SPEAKING TEST

GEP 6

SET 1

Describe an important conversation that you had with someone.

Last year, I had a 7 am interview for a position on staff at a convenience store. The Miss
World Final 2021 took place on the previous evening. I stayed up late to see it because I
enjoy beauty queen. The day after I dressed too casually and came to the interview late. The
interviewer was not satisfied with my working attitude. As a result, I was denied the job.
After all, I learned a valuable lesson by never being late.

SET 1:
Part 2: Some people claim that for the success of interview, the interviewee
should agree with what the recruiter believes while others think that the
interviewee should have their own opinions even though the opinions might
constrast the interviewer’s belief. Which do you think is better? Give reasons and
examples to support your point of view.

A: I had an interview this morning. But my interviewer asked me a difficult question

and I answered with my opinion so I don't know is it ok?

B: I understand that an opinion round in an interview might be challenging, but I feel

there is no standard for any answer. Don't think of it like a conflict, approach it like a
debate. Try to invite them to consider your opinion, instead of pushing it on them.
Choose your words carefully.

A: In my opinion, people who were interviewed should say what they think even
though it is different. Firstly they have their opinion. But it doesn’t mean they can say
anything they want, they should explain with a good attitude, and use their smile and
body language. Maybe their opinion will be wrong but they can talk about it together.

B: The companies are always known for open-mindedness and mindset, aren’t they?
The leaders encourage innnovation and open communication, don't they?

A: I am of the same opinion when the interviewee says what they think, the recruiter
can know if you are suited for that job or not.

SET 2

Describe a time when you felt very lucky or unlucky

When I was a 12th-grade student, I can still clearly recall the day when I got into
trouble. My first term exam was going on. Due to late-night preparations, I woke up late on
the day of my mathematics examination. When I woke up the clock showed 8:50 am and my
exam was going to begin at 9:00 am. I dressed too casually and started to run. I reached the
school half an hour late. The test had already started. I was scolded by the teacher badly and
even was told to start my exam after half-time. This is the reason why I got a very bad grade.
After this incident, I learned the importance of being on time and never being late.

SET 2:
Part 2:
When people succeed, it is entirely because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with
their success. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give reasons
and examples to support your view.

A: Hello B, long time no see. How is it going?

B: I'm doing very well actually. How about you?

A: I finally have some time off. I just finished an exam, and I'm so happy that it's over.
Are you free now, I need your viewpoint on this problem?

B: Of course, what is that problem?

A: When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with their
success. Do you agree or disagree?

B: I agree with it because hard work helps you build discipline. The hard work,
together with the time it takes, is a must on your journey to success. It makes you who
you have to turn into, in order to live the better life that's awaiting you.

A: Although I believe that hard work is very important and is the surest way to
success for most people, I must disagree with this statement. It cannot be denied that
luck often plays an important role in success.

B: Hold on, while the influence of luck cannot be ignored, this is not to say that
people should depend on it and ignore the value of hard work.

A: So you mean hard work is often an essential ingredient of luck?

B: Yes, my suggestion is not to count on luck to bring you success. Instead, work hard
and keep your eyes open for that lucky opportunity.
A: Thank you.

SET 3

Describe a time when you or your acquaintance had to see a doctor.

It happened last year when I was about to take an English exam and I had flu. I got some
symptoms about two days before the exam, but they were so mild and unnoticeable that I
didn’t pay much attention. On the first day, I felt my throat sore, like something was blocking
it. Then the night before the exam, I got tired, and around midnight, I got a fever. I took an
aspirin and tried to get back to sleep in the hope that everything would be all right in the
morning. But it was not. When I woke up, my head was pounding and my throat was so
painful that I couldn’t say a word. That was when I realized I could not go to school.

After that, I became more attentive to health problems and would take immediate action
when I feel anything wrong happens, minor or not.

SET 3:
Part 2 :

A: In Covid-19 in Hồ Chi Minh city there was an exploding number of people infected with
covid because they are not prevented by facemasks and social distancing. But with me,
"prevention is better than cure" (khia ờ)

B: Obviously, there is no doubt about "Prevention is better than cure". Prevention is cheaper
as well. Preventing future diseases and complications from current problems is vital to the
healthcare systems' long-term viability.

A: I agree with you because prevention is easier than cure and maybe after you get an illness,
your health will be weak. And if you protect yourself from illness, you can help people
around you.

B: We'd all prefer to enjoy a long and happy life rather than have to endure the suffering of
illness. The sooner we learn that something is wrong with our health, the sooner we can act to
make it better.

