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Speaking Practice Worksheet: Health

Part 2 – sample question

Describe something you do to keep healthy.

You should say:

what this activity is

when you do it

and how often you do it

and explain why you think it’s a good way to look after your health.

Part 3 – sample questions

1. What are the most popular ways of keeping healthy in your country?

2. Do you think people worry more about their health as they get older?

3. Why do you think some people continue bad habits when they know that they are damaging to their health?

4. How can children be encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits?

5. Do you think people have become more health conscious in recent years?

6. Could governments do more to promote healthier lifestyle options?

Useful Vocabulary

Healthy activities / habits – things that are good for your health

taking regular exercise

playing sport(s)

(going) swimming

(going) cycling

going to the gym

doing yoga / pilates / tai chi

eating fresh fruit and vegetables

eating organic foods

eating regular meals

drinking water

having a balanced diet

Unhealthy habits – things that are bad for your health

smoking

binge drinking (excessive amounts of alcohol)

taking drugs

eating too much salt / fat / sugar

being overweight

Health Collocations

a health farm

a health centre

a health club

a health service

a health risk / hazard

a health check

a health problem

a health visitor

a health inspector

health food

health insurance

healthcare

health and safety (rules / regulations / guidelines)

a healthy lifestyle

a healthy diet

a healthy appetite

a healthy economy

a healthy bank balance

a healthy profit

a healthy attitude

a healthy respect

Verb + Noun Collocations

to look after your health

to take care of our health

to maintain your health

to be in good / poor health

to regain your health

Verb + Adjective Collocations

to feel healthy

to look healthy

to be healthy

to keep / stay healthy

Useful Linking Expressions

Adding more detail

In (actual) fact, …

Actually, …

More to the point, …

Indeed, …

To be more precise / exact, …

Sample Answer

Qu.6 Could governments do more to promote healthier lifestyle options?

Yes, in my opinion the government has a big responsibility to try to persuade people to live more healthily. I think they could provide more education in schools to teach children how to eat more healthily and show them the importance of taking physical exercise. In fact, it’s the parents too that also need to be re-educated on these issues. Another thing, I think there should be more government warnings on TV showing people the dangers of obesity and poor diet, for example. Actually, they do have some that show the health risks of smoking and drinking, which are quite powerful, but not really about healthy eating. Finally, there could be more public facilities to help people keep fit, like swimming pools, gyms and sports centres. More to the point they need to be affordable so that everyone has the opportunity to use them.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Work


Describe the job you would most like to have.

You should say:

what this job would be

where you would work

which qualifications you would need

and explain why you would like to have this job most.


1. Which jobs are most respected in your country?

2. Do you think that some jobs are still more suited to either men or women?

3. Do you think schools provide enough advice and support about future careers?

4. What changes have there been in recent years in employment in your country?

5. Do you agree that salaries should reflect the level of contribution to the community that the job makes?

6. Do you think more and more people will work from home in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Work

to apply for a job / post / promotion

to get / have a part-time/full-time job

to work in [field / place]

to work for [a company]

to specialise in [field]

to be a qualified [job]

to work shifts / unsociable hours

to get / have an interview

to be shortlisted

to be demoted / promoted

to be transferred / to put in for a transfer

to be fired / sacked / dismissed

to be made redundant

to retire / to be retired

to get a pension

the perks of a job (benefits)

to work from home (home-working)

to be self-employed / to work for yourself

to work / do flexi-time / overtime


Sequencing ideas

firstly / first of all, …

secondly, …

thirdly, …

then …

another point / reason / example is …

lastly / finally, ….

overall, …

Sample Answer

Qu. What changes have there been in recent years in employment in your country?

I think there have been many changes in the types of jobs that people do nowadays compared to 20 or 30 years ago. First of all there are much fewer jobs related to heavy industry such as mining or ship-building or even manufacturing. Secondly, there has been a big increase in the number of jobs in the service and leisure industries like shops, gyms, and hotels. And finally, since the launch of the internet there has been a big surge in the number of jobs related to IT, such as web development and design.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Travel and Transport


Describe an interesting journey you have been on.

