New speaking cue cards May to August 2019 | the invigilator
1. Describe an advertisement that you remember
- What is it
- When and where you saw it
- What happens in it
Part 3 - Follow up Questions
1. Where usually do we see adverts?
We see ads all around us – on TV, on radio, on roadsides, in newspapers, in magazines, on the internet, on phones and as flyers.
2. Are there any advertisements at school?
Sometimes, supermarkets and fast food outlets give money to schools and open their outlets in schools. This is a way of advertising their products.
3. Are there some inappropriate adverts, like that of a condom?
There are some inappropriate ads, like the ad of some perfumes, which imply that if a boy wears that perfume, girls will flock around him, and the ads of some drinks like coke and pepsi. The ad of condoms is not inappropriate in my opinion. It is an important step in sex education.
4. Why does the government allow such ads?
Government allows such ads, because these ads spend a lot, which boosts the economy. Not only does the government earn, the people working in these ads also earn a lot.
5. Do you think it is bad for children?
Yes, sometimes children are lured to buy such things, but I feel that parents can play a very positive role by keeping an eye on their children and guiding them what is right or wrong.
6. Do parents complain about it?
Yes, parents complain about it at times, but the advantages these ads are giving to the country, are much more than the negative effects of these ads.
2. Describe an occasion when the vehicle you were traveling in broke
down
- When was it
- Where did it happen
- Who was with you
3. Talk about a singer or musical band (favourite singer/musical band)
you enjoy listening to
Who is it?
Why do you like listening to their music
1. Does music industry prefer to make more money than producing good music?
There can be no money without producing good music. A music composer can’t earn unless he actually works on his art and skills to produce better and better music every time. So if the Industry people aim to earn money, they can only fulfil that by producing good music.
4. Describe a water sport that you would like to try in the future
What is it
Where you will do it
Whether it is easy or difficult
Why would you like to try it
Part 3 - Follow up Questions
Which is the most popular water sport in your country?
According to me, the most popular water sport in my country is White Water Rafting. It doesn’t necessarily require a swimmer to do the sport. One has to wear a life jacket and be seated in the raft. The adventure level in moderate and it also includes calm sailing sections too.
Why do people like to do things near water?
Water is a necessity and serves the purpose of adventure and recreation too. People like to camp and have a bonfire near water. They enjoy fishing and having parties near the coast. The views and weather around water during sunrise and sunset is pleasant and soothing.
Do you think schools should teach students to swim and why?
Absolutely! Schools should teach students how to swim. It is not just a complete workout, it is a life skill that can help students in moments of need and emergencies.
Are there many schools teaching swimming?
Not many, but some of the good schools do teach swimming now. To teach swimming, schools have to invest funds and space to build a pool and hire a good instructor. It isn’t possible for many of the schools.
5. Describe an occasion when you got up extremely early When did you get up early
Why you got up early What did you do? How you felt about it
6. Talk about a prize you want to win
What prize it is
Why do you want to win
7. Talk about a time when you gave advice to someone
8. Talk about a problem solved through the Internet
9. A person you think has interesting ideas and opinions
Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of ideas and opinions he has
- How do you think of this person
10. Describe a time when you enjoyed your visit to a park or a garden
Where it was
- What it looked like
- What you did there
- And explain why you liked it there
Part 3 - Follow up Questions
1. Are public gardens very important in India?What do you think are the benefits of having gardens in the city?
Yes, public gardens are very important, not just in India but everywhere in the world. They act as the lungs of the community. As it is, we are living in concrete jungles. These are places where people come in spend some time amidst nature.
2. Are there many public gardens in India?
Yes, there are many public gardens in India. The city and town development authorities have made it mandatory to include gardens in residential areas where people can come and enjoy the beauty of nature, and also socialize with each other.
3. Do you think there are enough public gardens in your hometown?
Yes, there are enough public gardens in my hometown. Every colony has at least one garden.
4. Very often, public gardens are not designed in a simple way but, instead, are laid out in a rather complex way. Why do you think this is the case?
Sometimes, authorities do landscaping of the gardens so as to make them more attractive. Once these gardens are well developed, they can become tourist attractions too. My friend, who recently visited Bangalore told me that she visited the LalBagh over there, which has tourist importance. She says a topiary area over there, where shrubs were cut in such a way that they made animal shapes like elephant and giraffes. She also saw many bonsai plants over there.
5. Do you think governments should provide public gardens for people to visit?
Yes, the government should provide public gardens for people to visit because people will come to know about different plants. If a small and nominal entry ticket is also there, then enough money could be collected for their upkeep.
