Part 1
Lesson 1
Topic 1: Background
1. Where do you come from?
2. Where do you live now (house/flat/neighborhood/area)?
3. What is your hometown well-known for?
4. What are you involved in at the moment (what projects or activities are you doing)?
Topic 2: Family
5. How many members are there in your immediate family?
6. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
7. What are they doing at present?
8. Where does your father or mother work?
9. Do you live with your family? Why?
10. What do you and your family like to do together?
11. Do you live in a nuclear family or an extended family?
12. What is the best memory you have of you and your family doing something together?
13. What are some of the fondest memories of your childhood?
14. Did you ever meet any of your grandparents? How is your relationship with them?
15. Who takes the greater responsibility for bringing up your children in your family?
16. Who does most of the household chores in your family?
17. How are children disciplined in your country?
18. Do you usually have any influence on family matters?
19. If you had the choice, would you have a son or a daughter?
20. Would you bring your child up any differently from the way your parents did?
21. What hopes do you have for your child?
22. Are the traditional sexual roles within the family changing?
23. Is the increasing influence of the West largely a positive or a negative thing?
Lesson 2
Topic 3: Job/Occupation
24. What is your job?
25. Have you ever had a job before? If so, what was it?
26. Do you have a full-time or part-time job at the moment?
27. Why did you choose the job you have (or had)?
28. What do you like most about your job?
29. Are you satisfied with your job?
30. Why did you choose that kind of work?
31. How long have you been doing it?
32. What is your ideal job?
33. Have recent changes affected your job in any way?
34. How do you see yourself in ten years time?
35. If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you do instead?
36. Describe a typical working day for you.
Topic 4: Studies
37. What was your major?
38. What subjects did you study?
39. Why did you choose those subjects?
40. How long have you been studying them?
41. Did you enjoy them? Why?
42. Who should bear the responsibility for payment of tuition fees?
file:///usr/share/ubuntu-artwork/home/index.html43. If you had the power, what reforms would you carry out within education?
44. Do you agree with private education?
45. What can be done to improve education in rural areas?
46. What changes have you seen in education over the past few years?
47. Did you enjoy studying at your school? What interested you?
Topic 5: Name
48. What is the meaning of your given name?
49. Does your name affect your personality?
50. What do your family and close friends call you?
Lesson 3
Topic 6: Hometown
51. Tell me something about your hometown.
52. What are the people like in your hometown?
53. What place do you like best in (your city)?
54. What places in your city/hometown should a foreigner visit?
55. What places would you recommend a visitor to go to in your region/hometown?
56. What’s the most interesting part of your town?
57. Which parts of your country would you recommend a foreigner to visit?
58. Which is the worst place you've been to in your country?
59. If you had the choice, in what country will you live?
Topic 7: Interests/Hobbies
60. Do you have any interesting hobbies or pastimes?
61. When and how did you become interested in it?
62. What do you enjoy doing on the weekends?
63. How do you improve your English after school hours?
64. Have you traveled to any interesting places recently?
65. If you had lots of money, what would you like to do?
66. What do you do in your spare time?
67. If you had one million (local currency), what would you do with it?
68. If you could start your life again, would you do anything differently?
file:///usr/share/ubuntu-artwork/home/index.html69. Do you have any ambitions?
70. Which country/place would you like to visit the most?
71. What changes do you think (country) will see in the next few years?
72. How do you think will you cope in (USA, UK, etc.)?
73. Are you looking forward to anything in particular in (USA, UK, Canada, etc.)?
74. What are your plans on your return to (country)?
Parts 2 and 3
Lesson 4
Topic 8: Accidents at Home
Describe an accident that happened at home
You should say:
what the accident was
when it happened
what caused it
how it can be prevented
Follow-up Questions
What can a parent do to childproof a kitchen?
What can a parent do to childproof a yard?
Where at home would you put your first aid kit? What would you have in it?
What can be done to prevent bathroom accidents?
What other dangers can be found in a home -- in bedrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and living areas?
What can be done throughout the house to prevent accidents?
Topic 9: Advertisements
Tell me about advertisements in your country
You should say:
what the forms of advertisements are
what the functions of advertisements are
what the effect of advertisements on people is
Follow-up Questions
What is the purpose of advertising a product?
What TV commercials do you like? Which ones do you hate?
When you drive or walk, do you get distracted by advertisements on buses or billboards?
Describe an advertisement which has impressed you most
You should say:
what the product is
what its contents are
why it is impressive
Follow-up Questions
What do you think is the criteria for assessing a good advertisement?
Do you think banning advertisements for alcohol and smoking is worthwhile? Why?
Lesson 5
Topic 10: Adoption
Describe your country’s adoption policy
You should say:
how people view adoption in your country
what the usual reasons are for adopting a child
how people go about adopting a child in your country
why people should adopt children
Follow-up Questions
Where do children, who are available for adoption, come from?
Should adopted children have the right to know their biological parents?
Should families with birth children also adopt?
Which of these parents are real: the birth parent or the adoptive parent?
In your country, are the legal rights of an adopted child different from that of a birth child?
Lesson 6
Topic 11: Animals and Pets
Tell me something about an unusual pet
You should say:
what it is
what makes it unusual
why people keep this kind of pet
Follow-up Questions
What are the pros and cons of keeping a pet?
Do you think it’s acceptable to test cosmetics on animals?
What sort of animals do the people in your country like to keep?
Describe an animal you like or dislike
You should say:
what it is
when you saw it
why you like (or dislike) it
Follow-up Questions
file:///usr/share/ubuntu-artwork/home/index.htmlHow do you feel about the use of animals for medical research? Do you think it is okay to free animals that have been in captivity all their lives? Why or why not?
Some people think that people shouldn’t wear animal furs. Do you agree? Why or why not?
What do you think of your government’s animal protection policies?
Talk about a zoo you had visited
You should say:
what the name of the zoo is
where it is located
what animals were inside the zoo
how these animals were taken care of
Follow-up Questions
Compare and contrast how animals behave and live in the wild and in zoos.
Should we put endangered animals inside zoos?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of keeping animals in zoos?
Do you think that animals living in zoos are more fortunate than those living in the wild?
Talk about a type of animal unique to your hometown
You should say:
what it looks like
where it lives
how you feel about this animal
how the people in your hometown feel about this animal
Follow-up Questions
Is it right for men to domesticate wild animals?
Should we clone animals?
Are there many birds in your neighborhood?
What bird do people like best in your country? Why?
Do the people in your country like birds?
How do people feel about birds?
Is there a bird which has a special meaning?
Should people protect birds? Why?
Lesson 7
Topic 12: Art
Describe your favorite work of art
You should say:
what it is
who did it
and explain why it’s your favorite
Follow-up Questions
Why is art important?
Do you agree that graffiti is a form of art; a form of expressing one’s mind?
What would life be like without art?
How much does your country’s government support in funding for the arts?
How important is this expense?
Topic 13: Beauty/ Beauty Contests
Describe a beauty contest that you have witnessed
You should say:
what the name of the beauty contest is
what its objective is
what the qualifications of the contestants were
how they were judged
Follow-up Questions
How would you define true beauty? Please explain your answer.
Do you think that beauty contests truly promote world peace?
Do you think that beauty contests degrade women?
Compare and contrast how beauty contests are conducted now and in the past.
What are the values that we can learn from beauty contests? Please explain.
Are beauty contests beneficial to our society?
Should we disqualify beauty contestants who had surgeries in order to enhance their physical appearance?
Lesson 8
Topic 14: Books
Tell me about a book you have read recently
You should say:
what the book is
who the author is
what the book was about
why you read it
Follow-up Questions
Do you like reading books? If so, then why?
Who introduced you to (reading/liking) books?
What kinds of books are popular in your country these days?
Are the children in your country fond of reading?
In your opinion, who is the most famous author in Korea?
Describe a book you like
You should say:
what kind of books you like most
what they are about
why you like them most
what effects books brought on you
Follow-up Questions
What is the advantage of reading a book?
What is the most important thing in terms of kid’s education?
