
- •Speaking topics
- •1. **With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly:**
- •2. **A good interpreter should be a bit of an actor. This is part of the technique of an oral translation:**
- •3. **All required university courses are boring:**
- •4. **"Climate" of a classroom depends on the nature of person relationship between a teacher and a pupil:**
- •6. **It is only ignorant who despise education. (Publius Syrus 42 bc):**
- •7. **Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?**
- •8. **Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?**
- •9. **Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Do you agree?**
- •10. **Should sports classes be sacrificed in universities so students can concentrate on academic subjects?**
- •11. **To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment?**
- •12. **To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?**
- •13. **Computers can translate all kinds of languages well. Do our children need to learn more languages in the future?**
- •14. **Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn.**
- •15. **Grades (marks) encourage students to learn.**
- •16. **Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school.**
- •17. **High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study.**
- •19. **A good teacher is not only a communicator of knowledge but a model of competence.**
- •20. **Exams are not useful.**
- •21. **The foreign language teacher can provide content that is truly interesting and meaningful to students - the study of themselves.**
- •22. **There is nothing that young people can teach older people.**
- •23. **Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) can make a better interpreter.**
7. **Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?**
The role of education in national development cannot be overstated. Education serves as the bedrock upon which the prosperity, stability, and progress of a country are built. It empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to contribute meaningfully to society, drive economic growth, and address pressing challenges. Moreover, education promotes social mobility, fosters civic engagement, and cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity. Nations that prioritize education invest in their human capital, laying the foundation for sustainable development and global competitiveness. Therefore, I wholeheartedly agree that education is the single most important factor in the development of a country, as it shapes the present and future trajectory of its citizens and society.
8. **Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?**
Studying abroad offers a myriad of benefits, from cultural immersion and language acquisition to personal growth and global perspective. However, these benefits often come with inherent challenges such as cultural adjustment, homesickness, and academic rigor. Whether the benefits outweigh the difficulties depends on the individual's goals, priorities, and willingness to embrace new experiences and overcome obstacles. For prospective students considering studying abroad, my advice would be to carefully weigh the potential benefits and challenges, conduct thorough research on the host country and academic program, seek guidance from advisors and alumni, and maintain an open mind and adventurous spirit. Additionally, building a support network, staying resilient in the face of adversity, and embracing cultural exchange are essential for a fulfilling and transformative study abroad experience.
9. **Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Do you agree?**
The early years of childhood are a critical period for language acquisition and development. By introducing foreign language instruction in kindergarten, we capitalize on children's natural curiosity, cognitive flexibility, and receptivity to new languages and cultures. Early exposure to a second language not only enhances linguistic proficiency but also fosters cognitive benefits such as improved problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, and heightened cultural awareness. Moreover, starting foreign language instruction in kindergarten promotes inclusivity and diversity, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world. Therefore, I strongly agree that foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten, laying the foundation for lifelong language learning and global citizenship.
10. **Should sports classes be sacrificed in universities so students can concentrate on academic subjects?**
Balancing academic rigor with extracurricular activities, including sports, is essential for the holistic development of students. Sports classes offer numerous benefits, including physical fitness, teamwork, leadership skills, and stress relief, which complement and enhance the academic experience. Furthermore, participation in sports fosters a sense of community, school spirit, and overall well-being among students. Sacrificing sports classes in universities would deprive students of these valuable opportunities for personal growth and holistic development. Instead, universities should strive to strike a balance between academic and extracurricular pursuits, ensuring that students have access to a well-rounded education that nurtures their intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
Here are sample speeches for the remaining questions: