Speaking test 01-05

SPEAKING
CODE 01
Part 1
What did you do on your last holiday?
My most memorable holiday is the last one with my family/ friends/ colleagues in...... We did.../ played.../ ate.../ visited..... It was a good time for us to share the feelings, experience and understandings and improve the relationship/ friendship among us.
Who do you prefer spending your holiday with? Relatives or friends?
I like being with my friends, because we have a lot in common, so we can share our hobbies and interests. 
Spending holiday with the family makes me happy because I love my family. It’s a good chance for all family members to be together, take care of one another and enjoy the cozy and close atmosphere. 
Do you prefer going on holiday abroad?
Of course, going abroad on holiday is really an excellent experience when we can see new things, meet new people and know more about another culture, habits and customs of different nations. Moreover, it’s also a good time to learn a language, make new friends and improve communication.
No, I’ve never thought about going abroad on holiday, because I can’t speak a foreign language. Furthermore, travelling abroad is too expensive and sometimes dangerous for young and inexperienced people. In my view, domestic holidays are better in term of safety, expense and convenience.
How many hours a day do you watch television?
I rarely watch TV, because I don’t have much time/ I’m always busy. At weekend I spend about one or two hours watching TV with my family members.
Watching TV is my favourite pastime. I watch it whenever I have free time. I often watch three or four hours a day. 
Which programmes do you like?
There are a lot of good programmes on TV these days and the one I like most is Discovery. This channel provides me with interesting knowledge of the world. I never feel bored watching this programme.
The News is my favourite programme because it provides me with useful knowledge and information of all fields. You can sit at your comfortable armchair but know everything happening in the world.
Do you prefer watching television alone or with other people? Why?
I prefer watching television with other people because we can not only share our feelings and information, but also discuss together on what is watched on TV. Additionally, it’s a good time for us to promote understandings and relationship among us.
Part 2: Situation
If you won the lottery of 1 billion VND, what would you do with the money? 
Buy a new house.
Start a business.
Deposit the money in the bank.
If I won a lottery of one billion dollars, I would buy a house, because I haven’t got one now. I am living with my parents, but I prefer an independent life. After I buy it, I will have my own house and I will be able to do whatever I want with it. 
If I won a lottery of one billion dollars, I would start a business. Firstly, having my own business is my dream. I want to make money by myself and to stand on my feet. If my business ran well, I could buy a house, deposit money in the bank, do charity and other things. 
If I won a lottery of one billion dollars, I would deposit money in the bank. In my view, it’s the safest way to keep money while I can get monthly interest to spend. I’m not young so I want stability and safety.
Part 3
Topic: Online courses have changed the way people learn
Provide new learning experience
Be more convenient to study
Be independent in learning
Your own ideas
Provide new learning experience: Instead of going to school, college or university, people learn anywhere via the Internet with a laptop. In traditional learning, the teacher teaches students particular subjects in class on schedule. In contrast, with online courses learners can learn anytime, any subjects they want. Instead of taking exams in the class, people can do online tests and get the results after they click “submit” button without waiting for weeks.
Be more convenient to study: Learners do not have to go to class because they can stay at home or at work, learn online with a cup of coffee. They can listen to the lectures again and again. They do not have to meet teachers face-to-face to submit assignments or get feedback from them. All they need is a laptop connected to the Internet. 
Be independent in learning: When learners attend an online course, they must follow the rules and study by themselves because there are no teachers in front of them to explain what the learners do not understand. They do not have classmates to discuss together. 
Your own ideas: Online courses are economical in terms of time, expense and physical effort. Learners do not have to go to class so they do not have to spend time travelling from one place to another and attending classes. They do not have to pay for transportation. Moreover, they listen to lectures whenever they can, this makes their timetable flexible and they can do lots of things when learning.
Follow up questions:
1) What advice would you give someone on how to study English?
- There are many ways to learn English depending on learner’s conditions, interests and proficiency. The best way is that you put yourself in an English speaking environment. You can listen to English songs, see English films. Furthermore, communicating with a native speaker, participating in an English speaking club are very good to improve your English as well.
2) Do you think being a student is the best time of your life? Why/ why not?
- In my opinion being a student is the best time of one’s life because we have an exciting, wonderful time with friends at university. At that time, people are young, strong, carefree and eager to explore new knowledge. They are willing to do voluntary work without thinking about themselves. 
3) Should a student’s university education be free or should the student have to get a loan? Explain your choice.