A: Okay, thanks

SET 4
Part 1: Describe an old and wise person that you know.
The aged person who I really admire is my grandmother. From my childhood, she has
always been a caring person and she loved me very much. She is a benevolent and
good person who possesses a good heart. She tries to help others with her highest
efforts She is a kind and wise woman. I love and admire her for many different
reasons. The most important reason is her unconditional love and affection for me.
She is a good mentor who can show me positive ways and guide me in my distressing
time. Talking to her is a soothing experience and the stories she tells are always
attractive and full of morality. I have learned many positive attitudes and good
thinking from her. For all those reasons and the strong bonding between us, I admire
her very much.
SET 4:
Part 2:

Nowadays, young people often send their aging parents to nursing homes. Do you think
this is a positive or negative trend? Give examples to support your view.

A: Hello B, long tinme no see. How is it going?

B: I'm doing very well actually. How about you?
A: I finally have some time off. I just finished a huge exam, and I'm so happy that it's
over. Are you free now, I need your viewpoint on this problem.
B: Of course, what is that problem?
A: You know nowadays, young people often send their parents who get old to nursing
homes. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
B: In my opinion, with medical professionals around the clock. This means they'll
always get the help they need. Another benefit of nursing homes is that they tend to be
quite secure. And at a nursing home, your elderly parents surrounded by peers in the
same age group.

A: Wow so many benefits of living at a nursing home. However, there are some
drawbacks. Living in a nursing home is quite expensive. This can lead to your elderly
parents feeling sad, lonely, and helpless.

B: Okay, I think everything in this world has 2 sides. If you wanna have its benefits,
you need to accept some drawbacks.

A: I can't agree with you more ! Thank you for sharing with me.

SET 5
Part 1: Describe a life-threatening trip that you have had.
Everyone will have a memorable experience. The experience I remember most was
one time when I got lost. I was in second grade at that time. That day, my mother let
me go to my grandparent's house to play. Everyone is busy making dinner. I played
with the kids in the neighborhood. I don't remember, we went so far. By the time I
saw it starting to get dark and the kids I was playing with were slowly over. I was
really panicking and extremely worried. I couldn't think much, just cried. Someone
heard my cry and came to ask me. After knowing my mother's name, the kind lady
took me to my grandparents’ house. My mother is very worried about me. When she
saw I return, my mother burst into tears. A long time after that, I did not dare go out
around.

SET 5:
Part 2: Recently, while young people often consider backpacking as a thrilling
way to travel, parents only see dangers out of this trend. Do you think the
advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Give examples to clarify your
viewpoint.
B: Hello A, long time no see. How is it going?
A: I'm doing very well actually. How about you?
B: I just finished a exam, and I'm so happy that it's over. Are you free now, I need
your viewpoint on this problem?
A: What is your topic? I will help you as possible as i can
B: Well, While young people often consider backpacking as a thrilling way to travel,
parents only see the dangers of this trend.
A: From my perspective, I absolutely agree that backpacking has the advantages
outweigh disadvantages.
B: Why do you think so?
A: One of the biggest advantages is of course the convenience. Planning for a full-
fledged trip will take quite a lot of planning. But when you opt for a tour package, you
can just sit back and relax at least as far as planning is concerned. Backpacking gives
you lots of opportunities to travel and see the world on a budget.
B: It would be a golden opportunity to spend time not just in nature, but also with
myself.
A: Yes, Backpacking is a sort of walking meditation, thanks to a lack of cell service
and internet access, you will learn to focus on the moment instead.Backpacking
outdoors also helps lower stress.
B: Backpacking brings many benefits for us. But is it safe for everyone?
A: Safety is another big advantage of tour packages. When you are doing the planning
you might pick out a place or activity that might have some potential risks that you'd
rather avoid. Keeping in mind the age and preferences of the participants.
B: Wow, Your information is so useful, I think young people should try backpacking
at least one time in their life.

SET 6
Part 1: Describe an environmental problem in your city.
Environmental pollution is a serious issue in Vietnam, particularly in coastal areas. I
live near the Vung Tau city and have seen the pollution firsthand. The sea water here
is becoming increasingly polluted, negatively impacting people. This pollution is
primarily the result of public waste, agriculture, and shipping. Furthermore, there is
indiscriminate waste disposal and a lack of culture in tourism activities. As a result of
the above-mentioned causes, marine species are in danger of extinction and causing
severe financial harm to the tourism industry. To inprove the situation, it is necessary
to treat emissions and waste from industrial activities, educate students about
environmental protection beginning in elementary school, and so on.
SET 7
Part 1: Describe an activity you have done to keep fit.

Today I would like to talk about jogging (chót gin); my favorite activity that I usually
do to stay healthy. It’s a kind of running at a slow pace that helps to build up your
physical fitness.