You should say:

where you went

how you travelled there

who you went with

and explain what was so memorable about the journey.


1. What methods of transport are most popular in your city / country?

2. What are some of the problems of long-distance travelling?

3. Has the way people travel changed much in the last few decades?

4. Do you agree that governments should do more to encourage greener methods of transport?

5. What measures could be taken to reduce problems of congestion in cities?

6. Do you think that transport problems are worse in urban or rural areas?

Useful Vocabulary

Popular methods of transport in cities

by metro

by tram

by bus

by motorbike / scooter / moped

by bike

on foot

to go by bus

to catch the metro

to take the tram

to go on the motorbike

to cycle

to walk

Other methods of transport

by plane

by train

by coach

by boat / ferry

Transport problems

long delays (in airports)

lost luggage

cancellations (of flights / trains)

missed connections

traffic-jams / congestion

roadworks / diversions

breakdowns / accidents

pollution

Solutions to inner-city congestion

road access charges in city centres

bypasses / ringroads

park and ride schemes

free rental of city bikes

more cycle lanes

more frequent buses

cheaper public transport

more pedestrianised streets

more electric trams

more accessible metro system


Giving examples

for example

for instance

such as

like / as

another example / way

Sample Answer

Qu. 5 What measures could be taken to reduce problems of congestion in cities?

There are many ways that congestion could be reduced in big cities. In my city, for example, they have introduced a bike rental system where members can pick up a bike at one point and drop it off at another. It’s proving to be very popular and as a result more cycle lanes are also being provided.

Another example, which unfortunately doesn’t exist in my city, is a park and ride scheme where you leave your car outside the city in a carpark and then take a free bus into the centre. Another way to prevent people bringing their cars into the city would be to charge a special fee to access the centre, like they do in London, though I guess this wouldn’t be quite so popular with the residents.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Tourism


Describe a holiday you would like to go on.

You should say:

what place you would like to go to

how you would like to get there

what you would like to do while you were there

and explain why you would like to go on this holiday.


1. Which places in your country do visitors enjoy visiting most?

2. What are some of the benefits of going away on holiday?

3. Have there been any recent changes in the types of holiday that are popular in your country?

4. What kinds of benefits might a significant increase in tourist numbers bring to a location?

5. What are some of the negative effects of a dramatic increase in tourism?

6. What developments affecting international travel might there be in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Positive aspects of holidays (personal)

chance to unwind

spend quality time with family / friends

get away from work / stressful environment

have a change of routine / scenery

visit new places / experience new things / cultures

broaden your horizons

visit family or friends abroad

Positive aspects of holidays (commercial)

creates new jobs in tourist industry

attracts media attention to the resort

ensures good level of infrastructure

improves services for local residents

provides revenue to protect /maintain local heritage

Negative aspects of holidays (personal)

loss of earnings (if self-employed)

can be stressful (to be out of your comfort zone)

can be difficult to cope in foreign country / unfamiliar place

may encounter travel problems (plane/train delays / traffic jams)

may not have access to health facilities

may lose your luggage

may not be able to speak the local language

Negative aspects of holidays (commercial)

can cause overcrowding

tourists may not respect local customs/traditions

can cause excess of litter / noise

may cause damage to local environment

area becomes too built-up due to increase of hotels/shops etc

may cause increase in prices of local services and goods


Adding more reasons / examples

in addition (to) …

furthermore, …

as well as …

also …

not only … but also

both … and …

besides …

Sample Answer

Qu.2 What are some of the benefits of going away on holiday?

There are many benefits of going on holiday. Besides giving you a chance to unwind and relax, it also allows you to spend some quality time with your family, not only in a different environment but more importantly, away from the routine pressures of work and daily life. In addition to this, it also gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons by visiting new places and experiencing a different way of life.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: The Environment


Describe an environmental problem. You should say:

what it is

how long it has existed

how it affects people’s lives

and explain how you think the problem will develop in the future.


