Task 1
Imagine that you are preparing a project with your friend. You have found some interesting material for the presentation and you want to read this text to your friend. You have 1.5 minutes to read the text silently, then be ready to read it out aloud. You will not have more than 1.5 minutes to read it.
Cats make good pets. Compared to dogs, a cat is a low maintenance pet. They don’t require formal training, and they are even able to take care of basic self-cleaning. Plus, since cats use litter boxes, they don’t need to be taken outside multiple times a day – something that can be time-consuming if you live in a large apartment building.
One of the best things about cats is that they are very independent creatures. Unlike dogs, who require quite a high level of attention each day, cats are quite happy to have time to themselves. In fact, cats will sleep for about 15 hours a day, so you don’t have to worry about them being too bored when you are at work. When you are home, cats are also more likely to be content with just being in your company, whereas dogs may demand your undivided attention.
Task 2
Study the advertisement.
It’s reading time, not screen time!
You are considering buying this e-reader and now you’d like to get more information. In 1.5 minutes you are to ask four direct questions to find out about the following:
- screen size
- content formats supported
- weight
- on-device storage
You have 20 seconds to ask each question.
Task 3
You are going to give an interview. You have to answer five questions. Give full answers to the questions (2–3 sentences). Remember that you have 40 seconds to answer each question.
Tapescript for Task 3
Interviewer: Hello everybody! It’s Teenagers Round the World Channel. Our guest today is a teenager from Russia and we are going to discuss employment opportunities for teenagers. We’d like to know our guest’s point of view on this issue. Please answer five questions. So, let’s get started.
Interviewer: Have you ever had a part-time job? What part-time jobs are common for teenagers in your area?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: What do you think makes teenagers do part-time jobs?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: What are some real benefits and risks of adolescent employment, in your opinion?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: Do you think teenagers should work during their high school years, or is it better to focus on academics? Why do you think this way?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: What advice would you give to teenagers who are looking for their first job or employment experience?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: Thank you very much for your interview.
Task 4
Imagine that you and your friend are doing a school project “School lessons”. You have found some photos to illustrate it but for technical reasons you cannot send them now. Leave a voice message to your friend explaining your choice of the photos and sharing some ideas about the project. In 2.5 minutes be ready to:
- explain the choice of the illustrations for the project by briefly describing them and noting the differences;
- mention the advantages (1–2) of the two types of school lessons;
- mention the disadvantages (1–2) of the two types of school lessons;
- express your opinion on the subject of the project – which type of lessons you preferred at school and why.
You will speak for not more than 3 minutes (12–15 sentences). You have to talk continuously.