B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 1 Lesson 1

Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. fulfill (v) - to do something that is expected, hoped for, or promised, or to cause it to

happen.

At the age of 45, she finally fulfilled her ambition to run a marathon.

• Why is it important to fulfill a promise after making it?

• How can people fulfill job's requirements?

2. instrumental (adj): If someone or something is instrumental in a process, plan, or system,

that person or thing is one of the most important influences in causing it to happen.

He was instrumental in bringing about an end to the conflict.

• Why do parents play an instrumental role in child’s development?

• Who perform more instrumental role in life, men or women?

3. interpret (v) - to express your own ideas about the intended meaning of something, a play
or a piece of music when performing it.

Different people might interpret events differently.

• How does poetry help us interpret life?

• What factors make nonverbal communication difficult to interpret?

 4. embrace (v) - to hold someone tightly with both arms to express love, liking, or sympathy,
or when greeting or leaving someone/to accept something enthusiastically.

I want to spend the rest of my life, to embrace the beauty of nature.

• Why is embracing culture important?

• What are some ways to embrace diversity in classroom?

5. determined (adj) - wanting to do something very much and not allowing anyone or any
difficulties to stop you.

I'm determined to get this piece of work done today.

• What causes people to be determined?

• What disadvantages of being a determined person can you name?

6. instill (v)- to put a feeling, idea, or principle gradually into someone's mind, so that it has
a strong influence on the way that person thinks or behaves.

We must instill cultural and moral values, as well as knowledge in young citizens.

• How can parents instill the rules of good behavior in their children?

• How can teachers instill a spirit of happiness in the classroom?

7. accomplish (v) - to finish something successfully or to achieve something.

You can accomplish anything if you believe in it.

• What things do people who accomplish their biggest goals do?

• What type of character should people have in order to accomplish goals?

 8. demonstrate (v) - to show or make something clear

Research has demonstrated that babies can recognize their mother's voice very soon after birth.

• How can employees demonstrate excellent communication skills at work?

• Why is it important to demonstrate self-control in all situations?

9. dedicated (adj) - believing that something is very important and giving a lot of time and
energy to it

She's completely dedicated to her work.

• Why aren’t most people dedicated to their work or studies?

• What things should people dedicate their lives to?

10. passionate (adj) - having very strong feelings or emotions.

Joe is passionate about baseball.

• What are three things you are passionate about?

• Is being passionate the key to success? Explain your answer.

11. pave the road/way: If something paves the way for/to something else, it makes the other
thing possible.

A good education will pave the way to finding a decent job.

• What are golden rules to pave your way to success?

• How can understanding yourself pave the way to self-acceptance?

 12. enable (v) - to make someone able to do something, or to make something possible.

Saving enough money now will enable you to retire comfortably.

• What enables high quality of learning process in schools?

• What can enable you to be successful?

13. simultaneously (adv) - happening or being done at exactly the same time

Two children answered the teacher's question simultaneously.

• Is it hard to work and study simultaneously? Why/why not?

• What things can you do simultaneously?

14. ambitious (adj) - having a strong wish to be successful, powerful, or rich

She became more ambitious as the years passed.

• Why should a person be ambitious in life?

• Are there any negative results of being too ambitious? If yes, what are they?

15. arrogant (adj) - unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important, or know
more than other people.

She was said to be proud and arrogant.

• What are some ways to deal with an arrogant person?

• What causes a person to be arrogant?

Activities

I. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is an odd one

1) fulfill, accomplish, interpret, achieve

2) Accomplish

a) mission b) objectives c) income d) goals

3) give up, accomplish, stop, halt

4) Person can be

a) passionate b) ambitious c) arrogant d) enable

5) display, pave the way, indicate, demonstrate

II. Complete the sentences giving your opinion

1. It is real/unreal for me to fulfill my dreams because………………

2. It takes me long/a little time to analyze and interpret new information given by my
teacher because…………………………………
3. I love/hate embracing new changes in my life because………………
4. Goals/personality determine what you are going to be because……
5. You can accomplish any tasks by kindness/force because……………
6. I am confident/unsure about demonstrating my feelings because….
7. It is possible/impossible for me to do different tasks simultaneously because…….
8. I can’t stand/tolerate arrogant people because…………………………
9. Hard-working people pave the way success with difficulty/easily
because………………………………….
10. Parents should/shouldn’t play an instrumental role in the life of their child
because………………………………………………………………….
III. Choose a word with a similar meaning

1. She failed to fulfill her obligations.

a) accomplish b) ignore c) obey

2. Andrew was determined to pursue a computer career.

a) unmotivated b) resolved c)brave

3. The evidence would enable us to arrive at firm conclusions.

a) hinder b) control c) help

4. I'm interested in everything but passionate about nothing.

a) eager b) indifferent c) bored

5. They all agree he is arrogant and selfish and vain.

a) humble b) agreeable c) conceited

6. The examples below demonstrate these capabilities.

a) show b) support c) conceal

7. Many people are unwilling to embrace new technologies.

a) adopt b) reject c) challenge

IV. Describe the pictures below with the given words

a) fulfill/instrumental/interpret embrace determined

b) instill accomplish demonstrate dedicated arrogant

c) pave the road/way enable simultaneously ambitious passionate

V. Use the words given in the box to complete the statements below and comment on them

demonstrate determine fulfill embrace ambitions accomplish instill dedicate

instrumental interpret

1. I think that nothing is impossible when you want to … a dream. To what extent do you
agree with the statement?
2. Technical innovation is … in improving the qualities of products.
3. People … events within their own frame of reference. Why?
4. Our heart is wide enough to … the world and hands are long enough to encompass the
world. Give your opinion
5. “All depends on how … we are to be successful.” Give your opinion.
6. A good teacher can inspire hope; ignite the imagination, and … a love of learning. To
what extent do you agree with the statement?
7. The greatest revenge is to … what others say you cannot do. Do you agree? Why/Why
not?
8. Recent events … the need of change in policy.
9. You have to be a very … musician to get to the top.
10. Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas,
support your …, and bring out the best in you. Give your opinion
VI. Continue the story using the words in the box
NB: Make a chain story (if there’re several students at the lesson)

instrumental simultaneously pave the road embrace interpret ambitious

accomplish boring enable instill dedicated arrogant

My father has always been passionate about music – that is the only thing that makes feel
happy. He used to be a virtuosic violin player, but couldn’t demonstrate his talent to the full
because his parents were determined to make their son continue the family business. They were so
proud of being rich and thought that all other occupations were useless, especially art-workers…
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 1 Lesson 2

Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. impaired (adj) - damaged in a way that makes something less effective

She suffers from impaired vision/hearing.

• What type of influence might an impaired memory have on work/study progress of a

person?

• How can we make life easier for visually impaired people?

2. feat (n) - something difficult needing a lot of skill, strength and courage to achieve it
The Eiffel Tower is a remarkable feat of engineering.

• Describe one feat that you have accomplished.

• Who often helps you to achieve a feat? Explain your answer.

3. persevere (v) - to continue making an effort to do or achieve something, even when this is
difficult or takes a long time
If you persevere long enough and work hard enough, you’ll eventually succeed.

• Do you think that persevering is a major key to success?

• What are the factors that prevent people from persevering?

4. fellow (n) - used to refer to someone who has the same job or interests as you, or is in the same
situation as you
She introduced me to some of her fellow students.

• What it means to be a fellow?

• Do you easily get on well with your fellows? Why/Why not

5. withdraw (v) - to take or move out or back, or to remove

She had to withdraw from the competition because of a leg injury.

• In what situations might people want to withdraw money from a bank?

• When do people withdraw into depression and stop talking?

6. get away (v) - to leave or escape from a person or place, often when it is difficult to do this
We walked to the next beach to get away from the crowds.

• What are some reasons that people get away from a country?

• Why is it important to get away from work for holidays?

7. get hold of (v) - to find someone or obtain something

I need to get hold of a car.

• Where can I get hold of a good doctor in your city?

• What event/performance in your city is it difficult to get hold of tickets for?

8. not get anywhere (v) - to not make progress toward a goal

His parents tried to talk him out of joining the army, but they didn’t get anywhere.

• What should be done if a person’s life is not getting anywhere?

 • How do parents react if their child is not getting anywhere in school?

9. get carried away (v) - to be so excited about something that you cannot control what you say
or do
The manager warned his young players not to get carried away by the emotion of the occasion.

• When people get carried away, is it usually followed by regret? Explain your answer.

• In what situations get people carried away?

10. get across (v) - to manage to make someone understand or believe something
We tried to get our point across, but he just wouldn't listen.

• How is it possible to get your point across without being rude?

• What message would you like to get across to the world?

11. strive (v) - to try very hard to do something or to make something happen, especially for a
long time or against difficulties.
We have to strive for what we want.

• Strive for the best, prepare for the worst. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

• How do you strive for success?

12. dispute (n) - an argument or disagreement, especially an official one between, for example,
workers and employers or two countries with a common border.
They have been unable to resolve the dispute over working conditions.

• Why do disputes occur?

 • What are steps in dispute resolution?

13. inevitable (adj) - certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented

It was an inevitable consequence of the decision.

• What things are inevitable in life?

• Do you think that social change is inevitable? Why/why not?

14. commend (v) - to formally praise someone or something.

We should commend good people and good deeds.

• Describe a book/film that is highly commended.

• Why is it important to commend employees at workplace?

15. pay off (v) - If something you have done pays off, it is successful
All her hard work paid off in the end, and she finally passed the exam.

• Do you agree that persistence always pays off? Explain your answer.

• Some people believe that patience will pay off in the long run. To what extent do you agree
with this idea?

Activities

I. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is an odd one

1) Impaired

a) vision b) hearing c) banking system d) weather

2) get hold of, get carried away, dispute, get across

3) persist, proceed, feat, persevere

4) succeed, flourish, yield, prosper

5) not getting anywhere, achieve, make progress, be successful

II. Use the words given in the box to complete the statements below and comment on them

strive get anywhere dispute inevitable persevere withdraw impaired

get carried away commend get across

1. The illness had … his ability to think and concentrate.

2. If you … with the work, you will succeed in the end. What do you think?
3. Passion is born when your heart … with a purpose greater than yourself. Give your
opinion.
4. Take care not to … the manager, he could have you dismissed.
5. If you have a positive attitude and constantly … to give your best effort, eventually you
will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.
What do you think?
6. They hope for a peaceful settlement of the ....
7. Life is full of … highs and lows. Do not complain, do not explain, just maintain. To what
extent do you agree with this statement?
8. All men … patience, although few are willing to practice it.
9. We will not … unless we take direct action ourselves. Do you agree? Why/why not?
10. I would like to … 1000 dollars from my savings account.

III. Choose a word with a similar meaning

1. It could be a sign of impaired brain function.

a) affluent b) damaged c) decrease
2. I encourage them to persevere on this path.
a) stop b) keep going c) start

3. Both countries agreed to withdraw their troops.

a) draw back b) go against c)raise

4.Any disagreement or dispute should be settled peacefully.

a) conflict b) harmony c) consensus

5. It was inevitable that this would happen.

a) unavoidable b) unlikely c) doubtful

6. We commend him for that decision.

a) disapprove b) applaude c) judge

7.With this job, you can pay off all your debt.
a) pay back b) fail c) conclude

8.Somehow she managed to get hold of the band's new album before it came out.
a) sell b) find c) share

9. Clearly we're not getting anywhere with this guy.

a) getting along well b) not making progress c) moving

10. What message are you trying to get across to the consumer?
a) pass on b) reach c) transmit
IV. Describe the pictures below with the given words

a) impaired, feat, persevere, fellow, withdraw

b) get away, get hold of, not get anywhere, get carried away

c) strive, dispute, inevitable, commend, pay off

V. Complete the sentences giving your opinion

1. I can achieve my greatest feat in the blink of an eye/with a lot of difficulties

because………………………………………………….
2. I need to/don’t need to withdraw my money from the bank
because....................................
3. It is a piece of cake/really hard for me to get away with doing wrong because
…………………………................................
4. I would feel upset/fine if I didn’t get anywhere after a huge effort
because…………………………………………….
5. It is a huge effort/kid’s stuff to get your point across in an argument
because…………………………………………………………………..
6. It is a good/bad idea for teachers to commend their student
because……………………………….
7. Patience/Impatience pays off in a long run because……………………..
8. It is important/doesn’t matter for me to persevere my goals
because………………………………………………………………………………….
9. Society should/shouldn’t support impaired people
because…………………………………………………………………..
10. I usually/hardly ever spend time with my fellow students
because………………………………………………………………………………………
VI. Continue the story using the words in the box
NB: Make a chain story (if there’re several students at the lesson)

feat withdraw dispute get across get away persevere not getting anywhere pay off
inevitable commend

At first sight, it might seem that people with impaired physical functions are doomed to a
life full of frustration and boredom. However, I was so lucky to get to know some fellows who has
strived to achieve even better results than people without any health problems. In fact, I got carried
away by the moment my friend has opened the first anti-café where all the staff were people with
visual impairments. It is the only place in our city where you can get the best pizza! …
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 1 Lesson 3

Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. represent (v) - to speak, act, or be present officially for another person or people
She was chosen to represent France at the Olympics.

• What does representing your country mean to you?

• What are the best ways to represent your culture?

2. paraplegic (adj)- unable to move or feel the legs or lower part of the body
A passenger was injured so badly he will be paraplegic for the rest of his life.

• How is it possible to help someone who is paraplegic?

• Are the Paraplegic Olympic games important? Explain your answer.

3. sore loser (n) - a person who becomes very upset or angry when he or she loses a game, contest
He was criticized as being a sore loser.

• How does a sore loser behave?

• Why is it bad to be a sore loser?

4. smug (adj) - too pleased or satisfied about something you have achieved or something you know
She deserved her promotion, but I wish she wasn't so smug about it.

• What character traits does a smug person have?

 • How do you deal with a smug person?

5. overseas (adv, adj) - in, from, or to other countries

There are a lot of overseas students studying at our college.

• What are the benefits of living overseas?

• Why do some people prefer to study overseas?

6. spectator (n) - a person who watches an activity, especially a sports event, without taking part
The stadium was packed with cheering spectators.

• What is the most popular spectator sport in your country? Why?

• Life isn’t a spectator sport. How do you understand this statement?

7. heritage (n) - features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions,
languages, or buildings, that were created in the past and still have historical importance
A fund has been set up to preserve the town's heritage.

• Why is it important to preserve our heritage?

• What is the importance of cultural heritage in human society?

8. asset (n) - any positive feature that gives you an advantage; something valuable belonging to
a person or organization that can be used for the payment of debts
Her knowledge of Spanish and French is a real asset in her work.

• What is the greatest asset in life?

 • Why are teachers considered to be a school’s biggest asset?

9. landmark (n) - a building or place that is easily recognized, especially one that you can use to
judge where you are.
The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark.

• What is the most visited landmark in the world/your country?

• Why is it important for you to know the historic sites and landmarks in your place?

10. painstaking (adj) - extremely careful and correct, and involving a lot of effort
It took months of painstaking research to write the book.

• Which jobs are painstaking?

• Describe a painstaking process.

11. long (v) - to want something very much.

She longed to see him again.

• What can prevent people from longing to achieve better results?

• What are some things that you long to do?

12. insightful (adj) - showing a clear and usually original understanding of a complicated problem
or situation.
This is a very thoughtful, insightful analysis.

• Why is it good to be insightful?

• Why is it important to give insightful comments?

13. stereotype (n) - a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially
an idea that is wrong.
The characters in the book are just stereotypes.

• What are some stereotypes associated with being a teenager?

• What are the major stereotypes people have about your country?

14. devotion (n) - loyalty and love or care for someone or something.
He is a teacher who inspires respect and devotion from his students.

• Why is devotion so important?

• Is devotion a duty? Explain your answer.

15. award (n) – to give money or a prize following an official decision

A prize will be awarded to the winner.

• How would you feel if you were awarded a Nobel Prize?

• What people should be awarded for?

Activities

I. Make sentences with the words given below

• represent

• illustrate

• spectator

• paraplegic

• sore loser
• devotion

• award

• painstaking

• represent

• heritage

II. Use the words given in the box to complete the statements below and
comment on them

overseas stereotyping insightful represent heritage award paraplegic smug

spectator devotion

1. The aim of art is to … not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.
Give your opinion.
2. In Sydney … Olympics, our athlete won a medal in archery.
3. Some people are so unbearably … about winning. Do you find it right? Why/Why not?
4. The university welcomes applications from … students.
5. It is not the honor that you take with you, but the … you leave behind. Give your opinion.
6. This article is very … and worth checking out.
7. If you do not acknowledge differences, it is as bad as … . What do you think about it?
8. Loyalty and … lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. Give your
opinion.
9. Today's … ceremony took place at the British Embassy in Tokyo.
10. Rugby has become big business and a … sport.

III. Choose a word with a similar meaning

1.All learning and knowledge is supposed to represent culture.

a) conceal b) present c) sketch

2. Now don't get smug just because you've won a couple of games.

a) demotivated b) pompous c) angry

3. Our dance has become of interest overseas.

a) domestically b) abroad c) countryside

4. The battlefield is a national historical landmark.

a) milestone b) common c) stereotyped

5.His witty mind is his greatest asset.

a) drawback b) plus c) resources

6. She longed to meet him again.

a) rejected b) accepted c) wanted

7.The program won an award for its news coverage.

a) grant b) punishment c) fame

8.My devotion goes far deeper than respect.

a) faithfulness b) hate c) passionate

9. I'm not insightful enough to be a movie critic.

a) experienced b) perceptive c) buff

10.Cultural diversity is the common heritage of humankind.

a) foundation b) inheritance c) value

IV. Complete the sentences giving your opinion

1. I can/can’t represent my country at any international events

because………………………………………………………….
2. If a person became paraplegic it would be easy to lose any hope for the future/
try to stay positive because………………………………..
3. There are a lot of/a few overseas students in our country
because……………………………………………………
4. Majority/minority of the people in my country prefer to be a spectator at a football
match because……………….
5. Historical heritage of my country is fully/poorly preserved
because…………………………………………………………….
6. It is essential/needless to be aware of renowned landmarks of your country
because…………………………………………………..
7. I am longing to take a summer vacation in my country/abroad
because…………………………………………..
8. Usually stereotypes have nothing/a lot in common with reality
because…………………………………………………………….
9. Anyone would be proud/shy if they were awarded a Nobel Prize
because…………………………………………………………………………
10. I believe that being a sore looser is a vice/virtue because…….
 V. Describe the pictures below with the given words

a) painstaking, sore loser, smug, spectator, award

b) overseas, heritage, asset, long, landmark

 c) represent, insightful, stereotype, devotion, paraplegic

VI. Continue the story using the words given in the box

Once upon a time there was a girl who dreamt of exploring new places. She was longing
to see famous landmarks, meet new people and try new food. However, her family and friends
were extremely afraid of everything new considering it dangerous. With all her heart the girl
believed that it was just a stereotype, and people who were living overseas were kind and nice.

So, one morning she packed her bag and headed to …

represent smug spectator heritage painstaking insightful devotion to award

 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 2 Lesson 1

Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. whenever (adv) - every or any time

Come and see us whenever you're in town - you're always welcome.

• Do you agree that we should drink whenever we feel thirsty doing sport? Give reasons to

your answer.

• Why it is sometimes hard to catch happiness whenever we want?

2. to be supportive - giving help and encouragement

He told me it was my own fault, which wasn't very supportive.

• Good friends need to be always supportive. To what extent do you agree with this

statement?

• Do you think that children with supportive parents often do better at school than those

without? Explain your answer.

3. harmony (n) - a pleasant musical sound made by different notes being played or sung at the

same time; a situation in which people are peaceful and agree with each other, or when things

seem right or suitable together

She played the tune on the flute, and I did some harmonies on the piano.

• We must ensure that tourism develops in harmony with the environment. To what extent

do you agree with this statement?

• Do you think that we must try to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and those

around us? Explain your answer.

