Speaking reference

Speaking reference

Speaking reference

Steps to speaking success:Build your confidenceListen to EnglishLearn useful vocabulary and

phrases

Speaking reference Speaking in an exam:

Tips: Speak clearly: not too quietly or too fast Use simple sentences and ideas Do not repeat the same expressions too often If you make an error, stay calm: quickly correct

yourself and carry on Learn phrases which you can use automatically in

different situations Repeat what the other person has said if you need

time to think. Do not worry if you do not know the exact translation

of a phrase or word. Think of an alternative, simpler way of expression yourself in English.

Speaking reference An interview:

Tips: Berfore the interview:

Prepare and practise answers to common interview questions (in next slide)

During the interview Listen carefully to the questions. Do not worry if you do

not understand every word: try to pick out the most important words.

Do not be afraid to ask for repetition or clarification of the questions

Answer with full sentences If possible, repeat part of the question in your answer.

This will give you more time to think Give reasons for your anwers Talk about your likes and dislikes, if relevant

Speaking reference Common interview questions:

What’s your name? What´s your surname? Can you spell your surname? Where do you live? Where were you born? How long have you lived in this area? What do you think of this area? How far do you have to travel to school?

Speaking reference Common Interview Questions (cont.)

How long have you been studying English? What is difficult about learning English? What’s your family like? What do you do in your free time? What did you do last weekend? What do you do when you’re with your friends? What are your favourite subjects? Have you ever been abroad? Have you got any plans for the summer? What would you like to do when youj leave school? Have you thought about a career? Would you like to go to university?

Speaking refernce Clarifying and asking for repetition.

Useful expressions: I’m not sure what you mean. What exactly do you mean by…? Do you want me to …? Do you mean…? Sorry? Pardon? Could you say that again, please? Could you repeat that, please? Sorry, I didn’t hear you. Would you mind

repeating?

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Gaining time to think. Useful expressions: Well, let me think… That’s an interesting question. I suppose… I’ve never thought about that before. Let me

see… I’ll have to think about that a minute

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Likes and dislikes. Useful expressions: I love/really like… I can’t stand/hate… I don’t mind… It’s great/terrible when…

Speaking reference Describing a photo:

Tips: Start by describing the basic elements, even if they

seem obvious. Include your impressions of the photo.

Next, describe the details. If you cannot think of what to say, remember to ask

yourself: who? Where? What? How? Why? Memorize some useful expressions for describing

what you can see. If you do not know the precise name of something in

the photo, think of an alternative way of describing it.

Use modal verbs to express possibilities.

Speaking reference Describing the basic elements:

This is a photo of a/some… In this photo we can see… The first thing that strikes me in this photo is

the/that… Describing what you can see:

The picture shows…/You can see… There’s/There are There seems to be (a)… In the foreground/background there’s/there

are… I don’t know what it’s called, but there’s an

object/person that looks like…

Speaking reference Describing impressions:

The photo is very colourful. There is a lot going on/happening in this photo She looks… He’s got a … face He seems… It seems/It looks as if… It seems/It looks as though … It seems/It looks like… You can see/tell/guess that… From their expressions, I’d say that…

Speaking reference Remember to explain:

Who is in the photo? Where are they? What are they doing? How do you think they feel? Why do you think they are in this situation?

Speaking reference Identifying people:

The people in the picture are… The girl in red is… One/Both/Neither of them… The man in blue is… The person on the left/right/in the centre…

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Describing scenes: It’s a good place for… The people there are… You can see… …

Speaking reference Expressing possibility:

It looks as if… Maybe/Perhaps they’re… They seem to be… She’s/He’s probably… He/She must be… He/She might be/could be… They’re definitely…

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Giving examples: For example, … For instance, … She probably … for things like … We need…for a lot of things such as…

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Discussing the theme: Tips:

Start by expressing your interest in the theme. Consider the theme from as many different points

of view as possible. Give your own opinions and explain them. Add extra points where possible. If possible, connect the theme to your personal

experiences.

Speaking reference Discussing the theme:

Expressing interest in the theme: This is a very interesting topic because... This topic is very important because… In today’s world, the issue of …is very relevant.


