Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Did you enjoy going to school when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, I did, for the most part. I liked the social side of school because I could see my friends every day, and a few teachers made classes really engaging. Of course, there were stressful periods like exams, but overall I have pretty positive memories of it.
Q2
What was your favorite subject at school?
Sample response
My favorite subject was English. I enjoyed it because it wasn’t just about memorizing facts; it involved stories, discussion, and expressing ideas, which suited me much better. I also had a very encouraging teacher, so that made a big difference.
Q3
Were there any subjects you found difficult?
Sample response
Yes, definitely mathematics was a challenge for me when I was younger. I could understand the basic ideas, but once the questions became more abstract, I started to struggle and lost confidence. I had to spend a lot more time on it than on other subjects.
Q4
Do you prefer studying alone or with other people?
Sample response
I generally prefer studying alone because I can concentrate better and work at my own pace. When I study with other people, it can be helpful for exchanging ideas, but it also becomes distracting quite easily. So for serious revision, I’d choose quiet time by myself.
Q5
How do you usually keep yourself motivated when learning something new?
Sample response
I usually try to break the learning process into small goals, because that makes it feel manageable. I also remind myself why I wanted to learn it in the first place, whether it’s for work, personal growth, or simply curiosity. Seeing even a little progress keeps me going.
Q6
Have your study habits changed over the years?
Sample response
Yes, quite a lot, actually. When I was at school, I relied heavily on repetition and handwritten notes, but now I study in a much more focused way and use digital tools like videos, apps, and summaries. I’d say I’ve become more independent and efficient over time.
Q7
Do you think homework is important for children?
Sample response
Yes, I do, but only if it’s meaningful and not excessive. Homework can reinforce what children learn in class and help them develop discipline and responsibility. That said, if they’re overloaded with it, it can become stressful and even make them dislike learning.
Q8
What kind of skills would you like to learn in the future?
Sample response
I’d really like to learn more practical skills in the future, especially public speaking and maybe a foreign language. Public speaking is useful in almost any career, and learning another language would open up new cultural and professional opportunities. I think both would be valuable in real life.
Q9
Did you have a teacher you especially liked at school?
Sample response
Yes, I did. One of my teachers was especially memorable because she was patient, approachable, and genuinely interested in helping students improve. She made me feel that making mistakes was part of learning, and that really boosted my confidence.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a teacher who had a strong influence on you. You should say: - who this person was - when and where you studied with him or her - what this person did that impressed you And explain why this person had such a strong impact on you.
Sample response
I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Ms. Lan, who had a really strong influence on me. I studied with her for about two years when I was around fifteen or sixteen, at a public school in my hometown. To begin with, she was not the kind of teacher who simply followed the textbook and asked students to memorize everything. What stood out to me was the way she made lessons feel alive. For example, instead of just explaining grammar rules, she encouraged us to discuss books, share opinions, and even give short presentations in class. At the time, I was quite shy and didn’t like speaking in front of other people, so that was difficult for me at first. Another thing that impressed me was how observant and supportive she was. She seemed to notice when students were losing confidence, and she always gave feedback in a very constructive way. I still remember one occasion when I did badly on a writing assignment. Rather than criticizing me, she pointed out what I had done well first, then showed me exactly how to improve. That approach made me want to try again instead of giving up. I think she had such a strong impact on me because she changed the way I saw learning. She taught me that education isn’t just about grades; it’s also about confidence, curiosity, and communication. Overall, she was the first teacher who made me believe I could genuinely become good at something through effort.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
What qualities make someone an effective teacher?
Sample response
In my opinion, an effective teacher needs a combination of subject knowledge and interpersonal skills. It’s not enough to know the content well; they also need to explain it clearly and adapt it to different learners. Patience is another key quality, because students don’t all progress at the same speed. For instance, the best teachers I’ve known were the ones who could simplify difficult ideas without making students feel inadequate. They also created a classroom atmosphere where people felt comfortable asking questions.
Q2
How has technology changed the way people learn today?
Sample response
Technology has changed learning quite dramatically by making information more accessible and flexible. People can now study through online courses, educational videos, and apps, so learning is no longer limited to the classroom. I think this is especially useful for working adults, because they can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. At the same time, technology has made lessons more interactive through quizzes, simulations, and virtual discussions. However, one drawback is that it can also reduce concentration if learners get distracted by social media or too much screen time.
Q3
Do you think schools should focus more on practical skills or academic subjects?
Sample response
I think schools should try to balance both, but if I had to choose, I’d say practical skills deserve more attention than they currently get. Academic subjects are still essential because they build knowledge and critical thinking, but many students leave school without knowing how to manage money, communicate professionally, or solve everyday problems. Those practical abilities are directly useful in adult life. For example, someone may be excellent at science or history, but still struggle with teamwork or basic financial decisions. So ideally, schools should keep strong academic foundations while also preparing students for real-world situations.
Q4
Why do some people continue learning throughout their lives while others stop after school?
Sample response
I’d say the main difference is mindset and motivation. Some people see learning as a lifelong process and enjoy developing themselves, while others associate it only with exams, pressure, and formal education. Environment matters too, because people are more likely to continue learning if their job, family, or social circle values personal growth. For example, professionals in fast-changing fields like technology or marketing often have to keep learning just to stay relevant. By contrast, if someone has never had positive learning experiences, they may feel there’s no reason to continue after school.
Q5
In what ways can learning help reduce social inequality?
Sample response
Learning can reduce social inequality by giving people the knowledge and skills they need to improve their circumstances. A good education can lead to better jobs, higher income, and greater confidence, especially for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It also helps individuals understand their rights and make informed decisions about health, finance, and career opportunities. For instance, when children from low-income families have access to quality education, they have a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. Of course, this only works if learning opportunities are genuinely accessible, not just available to those who are already privileged.