UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS – TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRIES

FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

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REVISION FOR ENGLISH 03

A. SPEAKING TEST FORMAT

PART DURATION FORMAT

Part 1: Introduction 1 minute Introduce yourself (give

personal information)

Part 2: Read out loud and 1 minute Read out loud 1 paragraph
answer questions and answer examiner’s
questions

Part 3: Topic 2 minutes (1 minute to Give own opinions on a

prepare and 1 minute to given topic
speak)

Part 4: Free talk 1 minute Answer examiner’s

questions

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B. SAMPLE OF SPEAKING TEST

1. Introduce yourself (2 points)

2. Read out loud the following paragraph and answer examiner’s questions (3
points)
Hi Bob,
I met an interesting person at a conference in Singapore. Here is some information
about him:
David Chong is a university graduate. He is 24 years old and he has work
experience as a web designer. He speaks fluent Chinese and English. I think he is a good
candidate to be your assistant. Let me know if you need any more information.
Best wishes,
Sue Price
Example:
Examiner: What is David Chong’s job?
Student: He is a university graduate.
3. Topic (3 points)
Talk about your best friend? Why is she/he your best friend?
Suggestion:
● What’s your best friend’s name?
● How old is she/he?
● Where does she live?
● When/where did you know her/him?
● What does she/he look like?
● What is she/he like?
● Why are you her/his best friend?
● What do you think about her/him?
● How do you keep your friendship with her/him?
4. Free talk (2 points)

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C. TEST TAKING STRATEGIES AND MARKING CRITERIA FOR SPEAKING:
1. Part 1. INTRODUCTION

Criteria for
SKILLS GRADES
Part 1 (2pts)
PRONUNCIATION Use correct intonation, stress, individual
0.5 1.0
(1 pt) sounds.
CONTENT Introduce yourself including your personal
0.5 1.0
(1 pt) information (family, hobby….)

2. Part 2: READ OUT LOUD AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

In this part of the test, you are given A PARAGRAPH. You need to read out loud the
paragraph, then listen and answer 2-5 examiner’s questions.

The examiner asks the examinee 2- 5 questions according to the paragraph and the
examinee answers
1. What is David Chong’s job?
2. How old is he?
3. Does he have experience as a fashion designer?
4. How many languages can he speak?
5. Does Sue think he is a good candidate to be an assistant?

Criteria for
SKILLS GRADES
Part 2 (3pts)
PRONUNCIATI
Use correct intonation, stress, individual sounds. 0.5 1.0 1.5
ON (1.5 pt)
CONTENT Answer 2-5 examiners’ questions with correct
0.5 1.0 1.5
(1.5 pts) grammar and vocabulary

3. Part 3: Topic

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In this part of the test, there will be given a TOPIC and some SUGGESTIONS. You need
to CLARIFY the topic by using the supporting details and your own ideas.

- Step 1: analyze the topic

+ Find the synonym, phrasal verbs, collocation, etc to change the expressions of
the statement topic
- Step 2: state your answer
+ Introduction, paraphrase the statement.
+ Body: develop the supporting details which are given as nouns, noun phrase,
verbs phrase, etc into sentence. For each supporting detail, present example or further
information.
+ Conclusion: summarize the topic.
Tips:
- Try to vary your vocabulary by using synonym, related words, phrasal verbs, etc,
instead of using given words
Sample: Students prepare and present briefly in 2 minutes
I have a lot of friends but my best friend is Anh. She is one of my classmates. We
have known each other since we were 6 years old. She has a short black hair. Her lips are
small but very beautiful. Her eyes are black and very attrative. She is tall and thin. She is
very kind and and generous. She spends her free time doing volunteer work at a local
orphanage. Moreover, she is a hard working student who always gets good grades. Unlike
me, she likes sports very much. She is good at playing badminton. I am very pleased to
have such a kind friend like her. I wish our friendship will last forever.

Criteria for
SKILLS GRADES
Part 3 (3pts)
PRONUNCIATION Use correct intonation, stress,
0.5 1.0 1.5
(1.5 pts) individual sounds.
Topic elaboration, organization,
CONTENT
coherence and cohesion, suitable 0.5 1.0 1.5
(1.5 pts)
linkers and connectors.

