TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 1. CITIES
EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where are you from?
Were you born there?
What’s your hometown like?
What do you like about your hometown?
Now let’s talk about food.
Describe your favorite food.
When do you like to eat it?
What kind of food can you cook yourself?
Now I’d like to ask you about your routine.
Are all your days the same?
Describe a typical day for you.
What do you usually do at the weekend?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a city you have visited which has impressed you. You should say:
> Where it is situated
> Why you visited it
> What you liked about it
And explain why this city impressed you

1. Do you like this city in general?

2. Would you like to live in the city you spoke about?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about a city, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions

1. Discuss the pros and cons of living in a city

2. Explain the causes of urban stress and suggest solution for the problem.
3. Speculate on way in which the city you live in may change in the future.
4. Compare life in the city with life in the countryside.
5. Describe rural and urban patterns of population distribution in Vietnam.

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 2. COMPETITIONS
EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your work or studies.
I’d like you to tell me about your study/ job.
Why did you choose to study/ work in this particular field?
What did you like most about your study/ job?
What would you like to do in the future?
Now let’s talk about leisure.
What is your favorite hobby?
When did you take up this hobby?
Is it very popular among people of your age in your country? Why?
Now I’d like to ask you about accommodation.
Describe your family home.
Do you like living there? Why/ Why not?
Do you think you will live there for a long time? Why/ Why not?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a competition (or contest) that you have entered. You should say:
> When the competition took place
> What you had to do
> How well you did it
And explain how you felt about the competition.

1. Do you enjoy entering competition?

2. Have you enter any other competitions?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about competition, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Explain whether competitions in sports and academic fields are healthy for young people.
Why/ Why not?
2. Describe the effects competing can have on a person or a group of people.
3. In your opinion, explain whether you think international competitions, for example the
Olympic Games are a positive thing.
4. Evaluate the effect international competition has on a nation, e.g Vietnam.
5. How successfully do you think Vietnam will compete in future international competitions?
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 3. CELEBRATIONS
EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
I’d like you to tell me about your hometown.
How long have you live there?
What do you like most about your hometown?
How has it changed in your lifetime?
Now let’s talk about language learning.
How long have you been studying English?
Why are you studying English?
What do you like about studying English?
Now I’d like to ask you about your family.
Tell me about your family.
How much time do you spend with them?
What kinds of thing do you do together?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a celebration in which you were involved. You should say:

> Where the celebration took place
> When it happened
> Why it was held
And explain how the celebration was conducted.

1. Do you enjoy attending celebrations?

2. Are these celebrations always happy events for you?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about celebrations and ceremonies, now I’d like to ask you a few related
questions.

1. Evaluate the importance of traditional ceremonies in Vietnam today.

2. How would you describe attitude of young people towards tradition?
3. In what way do you think Western cultures have changed traditional values?
4. How will traditional customs be valued in the future?

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 4. ENTERTAINMENT
EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about sports.
What is your favorite sport?
Do you prefer to play or watch sports?
How often do you watch/ play this sport?
Now let’s talk about festivals.
Tell me about a popular festival in Vietnam.
Why is it so popular?
Are festivals an important part of life in Vietnam?
And now for accommodation.
Describe your family home.
Do you like living there? Why/ Why not?
Do you think you will live there for a long time? Why/ Why not?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a movie that has made a strong impression on you. You should say:
> Which movie it was
> What the movie was about
> Who the main stars were
And explain what it was about the movies that made such an impact on you.

1. Do you enjoy watching movies?

2. Do movies help you escape from your everyday routine?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about movie and entertainment, now I’d like to ask you a few related
questions.

1. What role do movies play in modern society?

2. In what ways do you think popular movies influence young people?
3. Has popular entertainment changed over the years? Why do you think that is?
4. Which form of entertainment do you think will be the most popular in the future and why?

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 5. CONSUMERISM (a)

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where are you from?
What is your hometown like?
What places of interest are in your hometown?
Now let’s talk a bit about food.
What is the main meal in your country?
Do you like eating food from other countries?
How have eating habits changed in your country in the last few decades?
Let’s discuss leisure activities.
What do you like doing during your free time, why?
Which is your favorite hobby? Why?
How often do you do it?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Talk about something you’ve bought that you were very happy with. You should say:
> What it was, describe it
> Why you bought it
> Where you bought it
> Where you kept it
And say why you were so happy with it.

