Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
How do you usually find out what is happening in the world?
Sample response
I usually get my news from my phone, mainly through news apps and a couple of reliable websites. It’s just more convenient because I can check headlines in a few minutes while I’m commuting or having breakfast.
Q2
Do you prefer getting updates from your phone, television, radio, or newspapers? Why?
Sample response
I definitely prefer getting updates from my phone. It’s fast, personalised, and I can compare different sources straight away, whereas TV and newspapers feel a bit slower and less flexible to me.
Q3
How often do you read or watch current affairs reports?
Sample response
I check current affairs reports every day, but not for very long. Usually I skim the headlines in the morning and then read one or two full articles in the evening if something seems important.
Q4
Is there a particular programme, website, or app you use regularly for updates?
Sample response
Yes, I regularly use BBC News and Reuters. I like them because the layout is simple, the reporting is usually clear, and I feel they focus more on facts than drama.
Q5
Did you often hear or read reports about current events when you were a child?
Sample response
Not really when I was very young. As a child, I only picked up bits of news from my parents watching television, so I knew about major events but I didn’t actively follow them myself.
Q6
Do you prefer short updates or detailed reports?
Sample response
I’d say I prefer a mix of both, depending on the topic. For everyday news, short updates are enough, but if it’s something serious like an election or a natural disaster, I want a more detailed report so I can understand the context.
Q7
Have you ever shared an interesting story with your friends or family?
Sample response
Yes, quite a few times. If I come across a story that is surprising or affects daily life, like a big transport change or a scientific breakthrough, I’ll usually bring it up in conversation with my family or send it to friends in our group chat.
Q8
Do you think it is easy to know whether a report is trustworthy today?
Sample response
No, not always, and to be honest, that’s one of the biggest problems today. There’s so much information online that people can easily be misled, so I think it’s important to check the source, the date, and whether other outlets are reporting the same thing.
Q9
Would you like to work in a job related to reporting or broadcasting? Why or why not?
Sample response
Probably not. I find that field interesting, but it also looks quite stressful because reporters often work under pressure and have to be accurate all the time. I’d rather be someone who follows the news closely than someone who has to produce it.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a news story you recently followed. You should say: - When you first heard about it - Where you got the information from - Why it caught your attention And explain how you felt after learning more about it.
Sample response
A news story I recently followed was about the rapid development of artificial intelligence, especially how AI tools are being introduced into workplaces and schools. I first heard about it a few weeks ago when I saw a short video clip on my phone, and after that I started reading more detailed articles online. To begin with, I got most of the information from news apps like BBC News and Reuters, but I also watched a couple of interviews on YouTube with technology experts. What stood out to me was that the story wasn’t just about new software. It was really about how people’s daily lives might change, from the way students do assignments to the way companies handle customer service and office tasks. The reason it caught my attention is that AI is no longer some distant idea from science fiction. It’s already affecting the way we study, work, and even search for information. Another thing is that opinions were very divided. Some people were excited because AI could save time and increase productivity, while others were worried about job losses, privacy, and people becoming too dependent on technology. After learning more about it, I felt both impressed and slightly uneasy. On the one hand, I was amazed by how quickly the technology is improving. On the other hand, I felt we need clear rules and responsible use, otherwise it could create more problems than benefits. Overall, it left me feeling curious, but also a bit cautious about the future.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some people follow current events very closely while others are not interested at all?
Sample response
I think it mainly depends on personality, lifestyle, and whether people feel current events affect them directly. Some individuals are naturally curious and want to understand politics, the economy, or global issues, so following the news becomes part of their daily routine. Others may see it as stressful, repetitive, or irrelevant to their own lives. For example, someone running a business may watch the news closely because policy changes matter to them, whereas another person might avoid it to protect their peace of mind.
Q2
How has the way people receive information changed in the last few decades?
Sample response
The change has been huge, really. In the past, people relied much more on newspapers, radio, and scheduled TV bulletins, so information arrived at fixed times and usually through a small number of gatekeepers. Now news is instant, mobile, and often personalised through apps and social media feeds. That means people can learn about events within seconds, but it also means they are exposed to far more noise and misinformation. So access has improved, but the challenge of judging quality has grown as well.
Q3
What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting updates mainly from social platforms?
Sample response
The biggest advantage is speed. Social platforms can spread information almost immediately, and they also allow ordinary people to share updates, images, and firsthand accounts from the scene of an event. However, the downside is that false or exaggerated content can spread just as quickly, sometimes even faster than verified reporting. Another issue is that algorithms tend to show people what keeps them engaged, not necessarily what is balanced or accurate. As a result, users can end up in echo chambers without even realising it.
Q4
Why is it important for people to be able to judge whether a report is reliable?
Sample response
It’s important because people make real decisions based on the information they consume. They may vote, spend money, panic, or form strong opinions about individuals or communities, so if the report is unreliable, the consequences can be serious. For instance, false health information online can lead people to ignore proper medical advice. More broadly, if citizens can’t judge reliability, society becomes easier to manipulate. So media literacy is no longer just useful; I’d say it’s essential.
Q5
Do you think broadcasters and publishers should always remain neutral, or is some opinion acceptable?
Sample response
In my opinion, straight news reporting should remain as neutral as possible, because the audience deserves facts before interpretation. That said, I think some opinion is acceptable if it is clearly labelled, for example in editorials, analysis pieces, or commentary programmes. The real problem starts when opinion is presented as objective reporting, because that can quietly shape people’s views without them noticing. A good media organisation should separate facts from views in a transparent way. That balance helps maintain trust while still allowing meaningful debate.
Q6
How might the way information is reported influence public attitudes and behaviour?
Sample response
The way information is reported can have a powerful effect on how people think and act. If a story is framed in a dramatic or emotional way, the public may react with fear, anger, or sympathy, even before they know all the facts. For example, repeated negative reporting about a social group can increase prejudice, while constructive reporting on environmental issues can encourage people to recycle or reduce waste. Language, images, and even the order of details all matter. So reporting doesn’t just describe reality; in many cases, it actively shapes it.