Speaking-Part 3

Question 1: Why do people organize events like festivals or celebrations? 

sample answer: 

People organize festivals and celebrations to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural traditions. For example, events like the New Year brings families together, experience a sense of unity. They also provide an opportunity to relax. Additionally, such events can boost local economies by attracting tourists, which benefits businesses. 

Why Band 7?: The response is well-developed, addressing multiple reasons with specific examples. It uses varied vocabulary (“fostering”), employs complex sentences, and maintains fluency.

Question 2: How have celebrations changed in your country over the years?

Sample Answer:
Celebrations in my country have become more modern and diverse. In the past, festivals like Tet were mostly family-oriented with traditional rituals, but now they often include public concerts or light shows, especially in cities. Technology has also played a role—people share festive moments on social media, which wasn’t common before. However, some worry that commercialization has reduced the cultural significance of these events.
Why Band 7?: The answer compares past and present, uses topic-specific vocabulary (“commercialization,” “rituals”), and includes a balanced perspective with complex structures.

Question 3: What are the benefits of attending large public events?

Sample Answer:
Attending large public events offers several benefits. Firstly, they create a sense of belonging, as people share experiences, like cheering at a music festival. They also expose individuals to different cultures or ideas, which broadens their perspectives. On the downside, such events can be crowded or expensive, but I think the social and cultural rewards outweigh these challenges.
Why Band 7?: The response provides clear benefits, balances positives and negatives, uses cohesive linking (“firstly,” “on the downside”), and employs varied vocabulary (“belonging,” “broadens”).

Question 1: How do movies influence people’s behavior or opinions?

Sample Answer:
Movies can have a significant impact on people’s behavior and opinions. For instance, inspirational films like The Pursuit of Happyness motivate viewers to persevere through challenges. They can also raise awareness about social issues, like documentaries on climate change, encouraging action. However, some movies might promote unrealistic expectations, so it depends on the content and how viewers interpret it.
Why Band 7?: The answer provides specific examples, uses topic-specific terms (“inspirational,” “unrealistic expectations”), and maintains fluency with a balanced view.

Question 2: Why do some people prefer watching movies to reading books?

Sample Answer:
Some people prefer movies because they’re more visually engaging and require less time than reading. For example, a two-hour film can tell a story quickly, while a book might take days. Movies also appeal to those who enjoy sound effects or cinematic visuals. That said, books offer more depth and imagination, so it really depends on personal preferences and lifestyles.
Why Band 7?: The response compares both mediums, uses cohesive linking (“for example,” “that said”), and employs varied vocabulary (“visually engaging,” “cinematic”).

Question 3: What role does the media play in shaping culture?

Sample Answer:
The media plays a huge role in shaping culture by spreading ideas and trends. For instance, TV shows and social media often influence fashion or slang, especially among young people. It can also promote cultural values, like respect for diversity, through storytelling. However, it sometimes spreads stereotypes, so it’s a double-edged sword that needs careful handling.
Why Band 7?: The answer addresses the question broadly, uses idiomatic expressions (“double-edged sword”), and includes complex sentences with a balanced perspective.

Question 12: Why do some people enjoy traveling to new places?

Sample Answer:
People enjoy traveling to new places because it offers adventure and learning opportunities. For example, visiting a city like Kyoto allows you to explore different cultures and histories, which can be eye-opening. It’s also a way to escape routine and relax. However, some prefer staying home for comfort, so it depends on personality and interests.
Why Band 7?: The response provides clear reasons, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“eye-opening,” “escape”). It maintains fluency with a balanced view.

Question 2: How has tourism affected your country?

Sample Answer:
Tourism has had a big impact on my country, Vietnam. It’s boosted the economy by creating jobs in hotels and restaurants, especially in places like Hanoi. It’s also helped preserve cultural sites, as funds go toward maintenance. On the downside, overtourism can strain resources and harm the environment, so sustainable practices are crucial.
Why Band 7?: The answer discusses positive and negative impacts, uses topic-specific terms (“overtourism,” “sustainable”), and includes complex structures with fluency.

Question 3: Should people travel abroad or explore their own country?

Sample Answer:
I think both have value, but exploring your own country can be just as rewarding. It’s often more affordable and helps you appreciate local culture, like visiting historic villages. Traveling abroad, though, broadens your worldview by exposing you to different lifestyles. Ideally, people should balance both to gain a well-rounded perspective.
Why Band 7?: The response compares both options, uses cohesive linking (“though,” “ideally”), and employs varied vocabulary (“rewarding,” “worldview”).

Question 1: Why do people look up to role models?

Sample Answer:
People look up to role models because they provide inspiration and guidance. For example, a teacher like my English teacher can motivate students to work hard by showing dedication. Role models also set examples of values, like honesty or resilience, which people aspire to follow. However, it’s important to choose role models wisely to avoid unrealistic ideals.
Why Band 7?: The answer provides clear reasons, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“dedication,” “resilience”). It maintains fluency with a cautionary note.