 • Do you believe it is possible for different ethnic groups to live together in harmony? Give

reasons to your answer.

4. orchestra (n) - a large group of musicians who play many different instruments together and

are led by a conductor

She's a cellist in the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

• It is considered that each school should have their own orchestra. Do you agree or

disagree?

• Is it necessary to have several orchestra rehearsals to polish up the details?

5. melodic (adj) - relating to a tune, or having a pleasant tune

His voice has a rich, melodic quality.

• What is the most richly melodic music you have ever listened?

• Describe a person who has a rich, melodic voice?

6. compose (v) - to produce music, poetry, or formal writing

The music was specially composed for the film.

• Where is the best place to compose a music without being disturbed?

• Why is it necessary to meet the cast of the film before composing music?

7. conductor (n) - someone who directs the performance of musicians or a piece of music

Within these events the conductor plays the most important symbolic role.
 • Do you agree with the idea that conductors are the most important members of an

orchestra? Why/Why not?

• Why conductors wait for dead silence before commencing the performance?

8. usher (v) - to show someone where they should go, or to make someone go where you want

them to go

She ushered us into her office and offered us coffee.

• Do you think that the legislation should usher in a host of new opportunities for school

leavers?

• Is it necessary to usher new stuff members into the office and offer the something to

drink in their first day? Explain your answer.

9. heads-up (n) - a warning that something is going to happen, usually so that you can prepare

for it, a short talk or statement about how a situation or plan is developing

This note is just to give you a heads-up that Vicky will be arriving next week.

• Is it really important for the boss to call a meeting to give employees a heads-up on the

way the project is going?

• Do you think it might create a lot of problems for travelers if the airlines decided to

enforce new rules without giving anyone a heads-up?

10. provided that - if, or only if

The agreement provided that the two sides should meet once a month.
 • Provided that you had unlimited money in your bank account, how much would you

withdraw per day?

• Do you agree with the idea that people can do whatever they like provided that they are

over 18?

11. provoke (v) - to cause a reaction, especially a negative one

The release from prison of two of the terrorists has provoked a public outcry.

• What type food can provoke allergic reactions when you eat?

• Are you able to stay calm if you are provoked by someone? Why/Why not?

12. chord (n) - three or more musical notes played at the same time

She strummed a few chords on her guitar.

• It is considered that musicians should branch out into new musical areas, like melody and

proper chord progression? Do you agree or disagree?

• Do you know any composers whose chord changes are very original?

13. oversee (v) - to watch or organize a job or an activity to make certain that it is being done

correctly

As marketing manager, her job is to oversee all the company's advertising.

• Why it is vital to oversee all the company's advertising as marketing manager?

• What positions require individuals oversee large groups of employees and implement

business strategies?
14. sound (v) - to seem angry, happy, rude, etc. when you speak

I know it sounds silly, but I'll miss him when he's gone.

• Are there any professions that sound really interesting to do?

• What ideas might sound crazy?

15. producer (n) - a person who makes the practical and financial arrangements needed to make

a film or music

He is the creator and executive producer of the popular new TV series

• What are some challenges of taking the role of producer?

• Would you like to have a career of a producer? Why/Why not?

Activities

I. Fill in the gaps with the words given in the box and express your opinion

producer compose provoke whenever supportive oversee conductors harmony

melody accomplishment

1. Everyone needs a house to live in, but a … family is what builds a home. What do you
think?
2. They have lived together in reasonable … for many years.
3. Life is like a beautiful …, only the lyrics are messed up. To what extent do you agree
with this statement?
4. They must each … a poem in about war.
5. When others try to … you and you don’t get provoked, it is known as a spiritual victory.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
6. An independent moderator should be appointed to … the negotiations.
7. She was keen to take the role of a ... .
 8. Good … know when to let an orchestra lead itself.
9. …you possess something, but lack the understanding of its value, there are some
consequences you suffer. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
10. It is a great … in singing to take the melodic line up to a position of energy and hold it
there.

II. Read the beginning of the story below and continue it using the words given in

the box (make min 10 sentences)

NB: Make a chain story (if there’re several students at the lesson)

be supportive heads up provided that oversee fortunately whenever harmony

melodic nevertheless brilliant

One of my friends is a famous producer. He has filmed around twenty movies featuring such

world known stars as Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz. Last month he went to Brazil and took me to

filming with him! It was an amazing experience. When we came …

III. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is an odd one

! compose, usher, conductor, producer

! producer, referee, conductor, whenever
! provoke, chord, orchestra, melodic
! concert, orchestra, chord, producer

IV. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. whenever, to be supportive, heads-up

2. harmony, orchestra, melodic

3. compose, conductor, chord

4. provided that, provoke, usher

5. oversee, sound, producer

V. Choose the word that is similar in its meaning to the underlined word in the

sentences below

1. And he's been nothing but supportive all these years.

a) judgemental b) encouraging c) awkward

2. All races will live together in harmony and love.

a) rage b) dispute c) amity

3. I just want to hear your melodic story and personality.

a) sweet-sounding b) peaceful c) inharmonious

4. He would usher us into his large, well-appointed office.

a) show b) chase c) escort

5. The boss called a meeting to give us a heads-up on the way the project was going.

a) notice b) prediction c) importance

6. It was a vicious-looking dog and I didn't want to provoke it.

a) trigger b) scare c) comfort

7. It's why they've assigned me to oversee this investigation.
a) accept b) monitor c) solve
8. The music was specially composed for the film.
a) settled b) produced c) sung

VI. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. Whenever I have free time I watch movie/go out with my friends

because……………………………….
2. I am always/hardly ever supportive because……………………………………….
3. It is possible/impossible for all races to live in the harmony
because………………………………..
4. If you want to compose music you should have a talent/work hard
because………………………………..
5. If I had visitors, I would usher them to my house and offer them some tea/coffee
because…………………
6. Provided that I could fly to any country, I would fly to the USA/the UK
because………………………
7. If someone provoked me, I would try to stay calm/react very aggressively
because………………….
8. It is easy/difficult to oversee work of a large international company
because………………… .
9. If I sound silly in the public, I run away/try to behave naturally
because………………………………
10. Famous producer makes a lot of/a little money
because………………………………………..
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 2 Lesson 2

Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. keen (adj) - very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much

They were very keen to start work as soon as possible.

• Are there any other languages that you are very keen to learn? Explain your answer.

• What is one of the best excuses to tell if you are not too keen on going to the party?

2. evolve (v) - to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop gradually

The company has evolved over the years into a multi-million dollar organization.

• What actions should a manager take to evolve the business rapidly?

• In what ways have humans evolved from apes?

3. advocate (v) - to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something

The organization advocates for human rights.

• Many experts advocate rewarding your child for good behaviour. To what extent do you

agree with this idea.

• Do you advocate banning cars in the city centre to avoid traffic congestion? Explain your

answer.

4. fire (v) - to remove someone from their job, either because they have done
something wrong or badly, or as a way of saving the cost of employing them:

She was fired after she was caught stealing from her employer.

• What is a good reason to fire someone?

How to fire someone without offending them?
5. rusty (adj) - If a skill you had is rusty, it is not as good as it was because you have not

practiced it

My Italian is a bit rusty these days.

• Do you have any skills that you have not practiced a lot for a while, so it has become

rusty?

• What do we need to do to avoid being rusty while learning foreign languages?

6. promote (v) - to encourage people to like, buy, use, do, or support something:

If I'm not promoted within the next two years, I'm going to change jobs.

• Is it ethical to promote cigarettes through advertising? Why/Why not?

• Should we promote environmental science that makes people aware of global ecological

problems?

7. skip (v) - to not do or not have something that you usually do or that you should do; to avoid

Let's skip the formalities and get down to business.

• Is it healthy to skip breakfast if you're very busy? Why/Why not?

• What should be done to prevent students from skipping the classes?

8. set off (v) - to start on a trip

The explorers set off to conquer new territories.

• Are you planning to set off for a new adventure when you have free time?

• What time should we set off for our trip to avoid being late?
9. stumble (v) - to step awkwardly while walking or running and fall or begin to fall

Running along the beach, she stumbled on a log and fell on the sand.

• A stumble may prevent a fall. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

• How might a person feel when he/she stumbles and fall on the ground in public?

10. slouch (v) - to stand, sit, or walk with the shoulders hanging forward and the head bent

slightly over so that you look tired and bored

A couple of boys were slouched over the table reading magazines.

• What are the reasons causing young people to slouch a lot recently?

• Why shouldn’t we slouch while sitting?

11. pace (n) - the speed at which someone or something moves, or with which something

happens or changes

When she thought she heard someone following her, she quickened her pace.

• How do you feel when congestion reduces traffic to walking pace?

• What can make a person to quicken his/her pace?

12. glide (v) - to move or progress without difficulty or effort

She glided along on her skates.

• Is it possible to glide effortlessly through life with no real worries? Explain your answer.

• How might a person feel gliding along a glassy-smooth lake situated in the picturesque

mountains?
13. abundance (n) - the situation in which there is more than enough of something

This team has talent in abundance.

• Do you agree with this idea that when you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance

appears? Explain your answer.

• Is it important to have food in abundance at the party? Why/Why not?

14. accelerate (v) - to happen or make something happen sooner or faster

They use special chemicals to accelerate the growth of crops.

• Is it true that environmental factors can accelerate the development of certain cancers?

• Do we need to accelerate the pace of change in our country? Explain your answer.

15. pursue (v) - to follow someone or something, usually to try to catch him, her, or it:

The car was pursued by helicopters.

• Should people pursue the dreams they are passionate about? Explain your answer.

• How can we pursue our goals most effectively?

Activities

I. Invisible Bridge

Show how the words below are related using them in speech.

Ex: evolve – abundance

The abundance of natural resources makes it possible for a country to evolve much faster

gaining strength on the international political arena.

 1. promote – success

2. accomplish – happy

3. keen – accelerate

4. advocate – happiness

5. rusty – progress

6. set off – discoveries

II. Express your opinion (min speaking time 1 min)

1) Do you agree with the idea that the police have to pursue the suspect until they were able
to capture him? Why/Why not?

2) Some people prefer to take risk to accomplish their goals even if it is hard, while others do
not? Which one do you prefer? Why?

3) Do you agree or disagree with the idea that people should not laugh when people stumble
on the streets?

III. Discuss the problems below

1. Nowadays, parents are blamed of not developing a child's talent that could bring luck to
his life. What is the main reason for it?
2. Many parents want their children to be artists considering this occupation useless. Why
does it happen?
3. What should be done when your parents don’t support your wish to become an
artist/actor? How to convince them to support you?

IV. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. keen, evolve, accomplish

2. rusty, promote, advocate

3. skip, set off, stumble

 4. slouch, pace, glide

5. abundance, accelerate, pursue

V. Describe in details about the situations given below

1) A time when you had to work hard to achieve a goal

• what the goal was

• when this happened
• what you did to achieve this goal
 • why the goal was important to you
2) The shopping center you often go to

! where the center is

! how often you go there

! why you often go there

3) A happy event in your life

! when it happened

! where it happened

! what was is

! why you felt good about it

VI. Taboo

Explain the words in bold. It’s prohibited to use the words given in column under the main

word.

keen
× knife

× sharp

× interested

× do

× cut

advocate
× lawyer
 × court
× crime
× defend
× profession

accomplish
× goal
× succeed
× achieve
× feat
× difficult

glide
× movement
× slide
× ice
× soft
× skate

pursue
× follow
× career
× happiness
× catch
× hold
set off
× journey
× start
× car
× adventure
× in the morning

stumble
× trip
× clumsy
× embarrassed
× fall
× movement

promote
× encourage
× worker
× position
× money
× workplace
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 2 Lesson 3

Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. prolific (adj) - producing a great number or amount of something

He was probably the most prolific songwriter of his generation.

• Who is the most prolific worker/writer you have ever known?

• What kind of lifestyle we need to have or set up in order to be prolific?

2. reputation (n) - the opinion that people in general have about someone or something, or
how much respect or admiration someone or something receives, based on
past behavior or character

The company has a worldwide reputation for quality.

• A good reputation sits still; a bad one runs about. To what extent do you agree with this

statement?

• What is the best way for gaining a good reputation in a society?

3. revive (v) - to come or bring something back to life, health, existence, or use:

My plants revived as soon as I gave them some water.

• Do you think that a hot shower and a cup of tea can revive you if you don’t feel well? If

not, then what can revive you?

• Is it necessary to revive centuries-old traditions? Explain your answer.

4. preserve (v) - to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying

or being damaged or destroyed

We want to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities.

• What things are required to preserve a friendship?

 • Is it necessary to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities?

Why/Why not?

5. indulge (v) - to allow yourself or another person to have something enjoyable, especially

more than is good for you

When I get my first salary I’m going to indulge in shopping.

• Is it true that we should not indulge children with plenty of pocket money? Explain your

answer.

• Is it possible to indulge ourselves without spending a fortune? Why/why not?

6. head out (v) - to leave or depart

I think it’s about time to head out for the beach.

• What time do you need to head out to get to school on time?

• If your friend asked you to stay for dinner, but you didn’t want to, what excuse would

you say to head out?

7. deafening (adj) - extremely loud

The music was deafening.

• Do you like concerts with a deafening music? Why/why not?

• What would you do if you hear a deafening noise in the street at midnight?

8. prey (v) - an animal that is hunted and killed for food by another animal

The lions in this area prey on deer and other wild animals.

• Do you agree that children are easy prey to all sorts of fears?

• What animals are the prey for eagles?

9. predator (n) - an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals
New born deers are unprotected against predators.

• Why predators even as powerful as tigers want to avoid risk of damage?

• What are some factors predators notice while choosing their preys?

10. endurance (n) - the ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a

long time

Running a marathon is a test of human endurance.

• What can test a person’s both physical and mental endurance?

• Do you think that doing exercises can improve strength and endurance? Explain you

answer.

11. crave (v) - to have a very strong feeling of wanting something

When I’m hungry, I crave for chocolate and ice-cream.

• What do you crave for when you are tired?

• Why do many children crave attention?

12. pastry (n) - a food made from a mixture of flour, fat, and water, rolled flat and either

wrapped around or put over or under other foods, and then baked

Ann makes delicious pastry - you should try her apple pie.

• Why do most people use store-bought pastry when it's so easy to make your own?

• Is it necessary to avoid all sugar and foods containing sugar, such as pastry, candy and

soft drinks in order to be healthy? Explain your answer.

13. purchase (v) - to buy something

Tickets must be purchased two weeks in advance.

• Do you usually keep the receipt as a proof of purchase in case you need to return it?

• How do you prefer to pay for your purchases?

 14. gem (n) - someone or something that is very good, pleasing, or useful

The building was an architectural gem.

• Describe a friend who is an absolute gem and you can’t do anything without his/her help.

• What places in your city can be considered as hidden gems?

15. inspirational (adj) - making you feel full of hope or encouraged

This book is full of inspirational ideas.

• Describe an inspirational person you’ve met or read about.

• What inspirational celebrities do you know?

Activities

I. Complete the text below with the words given in the box, answer the questions

below and give your opinion on the topic discussed

reviving craving endurance pastries inspirational gem

Mrs Grey Hill had a reputation of a talented chef who had been awarded with two

Micheline Stars for excellence in cooking. Every food critic in the country knew her. However,

the real fame fell on her, when Mrs Hill compiled a prolific recipes book containing unique

techniques allowing to make delicious food in a very short time using simple ingredients…

II. Answer the questions below

1. Why do people tend to compare themselves with others and outperform them?

2. Do you agree that being successful doesn’t mean to be better than others, but to be the

best in what you’re doing? Explain your answer.

3. What would you like to do to become famous?

4. What is more important: to be rich or famous? Why?

5. Do you agree that a person can become stronger while competing with others? Explain

your answer.

6. What does success mean to you?

III. Discuss the problems below

1. Parents force their son or daughter to choose a career which he or she doesn’t want. What
are the reasons? What would you do in this situation?
2. Children don’t listen to your parents’ suggestions when it comes to a career choice. Is it
right or wrong? What can be done to avoid conflicts over this issue in the families?
3. Children are usually forced by their parents to do career in medicine or business rather
than in art or music. How can this tendency be explained?

IV. Describe the pictures below using the words given

1. prolific, reputation, indulge

2. preserve, head out, revive

3. prey, predator, endurance, deafening

4. pastry, purchase, crave

 5. gem, inspirational

V. Describe in details the following items/situations

1) A song or a piece of music you like

• What the song or music is

• What kind of song or music is it
• Where you first heard it
• And explain why you like it

2) Your favourite photograph

! where the photo was taken

! who took the photo

! what can be seen from the photo

! why it is your favourite photo

3) An important historical place

! what the place is

! where it is located
! what its importance is

VI. Read the situations below and offer possible solutions

1. Imagine you are a prolific author whose works have been read by millions of people, but
you've run out of ideas to keep writing. What would you do if everyone around you was
pressuring you to continue writing?

2. To make ends meet, you decided to work part-time and your friend found you a position
as a guide in a museum. You are in charge of providing information about the Chinese
artifacts on display at the museum. You drop one of the prized artifacts, known as ‘Jade
Dragon’ while talking. What would you do if you found yourself in this situation?
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 3 Lesson 1
Vocabulary list
Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. curious (adj) - interested in learning about people or things around you

Babies are curious about everything around them.
• Are children more curious about life than adults? Why?
• Why are some people so curious about the private life of celebrities?

2. sedentary (adj) - involving little exercise or physical activity

My doctor says I should start playing sport because my lifestyle is too sedentary.
• Do you reckon that a sedentary lifestyle is destroying for our health? Give your
reasons.
• What kind of job do you consider to be sedentary?

3. monotonous (adj) - not changing and therefore boring

The music became monotonous after a while.
• Do you have a monotonous life? Why do think so?
• Why do people get bored when they have monotonous job?

4. indecisive (adj) - not good at making decisions

She was weak and indecisive.
• Are you indecisive when coming to choose the destination for holiday?
• Who is the most indecisive person in your family? Explain your answer.

5. perceive (v) - to come to an opinion about something, or have a belief about something
The British are often perceived as being very formal.
 • How do you perceive the USA as a country?
• Do you believe the way people perceive the real world is strongly influenced by
the language they speak? Explain your answer.
•
6. disbelief (n) - the feeling of not being able to believe that something is true or real
She shook her head in disbelief.
• Have you ever been in situation when you listened to your friend’s story but was
in disbelief? Give some details.
• What type of stories do you usually greet with disbelief?

7. mercy (n) - kindness that makes you forgive someone, usually someone that you have
authority over
He bowed down before the king and begged for mercy.
• Mercy to the criminal may be cruelty to the people. To what extent do you agree
with this statement?
• Should mercy be shown to the ones who beg for it? Explain your answer.

8. entrenched (adj) - sth that is so fixed or have existed for so long that it cannot be
changed
These attitudes are firmly entrenched in our culture.
• Do you believe that it is very difficult to change attitudes that have become so
deeply entrenched over the years? Explain your answer.
• Is it important to preserve the traditions of the country which have entrenched
over centuries? Why/Why not?

9. formidable (adj) - causing you to have fear or respect for something or someone because
that thing or person is large, powerful, or difficult
The two players together make a formidable combination.
• Can you give me an example of a formidable figure in our country?
• What do you believe can be a formidable obstacle to achieve your dreams?
 10. myth (n) - an ancient story or set of stories, especially explaining the early history of a
group of people or about natural events and facts
It's a myth that men are better drivers than women.
• Can you tell me the most popular myth related to your country?
• What is the most unbelievable myth that you have heard in your life?

11. fizzy (adj) - having a lot of bubbles

A fizzy drink, like Pepsi, has lots of bubbles of gas in it.
• Why is it essential to eliminate fizzy drinks from children’s diet?
• Do you consume fizzy drinks a lot? Why/Why not?

12. drowsy (adj) - being in a state between sleeping and being awake
The sun was making me drowsy.
• What can make people feel drowsy?
• What can people do to stop feeling drowsy?

