a curse?
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Post by Bonobo on May 9, 2008 12:05:34 GMT 1
Here is a list of topics which actually appeared at the final oral advanced English exams in high schools. The student has 15 minutes to prepare a short speech in which they can present their opinion on the given subject. Later there is a discussion during which the student is supposed to defend some of his views.
It is often said that English is your passport to the world. How important is the knowledge of English for young people? Should they consider taking up other foreign language as well?
Will the future bring less freedom or greater freedom to each individual? In what situations will people have more freedom than now?
Mass media - are they a source of information or a clever means of a manipulation in today`s world?
American people are very much concerned about being healthy. However, they become the most obese nation in the world. How serious are Polish people about healthy diets and how have their eating habits been influenced by the American lifestyle?
Women have long fought for the right to be employed on equal terms with men. What have they gained and what have they lost?
Are immigrants and ethnic minorities a potential source of problems or a way to enrich they country`s culture?
Is being a celebrity really worth the price? Why are today`s media so obsessed with fame? Is stardom worth the price?
Extreme sports – fascination with risk and challenge or a passing fashion?
Teaching young people how to earn their own money can help them grow up to be responsible adults. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
It is said that traveling broadens mind, but it poses greater and greater threats in today`s world. Do you agree with this statement. How will traveling change in the future?
Nothing can replace job satisfaction. However, there are many other factors that are considered essential by young job seekers. Do you agree with these statements?
Which leisure activities do young people prefer: physically challenging or mentally creative ones? Why? Which activities do you think should be recommended?
The worst aim towards other people is not to hate them but to be indifferent to them? (George Bernard Shaw). Do you agree?
.............................................................................................
Apart from the speech, students also have to describe a set of pictures, interpret them, and then answer the questions.
1. Why do you think text messaging is so popular with young people today?
2. Can text messaging become an addiction?
3. How do you understand the headline: Thumb Generation ?
1. Do you think that parents are prepared to talk with their children about addictions?
2. Do you think that drug addicts should be punished?
3. There are many things that can be addicitive. Some are more dangerous that others. What can be done to help different types of addicts?
1. How do you understand the slogan –Recycled Wood Works Wonders?
2. Is it easy to recycle in Poland?
3. Making people aware of the benefits of recycling isn`t enough. Do you agree?
4. How can people be encouraged to participate in recycling projects?
5. Do you think that such campaigns as Big Recycle are likely to be successful in Poland?
6. What can be done to make people realize the problem of recycling?
7. Do you recycle anything?
8. How can we encourage people to take part in recycling projects?
1 Is is becoming easier or more difficult for young people to gain independence today?
1. Is fast food really harmful? Why?
2. Do you think that fast food is becoming more popular in Poland?
3. What is the attitude of teenagers towards proper eating habits?
4. Are many young people willing to change their eating habits?
5. Do you consider eating habits of Polish people healthy? Why?
1. How do you understand the caption Take steps towards fitter city?
2. Do you think that Polish drivers would be willing to change their cars for other means of transport?
3. Do you think that recycling in Polish cities will become more popular in the nearest future?
1. Are Polish viewers satisfied with TV programmes?
2. Do you think that TV will have to change in the future?
1. What are the causes of growing unemployment?
2. What can being unemployed lead to?
3. What do you think should be done to help young people who are out of jobs/
How can you interpret the graph? heading? caption?
1. What alternative forms of punishment should be introduced for juvenile delinquents?
2. Do you think that young criminals who murder other people shouldn`t be sent to prison?
3. Are you against or for death penalty?
4. Why is crime increasing?
5. Criminals get what they deserve. Don`t you think so?
6. It is believed that prisons do not teach a person to live in a society. Is a prison sentence always the best punishment?
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Post by jeanne on May 10, 2008 2:08:01 GMT 1
I'm surprised to see that the issues presented for discussion on the exam are so similar to the pertinent issues in the USA at the moment. This could be an American exam... I guess it goes to show how different things are in Poland since the end of Communism and/or how my impressions of Polish society may be behind the times of what Polish society is now. It's interesting...