1. Do you think you will ever replace it?

2. Does anyone else use it?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about things we can buy and I’d like to discuss with you one or two
questions related to this, let’s consider.

1. What are some products that Vietnam produces for the export market?
2. Compare the quality of locally made goods with those from other countries.
3. Evaluate the impact of imported goods on the sales of local products.
4. Describe the attitude of Vietnamese people to locally made products.

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 6. SOCIAL PROBLEMS

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about work.
What is your job/ study?
Why did you choose to do this work/ study?
Do you enjoy your job/ study?
What do you dislike about your job/ study?
Now let’s talk about food.
Are you a good cook?
What is your favorite dish?
How is it prepared?
And now for family.
Tell me about your family.
How much time do you spend with them?
What kinds of things do you do together?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a social problem in community. You should say:

> What this problem is
> What causes this problem
> How many people in your community are affected by this problem
And explain what can be done to solve it.

1. Does this problem affect your daily life?

2. Does this problem causes other related problems?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about social problem, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.

1. Does your country have a lot of crime compared to other countries? Why/ Why not?
2. Explain how people in your country protect themselves against crime.
3. Discuss the type of sentences that are used to punish criminals.
4. Evaluate the success of these punishments as a detergent against in the future.

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 7. INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where is your hometown situated?
What is the population?
What’s your favorite part of your hometown?
Do you think you will always live in your hometown?
Now let’s talk about friendship.
Do you spend more time with friends or family?
What can you talk to friends but not your family?
Do you prefer lots of friends or just some few friends?
And now for leisure.
Tell me about a popular pastime in your country.
Why is it popular?
Do you enjoy it too?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a person who has influenced your life. You should say:
> Who this person is
> How and when you met them
> How you feel about this person
And explain how this person has influenced you.

1. Have you been able to keep in contact with this person? Why? Why not?
2. Do you think it’s important to keep in contact with people from the past?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about people who influenced your life, now I’d like to ask you a few
related questions.

1. Describe a famous person from your country’s history.

2. Evaluate the contribution of this famous person.
3. What kinds of people are influential in your society? (politician, academics, sports stars)
4. Can you identity some negative aspects to people having a lot of influence and power over
others or in certain situations, can this influence be misused?

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 8. HEALTH
EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where are you from?
Were you born there?
What’s your hometown like?
What do you like about your hometown?
Now let’s talk about accommodation.
Tell me about the place you live.
Is it comfortable?
Describe your dream home?
And now about festivals.
What do you enjoy most about festival?
Tell me about your favorite festival.
Why is it your favorite?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe how you keep yourself healthy. You should say:

> What kind of food you eat
> What routines you have
> What you do when you become sick
And explain why these approaches help you keep healthy.

1. Do you think that good health is important for student?

2. How call people keep themselves healthy when they are travelling?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about good health, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.

1. Compare the general health of your grandparent’s generation with that of your own.
2. What health hazards can you identify in your city?
3. Speculate on some of the factors that will make your country a healthier or less healthy place
in the future.
4. Do you think technology can improve your health? How?

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 9. EMPLOYMENT
EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your work or study.
I’d like to tell me about your job/ study.
Why did you choose to study/ work in this particular field?
What do you like most about your study/ job?
What do you find difficult about your study/ job?
Now let’s talk about leisure.
Tell me about a popular pastime in your country.
Why is it popular?
Do you enjoy it too? Why/ Why not?
And now about food.
Describe a traditional dish that you like.
Do you like going out to restaurant?
How often do you go?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a job that you have done. You should say:

> How you got that job
> What the job involved
> How long the job lasted
And describe how well you did the job.