4. Part 4: Free talk

Criteria for SKILLS GRADES

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 Part 4 (2pts)

PRONUNCIATION Use correct intonation, stress,

0.5 1.0
(1 pt) individual sounds.
Answer 2-4 examiners’ questions
CONTENT
with correct grammar and 0.5 1.0
(1 pt)
vocabulary

D. REVISION FOR EXAM

1. READ OUT LOUD THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS
Paragraph 1:
NO SMOKING IN THIS AREA
This area is now a no-smoking zone. This ban is the result of a government policy which
came into effect on June 1st. Individuals are prohibited from smoking within ten meters
of an entrance to a public building. There are special smoking facilities by Gate 2 of the
nearby Montgomery Station. This area is a two-minute walk down Fitzroy Street.
Individuals found smoking in this area will receive a $100 fine that must be paid to the
city government within seven days. If you have questions about the new changes to
smoking laws around the city, detailed information can be found on the Ministry of
Health website at www.health.gov.tp/smoking.
Example:
Examiner: what is banned?
Student: Smoking

Paragraph 2:
(June 15) - The Hadfield government is planning to announce restrictions on water use if
it does not rain soon, a spokesperson said today. "The last time we had significant rain
was four months ago, on February 12," said Sarah Richards, the city manager. "Our water
supplies are running low, so we must start being more careful."
The current dry conditions are similar to those of five years ago, when severe water
restrictions were applied. Hadfield citizens were prohibited from watering gardens or
lawns, and they were asked to restrict showers to four minutes. Citizens were also
required to install special plumbing equipment designed to reduce water use in kitchens
and bathrooms.
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"Although there has not been an official announcement yet," Richards said, "we hope
every citizen will use water responsibly."
Example:
Examiner: What is the government planning to do?
Student: The government is planning to announce restrictions on water use

Paragraph 3:
Dear Diana,
I was very interested to see your ad in the student newspaper for an assistant at your shop.
I hope you'll consider me for the position.
Although I've never worked in a flower shop before, I've been growing many kinds of
flowers (as well as vegetables) as a hobby for over ten years. It would be a great pleasure
to use that experience to help customers at Sunbeam Flower Shop. And as a student, I
would be available for work most afternoons and evenings.
Please find attached my résumé, as well as a few photos of my garden and my homemade
floral arrangements. I'd be glad to come in for an interview at your convenience to
discuss them.
Sincerely yours,
Bridget Nelson
Example:
Examiner: Where did Bridget see the ad?
Student: In the student newspaper

Paragraph 4:
Come Down to City Park!
The City Art Council will host the Seventh Annual Outdoor Art Festival at City Park on
the weekend of October 10 and 11.
City residents can enjoy local artists' paintings and sculptures. They can even meet artists
during the autograph sessions. In addition, there will be a prize drawing at the end of each
day. The winners will receive a painting by local artist Robert Henri, whose main theme
is the mountains around us.
The opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for local residents. Please
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hurry to sign up on the festival website: www.cacoafestival.org. The number of attendees
is limited to 500 people. For more information, visit www.cacoafestival.org.
Example:
Examiner: Who will host the Seventh Annual Outdoor Art Festival ?
Student: The City Art Council.

Paragraph 5:
Regular visitors to the Curtin parking lot will notice an increase in parking fees beginning
April 1. The charge for each hour of parking between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. will increase
from $1 to $2 per hour. Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. a flat charge of $4 will
apply. However, there is no charge for leaving your vehicle in the building for less than
half an hour at any time.
A full fee schedule is available on our website at curtinpk.com.aw. The extra money
raised will be used by the city government to repair roads and public facilities.
Example:
Examiner: Who needs to read the notice?
Student: Regular visitors to the Curtin parking lot.
Paragraph 6:
London, November 13:
In a press release, Sally Sweeney, founder and CEO of ABC Construction Company,
announced that she will retire at the end of the year. Ms. Sweeney has been leading the
company for over 20 years. Ten years ago, she earned praise for guiding the company
through tough financial times without resorting to layoffs. However, due to health
problems, she is stepping down from the position in order to enjoy a relaxing and
peaceful life with her family. Ms. Sweeney is planning to author a memoir about on her
life as a successful businessperson.
Examiner: Who is the founder and CEO of ABC Construction Company?
Student: Sally Sweeney

Paragraph 7:

