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Part 1 – Interview (3-4 minutes)
Year Questions
2022 Phase 1
What’s your name?
Where do you live?
How do you come to school?
Phase 2
What do you always have for breakfast?
How often do you run/jog in a week?
Where do you usually have lunch?
How often do you help with the dishes?
2023 Phase 1 – exactly the same with questions in 2022
Phase 2
What games do you like to play?
How do you spend your free time?
What do you love about your
school?
When do you normally use the internet?
PART 1 - SAMPLE QUESTION
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These are some of the common conversational topics for Part 1 (B1 Level) . The list is taken from:
[Link]
DAILY ROUTINE FREE TIME
What time do you normally get up in the morning? Are you keen on doing sport to stay healthy in
What do you normally eat for breakfast? your free time?
Do you want to learn languages in your Do you normally spend your free time with
spare time? friends or alone?
How often do you meet friends and go out? Where do you like to relax in your free time?
Are you fond of going to the cinema Do you ever listen to music while you are relaxing?
with friends? How often do you meet friends to go out at
weekends?
PEOPLE SHOPPING
Are you fond of watching TV in your spare time? When was the last time you went shopping to
Are you eager to improve your English at buy clothes?
the moment? Are you going to go shopping this weekend or do
Would you be interested in studying a degree you have other plans?
in languages? What is the most expensive thing you have
Do you have an interesting job or is it boring? ever bought?
Do you ever cry about things that you hate doing? Have you ever wasted a lot of money on
something useless?
Do you usually spend a lot of money on food?
OTHERS
What is your favourite subject in school?
Do you take part in any extra-curricular activities in school? Talk about it.
What is your favourite sport?
Let’ talk about your friends. How often do you normally see them?
Tell me about your best friend. What is he/she like?
Let’s talk about your home. How would you describe it?
What kind of things do people in your country/town do in their free time?
What is your ambition?
Do you have a pet?
What is your favourite animal?
How do you take care of your pet?
Preparation Tips:
What Apakah
Where Di manakah
When Bilakah
Why Mengapakah
Who Siapakah
Whose Kepunyaan siapakah
How do Bagaimanakah
How long Berapa lamakah
How much / how many Berapa banyakkah
Do you Adakah anda
Which Yang mana satu
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Part 2 – Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Candidates must be able to talk about the topic independently for about a minute.
Candidates must listen attentively to the partner’s topic.
Candidates must be able to answer questions about the partner’s topic.
PART 2 - SAMPLE QUESTION
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Preparation Tips:
Use the 20-second preparation time given to really prepare yourself to answer. Brainstorm
the given topic using this strategy : 5W1H.
The first bullet or the first question is usually the easiest to answer. If you cannot respond to all
the bullets, at least try to answer the first few bullets.
Avoid reading the questions out loud, instead try to answer the questions without rephrasing it.
Present the ideas clearly by using Cohesive Devices.
Speak at a normal rate, not too fast, not too slow.
For low to moderate proficiency students, you might want to start with memorised phrase such
as “Today I would like to share about ….. (insert topic of the task given)”
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Task 1 (with speaking frame)
You will practice this task with your speaking partner with the help of speaking frame
below.
Talk
about mobile phone.
You should say :
examples of popular mobile phone.
advantages of mobile phone.
By referring to the question above, try to answer the questions by using the speaking frame
provided below:
Techniques You will say….
Repeat the main idea in the question Today, I will talk about mobile phone.
Repeat the main idea in the 1st Examples of popular mobile phones are
bullet point and provide a reason. ……………. I like to use. mobile phone because it
is
good.
Then, try to use 5W and 1H (where, The advantage of mobile phone is that I can use it
what, which, who, why) to elaborate to call my friends and family.
on the 2nd bullet In addition, during my free time, I use the phone to
watch videos or listen to songs
Repeat the 3rd bullet point and The disadvantage of mobile phone is that it can
elaborate by using 5W and 1H reduce our time for revision.
In addition, spending too much time using mobile
phone can ………………………………………..…….
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Task 2 (without speaking frame)
You will practice this task with your speaking partner without the
speaking frame
Talk about your favourite subject.
You should say
what the subject Is
why you enjoy learning it
how important the subject is
how you can master the subject
Now, by referring to the example in Task 1, answer Task 2 by using the guideline
below.
Techniques You will say….
Repeat the main idea in the question.
Repeat the main idea in the first bullet point
and provide a reason
Then, try to use 5W and 1H (where, what,
which, who, why) to elaborate more on the
second bullet
Repeat the third bullet point and elaborate
by using 5W and 1H
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Part 3 – Discussion Task & Further Discussion Task (4-5 minutes)
Candidates MUST be familiar with the procedure for this part.
