- •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.**
19. **A good teacher is not only a communicator of knowledge but a model of competence.**
The role of a teacher extends far beyond the transmission of information; they serve as mentors, role models, and facilitators of learning. A good teacher not only possesses subject matter expertise but also demonstrates qualities of competence, integrity, and professionalism. By modeling curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, teachers inspire students to strive for excellence and develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success in school and beyond. Moreover, good teachers foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to take risks and pursue their goals. Therefore, the essence of good teaching lies not only in imparting knowledge but also in embodying qualities of competence, dedication, and passion for learning.
20. **Exams are not useful.**
While exams are a common form of assessment in education, their utility and effectiveness depend on various factors, including the purpose of assessment, the validity of exam questions, and the alignment with learning objectives. While exams can provide valuable feedback on student understanding and mastery of course material, they may also place undue emphasis on memorization and test-taking skills rather than critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, exams can induce stress, anxiety, and a fear of failure, which may hinder learning and motivation. Therefore, it is important for educators to consider alternative forms of assessment, such as projects, presentations, portfolios, and performance-based assessments, that provide a more comprehensive and authentic measure of student learning. Ultimately, exams should be used judiciously as one component of a balanced assessment approach that promotes meaningful learning and growth.
21. **The foreign language teacher can provide content that is truly interesting and meaningful to students - the study of themselves.**
Foreign language instruction offers a unique opportunity for students to explore not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural identity and self-awareness. By incorporating content that is relevant, authentic, and meaningful to students' lives and experiences, foreign language teachers can enhance engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Whether through literature, film, music, or personal narratives, connecting language learning to students' interests, backgrounds, and aspirations fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the target language and culture. Moreover, exploring themes of identity, diversity, and global citizenship promotes empathy, intercultural competence, and a sense of belonging in a multicultural world. Therefore, foreign language teachers play a critical role in providing content that resonates with students' lived experiences and fosters meaningful connections to the language and culture they are learning.
22. **There is nothing that young people can teach older people.**
The notion that young people have nothing to teach older people overlooks the valuable perspectives, insights, and experiences that individuals of all ages bring to the table. While older generations may possess wisdom, knowledge, and life experience, younger generations offer fresh ideas, innovation, and a different worldview shaped by contemporary social, cultural, and technological trends. Intergenerational learning fosters mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration, as individuals of different ages learn from each other's strengths and perspectives. Therefore, it is important to recognize and embrace the reciprocal nature of learning across generations, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and shared growth.