13. capable (adj) - able to do things effectively and skillfully, and to achieve results
Are you capable of climbing that tree?
• Do you believe that everyone is capable of learning foreign languages? Why/Why
not?
• What type of person is capable of being a manager?

14. outstanding (adj) - clearly very much better than what is usual
Cristiano Ronaldo is an outstanding player.
• Can you give me an example of a place with an outstanding landscape in our
country?
• What should a person do to have an outstanding success in his/her?
 15. skilful (adj) - good at doing something that you have learned and practised
Thanks to Mr Brown’s skilful management, profits are up this year.
• A smooth sea never made a skilful mariner. How do you understand this
statement?
• Do you believe that skilful people can feel alone? Explain your answer.

Activities
I. Give as many details as possible about
1) The person in your family who you most admire
• what his\her relationship is to you
• what he\she has done in your life
• what he\she does now
• why you admire this person so much

2) A subject taught in your school

! who teaches it

! how it is taught

! what you’ve learnt from the class

3) Your favourite movie

! what the name of the film is

! what the theme of the film is

! why you like it

II. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. curious/sedentary/monotonous
2. indecisive/perceive/disbelief

3. mercy/entrenched/formidable

4. myth/fizzy/drowsy
 5. capable/outstanding/skillful

III. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is an odd one

1. curious, sedentary, monotonous, repetitive

2. disbelief, indecisive, mistrust, doubt
3. energised, drowsy, sleepy, dazed
4. competent, entrenched, skillful, talented

IV. Fill in the gaps with the words given in the box and express your opinion on the
below mentioned statements.

mercy monotonous curious drowsy indecision capable outstanding perceive sedentary

disbelief
1. Be less … about people and more curious about ideas.

2. People with … lifestyles have a greater risk of heart attacks.

3. The teacher's low … voice usually puts students to sleep.

4. More is lost by … than wrong decision.

5. People’s relationships depend on how they see or … the world outside their inner world.

6. People always gaze at me in … when I tell them bad news.

7. … to the criminal may be cruelty to the people

8. If we did all the things we are … of, we would literally astound ourselves.

9. The prizes should be given only for the most … theatrical performances.

10. People usually feel … after an unusually heavy meal.

V. Discuss the situations below and offer the best possible solution

• You have a friend who pokes her nose into everything, including what you eat and wear.
She wants to know every single detail about you, which makes you feel uneasy. Because
you've known each other for a long time, you don't want to offend her. What would you
say to her in this situation, would you accept that she is curious by nature?

• One day you wake up in the morning and realize that you are the only person left on the
entire planet. Would you continue to live on your own? If yes, what would you do initially
and how would you deal with this situation?

• Once you are given a group project about endangered animals. Your contribution to the
group is undeniable; you plan everything, such as conducting research, creating slides and
etc. However, when the final day comes, all students unanimously say that X (school's
popular boy) should give the speech, once the speech is delivered, everyone appreciates X
and thanks to him. You gave too much to the project, however your input was overlooked.
What would you do if you were in this situation?
 VI. Agile story telling
A student makes 2-3 sentences with the words given below. Then other students
continue the story in turn. The teacher dramatically changes the plot with the help of
such words as unfortunately, surprisingly, suddenly, etc.

indecisive curious disbelief invention tradegy success formidable myth mercy

money rich capable outstanding influential memory to look for never by chance
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 3 Lesson 2
Vocabulary list
Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. stem from (v) - to develop or come from something

This particular disorder actually stems from having panic and anxiety attacks.
• What do you believe depression stems from?
• What do most of the problems people have at work/school stem from?

2. existence (n) - the fact of something or someone existing

The theatre company that they started is still in existence today.
• Do you believe in the existence of ghosts? Why/Why not?
• Do the scientists have any evidences to prove the existence of life in space?

3. contribution (n) - something that you contribute or do to help produce or achieve

something together with other people, or to help make something successful
This invention made a major contribution to road safety.
• What kind of contributions would you like to present to society in order to improve living
conditions?
• What kind of contributions do you believe can combat against global warming?

4. accomplishment (n) - something that is successful, or that is achieved after a lot of work
or effort
Getting the two leaders to sign a peace treaty was his greatest accomplishment.
• What do you believe is your best accomplishment that you are proud of?
• What kind of accomplishment can make a person famous in the year 2025?

5. derive (v) - to get something from something else

She derived great satisfaction from helping other people.
• Do you believe it is possible to derive energy from the sun or wind? Why/Why not?
• Where do you derive your motivation from to keep going?

6. promotion (n) - the act of encouraging something to happen or develop

The promotion of increased ecological awareness is a common trend in the modern society.
• Would you like to participate in the promotion of environmental awareness? What kind
of contribution can you bring in?
• Why the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is important?

7. to have an issue with smb/sth - to have difficulty or disagreement with someone or

something
Some parents have an issue with their daughters or sons having a spouse with a different
religion.
• Why do sometimes employers have an issue with the employees?
• If you have issues with your parents do you try to explain your point of view or you
believe it is meaningless?

8. face (v): If you face a problem, or a problem faces you, you have to deal with it.
Lack of time is one of the many problems faced by working mothers.
• What are the main problems that students who move abroad face?
• If you face any problems related to your studies, how are you going to solve them?

9. insist (v) - to say firmly or demand forcefully, especially when others disagree with
or oppose what you say
She insisted on seeing her lawyer.
• If a teacher gave you C, but you are sure that all your answers are correct would you
insist on seeing your answers? Why/Why not?
• Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. To what extent do you agree
with the statement?
 10. claim (v) - to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and
other people might not believe it
He claims to have met the president, but I don't believe him.
• If one of your friends claimed that he met a President of the USA, would you believe
him? Why/Why not?
• Would you believe if someone claimed that he or she had learned a foreign language in
just one month? Explain your answer.

11. deny (v) - to say that something is not true

Neil denies that he broke the window, but I'm sure he did.
• Better deny at once than promise long. To what extent do you agree with the statement?
• Is it easy to deny responsibility? Why/Why not?

12. ought to (v) - used to show when it is necessary or would be a good thing to perform the
activity referred to by the following verb
Children ought to be in bed at 10 pm.
• Do you ought to wear uniform to school?
• If you come to the lesson without preparing your homework what a teacher ought to do?

13. grueling (adj) - extremely tiring and difficult, and demanding great effort and
determination
He eventually won the match after five grueling sets.
• Is it a grueling challenge for you to learn languages? Why/Why not?
• Is getting a promotion at work demands a grueling effort?

14. impressive (adj): If an object or achievement is impressive, you admire or respect it,
usually because it is special, important, or very large
There are some very impressive buildings in the town.
 • Can you give an example of an impressive building in your country? And what do you
believe is so special about it?
• What do you consider an impressive achievement is? And what can help anyone to gain
it?

15. reside (v) - to live in a place

The family resides in Spain.
• Where do you reside with your family?
• What is the best place to reside abroad?

Activities
I. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. I believe that depression stems from loneliness/laziness because… .

2. My contribution to society can be representing my country on international
competitions/achieving high results in my education because … .
3. I usually derive my motivation from my parents/famous people because … .
4. If I have issues with my parents, I try to discuss the problem with them/I just stay away
from everyone because … .
5. If you move to another country, you can face a lot of problems/get used to it easily
because … .
6. My father/mother usually insists on following the rules at home because … .
7. If one of my classmate claimed that he/she is a spy/a millionaire, I would believe
him/her because … .
8. If some scientist denied that gravitation exists, I would/wouldn’t believe him/her
because … .
9. Studying languages/working out is a grueling activity for me because … .
10. I would prefer to reside in a quiet countryside/a crowded city because … .
II. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. stem from/existence/contribution

2. accomplishment/derive/promotion

3. to have an issue with sth/face/insist

4. claim/deny/ought to
5. grueling/impressive/reside

III. Make sentences with the given words

1. derive
2. ban
3. reject
4. promotion
5. existence
6. face
7. stem from
8. encounter
9. gruelling
10. mysterious

IV. Discuss both views given below and express your opinion on the topic

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society.
Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

V. Continue the beginning of a story using your imagination

Rodger kept insisting that he had no idea about the meeting that had been held previous week.

His colleague Frank could hardly believe him as his brand-new invention was a source of

jealousy among all members of the company. Some important decisions might have been made

at the meeting leaving him with little chance to show his accomplishment. So, Frank decided to

claim …

VI. Choose the word that is similar in its meaning to the underlined word in the

sentences below

1. His importance and contribution can never be fully appreciated.

a) donation b) thoughtfulness c) obstruction

2. Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

a) progress b) achievement c) defeat

3. A lot of people derive enjoyment from watching comedies.

a) take b) give c) invent

4. You're faced with a very difficult choice there.

a) decided b)encountered c) seen

5. I would be a fool to deny my own abilities.

a) reject b) admit c) confirm

6. I know how grueling owning a restaurant can be.

a) simple b) tiring c)annoying

7. The project has already achieved impressive outcomes.

a) splendid b) insignificant c) appalling

8. Their passports do not give them the right to reside in Britain.

a) dwell on b) leave c) live in

 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 3 Lesson 3
Vocabulary list
Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. strictly (adv) - in a way that would bring severe punishment if not obeyed
The use of cameras in this museum is strictly forbidden.
• What is strictly forbidden in your school?
• Should smoking in the public places be strictly banned? Why/Why not?

2. force (n) - physical, especially violent, strength, or power

The force of the wind had brought down a great many trees in the area.
• You may force a man to shut his eyes, but you cannot make him sleep. To what extent do
you agree with the statement?
• Do you believe it is right to use force in order to make people do what you want?

3. logging (n) - the activity of cutting down trees in order to use their wood
The rule changes will allow logging of the last old-growth trees in many of the northwest
forests.
• How can the government decrease logging to save forests?
• Do you believe that logging companies are still popular around the world? Explain your
answer.

4. breed (v) - to keep animals for the purpose of producing young animals in
a controlled way

His main income comes from breeding cattle.

• Why do some people breed unique animals?

 Is breeding important? Why/Why not?
5. pushy (adj) - behaving in an unpleasant way by trying too much to get something or to
make someone do something
The salesman was a little too pushy, and we felt uncomfortable.
• It is important to be pushy in important situations and force people to finish tasks on
time?
• Do you believe it is necessary to be a pushy teacher? Explain your answer.

6. determine (v) - to control or influence something directly, or to decide what will happen
Your health is determined in part by what you eat.
• Who usually determines a holiday destination in your family?
• Are young people allowed to determine their own future in our country? Give some
reasons.

7. stubborn (adj) - a stubborn person is determined to do what he or she wants and refuses
to do anything else
They have huge arguments because they're both so stubborn.
• Describe a stubborn person in your family.
• Is it a good idea to be stubborn or it’s better to find a compromise in any situation?

8. aptitude (n) - natural ability or skill

My son has no aptitude for sports.
• Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. To what extent do you
agree with the statement?
• Do you believe that an aptitude it is something people are born with or it is something we
can learn through our lives?

9. termination (n) - the act of ending something or the end of something

Failure to comply with these conditions will result in termination of the contract.
• Which day is considered to be the termination of an academic year in Azerbaijan?
• Why is it necessary to give a notice of contract termination?

10. sprinter (n) - someone who runs short distances very fast, especially someone who
competes in races such as the 100 meters
Almost every sprinter can run 100 meters in 11 seconds.
• Would you like to be a sprinter? Why/Why not?
• Do you think that being a sprinter is a difficult job? Explain your answer.

11. negotiation (n) - the process of discussing something with someone in order to reach an
agreement with them, or the discussions themselves
The agreement was reached after a series of difficult negotiations.
• Are you good at leading negotiations? Explain your answer.
• What kind of abilities are important to be good at negotiations?

12. inseparable (adj) - if two or more things are inseparable, they are so closely connected
that they cannot be considered separately
My brother and I were inseparable.
• What feature is inseparable from our nation? (so it is difficult to image our people
without this peculiarity)
• What is an inseparable part of your daily routine?

13. chart (n) - a drawing that shows information in a simple way, often using lines and
curves to show amounts
There is a chart on the classroom wall showing the relative heights of all the children.
• Do you like when teachers use simple charts to explain lessons? Why/Why not?
• Do you believe that using charts in the presentation can help to show the information
clearly?

14. attribute (n) - a quality or characteristic that someone or something has

Organizational ability is an essential attribute for a good manager.
 • What are the main attributes of a good friend?
• What are important attributes of a good teacher?

15. consecutive (adj) - following one after another without an interruption

This is the fifth consecutive weekend that I've spent working.
• How many days of a consecutive vacation would you like to have? And where?
• If you had five consecutive days of windy and rainy weather, how would you feel?

Activities
I. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. In our home jumping on the bed/eating in the bedroom is strictly forbidden because … .
2. Arrogant people make me to feel irritated/neutral because … .
3. Pushy teacher makes me study hard/ hate the lesson because … .
4. My father/mother determines our plans for weekends because … .
5. Being stubborn is a positive/negative feature in my view because … .
6. My aptitude for speaking foreign languages is strong/weak because … .
7. Being good at negotiations means to reach results fast/to communicate effectively
because … .
8. The inseparable part of my life is my friends/my family because … .
9. The most important attribute of a good leader is vision/influence because … .
10. Logging is a harmful for environment/useful activity because … .

II. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. strictly/force/logging
2. pushy/determine/negotiation

3. stubborn/aptitude/termination

4. sprinter/inseparable/arrogant
5. chart/attribute/consecutive

III. Discuss the topics below (speaking min time – 2 min)

1. Do you agree or disagree with the idea that if someone wants to succeed, they should
work hard for consecutive days? Explain your answer.
2. Do you agree with the idea that politeness is an attribute of a gentleman? Give reasons.
3. What is your opinion about pushy people? Do you find them successful? Why/Why not?
4. Some people try to find a compromise with stubborn people, while others avoid them? To
what group do you belong? Why do you prefer to act like that?

IV. Discuss the views given below and express your opinion on the topic

• It's generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for
music and sport, and others are not. However, it's sometimes claimed that any child
can be taught to become a good sports person or musician.
• Some people say that studying at school is not important because the most important
things are leant outside the school.

V. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the below mentioned situations

 NB: the students may be divided into two groups to conduct this activity in a form of
debates

1. It’s becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and doing
to university.
2. With the rise of e-book comes the decline in paper books. Some people see it as a good
step forward while others do not.
3. Many elderly people are not looked after by their families but are out in care homes or
nursing homes.
4. It’s often considered that change is more beneficial to people than trying to avoid it and
have everything remain the same.

VI. Choose the word that is similar in its meaning to the underlined word in the

sentences below

1. The size and location of supermarkets is strictly controlled.

a) inexactly b) abnormally c) severely
2. At least I didn't turn out pushy and mean like.
a) bossy b) humble c) unassertive
3. He had a remarkable aptitude for learning words"
a) hate b) ability c) power
4. After six consecutive defeats, the team was almost ready to give up.
a) discontinuous b) intermittent c) sequential
5. People tend to attribute their success to external causes such as luck.
a) refer b) think c) blame
6. Mark down everything you eat on your daily chart.
a) map b) schedule c) picture
7. Compromise is reached by a process of negotiation.
a) challenge b) consideration c) talks

8. The dispute was brought to a satisfactory termination.

a) ending b) base c) opening
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 4 Lesson 1
Vocabulary list
Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. nerve-racking (adj) – something that is difficult to do and causes a lot of worry for
the person involved in it
My wedding was the most nerve-racking thing I have ever experienced.
• Why is the job interview usually a nerve-racking experience?
• How to avoid nerve-racking situation?

2. tense (adj) - nervous and worried and unable to relax

There were some tense moments in the second half of the game.
• Do you agree that having a strong sense of humor can help in some tense situations?
• How would you handle a tense situation among your peers at work?

3. terrifying (adj) - very frightening

A terrifying scream in the blackness of the night made my blood run cold.
• What makes a movie terrifying?
• Why do people tend to forget terrifying things that they did?

4. awkward (adj) - difficult to use, do, or deal with

I hoped he would stop asking awkward questions.
• What do you do when someone asks you awkward questions?
• What are some of the most awkward situations?

5. prominent (adj) - very well-known and important

The government should be playing a more prominent role in promoting human rights.
• What decisions are prominent in people's lives?
• What are the three prominent identity characteristics?

6. influential (adj) - having great influence on someone or something

She wanted to work for a bigger and more influential newspaper.
• What fact are influential for you when making a decision?
• Why is it important to be an influential leader?

7. tenacious (adj) - holding tightly onto something, or keeping an opinion in

a determined way
There has been tenacious local opposition to the new airport.
• Do you agree that being tenacious is a strength? Give reasons to your answer.
• Why is tenacity important in the workplace?

8. inspiring (adj) - encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something

She was an inspiring example to her followers.
• Do you agree that an inspiring teacher can stimulate students to succeed? Why/Why not?
• What inspiring words can you give to those who want to be leades in the future?

9. esteemed (adj) - highly respected

It is my honor to introduce our esteemed senator.
• What qualities make a teacher greatly loved and esteemed by the students?
• Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities . . . because it is the quality
which guarantees all others. (Winston Churchill) To what extent do you agree with this
statement?

10. settle (v) - to go and live somewhere, especially permanently

The Nelsons are hoping to settle in Australia in the near future.
• Why do most people prefer to settle abroad?
• Being on sea, sail; being on land, settle. How do you understand this statement?

11. straightforward (adj) - easy to understand or simple

It's quite straightforward to get here. Just follow the signs on the road.
• What does it mean to be a straightforward person?
• Do you like straightforward people? Why/why not?

12. restraint (n) - something that limits the freedom of someone or something, or
that prevents something from growing or increasing
The police were praised for their restraint in handling the demonstrators.
• What are negative effects of restraints?
• What is considered to be a restraint in schools?

13. aware (adj) - knowing that something exists, or having knowledge or experience of
a particular thing
He is not aware of the coming danger.
• Why is it important to be aware of everything that surrounds you?
• How is it possible to make smokers aware of the hazards of smoking?

14. daring (adj) - brave and taking risks

Her daring work behind the enemy lines is now legend.
• Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. To what extent do you agree with this
statement.
• How is it possible to know if a daring plan pays off or not?

15. defiant (adj) - proudly refusing to obey authority

The protesters blocking the entrance to the offices remained defiant this morning.
• What is a defiant person like?
• What to do with a student who is defiant?

Activities
I. Give as many details as possible on the topics below
1) A difficult challenge that you completed/met
• what the challenge was
• when and where you completed/met it
• why it was difficult
• how you felt about it

2) A famous person you would like to meet

• who this person is
• why you want to meet this person
• why this person is famous
 • what you would do if you meet him/her

3) A rule formed in your school that you agree/disagree with

• what the rule was
• for whom the rule was applicable
• why you didn't like the rule
• how you think the same thing could have been achieved without the rule

II. Describe the pictures using the given words

1. nerve-racking/tense/terrifying

2. prominent/influential/tenacious
3. inspiring/esteemed/settle

4. restraint/daring/awkward

5. aware/defiant/straightforward
III. Complete the sentences with the words from the box and discuss them
expressing your opinion

nerve-racking awkward daring prominent esteemed tense aware

inspiring terrifying influential

1. Being a guest on a talk show is pretty … .

2. The massage is the best way to relax … back muscles.
3. Waiting for something uncertain is … .
4. People usually feel … if they need to leave the party sooner than it ends.
5. The government should be playing a more … role in promoting human rights.
6. Parents are usually very … example to their children.
7. An … teacher can stimulate students to succeed.
8. Life is either a … adventure or nothing at all.
9. Courage is rightly … the first of human qualities because it is the quality which
guarantees all others.
10. Not to make the same mistake again, you should be … of the previous one.

IV. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is an odd one

1. terrifying, frightening, restraint, scary

2. nerve-racking, esteemed, inspiring, influential
3. obscure, influential, prominent, significant
4. settle, aware, establish, live

V. Discuss the situations below with your groupmates and find together the best
possible solutions
• Job interviews are one of the most nerve-racking occasions. You've always wanted to
work with X IT firm, and you're finally invited to an interview. As the big day arrives,
you dress smartly and are well prepared, but when the interviewer starts asking
questions, you mix up all of your answers, and things quickly spiral out of control.
What would you do if you found yourself in this situation?

• Imagine you are a highly esteemed actor whose films are watched by a lot of people,
you've always been tenacious in the face of hardship, and you've put in a lot of effort
to get to where you are. One of your fans approaches you on the street and asks for a
photo with you; however, because you aren't feeling well that day, you politely decline;
she then goes online and posts on her blog about how unhappy she is and how
disrespectful you are to her. Some people defend her, claiming that as a star, you should
always appreciate your followers and be prepared to take photos with them, while
others argue it is perfectly normal.

What would you do in this situation?

VI. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

• Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.

• All people should be vegetarians.

• Animal testing should be banned.

• Social media does more harm than good.

• Robots should have rights.

 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 4 Lesson 2
Vocabulary list
Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. rigorous (adj) - careful to look at or consider every part of something to make certain it
is correct or safe
The car is put through rigorous road performance tests.
• Why should there be rigorous standards in the food safety?
• Teenagers should be subjected to rigorous discipline. To what extent do you agree with
the statement?

2. tough (adj) - strong; not easily broken or made weaker

These toys are made from tough plastic.
• What situations might require people to make a tough decision?
• Why tough teachers get good results from their students?

3. ward off (phrasal verb) - to prevent someone or something unpleasant from harming or
coming close to you

In the winter I take vitamin C to ward off colds.

• How to ward off heartbreak?
• Why do people try to ward off adventures knowing that life is really short?

4. contribute (v) - to give something, especially money,

in order to provide or achieve something together with other people
The three sons also contribute to the family business.
• Don't try to win a friend by presenting gifts, contribute sincere love instead. To what
extent do you agree with this statement?
• What can a person do to contribute to all humanity?

5. rank (n) - a position in an organization, such as the army, showing the importance of
the person having it
He has just been promoted to the rank of captain.
• Name five advantages of having a high rank at work.
 • Wealth, and rank, such things are nothing but shadows. To what extent do you
agree with the statement?

6. advancement (n) - the development or improvement of something

All she was interested in was the advancement of her own career.
• How does technology advancement impact our environment?
• How has technology advancement changed our lives?

7. brave (adj) - showing no fear of dangerous or difficult things

Of the three organizations criticized, only one was brave enough to face the press.
• Why is bravery important for survival?
• Name five brave things people can do?

8. life-threatening (adj) - able to cause death

A life-threatening disease is a very serious one that can cause death.
• What things might be life-threatening for a person’s career?
• How do people deal with a life-threatening illness?

9. arduous (adj) - difficult, needing a lot of effort and energy

The refugees made an arduous journey through the mountains.

• Give an example of an arduous activity?

• What would you do if the task turned out to be more arduous than you had calculated?

10. orphan (n) - a child whose parents are dead

He has been an orphan since he was five.
• How does being an orphan affect a child?
• What help do orphans need the most?

11. passion (n) - an extreme interest in or wish for doing something, such as a hobby,
activity, etc.
Anton has a consuming passion for science fiction.
 • Where passion is high, there reason is low. To what extent do you agree with this
statement?
• Why is passion important for a person who wants to be successful?

12. con (n) - a disadvantage or a reason for not doing something

One of the cons of buying a bigger car is that it costs more to run.
• What are the cons of watching Netflix a lot?
• Do you care about cons of social media? Why/ Why not?

13. accomplishment (n) - something that is successful, or that is achieved after a lot
of work or effort

That was the greatest accomplishment of my life.

• Do you agree that money will be crucial to the accomplishment of our objectives?
• Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. To what extent do you agree with
this statement?

14. encouragement (n) - words or behavior that give someone confidence to do something

I could never have achieved this without the encouragement of my husband and family.

• Why is encouragement important for people?

• Why it is important that teachers provide encouragement to every student?

15. lenient (adj) - not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expected

They believe that judges are too lenient with terrorist suspects.

• Do you agree that the police should be more lenient with female offenders?
• Why should pollution controls be stricter, less lenient?

Activities

I. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. Rigorous discipline helps student to focus on their lessons/makes students anxious and
less motivated because … .
2. It helps me to work harder/It irritates me if my teacher is tough because … .
3. It is hard/easy to persevere your goals and stay dedicated because … .
4. Person can contribute to his future by studying hard/caring about his health because … .
5. Advancement in technology helps us to care about/destroys environment because … .
6. Being a brave person means putting yourself in dangerous situations/being a cautious
person because … .
7. Keeping a house clean/working outside is an arduous activity because … .
8. My greatest passion is to travel around the country/to find a job that I will be happy to
do because … .
9. Studying overseas has a lot of advantages/disadvantages because… .
10. If the government is lenient with rules people usually try to follow them/find ways to get
away because … .

II. Describe the pictures using the given word

1. rigorous/tough/persevere

2. contribute/rank/advancement
3. brave/life-threatening/arduous

4. orphan/passion/overseas

5. accomplishment/encouragement/lenient
 III. Read the scenario, decide what challenges the character has faced, and suggest
a possible solution

You are overweight and new in school. People are already poking fun at you. This is the
third school in the district and there is nowhere to move to. You decide to channel your feelings
and become very isolated. At home you pretend school is great and you love it. Your parents are
so proud. Four weeks later your counselor calls home . . . What issues do you face? How have
you dealt with the problem thus far? What will happen to you? Weigh your choices.

IV. Answer the questions below with your groupmates who should agree or disagree
with your answer and explain why they share/don’t share your opinion
1. Do you agree with the idea that orphans always feel lonely? Why? ☹
2. Some people prefer to travel overseas and go sightseeing to take a rest, while others
prefer to stay at home and read books. Which one do you prefer?
3. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that encouragement is so important for
soldiers?
4. Do you support the idea that technology advancement has a negative impact on today’s
children?
5. What would you do to have a high rank at work?

V. Taboo

Explain the words in bold. It’s prohibited to use the words given in column under the

main word.

rigorous
× careful
× rule
× behavior
× test
× detailed

tough

× situation
× difficult
× nervous
× strong
× teacher
contribute

× help
× people
× work
× money
× provide

advancement

× technology
× improvement
× robot
× artificial intelligence
× change

brave

× courage
× dangerous
× person
× afraid
× help

orphan

× parent
× kid
× have
× die
× condition
lenient

× punishment
× parent
× behavior
× strong
× thorough

passion

× love
× interest
× do
× hobby
× activity
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 4 Lesson 3
Vocabulary list
Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. extinct (adj) -not now existing

There is concern that the giant panda will soon become extinct.
• Are humans causing animals to go extinct? How?
• How to prevent animal extinction?

2. endangered (adj) - in danger of being harmed, lost, unsuccessful,

The list of endangered species includes nearly 600 fishes.
• What do you know about endangered animals?
• Why we should save endangered animals?

3. habitat (n) - the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives:
With so many areas of woodland being cut down, a lot of wildlife is losing its natural habitat.
• What causes habitat loss and destruction?
• How can habitat destruction be prevented?

4. creature (n) - any large or small living thing that can move independently; an imaginary
animal or person, or one that is very strange and frightening
Blue whales are the largest creatures ever to have lived.

• What would you do if you met creatures from the outer space?

• What creatures live in the rainforests?

5. qualification (n) - an ability, characteristic, or experience that makes you suitable for
a particular job or activity
Some nursing experience is a necessary qualification for this job.
• Why are skills and qualifications important for a job?
• What are the most important qualification for being an effective teacher?
 6. seek (v) - to try to find or get something, especially something that is not
a physical object
"Are you actively seeking jobs?" she asked.
• What are some things people seek in life?
• Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. To what extent do you agree with this
statement?

7. artificial (adj) - made by people, often as a copy of something natural:

Organic food is produced without artificial chemicals or pesticides.
• What is artificial intelligence?
• What is the importance of artificial intelligence in today's world?

8. gentle (adj) - kind and careful not to hurt anyone or anything

He is very gentle with his kids.
• What does it mean when a guy is gentle with you?
• How does a gentle person usually behave?

9. lately (adv) - recently

I have not been feeling so well lately.
• Have you seen any good films lately? If yes, which film was it? And talk about that film.
• What activities have you been doing lately?

10. sunscreen (n) - a substance that you put on your skin to prevent it from
being damaged by the sun
Reapply sunscreen hourly and after swimming.
• Why is it important to wear sunscreen outside?
• What happens if you do not wear sunscreen?

11. curious (adj) - interested in learning about people or things around you
I am curious to see what is going to happen on the political scene.
• Why is it important to be curious at work?
• How does curiosity affect us?
 12. bother (v) - to make someone feel worried or upset
I do not care if he does not come - it does not bother me.
• What should be done when people are bothering you?
• Why do people like to bothers others?

13. yell (v) - to shout something or make a loud noise, usually when you are angry, in pain,
or excited:
Our neighbours were yelling at each other this morning.
• Why do people tend to yell when they are angry?
• How can you calm someone who yells at you?

14. confusion (n) - a situation in which people do not understand what is happening, what
they should do or who someone or something is
To avoid confusion, the twins never wore the same clothes.
• What causes confusion in communication?
• How do you resolve confusion in the workplace?

1. gorgeous (adj) -very beautiful and attractive

The bride looked gorgeous.
• What activities do people mainly do in gorgeous weather?
• What makes a gorgeous face?

Activities
I. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. Elephants/foxes will become extinct soon because … .

2. Rain forests/zoos are the best habitat for wild animals because … .
3. Tigers are the most beautiful/dangerous creatures in the world because … .
4. Having a qualification is important if you want to work as a lawyer/plumber because
….
5. It is important/unnecessary for a teacher to be gentle towards her/his students
because … .
 6. Sunscreen can prevent you from the sunburn when you travel to the beach/to the
pool because … .
7. Yelling at students all the time pushes them to understand topics better/makes them
unmotivated because … .
8. If you don’t get clear instructions about the task from your teacher that can lead to
confusion and you will finish on time/waste the time because … .
9. Sunset/dawn looks gorgeous because … .
10. Adults/small children are curious about the world around them because … .

II. Describe the pictures using the given words

1. extinct/endangered/habitat

2. creature/gentle/gorgeous
3. qualification/seek/lately

4. artificial/sunscreen/curious

5. yell/confusion/bother

III. Answer the questions below giving as many details as possible

• Why children should be taught how to protect themselves?

• What was your survival scenario on the deserted island?
• Would you get lonely? If you could take one person, who would it be?
• How would you signal for help if you were stuck on a desert island?
• What's the single most important thing you need to survive in the wild?
• If you're looking for insects to eat, which ones should you avoid?
• It's a good idea to build your shelter near what?
• How can you determine the distance of an oncoming storm?
• An insect diet can actually save your life by providing you with which of these much-
needed bodily sources of energy?

IV. Speak about the topics offered below

1) Describe a book you have read lately

• what kind of book it is
• what it is about
• why you liked it

2) Describe a gentle person

• how you know this person
• what sort of person he/she is
• why you think that he/she is a gentle person

3) Describe a place with interesting creatures

• where it is
• how you heard of it
• what creatures can be seen
• why it might be an interesting place to visit

4) Talk about one of the endangered animals

• how you feel about it
• what/who causes it to go extinct
• what you’d do to prevent extinction

V. Discuss the situations below with your groupmates and find together the
best possible solutions

• Your teacher assigned you a task that required you to read X book and prepare questions.
The one thing your teacher didn't mention was inviting a well-known Y author and getting
the opportunity to meet him or her in person. You neglected to read the book and instead
relied on an internet storyline description. As the day progressed, everyone began asking
questions on the book, and when it was your turn, you embarrassed yourself by asking a
 question about another book with the same title but different writers. (Obviously, you read
the wrong plot summary). How long do you think it would take you to forget this traumatic
experience?

• You work as a teacher in a private school, and one defiant student in your class is always
disrupting class activities bothering and yelling at his/her classmates. When you ask a
question, X student does not raise her hand and call out the answer, indicating that she does
not respect other pupils. Other pupils who raise their hands and wait for your approval
become discouraged. She appears to be aware of what she is doing but unconcerned about
it. How would you approach this issue?
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 5 Lesson 1
Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. optimist (n) - someone who always believes that good things will happen

To an optimist every change is a change for the better.

• Do you agree with the idea that having optimist friends has a lot of advantages? Explain
your answer.
• Some people think that optimistic friends are annoying, while others think spending time
with them is enjoyable. What do you think?

2. pessimist (n) - a person who thinks that bad things are more likely to happen or
who emphasizes the bad part of a situation

Don't be so pessimist, look the bright side of this story.

• Why do you think most of the pessimists always see the difficulties in every moment?
• When was the last time you were a real pessimist? And what was the main reason?

3. setback (n) - something that happens that delays or prevents a process from

Leila had been recovering well from her operation, but yesterday she experienced a setback.

• Do you remember the moment in you life when you had a setback? How did you deal
with that situation?
• What is your opinion about the people who exaggerate every minor setback?

4. adrenaline junkie (n) - a person with a compulsive desire for excitement and adventure

Rauf flipped his bike backward because he is such the adrenaline junkie.

• Adrenaline junkies live a very dangerous life. To what extent do you degree with this
statement?
• Some people prefer to be an adrenaline junkie, while others think that being an
adrenaline junkie can lead you to trouble? What do you think about it?
5. well-organized (n) - having or showing good organization skills

He was smart and well-organized.

 • Why a plan should be well-organized?
• Do you agree with the idea that social activities in our country is well-organized?
Why/Why not?

6. criticism (n) - the expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of

perceived faults or mistakes.

I have a few criticisms to make about your speech.

• Do you agree or disagree with the statement that most of people’s suggestions are meant
as a criticism? Explain your answer.
• If you were a celebrity, could you accept your follower’s criticisms on social media?
Provide some reasons.

7. adventurous (adj) - willing to try new, unusual, and exciting things

Instead of staying in the hotel all the time, we wanted to go out and be adventurous.

• Could you share your most adventurous day with us?

• If you were bored at home, what kind of adventurous activities could you
do to cheer yourself up?

8. get over (v) - to start to feel happy or well again after something bad has happened to you

It can take weeks to get over an illness.

• Do you remember the time when it took you ages to get over something?
• What should some people do to get over the problems?

9. addict (n) - a person who cannot stop doing or using something, especially something
harmful

My nephew is a complete video game addict. He spends all day playing on the computer.

• What is the difference between the words “habit” and “addiction”? Could you give some
examples, please?
• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that parents should not let their children have a
mobile phone till the age of 15, to keep them away being addicted to gadgets a lot? Give
some reasons to your answer.

10. contestant (n) - a person who takes part in a contest or competition

In tonight's quiz, our contestants have come from all over the country.
 • Would you like to be a contestant in one of the popular programs in the world? Why/Why
not?
• Some people prefer to be a competitive contestant, while others think that being
competitive and envious are the same things. What is your opinion about this?

11. commit (v) - to do something illegal or something that is considered wrong

He was sent to prison for a crime that he didn't commit.

• Men commit more crimes than women. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that people who commit a crime should have a
bad condition in the prison? Why/Why not?

12. alibi (n) - proof that someone who is thought to have committed a crime could not have
done it, esp. the fact or claim that the person was in another place at
the time the crime happened.

You’re late again – what’s your alibi this time?

• If you were arrested, because of the crime that you did not commit, who do you think
could find an alibi for you and why?
• Why do people need alibi?

13. persistence (n) - the fact of continuing in an opinion or course of action despite difficulty
or opposition

Raul’s persistence and enthusiasm have helped the group to achieve its international success.

• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that people first should have persistence, and then
luck?
• Have you ever had any dreams that paid off at the end of your persistence? Could you
please share your feelings with us?

14. procrastinate (v) - to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is
unpleasant and boring

I know I have got to deal with the problem at some point-I am just procrastinating

• Exam time is hell for the students who procrastinate. To what extent do you agree with
this statement? Are you one of such students?
• Why do you think most of the people usually procrastinate when it comes to paperwork?
Is this related to advanced technologies?
 15. indifferent (adj) - not thinking about or interested in someone or something

He found it very hard teaching a class full of indifferent teenagers.

• What do you think of people who are indifferent to people who are suffering from pain?
• Do you find it right when people are indifferent to elections? Explain your answer.

Activities

I. Speak in details about the topics below

1) Describe a plan you have for the future

! what kind of plan it is

! what you would need to do to achieve it

! how long you have had this plan

! how difficult it would be to fulfil it

2) Describe what you do to stay fit and healthy

! what you do

! how often you do it

! who you do it with

! why you think staying fit and healthy is important

3) Describe someone you know who has started a business

! who this person is

! what work this person does

! why this person decided to start a business

! and explain whether you would like to do the same kind of work as this person.
 II. Taboo
Explain the words in bold. It’s prohibited to use the words given in column under the main
word.

optimist
× think
× good
× pessimist
× positive
× future

setback
× obstacle
× stop
× problem
× failure
× prevent

criticism
× negative
× comment
× dislike
× opinion
× bad
get over
× recover
× feel
× good
× situation
× again

addict
× a lot
× like

× do
× stop
× bad

contestant
× race
× compete
× person
× athlete
× sport

alibi
× crime
× proof
× witness
× person
× help
indifferent
× interest
× activity
× like
× pay attention
× have

III. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. optimist/pessimist/setback
2. adrenaline/junkie/well-organized/adventurous

3. criticism/get over/contestant
 4. addict/commit/alibi

5. persistence/procrastinate/indifferent

IV. Complete the sentences below with the words given in the box and discuss the
sentences expressing your opinion

setback criticism indifferent adrenaline optimist pessimist addicted

persistence commit

1. An … sees an opportunity in every calamity; a … sees a calamity in every opportunity-

Give your opinion
2. The team always suffer a major … when the best player is injured.
3. The … and stress of an adventure are better than a thousand peaceful days.
4. Silence is sometimes the severest ... .
5. We are … to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking.
6. Women … far less crime than men.
7. If you wish to succeed, you should use … as your good friend, experience as your
reference, prudence as your brother and hope as your sentry.
8. It’s impossible to be … to the sufferings of starving people.

V. Discuss the questions below explaining your point of view in details

1. What are the advantages of having an optimist friend?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the idea that children are addicted to mobile phones?
Why?
3. Some people prefer criticisms from others, while others do not want to accept. Which one
do you prefer and why?
4. Do you support the opinion that adventurous activities make us love our life more? Why?
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 5 Lesson 2
Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. centenarian (n) - a person who has reached the age of 100 years

An estimated 70, 000 centenarians live in America today.

• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that most of centenarians live in the mountains?
Why?
• Some people want to reach the age of 100, while others think that there is no point in
being a centenarian. What is your attitude towards this issue?

2. strenuous (adj) - needing or using a lot of of physical or mental effort or energy

His doctor advised him not to do any strenuous exercises.

• If you had a strenuous year, how would you take a rest right after that year?
• Why strenuous activities might be dangerous for health?

3. anticipate (v) - to imagine or expect that something will happen

Are you anticipating a lot of people at the party tonight?

• If you were a singer, would you be able to anticipate an audience’s needs? What do you
think an audience’s needs are?
• Which problems could you anticipate in the past before they arose? How?

4. enroll (v) - to put yourself or someone else onto the official list of members of
a course, college, or group

Rauf is enrolled as a part-time student.

• Do you support the idea that students should be able to enroll in the universities with their
school diplomas?
• If you had a chance, which contest would you like to enroll in, and why?

5. dizzy (adj) - feeling as if everything is turning around, and that you are
not able to balance and may fall over
Climbing so high made me feel dizzy.

• What can make people feel dizzy?

• When was the last time you suffered from feeling dizzy? How did you deal with the
situation?

6. complication (n) - something that makes a situation more difficult

Blindness is a common complication of diabetes.

• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that the age difference is a complication to the
relationship?
• Imagine that your car ran out of petrol in the middle of the road, and as a complication
you had no money. What would you do?

