SPEAKING TOPICS

Topic 6: GLOBAL WARMING

Sight words: all, also, and, any, are, around, as, because, but, come, do, down, even, for, from, has, have, I,
in, is, it, know, made, man, many, more, most, much, of, off, on, one, some, such, the, there, think, to, two,
up, use, water, way, we, what, which, with, you

Topic-specific vocabulary: global warming, atmosphere, greenhouse gas emission, deforestation, fertiliser,
climate change, infectious diseases, ecological balance, absorb, carbon dioxide

1. What is global warming?

Global warming is the rise in temperature around the earth’s atmosphere. It is one of the biggest problems
facing humans nowadays.

2. What causes global warming?

Greenhouse gas emissions from factories and vehicles, deforestation and the use of chemical fertilisers
lead to global warming. We are all responsible for it. It is man-made!

3. What are the effects of global warming?

It leads to climate change which allows some infectious diseases to spread much more easily. It also has
severe impact on water supplies and even upsets ecological balance.

4. Do you know any solutions to global warming?

I have come up with two ways. We should cut down on energy use and use green methods of transport
such as bicycles.

5. What is the most effective way to reduce global warming?

There are many ways to reduce global warming, but I think planting more trees is the most effective way
because trees absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
 Topic 7: FURTHER EDUCATION

Sight words: a, about, after, also, and, are, at, be, been, before, called, can, do, for, from, go, good, help,
how, I, in, is, it, just, know, little, look, make, more, my, new, of, or, people, some, take, the, their, they,
think, this, to, what, will, with, work, you, your

Topic-specific vocabulary: further education, academic, vocational, analytical skills, critical thinking,
higher education, qualifications, doctoral degree, doctorate, gap year, internship

1. What do you know about further education?

Just a little bit. It is basically education below degree level for people above school age. It can be
academic or vocational.

2. How do academic courses help us?

They help us develop analytical skills, critical thinking and knowledge for higher education at a university
or college.

3. How do vocational courses help us?

They provide us with practical skills, training and qualifications to succeed in a particular job.

4. What is a doctoral degree?

A doctoral degree, also called a doctorate or PhD, is the highest university degree.

5. What are your plans for the future?

- I’ve been thinking about studying abroad. Besides improving my language skills, I can learn more about
new cultures.
- I won’t go straight to university after school. I think I will take a gap year before I enter university.
- I think I will go to university after graduating from secondary school.
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6. What are some advantages of taking a gap year?
Taking a gap year can allow students to do voluntary work or internships, and travel. This practical
experience will make their CVs look good.
 Topic 8: OUR WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Sight words: a, about, after, again, also, an, and, as, away, back, be, but, by, came, come, did, do, down, for,
go, have, he, her, here, him, his, I, if, in, is, it, its, know, long, many, me, more, most, must, my, not,
number, of, on, one, only, over, place, said, see, so, than, that, the, there, things, time, to, two, was, we,
went, were, what, where, with, word, write, years, you, your

Topic-specific vocabulary: recognise, recognition, World Heritage Site, breathtaking, grotto, flora and
fauna, geological, mausoleum

1. What do you know about Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, was recognised as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1994. Over the years, a great number of visitors have come to see its breathtaking views.

2. What do you know about Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park?

It is located in Quang Binh Province. It was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
One geological characteristic to notice here is the system of underground rivers, grottos and caves in the
limestone mountains.

3. What do you know about Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?

It was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2014. As a place of natural and cultural value, Trang An is
home to not only more than 800 species of flora and fauna, but also many temples, pagodas, and places
of worship.

4. What do you know about Taj Mahal?

It is a giant mausoleum of white marble in Arga, India. It was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. It is said that he promised to build her the most beautiful tomb ever
known.

5. Where did you go on your summer holiday?

I got away for a few days with my father in Ha Long Bay. I came back there after two years. Last time,
I also went there with him. We were so happy to be there again. I give you my word that you won’t
regret if you travel there. Let me write down a list of things you must do there!
 Topic 9: CITIES OF THE FUTURE

Sight words: a, and, are, be, could, day, do, for, how, i, if, in, is, like, make, more, my, no, of, old, one, our,
people, place, some, such, the, there, they, think, to, use, used, we, what, where, will, would, you, your

Topic-specific vocabulary: overcrowded, traffic jam, pollution, underground transport network, solar
energy, facility, environmentally-friendly, public transport, quality of life

1. What are some common problems in overcrowded cities?

Pollution and traffic jams are common problems in such cities.

2. What will our city be like in the future?

- I think they will build smart underground transport networks. The city will no longer be full of cars.
- In my opinion, solar energy will be used for transport one day. If we use more solar energy, the air will
become cleaner and our health will be better.
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3. What will be done to improve the quality of life in cities where there is ageing population?
People will make more convenient facilities for old people and use robots to do housework.

4. What will be done to improve the quality of life in cities where there is crowded public transport?
I think people will promote self-driving electric taxis to improve the quality of life there.

5. How could you describe your ideal city?

My ideal city would be a clean and green place where environmentally-friendly energy sources would be
used.
 Topic 10: HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND LONGEVITY

Sight words: a, and, another, are, at, because, can, do, does, even, first, for, help, in, is, long, not, of, other,
our, people, some, that, the, there, three, through, we, what, who, why, with, words, your

Topic-specific vocabulary: longevity, life expectancy, nutrition, consumption, at risk of, diet, boost,
immune system, mediation, relieve stress

1. What are some factors responsible for the increase in life expectancy?
There are three factors that help us live a long life: healthier lifestyles, better nutrition and advances in
medical science and technology.

2. What lifestyle choices can increase the risk of heart disease?

People who smoke, drink alcohol and consume fast food are at risk of developing heart disease. In other
words, smoking, alcohol intake and fast food consumption can increase the risk of heart disease.

3. What are your principles of staying healthy?

The first principle is having a lifestyle that does not cause stress. Another principle is eating healthy food.
And the last principle is exercising regularly.

4. Why do people practise yoga and mediation?

Practising yoga and mediation can help people relieve stress.

5. Why is diet linked with longevity?

Because the food we eat can affect longevity and even simple dietary changes can boost our immune
system. We can live longer through a healthy and balanced diet.