- In my view university education should be free for some specific majors, such as police, military education because those are demanding jobs. People who are devoted to them may sacrifice their life to defend the motherland. However, most fields in education should not be free. Students should understand the value of their education in order to try harder. The money should be paid for training facilities, materials, administration and education affairs.
CODE 02
Part 1
When is your birthday?
I was born in (month/ year). My mother told me that it was a very hot/ cold day in summer/ winter. I was the first child in my family so I got love and care from my grandparents, parents and relatives.
What do you usually do on your birthday?
On my birthday, I often prepare a good meal and invite some close friends to my house for dinner. We eat together and chat in a cosy atmosphere.
On my birthday, I often invite some close friends to a restaurant for a small party. I blow off the candles on the birthday cake, and my friends wish me good luck, good health and success. I get some gifts from them. Then we sing Happy Birthday song. We chat and enjoy ourselves.
What is your favourite family celebration? Why?
There are a lot of celebrations my family has; however, Lunar New Year celebration or Tet holiday is the most special time not only for me, but also for Vietnamese people. We have much time together to prepare for our holiday. We clean the house; decorate it with nice flowers and plants. At New Year’s Eve all family members get together to enjoy traditional food and give the best wishes to everyone. Children and old people receive lucky money. That is my most preferable celebration.
What is the best way to travel in your town/city?
In my opinion a bicycle is the best way to travel in my town. Firstly, the town is small and the streets are narrow, so it is easy and convenient for a bicycle to move to every corner of the town. Secondly, it helps to protect the environment and it’s cheap. 
What is your favourite means of transportation?
My favourite means of transportation is a motorbike, because it faster than a bicycle. It is not too big to move in narrow streets, and it is not as expensive as a car to buy and drive, either.
Do you think people should use public transportation more? Why? Why not?
In my view, public transportation should be used more for some reasons. Firstly, it is cheap and safe. Secondly, it helps to reduce traffic jams and accidents. Thirdly, we can protect the environment when using less private cars.
Part 2: Situation
You have just received a sum of money from your father as a birthday present. How would you use the money?
	- To buy a laptop for your study.
	- To buy a fashionable smart phone.
	- To save up for future.
If my father gives a sum of money as a birthday present, I will buy a new laptop for my study. The reason is that it is really necessary for me to learn and work. It can help me to search for information, documents and references. I can send and receive emails, messages from other people. Additionally, I can relax with music and games, and read e-books with the laptop.
If my father gives a sum of money as a birthday present, I will buy a smart phone. The reason is that I have already had a laptop, and it is not small enough to take with me to everywhere. A smart phone is useful for my study as well as for my job. I can talk, chat, and send emails, messages to others conveniently. I can also listen to music, play games or read e-books with a smart phone too. 
If my father gives a sum of money as a birthday present, I will not buy a laptop or a smart phone, because it’s a waste of money. The reason is that I have had both. I will save up for the future. Running a business is my dream, but I cannot start a new business without the capital. Now I do not have enough, but I believe that if I save money gradually, I will have my own.
Part 3
Topic: Examinations are not necessary
Time-consuming
Unfair
Costly
Your own ideas
Time-consuming: Examiners have to design, deliver and evaluate students through the test. Whereas, students must revise their lessons, take the test and wait for the results. 
Unfair: Examinations are not always truthful and the feedback about students’ study based on test results sometimes invalid. Students sometimes cheat or copy other’s answers at examinations. If examiners lack responsibilities, the test results will be invalid
Costly: A big sum of money has to be spent on preparation for the test regarding facilities, equipment, materials, papers. In addition, we should pay for administration, evaluation of the tests. Obviously, students have to pay fees, which is a burden on their shoulders.
Your own ideas: Exams are still important. On the one hand, via examinations teachers/examiners can evaluate students’ abilities so as to adjust teaching methods properly. On the other hand, students are be aware of their own abilities to have effective ways of learning. 
Follow up questions:
Do you think schools are necessary? Why? Why not?
- In my opinion schools are necessary. Firstly, they are the place where students can get knowledge of all fields and be educated. They are also the place where students can make friends, learn useful skills for their life, such as communication skills, problem-solving skills, soft skills...Secondly, students can learn how to behave and develop their personality in a good way when following the school rules
How do modern technologies change the way people study?
Modern technologies help people to study faster, more active and effectively. people do not have to go to class because they can stay at home or at work, learn online with a laptop connected to the Internet. They can search information and download documents from the Internet. Furthermore, it is possible for them to listen to the lectures again and again. They do not have to meet teachers face-to-face to submit assignments or get feedback from them. 
Do you think that traditional schools will disappear in the future because of the development of modern technology?