Do you think reading books will still be popular in the future?
Describe an instructive book that you have read
You should say:
what the title of the book is
what the contents are
when you read this book
why this book is instructive or important to you
Follow-up Questions
How many English authors can you name?
Have you ever read a book and then seen a film based on that book?
Do you believe that literature can help you get familiar with a culture?
Why is literature important in our lives?
Lesson 9
Topic 15: Celebrities
Describe a famous person you whom you would like to meet the most
You should say:
who the person is
why you would like to meet him or her
how the meeting will affect you
Follow-up Questions
Do you want to become famous?
Describe how one can become a well-known person in your country?
Do you think famous people have the right to have a private life?
Would a renowned person in TV commercials influence you?
Describe a well-known person
You should say:
who he or she is
what makes him or her famous
why you admire him or her
Follow-up Questions
Why are people so interested in the private lives of celebrities?
Why do you think there is such a high demand for gossip magazines and gossip TV programs?
What are the pros and cons of being a celebrity?
Do you often talk about well-known people with your friends? If so, what things about these people do you talk about?
What do you think of the relationship between a well-known person and advertising?
Lesson 10
Topic 16: Children
Describe a child you know
You should say:
how old he or she is
what he or she looks like
how you are related
Follow-up Questions
What are the positive or negative things about being a child?
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What were some important experiences that you had when you were a child that shaped you as a person?
Do you think that children are naturally good? Why or why not?
Do you think that children are different today from the time when you were a child, or from 50 years ago, or 100 years ago?
What is the most important thing that we need to teach them?
Compare child-rearing in your country to child-rearing in the United States.
Has there been a change in the status of women in your country that affected child-rearing?
Topic 17: Cities
Describe the city you live in
You should say:
what the name of the city is;
where it is located
what is special about it
why you like this city
Follow-up Questions
Why do you like living in the city?
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in a city?
What aspects of life in the city would you complain about?
What do you think should be done to improve living condition in cities?
What are some differences between living in the city and living in the country?
Lesson 11
Topic 18: Clothes and Fashion
Describe the most expensive piece of clothing you have ever bought
You should say:
what it is
how often you wear it
why you bought it
Follow-up Questions
Do you like shopping for new clothes?
What piece of clothing do you spend your money on the most? Why?
Do you think it’s important to wear fashionable clothes?
Talk about the clothes that you like to wear
You should speak about:
the clothes you like to wear
the prescribed clothes at work and at school
file:///usr/share/ubuntu-artwork/home/index.html how important/unimportant the dress code is
Follow-up Questions
What do you think of body piercing?
Do fashionable clothes really change the way a person looks?
What traditional costumes do people from your country wear?
Can clothes define a person’s character?
Talk about a recently bought piece of clothing
You should say:
when you bought it
why you liked it
where you bought it
Follow up Questions
What things do you consider when you buy clothes?
How are men and women different when it comes to shopping?
Lesson 12
Topic 19: Colors
Talk about your favorite color
You should say:
what it is
why you like it
whether the color affects you in some aspects
Follow-up Questions
Do different colors have different meanings in Korea?
Do you think different cultures have different meanings for colors?
Do you think different colors have different meanings? If so, what do different colors mean?
Do you think a specific color can represent a specific temperament?
Do you think it’s wise to judge a person according to his favorite color?
What colors are on your national flag? What do they represent?
How would you compare the feeling you get when you watch a movie in black and white and when you watch it in color?
What would you think of life without colors?
Do you think people’s favorite color will change, as they grow older?
Lesson 13
Topic 20: Communication
Describe an important letter
You should say:
when you received the letter
who sent it to you
what it is about
why it is important
Follow up Questions
What is the difference between communications in the past and in the present?
What is the difference between a letter and an email?
Do you keep diaries?
What do you think of creative writing?
Topic 21: Conflict
Talk about a conflict that’s been going on around the world
You should say:
what the conflict is
what the causes are
why it happens
how it can be resolved
Follow up Questions
Is conflict always negative?
What would you consider to be a constructive/destructive approach to conflict?
Should there always be a winner and a loser in a conflict?
What conflicts exist in your life?
How do you deal with conflicts?
Can conflicts at work affect the efficiency of one’s work?
Lesson 14
Topic 22: Crime and Justice/Driving Rules
Tell me about the justice system in your country
You should say:
what it is (is it fair or unjust)
what you think about it
why you agree or disagree with it
Follow-up Questions
Why do you think crime is more prevalent in some societies than in others?
What kinds of crimes are most common in your country? What are the penalties for these crimes? Are some parts of the city where you live considered more dangerous than others? Which parts?
What is your opinion about capital punishment?
Is there a link between drugs and crimes?
Do you think that corporate criminals are sufficiently punished for their crimes?
What are some things people can do to protect themselves from crimes?
Do you think it’s possible to prevent certain kinds of crimes? If so, which ones and how?
How much do the media cover crime in your country? Do you think that they should spend less time or more time on it?
Have you ever been a victim of a crime?
If a woman stole a piece of bread to feed her dying child, should we send this woman to jail?
Given a choice, who would you rather see behind bars: a drug user or a drug pusher (one who sells drugs)?
Should we send people to jail if they only committed minor infractions/felonies?
In your opinion, what crimes should merit the death penalty?
Describe one specific driving rule in your country
You should say:
what this rule is
why it is important
whether or not it is being followed
what the punishment is for its non-compliance
Follow-up Questions
What is your opinion about the motorists and pedestrians in your country? Do they usually abide the traffic rules and signs?
What traffic rules and regulations are commonly violated in your country?
Do rules and regulations make people better citizens?
In your opinion, what will happen if there are no rules and regulations?
What do you think are the possible reasons why some people purposely disobey rules and regulations?
Lesson 15
Topic 23: Countries
Describe what you like best about your country
You should say:
what it is
why you like it
what makes your country different from the others
Follow-up Questions
What are some of your country’s most popular tourist attractions?
If you could change something about your country, what would it be and why?
What do you think is the most critical problem facing your country at this time?
How do you keep up with the current events in your country?
Would you describe the people of your country as optimists or pessimists?
Where do you think people in the US get most of their ideas about your country?
How do people in your country perceive people who live in the US?
Living in another country can be extremely trying. Talk about some of the difficulties, other than speaking another language, that distress you the most.
Lesson 16
Topic 24: Culture
Describe the things that define a culture
You should speak about:
the things that define a culture
why they are important
Follow-up Questions
What do you think is important to know when visiting another country?
Do you think “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is always a good advice?
What is the best/most important thing your culture has given to the world?
What is the best/most important thing your culture/country has adopted from another culture?
Talk about the customs in your country
You should speak about:
the customs you practice
your favorite customs
the customs that you think should be revised
the customs that you think should no longer be practiced
Follow up Questions
What has surprised you when you’ve met people from other countries?
What aspect of your culture are you most proud of?
If you could change one thing about your culture, what would it be?
What culture besides your own do you admire and why?
Lesson 17
Topic 25: Education
Describe a skill or subject you would like to learn
You should say:
what this skill is
why you want to learn it
where you would like to learn it
how it may be important to you
Follow-up Questions
Do students get some non-academic training at school?
Should schools be responsible for teaching these non-academic courses?
Discuss the educational system in your country.
Would you force your children to study a particular subject (or subjects) or would you allow them to choose their own profession?
Describe a subject you studied at school or university which you really
enjoyed
You should say:
what the subject is
where you studied it
how this subject was taught
what was particularly interesting about this subject
Follow-up Questions
How does the educational system in your country differ from the educational system in the United States?
Is there any change on the educational style between the generation of your parents and students nowadays?
Does education guarantee a good job?비밀번호
What realistic changes would you make to your country’s attitude toward education?
What kind of world do you think this would be if people never went to school?
Are teachers paid enough?
Describe the university you have attended
You should say:
what the name of the university is
what its special characteristics are
what you like most about it
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
How did you decide which college to attend?
Has your education been useful to you? Why do you think so?
What are three big differences between your college life and your high school days?
Are you a member of any student groups/clubs? Which one? What do you do?
