Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you usually prefer making decisions on your own or with other people?
Sample response
It depends on the situation, but I’d say I usually like making decisions on my own first and then checking with other people if necessary. For everyday things, I trust my own judgment because it’s quicker. But if it’s something important, like a group project or a financial choice, I prefer hearing other perspectives before I decide.
Q2
Have you ever been responsible for organizing something for a group?
Sample response
Yes, quite a few times, actually. The one that stands out most was when I helped organize a farewell event for one of my university lecturers, so I had to coordinate the budget, the venue, and everyone’s tasks. It was a bit stressful, but I enjoyed seeing everything come together in the end.
Q3
What kind of person do you usually trust in difficult situations?
Sample response
I usually trust someone who stays calm under pressure and doesn’t make everything more dramatic than it already is. In difficult situations, I don’t just look for a kind person; I want someone practical and clear-headed as well. For me, reliability matters more than confidence alone.
Q4
Did you have someone at school who was good at guiding other students?
Sample response
Yes, there was one student in my class who was naturally good at that. He wasn’t bossy at all, but people listened to him because he explained things clearly and made everyone feel included. Even teachers seemed to rely on him when group activities got a bit chaotic.
Q5
Do you enjoy working in a team, or do you prefer working alone?
Sample response
To be honest, I enjoy both, but for different reasons. Teamwork can be really motivating because ideas bounce around and you can learn from other people, while working alone is better when I need to focus deeply and move at my own pace. If I had to choose, I’d probably pick teamwork for creative tasks and solo work for detailed ones.
Q6
Have you ever had to help settle a disagreement between other people?
Sample response
Yes, I have, although only in small everyday situations. Once, two classmates misunderstood each other during a group assignment, so I stepped in and tried to clarify what each person actually meant. It worked out well because the problem was more about poor communication than a serious conflict.
Q7
What personal qualities do you admire most in someone who is in charge?
Sample response
I really admire fairness and self-control in someone who is in charge. I think a good leader should listen carefully, make balanced decisions, and not let their ego control everything. I also respect people who take responsibility when things go wrong instead of blaming others.
Q8
Do you think you are good at encouraging other people?
Sample response
I think I’m reasonably good at it, yes. I’m not the loud, motivational type, but I’m good at encouraging people in a quieter way, like noticing their progress and giving specific positive feedback. Sometimes that kind of support is more helpful than big speeches.
Q9
Have your responsibilities changed as you have grown older?
Sample response
Definitely, they’ve changed a lot. When I was younger, my responsibilities were mostly limited to schoolwork and a few chores at home, but now I have to manage my time, finances, and longer-term goals much more seriously. I think growing older teaches you that responsibility isn’t just about doing tasks; it’s also about being dependable.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a person who is good at guiding others. You should say: - Who this person is? - Where you know this person from? - What qualities make this person effective? And explain how this person has influenced the people around them.
Sample response
I’d like to talk about my former university tutor, Ms. Lan, who is one of the best people I’ve ever met at guiding others. I got to know her during my second year at university, when she taught one of my major subjects and also supervised our project group. To begin with, what made her so effective was the way she balanced authority with kindness. She was clearly knowledgeable and experienced, so people respected her immediately, but she never tried to dominate conversations. Instead, she asked thoughtful questions, listened carefully, and helped students find their own answers. Another thing that stood out to me was her patience. Even when someone made a basic mistake, she didn’t embarrass them. She would calmly explain the issue and show them how to improve. I remember one particular group project where our team was completely stuck because everyone had different ideas and nobody wanted to compromise. Ms. Lan didn’t simply tell us what to do. She helped us break the problem into smaller parts, assign roles based on our strengths, and agree on a realistic plan. That experience taught me that good guidance isn’t about giving orders; it’s about helping people think clearly and work together. As for her influence, I’d say she made people more confident and more independent. Many students, including me, became less afraid of making mistakes because of her support. Overall, she had a very positive effect on the people around her, and I still use some of her advice today.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some people naturally gain the trust of others more easily than others?
Sample response
I think trust usually comes from a combination of personality and behavior. Some people naturally seem warm, calm, and sincere, so others feel comfortable with them almost immediately. But beyond first impressions, trust grows when a person is consistent and does what they say they will do. For example, someone who listens carefully and keeps promises will usually earn trust faster than someone who is charming but unreliable.
Q2
Do you think people are born with the ability to guide others, or is it mainly developed through experience?
Sample response
I’d say there’s a natural element, but experience plays the bigger role in the long run. Some people are born with traits that help them guide others, such as confidence, empathy, or strong communication skills. However, leading people effectively usually requires practice, mistakes, and exposure to different situations. For instance, a shy person can become an excellent team leader over time if they learn how to communicate clearly and manage problems well.
Q3
How has the way people in charge communicate with others changed in recent years?
Sample response
It has changed quite a lot, mainly because communication is now faster, more public, and more informal than before. People in charge used to rely heavily on formal meetings or top-down instructions, whereas now they often need to communicate through messaging apps, video calls, and social media as well. That means they’re expected to be more responsive and transparent. For example, employees today often want regular updates and open discussion rather than simply being told what to do.
Q4
What are the disadvantages of having too much power in one person’s hands?
Sample response
The biggest danger is that decision-making becomes unbalanced. When too much power is concentrated in one person, there’s a higher risk of poor judgment, favoritism, or even abuse, especially if nobody feels able to challenge them. It can also discourage other people from contributing ideas, which weakens teamwork and innovation. In business or politics, we’ve seen that systems work better when there are checks and balances rather than unquestioned authority.
Q5
In what ways can schools help young people become more responsible and confident in group situations?
Sample response
Schools can do a lot by giving students real opportunities to work together and take ownership of tasks. For example, group projects, student councils, and club activities can teach them how to communicate, solve conflicts, and divide responsibilities fairly. I also think teachers should guide students without controlling every step, because confidence grows when young people are trusted to make decisions. On top of that, constructive feedback is important, since it helps students improve without feeling discouraged.