1. Which environmental problems are people most concerned about in your country?

2. What are the main causes of these environmental problems?

3. Do you think it is the responsibility of governments alone to protect the environment?

4. What measures can individuals take to protect the environment?

5. Do you think large companies and business orginisations should be more environmentally friendly? Why? How?

6. How can we teach children about the importance of protecting the environment?

Useful Vocabulary

Environmental Problems

destruction of the rainforests (deforestation)

melting of the icecaps

extinction of many species (loss of biodiversity)

destruction of the ozone layer

global warming / the “greenhouse effect”

rising sea levels

pollution of land, sea and air

increase of natural disasters eg, earthquakes, landslides, floods

Causes of Environmental Problems

excessive emissions of greenhouse gases, eg carbon dioxide

chemical and industrial waste

emissions from cars and planes

improper dumping of household waste

overuse of non-renewable fossil fuels

genetic modification

over-consumption

over-urbanisation

Solutions to Environmental Problems

recycling

using renewable sources of energy, eg solar heating, wind-farms

replanting trees

cutting carbon emissions

cleaner waste disposal

sustainable consumption and development

buying products with less packaging

buying organic products

buying products made from recycled material / renewable sources

using natural remedies as alternative medicine


Explaining causes

caused by

due to

because of

a result of

Explaining effects

leads to

results in

causes

Sample Answer

Qu.1 Which environmental problems are people most concerned about in your country?

I think people in my country are most concerned about future shortages of fresh drinking water, which I suppose is both a result of poor water management and general global warming. I think everyone is feeling the effects of the latter problem which is causing us to experience more extreme temperatures, for example, much colder winters and much hotter summers. The long hot summers

are particularly worrying in the south of the country where there is a real risk of drought due to the consistent lack of rainfall.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Technology


Describe a piece of technology that you find useful.

You should say:

what it is

what you can do with it

how often you use it

and explain why you find it so useful


1. What are some of the main uses of technology for communication?

2. Do you agree that some people use technology for communication too much?

3. What differences are there between the attitudes of older and younger people to technology for communication?

4. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in schools?

5. Would you agree that the rapid development of digital technology has had a positive impact on the world of work?

6. Do you think that the rate of technological expansion will slow down in the years to come?

Useful Vocabulary

Uses of internet for communication

sending emails

sending text messages

tele-conferencing

video conferencing

online chatting

social networking

blogging

posting messages on forums

using an intranet system

Advantages

offers immediate communication

cheaper than telephone calls / face-to-face meetings

allows global communication without the need to travel

more convenient / people can communicate on-the-move

allows friends and family overseas to stay connected

gives everybody the chance to have a public voice

Disadvantages

people may lose “real” social skills

people may spend less time socialising face-to-face

people may become more introverted

people may become adicted to social network sites

people spend too much time in front of a screen

Technology and Education

interactive whiteboards

e-learning

online degrees

self-access centres / study

online tutor

blended learning (online + face-to-face)

Advantages

offers more flexibility for the learner

allows people in rural areas the same study opportunities

cheaper for students (no travel / accmmodation costs)

students & teachers are less bound by time and space

Technology and Work

automated processes

automated manufacturing

automated customer services

high-tech computer systems

computerised filing / administrative systems

huge databases

intranet system / internal emailing

Disadvantages

has made some jobs redundant

gives customers less personal service

requires staff to be technically skilled

may cause security issues /files may be lost

requires a lot of investment

breakdowns in the system may cause severe problems


Giving reasons

due to (the fact that) …

because of …

because …

as a result of …

… that’s why …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in schools?

I think the growth of the internet has had a major impact on current teaching methods and I’m sure general standards have improved as a result. I strongly believe that the motivation for both learning and teaching has increased because of the phenomenal amount of information now available to both students and teachers. On the other hand, due to a danger of information overload, some people may be put off using technology in the classroom, wishing for a return to more traditional methods.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Free Time


Describe a leisure activity you like doing in your free time.

You should say:

what kind of activity it is

how often you do it

what equipment you need to do it

and explain why you enjoy doing it.