What do you think of student governments? Are you now or have you ever been a part of it? Do you think it is worthwhile?
Are there any big issues facing your country that might get students involved in politics again in large numbers?
Describe a typical university in your country
You should say:
what common characteristics the universities share
what the goal of the university is
where most universities are located
why people go to universities
Follow-up Questions
Do you think that the present day schooling is an improvement on the past? In what ways?
Are there ways in which schools could be improved?
If given a choice would you prefer to study in a public or private school?
In your opinion, how would today’s technology affect how students learn?
Why do you think governments do not usually allow parents to educate their children at home?
Should governments spend more on education than they do at present?
Lesson 18
Topic 26: Entertainment
Describe your favorite form of entertainment
You should say:
what it is
why this is your favorite form of entertainment
how often you indulge in it
Follow-up Questions
Who is the most entertaining person in Korea? Why?
Do you consider yourself entertaining? Why/ Why not?
What are the traits of a good entertainer?
Is entertainment important in our daily life? Why?
What kinds of entertainment should the government promote in your country?
Topic 27: Music
Describe a kind of music
You should say:
whether you like music or not
what kind of music you like most
what role music plays in people’s lives
Follow-up Questions
How does music make you feel?
If you could play any musical instrument, what would it be?
If you could start a band, what type of music would you play? Why?
What do you think the world would be like without music?
Why do you think music is important and how does it affect different people?
Describe your favorite song
You should say:
what it is
what the message of the song is
why you were attracted to this song
Follow-up Questions
If you were a song, what kind of song would you be and why?
What are some special or traditional musical instruments in your country?
Why is music so important to people and culture?
Why is it easier for children to play a musical instrument?
Discuss the influence of music on the youth of Korea?
Topic 28: Dance
Please talk about a Korean traditional dance
You should say:
what the name of the dance is;
when and where you learned it;
how it is danced;
how popular (or unpopular) it is now
Follow-up Questions
Are the children in your country still being taught traditional dances? Do they like them?
Do you like traditional dances? Why?
Do you think schools should still teach folk dances? Why or why not?
Are you familiar with the new dance steps that are popular among the youth? What are they? Do you know how they are danced?
Topic 29: Movie
Describe a type of film you like
You should say:
what it is
how often you watch it
what the features of this type of film are
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
Discuss the role of movies in today’s society.
What is the difference between Korean films and American films?
When do you usually go to the cinema and with whom?
In your opinion, what could cinemas do to attract more people?
Do people’s preferences in regards to their favorite kind of movie change as they grow older?
What do you think of animated films?
Why are special effects used in so many films?
Describe a movie that you saw recently
You should say:
what is the title of the movie
what was the story all about
why you liked/disliked it
Follow-up Questions
Do you think watching a movie is a good pastime?
What are the best and worst movies that you have watched? Explain.
Do you think that movie plots can happen in real life?
Are there good moral lessons that can be learned from watching movies? Explain.
Topic 30: Television
Describe your favorite TV show
You should say:
what it is
when and how often you watch it
who the characters are and what they are like
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV?
Do you think TV is educational?
Does TV make a person passive? Does TV take away a person’s ability to think for themselves?
Do you think that television prevents people from communicating?
What do you think of TV shows that are designed to “discover new talents?”
Do you think television has helped to make the world a better place to live in?
Do you think there’s a need for the TV stations in your country to be stricter in the advertisement they air (like cigarettes and alcohol)? Is there any reason why Korean parents should be alarmed?
Topic 31: Radio
Tell me about your favorite radio station
You should say:
what the name of the radio station is
when you listen to it and how often
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
What do you think is the radio more popular for - - music or news?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of listening to the radio?
How is radio programming different from twenty years ago to now?
Which is better, listening to the radio or watching TV?
Lesson 19
Topic 32: Environment and Pollution
Describe the pollution in your region
You should say:
what the causes of pollution are
what effect it has on the life of the people
what measures should be taken to reduce it
why these are important
Follow-up Questions
What causes environmental problems?
What are some types of pollution?
How can we protect the environment and at the same time improve people’s standard of living?
How can the adults influence the children to appreciate the importance of conservation?
Do you know about anti-pollution programs in your country?
Do you think it is possible to reverse the level of pollution that already exists?
What are the differences in opinion between the older and the younger generations in regards the protection of the environment in Korea?
Describe an environmental problem
You should say:
what it is
how long it has existed
what effect it has had on people’s lives
what we can do to solve it
Follow-up Questions
Who do you think is more responsible for pollution, individual people or the government?
If you could choose one alternative energy source to develop, which one would you choose?
Do you think overpopulation is an important environmental issue? Why or why not?
Are companies more or less environmentally responsible now than in the past?
What can you do to make this world a better place?
Would you agree in a tax increase to clean up the earth?
Lesson 20
Topic 33: Equipment
Describe a piece of equipment you often use at home or at work
You should say:
what it is
how it is used
how long you have had it
how important it is to you
Follow-up Questions
What impact has electrical equipment had on human life over the past ten years?
What are the differences of life in the past and in the present?
Compare the development of Korea to another country.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of computers? What about the Internet?
What is the most useful equipment in modern society?
Lesson 21
Topic 34: Ethics
Describe a person you have helped
You should say:
who the person is
how you helped him/her
how or what she gained from your help
how you felt about helping this person
Follow-up Questions
Do you usually help the poor?
Do you think that people are generally helpful?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of helping a stranger?
What is your opinion about giving money to charities?
What are the benefits of giving money to charitable causes?
Do you think that giving money to the poor will promote laziness and dependency?
What should the government do to help the poor?
Is the government doing a good job in helping the poor?
Should we arrest the panhandlers?
Describe a hospital you had visited
You should say:
what the name of the hospital is
where it is;
who their regular patients are (field of specialty)
how they help their patients
Follow-up Questions
Do you think hospitals exist to help the poor or to earn money?
Compare and contrast private and public hospitals.
Do you think doctors should tell their patients everything?
Do you think that brain dead or comatose patients should be allowed to die?
If you only have one day to live, how will you live it?
Lesson 22
Topic 35: Family
Describe a family member who has influenced you
You should say:
how long you have known him/her
why he/she is special
how he/she differs from the other family members
how he/she has influenced you
Follow-up Questions
What is the best memory you have of your family doing something together?
What are some of the fondest memories of your childhood?
Did you ever meet any of your great grandparents?
Do you usually have any influence on family matters?
Should people follow the religion of their parents, or should they have the liberty to choose another?
Describe two of your family members
You should say:
who they are
how they look like
what the similarities and differences between these members of your family are
Follow-up Questions
When you were young, who did you look up to among your family members? Why?
Who is the black sheep (odd ball) in your family?
What do you think of married couples who decide not to have any child?
Would you get involved in your in-law’s family problems?
What was the most important thing your parents taught you?
Describe a typical family in your country
You should say:
how many members there are in a typical Korean family
what they are like (their characteristics)
what makes them different from other families in the world
Follow-up Questions
Do you live in a nuclear family or an extended family?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these types of family?
What are some possible advantages and disadvantages of being adopted?
Lesson 23
Topic 36: Food and Eating
Describe a restaurant of café
You should say:
where it is
what it looks like
what services are provided
what kinds of food you like there
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
How often do you eat out? Who do you usually eat out with?
Where do you usually go?
Do you like cooking?
What do you cook for your friends when they visit you?
Who usually does the cooking in a Korean family?
Why is fast food so popular?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of fast food?
Where do Korean people go when they eat out?
Why do you think obesity is becoming a problem in the United States and throughout the world?
Do you believe that “We are what we eat?”
What is the strangest food you have ever tried?
What is canned food? Is it healthy?
What changes have taken place in Korean eating habits in recent times?
In what way has Korean food changed?
Describe a special meal
You should say:
when you had it
what the occasion was
who you shared it with
who cooked the dishes
what kinds of food were served
Follow-up Questions
During which occasions do Koreans prepare for a special meal?
In your family, how often do you share a special meal?
What kinds of food do your family members usually enjoy?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating at home?