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Post by jeanne on May 10, 2008 2:13:49 GMT 1
By the way, number 22, Euthanasia: Isn't euthanasia when someone else decides to kill an ill/incapacitated person, not when a terminally ill person wants to end their own life? That would be either suicide or assisted suicide.  |
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Post by Bonobo on May 12, 2008 20:51:57 GMT 1
I'm surprised to see that the issues presented for discussion on the exam are so similar to the pertinent issues in the USA at the moment. An English exam? Or in the subject called Society? Especially this topic: American people are very much concerned about being healthy. However, they become the most obese nation in the world. How serious are Polish people about healthy diets and how have their eating habits been influenced by the American lifestyle? Hmm, what did you think of the Polish society before seeing those topics? You probably thought we were barbarians hahahahaha |
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Post by Bonobo on May 12, 2008 20:58:25 GMT 1
By the way, number 22, Euthanasia: Isn't euthanasia when someone else decides to kill an ill/incapacitated person, not when a terminally ill person wants to end their own life? That would be either suicide or assisted suicide. Yes, the topic is construed as an overgeneralization. But suicide and euthanasia sometimes go together: seriously disabled people who can`t move after spine damage would like to do it on their own but are unable to and need assistance. |
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Post by jeanne on May 12, 2008 23:24:41 GMT 1
By the way, number 22, Euthanasia: Isn't euthanasia when someone else decides to kill an ill/incapacitated person, not when a terminally ill person wants to end their own life? That would be either suicide or assisted suicide. Yes, the topic is construed as an overgeneralization. But suicide and euthanasia sometimes go together: seriously disabled people who can`t move after spine damage would like to do it on their own but are unable to and need assistance. Yes, and that's assisted suicide, not euthanasia. Euthanasia is when someone else decides to end another's life because they are no longer deemed 'valuable'/'useful' to society, or they appear to be suffering greatly. |
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Post by Bonobo on May 12, 2008 23:41:18 GMT 1
Yes, the topic is construed as an overgeneralization. But suicide and euthanasia sometimes go together: seriously disabled people who can`t move after spine damage would like to do it on their own but are unable to and need assistance. Yes, and that's assisted suicide, not euthanasia. Euthanasia is when someone else decides to end another's life because they are no longer deemed 'valuable'/'useful' to society, or they appear to be suffering greatly. The definition says one thing, but the common understanding of the term in Europe is that a terminally ill person commits a suicide with the help of others, including doctors. |
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Post by jeanne on May 12, 2008 23:43:27 GMT 1
I'm surprised to see that the issues presented for discussion on the exam are so similar to the pertinent issues in the USA at the moment. An English exam? Or in the subject called Society? Both. American students could very well be given these topics in their English classes to improve their writing and reasoning abilities. They are also good topics for discussion/writing in social studies classes. No, of course not, I would never think of Poles as barbarians...remember, I have Polish blood in my veins! I guess I was just surprised by the topics regarding things like...teens text messaging, Poles eating fast food, too much tv watching... wondering if being a celebrity is worth it... I don't think I ever realized that these issues were in the forefront in Poland. See how much I'm learning from being a member of this forum? 
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Post by Bonobo on May 13, 2008 0:21:12 GMT 1
No, of course not, I would never think of Poles as barbarians...remember, I have Polish blood in my veins! But barbarians can be exciting too... All these problems are common in Poland and a subject of quite a popular discussion. It is a bad influence of America. ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Jun 17, 2010 8:10:34 GMT 1
One of tasks during oral exam is describing a picture and answering two questions to it. . www.e-angielski.com/lekcje-jezyka-angielskiego/czesc-5-opis-ilustracji The picture shows a group of people on a trip in a forest. I can see two teenagers and an adult; he might be their father or a teacher. It is probably a walking tour as they are wearing boots and carrying rucksacks. They may be on holiday or on a school trip so it is probably spring or summer. Two of them are looking at a map, trying to find or check the route. They seem to be excited and it looks as if they are having a great time. However, the boy on the left appears to be tired or a little bored. I think he would like to have a rest.  In the picture I can see some people in the street. I think it could be Chinatown in London or maybe some other city. In the bottom left-hand corner two people are talking. The woman is smiling; she seems to be interested and delighted. They are probably friends. In the background, in the middle of the picture, there is a Chinese gate. Some people are walking under it and looking around. I believe they might be tourists and they seem as if they are having a great time.  In the picture I can see two people spending some time together. They are sitting on a wooden bench at a table. It may be in a forest or in a garden. They are playing a game of chess. The boy is holding his hand close to his forehead so he seems to be thinking intensively. The old man is going to make the next move, and he appears to be concentrated on the game, too. They could be a grandson and a grandfather. The boy is wearing shorts and the man is wearing a T-shirt so it’s probably summer. I guess they may be on holiday together and they seem to be having a good time. |
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Post by Bonobo on May 18, 2011 22:10:10 GMT 1
I second that! Congratulations! Yes, he is a laureate but only I know how much it cost me. -------------------------------------------------- A change of topic. So far I presented the basic level of high school final exam. here is the advanced level oral exam. Students are asked to: 1. Describe the provided material which consists of 2-3 colour pictures, 1-2 headlines, a pie/bar chart, a quote/proverb. The material concerns one specific problem, e.g., pollution and environment, jobs and career, food and eating habits, housing, urban versus country, mobile phones etc. Then the student is expected to answer 4 questions refering to the material: E.g.,