I normally go jogging in the morning with my close friend for about 30 minutes to 1
hour in order to keep fit.
There are many reasons why it can keep me fit. Firstly, this activity is a good way to
keep in good shape, which is really beneficial to my health. Also, we can improve our
immune (ờ miu) system, lower the risks of modern diseases and ease our minds.
Unlike other forms of exercise, jogging is quite easy to do.

SET 8
Part 1: Describe a teacher who has had an important influence on your
education.
I’ve decided to talk about my high school Physics teacher – Mr.Thu Thuy. Mr. Thuy is my
teacher for three years and I consider myself very fortunate (pho tiu nợt) to have had the
opportunity to study under her guidance (gai đờn). Thanks to her I could understand the
basics of a few branches (bren ch) of physics, including Newton’s classical mechanics.(mờ
khen nịt) I didn’t use much of this knowledge for my work, but I still read a lot about physics.
Reading them has become my hobby. I always feel thankful that I had a great teacher, who
inspired me to develop my love for physics.

SET 8:

Part 2: Should schools teach subjects like art and music? Give examples to support your
point of view.

B: I've already read some of your articles about education and I really enjoyed them.

A: I'm appreciated that. Please, continue with your question.

B: From your experience, do you think that schools have to teach subjects like art and music?

A: From my point of view, I think music and art should have the same value as other courses.

B: Would you give me some reasons for that answer?

A: Of course. Why not?

First of all, they are part of our society. Appreciating music and art can make you well-
rounded. If we all studied or worked time after time again, we'd be like robots and never
appreciate the beauty of our world. Secondly, those subjects allowed children to enter a state
of relaxation. I guess that you don't want to see your kid look like a zombie.

B: Thanks for sharing that useful information.

A: It's my pleasure.

SET 9
Part 1: Describe a foreign culture that you are interested in.

I would like to talk about the Vietnamese New year which is also known as “Tet”. Tet is a
special occasion that is widely celebrated every year in Vietnam.
It is celebrated on the first day of the first month in the Lunar Calendar.

It mark the beginning of a new year, carries the hope of washing away the hardship and
failure of the previous year and opening a new year filled with good fortune and happiness.

Some common plans include cleaning and decorating the house, buying new clothes, making
“Chung” cake, making offers for the ancestors, (en sợt tờ), giving out “lucky money”,
visiting temples and pagodas… and so on. Tet is truly an important festival for each and
every Vietnamese.

SET 9:
Part 2: Do you think foreign cultures threaten the identity of the nation? Give
examples to support your point of view.

B: Do you know that you will have a history presentation this weekend?

A: Yes, I do professor. I need to find some small details to finish it.

B: Do you have any questions to ask? I can help you to answer some of them.

A: Actually, I just need to ask you just only one question.

B: Go on, I'm listening.

A: Do you think that foreign cultures will threaten the identity of the nation?

B: Oh, interesting. I like your question, but in my opinion, I disagree. You know nowadays,
we have numerous cultures (niu mơ rợt khao chờ) (including foreign cultures) in our country,
right?

A: You're right, Professor.

B: I know that with different cultures, someone will not like it. But if you try to find
more information about some of those cultures, you will be surprised. We should learn
how to accept them without losing our traditions.

A: Thanks for your advice. Sir. It'll help a lot during my presentation.

B: Okay. See you soon.

SET 10
Part 1: Describe a project you had to do on your own (or with classmate) as part
of your studies.

We had to create a radio device that would be similar to the devices the traffic-controlling
officers use. But our device would have a shorter range and work within 300 meters.
We had to work hard to make it work. I learned so many things from this project like, how to
work on a major project with a team, how to build quality equipment on a low budget, (bơ
chệt), and how to fine-tune a project. At the end of the term, I feel very happy because my
team got good grades on the exam.

Part 2: Are social skills more important than education when looking for a job?
Give examples to support your point of view.
A: Hi B.
B: Hi A, how's it going?
A: Haiz, today is my bad day. I just lost my job.
B: Oh, what's wrong?
A: Well, my boss told me that I didn't have enough connections with my mates.
B: I'm sorry to hear that. In my opinion, I think you forgot a fact that social skills also
stand an important role when you're looking for a job?
A: You think so?
B: Oh course. For example, if you do not know how to get along with your
workmates, you would suffer from extra stress in your work. Furthermore, social
skills assist people to enlarge the circle of friends and enrich their lives. With the
positive attitude towards other people, one would be able to deal with all kinds of
challenges in their life or work.
A: Thanks for your advice. Maybe I have to find some of them.
B: I hope that, too. Call me if you have any problems
A: I will, thanks B.