Considering different points of view: On the one hand/on the other hand… Sometimes, however… From the point of view of… If you consider…, you’ll notice that…. Although…is true, we should also consider…


Discussing advantages and disadvantages: One advantage / disadvantage is that… On the positive/negative side… On the one hand…/on the other hand… It’s also good/bad if… because… Another important thing (to think about) is…


Giving opinions: I think/believe that… It seems to me that… For me, … I (definitely) (don’t) think/feel that… I (completely) disagree with the idea that… I agree (strongly) that… I must say that…


Comparing things: It isn’t…. Enough It’s (a bit) too… It is/it isn’t as … as… The situation is a bit/much more/much less…than…


Using modifiers: That’s really/totally… I think that he was quite… It’s a bit/a little… That isn’t very… It isn’t exactly…


Senses: It feels/tastes/smells good. That sounds / looks / seems interesting It smells / feels / tastes like… It sounds / looks like someone is….


Adding points: I also think… Another important thing to remember is… What’s more, … But we shouldn’t forget…


Emphasis: I just don’t know… They’re such (a) He’s so… I’m even… I can’t even…


Personal experiences: In my experience,… I’ve experienced this issue personally… I have some personal experience with this topic… I’m particularly interested in this topic because of

my own experiences…

Speaking reference Speaking with a partner:

Tips: Read the task carefully and make sure that you

both understand it Decide on an order for carrying out the task Take turns in speaking Ask your partner’s opinion and give him/her time to

answer. Do not interrupt. Listen carefully to your partner’s ideas, but do not

be afraid to disagree with them. Be polite about your partner’s ideas, but do not be

afraid to disagree with them. Make sure that you complete the task.


Deciding on an order: So, first of all we need to… What next? What about the…? Don’t we have to…? We also need to… So, we’ve decided to…


Asking for opinions: What do you think about…? I think is/it isn’t And you? What about you? Do you agree? Why do you think that? What makes you think that?


Reacting to your partner’s ideas: I agree with you. I’d agree with that. I think you are right. I think that’s a great idea. I’m not (so) sure about that. Maybe, but I also think that… I totally disagree with you. Really? Me too/Me neither I’m the same/different That’s interesting/true That doesn’t make much sense. That’s crazy!


Being polite: I understand your point of view, but have you

thought of…? You are right about that, but what about…? I don’t entirely agree with you on that point. You may be right, but have you considered…?


Tips: Read the task carefully and make sure that you

both understand it Decide on an order for carrying out the task Take turns in speaking Ask your partner’s opinion and give him/her time to

answer. Do not interrupt. Listen carefully to your partner and react to their

ideas Be polite about your partner’s ideas, but do not be

afraid to disagree with them Make sure that you complete the task


Deciding on an order: So first of all we need to… What next? What about the…? Don’t we have to …? We also need to… So, we’ve decided to…


Asking for opinions: What do you think about…? I think it is/it isn’t… And you? What about you? Do you agree? Why do you think that? What makes you think that?


Reacting to your partner’s ideas: I agree with you I’d agree with that I think you’re right I think that’s a great idea I’m not (so) sure about that Maybe, but I also think that… I totally disagree with you Really? Me too/Me neither I’m the same/different That’s interesting/true That doesn’t make much sense That’s crazy


Being polite I understand your point of view, but have you

thought of…? You are right about that, but what about…? I don’t entirely agree with you on that point. You may be right, but have you considered…?


Invitations and preferences Would you like to…? Do you want to…? How about…? I’d like/prefer (to)… I’d rather… We’ll see


Making arrangements Have you got any plans for…? I was thinking of…? What are you thinking of….? What about…? Sounds Ok/good/great! Great idea!


Expressing preferences: I’d prefer to… I’d rather (not)… I’d like to…


Asking for advice: Should I …? Shall I…? What would you do if…? What if…?


Giving suggestions and advice How/what about (+ -ing)…? We/you could… Shall we…? Let’s… Have you tried…? Why don’t we/you…? If I were you, I’d… Couldn’t you…? Why don’t you…’

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Speaking with a partner:

Making requests:

Do you mind if…?

Could/Can I/you…?

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Speaking with a partner:

Talking about the past:

Have you ever…?

What did you think of…?

I had a good/bad time…


Possibility and certainty: short answers It depends Yes, probably/maybe I (don’t) think so I wouldn’t like to say Maybe I do/have/would Absolutely! I doubt it Yes, certainly/definitely No way!

Education

Speaking reference