Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you often notice commercials in your daily life?
Sample response
Yes, I do, mainly because they’re everywhere now. I notice them on social media, on YouTube before videos start, and even while I’m scrolling through shopping apps. Sometimes I don’t pay full attention, but they definitely catch my eye.
Q2
Where do you usually see or hear them?
Sample response
Mostly online, to be honest. I usually come across them on Instagram, YouTube, and websites I visit for news or entertainment, and I still see billboards when I’m commuting. I hear them less often on radio because I don’t really listen to it anymore.
Q3
Are there any kinds of promotional messages that you enjoy watching?
Sample response
Yes, I quite like commercials that are funny or tell a short story. If an ad has clever humour, good music, or a meaningful message, I’m much more likely to watch it till the end. Travel and sports ads are probably my favourites because they feel inspiring rather than pushy.
Q4
Do you think short videos are more effective than posters or signs?
Sample response
In many cases, yes, because short videos combine sound, movement, and emotion, so they’re more engaging. A poster can be effective too, but usually only if the design is really striking. If a company wants people to remember a message quickly, video tends to work better.
Q5
Have you ever bought something after seeing it promoted?
Sample response
Yes, I have, especially with skincare and tech accessories. Usually it happens when the promotion looks realistic and includes reviews or a demonstration rather than just flashy slogans. I once bought a phone stand after seeing a short ad online, and it turned out to be genuinely useful.
Q6
Do you prefer online promotional content or traditional forms such as TV and radio?
Sample response
I prefer online promotional content because it’s more relevant to my interests and easier to ignore if I’m not interested. Traditional media like TV and radio can feel a bit intrusive since you have to sit through it. Online ads aren’t perfect either, but at least they’re usually shorter and more targeted.
Q7
What kind of products are most heavily promoted in your country?
Sample response
In my country, I’d say food and drinks, smartphones, beauty products, and online shopping platforms are promoted the most. Financial services are also becoming very visible, especially banking apps and e-wallets. Around big festivals, you can also see huge campaigns for household goods and gifts.
Q8
Do you usually trust the information given in commercials?
Sample response
Not completely. I think commercials often highlight the best features and leave out the drawbacks, so I treat them as a starting point rather than the full truth. If I’m seriously considering buying something, I’ll always check customer reviews first.
Q9
Have your feelings about brand promotion changed over time?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. When I was younger, I was more easily impressed by catchy slogans and attractive packaging, but now I’m much more sceptical. These days I pay more attention to whether the message feels honest and whether the product actually fits my needs.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a commercial that you remember well. You should say: - When and where you saw or heard it - What it was promoting - What made it memorable And explain whether you think it was effective.
Sample response
One commercial that I remember really well is a Nike ad called “You Can’t Stop Us.” I first saw it on YouTube in 2020, during the pandemic, when I was spending much more time online than usual. Later, I noticed people sharing it all over social media, so it quickly became hard to forget. To begin with, it was promoting Nike as a sports brand, but honestly, it felt bigger than just selling shoes or sportswear. The ad showed athletes from different sports, backgrounds, and countries, and it used split-screen editing in a really clever way. Two separate clips were matched so perfectly that it looked like one continuous movement, and that visual effect was what stood out to me most. Another thing is that the message was very powerful. It focused on resilience, unity, and the idea that people can keep going even in difficult times. Because it came out during a period when many people felt uncertain or discouraged, it felt emotionally relevant rather than purely commercial. I still remember the voice-over and the sense of energy it created. As for whether it was effective, I’d say absolutely yes. It made me admire the brand more, not because it pushed a product aggressively, but because it created a strong emotional connection. Overall, it was memorable for its editing, timing, and message, and to me that’s exactly what a successful commercial should do.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some promotional campaigns stay in people’s minds for a long time?
Sample response
I think the campaigns that stay in people’s minds usually create an emotional reaction. That could be humour, surprise, nostalgia, or even a strong social message. People rarely remember a list of product features, but they do remember how something made them feel. For example, a funny slogan or a touching storyline can stay with someone for years, even if they haven’t bought the product.
Q2
How has the internet changed the way companies reach consumers?
Sample response
The internet has changed everything because companies can now target very specific groups instead of broadcasting the same message to everyone. They use search history, social media behaviour, and online shopping data to show people ads that match their interests. On the one hand, that makes promotion more efficient; on the other hand, it can feel invasive. Compared with traditional TV advertising, online marketing is much faster, more interactive, and easier to measure.
Q3
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using famous people to promote products?
Sample response
Using celebrities can be very effective because famous people attract attention instantly and can transfer their image to the product. If a respected athlete promotes sportswear, for instance, consumers may assume the brand is high-quality and trustworthy. However, there are clear downsides as well. Sometimes people remember the celebrity but forget the product, and if that person gets involved in a scandal, the brand’s reputation can suffer too.
Q4
Do you think young people are more influenced by promotional content than older people? Why?
Sample response
Yes, I do think young people are generally more influenced, mainly because they spend more time on social media where promotional content is blended into entertainment. Very often they see products through influencers, short videos, or trends, so the message feels natural rather than like a traditional advertisement. Older people can be influenced too, of course, but they may be a bit more cautious because of life experience. Teenagers, in particular, are often more sensitive to peer pressure and brand image.
Q5
Should there be stricter rules about how companies promote products to the public?
Sample response
Yes, I believe there should be stricter rules, especially when companies promote products to children or make exaggerated health claims. Advertising has a huge impact on public behaviour, so there needs to be some protection against misleading messages. For example, junk food, gambling apps, or financial products should be regulated carefully because people may not fully understand the risks. In my view, businesses should be free to advertise, but they should also be required to be honest and socially responsible.
Q6
In what ways can promotional messages affect people’s lifestyles and values?
Sample response
Promotional messages can shape lifestyles by suggesting what is desirable, fashionable, or successful. If people constantly see ads linking happiness to shopping, luxury, or appearance, they may start valuing image more than substance. On the positive side, campaigns can also encourage healthy habits, environmental awareness, or social responsibility. So advertising is not neutral; it can influence both what people buy and what they believe matters in life.