What meal of the day is your favorite?
Lesson 24
Topic 37: Friends
Describe your best friend
You should say:
who he/she is and when you met him/her
what his/her distinguishing features are
what his/her character is
why you consider him/her to be your best friend
Follow-up Questions
What type of people do you get along with best?
What is the most important thing in a friendship?
There is a proverb that says, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Do you agree or disagree?
Describe a friend that you really like to spend time with
You should say:
when and how you met
how often you see this friend
what kind of personality your friend has
why you like spending time with this particular person
Follow-up Questions
What qualities help you to have a good relationship with others?
Do you believe that there is an end to any true friendship?
What factors may result in the breakdown of a good friendship?
Describe a friend in your school time or whom you like the most
You should say:
who he/she is
when you became friends
how he/she influences you
why you like him/her
Follow-up Questions
Do you think it is easy to make friends in your country?
What do you think are the differences between adults and children in making friends?
How is your relationship with your friends different now than from when you were a child?
Why are friendships important to you? Do you still maintain friendships from the past?
Lesson 25
Topic 38: Furniture
Describe your favorite piece of furniture in the house
You should say:
who bought it
what the occasion was
how you felt when you first got it
what it is made of
whether you still use it or not
Follow-up Questions
What type of furniture do you have or prefer to have inside your home?
Who makes the decisions on what furniture to buy? Why?
Compare the furniture at work and furniture at home?
When you purchase a new piece of furniture, what factors do you consider?
Topic 39: Gift-Giving
Describe a present someone gave you which was/is important to you
You should say:
what the present was
who gave it to you
why it was given to you
why it is important to you
Follow-up Questions
Do you think that gift-giving is a nice way to show one’s affection?
Aside from gift-giving, how can we show our affection to others?
What are the factors that would make you decide if a gift is important or not?
If your house is on fire, which three objects/items will you save? Explain.
What gifts are suitable for girls and boys, respectively?
Why must gifts vary according to gender?
People nowadays are too busy to prepare or buy gifts. What is your opinion of this?
Lesson 26
Topic 40: Goals
Talk about a goal you had accomplished
You should say:
what it is
why you aimed for it
when you achieved it
what you learned from it
Follow-up Questions
Is having a goal an effective tool to be successful?
Do you think older people have more drive to achieve their goals or less?
Do you have goals which you think are unrealistic?
Is there any difference between men’s goals and women’s goals?
How important is a person’s family background in setting a goal and achieving it?
Discuss your biggest goal right now
You should say:
what your biggest goal is
why your biggest goal is this
how you plan to achieve it
when you can execute it
Follow-up Questions
How important are your goals to you?
Discuss your career/education/family goals?
How effective is a goal in motivating a person?
Do you think there is a “common goal” in each country?
Would you say that people in your country are goal-oriented?
Lesson 27
Topic 41: Happiness
Describe a happy event in your life
You should say:
when and where it happened
what it was
whether it has any special meaning to you
Follow-up Questions
What is the difference between achieving happiness between 50 years ago and at present?
How do Korean people usually celebrate a happy event?
What are the roles of cameras and video cameras in the celebration of a happy event in Korea?
Describe a place where you feel happy
You should say:
where it is
what makes it special
whom you like to go there with
what you enjoy doing there
Follow-up Questions
Do you think that the concept of happiness is the same for everyone?
What would make you happy?
Some people claim that “The best things in life are free.” Do you agree or disagree?
Lesson 28
Topic 42: History/Museums
Tell me about a museum or exhibition you have been to
You should say:
where it is
when you went to this museum/exhibit
what were shown or exhibited in it
Follow-up Questions
Do you think your countrymen like to go to museum?
Do you think museums are beneficial in our society?
How do you feel when you look at historical artifacts?
Do you think that knowing one’s history is important a person’s present and future plans? Explain.
Topic 43: Hobbies
Describe an interesting hobby
You should say:
what it is
when you began to do it
how much money you spend on it
how often you do it
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
Do you like hobbies requiring teamwork?
What do Korean people usually do in their spare time?
What do you think of expensive hobbies?
Tell me something that you do special or unusual in your free time
You should say:
what you do
where you do it
who you do it with
how you feel about the activity
Follow-up Questions
What do people usually do in their free time?
What are the differences between how people spend their free times in the past and in the present?
In your opinion, how should a person use his/her free time?
Lesson 29
Topic 44: Holidays
Describe the most important holiday in your country
You should say:
what the holiday is for
when it is celebrated
what activities are done during this day
why it is important
Describe a traditional festival in Korea
You should say:
what it is
when it is celebrated
how it is celebrated
what you usually do on that day
what you like and/or dislike about it
Describe a perfect trip or holiday
You should say:
where you would go
when you would go
whom you would go with
what you are going to do
why you think it would be perfect
Describe a birthday party you enjoyed
You should say:
when it was
who attended
what you did
why you particularly enjoyed it
Follow-up Questions
What are three holidays that you like to spend with your family? Why?
Where is the best place to be for the holidays?
What special clothing/customs are associated with your favorite holiday?
What changes have taken place in terms of spending festivals and holidays in the past decade?
Please explain the traditional way of celebrating a birthday in your country.
Lesson 30
Topic 45: Hometowns
Describe your hometown
You should say:
where your hometown is
what your hometown is famous for
why you like or dislike living in your hometown
Follow-up Questions
Does your hometown have any festivals?
Has your hometown changed a lot since you were a kid? How so? Have the changes been for the better or worse?
What are some things in your hometown that are part of history?
What is the geography of your hometown? (i.e. beach, mountains, etc.)
What are the main economical resources in your hometown?
How do you see your hometown growing in the next 20 years?
If you could live anywhere, where would you like to live?
Tell me why I should visit your hometown?
Topic 46: Hotel and Accommodation
Describe the best hotel you have stayed in
You should say:
what the hotel is
where it is
why you liked it
what its best offer is
Follow-up Questions
In your opinion, what should a hotel do in order to get more loyal customers?
Do you think that hotels put priority in giving good services?
Comment on the tourism industry in your country. Is it good or bad?
How would your promote your country to improve tourism?
Lesson 31
Topic 47: Houses and Architecture
Describe a well-known building in your hometown
You should say:
What it is
where it is
how big it is
what its most interesting features are
what you like or dislike most about it
Follow-up Questions
Which city’s architecture has impressed you the most?
Do you think that old buildings are more beautiful than new ones?
What do you know about American houses? How are they different from houses in your country?
How important are monuments (like Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty) in defining a nation?
Topic 48: Immigration
Describe a foreign country you have never been to
You should say:
what the country’s name is
when you will go there
why you want to go there
Follow-up Questions
Why do people immigrate to other countries?
Would you ever think of emigrating?
Are there a lot of immigrants in your community?
Is emigrating from one country to another a problem?
Are immigrating regulations too strict? In what way should they be changed?
Do you think that immigrants are treated well in other countries?
Should immigrants have the right to vote?
How does an immigrant become a citizen in your country?
How does immigration affect the economic situation in your country?
To what extent has the culture of your community been enriched by immigrants?
Lesson 32
Topic 49: Inventions
Describe the most important invention before the computer
You should say:
what it is
what it is used for
Follow-up Questions
Some people are afraid of new ideas. Why?
When do people get new ideas?
Do you have any new ideas that could improve our lives?
If a good friend of yours has a new idea, which he thinks can earn a lot of money, but which you think is not a good idea, will you join in?
Lesson 33
Topic 50: Jobs, Occupations and Work
Describe your ideal job
You should say:
what it is
where you want to do it
what the working hours are
Follow-up Questions
What factors affect people’s decision in choosing jobs?
What do you think of the differences between employers and employees?
What do you think the relationship between employers and employees will be like in the future?
Talk about an aspect of your work experience which has been rewarding
You should say:
where you were working
what your job was
what the particular feature of your work was that you liked
what this aspect is about that you found so rewarding
Follow-up Questions
What is a good way of rewarding children who do well with their assigned tasks?
Do you think giving money or raising the salary is a good way of rewarding a good worker?