6. What do people do when they go to a public garden?
People enjoy the atmosphere of the garden. They breathe fresh air, and enjoy being in the lap of nature for some time.
7. How do people of different age groups use public gardens?
Young people do brisk walking in gardens, and the elderly just do a leisurely stroll. Both age groups enjoy being with nature
What are the benefits of park in the city?
Which age group likes to visit the park more?
How could people in the city make sure there is a good park in the city?
11. Describe a practical skill you learned
What this skill was
When you learned it
How you learned it
And explain why you think it was important
Part 3 - Follow up Questions
What age will make it difficult for a person to learn a skill?
I believe that age is not a factor. Willingness to learn can make a person of any age learn anything. Recently, I taught my grandpa how to use a computer and made his facebook ID. Now he and his computer are inseparable. He is very active on the facebook.
Will the age of 5 or 20 be better?
It depends on the skill. If the skill is stitching clothes, then 20 is better. If the skill is related to technology, the 5 is as good as 20.
Who will you learn a skill from, friends, teachers or parents?
I will learn from anyone who is willing to teach me patiently. I can also learn from the Youtube videos on the net.
What's the difference between children learning what they like and learning what they have to learn? Children learn very quickly if they like what they are learning. But if they are forced to learn, they do not learn it well, as it is a half hearted approach.
Do you think boys and girls should learn the same skills?
Yes, I think boys and girls should learn the same skills. There are no gender differences nowadays. Everybody should be free to choose what they want to learn.
Why do boys tend to have better critical thinking skills?
I don’t think there is any difference in the critical thinking skills of both genders. There maybe individual variations but definitely not gender variations.
Why do girls like shopping?
I think everyone likes shopping nowadays. Today, we belong to a consumerist society and both genders like to go shopping.
Do you like to learn new skills constantly?
Yes, I like to learn new skills constantly. I feel very happy when I learn something new. It gives me a sense of fulfillment and inner joy which I cannot explain in words.
What's the most difficult thing for learning?
Difficulty is a very subjective thing. What maybe easy for one person may be difficult for the others. So it is very difficult to say what is the most difficult thing for learning
What kinds of skills are practical for university students to learn?
University students should learn communication skills, as all other skills go waste if the person lacks in communication skills. Students should also learn
practical skills because only theory can never be enough.
12. Describe a person who speaks foreign language well
13. Talk about a historical building
- Which is the building
- Where it is
- How you know about the building - Why you think it is important
14. Describe a person who helps others in his or her spare time
15. Talk about a place where you spend time with your friends
What is it
Where is it
Why do you go there
What do you like about that place
16. Describe a time you visited a place with friends.
17. Talk about someone who encourages you to achieve goals
Who is the person?
How is he/she related to you?
How does he/she encourage you?
Something about that person which you like the most?
18. Describe an unusual vacation you had.
You should say:
What you did
When and where you did it
Who you did it with
And explain why you think it was interesting or unusual.
19. Describe your favorite clothes
What is it like
Who gave it to you
When you wear it
Explain how you feel about it
Part 3 - Follow up Questions
What kinds of clothes do people wear after work?
People wear comfortable and casual clothes after work, because usually at work, people have to wear uniforms or formal clothes. Once people come back home, they like to relax and want to be more comfortable.
What kind of clothes should people wear at work?
At work people should wear proper and formal clothes. At some workplaces, uniforms are needed, which gives them an identity and develops a sense of discipline. It also depends on the type of work people do. If someone is working as a gym instructor, he or she cannot wear formal clothes to work. They have to wear sports wear.
Do you think students need to wear school uniforms?
Yes, I think students need to wear school uniforms, as they act as a social leveler/equalizer. Uniforms give an identity to the students and also inculcate a sense of discipline among students. Uniforms are also good for the school’s security, as if any miscreants enter the school, they can be easily spotted.
Where do Indian people buy clothes?
Indian people buy clothes from shops and stores in the local markets and in shopping malls. There are many small- scale stores and boutiques that are run from home, from where people shop for clothes. Also, online shopping is very popular in India. There are many popular shopping websites, like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and so on, from where people buy clothes.
Does personality affect how people choose what to wear?
Yes people with good personality always like to wear expensive clothes which are made of fine material although they tend not to wear lot of glamorous clothes nowadays but still they prefer to wear expensive clothes made out of the finest material
When should people wear formal clothes?
People should wear formal clothes to work and on formal occasions like functions, interviews etc
Do people wear formal clothes more often than before?