1. Why do you think text messaging is so popular with young people today?
2. Can text messaging become an addiction?
1. Do you think that parents are prepared to talk with their children about addictions?
2. Do you think that drug addicts should be punished?
1. How do you understand the slogan –Recycled Wood Works Wonders?
2. Is it easy to recycle in Poland?
3. Making people aware of the benefits of recycling isn`t enough. Do you agree?
4. How can people be encouraged to participate in recycling projects?
5. Do you think that such campaigns as Big Recycle are likely to be successful in Poland?
6. What can be done to make people realize the problem of recycling?
7. Do you recycle anything?
8. How can we encourage people to take part in recycling projects?
1. Is fast food really harmful? Why?
2. Do you think that fast food is becoming more popular in Poland?
3. What is the attitude of teenagers towards proper eating habits?
4. Are many young people willing to change their eating habits?
5. Do you consider eating habits of Polish people healthy? Why?
1. How do you understand the caption Take steps towards fitter city?
2. Do you think that Polish drivers would be willing to change their cars for other means of transport?
3. Do you think that recycling in Polish cities will become more popular in the nearest future?
4. Will cycling to work become more popular in Polish cities? What makes you think so?
1. Are Polish viewers satisfied with TV programmes?
2. Do you think that TV will have to change in the future?
1. What are the causes of growing unemployment?
2. What can being unemployed lead to?
3. What do you think should be done to help young people who are out of jobs/
1. What alternative forms of punishment should be introduced for juvenile delinquents?
2. Do you think that young criminals who murder other people shouldn`t be sent to prison?
3. Are you against or for death penalty?
4. Why is crime increasing?
5. Criminals get what they deserve. Don`t you think so?
6. It is believed that prisons do not teach a person to live in a society. Is a prison sentence always the best punishment?
etc etc Next, the student is expected to give a 2 minute speech. The topics are random:
It is often said that English is your passport to the world. How important is the knowledge of English for young people? Should they consider taking up other foreign language as well?
Will the future bring less freedom or greater freedom to each individual? In what situations will people have more freedom than now?
Mass media - are they a source of information or a clever means of a manipulation in today`s world?
American people are very much concerned about being healthy. However, they become the most obese nation in the world. How serious are Polish people about healthy diets and how have their eating habits been influenced by the American lifestyle?
Women have long fought for the right to be employed on equal terms with men. What have they gained and what have they lost?
Are immigrants and ethnic minorities a potential source of problems or a way to enrich they country`s culture?
Is being a celebrity really worth the price? Why are today`s media so obsessed with fame? Is stardom worth the price?
Extreme sports – fascination with risk and challenge or a passing fashion?
Teaching young people how to earn their own money can help them grow up to be responsible adults. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
It is said that traveling broadens mind, but it poses greater and greater threats in today`s world. Do you agree with this statement. How will traveling change in the future?
Nothing can replace job satisfaction. However, there are many other factors that are considered essential by young job seekers. Do you agree with these statements?
Which leisure activities do young people prefer: physically challenging or mentally creative ones? Why? Which activities do you think should be recommended?
The worst aim towards other people ii not to hate them but to be indifferent to them? (George Bernard Shaw). Do you agree?
A healthy diet is a myth. people can eat anything without restrictions. Do you agree with this statement. Justify your opinion.
Does reading books shape children`s imagination and influence their personality? Present and justify your opinion.
etc etc. After delivering the speech, there is a short discussion during which the student has to explain/elaborate on sth he/she said and justify his/her opinion. A crude example is on the second page of this sheet: fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/elt/catalogue/9780194309974-a.pdf |
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 7, 2015 22:21:40 GMT 1
I'm surprised to see that the issues presented for discussion on the exam are so similar to the pertinent issues in the USA at the moment. This could be an American exam... I guess it goes to show how different things are in Poland since the end of Communism and/or how my impressions of Polish society may be behind the times of what Polish society is now. It's interesting... Times and people change. Not only when one political system replaces the other. I have observed a gradual withdrawal of controvercial topics like abortion, death penalty, let alone gay marriages who adopt children from high school exams. Now topics are completely neutral. Has Poland become similar to US again with this political correctness?  |
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Post by Bonobo on Jul 2, 2016 1:04:20 GMT 1
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