What are the differences between men and women when choosing a job?
The amount of income one gets must be decided based on what things?
What jobs/positions are worthy of high income?
Describe a person whom you like to work or study with
You should say:
Who this person is
When you worked or studied together
What you often do together
Why you like to work or study with this person
What you learned from him/her
Follow-up Questions
What are the differences between men and women when choosing a job?
Do you like to work alone or with a partner?
What do you think of team work and team spirit?
What kinds of people are good to work with?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working/studying on your own?
Lesson 34
Topic 51: Languages
Describe a person you know who can speak more than one (1) language You should say:
who this person is
what the different languages are
how the language skill benefited him/her
Follow-up Questions
In your country, where can one go to meet foreigners?
What for you is the greatest difficulty when meeting a foreigner?
What are the reasons why people like to travel to other countries?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning a different language?
Talk about learning English
You should say:
when and where you began studying English
what the most interesting thing in an English class is
what the most effective way of learning English is
what difficulties you experience in learning English
Follow-up Questions
How did your native language affect your study of another language?
What language did you learn as a second language?
Do you think that mastering a second language is important in today’s global community?
Do you agree that studying abroad is the most effective way to learn a foreign language?
Describe an impressive activity in your English class
You should say:
what it was
where it happened
how it was
why it was impressive
Follow-up Questions
At what age should children start learning English?
When did people realize the importance of learning English?
Explain the reason why it is easy to learn another foreign language after mastering one foreign language?
Describe your native language
You should say:
what your native language is
how many dialects it has
how difficult it would be for an English speaker to learn your language
Follow-up Questions
Are foreign languages a part of your school’s curriculum? If so, which languages are included?
What are the advantages of learning English?
Do you think that a person’s age is a factor when learning English? Why?
What other languages besides English are you planning to learn?
Talk about your interest in languages and describe the pleasure you get from learning new languages.
Lesson 35
Topic 52: Lifestyle and Recreation
Describe the lifestyle of the people in your country
You should say:
what it is
why they do it
what is special about it
Follow-up Questions
What’s the biggest difference between your lifestyle in your own country and in the US?
How many hours in a day and in a week do most people in your country work?
What are some of the most popular leisure activities in your country?
How would you describe the cuisine in your country to someone who had never tasted it?
What specific food and beverages are unique to your home country?
Talk about an important day in your life
You should say:
when this day was
whether you were alone or with others during this day
where you went
what happened
why this day is important
Follow-up Questions
You are given a chance to return to any previous point in your life and change a decision you made, but you will lose everything that has happened to you since then. Is there a point that you would like to return to? Why or why not?
Is there anything we can gain from remembering unfortunate and difficult circumstances in life?
If you could be in any age again for one week, what age would that be? Why?
If you can cast any actor to play you in a film about your life, who would you choose and why?
Lesson 36
Topic 53: Life Lesson
Describe an event which has changed your life in a good way
You should say:
what the event was
who the people involved were
how it changed you
what you learned from it
Follow-up Questions
Do you think Koreans adjust quickly to change?
How do most Koreans treat their problems? How do they react?
“Experience is the best teacher,” they say. Do you agree?
Topic 54: Love, Dating and Marriage
Describe a wedding ceremony you have attended which you enjoyed
You should say:
when the event took place
who the attendees were
what happened
why you enjoyed it
Follow-up Questions
What age do you think is best for getting married?
How long do you think couples should know each other before they get married?
Do you think marriage is necessary?
What do you think is the most important ingredient in a good marriage?
Do you know any superstitions connected with weddings?
Is it acceptable for couples to live together without marrying?
Would you marry someone who couldn’t speak the same language as you speak?
Do you think it is more difficult to marry someone from a different country?
Describe a perfect date
You should say:
who your date was
where you went
when it happened
what made it perfect
Follow-up Questions
What is your definition of love?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
At what age do you think dating should begin?
What is the best season to get married?
Lesson 37
Topic 55: Magazines and Newspapers
Describe a newspaper or magazine that you like
You should say:
what it is
what it contains
how often you read it
why you like it
Follow-up Questions
What types of newspapers and magazines can you find in Korea?
What role do newspapers play in the community?
In your opinion, will electronic media replace printed media in the future?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of printed media?
What are the differences between newspapers and magazines?
What kind of person should a journalist be?
What role do journalists play in society?
Topic 56: Manners
Talk about good and bad manners
You should say:
what the good and bad manners in your country are
what the good and bad manners in another country are
why manners are important
Follow-up Questions
Are people today more well-mannered than the people before?
Can manners affect your success in life? How?
What is the best way to teach manners to children?
What culture do you think is the most polite? Why do you think so?
What advice would you give a foreigner visiting your country who would like to show good manners?
What things about manners in the USA do you find difficult to adjust to?
Compare your impressions upon arrival to the picture that you had of this country before you arrived?
Have you been to America or any other country (countries)? If so, how would you differentiate your idea of the said country (countries) from before you have been there to after you have finally arrived?
What are some expectations you have about living in the USA?
What is your worst fear about moving to the US?
What is your opinion about discrimination? Are you concerned about this?
Lesson 38
Topic 57: Memories
Describe a happy event in your childhood that you remember well
You should say:
when the event took place
where it happened
what happened
why you can still clearly remember it
Follow-up Questions
Do you think that it is important for us to cling to our childhood memories?
What is your most memorable family experience? Explain.
Is there any unfortunate event in your past that you are now thankful for?
Do you believe in the saying, “Out of touch, out of mind”?
Do you think that people nowadays are not appreciative of the past?
Topic 58: Names
Describe how masculine and feminine names are differentiated in your country
You should say:
what the most common names for boys and girls are
what the meaning of each name is
how a child’s name is chosen
who the person that makes the choice usually is
Follow-up Questions
Give a brief history of your own given name and family name, where it came from and what it means.
Mention any unusual circumstances surrounding your family’s choice of your given name(s).
Are you happy with your name?
Explain how names are changed in your country, either by choice or upon marriage.
Do people in your country predict the future according to names?
Do you think names shape our personality? If so, up to what degree?
Lesson 39
Topic 59: Nationalism/National Heritage
Describe your national flag
You should say:
What its colors and symbols are
What each color and symbol means
Follow-up Questions
For you, how important is a national flag?
Compare and contrast the people now and those in the past in terms of patriotism?
In your opinion, is your flag a good representation of your national identity?
Do you think that it is disrespectful if one does not sing the national anthem?
Aside from your flag, are there other symbols that represent nationalism in your country?
If you can modify your national flag, what changes will you recommend and why?
Should we allow dual citizenship? Explain.
Lesson 40
Topic 60: Natural Disasters
Describe a kind of natural disaster you had experienced
You should say:
what it is
when it happened
where you were
how you felt at that time
Follow-up Questions
What do you think should a person do when a natural disaster strikes?
Do you think that an occurrence of flood/tsunami/earthquake can change people’s personalities? How so?
How is culture affected by a country’s weather?
What changes in the climate have you noticed in the recent years?
Topic 61: Nature
Describe one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country
You should say:
what it is
what its uses are
how it is used by people in your country
why it is considered important
Follow-up Questions
Do you think that it is vital for man to take care of nature? Why?
In your opinion, should we stop cutting down trees? Explain.
Which do you trust more, herbal medicines or drugs made by pharmaceutical companies?
Do you think that the government is doing enough to protect the environment?
Lesson 41
Topic 62: News
Describe the way you obtain news
You should say:
whether you get news everyday
whether the news is national or international
how you get the news (via newspaper, TV, internet, radio or from other people)
how important an everyday up-to-date news to Koreans is
Follow-up Questions
What is the most effective way of getting news?
How do you think journalists get their stories?
What role is the media playing in our lives?
How do Koreans usually get their information?
Do you think the media should be absolutely free?
In your opinion, what has been the single biggest news item from this past year?
Has news reporting gotten better, worse or the same?
Is a politician’s life newsworthy? Why or why not?
How do you feel about censorship? Are there times when the news should be censored?