1. Do you evaluate the experience you gained from this job?

2. Would you consider doing the same type of job again?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about jobs, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe some of the advantages of young people working while they’re studying.
2. Explain some of the types of part-time job young people in Vietnam do.
3. Evaluate some factors you need to consider when choosing a career or profession.
4. Did you/ Will you take these factors into consideration when you chose/ when you will
choose your career or profession?
5. In your opinion, what motivate people to work?
6. In Vietnam, is it true that most people consider job security more important than having, for
example, more than one career or profession in their lifetime? Why/ Why not?
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 10. EDUCATION

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Please describe your hometown.
What kind of work do people do there?
How do they spend their leisure time?
Is it a good place to spend a holiday? Why/ Why not?
Now let’s talk about holiday.
Where do you usually spend your holiday?
Who do you spend your holiday with?
What do you like to do when you are on holiday? Why?
Let’s discuss festivals.
What are some special days in your country?
How do you celebrate them?
Have they changed over time?
PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe an enjoyable event that you experienced when you were at school. You
should say:
> When it happened
> What was good about it
> Who was with you at this event
And say why this event was so enjoyable.

1. Did you enjoy your time at school?

2. Would you recommend your school to others?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me school experiences, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. In Vietnam, is single sex schools or co-educational schools (boys & girls) the more popular?
2. In your opinion, do you think the learning environment is better for children if they are of the
same sex or of both sexes?
3. Describe the teaching style of teachers in Vietnam these days.
4. Speculate on the ways in which learning and teaching styles in Vietnam may change in the
future. Do you think they my more closely resemble those of Western countries? Why? Why
not?
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 11. TEACHING & LEARNING

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hobbies.
What are your hobbies?
Which is your favorite hobby and why?
When did you first take up this hobby?
How often do you do it?
Now let’s talk about routine.
Is exercise part of your daily routine?
How do you usually begin your day?
What do you usually do in the evenings?
Let’s discuss languages.
What do you find difficult about studying English?
How often do you use English outside the classroom?
Have you learnt any other languages? If so, which ones?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a teacher who has influenced you. You should say:

> Where you met this person
> What subject he/ she taught
> What was so special about this person
And how you felt this person has had an influence on you.

1. Have you kept in touch with this person?

2. Throughout your life, do you think you have/ will have a similar influence on another person?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about teachers, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe the major purpose of education in society.
2. Compare the teaching styles of male and female teachers. Why do you think this is?
3. Can you identify the role of teachers in Vietnamese society? Do you think teachers in
Western cultures have a similar role? Why?
4. Evaluate a teacher’s power to influence a student’s whole life.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 12. NEWS & THE MEDIA

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
I’d like you to tell me about your hometown.
How long have you lived there?
What do you like most about your hometown?
How has it changed in your lifetime?
Now let’s talk about family.
Describe your family.
Which family members do you live with?
How well do you get on with them?
Let’s discuss food.
How do you feel about fast food?
Do you like foreign food?
What is your favorite type of food?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe the media that you rely on to get information about world events
(Newspaper, TV, radio, etc.) You should say:
> What your favorite way of accessing the news is
> How often you use this medium
> What topic interest you the most (e.g local news/ world news/ sports/ business)
And explain why you prefer this form of media to others.

1. Do you think newspapers are reliable source of information about world and local events?
2. How important do you think it is to know what is going on in other parts of the world, why?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about news and media, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Compare the coverage of the local newspapers with that of overseas newspapers and explain
some differences between the two.
2. What are some of the features of a good newspaper?
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of different media.
4. To what extent do you think journalists have responsibility to the public?

Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 13. CULTURE & ARTS

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about holidays.
What do you like to do when you go on holidays?
Where is your favorite place to go on holidays?
Why do you usually go on holiday with?
Now let’s talk about accommodation.
Would you prefer to live with your family or on your own? Why?
Would you prefer to live in an apartment or a house? Why?
If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?
Let’s discuss leisure.
Do you enjoy playing sport? Why/ Why not?
Which is your favorite hobby and why?
Are there any new hobbies that you would like to take up? Why/ Why not?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.
Describe a museum or art gallery you have visited. You should say:
> Where it is
> Why you went there
> Who you went with
And describe what you remember most about this art gallery/ museum.