Question 2: How can famous people influence society positively?

Sample Answer:
Famous people can influence society by raising awareness or inspiring action. For instance, celebrities who advocate for mental health encourage open discussions, reducing stigma. They can also support charities, motivating fans to contribute. That said, their influence can be negative if they promote harmful trends, so responsibility is key.
Why Band 7?: The response discusses positive and negative aspects, uses topic-specific terms (“stigma,” “advocate”), and includes complex sentences with fluency.

Question 3: Is it better to have one role model or many?

Sample Answer:
I think having multiple role models is better because it offers a broader perspective. For example, you might admire a teacher for their patience and an athlete for their discipline, learning different qualities from each. Relying on one person can limit your growth, as nobody’s perfect. A mix helps you develop well-rounded values.
Why Band 7?: The answer compares both options, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“discipline,” “well-rounded”). It maintains coherence and fluency.

Question 1: Why is it important to learn new skills?

Sample Answer:
Learning new skills is important because it keeps you adaptable and competitive. For instance, skills like time management help you succeed in work or studies, especially in fast-changing environments. It also boosts confidence and personal growth. Without learning, people risk falling behind in today’s dynamic world.
Why Band 7?: The response provides clear reasons, uses topic-specific vocabulary (“adaptable,” “dynamic”), and employs complex sentences with fluency.

Question 2: How has technology changed the way people learn?

Sample Answer:
Technology has transformed learning by making it more accessible and interactive. For example, online platforms like Coursera offer courses from top universities, which wasn’t possible before. It also allows personalized learning through apps that adapt to your pace. However, it can be distracting, so discipline is needed to benefit fully.
Why Band 7?: The answer discusses changes with examples, uses topic-specific terms (“personalized,” “accessible”), and includes a balanced view with complex structures.

Question 3: Should schools focus on practical skills or academic knowledge?

Sample Answer:
I believe schools should balance both, but practical skills are increasingly important. Academic knowledge builds critical thinking, but skills like financial literacy or communication prepare students for real life. For example, knowing how to budget can prevent future debt. A mix ensures students are well-equipped for work and society.
Why Band 7?: The response compares both, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“financial literacy,” “well-equipped”). It maintains fluency and coherence.

Question 1: Why do people give gifts on special occasions?

Sample Answer:
People give gifts to show affection and strengthen relationships. For instance, a birthday gift like a journal can make someone feel valued and remembered. It’s also a way to mark milestones, like graduations, creating lasting memories. In some cultures, gifts carry symbolic meanings, adding deeper significance.
Why Band 7?: The answer provides clear reasons, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“affection,” “symbolic”). It maintains fluency with cultural insight.

Question 2: How has the trend of gift-giving changed in your country?

Sample Answer:
Gift-giving in my country has become more modern and materialistic. In the past, gifts were often handmade or simple, like food items, but now people prefer branded products or gift cards, especially among younger generations. Technology has also introduced e-gifts, which are convenient but less personal. Some worry this shift reduces emotional value.
Why Band 7?: The response compares past and present, uses topic-specific terms (“materialistic,” “e-gifts”), and includes a balanced perspective with fluency.

Question 3: Is it better to give expensive gifts or meaningful ones?

Sample Answer:
I think meaningful gifts are better because they show thoughtfulness. For example, a handmade card can mean more than an expensive gadget if it reflects personal effort. Expensive gifts might impress, but they can feel impersonal. That said, the intention behind the gift matters most, regardless of cost.
Why Band 7?: The answer compares both options, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“thoughtfulness,” “impersonal”). It maintains coherence and fluency.

Question 1: Why do some people enjoy helping others?

Sample Answer:
Some people enjoy helping others because it creates a sense of purpose and connection. For example, tutoring someone can be rewarding when you see their progress. It also fosters empathy and builds stronger communities. However, some might help for recognition, so motives vary.
Why Band 7?: The response provides clear reasons, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“empathy,” “fosters”). It maintains fluency with a balanced view.

Question 2: How can schools encourage students to help others?

Sample Answer:
Schools can encourage helping by integrating community service into the curriculum, like organizing charity drives or volunteering programs. They could also reward acts of kindness, such as helping classmates, to build a supportive culture. Role models, like teachers, play a big part too. The challenge is ensuring students see helping as genuine, not just for grades.
Why Band 7?: The answer suggests practical solutions, uses topic-specific terms (“community service,” “supportive culture”), and includes complex sentences with a cautionary note.

Question 3: What are the benefits of helping people in the community?

Sample Answer:
Helping people in the community strengthens social bonds and improves well-being. For instance, volunteering at a food bank can make residents feel supported and create a sense of unity. It also develops skills like teamwork and empathy. On the downside, it can be time-consuming, but the positive impact is worth it.
Why Band 7?: The response discusses benefits and challenges, uses specific examples, and employs varied vocabulary (“well-being,” “empathy”). It maintains fluency and coherence.