What do you think do most newspapers print -- information that is vital or information that would only sell more newspapers?
Can you discuss some news about your country and any other country elsewhere? Where did you get the said information?
Describe a news article that caught your interest
You should say:
what it is
why it is interesting
where you got it
Follow-up Questions
What kinds of newspaper(s) do you subscribe to?
Which is more important: international news or domestic news? Why do you think so?
Is there a chance for printed newspapers to be completely replaced by news posted via Internet? Explain.
Why are TV and radio important?
In your opinion, what kinds of information should not be divulged to the public? Explain your answer.
Lesson 42
Topic 63: Parenthood
Describe your family
You should say:
who the members of your family are
what you like about your family
which member of the family is the closest to you
how you were raised by your parents
Follow-up Questions
Are family values still important today?
Compare and contrast the concept of a complete family in the past and today.
Do you think a single parent can be an effective parent?
Should couples without children consider adoption? Explain.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing divorce in our society?
Lesson 43
Topic 64: Politics and Government
Describe the political system in your country
You should say:
what it is
what the characteristics are
what you think about it
why you agree/disagree with it
Follow-up Questions
How do you feel about discussing politics with people?
What type of political system does your country have?
What is your opinion of the United States’ form of government?
What country do you think has the best form of government?
Which world leader do you admire most?
What are the main political parties in your country?
Who represents you in your local and national government?
How old were you when you first voted?
How do you decide who to vote for?
How do you think can more people be encouraged to vote?
How has your political views changed during your lifetime?
Is voting an important responsibility of a citizen? Why?
How do you think are elections financed?
Lesson 44
Topic 65: Relationships
Describe someone you respect deeply
You should say:
who the person is
why you respect this person
what qualities this person has that make him/her different
Follow-up Questions
What do you think should you change about yourself in order to foster better relationships with others?
Do you know anyone who has had an arranged marriage? Do you think marriages based on love are more successful than those that are arranged?
Have you or anyone you know ever met someone over the Internet? Do you think that these types of relationships can be successful?
Do women usually work after getting married in your country?
Are there positive role models in your country? Give examples and explain.
Do you think that young people disrespect the older people in our society?
If you will be asked to nominate a person to receive an award for excellence for a worthy contribution to society, who will he be and why?
Topic 66: School
Describe your school life
You should say:
how long your school day was
what subjects you studied
who your favorite teachers were
whether you think your education was useful or not
Follow-up Questions
Did you find studying English at school easy?
What do you think is the most surprising thing about your school system?
What were some of the rules you had to follow at your high school?
Which rules did you think were unfair?
Do you think that schools teach the skills needed to succeed in life?
Lesson 45
Topic 67: Science and Technology
Talk about the most important invention in the 21st century
You should say:
what it is
why you think it is important
what the advantages and disadvantages of inventions are
Follow-up Questions
What role does technological development play in people’s lives?
How will technology develop in the future?
Has technology made the world a better place to live in?
What is the difference between the older and younger generation in accepting new technology?
Should governments support scientists and inventors?
What is the significant impact of modern inventions on human life?
Describe a popular brand of cellular (cell) phone that you know or own
You should say:
what its brand name is
what its features are
what the said features can do
Follow-up Questions
Do you own a cell phone? Why?
Do you think that everyone should own a cell phone?
In your opinion, what are the most important features of a cell phone?
Which is better, wireless technology or wired technology?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a cell phone?
Do you think that the type of cell phone that one uses reflects his/her personality?
In your opinion, what are the most important features of a cell phone?
Lesson 46
Topic 68: Shopping
Describe a shop or shopping center
You should say:
where it is
what it sells
how often you go there
why you often go there
Follow-up Questions
What are the differences between shopping malls and small shops?
What trend will shopping centers follow in the future?
How much time did you spend the last time you went shopping?
Did you enjoy shopping?
How often do you go shopping?
What is your favorite shopping area or store?
Who do you often go shopping with?
What do you usually look for when you go shopping?
Would small shops still exist in the future?
Tell me something that you regret buying
You should say:
what it is
when you bought it
why you bought it
why you regretted buying it
Follow-up Questions
How can one protect himself/herself from impulsive buying?
Some people say that there are sales agents who lie just to make a sale. Do you agree or disagree. Can you talk about an episode in the past when you have been lied to (or not) by a sales representative?
What do you think about consumers’ rights?
In Korea, what situation(s) is related to this issue? Cite some examples and say who won (consumer or producer)?
Talk about a product you have bought from a TV Shopping Network
You should say:
what the item was
why you purchased it
when you purchased it
when it was delivered
whether you found it to your satisfaction or not
Talk about a product you purchased online (i.e. eBay)
You should say:
why you bought it
how much it was
when you bought it
when it was brought
whether it was satisfactory or not
Follow-up Questions
In Korea, is it common that a buyer is not satisfied with his/her purchase from the Internet or TV Shopping Network?
Do you like shopping from home (online and TV)? Why or why not?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping from home?
Is it easy to return a product in Korea? What are the rules and regulations that govern this?
Have you heard of the term, “Money back guarantee?” What is your idea about this?
If you could make suggestions as to how online and TV shops and merchandisers should sell, what would they be?
Would you recommend home shopping? Explain.
Can the practice of shopping from home ever replace shopping from malls/shopping centers? Why or why not?
Lesson 47
Topic 69: Social Problems
Describe a social problem that Korea faces today
You should say:
what it is
what its causes are
how it can be avoided
Follow-up Questions
Have you ever experienced discrimination?
What can some people do to eliminate discrimination and prejudice?
In your opinion, why does discrimination exist?
In some societies, corporal punishment to children is considered an issue. Is this also true in your country? Do you agree in administering a corporal punishment or not? Explain.
What do you think is the most serious problem that the whole world is facing today? What do you think can be done to solve this problem?
Name three (3) social issues you would help solve if you could be president for a year? How would you address each concern?
Topic 70: Space Travel
Talk about space exploration
You should say:
what its meaning is
what its importance is
whether or not governments should allot funds for it
Follow-up Questions
What do satellites do? How would our lives be different without them?
Is it right or wrong to pay too much attention on space programs?
How important are space explorations? Should government budgets be spent on this or on other more important things? If so, what are these other things? Why?
What can we possibly learn about the earth by studying other planets?
Will there really be a time when we can speak to more intelligent life forms? Why or why not?
If you could be given the chance to travel with astronauts to the moon, would you do it? Why or why not?
If there’s anything in space you would like to discover or know more about, what is it and why?
Lesson 48
Topic 71: Sports
Talk about a kind of sport
You should say:
what it is
whether or not it is popular
who likes it
why it is popular
Follow-up Questions
Do you think everybody should practice sports?
What do you think is the most popular sport in the world?
What do you think are the top five most watched sports in the world?
Is it good that professional sports are so commercial nowadays?
What sports are expensive? Which one is the most expensive?
Which one is the most dangerous?
Which kind of sport would you never let your child play?
How do you feel about extreme sports? Would you like to try any of these?
Does it bother you that people gamble on sporting events?
Which Olympic sport would you like to watch on TV?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing a sport?
Are men better when it comes to sports? Explain.
Should student athletes be given academic privileges?
Lesson 49
Topic 72: Superstitions and the Paranormal
Tell me about a superstition in your country
You should say:
what it is
where it came from
why people believe (or do not believe) it
Follow-up Questions
Can you recall any strange or unexplained events in your life?
Do you believe that your ancestors are watching you?
Do you think that there is truth behind superstitions?
Do you walk under ladders?
What numbers are considered to be lucky or unlucky in your country?
Do you have a lucky number?
Why do some people consult psychics before doing important things or before making important decisions?
Do you believe that there are many things in our universe that cannot be explained?
Do you believe in reincarnation?
Lesson 50
Topic 73: Tardiness
Describe a time when you were late for an appointment
You should say:
when it was
why you were late
what you told the people in the meeting
how they reacted
Follow-up Questions
Whenever you are late, how do people usually react? What do they say?
How often are you late for appointments?
In your country, what are the common reasons given for being late.