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Looking for a Research Associate
A top marketing company seeks a research associate to join its team of market
researchers. The company is looking for a creative and innovative team player who can
build and maintain good relationships with our other researchers.
Candidates must have a master's degree in economics, business administration, or a
related field, and at least two years of experience in business administration.
If you feel you are the right person to fill this vacancy, please send your résumé and a
letter of reference to: Mary Chang, Director of Human Resources, Victory Marketing
Co., 1234 Maple Street, Suite 505, Bend, OR 48765.
Example:
Examiner: What is the job position menioned in the ad?
Student: A research associate
Paragraph 8:
Dear Laura,
Please find attached a draft of the meeting agenda. I would like to suggest a few changes
though. Jean Lu needs to leave the meeting during the break, so someone else has to
explain the health and safety item. Do you mind doing it?
Also, Leah Kirby has told me she only needs 15 minutes for her discussion points. But I
don't think it'll be necessary to reschedule the delivery of lunch.
Please reply to let me know if this looks OK to you or if you have any concerns. I'd like
to e-mail the final agenda to everyone as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Robert Weiss
Example:
Examiner: Who wrote the letter?
Student: Robert Weiss

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Paragraph 9:
If you're experiencing problems with the water supply in your home or office, Fresco
Water is here to help! With a team of expert plumbers, we can handle any situation with
speed and professionalism.
Our services include work on new homes and construction sites, installation of kitchen
and bathroom systems, and urgent assistance for plumbing emergencies. Best of all,
Fresco does not charge travel costs for nearby locations.
Our hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call us at 821-2414. If you
experience an emergency in Lake County, we guarantee someone will come to assist
within 30 minutes of your call.
Example:
Examiner: What is the main idea of the reading passage?
Student: To advertise the service of water supply

Paragraph 10:
TOLLSTONE
Government officials are debating whether to increase the punishment for drivers who
use their phone while driving. Currently the penalty is $100. This amount will increase to
$1,000 if the new law is passed.
Using a phone while driving has become the main cause of car accidents in Tollstone,
says Evan Poole from the Ministry of Transportation. "If we increase the penalty, I hope
it will show drivers how dangerous it is. Even a brief phone conversation can distract
drivers and might cause an accident."
A local government survey found more than thirty percent of adult drivers in Tollstone
used their phones to talk or send text messages while driving.
Example:
Examiner: How much is the current fine?
Student: $100

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2. TOPICS
Topic 1: Talk about the Internet
Suggestion:
 How often do you go online?
 What do you use the internet for?
 How do you get online?
 Do you have your own computer?
 What’s your favorite website?
 Do you think children should be allowed unsupervised access to the Internet?

Topic 2: Talk about the Leisure time

Suggestion:

 What is your favorite leisure activity?

 What did you enjoy doing in your free time as a child?
 Do you prefer to spend your free time with other people or alone?
 What is a common leisure activity in your country?
 Do most people in your country get two days off a week?
 Do you think leisure time is important?
Topic 3: Talk about music

Suggestion:
 Do you like music?
 What’s your favorite type of music?
 Can you sing?
 Did you learn music at school?
 If you could learn a musical instrument, what would it be?
 Do you think music is important?

Topic 4: Talk about pets

Suggestion:

 Do you have a pet?

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  Do you like animals?
 What’s your favorite animal?
 What is popular pet to have in your country?
 Did you have a pet as a friend?
 Why do people have pets?

Topic 5: Talk about transport

Suggestion:
 How did you go to school every day?
 What is your favorite mode of transport?
 Do you ever use public transport?
 Do you like the transport system in your country?
 What is the difference between taking a bus and taking a train?

Topic 6: Talk about TV

Suggestion:
 Do you often watch TV?
 What sorts of things do you watch on TV?
 What is your favorite TV program?
 Do you ever watch foreign programs or films?
 What did you watch on TV when you were a child?
 Do you think children should watch TV?
Topic 7: Talk about sport

Suggestion:
 Do you like sport?
 What’s your favorite sport?
 Do you often watch sport on TV?
 Did you play sport as a child?
 What is the most popular sport in your country?
 How do most people in your country keep fit?

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Topic 8: Talk about reading

Suggestion:
 Do you often read?
 What is your favorite kind of book to read?
 Do you often read newspaper?
 Do you have any e-books?
 What books did you read as a child?
 Do you think it is important to encourage children to read?

Topic 9: Talk about shopping

Suggestion:
 Do you like shopping?
 What’s your favorite shop?
 Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?
 What kinds of shops are there where you live?
 Have you ever bought anything online?
 Do you think men and women have different opinions about shopping?

Topic 10: Talk about newspapers

Suggestion:
 How do you usually get your news?
 Do you often read the newspapers?
 What kind of news do you usually follow?
 How do most people get the news in your country?
 Do you think international news is important?

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