7. mortgage (n) - an agreement that allows you to borrow money from

a bank or similar organization, especially in order to buy a house, or
the amount of money itself

They took out a £400,000 mortgage to buy the house.

• Do you find it logical to take out a 25-year mortgage? Why?

• Do you agree with the idea that the mortgage is a great worry for people?

8. come up with (v) - to suggest or think of an idea or plan

They came up with a plan to double the income.

• Some people prefer to study alone, while others prefer to study in a group to come up
with different ideas. Which one do you prefer? Give reasons to your answer.
• If you wanted to buy a car which you have dreamed about for a long time, how would
you try to come up with money?

9. heal (v) - to make or become well again, especially after a cut or other injury

A broken heart takes a long time to heal.

• Why do you think a broken heart takes a long time to heal?

• When was the last time you had wounds that it took a long period of time to heal?
 10. accelerate (v) - to move more quickly, or to make something happen faster or sooner

He stepped on the gas and accelerated rapidly to pass a car.

• What is your opinion about using chemicals to accelerate the growth of products?
• If you were a president, how would you accelerate the economic growth?

11. venture (n) - a new activity, usually in business, that involves risk or uncertainty
His most recent business venture ended in bankruptcy.
• What was the greatest venture of your life?
• Should people sometimes take risk or it is better to avoid ventures? Why?

12. consistently (adv) - in a way that does not change

The president has consistently denied the rumors.
• Are you consistently making the same mistakes? Why/Why not?
• What should you do if you face problems in your education life consistently?

13. reassuring (adj) - making you feel less worried

He smiled at me in a reassuring way.

• When you have an exam, do you try to put a reassuring smile on your face? Why/Why
not?
• What do you think should people do to feel reassuring, when they are in trouble?

14. ease (v) - to make or become less severe, difficult, unpleasant, painful

These pills should ease the pain.

• Some people prefer to avoid taking medicine to ease their pains and think that they can
heal by using traditional methods, while others take a medicine whenever they have pain.
Which one do you prefer and why?
• If you had a position in The Baku Transport Agency, which ways would you use to ease
the traffic jam?
 15. contain (v) - to have something inside or include something as a part

How much liquid do you think this bottle contains?

• Could please make some complex sentences that contain narrative tenses?
• Do you agree with the statement that tinned food does not contain artificial ingredients?

Activities

I. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. The country that has a lot of centenarians is Africa/Georgia because………

2. When I was younger I used to enroll in many different art/sport activities because…
3. If you don’t sleep at night/watch a lot of TV, you will feel dizzy because……
4. Feeling homesick/having difficulties to make new friends is a common complication of
moving abroad because ……….
5. If I took a mortgage to buy a house I would feel relaxed/distressed most of the time
because…………
6. If you had to come up with idea to improve traffic jam it would be improving public
transportation/developing the road system because………
7. People can be more environmentally friendly by using electrical cars/cycling to work or
school because…………
8. Learning new skills/getting qualification is the most important advancement in order to
get a well-paid job because…….
9. If I had a headache, I would take a medicine/have a nap to ease my pain because……
10. Fast food contains a lot of vitamins/harmful additives because ……….

II. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. centenarian/strenuous/anticipate
2. enroll/complication/mortgage
3. come up with/heal/dizzy

4. accelerate/environmentally/friendly/advancements

5. reassuring/ease/contain
 III. Describe the pictures below and answer the questions

1. What do you think extreme sports are? 2. What makes them extreme?
3. What kinds of extreme sports are popular in your country?
4. Have you tried any dangerous or extreme sports? What did you do?
5. Would you scubadive with sharks for $50000USD? Explain your answer.

IV. Continue the stories below (all the students make sentences in turn)
1. There was a centenarian who lived up to the ripe old age of 150, despite of his old age, he
was still capable of performing strenuous tasks such as…………. Once a young journalist
sought to interview the elderly man. It was a ………. day.

! describe the place he was living

! mention the types of questions that can be asked during the interview process and provide
responses for each
 2. Once upon a time, there was a girl who was on her way in order to enroll in her dream
university, As she was walking down the street all of a sudden she started to feel dizzy,
when she opened her eyes, she realized that she was somewhere completely ……..

3. After being assigned a group project about pollution, students were required to demonstrate
a PowerPoint slide that covered several types of pollution, including............. The slide had
to contain information about environmentally friendly products such as.............. Having
the slide presented, it was high time to evaluate students’ hard work. The teacher began her
speech by saying………..

V. Debates: provide minimum three reasons that are contrary to your groupmate’s and give
some explanation to support your answer

1) Some people are environmentally friendly, while others do not care about the
environment. What is your opinion about this topic?
2) Do you agree or disagree with the idea that most of centenarians live in the mountains?
Why?
3) Do you agree or disagree with the idea that a broken heart takes to heal?
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 5 Lesson 3
Vocabulary list

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. quit (v) - to stop doing something or leave a job or a place

I'm going to quit smoking.

• Would you quit your job, even if you earned a lot of money? What would the reasons be?
• Why do you think it is really hard to quit smoking for the men?

2. drawback (n) - a disadvantage or the negative part of a situation

One of the drawbacks of living with someone is having to share a bathroom.

• Could you please tell us the drawbacks of being addicted to mobile phones?
• Some people think that working for a big company is a real drawback, while others think
that working for a company has loads of merits. What do you think?

3. rewarding (adj) - giving a reward, especially by making you feel satisfied that you have
done something important or useful, or done something well

Textbook writing can be an intellectually and financially rewarding activity.

• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that teaching is a rewarding job? Explain your
answer.
• Let’s talk about some rewarding jobs that there is no money in them.

4. exhilarating (adj) - making you feel very excited and happy

An exhilarating sense of new beginnings swept through him.

• When was the last time you spent an exhilarating day which made you feel extremely
happy? And, why?
• Which exhilarating activity you have always wanted to do, but it is so risky? Why?

5. reasonable (adj) - acceptable, not too expensive

We have a strong team and a reasonable chance of winning the game.

• Could you tell us the characteristics of a reasonable fellow?

• If you wanted to buy a home, would you look for the reasonable price or location? Why?
 6. secular (adj) - not having any connection with religion

We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and

less influence on our daily lives.

• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that we live in a secular society? Explain your
answer.
• What is your personal opinion about secular education?

7. dead heat (n) - a competition in which two or more competitors finish at exactly the
same time or with exactly the same result

The race ended in a dead heat.

• If you participated in a competition with your best friend, would you like to win the game
or end in a dead heat? Why?
• Do you get angry when football matches end in a dead heat? Why?

8. moonlight (v) - to work an extra job, especially without tellingyour main employer

A qualified teacher, he moonlighted as a waiter in the evenings to pay the rent.

• Do you agree with the idea that most of the students moonlight as delivery men/waiters
to help their family members or they do it just for fun? Explain your answer.
• If you were a student abroad, which occupation would you choose to moonlight, and
why?

9. coincidental (adj) – happening completely by chance

Our meeting was coincidental

• Do you like the movies that are purely coincidental with real events? Why?
• Some people prefer to have friends who have totally different hobbies, while others like
to have a friend who has coincidental stories. Which one do you prefer?
 10. fortuitous (adj) - not planned, happening by chance

The discovery of the files was fortuitous.

• Some people prefer to have planned journeys, while others think that fortuitous holidays
are the best ones. Do you think that when we plan something beforehand, most of the
time it does not happen? Give some reasons.
• Describe the time when you had a fortuitous meeting.

11. expose (v) - to remove what is covering something so that it can be seen;
to publicly show that someone or something is bad or dishonest

His comments in the interview could expose him to charges of perjury.

• Why do you think people are afraid of to expose their emotions to others?
• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that paparazzi always want to expose the shameful
events to the websites? Explain your answer.

12. hazardous (adj) - dangerous

Chemicals are hazardous to health.

• Could you name some addictions that are hazardous to health?

• If you were a bodyguard of the president, would it be a hazardous occupation for you?

13. gratifying (adj) - pleasing and satisfying

It must be very gratifying to see all your childrengrown up and happy.

• When was the last time you had a gratifying experience? Why was it gratifying for you?
• If you were known by many people, would it make you feel gratifying?

14. proclaim (v) - to announce something publicly or officially, especiallysomething positive

All the countries have proclaimed their loyalty to the alliance.

• What kind of issues should be proclaimed by countries?

• When our president proclaimed the victory, how did you feel? Could you share your
feelings with us?

15. opponent (n) - a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it
or tries to change it
In the second game, her opponent hurt her leg and had to retire.

• Do you agree or disagree with the idea that having a formidable opponent is really an
important factor in a game? Explain your answer.
• When was the last time you participated in competition? Could you talk about your
opponents?

Activities

I. Complete the sentences giving your reasons

1. I will quit fast food/playing computer games and start a healthy life
because…………….
2. Living in the city/in the countryside has a lot of drawbacks because…
3. Teaching/working as a doctor is a really rewarding job because…….
4. If I won a million dollar/traveled around the world, it would make me to feel
exhilarating because…….
5. Being trustworthy/honest is a reasonable characteristic of a good friend
because……….
6. Ending the game in a dead heat is usually annoying/satisfying because…….
7. If I were at the university I would moonlight as a waiter/delivery man
because…….
8. Drinking too much coke/watching too much television is hazardous for your
health because…….
9. Being around your family/studying abroad is a gratifying experience for me
because……
10. I would like to have a coincidental meeting with Elon Mask/Cristiano Ronaldo
because…….
 II. Taboo
Explain the words in bold. It’s prohibited to use the words given in column under the main
word.

quit
× job
× leave
× stop
× do
× abandon

drawback
× disadvantage
× negative
× situation
× advantage
× something

coincidental
× expect
× happen
× chance
× meet
× do
hazardous
× danger
× risky
× health
× protect
× situation

opponent
× play
× sport

× game
× person
× against

exhilarating
× interesting
× happy
× very
× excited
× good

reasonable
× price
× expensive
× opinion
× acceptable
× logic
dead heat
× time
× result
× game
× equal
× same

III. Describe the pictures below using the given words

1. quit/drawback/rewarding
2. exhilarating/reasonable/secular

3. moonlight/gratifying/proclaim

4. fortuitous/expose/hazardous
 5. opponent/dead heat/coincidental

IV. Speak in details about the topics below

1) Talk about a rewarding experience

! what the experience is
! when you first began to have this experience
! how easy or difficult you think it was
! why you call this rewarding

2) Describe the exhilarating day in your life

! what the event was

! where it happened
! what you saw and did
! why you remember this as exhilarating day

3) Name some chemicals that are hazardous to health

! what the chemicals are

! why you think so
! what you saw and came to decision
! which dangerous symptoms you found out

V. Give your opinion on the quotes below

1. “To know what life is worth you have to risk it once in a while.” Jean- Paul Sartre
2. “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” Mark Zukerberg
3. “Risk is the unique path to success.” Adria J. Cimino, ‘A Perfumer's
4. "Danger can never be overcome without taking risks." Latin Proverb
5. The risks were calculated. The risks were justified. No one ever ascended a mountain without
risk.” Liane Moriarty, ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’, 2018.
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 6 Lesson 1

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. facility (n) – a building, equipment, or service provided for a specific purpose

This city has amazing facilities.

● What facilities does your city have?

● What facilities do you think every school must have?

2. convenient (adj) – suitable for your needs; easy to use

My house is in a convenient location.

● Do you live in a convenient location?

● Is the public transportation in your city convenient?

3. urban (adj) – of or in a city/town

People prefer to live in urban areas.

● What are the advantages of urban areas?

● Do you think in the future urban areas will still be popular?

4. rural (adj) - in, of, or like the countryside

Certain cities in Azerbaijan are quite rural.

● How can governments improve rural areas?

● Have you ever lived in a rural area?

5. cosmopolitan (adj) – including people from many countries

New York is a cosmopolitan city.

 ● Would you like to live in a cosmopolitan city? Why/why not?
● Do you consider your hometown cosmopolitan? Why/why not?

6. metropolis (n) – the capital or main city of a country

Baku is a metropolis.

● What are the drawbacks of living in a metropolis?

● Describe what a metropolis should have.

7. extravagant (adj) – more expensive than necessary; having the characteristics of being
expensive

Many people enjoy having extravagant weddings.

● Have you ever attended an extravagant event? Describe it.

● Would you like to have an extravagant birthday party or wedding?

8. enormous (adj) – very large in size or quantity

The White House is enormous.

● Give 2 examples of enormous buildings in your city and describe them.

● Do you live in an enormous house/apartment?

9. vague (adj) – uncertain; unclear

The witness kept giving vague answers to the detective’s questions.

● Do you get angry when people give you vague answers?

● What do you do when your teacher gives vague instructions in class?

10. rustic (adj) – simple and rough in appearance; typical of the countryside

The bench you are sitting on is rustic.

● What rustic furniture do you know?

● Do you find rustic objects charming or ugly? Why?

11. renowned (adj) - known by many people; famous

Michael Jackson was a renowned person.

● Have you ever met a renowned person?

● Who are some renowned singers in your country?

12. majestic (adj) – very beautiful; causing admiration because of its size or beauty

The Taj Mahal is a majestic mausoleum.

● In your opinion, what features make a building majestic? Can you give some examples of
majestic buildings?
● Do you think the White House is majestic?

13. run-down (adj) – a building or area that is poor and not well-taken care of

Certain neighborhoods are run-down and need to be developed.

● How can governments improve run-down areas in your country?

● Why do some cities become run-down?

14. exhausted (adj) – very tired

I felt exhausted after a long day at work.

● What do you do when you feel exhausted?

● When was the last time you were exhausted?

15. intersection (n) – a point where two or more roads meet

I got into a car crash at the intersection.

● Are there any intersections where you live?

● Do you find intersections dangerous? How can governments make them safer?
Activities

I. Match the antonyms and make sentences using both of the words

urban new

exhausted rural
run-down tiny
enormous energetic
vague clear

II. Answer the questions below

● What are some iconic landmarks in Baku?

● Would you prefer to live in an urban or rural area?
● Have you ever lived in another city?
● What are some tourist locations in your hometown?
● Which cities would you like to visit?
● Why do some people prefer living in the countryside?
● What is the weather like in your country?

III. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is the odd one out

1. London/Spain/Morocco/Jamaica/France
2. tired/active/fatigued/exhausted/lifeless
3. attic/basement/garage/park/pantry
4. the Maiden Tower/Flame Towers/the Statue of Liberty/Old Town/Heydar Aliyev Palace
5. old-fashioned/run-down/modern/old/ancient

IV. Define the words given below

1. accommodation
2. congestion
3. construction
4. residential area
 5. resident
6. pollution
7. deteriorate
8. fancy
9. basement
10. bungalow

V. Describe the city in the following picture

Where do you think this city is? (answer: Lisbon, Portugal)

What facilities does it have?
Would you like to live there?
How many people do you think dwell there?

VI. Imagine you work at a travel agency and want to convince customers to fly to Baku.
Give a persuasive speech for at least 2 minutes

• What can tourists do in Baku?

• What is the weather like?
• When is the best season/month to fly to Baku?
 • Why should they choose Baku for their next vacation?

VII. Answer the questions below

1. What makes a city more attractive for tourists?

2. How can your government make your city more tourist-friendly?
3. What is one of the ugliest cities you have been to?
4. Why are more and more people leaving the countryside?
5. Do you think there will be no rural areas in the future? Explain your answer.
6. What are some problems of living in large cities?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a beautiful city in another country.

You should say:

• Where it is
• How you know about this city
• What people can do in that city
• And explain why it is beautiful
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 6 Lesson 2

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. estimate (v) – to guess or calculate the size, number etc. of something

I estimate that 1 million people live here.

● Are you good at estimating prices when you go shopping?

● How many people do you estimate live in Latvia?

2. nickname (n) – an informal name given to something or someone; a funny or shorter name
given to people

Although my name is Jessica, my nickname is Jess.

● Do you have a nickname?

● Do you prefer when people call you by your name or nickname?

3. magnificent (adj) – extremely beautiful; excellent

The mountains here are magnificent.

● Who do you think is a magnificent singer?

● Do you think the natural landscape in your country is magnificent?

4.turbulent (adj) – moving very strongly and suddenly; unstable

We have turbulent weather conditions in March.

● Are you afraid when there is turbulence while flying?

● How do you feel when the weather is turbulent?

5. supply (v) – make available to someone; provide

We were supplied with water bottles at the conference.

 ● What should students be supplied with during exams?
● Do you think governments need to supply poor people with free housing?

6. entrance (n) – a door, gate etc. from where you can go inside

Let’s meet in front of the entrance of CELT Colleges.

● Do you think the entrance to your house is beautiful?

● How can your school or workplace make its entrance more appealing?

7. shambles (n) – a state of disorder; a place that is a mess

My room was in shambles.

● Have you ever attended an event that was in shambles?

● Are you a tidy person or is your room usually in shambles?

8. grand (adj) – important and large; impressive; excellent or enjoyable

The Palace of Versailles is very grand.

● Have you ever met a grand person?

● Describe a movie that you think was grand.

9. arrive (v) – to reach a place

We arrived to school at 8:25 am.

● When do you usually arrive to CELT Colleges?

● What is the earliest time you arrive to school or work?

10. sole (adj) – the only one; single

He was the sole survivor of the car crash.

● Are you the sole child of the family?

● What is your sole goal in life?

11. palace (n) - a large house that is the official home of a king, queen, or other person of high
social rank
The Queen of England lives in a palace.

● Would you like to live in a palace? Why/why not?

● What are the drawbacks of living in a palace?

12. repair (v) – to fix something; to make something work again

He needs to get his TV repaired.

● Is it difficult to repair any gadget? Why?

● In what situations a gadget shouldn’t be repaired, but thrown away?

13. harsh (adj) – unpleasant, unkind, cruel

That was such a harsh comment!

● How do you deal with harsh comments?

● Describe a time when you did or said something harsh.

14. appearance (n) – the way someone or something looks

You shouldn’t judge people by their physical appearance.

● Do you judge people by their appearance?

● Is physical appearance important during interviews? Why?

15. main (adj) – larger or more important

One of the main reasons I moved to London is the quality of life there.

● What is the main reason you’re learning English?

● What are the main problems of living abroad?
Activities

I. Match the synonyms and make sentences using both of the words

estimate unstable

harsh rude
magnificent important
main guess
turbulent excellent

II. Imagine you are an estate agent and want to convince a client to buy an apartment
at this apartment complex. Speak for at least 2 minutes

• What can they find in this area and how close are these places? (example: a pharmacy)
• What facilities does the apartment have?
• Are there any playgrounds for children?
• Why is this apartment better than others in the city?

III. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is the odd one out

1. tiny/filthy/nice/boiling/freezing
2. advertisement/billboard/commercial/news/traffic
 3. building/infrastructure/nature/construction/roads
4. Turkey/Rome/Valencia/Cairo/Pekin
5. shops/pollution/parks/concert halls/malls

IV. Define the words below

1. local
2. hideous
3. terrible
4. boiling
5. filthy
6. gorgeous
7. packed
8. tiny
9. ancient
10. hilarious

V. Complete the sentences using your own ideas

• I didn’t have enough money to __________.

• Due to the __________, I could not reach work on time.
• That city is so big that ___________.
• Tokyo is such a crowded city that ___________.
• There are too many _________ in this country.
• I have waited such a long time for __________.
• The main advantage of living in Paris is ____________.
• One of the worst problems of living in the countryside is _________.
• As a result of __________, all the roads were closed.
• John just returned from his trip to _________.

VI. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. Living in the countryside is better for retired people.

2. A couple planning to get married must first own a house or apartment.
3. Your government should stop the construction of malls because there are too many.
4. Renting a place has no benefits.
5. Travel agencies always charge more than they should.
VII. Answer the questions below

1. Have you ever been on a sightseeing tour?

2. Do you think more skyscrapers should be built in your city?
3. Would you prefer to travel alone or in a group? Why?
4. Would you rather go on one long trip or several short trips? Why?
5. Did you ever travel without your parents? If yes, describe the experience.
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of an all-inclusive trip?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a modern building.