I don’t think so. Traditional schools are always necessary, because they are the place where students can learn not only knowledge, but also social lessons of how to behave and how to become good citizens. Schools are the place for children to develop and improve their personalities. 
CODE 03
Part 1
Do you like music? If yes, what kind of music do you like best? Why? If no, why not?
I am interested in music because of its rhythm and lyrics. I feel relaxed when listening to music. Music is a good way to nurture my soul and emotions. 
What is the most popular kind of music in your country?
Pop music is very popular in my country. It is said that it is the music of the young which makes people love life more. It gives people more energy to live and work.
Traditional music is the most popular in my country. It helps people to relax, nurture our love for the country. Listening to traditional music, people feel proud of the history, culture and customs of our country. 
How is music good or not good for people?
In my opinion, music is good for people. When you listen to music, you can feel your happiness or sadness in the rhythm and lyrics. Moreover, music makes you relaxed and comfortable after a hard working day. A joyful song can cheer you up and change your mood. It is the reason why when you are happy or in troubles, music is always your good friend.
Did you learn English at secondary school?
No, I didn’t learn English at school. I studied Russian/ French. It was interesting but difficult. I started learning English when I was at high school.
Yes, I did. English was a compulsory subject in my school. I knew that English was necessary for my study and my future job
What do you think about how English is taught at school now?
Now English is taught in a traditional way at school. It means that students learn grammar, vocabulary and how to make correct sentences but not how to communicate in real life situations. English is considered as a compulsory subject rather than an interest. As a result, most students are reluctant to learn English. 
In what ways has children’s English much improved nowadays?
These days children learn English from very young age. They start learning English at Kindergarten and can access a lot of resources in English. They can listen to English songs, watch movies in English, and participate in English speaking clubs to improve their language proficiency. Some parents send their children abroad, so they have chances to live and study in an English speaking environment. 
Part 2
An optional subject will be added to the curriculum for secondary students in your city. Three options are suggested: 
- photography
- swimming
- dancing
If I have the right to choose an optional subject to add to the curriculum for secondary students in my city, a swimming course is my first choice. In reality, Vietnamese students have a sedentary lifestyle and they seldom do physical activities to make them strong. They study at school during the daytime and go to extra classes in the evening. Whenever they have free time, they play games, see films or listen to music. Additionally, according to some statistics, the main reason for the high rate of drowning deaths in Vietnam is that children do not have swimming skills. Therefore, a swimming course is necessary for them in terms of health and safety. 
In my opinion a photography class is interesting and necessary. Vietnamese students study most of their time: they go to school during the daytime and go to extra classes in the evening. Therefore, a photography class can make students relax after hard working hours. It also helps them to enjoy the beauty of life. With a camera, they can keep their most memorable moments in life with their family and friends for the whole life. 
In my opinion a dancing class is interesting and necessary. Vietnamese students study most of their time: they go to school during the daytime and go to extra classes in the evening. Therefore, a dancing class can make students relax after hard working hours. It also helps them to make friends. Dancing practice help students improve their physical and mental heath, be more energetic and active in real life. 
Part 3
Topic: It is good to learn about a culture when you learn a language.
Language: the best means of culture
Better communication
Culture shocks
Your own ideas
Language - the best means of culture: A language is a system of grammar, meaning, sounds and written symbols which are used by the people of a particular country or region for talking or writing; whereas, cultures refer to social patterns of behaviours, beliefs, attitudes and values. We know more about a nation’s culture via traditional lullabies, legends of folklore which are expressed by language. Language is the medium to convey cultural values from generations to generations. Without a language (in oral or written forms), people cannot express their ideas; therefore, cannot communicate and pass their cultural beliefs, attitudes and values to descendant generations.
Better communication: As said, language is a system of grammar, meaning, sounds, and written symbols that are standardized enough to be used by people to transmit information and ideas from one to one another; whereas, communication is any form by which people exchange information and ideas.  They can use language, but they can also use gestures, facial expressions, signals, or any other medium to express that information. However gestures, facial expressions and signals are not informative and expressive enough to convey the information and ideas successfully. In that case, language is the best way to pass on and discuss ideas or information. 
Culture shocks: Culture shock is an experience a person may have when one moves to a cultural environment which is different from his/ her own; it is also the personal disorientation, anxiety a person may feel in unfamiliar surroundings. One of the most common causes of culture shocks involves individuals in a strange environment, even in a foreign language course. Values, behaviours, and social customs we routinely take for granted may no longer serve us in our new environment. By adapting to a foreign culture, you can overcome your culture shock and develop relationships with those around you.