1. Would you recommend this art gallery/ museum to other people?

2. Do you like museum/ art galleries in general?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about cultural significance or interests, now I’d like to ask you a few
related questions.
1. Explain whether you think there is a need for museums and art galleries in our society.
2. Can you suggest some ways in which museums could be made interesting places to visit?
3. Evaluate the role museums/galleries/ other places of cultural interest play in Vietnamese
society.
4. Evaluate the role that public art works, e.g statues and buildings play in many cities around
the world.
5. Can you identify one or two significant artworks in Vietnam that particularly stand out and
explain their importance to you?
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 14. HAPPINESS

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Can you describe a place of special interest that I could visit near or around your hometown?
What would be the best way to get there?
What sort of accommodation could I find there?
Should I go there any special time of the year?
Now let’s talk about family.
Do you live with your family or alone?
What do you like most about living with your family/ alone?
What do you find difficult about living with your family/ alone?
Let’s talk about food.
What is the main meal in your country?
Do you like eating food from other countries?
How have eating habits changed in your country in the last few decades?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe an event or activity that made you happy. You should say:
> What this event/ activity is
> How often you participated in this event or activity
> Whether you would do it more often if you could
And how your life has been enriched by this

3. Have you kept in touch with this person?

4. Throughout your life, do you think you have/ will have a similar influence on another person?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about teachers, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
5. Describe the major purpose of education in society.
6. Compare the teaching styles of male and female teachers. Why do you think this is?
7. Can you identify the role of teachers in Vietnamese society? Do you think teachers in
Western cultures have a similar role? Why?
8. Evaluate a teacher’s power to influence a student’s whole life.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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 TranThiMai_Speaking Topics for IELTS PREPARATION

TOPIC 15. THE NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your work/ study.
I'd like you to tell me about your study/ job.
Why did you choose to study/ work in this particular field?
What do you like most about your studies or job?
What do you find most difficult about study/ job?
Now let’s talk about travel.
Have you ever been overseas?
Which countries would you like to visit? Why?
Where in Vietnam would you most like to visit? Why?
Let’s talk about food.
Do you live in a house or a flat?
Can you briefly describe it?
What are the advantages of living in a house/ flat?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a recent news story that you've heard or read about. You should say:
> How you heard about it
> When it happened
> What people, places and events were involved
And explain how you felt when you heard about this news story.

1. Do you keep up with the news and current affairs regularly?

2. Do you think most of the stories being reported are positive or negative?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about news and current events, now I’d like to ask you a few related
questions.
1. Describe the main purpose of a newspaper.
2. Explain how reliable information obtained from newspapers is.
3. Do journalists have a responsibility to the public? How would you describe this
responsibility?
4. How big an influence do journalists have on the public?
5. Speculate on the way the Internet will change the way reporting is done in the future.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 16. FAMILY

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where is your hometown situated?
What is the population?
What is your favorite part of your hometown?
Do you think you will always live in your hometown?
Now let’s talk about leisure activities.
What do you do in your free time?
What are your favorite types entertainment?
Do you prefer staying at home or going out in the evenings?
Let’s talk about accommodation.
Do you live in a house or a flat?
Can you briefly describe it?
What are the advantages of living in a house/ flat?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe your family. You should say:

> How many people there are in your family
> Where each member lives
> Which members live together
And discuss whether or not your family is a typical Vietnamese family.

1. What are the benefits of living in a family like yours?

2. Are there also any disadvantages?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about family, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe the role of family in Vietnamese society.
2. Compare your family with another family you know well.
3. Speculate on how the nature of families may change in the future.
4. Discuss the attitude of Vietnamese people to single parent families.
5. Evaluate the effects of divorce on a family.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 17. TOURISM

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Please describe your hometown.
What kind of work do people do there?
How do they spend their leisure time?
Now let’s talk about food.
Describe your favorite food.
When do you like to eat it?
What kind of food can you cook yourself?
Tell me about friends.
Do you spend more time with friends or family?
What can you talk to friends but not to your family?
Do you prefer having a lot of friends or just a few close friends?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a travel experience that you have had. You should say:
> Where you went and how you got there
> Why you went to this place
> How you heard about this place
And describe what you liked or didn’t like about this place. Why/ Why not?