How do you react when someone is late?
Do you know anyone who is often late?
What is your opinion about people who are always late? Would you consider tardiness an attitude problem?
Topic 74: Time
Tell me about your country’s perception of time
You should say:
what people think about it
how important it is in your culture
how time can be managed well
Follow-up Questions
What is your own perception of time?
What are some of the activities you value most in life, and how do you find the time to pursue them?
What time-wasting activities do you resent the most?
Can you do without a watch or a clock? How long for?
Who do you think has more free time: men or women? Why do you think so?
Are you good at getting things done on time?
Do you think you manage your time wisely?
What is your favorite time of the day? Why?
What time of the day, day of the week, and season of the year do you like most? Why?
What time of the day, day of the week, and season of the year do you like the least? Why?
“Time is gold,” some people say. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
To investors, “Time is money.” What do you think is the meaning of this?
Lesson 51
Topic 75: Tradition
Describe something you could never give away
You should say:
what it is
what you use it for
why it is hard to let go
Follow-up Questions
What would make an object be more important to its owner/s?
Name a family heirloom that is very important in your family. Explain.
Do you think that people who like to collect objects like coins, stamps, toys are foolish?
What are the advantages or disadvantages of holding on to material possessions?
Describe a family tradition most families practice today
You should say:
what it is
why it is important
what the rituals or specific practices are
when it is observed
why it is still being practiced
whether or not your family still observes it
Follow-up Questions
What family traditions do you think should and should no longer be practiced? Why?
Is there any kind of tradition from another country that you wish your country had? Which one is it? Why?
How important are traditions? Explain.
If there is one thing you would like your family to enjoy doing together, what would it be and why?
Are your aware of any kind of tradition, whether from your country or not, which you found unusual? Explain.
Lesson 52
Topic 76: Transportation
Describe the transportation system in your country
You should say:
what kind of transportation systems you have
what the most common means of transportation are, its reliability, frequency and fare
why they are the most common means of transportation
Follow-up Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car?
What are some common problems related with transportation?
What are the speed limits in your country?
Have you ever driven a car in a foreign country? If yes, which side of the road did they drive on? Were the road signs different?
Describe a mode of transportation you like best
You should say:
what it is
how often you use it
why you like it best
what the advantages and disadvantages of it are
Follow-up Questions
Do you think cars should be banned from city centers?
Is drunk driving a problem in your country?
Does your country have laws against drunk driving?
Do traffic jams often occur in your hometown?
How could the problem of traffic jams be solved?
How has the transportation systems in Korea changed in recent years?
Lesson 53
Topic 77: Travel
Describe the most memorable trip in your life
You should say:
when it happened
where you went
what happened exactly
why this trip was memorable to you
Follow-up Questions
What do you think could make traveling more special?
Which countries have you visited? What was most memorable in each one?
Which countries that you have been to would you like to visit again? Why?
Would you rather visit another country or travel within your country?
Do you think the type of vacation one takes reflects one’s social status?
Describe your latest trip in detail
You should say:
who you went with, and where you went
how long it took you to get there
what the scenery was like
why you think this is an interesting place
Follow-up Questions
Talk about a specific trip which you wish you never took.
Which trip would you rather take -- the one to the beach or the mountains?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by airplane?
What are the benefits of traveling?
Describe the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen
You should say:
where it is
what it is called
what is fascinating about it
Follow-up Questions
Which places in the country (countries) you’ve been to would you recommend for anyone to visit? Why?
Name three things you would never forget when traveling.
What’s the most difficult thing you had to do while you were traveling?
Is the traveling industry in your country developing successfully? Why do you think so?
Describe a famous park or recreation area in your home country
You should say:
what it is
why it is famous
why it is important to preserve this place
Follow-up Questions
Is it safer to travel by plane? Why or why not?
How has traveling by air in your country improved?
Do you prefer traveling alone, with your family, or with a tourist group?
How long do you usually take to plan a trip?
What things do you consider when planning a trip?
Was there anything, related to traveling, which you regretted not doing? What is it and why?
If there’s anyone you can take with you to a certain place (state the specific name of place), who would this person be and why?
What information or advice related to traveling, which you never knew before you began traveling, do you now wish you had known earlier?
Lesson 54
Topic 78: War
Describe what usually happens in a war
You should say:
what things happen during a war
what the causes are
how it can be prevented
Follow-up Questions
How can countries prevent conflicts when other nations are not trying to bring peace?
Have you ever lived in a country at war?
Would you fight for another country?
Why does your country have an army?
Is being a soldier compulsory in your country?
Talk about the war that had the biggest impact on your country
You should say:
when it happened
which country you fought with
what the reason for this war was
which countries brought help
what happened afterwards
Follow-up Questions
Is having an army a waste of money in your country?
Do you think women should be soldiers?
Is it important to learn a country’s history of war? Why or why not?
Can wars, especially in the long run, have advantages, too? Explain.
If your country’s historical battle never occurred, how different do you think would your country be today?
Lesson 55
Topic 79: Weather
Describe a kind of extreme weather
You should say:
what it is
when it happened
where you were at that time
how you felt at that time
Follow-up Questions
What is the weather in your country like for each season?
Do you think that bad weather has an effect on how people feel?
How does weather affect your attitude?
Describe the worst weather you have experienced in your life
You should say:
what it was
when it happened
what you saw happened during that time
what you could have done differently
Follow-up Questions
What should a person do in case of a bad weather?
To what extend does the climate of a region affect the culture of that region?
Have you ever been stranded in a place due to bad weather?
Are your weather forecasts often right or wrong?
Agree or Disagree?
Example
Men are selfish by nature
“Men,” of course, is synonymous with “mankind.” So, by nature, men (and women) are selfish and generous, self-centered and altruistic, all at once. But, in terms of gender, men are also selfish. They want to be like the lion, who lolls about all day in the hot sun waiting for his mate to catch the food and bring it to him. The lioness also takes care of the cubs and makes herself available sexually to “the king of the beasts” at any time. Unfortunately, human females are less willing to put up with this behavior from their husbands, so men are not nearly as selfish as they would like to be.
Do you agree or disagree?
1.Women are ready to do anything to look more beautiful.
2.He says life is worth living for 100 years or longer.
3.Marriage is the best part of a human being’s life.
4.The more children you have, the happier you are.
5.A maxim says the worst wife is better than a dutiful child.
6.Money makes you happy.
7.Dying is better than living with disgrace.
8.Animals and plants can think and feel like us.
9.There is no such place as heaven or hell.
10.Love and marriage are not the same-and should not be treated alike.
11.Good looks do not go with good brains.
12.The end justifies the means.
13.If we have the courage of our convictions, anything we do is objectively all right.
14.The meek shall inherit the earth.
15.Honesty is always the best policy.
16.All politicians are crooks.
17.You have to be crazy to be a great artist.
18.Women are the weaker sex.
19.After 40, it’s all downhill.
20.Boy babies are better than girl babies.
Lesson 49: (What Does This Mean? (1)
Example
Backseat driver
A passenger who constantly gives the driver unwanted advice, warnings, and criticism. Backseat drivers often make the driver irritated and nervous, making it more likely that he will get into a traffic accident. So when you are riding in a car with someone else, you’re better off remaining silent and letting him do the actually driving, even if you think he isn’t doing a very good job.
Explain what these words mean:
1.Defensive driver
2.Sunday driver
3.Peer pressure
4.Cheapskate
5.Big mouth
6.Clock watcher
7.Junk food
8.Skirt chaser
9.Nine-to-five-job
10.Brainwashing
11.Brainstorming
12.Prenuptial agreement
13.Vending machine
14.Mama’s boy
15.One-night-stand
16.Euthanasia
17.While lie
18.Shoplifter
19.Unanimous decision
20.Life expectancy
21.Dutch treat
22.Big Brother
23.Artificial intelligence
24.Culture Shock
25.Henpecked husband
26.Yes-man
27.Black sheep
28.Social drinker
29.Know-it-all
30.Junk mail
31.Back Stabber
32.Back Slapper
33.Gold digger
34.Gold bricker
35.Goldern years
36.Mr (or Ms.) Right
37.Crying wolf
38.Wolf in sheep’s clothing
39.Yuppie
40.Spin doctor
Lesson 32: What should he do?
