SPEAKING TOPICS

Topic 1. Family and Generation Gap

Sight words: a, an, and, are, do, for, get, I, in, into, like, me, more, my, of, on, or, part, same, the, their, they,
think, to, what, who, when, with, would, you, your

Topic-related vocabulary: nuclear family, extended family, childcare, generation gap, viewpoint, conflict,
compare sb with sb, treat sb like a kid, open-minded, impose the decisions on sb

1. Are you part of a nuclear or an extended family?

- I'm part of a nuclear family. I live with my parents and my younger brother.

- I'm part of an extended family. I live in a big house with my grandparents.

2. Who are responsible for the childcare in your family?

- My parents are responsible for the childcare.

3. What causes a generation gap in the family?

- I think a generation gap happens when family members don't share the same viewpoints.

4. What kinds of conflicts do you get into with your parents?

- My parents keep comparing me with their friends’ children.

- My parents don’t listen to my opinions and always treat me like a small kid.

- My parents are always trying to control me and tell me what to do.

5. Would you like your parents to become more open-minded?

- Of course, I wish they become more open-minded and never impose their decisions on me.
Topic 2. Relationships
Sight words: a, after, an, and, are, be, because, can, do, find, get, good, have, he, help, i, in, it, make, may,
me, must, my, not, on, our, out, she, some, take, that, the, their, them, then, there, they, think, to, too, we,
what, when, which, who, why, will, with, you

Topic-specific vocabulary: lend an ear, romantic relationship, sympathetic, reconcile with sb, be on good
terms with sb, get involved in, take the initiative, engage sb in sth

1. When you have problems, who do you often talk to? Why?

- Whenever I have problems, I often talk to my close friend because she’s willing to lend an ear to what I
am saying.

- Whenever I have problems, I often talk to my father because he can help me to solve my problems.

2. Why do some parents not allow their children to have opposite-sex friends?

- Because they’re afraid that their children will get involved in a romantic relationship too soon and won’t
focus on their studies.

3. Which characteristics do you think a true friend must have?

- I think a true friend must be kind, caring, and sympathetic.

4. After an argument, what should we do to reconcile with our friend?

- We should take the initiative and engage them in a friendly conversation. Then, we can discuss the
problems openly and find the solutions together.

5. Why should we be on good terms with our neighbors?

- Because it may make our life easier; and in case something bad happens, they are there to help us out.
Topic 3: Becoming Independent

Sight words: a, an, and, are, be, because, by, can, do, each, find, first, for, from, good, have, help, how, i, in,
it, make, more, most, must, my, of, on, our, put, right, so, take, that, the, their, them, these, they, things,
think, time, to, very, we, well, what, when, which, why, will, with, you, your

Topic-specific vocabulary: independent, responsible, self-reliant, decisive, health and hygiene, problem-
solving, take care of sb, time-management skills, put time limits, prioritize, develop routines/ habits

1. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of an independent person?

- In my opinion, an independent person needs to be responsible, self-reliant, and decisive. It means that
they can complete their tasks on time without being reminded. And when they have problems, they will
try to find the solutions by themselves and make right decisions quickly.

2. Which skills do you think teens have to learn to become independent?

- I think to become independent, teens have to learn how to take care of themselves, do things well
without help, and solve their own problems.

3. How can parents help their children to become independent?

- Parents can help their kids by making them do housework and develop good personal health and
hygiene habits from the time they are very small. Moreover, parents should show respect for them and let
them voice their opinions on family issues so that they can learn good problem-solving skills. These
things help them to prepare for a truly independent life later.

4. Are time-management skills important for us to be independent? Why?

- Yes, they are probably the most important ones among the skills we need to be independent. Because
with good time-management skills, we can do our tasks more easily and effectively, and we won’t feel
very stressed when deadlines are approaching.

5. How can we manage our time effectively?

- First, make plans for things we must do, and put time limits on each task. Second, prioritize activities
and try to do the most important and urgent tasks first. Finally, develop routines, because once routines
are developed, they take less time to do.
Topic 4: Caring for those in need
Sight words: after, and, are, as, be, can, for, had, have, help, how, in, it, make, more, now, of, or, people,
some, that, the, them, then, they, things, to, was, we, what, with

Topic-specific vocabulary: disabled/ non-disabled people, people with disabilities, donate, integrate,
mobility/ visual/ hearing impairment, discrimination, look after, community

1. How can we help people with disabilities?

- We can donate money or things to them, or we can teach them useful skills to help them become more
independent. Then they can integrate themselves in the community and achieve success in life.

2. What are some inventions that help to improve the lives of people with disabilities?

- Inventions that make the lives of disabled people easier are wheelchairs for people with mobility
impairments, Braille for people with visual impairments, and sign language or hearing aids for people
with hearing impairments.

3. How should people with disabilities be perceived and treated?

- In the past, disabled people had to face discrimination and it was believed that they always needed to be
looked after. However, attitudes have changed. They are now perceived as valued members of society and
treated as fairly as non-disabled ones.
Topic 5: ASEAN
Sight words: and, are, different, do, each, for, help, how, in, is, it, its, of, on, one, other, the, their, they, to,
was, what, which

Topic-specific vocabulary: member state, economy, maintain, regional, stability, motto, charter, bloc,
association, non-interference, integrate

1. What is ASEAN?

- ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asia Nations which was formed in 1967. And the bloc
consists of ten member states.

2. What are its aims and purposes?

- It focuses on improving member states’ economies and maintaining regional peace and stability.

3. What is its motto?

- One Vision, One Identity, One Community.

4. What are the main principles of the ASEAN Charter?

- They include respect for the member states’ independence and non-interference in their internal affairs.

5. How do ASEAN members help each other?

- ASEAN organizes different projects and activities to integrate its members, including educational awards,
and various cultural and sports activities.