You should say:

• Where it is
• What it looks like
• What it is used for
• And whether you like/dislike it
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 6 Lesson 3

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. itinerary (n) – a detailed plan of a trip or journey

The tour operator will plan your itinerary.

● Do you prefer to travel with or without an itinerary?

● What are the benefits of having an itinerary?

2. complex (n) – a large building with connected rooms

I live next to a shopping complex.

● Is there a shopping or sports complex in your neighborhood?

● Do you think they should build more hotel complexes in your city?

3. retirement (n) – the act of stopping working, usually due to old age

Adam plans to live in the countryside after retirement.

● What is the normal retirement age in your country?

● What should people do after retirement with their free time?

4. emcee (n) - a person whose job is to introduce performers in a television, radio, or stage show

The emcee at his wedding was awful.

● Do you think being an emcee is an interesting job?

● What are some qualities of a successful emcee?

5. exhibition (n) – an event at which paintings are shown

We are planning on attending the exhibition tomorrow.

● Have you ever been to an exhibition?

 ● Why don’t most teenagers enjoy exhibitions? How can governments make them more
interesting for people?

6. resort (n) – a place where people go to rest

In my opinion, the resorts in Turkey are amazing.

● Describe a beautiful resort in your country.

● What should a five-start resort have?

7. recreational (adj) – connected with ways of enjoying yourself

Recreational fishing is not allowed here.

● Are there are any recreational facilities in your city?

● What recreational activities do you enjoy?

8. upscale (adj) – of very high quality; suitable for the wealthy

He lives in an upscale building with security.

● Do you live in an upscale neighborhood?

● Describe an upscale restaurant you have been to.

9. fair (n) – a large public event where people can buy different things; an outdoor event with
attractions

The local fair was a success among children.

● Have you ever been to a fair? If not, would you like to go to one?
● Do you think all cities should host fairs? Why/why not?

10. mind-blowing (adj) – very exciting or surprising; shocking

The movie they watched last night was mind-blowing.

● Describe a mind-blowing book or movie you have read or watched.

● Have you ever experienced a mind-blowing moment?

11. landscape (n) – a large area of land; an area in the countryside

The landscape in southern Turkey is stunning.

● Do you think the landscape in your country is beautiful?

● How can governments protect rural landscapes?

12. enigmatic (adj) – mysterious and difficult to understand

The meaning of the Mona Lisa is enigmatic.

● Have you ever received an enigmatic message from someone?

● Are there any enigmatic situations you have heard about?

13. abundant (adj) – more than enough

We have an abundant supply of food for the weekend.

● Do you think there are abundant buses in your hometown?

● Will there be abundant natural resources in the future?

14. venue (n) – a place where an event can be held

The Olympic Stadium is the venue for our football match.

● Is the venue important when organizing a party?

● What are the features of a nice venue?

15. vanish (v) – to disappear or to stop existing

The criminal vanished and hasn’t been found.

● Why are some species vanishing?

● What would you do if your friend vanished?
Activities

I. Match the cities and countries and tell three facts about them

Naples France

Amsterdam Spain
Valencia the Netherlands
Prague Italy
Strasbourg the Czech Republic

II. Make a story using the words in the box below

national landmark skyscraper tour guide tourists flight tickets reserve

accommodation breath-taking view crowded trip restaurant

III. Cross out a word in every line and explain why it is the odd one out

1. Bosphorus Bridge/Galata Tower/Topkapi Palace/the Eiffel Tower/Grand Bazaar

2. beautiful/mind-blowing/breath-taking/stunning/amazing
3. hotel/apartment/school/studio/penthouse
4. boat/plane/taxi/train/bridge
5. extravagant/royal/majestic/modest/grand

IV. Define the words given below

1. journey
2. cruise
3. ferry
4. hiking
5. to depart
 6. to arrive
7. passenger
8. to commute
9. vehicle
10. turbulence

V. Describe the tower in the picture

Where do you think this is? Do you know its name? (answer: the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy)
Would you like to visit this place? Why/why not?
Why is it so popular?
What do you think is the reason it is leaning?

VI. Guess where? Choose one place from the following images and answer your classmate’s
or teacher’s questions until they can guess where it is
VII. Answer the questions below

1. When was the last time you went on a vacation?

2. What buildings does your city have?
3. Why are some cities more popular than others?
4. What facilities is your hometown missing?
5. Where would you like to travel to in the summer?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a horrible vacation.

You should say:

• Where you went
• Who was with you
• How long you stayed
• Why it was horrible
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 7 Lesson 1

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. handle (v) – to deal with; to manage

She did not handle the situation well.

● How do you handle problems with your parents and other relatives?
● How should governments handle global warming?

2. voyage (n) – a long journey traveling by sea

Our voyage lasted for 2 weeks.

● Would you ever want to go on a voyage? Why/why not?

● Do you think voyages are safe? Why/why not?

3. tourist hotspot (n) – a place that attracts many tourists

The Colosseum in Rome is a tourist hotspot.

● What are some hotspots in your country?

● Why are the prices in hotspots usually higher? Do you think it’s fair?

4.eternal (adj) – lasting forever

My love for you is eternal.

● Do you think your current friendships will be eternal? Why/why not?

● Are all buildings eternal? Why/why not?

5. enduring (adj) – existing for a long time

I have many enduring memories of this trip.

 ● Do you think love can be enduring? Why/why not?
● What enduring problems has your country had? What solutions can you propose?

6. picturesque (adj) – very beautiful (especially when talking about a place or nature); attractive

The view from his balcony is picturesque.

● Do you have a picturesque view from your balcony or window? Describe it.
● Describe the most picturesque place you have seen.

7. marble (adj) – a type of rock material that looks white and grey

We have marble floors in our apartment.

● Do you prefer wooden or marble floors? Why?

● Why do you think so many parks in Baku are made out of marble?

8. sprawling (adj) – reaching over a large area

Los Angeles is a sprawling city.

● Give 2 examples of sprawling cities in the world and describe one of them.
● Why are so many cities sprawling? Is this a positive or negative development?

9. decade (n) – a period of 10 years

They have been friends for a decade.

● Do you know anyone for a decade?

● How do you think your life will change in the next decade?

10. mason (n) – a person who cuts stone

Two hundred masons worked on this monument.

● Do you think being a mason is an interesting job? Why/why not?

● Give some examples of what masons can make/work on.

11. mausoleum (n) - a building in which the bodies of dead people are buried
The mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara is visited by thousands of tourists every month.

● Have you ever been to a mausoleum? Describe it.

● Why did people in the past build mausoleums?

12. hospitality (n) – the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors

Italian people show great hospitality.

● Do you think people in your country show hospitality?

● Which country is known for its hospitality?

13. wanderlust (n) – the wish to travel far away and to many different places

As the weather gets warmer, people become consumed by wanderlust.

● When do you usually feel wanderlust?

● What can people do when they experience wanderlust?

14. wealthy (adj) – very rich

Cristiano Ronaldo is a wealthy football player.

● How would your life change if you were wealthy?

● Why do so many people dream of being wealthy?

15. construct (v) – to build

They will construct a new mall in my neighborhood.

● Would you approve if they constructed a new skyscraper in your neighborhood?

Why/why not?
● What would you recommend government authorities to construct in your city?
Activities

I. Fill in the gaps with the correct words

• In my opinion, _________ floors are very elegant.

• They went on a _______ from Indonesia to Sri Lanka.
• It has been a ________ since I have seen my classmate.
• She is a _________ entrepreneur.
• We will visit the _______ tomorrow morning.
• I promise that our friendship is _______.
• This is such a _______ park.
• They have decided to ________ a new restaurant in the city center.
• I am consumed by _______ when it is summer.

II. Answer the questions below

● What are some different ways people can travel?

● How can people become wealthy?
● What are the advantages and disadvantages of going on a voyage?
● Do you enjoy being a tourist? Why/why not?
● Where would you take tourists visiting your city?
● Why do some people feel homesick when they move abroad?
● Would you like to work in the tourism industry? Why/why not?

III. Make a story using all of the words in the box

Dubai airplane luggage check-in

lost passenger child pilot

hostel delay upset child

IV. Define the words given below

1. amenities
2. slum
3. vehicle
 4. outskirts
5. pedestrian
6. suburbs
7. passenger
8. migration
9. resident
10. dormitory

V. Make a story using the photo below

Who are these people and where are they?

How did they reach this mountain?
Was it an easy journey?
How was the weather?

VI. Imagine you are an interior designer and have to renovate the backyard in the photo
below. Mention the changes you plan to make in at least 1 minute 30 seconds
VII. Answer the questions below

1. What are the pros and cons of living in a dormitory?

2. How can governments get rid of slums?
3. What amenities make a city more attractive to live in?
4. Why do some people like living in the suburbs?
5. Should governments prevent migration? Why/why not?
6. What do some passengers of buses in your city complain about?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a time you faced a problem while traveling.

You should say:

• When it happened
• Who you were with
• How you felt
• And how you resolved the problem
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 7 Lesson 2

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. acre (n) – a unit of measurement equal to 4,047 square meters

He owns 100 acres of land in Portugal.

● Why are so many acres of land being destroyed?

● Is it difficult to preserve an acre of land? Why/Why not?

2. revive (v) – to bring something back to life, existence, or use

My plants revived as soon as I gave them some water.

● Which habits from the past would you like to revive?

● How can older people revive their language skills?

3. indigenous (adj) – used to refer to, or relating to, the people who originally lived in a place

The indigenous people of this land have been brutally murdered.

● Why has there been a drop in the number of indigenous people?

● Do you think governments are responsible for protecting indigenous people? Why/why
not?

4. tribe (n) – a group of people, often of related families, who live together, sharing the same
language, culture, and history

I saw a tribe of Amazonian Indians.

● What are the advantages of being in a tribe?

● What would you do if you met a tribe of Native Americans during your trip?

5. deteriorate (v) – to become worse

The political situation in the region has deteriorated.

 ● What should students do when their relationships with their teachers deteriorate?
● How can eyesight deteriorate and what can be done?

6. diverse (adj) – many different types

London is a very culturally diverse city.

● What are the benefits of studying with students of diverse backgrounds?

● How can the government encourage people from diverse countries to move to your city?

7. decline (n) – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength

There has been a decline in the number of obese people.

● Why has there been a decline in the number of teenagers reading books?
● What should governments do if there is a decline in literacy?

8. humane (adj) – showing kindness, care, and sympathy towards others, especially those who
are suffering

Maria Theresa was a humane person.

● Do you think it is humane to keep animals in zoos?

● What are some humane ways of helping unemployed people?

9. eye-catching (adj) – very attractive or noticeable

That is an eye-catching dress.

● Do you like to wear eye-catching clothes? Why/why not?

● Why do so many people like to buy eye-catching cars?

10. custom (n) – something that you usually do; a common tradition

There are many wedding customs in Azerbaijan.

● What is a custom that your family follows?

● Are there any customs that you don’t like?
11. excursion (n) - a short journey usually made for pleasure, often by a group of people

We went on an excursion when we arrived to Paris.

● Do you like to go on excursions? Why/why not?

● Have you ever been on an excursion? Describe it.

12. refugee (n) – a person who has escaped from their own country for political, religious, or
economic reasons or because of a war

There are many refugees running away from Syria.

● Do you think all governments must accept refugees? Why/why not?

● Why are there so many refugees in the world?

13. deport (v) – to force someone to leave a country, especially someone who has no legal right
to be there or who has broken the law

He was deported because his visa had expired three months ago.

● What are some reasons governments might deport someone?

● How can governments reduce the number of illegal immigrants that are deported?

14. embark (v) – to go onto a ship

Jack and Rose embarked the Titanic.

● Would you like to embark? Why/why not?

● Why are some people afraid to embark?

15. expatriate (n) – someone who does not live in his or her country

There are numerous expatriates living in Milan.

● What attracts expatriates to move to Baku?

● What are the drawbacks of being an expatriate?
Activities

A. Match the antonyms and make sentences using both of the words
preserve accept

embark improve
deport ruin
deteriorate disembark
revive kill

II. Answer the following questions

• Where were you born? Where were your parents born?

• Were you given many presents as a child? Are you given many presents now?
• How often is your room cleaned?
• What is usually eaten for breakfast in your country?
• Have you ever been punished? If yes, for what?
• What traditions are followed by your family?

III. Imagine you have to give a speech in public about the importance of preserving our
planet. Speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds

• What can people do to help save the planet? What about government officials?
• What will happen if we don’t act sooner?
IV. Talk about the photo below for 1-2 minutes

• Where and when do you think this photo was taken?

• What is happening in this photo?
• What are the people doing?

V. Complete the sentences using your own ideas

• There has been a sharp decline in _________.

• My health has been deteriorating because ________.
• The reason jaguars are becoming endangered is ________.
• One way to improve language skills is by __________.
• It is important to preserve the planet because ________.
• We need to revive interest in ________.
• There has been an increase in __________.
• Humans must protect animals like lions because ________.

VI. Make a story with all of the words in the box

refugee camp tents

starving terrified to flee

unemployed passport 1,300
VII. Answer the questions below

1. Should all countries have safari parks instead of zoos? Why/why not?
2. Why are certain languages dying out? Is this a positive or negative development?
3. Has there been a decline in the number of people speaking your language? Why/why not?
4. What are some international traditions you know about?
5. Do you think we must preserve all languages in the world? Why/why not?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a popular tradition in your country.

You should say:

• Who takes part in it
• What happens
• When it happens
• And whether you like/dislike it
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 7 Lesson 3

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. owe (v) – to need to pay or give something to someone because they have lent money to you,
or in exchange for something they have done for you

He owes me 100 dollars since he borrowed from me.

● Have you ever owed anyone money?

● If someone owed you money, how much time would you wait?

2. request (v) – to ask for something

He requested an extra pillow for his hotel room.

● Is it easy for you to request for help when you need it? Why/why not?
● When was the last time you requested permission to do something?

3. indebted (adj) – grateful because of help given

We are deeply indebted to you for your help.

● Have you ever been indebted to someone?

● What are some reasons people can be indebted to others?

4. appreciative (adj) – showing that you are thankful and that you understand how good
something is

I am appreciative of my teacher who helps me with my homework.

● Who are you appreciative of and why?

● What are you appreciative of in your life?

5. generous (adj) – willing to give money, help, kindness, etc., especially more than is usual or
expected
My cousin is a very generous person who always helps poor people.

● Do you consider yourself a generous person?

● Describe someone you know who is generous.

6. mindful (adj) – giving attention to something; aware of

You should be mindful of cars when crossing the road.

● What is something you are trying to be mindful of?

● Are you mindful of your parents’ opinion when making decisions? Why/why not?

7. captivating (adj) – able to attract and hold attention; charming; extremely interesting

She has captivating eyes.

● What are some captivating movies you have watched?

● Are there any captivating songs you have recently listened to?

8. bizarre (adj) – very strange or unusual

What happened last night was bizarre.

● What is something bizarre that has happened to you?

● Do you think it is bizarre for people to live without their parents after turning 18?

9. impressive (adj) – something that you admire, respect usually because of its size or
importance

The ballet dancer gave an impressive performance.

● Give examples of 2 impressive people you know.

● What is something that you have done that was impressive?

10. luxurious (adj) – very comfortable and expensive

They have a very luxurious house.

● In your opinion, what would a luxurious house have?

 ● Do you like buying luxurious things? Why/why not?

11. master (v) – to learn how to do something well

She mastered French in 6 months.

● What is something you would like to master in the near future?

● How can people master the English language?

12. devoted (adj) – very loving and loyal

He is a devoted father and husband.

● Do you consider yourself a devoted child? Why/why not?

● Describe a devoted teacher.

13. stepping stone (n) – an event or experience that helps you achieve something else

Taking this test was a stepping stone for my career.

● What is a stepping stone that will help you achieve your goals?
● Give 2 examples of stepping stones that people might have or experience.

14. memorable (adj) – easy to remember; something that will be remembered

Her party was memorable since many celebrities attended it.

● Describe a memorable day or event.

● Have you attended any memorable parties? Describe one of them.

15. release (v) – to give freedom to move; to let something out

The criminal was released from prison this morning.

● How do you release your anger?

● After how many years should people be released from prison?
Activities

I. Match the words with the correct prepositions. Then make sentences with them

indebted of

mindful to
grateful of
appreciative for
devoted to

II. Make a story using the words in the box below

significant debt captivating a favor

bizarre to owe thankful event

last year lucky devoted memorable

III. Match the words with the definitions. Then make sentences with them

To release Strange, unusual

To request Very comfortable and expensive

captivating Extremely interesting
luxurious Something that you admire or respect
To master To let something out
generous Willing to give money or help
impressive To ask for something
bizarre To learn how to do something well
 IV. Define the words given below

1. To borrow
2. A favor
3. To lend
4. Debt
5. Assist
6. To cooperate
7. Collaboration
8. Bankrupt
9. Ungrateful
10. Financial aid

V. Describe the people in the picture

How old are they?

What is special or unusual about them?
What record do you think they hold?
What are they doing?

VI. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. Parents must take their children to different classes to help them discover their talent.
2. It is important to say thank you to workers in the service industry.
3. People should never borrow money from their close family members or friends.
 4. It is better to live in the moment and not take photos or videos during concerts.
5. If someone buys you a gift for your birthday, you must also buy them one for theirs.

VII. Answer the questions below

1. Should all people help the elderly and the poor?

2. How comfortable do you feel borrowing money from someone?
3. Should governments help unemployed people more?
4. Why do some people not like helping others?
5. Do you agree that wealthy countries must help poorer countries?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe an interesting conversation you had with someone.

You should say:

• When and where it happened
• Who you talked with and what you talked about
• And how you felt
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 8 Lesson 1

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. massacre (n) – an act of killing a lot of people

There was a massacre of 2,530 people in 1967.

● Can you think of any massacres that happened in the world?

● Why do you think there used to be more massacres in the past?

2. preliminary (adj) – coming before a more important action or event; initial

Preliminary results show that the vaccine is effective.

● Do you think there should be preliminary celebrations before a wedding? Why/why not?
● Do you find preliminary examinations before final exams useful? Why/why not?

3. brutal (adj) – evil, violent, and without feelings

Hitler was a brutal dictator.

● Have you ever had a brutal teacher? Describe him or her.

● How should brutal criminals be punished?

4.troops (n) – soldiers in a large group

Russian troops invaded Ukrainian cities.

● Have you ever seen troops? If not, would you like to meet troops? Why/why not?
● Until what age should troops work? Why?

5. resign (v) – to give up a job or position; to quit

She decided to resign after having a conflict with her boss.

 ● What are some reasons people resign?
● What would you do if one of your best employees wanted to resign?

6. civilian (n) – a person who is not a member of the police or the armed forces

Thousands of innocent civilians were killed.

● How many civilians do you think died during World War I?

● Is it acceptable for police offers to disguise themselves wearing civilian clothes?
Why/why not?

7. confiscate (v) – to take someone’s possession away from them, usually as a punishment

Mr. Smith confiscated my phone yesterday.

● Do you think it is acceptable for teachers to confiscate gadgets? Why/why not?

● Have your parents ever confiscated anything from you?

8. victim (n) – someone that has been hurt, damaged, or killed because of someone’s actions or
an illness

I will be donating 1000 dollars to help the victims of the tsunami.

● How should teachers support victims of bullying at school?

● Have you ever been a victim? Describe the situation.

9. assassinate (v) – to kill someone famous or important

John F. Kennedy was assassinated in the 1960s.

● Why were assassinations more common in the past?

● How should assassinators be punished? Why?

10. felony (n) – a serious crime that can be punished by at least one year in prison

Robbery is a type of felony.

● Give three examples of felonies.

● Do you think any type of felony deserves the death penalty? Why/why not?
11. interrogate (v) – to ask someone lots of questions to get information

The detective interrogated her for 1 month before she finally told the truth.

● Has anyone ever interrogated you? If not, have you ever interrogated someone?
● Have you ever met a person who always interrogates people about their personal lives?