I think the trend is changing; people nowadays wear less formal clothes because fashion is providing them with abundant options. Even few companies like facebook and google allow people to come to office in casual clothes. People find themselves more comfortable in casual clothes.
What clothes do university students wear for their graduation ceremonies?
University students normally wear a gown and a cap on their graduation day. It is a trend to throw the caps in the air, once the graduation ceremony is over.
20. Talk about a game show or quiz programme on Television
21. Describe a time when you invited someone to have dinner at home or a restaurant
22. Describe a time that children made you laugh
23. Describe a time when you heard a stranger talking over the phone
When
Where
What were you doing at that time
Part 3 - Follow up Questions
Some people like talking on phones in public transport, what do you think about this situation?
Personally, I don’t mind people talking over phones in public transport. As long as their volume isn’t too high and disturbs the co-passengers, I don’t have issues with them. However, some people are too loud and become a nuisance for others. That is something I dislike a lot.
What are the bad effects of talking over a phone in public
It may inconvenience people around the place when someone is talking over phone in a public place. Places like museums, libraries and places of worship require peace and when someone talks over phone at such places, it is a nuisance.
3. Why do people always break the rules
Some people are careless by nature. Some break rules in situation of an emergency. However, some do it as a adventure and for recreation. Irrespective of the reason, rules are meant to be abided to and offenders should be penalised.
24. Describe something that you brought home from a tourist place
What is it
When did you buy it
From where did you buy it
25. Describe an occasion when you received an incorrect information
What was the incorrect information? When did it happen?
Why did it happen?
How you manage the situation?
26. Describe a person you have seen (met) who is beautiful or handsome
○ When and where you saw or met this person
○ What the person looked like
○ Why do you think this person is handsome or beautiful
1. Isittoeasybecomebeautiful?
I really believe that beauty is more about a person’s actions than his looks. So in this respect, it is about doing good deeds and helping others. This sounds easy but it is really difficult. If we talk about physical beauty even that is difficult. A person not only needs to be regular with physical exercise but also manage his or her diet.
2. Thedisadvantagesofbeingbeautiful?
The biggest disadvantage of being beautiful is the unwanted attention a person receives. Sometimes, it is too much and a person might not be able to handle it. Also, there is common misconception that beautiful people are not intelligent. I think pretty people have to work extra hard to show their other talents.
3. Doessomeonefacelotofpressureiftheyarebeautiful?
I think it depends on the person. Some people are beautiful, but don’t bother much about the attention they get because of their beauty and behave normally. Some beautiful people may not be able to handle the attention they get and may feel stressed. I also think that beautiful people have the stress to maintain their beauty.
4. Islookingbeautifulagoodthingorabadthing?
Well, it is good to be beautiful, but I also feel that it is the inner beauty that ultimately matters. So having a beautiful heart is better than having beautiful looks. Outward beauty remains of no value if the person is impolite and has no empathy for others. A not so beautiful person, who always has a warm and welcoming smile may look more beautiful than a very beautiful person with a snobbish nature.
5. Shouldclothessellingcompanieshirebeautifulmodels?Why
Well, companies have to sell their products and beautiful models can make their clothes look very good. Their sales can skyrocket because of these models. So, they should hire such models.
6. Doyouthinkwhencompaniesorbusinessshopshirebeautifulmodelstostimulateor increase their sales is a good thing?
Yes, it is good for the companies, because in this way they can increase their sales considerably. But, people should always try those clothes before buying. They have to realise that the those beautiful models have maintained beautiful bodies, and any clothing which looks good on those models may look very unbecoming on them.
27.
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An intelligent person that you know
Who is the person?
What does he do?
Why do you think he is smart?
How do you feel about this ?
Aremostintelligentpeoplehappy?Why?
Not necessarily. Intelligent people have high expectations of life. They may feel unhappy if things don’t go according to their expectations. But, at the same time i think it is difficult to generalise. Intelligent people know that happiness is a state of mind, and so they may try their best to stay happy.
Doyouthinkintelligentpeopleareselfish?
No, selfishness has nothing to do with intelligence. I think it is personal nature to be selfish. A person who is intelligent may get success in his life and may seem to be selfish, but actually he is not. Even people who are not so intelligent may be selfish. It is basic human nature to look after one’s own interests first. So, it cannot be said that intelligence makes people selfish.
Doyouthinkintelligentpeoplearehelpful?
Well, a helpful nature also has nothing to do with intelligence. Anybody can be helpful, but intelligent people can help in better ways with their intelligence. People who are not intelligent but have money can help by giving money, but intelligent people can help by educating the poor.