Your own ideas: Learning a new language is challenging for almost everyone. Sometimes you may feel depressed when coping with lexicology, phonology and grammar....You may get shocks because of differences between different cultures in eating, shopping, travelling habits etc. However, it gives you new knowledge and experience of new cultures and peoples. Additionally, you may get a better job, have a higher salary or promote in your career if you can speak a foreign language.
Follow up questions:
Do you think it’s good to understand other people’s cultures? Why? 
In my opinion, it’s great to understand other’s people’s cultures. If you know other’s culture, you may not get cultural shocks when you communicate or have a transaction with them and you can avoid embarrassing situations. Furthermore, understandings of different cultures enrich your knowledge and experience, which make you more active and dynamic in real life.
What would you introduce first to a foreigner about the Vietnamese culture? 
Vietnamese people have different traditional songs, dances, festivals as well as historical monuments throughout the country to introduce to foreign friends. However, if I had a chance, I would introduce “quan ho Bac Ninh”- a traditional type of music originated in Bac Ninh province - to a foreigner who first visit Vietnam. It is intangible cultural heritage which was recognized by UNESCO.
What would you like to learn about English-speaking cultures?
There are a lot of thing I would like to know about English-speaking cultures, such as peoples, their cultural values and heritage. Those understandings enrich my knowledge and experience, which make me more knowledgeable, active and help me avoid embarrassing situations in real life. 
CODE 04 
Part 1:
Where do you usually go when you have spare time? 
I’m always busy with my work. However, when I have free time, I often go a coffee shop to relax with my friends. Spending time with friends in a cosy atmosphere is my preferable enjoyment. There we can listen to music, chat with them about our daily life and enjoy our favourite coffee with some snacks. 
Are there many interesting places where you live for people to go at weekends? 
Yes, there are some nice places in my hometown to go, such as Coc lake, Museum of Ethnic Minorities, ATK- capital of the resistance against French colonialists... Coc lake is an amazing place with artificial caves and a large natural lake for adults and children to explore. Besides, Museum of Ethnic Minorities can give visitors valuable understandings about lives of different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Historic lessons can be gained from a visit to the resistance capital ATK.
In what way is café a great place for people to enjoy their free time?
A cafe is an ideal place for people to relax and meet friends. It is the place where you can sit and chat with your friends about everything in life when listening to favourite music. The cosy atmosphere at the cafe can take you away from your worries. You can enjoy a cup of coffee while you are surfing on the Internet. You are also able to negotiate with your partners at a cafe. 
What subject did you like most when you were at school?
When I was at school, I liked Maths most, but I was not every good at it. Maths is the father of most sciences. Math helps people think logically. When you learn Math well, it is easier for you to learn subjects like Chemistry, Physics and others. Maths is also necessary when you study at university.
Do you think English is a good subject for all students to learn at school? Why?
English is an international language in our modern world. Nowadays English is not only good, but also very necessary for students at school. It enriches their knowledge of the world, gives them opportunities to communicate with people of different cultures. If students can use English well, they are able to learn new things, and work with foreign companies to get high salary. They can even have chances to go abroad to work or study. In short, English provides them with a lot of opportunities to have a better future. 
Do you think students are learning too many subjects at school now?
Frankly speaking, Vietnamese students are learning too many subjects at school now. They have too many lessons on too many subjects at school. They spend most of their time going to school or extra classes. As a result, they don’t have enough time to relax and do physical exercising. Although each subject is important in its own way, students don’t have to study all such subjects. They should have time to take part in physical activities to keep fit and stay healthy.
Part 2: Situation
You are going to take your secondary students to a private cinema. Three options of movies are suggested: 
- cartoon 
- action movie
- detective movie
I think a detective movie will be the best choice. Secondary students are curious, they want to explore and investigate everything. They try to guess and share ideas or comments on what they have seen. As a result, they will be attracted to the detective movie. Moreover, it is also a good way for them to learn how to think logically. A cartoon is no longer suitable for secondary students. On the other hand, an action movie has too many violent scenes which may affect their behaviors.
Part 3: 
Topic: Punishment by teachers at school is good for students
Obey teachers
Minimise misbehaviours
Concentrate better on study
Your own ideas
Some people say punishment by teachers at school is necessary, others think that it may cause emotional and mental suffering in children’s heart. In my opinion, punishment makes students obey teachers and minimize misbehaviours, as well as concentrate more on their study. Teachers deal with 30 or more students in each class, so students surely misbehave sometimes. It is the teacher’s job to make them obey the discipline. If the teachers do nothing, then the children see no consequences for bad behaviours. As a result, the classroom will be in disorder and confusion. However, punishment should always be fair and appropriate so as students can see their faults and adjust themselves. There are many ways to punish a child: writing an essay, doing more exercises, cleaning the classroom. The purpose is to educate students with acceptable behaviours.