1. What kind of free-time activities are typical in your country?

2. Have there been any recent changes in the types of leisure activities that people fnd popular?

3. Do you agree that it’s important for people of different ages to do leisure activities together?

4. In your opinion, who is responsible for encouraging children to take up different leisure pursuits – parents or teachers?

5. Do you think people have less time for leisure activities now compared to the past?

6. Do you think that technology will have a significant impact on the types of leisure activities we will enjoy in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Popular Outdoor Leisure Activities

playing / practising / doing sport(s)

rambling / hiking / walking

running/ jogging

cycling

fishing

horse riding

(wind) surfing

(ice) skating

sailing / canooing / kayaking

skiing

snowboarding

skateboarding

hanging out / meeting up with friends

eating out / going to restaurants or cafes

Popular Indoor Leisure Activities

going to the gym / keeping fit / doing exercise

doing yoga / pilates / aerobics

doing martial arts (karate/judo)

swimming

going to the cinema / theatre

playing a musical instrument

acting (amateur dramatics)

dancing (ballet / tap / ballroom / hip-hop / freestyle / latin)

singing (in a group / choir)

playing computer games

surfing the internet

cooking

reading

playing board games

doing puzzles

listening to music


Natural fillers

I suppose …

I guess …

Let me think …

Let me see …

Um, well …

Er, I’m not sure …

… like, you know …

… I don’t know …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you agree that it’s important for people of different ages to do leisure activities together?

Um … well … I think in some cases it could be important for people of different ages to do leisure activities together. For example, parents or even grandparents can enjoy doing fun things with their children or grandchildren, like, you know, things that don’t require a lot of physical ability such as playing games, reading or cooking. I guess that sometimes it is very important for older people to do

things with younger ones, especially more difficult skills that need to be taught like … I don’t know … martial arts or playing a musical instrument.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Entertainment


Describe a film you found interesting.

You should say:

when you saw this film

why you decided to see this film

what happened in the film

and explain why you found this film interesting.


1. Is the cinema a popular form of entertainment in your country?

2. Which do you think is more enjoyable, watching films in the cinema or watching films at home?

3. Do you think that films shown in cinemas should have an educational value?

4. Is it important for governments to support film-making in their countries?

5. Do you think the Internet has already had a big impact on the entertainment industry?

6. In what ways do you think that entertainment media may develop in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Cinema (advantages)

the thrill of watching something on the big-screen

more exciting/intense atmosphere

big screen really brings the characters to life

able to appreciate the cinematography

can enjoy a night out with friends

the excitement of watching a premiere screening

Watching TV (advanatges)

can sit in the comfort of your own home

can choose what you want to watch

can flick through the channels

can invite your friends round

can watch a variety of programmes

can switch it off if you get bored

Film-making

social responsibility to make educational/informative films

good media for reaching wide audiences

has high impact on the public

can get worldwide recognition

can deliver social messages

can bring widespread attention to social/world problems

Technology & Entertainment (examples)

online gaming / games / gambling

downloading films / videos (YouTube)

downloading music (iTunes)

computer game consoles (PlayStation / Wii)

social networking (Facebook / Twitter)


Giving more exact information

in (actual) fact …

actually …

as a matter of fact …

to be more exact …

to be more precise …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you think that films shown in cinemas should have an educational value?

No, I don’t think that it’s necessary for all films to be educational. In fact, I think people go to the cinema because they simply want to be entertained, not always educated. Watching a film on the big screen is a form of escapism and so people want adventure, romance or fantasy. As far as I’m concerned, if I’m looking to be educated I would choose to read a book or watch a documentary, although actually I do also enjoy historical films which teach me something about the past.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Education


Describe a teacher that had a positive influence on you.

You should say:

what subject this teacher taught

how long he/she was your teacher

what positive attributes this teacher had

and explain why you remember this teacher in particular.


