Speaking Comprehension Test

for 9th form Students

Directions:
In this test, you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting three,
choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table
face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the
topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a deep breath and begin.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “adventure”? Do you like adventures? In
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what way is learning English an adventure for you? Who would you like to have a big
adventure with? Does there have to be an element of danger in an adventure? Do you like
adventure movies? Are you an adventurous person? Is adventure important in your life? What
was your most unforgettable adventure?

Is laughter ‘the best medicine’? Do you ever have uncontrolled fits of laughter? Why do you
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think some people laugh more than others? Do men and women laugh about different things?
What definition would you give to laughter? Do you laugh a lot? How important is laughter in
your life? Is laughter infectious/ catching? What do you think of a person who bursts in
laughter in public places?
What bothers you most about being a teenager? Do your parents understand that you are not a
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“kid” anymore? Or do you feel that kids your age are being forced to grow up too fast and “be
adult?”

The Internet has provided the world with a wonderful tool for communication. What are some
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of the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet? How has the Internet allowed people
from different cultures to interact? In what ways has the Internet changed society?

Imagine that you have been asked to write a travel guide for Ukraine. What clothing items
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would you suggest travellers pack? What cities would you recommend, and what attractions
should people see in these cities? Do you think it is important that visitors to Ukraine also
experience life in a village? Why? Why not?

Fifty percent of the world’s population (about 3.3 billion) now lives in urban areas. Why do
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you think so many people want to live in cities rather than in towns or villages? Do you think
the number of people living in cities will continue to increase? Why? Do you think
urbanization has a positive or a negative effect on societies?

Would you like to work in the movie industry? Which movie would you like to live in?
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What’s the best movie you’ve ever seen? Do you prefer watching movies at the cinema or on
TV? Who is your favourite movie star? Who would you want to play you in a movie based on
your life? Would you like a job as a movie critic? Do you prefer to watch a good movie or a
good sport game?

Imagine that Ukraine has decided to colonize a new planet and you have been selected as one
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of five Ukrainians to go into space. If you could take only five things with you, what would
you take? What would you miss most about Ukraine? What are the first three things you
would do on the new planet?
 Historically, baseball has been America’s favorite sport. Now many Americans prefer
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basketball or American football. Is there a favorite sport of Ukrainians? Why do Ukrainians
love this sport so much? Do you think the favorite sport of Ukrainians will ever change?

School uniforms are becoming more popular in both Ukrainian and American schools, but
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students don’t always seem to like them. In your opinion, why are more and more schools
requiring uniforms? What effects do uniforms have on students, teachers, and education?
Why do people in certain professions have to wear uniforms? Is this a good or bad thing and
why?

Imagine you are friends with a time traveller. Your friend has just arrived in 2021 from
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100 years ago. What will be the biggest surprises for your new friend? How will you help
guide your friend through modern life? What challenges will you and your friend face?

Imagine that you are the owner of a new restaurant. What type of restaurant would you like to
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own? For what three dishes would your restaurant be known? What issues do you have to
keep in mind when owning and operating a restaurant?

Do you think all children should study art at school? How great is your interest in art? Do you
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think children should learn art history? Do you think a painting can really be worth a million
(or more) dollars? Do you have a favorite artist? What kind of art do you like – paintings,
sculpture, ceramics, etc? Does art change the way you think or feel? Do you think anyone can
be an artist or do you need a special talent? Do you have any artistic talent? How would the
world be different without artists?

You can be the president of any country in the world. Which country do you want to govern
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and why?

Talking and being with friends is good. Is online communication a substitution? How often do
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you spend your free time with your close friends? What do you usually talk about? Do you
chat with your friends or strangers on the Net? What do you usually chat about? Can you be
online late at night? Chatrooms are fun and entertaining, but can they be dangerous? What is
your online experience?