III.
SPEAKING SKILL BUILDING
3.1. Overview of speaking part 3
In this part, you will be given TWO topic cards. One topic is about natural sciences while the other is
about social sciences. You will choose one of them to discuss for about 2 minutes. Before speaking, you
will be given 1 minute to prepare for your answer. After your individual long turn, you will be asked 1-2
follow-up questions. Below is the sample of speaking part 3.
3.2. Strategies
3.2.1. How to approach the questions
Pre-speaking strategies
- Underline the key words in the given topic.
- Take notes of the synonyms/antonyms which can help you paraphrase the topic.
- Take one side to state your agreement or disagreement.
- Draw a simple mind map which outlines your ideas.
While-speaking strategies
- Introduction: paraphrase the topic sentence given.
- Body: Make the full sentences from your mind map. Try to support these ideas with
examples/reasons/evidence. Use appropriate linking devices among sentences.
- Conclusion: Give a short conclusion to wrap up your talk.
3.2.2. Useful language
Signposting an opinion Agreeing Disagreeing
- I strongly believe … - I totally agree. - I’m really not convinced.
- I’m absolutely - Yes, that’s completely true. - I completely disagree.
convinced that … - That’s definitely right. - It’s absolutely not true.
- I really think that … - It’s absolutely true. - I’m totally against…
3.2.3. Example:
1. Topic: Many people think that communication through online social networking sites is more
effective than direct interaction? Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why (not)?
2. Sample answer: While online social networking sites such as tiktok, facebook or twitter are
becoming an inevitable mode of modern people’s communication, I disagree with the idea that
communication on social media is more effective than real life interaction for two reasons. Firstly,
legal procedures cannot be dealt through the internet; for instance, marriage registration cannot
be implemented on these virtual platforms. Besides, miscommunication is more likely to occur
when you totally depend on the internet to solve a problem. It is because you cannot always make
sure that what you express is properly understood since you hardly see other people’s facial
expressions or their body language such as eye contact or gestures to verify whether they really
perceive what you mean. To sum up, I am not convinced that internet-based communication is
more effective than actual interaction.
3.3. Practice
Part 3: Topic discussion (5’)
Choose ONE of the given topics.
Topic 1
Technology has brought about many positive developments to how people
interact with each other. Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Why
(not)?
Further questions:
o Technology enables people to connect across long distances. What do you think about this
opinion?
o Chat GPT can replace humans in translating texts from one language to another. What do
you think about this opinion?
Topic 2
Emails might one day replace hand-writing letters. Do you agree or disagree
with this viewpoint? Why (not)?
Further questions:
o It is important to reply to emails immediately after you receive them. What do you think
about this opinion?
o There are several possible effects of poor written communication skills at the workplace.
What do you think about this opinion?
3.4. Exam Practice
Part 3: Topic discussion (5’)
Choose ONE of the given topics.
Topic 1
Video conferencing has brought a positive impact on the operation of
organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Why (not)?
Further questions:
o Artificial intelligence can replace human teachers in educational contexts. What do you
think about this opinion?
o Online social networking sites can enhance college students’ learning outcomes. What do
you think about this opinion?
Topic 2
The media should have a responsibility to protect the environment. Do you
agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Why (not)?
Further questions:
o The media should be allowed to report on sensitive political issues. What do you think
about this opinion?
o The media shouldn’t be allowed to invade the privacy of public figures. What do you
think about this opinion?
3.5. Further Practice
Part 1: Social Interaction (2’)
● Do you study or work?
● [If study] What is your major?
● [If work] What do you do in your job?
● What is your favorite kind of food? Why?
● Are you a healthy eater? Why (not)?
● How long have you been learning English?
● How do you learn new words?
● What is the most popular social media in Vietnam? Why?
Part 2: Cue-based talk (3’)
Describe one time you talked with a foreigner in English.
You should talk about:
- Who you talked with;
- What you talked with each other;
- How you felt when talking with a foreigner.