1. Is there a system of free state education in your country?

2. Do you think school and university prepares young people adequately for real life?

3. Do you think there is too much pressure on young people at school these days?

4. Do you agree that there is too much emphasis on formal testing?

5. Have there been significant changes in schooling methods in your country in recent years?

6. Do you think schools provide enough careers advice to young people?

Useful Vocabulary

School

nursery / primary / secondary schools / education

state school / private school

boarding school

all girls / all boys school

to go to / attend school

the curriculum

extra-curricular activities

school trips

to sit / do / take an exam

to resit / retake an exam

to revise (for an exam)

to pass / to fail an exam

to get exam results

to get qualifications / to be qualified

to leave school / a school-leaver

to drop out of school / to be a dropout

to study for [a qualification / an exam]

to be academic / to be an all-rounder

University

tertiary / higher education

colleges of higher education / technical colleges / universities

to apply for a course

to get an (un)conditional offer

to do a course in [subject]

halls of residence / student accommodation

student union / student body

an undergraduate

a graduation ceremony

to get a university degree / a Masters / a Doctorate (Phd)

to graduate from university / to graduate in [subject]

a university graduate

a postgraduate student / course

to do a postgraduate course / a Masters / a PhD (Doctorate)

to be a qualified [job title]

to qualify in [subject]

to take a gap year

to drop out of university


Introducing a contrast

However, …

Nevertheless, …

On the one hand …. but on the other hand …

Although …

Despite …

But, …

Sample Answer

Qu.1 Is there a system of free state education in your country?

In my country there is a state education system offering free education for children from 3-18, although parents still have to pay for food, materials, school trips and other extra-curricular activities. This is only one part of the system, however, because there are also private schools and semi-private schools, which are partly funded by the state. So on the one hand it appears that we do have free state education, but in actual fact it isn’t available to everyone because places are limited.

Speaking Practice Worksheet: Communication


Describe a conversation you had which was important to you.

You should say:

when the conversation took place

who you had the conversation with

what the conversation was about

and explain why the conversation was important to you.


1. What differences are there when using various channels of communication (face-to-face, telephone, writing)?

2. To what extent do you think the media influences how people communicate with each other?

3. Do you think there are differences in the way men and women communicate?

4. Do you think that people become better communicators as they get older?

5. Do you agree that education has a strong and positive effect on people’s ability to communicate effectively?

6. What impact has the growth of technology had on the way people communicate and how do you think this will develop in the future?

Useful Vocabulary

Common forms of communication

speaking / talking face-to-face

speaking / talking on the phone / by mobile phone

sending a text message / an SMS (texting)

sending / writing a letter (snail mail)

sending / writing an email

using an electronic messenger service

social networking

sending a fax

Non-verbal forms of communication

lip-reading

using body language

using sign language

using hand gestures / signals

using facial expressions

Informal utterances

Give me a call

Call me

Send me a text / an email

Text me / email me

Drop me a line (letter/email)

Give me a buzz (call)

Give me a bell (call)

Keep / Stay in touch

I’ll be in touch

Other forms of communication

making / giving a speech

speaking in public / public speaking

giving a lecture / lecturing

giving a seminar

Reasons for communicating

giving a demonstration / demonstrating

giving instructions / instructing

asking for / giving directions (directing)

asking for / giving advice (advising)

making a complaint / complaining

making small talk / building social relations

exchanging views / opinions

gossiping

Business communication

writing a report / proposal / recommendation

participating in a call conference

participating in a video conference

giving a presentation

chairing a meeting

Effective communication skills

maintaining eye-contact

projecting your voice

varying your intonation

punctuating your sentences

emphasizing / repeating key words

engaging the listener


Giving opinions

In my view, …

In my opinion, …

From my point of view, …

In my experience, …

As I see it, …

Personally, I think …

I believe / feel that …

For me personally, …

As far as I’m concerned, …

Sample Answer

Qu. Do you think that people become better communicators as they get older?

I think that people’s ability to communicate does improve with age because generally speaking, people get more confident as they gain more experience of life and I believe that confidence is a major factor. On the other hand, some people may become more self-conscious as they got older, particularly when they reach certain stages in their life such as adolescence. For me personally, I feel that I’m a better communicator now than when I was younger.

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