1. Do you enjoy travelling?

2. Would you travel more if you had the opportunity?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about travel, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Compare the kinds of trips that Vietnamese people and foreigners make within Vietnam. Are
they similar or different?
2. Evaluate the importance of tourism to your country.
3. Discuss any disadvantages there may be for Vietnam in having a large tourist industry.
4. Speculate on how important you think the tourism industry will be for Vietnam
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 18. WOMEN

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where is your hometown situated?
What is the population?
What is your favorite part of your hometown?
Do you think you will always live in your hometown?
Now let’s talk about leisure activities.
What do you do in your free time?
What are your favorite types entertainment?
Do you prefer staying at home or going out in the evenings?
Let’s talk about accommodation.
Do you live in a house or a flat?
Can you briefly describe it?
What are the advantages of living in a house/ flat?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe your family. You should say:

> How many people there are in your family
> Where each member lives
> Which members live together
And discuss whether or not your family is a typical Vietnamese family.

3. What are the benefits of living in a family like yours?

4. Are there also any disadvantages?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about family, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
6. Describe the role of family in Vietnamese society.
7. Compare your family with another family you know well.
8. Speculate on how the nature of families may change in the future.
9. Discuss the attitude of Vietnamese people to single parent families.
10. Evaluate the effects of divorce on a family.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 19. CONSUMERISM (b)

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your work/ study.
I'd like you to tell me about your study/ job.
Why did you choose to study/ work in this particular field?
What do you like most about your studies or job?
What do you find most difficult about study/ job?
Now let’s talk about leisure activities.
What is your favorite hobby?
When did you take up this hobby?
Is it very popular among people of your age in your country? Why?
Let’s talk about your routine.
Are all your days the same?
Describe a typical day for you?
What do you usually do at the weekend?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Talk about something you’ve bought that you were very happy with. You should say:
> What it was, describe it
> Why you bought it
> Where you bought it
> Where you keep it
And explain why you were so happy with it.

1. Do you still have it?

2. Does anyone else in your family also use it?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about things we can buy, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. What are some of the products that Vietnam produces for the export market?
2. Compare the quality of locally made goods with goods from other countries.
3. Evaluate the impact that imported goods have on the sales of local products.
4. Describe the attitude of Vietnamese people to locally made goods.
5. Compare the attitude of your parents’ generation to your own generation on terms of saving.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 20. ENVIRONMENT

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
Where are you from?
Were you born there?
What’s your hometown like?
What do you like about your hometown?
Now let’s talk about holidays.
Where do you usually spend your holidays?
Who do you spend your holiday with?
What do you like to do when you are on holiday? Why?
Let’s discuss food.
Describe a traditional dish you like.
Do you like going out to restaurants?
How often do you go?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe an environmental problem in your country. You should say:

> What the problem is
> How you have learned about the problem
> Who or what is affected by this problem
And explain what you think could be done about it.

1. Do you recycle?
2. Do you think it is important to have a clean environment?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about environment, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe some of the kinds of environmental problems existing in your country.
2. Do you think people in your country are concerned about these problems?
3. Speculate on the effects of the environment change on the lives of future generations.
4. Speculate on what should be done to clean up the environment.
5. Are some environmental problems caused by international factors beyond your country’s
control?
6. Can you evaluate the individual’s capacity to help solve environmental problems?
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 21. TECHNOLOGY

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your work/ study.
I'd like you to tell me about your study/ job.
Why did you choose to study/ work in this particular field?
What do you like most about your studies or job?
What do you find most difficult about study/ job?
Now let’s talk about routine.
Is exercise part of your day?
How do you usually begin your day?
What do you usually do in the evenings?
Let’s talk about festivals:
What do you enjoy most about festivals?
Tell me your favorite festival?
Why is it your favorite?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a recent technological advancement that you have benefited from. You should
say:
> What it is
> How often you use it and what you use it for
> How you benefit from it
And explain whether you think it will still be in use in ten years’ time, and why.