Candidates are to discuss all the six prompts with their partner in about 2 minutes.
20 seconds preparation time is given before they start the discussion.
Next, they need to make a decision based on the prompt. They need to speak right
away here. No preparation time is given.
The candidates need to keep the conversation going by using useful language
expressions.
Preparation Tips:
Candidates need to know when they are given the time to prepare and when
they are expected t o start speaking right away.
Get ready with useful expressions for various language forms and functions.
During the decision making part, make sure that BOTH candidates voice their
opinion. Do not let only one candidate pointed out their decision.
Divide the task of initiating and closing the discussion properly so that we can
see balance between the two candidates. Avoid making it so clear that one
candidate is stronger than the other.
For high proficiency students, make the conversation sounds natural, play with
correct pronunciation & enunciation, showcase the appropriate gestures (nodding,
smiling, etc) and avoid unnecessary pauses.
There are a few strategies you can try …
STRATEGY 1: BE PREPARED WITH FAMILIAR TOPICS
People and Culture: Travel / Your home country / City / Free time
Consumerism and Financial Awareness: Shopping
Health and Environment: Pollution
Science and Technology: Social media / Internet / Online gaming / Television
STRATEGY 2: BE PREPARED WITH USEFUL PHRASES
To start discussion
To give opinion
To justify reasons
To agree / disagree / partially agree
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Which one shall we start with?
To start the What do you think, Brian?
discussion Eric, I think you know a lot about [topic]. What’s
your opinion on it?
I think that....
I don’t think that....
To express I fell that.... / I don’t feel that....
opinion I would say that....
I believe that.... / I don’t believe that....
For me....
Personally, I think....
I say this because........
I think this is the case because........
To give reasons That’s my opinion....
My opinion is.... because......
My reason for saying this is that....
I chose this because......
What do you think?
To ask partner’s Don’t you agree?
opinion Do you have anything to say about that?
Do you have anything to add to that?
Did I forget anything?
Right.
Good point.
I fully agree.
To agree I was just thinking that!
I was just going to say that!
That’s just what I was thinking.
I couldn’t agree more.
You’re totally right.
Maybe, but what about...?
I think it would be better to....
I’m not so keen on that.
I don’t really agree with you there.
To disagree Weeeeeell maybe, but....
Yeah, but, the thing is....
The problem with what you said is....
For one thing.....[reason 1] And for another [reason 2]
To partially agree You have a point, but......
I see what you mean, but......
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STRATEGY 3: DELEGATE THE TASK EQUALLY
Mark the points on the mind-map clockwise. Refer to the example below.
STRATEGY 4: APPLY SORA-SORA TECHNIQUE
SORA 1 SORA 2
Start discussion = S Say again and agree with your partner’s
Give your opinion = O point ofview. Discussion = S
Give your reason = R Introduce your new point and opinion = O
Ask your partner’sopinion = A Give reason to justify opinion = R
Ask your partner’s opinion = A
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STRATEGY 5: AVOID SILENCE. BUY TIME!
So.....
Erm......
Well......
I’ve never really thought about that, but......
What a good question!
That’s a good question.
That’s an interesting question.
Oh! Let me think. Well,.....
TIP 6: USE NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Mime what you want to say.
Nod your head to show that you understand.
Look at the person you are speaking to in the eye. It is not rude.
Look confused when you don’t understand.
This tells the person you are speaking to that you would like an explanation.
Appear confident & calm. Do not appear nervous although you are feeling so!
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USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Steps Useful Expressions
Hi! / Hello, (name of partner)! Good
1 Greet your partner morning, (name of partner)!
Let’s talk/discuss (topic).
Let’s begin/start by looking at (topic). Let’s
move on to (topic).
State the topics / Open discussions
2 Today, we are going to talk about (topic). What do
you think about (topic)?
Shall we start with this (topic)?
To begin with, shall we talk about (topic) now?
My opinion is …
For me, I think that … To be
honest, I’d … About
(topic), I think … We
should (also) …
3 Give opinions + reasons Perhaps we should … then we … It is
great if we can …
It is a good idea that we …
I really think it’s best to … because … I think
… is a good idea because …
think it would be better to … because …
How about you?
What / How do you think about … ?
What is your opinion about … ?
So, what do you do to… ?
4 Ask if your partner agrees
Do you think it is important to … ? Would
you agree that … ?
Do you agree (with me)? Do you
think so, too?
agree.
Yes, I totally/quite agree with you. I
AGREE think you’re quite/absolutely right.
Yes, I think … would be a good idea because … Actually, I
think you are right …
Yes, that’s a good point, I hadn’t thought of that.
