Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice

Topic: A colleague is feeling unmotivated at work. How would you advise them to improve their productivity?

Instructions for the Student: Imagine a colleague shares that they are feeling unmotivated and struggling to stay productive at work. Think of strategies or advice that could help them overcome this challenge. Your response should include specific suggestions and explain why they might be helpful.

Speaking Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience

Topic: Tell us about a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it.

Instructions for the Student: Think of a specific challenge you encountered at work. Describe the situation in detail, including what made it challenging, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. Be sure to focus on what you learned from the experience.

Speaking Task 3: Describing a Scene

Topic: A bustling airport terminal

Instructions for the Student: Imagine you are describing a scene at a busy airport terminal to someone who cannot see it. Include as much detail as possible: the people, their activities, the sounds, and the atmosphere.

Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions

Topic: A couple sitting on a park bench wearing masks

Instructions for the Student: You are shown a picture of a couple sitting on a park bench under a tree. Based on the scene, make a prediction about what you think might happen next. Include reasons for your prediction.

Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Topic: Choosing a mode of transportation: car vs. public transit

Instructions for the Student: Your friend is trying to decide whether to drive a car or use public transit for their daily commute. Compare the two options, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Persuade your friend to choose the option you think is better and explain why.

Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Topic: Resolving a conflict with a coworker over a project

Instructions for the Student: Imagine you and a coworker had a disagreement about the direction of a project. Explain how you would address the conflict and work together to find a resolution. Focus on specific steps you would take to handle the situation professionally and collaboratively.

Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions

Topic: Should governments spend more on public transportation or road infrastructure?

Instructions for the Student: You are asked to share your opinion on whether governments should prioritize public transportation or road infrastructure. Think about the pros and cons of each and provide specific reasons to support your view.

Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Topic: Describe a time when you attended an event by mistake.

Instructions for the Student: Think about a time you accidentally attended an event you weren’t supposed to be at. Describe the situation in detail, including how it happened, how you felt, and what you did.

Task 1: Giving Advice

Sample Response: “Feeling unmotivated at work is something most people experience. My advice would be to focus on setting achievable daily goals. For instance, starting with three tasks each morning can help create momentum. I’d also recommend regular breaks—short walks or mindfulness exercises can recharge energy levels. Lastly, they could reflect on their career goals to reconnect with their purpose. This could reignite their enthusiasm and boost productivity.”

Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience

Sample Response: “Last year, I faced a major challenge at work when I was tasked with organizing a client presentation on very short notice. The challenge was managing the workload alongside my regular duties. To overcome this, I prioritized my tasks and worked overtime for a week. I also collaborated with my team to divide responsibilities effectively. The presentation turned out to be a success, and the client appreciated our effort. This experience taught me how important teamwork and time management are.”

Task 3: Describing a Scene

Sample Response: “The airport terminal is bustling with activity. Travelers are rushing to their gates, pulling suitcases behind them, while announcements echo overhead about boarding flights. A child is crying near the security check, and a family is gathered at a café, laughing together. The air is filled with a mix of excitement and tension as people check their watches nervously. Nearby, flight attendants in crisp uniforms greet passengers as they prepare to board.”

Task 4: Making Predictions

Sample Response: In this picture, there’s a couple sitting on a park bench. They are sitting at opposite corners of the bench, not close to each other. Both are wearing masks, which cover their faces, making it hard to see their expressions. There’s a handbag placed on the bench, next to them, but neither of them is holding it. The bench looks like it’s made of wood, and the area around them seems peaceful, with no one else nearby. The couple seems to be spending time together, but they are not interacting much, and they appear to be keeping some space between them.

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Sample Response: “I would suggest using public transit. While driving a car offers convenience, it’s expensive due to fuel and maintenance costs. Public transit, on the other hand, is affordable and reduces environmental impact. You won’t have to worry about parking, and you can even use the commute time to relax or read. Given these benefits, I think public transit is a smarter choice for daily commutes.”

Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Sample Response: “If I had a conflict with a coworker, I would start by inviting them to have a calm and honest conversation about our differences. I’d actively listen to their perspective and share mine without placing blame. Once we identify the main issue, I’d suggest possible compromises to align our goals. If necessary, we could involve our manager to mediate. Resolving conflicts constructively is essential for maintaining a positive workplace environment.”

Task 7: Expressing Opinions

Sample Response: “I believe governments should invest more in public transportation. It’s an eco-friendly solution that reduces traffic congestion and provides affordable travel options. Road infrastructure improvements are important, but prioritizing public transit can lead to long-term environmental and economic benefits. For example, improved transit systems in cities like Toronto have significantly enhanced accessibility and reduced carbon emissions.”

Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Sample Response: “Once, I accidentally attended a wedding when I was trying to find a nearby art exhibition. I only realized my mistake when someone handed me a bouquet! I felt embarrassed but decided to enjoy the moment. Surprisingly, the couple was very kind and welcomed me, and I ended up having a great time. This experience taught me to double-check event details and to embrace unexpected situations.”