12. alibi (n) – proof that the person who is thought to have committed a crime could not have
done it

Frank has a strong alibi – he was in hospital the day of the murder.

● What are some examples of strong alibis?

● What should judges do if potential criminals have no alibi?

13. robber (n) – a person who steals

The robbers did not manage to run away and got caught by the police.

● What type of punishment should robbers be given? Why?

● Why do people become robbers?

14. bribe (v) – to give someone money or gifts to make them do something for you

Many students bribe their teachers for higher grades.

● How should governments stop people from bribing?

● Do you think people who bribe should go to jail? Why/why not?

15. suspect (n) – a person who is believed to have committed a crime or done something wrong

The main suspect in the case is a 34-year-old woman named Barbara.

● If there are no suspects, should cases be closed or should detectives keep trying? Why?
● How should suspects be found?
Activities

I. Fill in the gaps with the correct words

• The __________ is assumed to be a man with dark hair and green eyes.
• There were 354 _______ of this terrible crime.
• In my opinion, teachers should never take ______ from their students.
• Some people tried to __________ Michael Jackson.
• Her husband was a _______ person who always beat her.
• She had a strong _______ - she was abroad.
• I want to _______ since my salary is too low.
• Unfortunately, over 2000 _______ died during the war.
• They __________ her phone during the conference.

II. Answer the questions below

● Is robbery a problem where you live?

● Do you worry about internet crime? Why/why not?
● How should governments treat criminals?
● Do you worry about encountering robbers? Why/why not?
● What is hate crime?
● What would you do if you witnessed bullying?
● Why do some teenagers commit serious crimes?

III. Match the synonyms and make sentences with them

brutal quit

interrogate cruel
felony crime
civilian ask questions
resign ordinary person
IV. Guess the meanings of the crimes given below

1. abduction
2. arson
3. assault
4. blackmail
5. corruption
6. cybercrime
7. forgery
8. hijacking
9. homicide
10. poaching

V. Make a story using the photo below

Who are these people and where are they?

What happened and when?
How many people were victims of this crime?
Who was the reason behind this crime?
VI. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. The worst crime is killing someone.

2. Sending people to jail does not teach them not to commit crimes.
3. The death penalty should not exist.
4. It should be illegal to test makeup on animals.
5. Graffiti is not a serious crime.

VII. Answer the questions below

1. What do you think is the most common crime in your country?

2. Does shoplifting happen in your city?
3. Should police in your country be stricter or less strict?
4. What kind of people become criminals and why?
5. Do you think it is possible to tell if a child will grow up to be a criminal?
6. How can government authorities keep neighborhoods safe?

VIII. Guess the meanings of the following idioms

• To be put behind bars

• To blow the whistle
• To get off scot-free
• To be caught red handed
• To turn a blind eye to something
• To come clean
• To turn yourself in
• To rat someone out
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

UNIT 8 Lesson 2

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. plea (n) – an urgent and emotional request

He made a plea for help.

● What are some reasons presidents make emotional pleas?

● Would you forgive a murdered making a plea for mercy? Why/Why not?

2. conceited (adj) – overly proud of yourself, your actions and abilities

My classmate is a conceited person who thinks she is better than all of us.

● Have you ever met a conceited person? Describe him or her.

● Why do you think some people are so conceited?

3. resolute (adj) – determined in action, character or ideas

She is resolute in her refusal to apologize.

● Is it important to have resolute optimism during difficult times? Why/Why not?

● In which situations is it important to be resolute?

4.insecure (adj) – not confident; uncertain about your abilities

I used to be very insecure when I was younger.

● What should insecure people do to gain confidence?

● Do you think you are an insecure person?

5. manipulate (v) – to control someone to your advantage

When they were dating he would always manipulate her.

● What are some ways people can manipulate?

● Have you ever been or felt manipulated by someone? What did you do?
6. pushover (n) – a person who is easily persuaded or influenced

Mark is a pushover and will do anything for his friends.

● Do you think you are a pushover?

● Is it a good or bad thing to be a pushover? Why?

7. persistent (adj) – lasting for a long time; not giving up; continuing to exist

It is important to be persistent when you have dreams.

● What would you do if there were persistent rumors about you?

● Do you consider yourself a persistent person?

8. upbeat (adj) – full of hope and happiness

This song makes me feel upbeat.

● Are there any books, movies, or songs that make you upbeat?
● What helps you feel upbeat when you are down?

9. gullible (adj) – easily tricked; too willing to believe everything

Children are usually quite gullible.

● Were you gullible as a child?

● Why do you think children are more gullible than adults?

10. boastful (adj) – bragging about yourself and what you have done

Her boastful colleague is always talking about his achievements.

● Have you ever had any boastful classmates or colleagues?

● Do you tolerate boastful people?

11. grit (n) – courage and determination

It takes true grit to stand up to a bully.

 ● Do you think you have grit? Explain your answer.
● Describe a famous person who has grit.

12. a radical (n) – someone who supports great social and political change

He has been a radical his whole life.

● Why do some people become radicals?

● What are some changes radicals demand for?

13. gloomy (adj) – unhappy and without hope; dark or nearly dark

Pierre is feeling gloomy after having been fired.

● What helps you cheer up when you feel gloomy?

● How do you feel when the weather is gloomy?

14. gutsy (adj) – brave and determined

The ice-skater gave a gutsy performance.

● Have you ever done anything gutsy? What was it? Give some details.
● Do you think being too gutsy could lead to danger? Explain your answer.

15. coward (n) – a person who is not brave; someone who always avoids danger or pain

She was a coward who never wanted to face her fears.

● Why are some people cowards?

● What would you recommend people to do to stop being cowards?
Activities

I. Match the antonyms and make sentences with them

gutsy confident

optimist apathetic
insecure depressing
passionate pessimist
upbeat fearful

II. Answer the following questions

• What do you do when you lack motivation?

• If you had no fears or doubts, how different would your life be?
• What would you do if your friend was feeling insecure?
• Have you ever been lied to? If yes, what did you do when you found out?
• When was the last time you felt upset and demotivated?
• Do your parents support all of your dreams?

III. Describe a person you know that matches each characteristic

1. insecure
2. innocent
3. arrogant
4. gutsy
5. humble
6. generous
7. caring
8. cheerful
9. pessimistic
10. passionate
IV. Talk about the photo below for 1-2 minutes

• What is happening in this photo?

• How do you think the person feels?
• Where is this happening?
• Why do you think this person does this?

V. Complete the sentences using your own ideas

• If I have more time, I _________.

• I would have been healthier if ________.
• When I was a child, I should have ________.
• If my parents had more money, they __________.
• If I had read more books in my childhood, ________.
• If I speak better English, I ________.
• My family would be happier if __________.
• If people don’t take care of the planet, ________.

VI. Do you know the people in the photos? What do you think they achieved?

Yuri Gagarin
 Martin Luther King Jr.

Malala Yousafzai

VII. Answer the questions below

1. Why do certain people enjoy dangerous sports and activities?

2. What is the bravest thing you have done?
3. What are some of the disadvantages of being very brave?
4. What kind of problems might an insecure person face in his or her life?
5. What are some common fears people have?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a dangerous sport.

You should say:

• How to play it
• How you know about it
• Why some people do it
• And whether you would like to try it
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

UNIT 8 Lesson 3

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. repossess (v) – to take back possession of something, especially property that hasn’t been
completely paid for

The bank repossessed my car because I could not make my mortgage repayments.

● What are some items banks can repossess if mortgages aren’t covered?
● What should a person do if his/her property has been repossessed?

2. bankrupt (adj) – unable to pay what you owe; having no money

She went bankrupt after the pandemic started.

● What are some reasons people go bankrupt?

● What advice would you give to a person who went bankrupt?

3. savings (n) – the money you keep, especially in a bank

I will spend some of my savings on my trip to Hawaii.

● At what age should people start having savings? Why?

● What are some reasons people have savings?

4.allowance (n) – money that is given to you regularly

His parents give him a monthly allowance of 300 dollars.

● What is your weekly allowance?

● Should companies give a travel allowance to their employees? Why/why not?

5. tuition fees (n) – money that a student pays to a university

Tuition fees all over the world have increased twofold.

 ● Are the tuition fees affordable in your country?
● Is it worth borrowing money to cover tuition fees? Why/why not?

6. barter (v) – to exchange goods for other things

He bartered his skateboard for his cousin’s comic books.

● Have you ever bartered?

● Give 3 examples of goods that can be bartered.

7. counterfeit (adj) – an illegal copy of an original

They found counterfeit passports in her suitcase.

● How can governments prevent the production of counterfeit things?

● What would you do if somebody tried to pay you with counterfeit money?

8. sterling (n) – British money

You can pay in pounds sterling or in US dollars.

● How much is 1 azn in sterling right now?

● Have you ever used or had sterling?

9. spare change (n) – a small amount of money that someone does not need

The beggar asked us for spare change.

● Do you give spare change to beggars? Why/why not?

● What do you do with your spare change?

10. quid (n) – a pound (British money)

Could you lend me 30 quid?

● How many quid per hour should people make if they work as teachers?
● Would you prefer to save quid or dollars? Why?

11. deposit (v) – to put money in a bank or safe

Mark deposited 300 euros in his account this morning.

● Do you think it is safer to deposit money in an account or to keep it at home? Why?

● Have you ever deposited money?

12. wage (n) – an amount of money paid usually every week to an employee

His hourly wage has increased to 18 dollars.

● What is the average hourly wage of tutors in your country?

● Do you think the weekly wages of taxi drivers are enough? Why/why not?

13. broke (adj) – without money

Many university students go broke by the end of the semester.

● Have you ever been broke? What did you do?

● Would you lend money to a broke friend? Why/why not?

14. stingy (adj) – unwilling to spend money

My classmate is really stingy and never pays for anyone’s meal.

● Describe a stingy person you know.

● Do you think you are stingy? Explain your answer.

15. cashier (n) – a person who receives and pays out money in a shop, bank etc.

His first job was as a cashier at Bravo.

● Do you think being a cashier is an interesting job? Why/why not?

● Should students work as cashiers to earn some pocket money? Why/why not?
Activities

I. Try to guess what these numbers and money words mean

• 20k
• 10 grand
• 50 bucks
• 10 p
• A fiver
• Dough
• A quarter
• A nickel
• A dime
• Bread

II. Answer the questions below

● Do you think Baku is an expensive city? Why/why not?

● What would you do if you earned 2,000 dollars every month?
● Are you good at saving money? Do you prefer to save or spend?
● Is it better to be paid once a month or once a week? Why?
● What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
● What is something you regret purchasing? Why? How much did you spend on it?
● Why are some people so stingy? Do you consider this a good or bad characteristic?

III. Match the synonyms and then make sentences with them

bankrupt rich

to barter unable to pay what you owe

to withdraw to take out money
counterfeit not genuine
well-off to exchange without money
IV. Make a story using the words in the box

broke last weekend to overspend

too much bucks a loan

extravagant neighbor terrified

V. Make a story using the photo below

Who are these people and why did they gather?

Where are they flying?
What are they celebrating?
How do they feel?

VI. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. Life today is much more expensive than in the past.

2. It is a waste of money to go to restaurants; people should only eat at home.
3. Saving money is useless; it is better to spend and to enjoy the moment.
 4. The minimum monthly salary of every citizen should be at least 1000 azn.
5. Money is the main source of happiness.

VII. Answer the questions below

1. What are the highest paid jobs in your country? What about the lowest?
2. Why do some companies pay women less than men?
3. Would you prefer a fun job with a low salary or a boring one with a high salary? Why?
4. How much do you think teachers should earn every month? Why?
5. Do you think married couples should have a mutual budget? Why/why not?
6. What do you mostly expend money on?

VIII. Talk about the following topic for 1-2 minutes

Describe a time you spent a lot of money.

You should say:

• When it was
• What you spent on
• Why you spent so much
• And whether you regret it
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 9 Lesson 1

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. evitable (adj) – able to be avoided or prevented

I do not concur that global warming is evitable; it is too late.

● Is failure evitable when opening a new business? How?

● Do you agree that climate change is evitable? Explain your answer.

2. distinguished (adj) – used to describe a respected person

Many people consider Pushkin a distinguished writer.

● Do you personally know any distinguished people?

● How do people become distinguished?

3. mentor (n) – a person who gives a younger or less experienced person help or advice

My boss is a great mentor.

! What are some important qualities of a good mentor?

! Who is your mentor? How does this person help you?

4.remarkable (adj) – unusual or special

She is a remarkable teacher who is loved by many.

! In your opinion, which professions are remarkable? Why?

! Do you know anyone who you consider remarkable? Describe him or her.

5. indicate (v) – to show something or point to something; to make something clear

Recent research indicates that one in four students plagiarize.

 ! What qualities indicate whether someone is a good person?
! Do you think employees need to indicate to their bosses when there is a problem?

6. flattering (adj) – making someone look or seem more appealing or attractive

That dress is very flattering on you.

● Has anyone ever told you your clothes were flattering?

● What kind of makeup do you find flattering on other females?

7. pioneer (n) – someone who is one of the first people to do something

She was one of the pioneers of modern science.

! Were there any pioneers in your country? Talk about them.

! Do you believe statues should be built in honor of all pioneers? Why/why not?

8. generate (v) – to cause something to exist; to produce energy

His latest book has generated a lot of interest.

! What can generate interest among students to study?

! How can governments generate more money to improve their economic situations?

9. extensive (adj) – covering a large area; having a large amount

Their knowledge of history is extensive.

! What is something in your country that needs extensive repair?

! Do you have extensive information about anything? If not, what would you like to learn
about?

10. previous (adj) – happening or existing before something or someone else

Mr. Jones was the previous secretary.

! What is something interesting that happened over the previous year?

! Do you think previous presidents should be allowed to run again? Why/why not?
11. manufacture (v) – to produce something in large numbers, usually in a factory

Their company manufactures 1,300 cars every week.

! Would you like to work at a site manufacturing clothes? Why/why not?

! Should a factory that is unable to manufacture enough goods immediately shut down?
Why/why not?

12. be expelled (v) – when you are forced to leave a school, organization or country

She was expelled because of too many absences.

● What are some reasons students become expelled?

● Is it difficult to be expelled? Why/Why not?

13. revelation (n) – the act of making something that was secret known

After the revelation that she was lying, he broke up with her.

! What would you do if you had the revelation that your boyfriend/girlfriend was lying to
you?
! What are some examples of shocking revelations you have heard about?

14. devise (v) – to invent a plan or system, using intelligence or imagination

A group of scientists have devised an instrument that will help to eat in space.

! What is something you wish people had already devised?

! Are you good at devising plans and solutions? Explain your answer.

15. overcome (v) – to defeat; succeed in dealing with a problem

I managed to overcome my fear of heights.

! How do you try to overcome your problems?

! Do you think people should overcome their fears by facing them? Why?
Activities

I. Make a story using the words in the box

pioneer feat Sweden

1965 achieve incredible

courage strong admire

II. Imagine you are a salesperson trying to sell the object in the images. Prepare a
convincing speech and speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds
 III. Match the synonyms and make sentences with them

inevitable search for

previous thorough

commend praise

seek former

extensive certain

IV. Answer the questions below

1. What is your definition of being intelligent? How can people become smarter?
2. Do you think all students must study science subjects at school? Why/why not?
3. Why are some children more innovative and creative than others?
4. Should we learn about famous inventors from the past? Why/why not?
5. How can people become more technologically savvy?
6. Have you ever been impressed by people like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk? Why/why not?

V. Describe the image below in 2 minutes

What features does this kitchen have?

How is it better than traditional kitchen models?
What kind of people would benefit from having this type of kitchen?
How much does it cost?

VI. Make sentences with the words below

1. Achievement
2. Brilliant
3. Victory
4. Prodigy
5. To fulfill
6. Innovative
7. Revelation
8. To succeed
9. Gadget
10. Technophobe
11. Innate
12. To experiment
13. Discovery
14. High-tech
15. Automated

VII. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. Computer classes at school are useless.

2. In the future, it will be impossible to find a job without having IT skills.
3. Speaking many languages is less valuable than knowing how to code.
4. Addiction to the internet is a serious problem and must be dealt with.
5. Life without technology was much better.
6. All people in the future will be wearing glasses because of phones and computers.

VIII. Guess who? Choose one person from the following images and answer your
classmate’s or teacher’s questions until they can guess who it is

Note: ’‘Is it a male or female? ’’cannot be asked.

 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 9 Lesson 2

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. faint (v) – to feel weak and lose consciousness, usually falling down

The weather was so hot that she fainted.

! Have you or someone you know ever fainted? Describe the experience.
! Why do people faint? Is it more common among younger or older people?

2. bruise (n) – a blue/purple mark on someone’s skin as a result of being hit or falling

The child fell down and had several bruises on his arms.

! Do you get bruises quickly?

! What can a person do to heal a bruise faster?

3. scar (n) – a permanent mark left on someone’s skin after an injury, such as a cut

Harry Potter has a scar on his forehead.

! Do you have any scars? How did you get them?

! Do you think people should try to cover scars with makeup or tattoos? Why/why not?

4. light-headed (adj) – feeling weak and as if you are about to faint

He started feeling light-headed because he hadn’t eaten anything.

● What are some reasons people may feel light-headed?

● Have you ever felt light-headed? When and why?

5. incurable (adj) – something that has no cure; it cannot be treated

Unfortunately, this disease is incurable.

 ! How should a person with an incurable disease stay positive?
! What are some examples of incurable diseases?

6. surgeon (n) – a person who operates on people

Jack ’s aim is to be a heart surgeon in the future.

! What are some reasons people want to be surgeons?

! Do you think being a surgeon is a difficult job? Why/why not?

7. conventional (adj) – traditional and ordinary

My grandmother always relies on conventional medicine when she is sick.

! Why do some people refuse to use conventional medicine, such as antibiotics?

! How often do you use medicine like painkillers?

8. chronic (adj) – continuing for a long time

Susan has had chronic pain in her knee for 5 years.

! Why is there a chronic shortage of teachers?

! What should people do if they have chronic pain?

9. malignant (adj) – a type of disease or cancer that can lead to death

I am sorry to tell you that your tumor is malignant.

! How can people seek help if they have malignant diseases or tumors?
! If your dog had a malignant disease, would you put it to sleep? Why/why not?

10. vulnerable (adj) – easily physically or mentally hurt

Older people are vulnerable to cold weather.

! Why are older people more vulnerable to infections and chronic problems?
! Do you consider yourself a vulnerable person? Why/why not?
11. cure (v) – to make something healthy again; to solve a problem

They were able to cure her after 3 months.

! Do you think it will be possible to cure cancer in the future? Why/why not?
! Why is it easier to cure diseases now than in the past?

12. tolerate (v) – to deal with something unpleasant like pain; to accept behavior that you might
not agree with or approve of

I cannot tolerate people who are rude to the elderly.

! How well can you tolerate pain?

! What are some types of situations or people you cannot tolerate? Why?

13. anorexia (n) – a mental illness in which a person does not eat, resulting in dangerous weight
loss

It is common for female teenagers to have anorexia.

! How can schools help students with anorexia?

! Why do people, especially teenagers, develop disorders like anorexia?

14. obese (adj) – extremely fat

It is a known fact that there are millions of obese people living in the US.

! Why do countries like the USA have so many obese individuals?

! How should parents prevent their children from becoming obese?

15. nutritious (adj) – full of healthy substances like vitamins

It is important to have a nutritious diet in order to live a longer life.

! Do you consider your diet nutritious? Why/why not?

 ! What kind of food is nutritious?

Activities

I. Talk about the following topic for at least 2 minutes

Describe something you do to stay healthy. You should say:

• What this activity is
• When and how often you do it
• Why it is a good way to stay healthy

II. Imagine you are a doctor and the person in the photo is your patient. Prepare a
speech to give her advice and speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds

III. Match the antonyms and make sentences with them

 widespread alternative

conventional resilient

vulnerable aggravate

obese local

alleviate fit

IV. Answer the questions below

1. Do women pay more attention to their health than men? Why/why not?
2. What is the best way of helping people with an addiction?
3. Why do teenagers struggle with eating disorders?
4. Have people become more or less health conscious? Why?
5. What are some reasons people are living longer?
6. Is healthcare developed in your country? Why/why not?