5 Agree/Disagree Actually, I don’t really agree. I’m afraid I
don’t agree.
don’t think that is a very good idea because … Well, I
DISAGREE
don’t think you should … Are you sure about that?
Do you really think that … ?
I’m sure … is better because …
So, we agree that …
Right, let’s make a decision … I
Conclusion / Decision related to think we will choose …
the topic Do we think that the best one is … In
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(Choose from the options that the end, we think … because … So, to
have been discussed) sum up, the best choice is …
So, do we agree that … is the best option?
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PART 3 – LET’S PRACTISE
Task 1 – Things that interest teenagers (with speaking frame)
Remember: You may use the speaking frame given below.
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SPEAKING FRAME (SAMPLE 1)
Discussion Phase
A Hello , (your partner’s name) Greet your partner
B Hi, (your partner’s name) Greet your partner
A Let’s talk about (quote the bubble in the middle) State the topic
The first (middle bubble) is Introduce the first
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique) point elaborate
Do you agree with me? Ask if your partner agree
B Yes, I totally agree with you. State that you agree
Introduce new point or opinion Introduce the second
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique) point
What do you think? elaborate
Ask if your partner agree
A Actually I think you are right! State that you agree
Also, (Introduce a new point or opinion) Introduce the third point
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique)
elaborate
Would you agree to that?
Ask if your partner agree
B Correct. State that you agree
Not only that, (Introduce a new point or Introduce the fourth point
opinion) (Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H
elaborate
technique) Right?
Ask if your partner agree
A You’re right. State that you agree
Another point worth mentioning is that , (Introduce a new point or Introduce the fifth point
opinion)
elaborate
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique)
Ask if your partner agree
Isn’t it right?
B Absolutely right. State that you agree
Last but not least, (introduce a new point or Introduce the sixth point
opinion) (Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H
technique) Conclude briefly conclude the discussion
A&B Signal to the interlocutor that they have finished their discussion
Notice that
throughout the discussion, the speakers are using different ways to agree , to introduce points and to ask
if the partner is agree
candidate A starts the discussion, candidate B ends it
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SPEAKING FRAME (SAMPLE 2-SIMPLER VERSION)
Discussion Phase
A Hello , (your partner’s name) Greet your partner
B Hi, (your partner’s name) Greet your partner
A Let’s talk about (quote the bubble in the middle) State the topic
The first (middle bubble) is Introduce the first
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique) point elaborate
Do you agree with me? Ask if your partner agree
B Yes, I agree. State that you agree
Next, Introduce new point or opinion Introduce the second
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique) point
What do you think? elaborate
Ask if your partner agree
A You are right! State that you agree
Also, (Introduce a new point or opinion) Introduce the third point
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique)
elaborate
Would you agree to that?
Ask if your partner agree
B Correct. State that you agree
Not only that, (Introduce a new point or Introduce the fourth point
opinion) (Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H
elaborate
technique) Right?
Ask if your partner agree
A Yes. State that you agree
Another point is , (Introduce a new point or Introduce the fifth point
opinion) (Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H
elaborate
technique) Isn’t it right?
Ask if your partner agree
B Absolutely right. State that you agree
Finally, (introduce a new point or opinion) Introduce the sixth point
(Insert elaboration by using 5W & 1H technique)
Conclude briefly conclude the discussion
A&B Signal to the interlocutor that they have finished their discussion
Notice that
throughout the discussion, the speakers are using different ways to agree , to introduce points and to ask
if the partner is agree
candidate A starts the discussion, candidate B ends it
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Making a decision together
B So (your patner’s name). Greet your partner
In my opinion, (name of task) is State your choice
This is due to the fact that Give brief reason
A Agree :
Well, I have to say that I do agree with you. Agree
(Add elaboration) Elaborate.
If you Disagree : Disagree
I can see your point but I have to disagree with you.
You see, State your choice
(Add elaboration) elaborate
What do you think? Ask if your partner agree
B If your partner agree ..
So, ya, we both agree that State the choice to the
interlocutor
If your partner disagree … agree / disagree
elaborate
come to a conclusion
State the choice to the
interlocutor
Points to remember :
I. When elaborating your point after stating your choice, elaborate briefly. Avoid lengthy explanation
or else you are going to dominate the conversation.
II. Remember that this is not a competition.
III. Do not simply agree without giving explanation because this will make your pair doing more job
than you.
IV. Remember, create a balance situation;
V. Last but not least, make sure you agree to one point in the end.
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SAMPLE SET 1
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SAMPLE SET 2
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SAMPLE SET 3
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SAMPLE SET 4
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