Speaking 

3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Children should begin studying a foreign language as soon as they start school".

In my opinion, children should begin studying a foreign language as soon as they start school. Everybody knows that it is much easier to learn foreign languages when you are young. Children’s minds are ready to learn many new things. When children learn foreign languages, they learn them as well as their native language. If they wait until they are older to study a language, it is much harder to become fluent.

Many studies have shown that learning a language helps the child’s mind to develop. Children who learn foreign languages also do better in other subjects. This isn't so true for older students.

Moreover, learning foreign languages can help children expand their knowledge of theworld. If they learn a foreign language, they will be interested in the people who speak that language. They want to know about their country and customs. They want to understand them instead of becoming afraid of them because they are different.

To sum up, learning a foreign language has many advantages for everybody. It contributes to our intellectual development and our understanding of the world. The younger a language student is, the more advantages he or she gets from learning the language. So, the best time for a child to start studying a foreign language is when he or she starts school.

Speaking

2. What do you want most in a friend – someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humour, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.

I like people who are intelligent and I always enjoy someone with a good sense of humor. But what I look for first, however, is a friend who is reliable. I need to be able to rely on my friends to provide me with companionship, to support me and to encourage me.

I depend on my friends for companionship. If I want to see a movie or go to a concert, of course I ask some friends to accompany me. If I feel sad or lonely, I can count on my friends to spend some time with me. If I feel happy, I can invite all my friends to a party. I know they will come over to have a good time with me.

When I have troubles, I turn to my friends for support. If I fail an exam or have a fight with someone, I call up a friend. I rely on my friends to be willing to talk to me and help me solve my problems. I expect my friends to be there when I need them and I do the same for them.

I need my friends to encourage me. If I am afraid to do something such as enroll in a difficult course or apply for a job to earn some extra money, my friends help me. They talk to me and give me the confidence I need to try new and difficult things. I know I can count on them to give me encouragement when I need it.

To sum up, we all like to spend time with smart and entertaining people. But I think the people who make the best friends, though, are people who are reliable. If someone is reliable, you know he or she will always be ready to give you companionship, support, and encouragement when you need it. That's what friends are for, isn't it?

Speaking

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly". Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Technology has greatly improved the way we get information. Now students can get more information, get it more quickly and get it more conveniently.

An amazing amount of information is available through the Internet. It has made every major library and database available to students around the world. 

Information comes through the Internet instantly. You can type a few words in your search engine, and in a matter of seconds the engine will search the entire World Wide Web to find information on that topic. You don't have to spend hours going through card catalogues in the library and looking at the shelves.

It is certainly convenient to sit at home and do research on the Internet with your computer. Your computer is open 24 hours a day, unlike a library or an office. You can do research in your pajamas while eating breakfast. What could be more convenient?

Thus, technology, especially the Internet, has changed the quantity and quality of the information we get. The speed and convenience of a computer helps students learn more and learn it more quickly.