Follow up questions: 
Do you think punishment by teachers to students at school should be encouraged?
No, in any case, being punished is a negative experience for a child. It’s the reason why punishment should be fair and in a suitable way. It is better if teachers inform parents about their children’s misbehaviours and co-operate with the parents to educate their children.
Do all students obey their teachers whenever they receive punishment?
No, it depends on each student’s character. There are many students who obey teachers, because they are afraid of teachers and punishment. However, there are some students who are stubborn and difficult to control. Teachers should know their students well enough to apply different ways to educate them.
What are the downsides of overuse of punishment at school?
Overuse of punishment can lead to negative feelings and emotions in children. It may make them more stubborn and restive. On the other hand, they can be afraid of going to school or keep doing bad things. 
CODE 05
Part 1
Where do you come from?
I come from ....and I lived here all my life. It’s a peaceful town in the North of Vietnam which is ..... kilometres from Hanoi. It has lots of green fields and mountains and hills. 
Do you like living in... (candidate’s hometown)?
Yes, I do. I love my hometown very much, because it is the place where I was born and grew up. This place nurtures me to become a good citizen. There are a lot of wonderful things about my hometown, but one of the best things is that the people here are honest, hard-working and friendly. 
What is it famous for?
My hometown is famous for tea. People often buy tea as presents when they visit Thai Nguyen. They say the flavour of Thai Nguyen tea is unforgettable.
What is your job?
I’m a worker/ an officer/ a teacher of maths/ English/ literature.... I really have to study very hard to become a good worker/ officer/ teacher. I love my job and I’m proud of it very much.
How long have you been working as ......... (candidate’s job)?
I’ve been working as a worker/ an officer/ a teacher for .... years since I graduated from college. I will never change my job because it is a rewarding job which is highly respected by society. 
Why do you like your job?
I love my job because it is a rewarding job which is highly respected by society. I work with children of different characters, which makes me happy and excited each day. Moreover, I have a good salary.
Part 2: Situation
Your school, college or workplace is organizing an Open Day. When visitors come to see and find out about the place, people will be asked to help with various aspects of the event. There are three options for you to choose:
- A tour guide
- A traffic instructor
- A master of ceremony
I think being a tour guide will be the most suitable for me. I can speak English so I want to make use this chance to practice English. Furthermore, as a citizen of the town, I know its history very well, so I can tell visitors about the events which happened in the past. I can take them to the scenic spots of the town. Being a traffic instructor is good; however, I am not healthy enough to stand out all the time showing ways for people. Being a master of ceremony is great, but I am not confident enough to speak in front of the audience. 
Part 3:
Topic: Smoking should be banned in public places
Smoker’s health
Second-hand smoker’s health
Financial burden
Your own ideas
Smoker’s health: Cigarette smoking causes a number of health problems for smokers. It is a major cause of respiratory diseases such as asthma, lung cancer and bronchitis. It also leads to heart disease.
Second-hand smoker’s health: Smoking also affects the health of non-smokers and unborn babies. Non-smokers soften suffer from eye and nose irritations, allergies and headaches as a result of inhaling second-hand smoke. There is also evidence to suggest that passive smoking may cause lung cancer. Smoking during pregnancy can hinder to growth of the foetus and may even result in death. 
Financial burden: Smoking is also a financial burden for smokers and non-smokers. Firstly, cigarettes are addictive because of nicotine they contain, so smokers have to pay a lot of money to buy them; Secondly, the cost of medical treatment for the diseases caused by smoking is very high. As a consequence, non-smoking taxpayers have to pay for the health costs of smokers, which is unfair. 
Your own ideas: Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to our health. However, we live in a democratic country where everyone has the right to do whatever he likes within the laws, so we cannot ban smoking completely. We are able to raise awareness about health problems when smoking, and prohibit smokers from smoking in public places. We should have warnings and raise the price of all smoking products. This will help to decrease smoking.
Follow up questions
Do you smoke?
No, I don’t. I used to smoke when I was younger, but I gave it up some years ago. Smoking is very bad for health so people should not smoke.
Why do many people want to smoke?
Many people smoke because they want to reduce stress and focus on their work, especially people who have to work at night or under pressure. Moreover, there is cocaine in cigarettes, so smoking can be addi