Whodoyouthinkplaysamoreimportantroleinchildren’seducation,parentsorteachers? Why?
Well, both have a vital role in children’s education. The role of both parents and teachers is different, but equal. So, it is difficult to say, who has a greater role. In social education, parents have a greater role, but in academic education, teachers have a greater role.
28. Describe a time when you were cheated/ when someone lied to you / someone did not tell you the complete truth
● What was the occasion/ What the situation was
● When this happened
● Who was the person
● What did he hide about
● Why do you think the person did not tell the whole truth
29.
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Talk about an interesting old person you met
Who is this person?
How you met him? How you know him What you do with this person (optional) Why you found him interesting?
Doyouthinkoldpeopleandyoungpeoplecansharethesameinterest?
It may sometimes be difficult for old people and young people to share the same interests. Young people are generally more energetic, so they prefer outdoor sports, but old people can only play those games which are not physically trying. It would be wrong to say that they cannot share the same interest. They both can share the same interest in TV programs, movies, indoor games, etc.
Whatskillscantheoldteachtheyoung?
Old people today have seen a lot of changes in their lifetime. My grandfather has told me many stories of how difficult his life was when there were no vehicles and horses were used for transportation. He has also seen a lot of technological advancements. For example, the evolution of music started with radio and was followed by gramophones, cassette players, cd’s and dvd’s, and finally I-Pods and Mobile Phones. The most important life skills such as adaptability, versatility and openness to change, can be taught by the old to the young.
Whatskillscantheyoungteachtheold?
Young people are faster at learning about modern technology and better at operating gadgets. They can definitely teach these skills to old people. Also, since young people are now entering various businesses, other young people understand them and can do a better job of negotiating prices of goods and services. This too is an important skill for old people who are always keen to get a good bargain.
30.
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Describe one of your grandparent’s jobs
What it was?
How long he or she had this job?
How he or she got the job?
Whether you would like to have this job?
31.
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Describe a kind of food that people eat during special events
What it is
How is it cooked Why do people eat it Why you like it
■ What event people usually it ■ Why is it for the special event
32. A subject you did not like when you were at school but now you find interesting
- What was the subject
- Why you did not like it then
- Why do you find it interesting now
- Why you became interested in it?
1. What is your opinion of modern education (in schools)?
I think that modern day education has changed for the better. The schools today have smart classes and technology has been incorporated really well in the classroom. Also, the focus now is also shifting from an exam-based approach to a more learner friendly approach that leads to a better understanding of concepts and various subjects.
2. What school subjects do you think are most important (in primary school or high school)? Why are they important?
I think that all the subjects currently a part of school curriculums are essential for the holistic development of a child. These subjects range from sciences, languages, literature, history, social science, moral science, etc.
3. What subject or subjects do you think will be the most important in the future?
I think all the subjects are important, however, it is becoming increasingly important that all the schools incorporate technology and have computer science and applications as an important part of the school curriculums. There are many schools in India and many other developing and under-developed countries, where the students still don’t have the access to technology.
4. What school subject do you think will be the most useful in adult life? (or most useful for society?)
I believe that all the subjects that we are taught in the school time help lay the foundation of a good citizen. Through mathematics we learn to do everyday calculations, through history we stay connected to our roots, through social sciences we get to know about society, laws, rules and so on.
5. Which subjects do you think should be optional and which should be compulsory?
Subjects like mathematics, history, the sciences – like biology, physics, chemistry, computers, social, etc., languages, literature, etc. should be compulsory. Besides these, sports should be a part of the school curriculum, as a compulsory subject. However, the students should have an option to choose from different sports. Arts & crafts should be included as well, and the type of art and craft can be an option for the students. Studying of any foreign language can be an optional subject.
6. What are the advantages of studying computing in high school?
Studying computing is very advantageous. We need computing in our everyday life- when we shop, pay bills, and so on. When we set deadlines we calculate the days and time we have, we need to compute taxes, interests when saving money, and it is needed in so many other everyday things.
7. In the west, (upper) high school students are allowed to choose many of the subjects they study. Do you think it would be a good idea in India?
I think in India, all the subjects should be taught till high school and like it happens now, students have an option to choose the subjects they want to study in the senior secondary education. I think we have a good
33. Describe a time when you showed or taught a young person how to
do a thing
- Who was the young person
- When it happened
- What did you teach him/her
- How did you feel after teaching
- Do you think the young person was benefited
34.