1. Do you think the benefits of technology outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Do you enjoy finding out about new technology and how to use it?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about technology, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Discuss any problems associated with the rapid the development of technology.
2. Evaluate whether modern technology has widened the gap between developing countries
and the developed ones.
3. Speculate on some technological advancements that might be invented in the future.
4. Consider what your life would be like without technology such as electricity.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 22. INDUSTRIALIZATION

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about your hometown.
I’d like you to tell me about your hometown.
How long have you lived there?
What do you like most about your hometown?
How has it changed in your lifetime?
Now let’s talk about leisure.
What do you like to do in your free time, why?
Which is your favorite hobby and why?
How often do you do it?
Let’s talk about family.
Tell me about your family.
How much time do you spend with them?
What kinds of things do you do together?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a traditional industry that is famous in Vietnam. You should say:

> What it is
> What it is used for
> Why it is famous
And explain whether people still use it today and if you think people will use it in the
future.

1. Do you think the making of traditional handicrafts is an important industry of Vietnam?

2. Do you prefer local products to foreign ones? Why/ Why not?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about traditional industry, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Compare the positive and negative aspects of Industrialization in Vietnam.
2. Evaluate the importance of continued Industrialization for Vietnam.
3. Which industries do you think Vietnam should focus on in the future?
4. Consider the possible dangers of rapid industrialization for a country.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 23. THE ARTS

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
I’d like to start by asking you some questions about sports.
Do you prefer to play or watch sports?
What is your favorite sport?
How often do you play or watch it?
Now let’s talk about your hometown.
Where are you from?
Were you born there?
What’s your hometown like?
What do you like most about your hometown?
Let’s talk about language learning.
What do you find most difficult about studying English?
How often do you use English outside the classroom?
Have you learnt any other foreign languages? If so, which ones?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a book, a picture or music which is important to you. You should say:
> What it is
> When and where you first encountered it
> How it makes you feel
And explain why it is important to you.

1. Does it still make you feel the same?

2. How often do you read/ look at/ listen to it now?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about the Arts, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe any traditional arts in Vietnam.
2. What role do the Arts play in Vietnam culture?
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of high government spending on the Arts.
4. Speculate on how the Arts will change in the future.
5. To what extent do the Arts shape a culture, or describe it?
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 24. IMPORTANT EVENTS

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
Now let’s talk about your hometown.
Where are you from?
Were you born there?
What’s your hometown like?
What do you like most about your hometown?
Now let’s talk about food.
Describe your favorite food.
When do you like to eat it?
What kind of food can you cook yourself?
Let’s talk about your routine.
Are all your days the same?
Describe a typical day of you.
What do you usually do at the weekend?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe an important event that you have attended. You should say:
> When it occurred
> What purpose of the event was
> How you felt about the event
And explain why it was important

1. Do you often attend big functions and/ or important events?

2. Do you find attending such events enjoyable?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about important events, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe what type of cultural and sporting events are important in your society.
2. Evaluate the purpose such events have in a society.
3. Compare what events are popular now and what were popular in the past.
4. Comment on the relationship between sports and national pride.
5. Explain how sports affect your personality.
6. Speculate on the future place of sports in your country.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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TOPIC 25. ARCHITECTURE

EXAMINER
Good morning/ Good afternoon.
Please take a seat. My name is ___and I’m your examiner. Please tell me your full name.
What should I call you?
Could you give me your identification please?
Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, alright?

PART 1
Now let’s talk about your hometown.
Where are you from?
Were you born there?
What’s your hometown like?
What do you like most about your hometown?
Now let’s talk about food.
Describe your favorite food.
When do you like to eat it?
What kind of food can you cook yourself?
Let’s talk about your routine.
Are all your days the same?
Describe a typical day of you.
What do you usually do at the weekend?

PART 2
Now I’d like to ask you to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on this topic (hand Candidate the CARD for
Part 2). Please read the topic carefully. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to
say. You can make note to help you if you wish.

Describe a building or a structure with architectural interest. You should say:

> What it is
> What’s the cultural/ historical significance of it
> Why we should preserve it
And explain how you feel when visiting it

1. Do you often visit historical or cultural places?

2. Do you find visiting such buildings enjoyable?

PART 3
You’ve been telling me about important events, now I’d like to ask you a few related questions.
1. Describe what type of cultural and sporting events are important in your society.
2. Should government protect old building/ why?
3.
4. Comment on the relationship between sports and national pride.
5. Explain how sports affect your personality.
6. Speculate on the future place of sports in your country.
Thank you. It’s been interesting talking to you. Good luck with your future plans.

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