V. Imagine you are going to give a speech to high school students about the dangers of
drugs and smoking. Speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds

• What are the risks of doing drugs and/or smoking?

• What should they do if they think they are addicted and want help?

VI. Make sentences with the words below

1. Surgery
2. To lose consciousness
3. Nutritious
4. Overweight
5. A sedentary lifestyle
6. Liver disease
7. Fatality
8. Scar
9. To feel dizzy
10. A couch potato
11. Infection
12. Viral
13. Illness
14. Bruise
15. Acupuncture
VII. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. If a child is obese, it is entirely the parents ’responsibility and fault.

2. The main way to lose weight is to have a healthy diet.
3. No schools should serve fast food.
4. Governments must prohibit fast food restaurants.
5. Natural remedies are useless.
6. People in the past were healthier than people today.

VIII. Categorize the following remedies and then discuss which ones you think are effective.
Explain why or why not

Therapy Antibiotics Massage Yoga Pills Surgery

Conventional Alternative
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING
Unit 9 Lesson 3

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. advent (n) – the beginning of an event or the invention of something

The advent of washing machines has made life easier.

! How has the advent of mobile phones changed people’s lives?

! Do you agree that the advent of Tik Tok has led to negative effects?

2. prevalent (adj) – existing very commonly or happening often

Diabetes is prevalent among overweight people.

! Which diseases are prevalent in your country?

! Why has climate change become prevalent?

3. endure (v) – to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful

She had to endure three operations.

! What is the worst thing you had to endure and why did you endure it?
! Are you able to endure pain well?

4.archaic (adj) – of or belonging to an ancient period; extremely old-fashioned

Latin is an archaic language.

! What are some archaic rules in your country?

! Do you know anyone who has an archaic mentality?

5. sequel (n) – a book, movie etc. that comes after another one

The sequel of Deadpool was not as hilarious as the first one.

 ● Are you anticipating any sequels to any TV shows or movies?
● Do you agree that sequels are usually worse than the first movies/books etc? Why/Why
not?

6. flop (v) – when a book, movie etc. is not successful

Recently, movies have been flopping.

● Why do some movies flop?

● What are some songs or albums that you think flopped? Why?

7. excessive (adj) – too much

The film has excessive violence.

! What are the dangers of excessive exercise?

! Why is excessive use of social media harmful?

8. speculate (v) – to guess possible answers without having enough information

People are speculating about whether the pandemic will continue.

! Do you speculate that the pandemic will continue?

! What do you speculate will change in your country by 2025?

9. activist (n) – a person who believes strongly in political or social change

My roommate is an animal rights activist.

! Do you consider yourself an activist? Why/why not?

! Why do animal rights activists criticize the use of fur and leather?

10. controversial (adj) – causing disagreement or discussion

This book is very controversial.

! What is an example of something controversial in your country?

! Why do you think plastic surgery is controversial?
11. quarrel (n) – an angry disagreement

We had a quarrel over money last weekend.

! Describe a quarrel you have had with a friend or family member.

! What would you do if you had a quarrel with your roommate?

12. unanimous (adj) – in complete agreement

The jury reached a unanimous verdict.

! Do you think it is easy to reach a unanimous decision with people? Why/why not?
! Why is opinion on the benefits of online classes not unanimous?

13. concur (v) – to agree or have the same opinion

I do not concur that being monolingual is better than being bilingual.

! Do you concur that it is necessary for people to get married before 30? Why/why not?
! What would you do if your parents did not concur with you that studying abroad is better?

14. dispute (n) – an argument or disagreement, especially an official one

The dispute between these countries has been continuing for 4 years.

! What would you do if you had a dispute with your sibling?

! Have you ever had a dispute with a teacher? If yes, describe it.

15. depict (v) – to represent or show something in a picture or story

This line graph depicts the price of tea between 2003 and 2005.

! Why is Donald Trump usually depicted in a negative way?

! Do you think it is acceptable for movies to depict cigarettes and drugs? Why/why not?
Activities

I. Make a story using the words in the box

fast food endure pain

dispute two weeks ago excessive

upset large shout

II. Imagine you are participating in a debate. You have to convince the audience that
homework is useless. You have to speak for at least 2 minutes

• Why is homework unnecessary?

• What negative consequences does it have?
• How should teachers test the knowledge of their students?

III. Make a sentence with each word

1. despite
2. even though
3. owing to
4. as a result of
5. therefore
6. however
7. additionally
8. as well as
9. on the other hand
10. although

IV. Answer the questions below

1. Do you consider yourself a short-tempered person?

2. Why are some teenagers more violent than others? What can be done to help them?
3. What are the benefits of joining a debate club?
4. Have you ever had a huge argument with a friend? How did you resolve it?
 5. Why are zoos so controversial? Do you think they should be forbidden?
6. Is it important to be aware of the latest news? Why/why not?

V. Create a story using the image below

When is this?
Why are people protesting? What do they demand?
How many people are present?

VI. Your friend believes that video games are a waste of time and parents should prohibit
their children from playing them. You have to convince him/her that there are some
benefits. You should speak for at least 2 minutes

• What are the advantages of video games?

• What kind of video games should be allowed?
• Should there be any restrictions?

VII. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. Animal testing should be banned.

2. Climate change is not such a big deal.
3. Censorship is not needed.
4. It is not acceptable for teachers to physically punish their students.
5. Knowing a second language is necessary in the 21st century.
6. All teenagers should learn how to drive.
VIII. Guess who? Choose one person from the following images and answer your
classmate’s or teacher’s questions until they can guess who it is

Note: ’‘Is it a male or female? ’’cannot be asked.

 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 10 Lesson 1

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. alienated (adj) – a feeling that you have no connection to the people around you

Tim was an angry, alienated student at school.

● Have you ever felt alienated at school? Why?

● What can teachers do to help alienated students?

2. repercussion (n) – the effect or consequence of something, especially a bad one

World War I had far-reaching repercussions on many countries.

● What were the repercussions of World War I and World War II on the world?
● What repercussions might people face if climate change worsens?

3. aftermath (n) – the period that follows an unpleasant event or accident

Many people died in the aftermath of the explosion.

● What was the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union?

● What has been the aftermath of the pandemic on your country?

4. incite (v) – to encourage someone to do something violent

She incited her classmates to rebel against their teacher.

● Why do certain students incite their classmates to rebel against their teachers?
● Has anyone ever incited you to do something? Describe that situation.

5. triumph (n) – a very great success, achievement, or victory

The victory against Liverpool was Real Madrid’s triumph.

 ● What was one of your personal triumphs?
● What are some examples of triumphs your government has experienced?

6. annihilate (v) – to destroy something completely

The city was annihilated by an atomic bomb.

● Do you think countries like China or Russia can annihilate the world? Why/why not?
● Have you ever been annihilated in any competitions or tournaments?

7. irritated (adj) – annoyed

I was irritated by all of her questions.

● What makes you feel irritated?

● What do you do to calm down when you feel irritated?

8. soothe (v) – to make someone feel calm or less worried

The father tried to soothe his crying baby.

● What soothes you when you experience stress or anxiety?

● Have you ever soothed anyone? Describe that situation.

9. ally (n) – a country that officially helps another one, especially during a war

Turkey is Azerbaijan’s ally.

● Why do countries need allies? How can they help each other?
● Which countries were Germany’s allies during the First World War?

10. uprising (n) – an act of opposition by many people against those in power

There was an uprising in the capital.

● What are the causes of uprisings?

● Has there ever been an uprising in your country? Why?

11. fortify (v) – to make something stronger, especially in order to protect it

Many cities in the past were fortified with walls.

● How can people fortify their immune systems?

● What fortifies people’s relationships? Why?

12. sustain (v) – to suffer or experience, especially damage or loss

The buildings sustained minimal damage in the earthquake.

● Have you ever sustained any injuries? Describe.

● What losses have companies sustained as a result of the pandemic?

13. impeccable (adj) – perfect, with no problems or bad parts

She wrote an impeccable essay.

● Give three examples of impeccable books or movies.

● Do you know anyone who has impeccable English?

14. conceal (v) – to prevent something from being seen or heard

He concealed his identity by wearing a mask.

● Are you good at concealing your lies?

● Do you think people should conceal their emotions in public? Why/why not?

15. cardinal (adj) – of great importance

This is a cardinal rule that you must obey.

● In your opinion, which rules are cardinal? Why?

● Do you think it is cardinal for rich countries to help poor countries? Why/why not?
Activities

I. Make a story using the words in the box

grenade terror civilians

explosion victorious wound

ally millions uprising

II. Match the words with the images and then describe each image

fleet

gladiator

cavalry
 knight

battalion

III. Match the synonyms and make sentences with them

cardinal key

outstanding strengthen

conceal destroy

annihilate hide

fortify excellent

IV. Answer the questions below

1. Would you fight in a war to save your country? Why/why not?

2. Is military service compulsory in your country? Do you think it is necessary? Why/why
not?
3. What makes some people more aggressive than others?
4. What problems can soldiers face after war?
5. Does war have any positive consequences?
6. Do you know anyone who has been in the army? Describe him.
V. Describe the image below in 2 minutes

Who are they and where are they?

What are they doing? How do they feel?
When is this?

VI. Make sentences with the words below

1. To defeat
2. Provocation
3. Rival
4. Long-standing
5. Foe
6. To fortify
7. Injury
8. Spear
9. To hurl
10. Commander
11. Shield
12. To soothe
13. Remedy
14. Eruption
15. Lethal
VII. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. War is never the solution to any global problem.

2. People should be allowed to purchase and own guns.
3. The world today is safer than it was in the past.
4. Both men and women should be able to join the army.
5. All schools should give basic first aid classes.
6. Having nuclear weapons is necessary.

VIII. Imagine you are a policy-maker and have to come up with punishments for crimes.
How would you punish the following people? Explain why.

• Bob killed a passerby while driving because he was drunk.

• Sarah stole clothes worth 1,000 dollars from a shop.
• Patrick was caught with drugs.
• Lily has been using a fake passport for 3 years.
• Frank stole a car.
• Margaret bribed her teacher to change her final grade.
• Kenny beat someone up at a restaurant.
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 10 Lesson 2

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. dwell on (v) – to keep thinking or talking about something

You should not dwell on the past.

● Why should people not dwell on the past?

● What is the last thing you dwelled on? Why?

2. remorse (n) – a feeling of sadness or regret

She was filled with remorse after the argument.

● Have you ever felt remorse? When/why?

● Why do some people feel no remorse for their terrible actions?

3. outcome (n) – a result or effect of an action, situation

The outcome of the meeting was disastrous.

● What are the outcomes of global warming?

● Did you experience any positive or negative outcomes after having online classes?

4. gloominess (n) – the state of being unhappy or hopeless

There was growing gloominess among the employees.

● How would you help a friend experiencing gloominess?

● What makes you experience gloominess?

5. menace (n) – something that is likely to cause harm

Drunk drivers are a menace to everyone.

● Do you think street dogs running loose are a public menace? Why/why not?
 ● What is the menace of pollution? What can be done to tackle this issue?

6. brittle (adj) – delicate and easily broken or destroyed

I am taking vitamins because of my brittle nails.

● What advice would you give to someone with brittle confidence?

● Do you know anyone with a brittle personality?

7. adequate (adj) – enough and satisfactory for a particular purpose

She didn’t have adequate time to prepare for her finals.

● Do you think oil supplies will be adequate to supply our needs in the future?
● What do you think is an adequate salary to live in Baku?

8. preoccupied (adj) – thinking or worrying about something too much

He has been preoccupied because his wife has been very ill.

● Why is the media so preoccupied with the personal lives of celebrities?

● Are you currently preoccupied with something?

9. nag (v) – to criticize or complain about something in an annoying way

Jane is always nagging about the hot weather.

● Do you ever nag about anything?

● How do you feel about people who constantly nag?

10. condemn (v) – to criticize something or someone very strongly, usually for moral reasons

This movie was condemned for its racism.

● What kind of behavior do you condemn? Why?

● Do you think movies should be condemned for displaying violence?

11. chastise (v) – to punish someone strongly

The child was chastised for trying to steal candy.

 ● Have you ever been chastised for something? Describe that situation.
● Do you believe it is acceptable to physically chastise children? Why/why not?

12. urge (n) – a strong wish, especially one that is difficult to control

More and more adolescents have an urge to start smoking.

● Have you ever had an urge to do something dangerous? What was it?
● Why do some people have an urge to fight?

13. diligent (adj) – careful and using a lot of effort

Barbara is very diligent in her work.

● Do you consider yourself a diligent student/employee? Why/why not?

● Describe a diligent person you know.

14. resent (v) – to feel angry because you have been forced to accept someone or something you
do not like or because you have been hurt

Jonah bitterly resented his father’s new wife.

● Do you resent anything?

● Why do certain individuals resent changing their schools?

15. livid (adj) – extremely angry

Pamela was livid when she found out the truth.

● How do you make yourself calm down when you are livid?
● When was the last time you felt livid and why?
Activities

I. Talk about the following topic for at least 2 minutes

Describe the last time you felt embarrassed. You should say:

• When this happened

• Who or what made you feel embarrassed
• How you overcame this embarrassment

II. Guess the meanings of these idioms and try to make sentences with them

• A heavy heart
• To rue the day
• To come under fire
• To weigh on your conscience
• To be a weight off your mind
• The black dog
• To hold a grudge

III. Match the synonyms and ask your group mates questions with them

livid criticize

diligent worried

to nag complain

to condemn thoughtful

preoccupied furious

IV. Answer the questions below

1. Why do older people have more regrets?

2. Why do they say it is important to live in the present? Do you agree?
3. Are you a regretful person? Why/why not?
4. Have people become more or less optimistic? Why?
 5. What are some reasons for conflicts between countries?
6. Was life in the past better or worse? Why?

V. Imagine you are going to give a speech to high school students about the importance of
having a positive mindset. Speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds

• Why is it unhealthy or dangerous to be pessimistic?

• What can they do to improve their mental health?

VI. Create a story using the image below

Who are they and where is this? How old are they?
Why are they arguing? What do they want?

VII. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. Parents should never yell at their children.

2. Teachers who physically punish their students ought to be sent to jail.
3. You must experience sadness in order to appreciate life.
4. Making future plans and having goals is crucial.
5. It is impossible not to regret anything.
6. More people experience mental health problems than people in the past.
VIII. Read the following situations and give advice

• Sarah has been working at a company for 3 years. She has never been late and always
meets her deadlines. However, Bob got promoted even though he only started working
there 2 months ago and is not punctual.
• Lily got into an argument with her parents because they wanted her to marry someone
they knew. Therefore, she hasn’t spoken to them for over a year.
• Harold aspires to study in Canada, while his parents want him to study in Turkey. He
doesn’t know how to convince them.
• Diane and Gerald are a newly-wed couple. Diane has an amazing job, so she doesn’t want
to quit. Nevertheless, Gerald got a job offer in another country. What should they do?
 B2 LEVEL SPEAKING

Unit 10 Lesson 3

Vocabulary List

Study the given words and answer the questions below

1. hoax (v) – to trick someone

A number of people were hoaxed by a fake website.

● How should people who hoax others be punished?

● Other than by setting up fake websites, how else do people hoax each other?

2. fraud (n) – the crime of getting money by deceiving people

Johnny spent five years in jail for fraud.

● Have there ever been any fraud scandals in your country?

● How many years should people spend in jail for fraud?

3. infamous (adj) – famous for something bad; having a terrible reputation

She was an infamous murderer.

● Who are some infamous celebrities that you have heard of?
● Why do certain cities become infamous? What can be done to improve their reputation?

4. legendary (adj) – very famous and admired or spoken about

I have been working for a legendary newspaper.

● Are there any legendary athletes in your country?

● Which legendary person would you like to meet and why?

5. slander (v) – to damage someone’s reputation by making a false spoken statement about them

Igor is suing his ex-wife for slandering him.

● Why do individuals slander each other?

 ● Do you think people should be imprisoned for slandering others? Why/why not?

6. stardom (n) – the quality of being famous

From childhood this singer seemed destined for stardom.

● What qualities make some people destined for stardom?

● Which actors or actresses have achieved movie stardom?

7. versatile (adj) – able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for
different purposes

He is a very versatile young actor.

● Do you think teachers have to be versatile to deal with students?

● Which clothing items do you consider to be versatile? Explain.

8. diva (n) – a very successful and famous female singer or actress

Certain people consider Beyoncé a diva.

● Are there any divas in your country? What made them famous?
● Who are some of the most popular divas in the world?

9. bicker (v) – to argue about things that are not important

My sister and I constantly bicker.

● What do you usually bicker about with your parents?

● Have you ever bickered with classmates? Describe one situation when you did.

10. blockbuster (n) – a book or movie that is very successful

I will buy my aunt a blockbuster for her to read.

● Which blockbusters did you not enjoy?

● Do you prefer watching blockbusters or lesser known movies?

11. A-lister (n) – one of the most famous people of all famous people
It is easy to spot an A-lister walking on one of the streets in New York.

● How would you react if you saw an A-lister in the city center?
● What makes celebrities become A-listers?

12. astronomical (adj) – extremely large

Ursula’s rent is astronomical.

● What was an astronomical price you had to pay?

● Are tuition fees in your country astronomical or affordable?

13. libel (n) – a piece of writing that contains bad and false things about a person

It is common for newspapers to be sued for libel.

● How would you react if one of your classmates or friends published libel about you?
● What is the purpose of libel?

14. heartthrob (n) – a famous man who is attractive to many women

Leonardo DiCaprio used to be a heartthrob when he was younger.

● What kind of men tend to be heartthrobs?

● Are there any heartthrobs in your country? Why are they considered attractive?

15. emulate (v) – to copy something achieved by someone else

Olga is trying to emulate Martin’s record.

● Do you want to emulate anyone? Have you ever tried to emulate anyone?
● Is it a positive or negative thing to emulate others? Why?
Activities

I. Make a story using the words in the box

sicily gossip scandal

hoax newspaper legendary

A-lister infamous three

II. Imagine you are participating in a debate. You have to convince the audience that
celebrities do not deserve high salaries. You have to speak for at least 2 minutes

• How much should celebrities earn?

• How should their salaries be calculated?
• Why do celebrities not deserve to earn millions?

III. Make a sentence with these verbs of effort

1. to overcome
2. to tackle
3. to persevere
4. to cope with
5. to give up
6. to focus on
7. to get on with
8. to get ahead with
9. to handle
10. to manage

IV. Answer the questions below

1. Would you want to work with a celebrity as an assistant? Why/why not?

2. Why do so many celebrities struggle with depression?
3. What do people become famous for in your country?
4. What negative effects do the actions of famous people have on the environment?
5. Is a degree needed in order to be rich and successful? Why/why not?
6. Should celebrities donate to charities? Why/why not?
V. Imagine that you posted a vacancy for a celebrity personal assistant. You have to give
information about this job

• What are the main responsibilities?

• What are they not allowed to do?
• How many hours will they work and how much will they get paid?

VI. Your friend wants to be an actress but her parents do not let her pursue this dream.
You have to convince her parents. You should speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds

• What are the advantages of being an actress?

• Why should they support her?
• What kind of future can she have after acting school?

VII. Debate for or against each idea below in 1 minute

1. All sponsored advertisements are false and should not be trusted.

2. It is much easier to become famous today than it was in the past.
3. Celebrities are terrible role models.
4. Acting is not a serious career.
5. Social media influencers play a significant role in society.
6. People must go to jail for slander or libel.
VIII. Guess who? Choose one person from the following images and answer your
classmate’s or teacher’s questions until they can guess who it is

Note: ’‘Is it a male or female? ’’cannot be asked.