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A person you would like to study or work with
Who is that person?
Why would you like to study with him/her? What will will syou study?
35.
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Something you bought but did not use much
What was the thing When did you buy it Why you bought it
36. Talk about a newly built public facility (such as parks, cinemas etc) that improves/influence local life quality in your city
● What the facility is
● Where is it
● How does it improve the life quality
● How you feel about it
Whatmeasuresshouldbetakentodealwithdamageonpublicfacilities?
First of all people should themselves be aware that if they use these facilities nicely only then they will be able to use them for a long time. Otherwise, the facilities may be destroyed. The government should appoint people for the maintenance of these facilities. Another thing that can be done is that a very small fee should be charged for these facilities. That money could be used for the maintenance of these places.
Whatarethedifferencesbetweenoldfacilitiesandnewfacilities?
Old facilities are like parks and libraries. New facilities are gyms and leisure places.
Whatfacilitiesdoyoungpeopleandoldpeoplelikeinyourcountry?
Young people like gyms and leisure centres. Old people like parks, health centres and libraries.
Whatisthedifferencebetweenfacilitiesinthecountrysideandtheonesinthecities?
In the countryside the facilities are related to education and health. In the cities there are many entertainment facilities also.
37.
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Talk about a friend or person who recently got success
Who was the person
When did he get success How you felt
Why you think it is important
38. Describe a person you wanted to be similar to when you were
growing up
● Who is this person?
● Where and under what circumstances did you meet him/her?
● What were the physical attributes - eg. height / hair / eye colour / scent?
● What quality about him / her inspired you?
● How was the attitude of this person towards you and towards others
39.
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Historical period you want to know more about
What period do you want to know about Why do you want to know about it
How do you think you can know about it
40.
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Describe a time when you found something that someone lost
What did you find
When did you find
Where you found it
How you returned it back to its owner How you felt?
41.
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Describe your idea of a perfect home or dream house
Where this place would be
What it would look like
When you would like to live there Explain why it is ideal to you
42. Things you usually do well (or do regularly) for your job or study
What are the things
Where you do it
When you do it
Or Describe something you do to help you study or work
○ What it is
○ How you learnt it
○ When you do it
○ How you feel about this method?
43.
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Describe a good law in your country
What is the law
How you came to know about this law Whom does it affect
Why is it good
44.
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An important decision you made with help of someone
What was the decision Who helped you
How he helped you
45. Talk about a thing you complained about something ( but finally got a good result)
○ What did you complain about
○ Who you complained to
○ When it happened
○ What was the result and why you were satisfied with the result?
46. Describe an outdoor sport that you haven’t done yet and would like
to do in the future. Please say
Whatactivityisit?
Whenandwherewouldyouliketodoit?
Whatspecialskillsorequipmentwouldyouneed?
47. Describe a time when you had to change your plan / you changed your mind
○ When was it
○ What was the plan
○ Why you had to change it
○ How you felt
48. Describe a party / describe a party you attended or joined
● When was it
● Whojoinedyou?
● What happened in the party
49
Describe a healthy lifestyle you now. You should say:
What it is?
How you know it?
What one would do living in this lifestyle Explain why it is healthy
1.
2.
3.
4.
50.
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Howshouldschoolsteachstudentstolivehealthy?
Schools can do a lot of things to teach children about living healthy. They can introduce health as a subject in student’s curriculum. Schools can also provide sports facilities to the students which will motivate the students to make exercise a part of their everyday life
Whatcandoctorsdotohelppeoplesolvehealthrelatedproblems?
In our country doctors are considered next to God, so people always take their advice seriously. Since prevention is better than cure, I feel doctors should suggest preventive measures like exercise so that the dependency on medicines can be reduced
Whatkindoflifestylesareunhealthy?
Lifestyle that involve eating junk food and no exercise is very unhealthy.Secondly, taking work or any other stress is also leading to a unhealthy lifestyle.People should avoid such lifestyles because as they say, “Health is Wealth”.
Whatdopeopleinyourcountrydotomaintainhealth?
In my country, people do various things to maintain health. Some people like to do Yoga, some like running, some prefer to go to the gym and some prefer playing a sport. People are also consulting dieticians nowadays in order to reduce weight.
Describe a time you received horrible (bad) service. You should say:
When it happened
Where did it happen
Who you were with
What happened
Why the service was horrible
51.
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Describe a time when you enjoyed free time. You should say:
When it was
Where you were What you did
How you felt about it?
Thanku very much sir. I was waiting for it from many days
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