Example
He is very forgetful
If he forgets appointments he needs to get in the habit of writing them down and checking his calendar regularly. If he forgets name, he should try to create a memory link between a person’s appearance or position and the name – the more absurd or exotic, the easier it is to remember. If he forgets information on tests, he should stop trying to memorize everything and try to understand basic processes and relationships. We can all remember between 3 and 8 things at once, so we need to learn how to organize bigger and bigger thoughts into a small number of categories; remembering becomes very easy then. It’s just a matter of training not intelligence.
What should he do?
1.He found out his young son has started smoking.
2.He has had his pocket picked on the bus.
3.He has a flat tire on the expressway.
4.He sees someone drowning.
5.He sees someone trying to commit suicide.
6.His friend is about to drive home drunk.
7.His friend asks him to lend him some money.
8.His wife is spending too much with the credit card.
9.His son says he isn’t interested in getting a college education.
10. His wife wants a fur coat for her birthday.
11. His boss wants to date his sister, but she doesn’t like him.
12. He has a chance for a big promotion, but if he accepts he will have to move to another country for a long time, without his family.
13. His wife wants to get a divorce.
14. His daughter wants to move in with her boyfriend.
15. He needs a new car and a new apartment, but he can’t afford both.
16. He has no money but has to feed his child.
17. His brother has committed a serious crime and needs an alibi.
18. His father threatens to cut off his inheritance if he marries the only woman he has ever loved.
19. He wants to eat another helping of his favorite food on his birthday, but his doctor has warned him he must lose some more weight.
20. He can either avoid an argument with his mother-in-law, or he can tell her why her advice to his wife is wrong.
Lesson 34: Do you believe?
Example
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Absolutely not. If you think you are in love but you don’t know the object of your affection very well, it’s not really love. It’s just infatuation or lust. Love must grow with time and understanding. It requires patience and responsibility. Infatuation is a desire for an immediate relationship (usually sexual intercourse) with little or no thought about the other person is really like.
Answer these questions:
1.Do you believe that English ability can help you get through this ever-challenging world? How?
2.Do you believe what plam readers say?
3.Do you believe what the newspapers say?
4.Do you believe what your parents say?
5.Do you believe what politicians say?
6.Do you believe that spanking schoolboys has a good educational purpose?
7.Do you believe in God?
8.Do you believe in UFOs?
9.Do you believe what ads say?
10.Do you believe in any superstition?
11.Do you believe in ghosts?
12.Do you believe that your destiny is predetermined?
13.Do you believe that money can buy anything?
14.Do you believe that your love toward your sweetheart won’t fade away as years go by?
15.Do you believe it if your spouse says that he or she will not marry again after you die?
16.Do you believe in life after death?
17.Do you believe that a white lie is necessary in some cases?
18.Do you believe the beautiful die young?
19.Do you believe what salespeople say?
20.Do you believe what religious leaders say?
Lesson 36: What are their excuses?
We hear a lot of excuses in the course of our personal and social lives. Let’s talk about kinds of rationalizations people often make. What are their most common excuses?
Example
Drivers who speed
“I was in a hurry.” “I didn’t really notice how fast I was going.” “I was late.” “I was just keeping up with the flow of traffic.” “I was in complete control of my car, and it is always well-maintained. There was no danger at all.” “ I didn’t think there would be a policeman there.” “ People who drive too slow are more dangerous than those who go too fast.”
What are their excuses?
1.tax evaders
2.Drunken drivers
3.Divorcing couples
4.Parents who spank their children
5.Those who fail to quit smoking
6.Those who are unable to quit drinking
7.Students who do poorly in school
8.Politicians who don’t keep their promises
9.Men or women who have love affairs
10.An ex-convict who commits another crime
11.Hubbies who forget their wedding anniversary
12.Employees who are late for work
13.Employers who just cut their company’s wages
14.Students who gave up trying to learn English
15.Singles who do not want to marry
16.Girls who smoke
17.Kids who want to stay out very late at night
18.Spouse (or child) abusers
19.Police who kill a suspected criminal
20.Doctors who do not tell their patients the truth.
Lesson 37: Pros & Cons
Example
You are elected president.
Answer
Why would any honest man want to be president? No president is able to his own life anymore. He is always being targeted by his political rivals. And he must always decide important matters correctly while, at the same time, maintaining high moral standards. In short, his life has to be unexciting and beyond reproach if he is going to continue to hold public esteem. But sometimes he must also make deals with friends and foes alike in order to accomplish anything.
But if a man has some intellectual ability and wants to serve his country, he should try to improve society if he can. Such an action deserves the respect of his fellows. And such a person could use the power of the presidency to make things better for everyone. This person would be far better than just a power-hungry politician who cares more about the benefits of office than the national welfare.
Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the following:
1.Being a woman
2.Being a man
3.Watching TV
4.Having a college degree
5.Remaining single
6.Living with your parents after you get married
7.Living with your parents-in-law
8.Being a full-time housewife
9.Your wife having a job outside the home
10.Winning the lottery
11.Being the oldest son
12.Having daughters only
13.Being hen-pecked
14.Being a billionaire
15.Having no children
16.Owing a car
17.Your daughter in high-school having a boyfriend
18.College students having part-time jobs
19.Being a nun
20.Living in the big city
Lesson 38: What Would You Do?
Example
Would you do if your wife refused to live with your parents?
Answer
First I would give her many reasons why living together makes sense. For example, I would tell her they are getting older and weaker, and more lonely. We also have a moral responsibility to support them. But if she still didn’t accept my reasons, I would let her live with our children and I would live with my parents by myself. I can’t let my parents live alone, because they need someone to take care of them. They sacrificed everything to bring me up, and now it’s my turn to support them.
Answer these questions:
1.what would you do if your husband came home drunk every night?
2.What would you do if your children were behind in their schoolwork?
3.What would you do if your teenager started smoking and drinking?
4.What would you do if you saw someone with a flat tire on the road?
5.What would you do if you heard someone shout, “Stop, thief”?
6.What would you do if you saw money fall from someone’s bag?
7.What would you if your child got a black eye from a classmate?
8.What would you do if you got too much change back at a store?
9.What would you do if a vending machine didn’t return your money?
10.What would you do if you failed to get promoted - twice?
11.What would you do if your sweetheart wanted to break up with you?
12.What would you do if you were in line and an old woman cut in?
13.What would you do if you saw a naked person at the beach?
14.What would you do if you won the lottery?
15.What would you do if you and your best friend both loved the same person?
16.What would you do if you were in a foreign country with no money?
17.What would you do if you saw a UFO?
18. What would you do if the doctor told you had an incurable disease?
19.What would you do if you were the last person in the world?
What Are The Reasons?
Example
We study history in school. Why?
Answer
The most popular reason is that we can learn from our past mistakes. But any serious study of history shows that we don’t learn much – we keep doing the same dumb things time and time again. The real reasons we take history is to gain a deeper understanding of human activity at large and to give ourselves some sort of national identity.
What are the reasons?
1.People are getting fatter? Why?
2.People are saving more. Why?
3.People are getting married younger. Why?
4.We require good morals form our leaders. Why?
5.Every country has laws. Why?
6.We study philosophy. Why?
7.We exercise. Why?
8.We need recreation. Why?
9.We try to find extraterrestrials. Why?
10.Many people have a religion. Why?
11.One man: one woman. Why?
12.People want to travel. Why?
13.People want to watch the same movies other people are watching. Why?
14.Some people just want to be seen on television or have their names in the papers. Why?
15.The older people are, the more reluctant to divulge their true age. Why?
16.College degrees have lost some of their appeal. Why?
17.They say stress can be the means of accomplishing something? Why?
18.Variety is the price of life, according to some. Why?
19.Democracy is the best form of government devised by mankind. Why?
20.Love usually fades away as time goes by. Why?
