2005 National English Contest for College Students

Speaking Test

(Level A-Sample)

Part I Free talk. (1 minute)

1. What hobby do you have? Why do you like it?
2. How do you keep in shape? Do you get much exercise?
3. What kind of people do you make friends with?
4. What is your favorite subject at school? Why?
5. Have you ever had a part-time job? Why / Why not?
6. How do you feel about your campus life?
7. Do you enjoy hiking? Why / Why not?
8. How do you usually spend your holidays?
9. Aport from English, would you like to learn any other languages? Why / Why not?
10. What is your ambition?

Part II Questions about general topics. (3 minutes)

1. People's attitudes to life have changed over the last hundred years or so. What do you think of this?
2. In what way is modern life different from that of the past?
3. Describe the main problems that people are facing in their lives today.
4. Are there any solutions to these problems?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of today's information technology?
6. What will happen to people who don't have computers?
7. Do you think older people should act their age? Why / Why not?
8. Do you like chewing gum? Do you think it's a good habit? Why / Why not?
9. What do you think of college students who pay more attention to social activities than to their studies?
10. Are you optimistic about the future? Are you ready for the changes that will come?

Part III Talk about the pictures. (3 minutes)

Writing a Story

Where do you start if you want to write a successful story? Clearly, what you need first of all is an idea which you can develop into a strong plot. But where do ideas like this come from? The answer is "anywhere and everywhere."

They may come from something that has happened to you or to someone else, from a newspaper, an interesting picture, or even a song. It's a good idea to keep a notebook nearby so that you can write down the details of any odd incidents which catch your imagination.

Make a note of ideas for titles too, and any special phrases or descriptions that you think of. A small tape recorder can prove useful for this purpose. Some writers even keep one by their bed in case they wake up with the "idea of the century". Another method of developing the story is to make use of the characters themselves. Why not try putting three people you know well into a situation such as a wedding, where feelings may be very strong, and see what happens. But don't make the final characters too much like your Aunt Jane or Uncle Jim or you may find yourself in real trouble.

Questions:

1. What should you do, first of all, if you want to write a successful story? (Find a good idea which can be developed into a strong plot.)
2. Where do these good ideas come from? (They may come from something that has happened to you or to someone else, from a newspaper, an interesting picture, or even a song.)
3. What's the use of a small tape recorder? (You won't miss any great idea if you have a tape recorder with you.)