12. Speaking Task

Uzdevums:

4 p.

In the speaking part of the exam, you will be asked to

state and support an opinion on a given topic;
listen carefully to your partner’s ideas;
take part in a discussion.

To help you prepare, read the speaking task below and complete the activities that follow. They will help you organise your ideas, develop arguments, respond to your partner, ask relevant questions, and express yourself clearly and confidently during the real exam.

PAPER – A Special Weekend
Situation: You and your partner are planning to do something special at the weekend. You are discussing two possible options: going on a bike trip or visiting a museum.
Ideas you may use: interests / fun / cost / health / experience

Your role:
Student A: You should go on a bike trip.
You present first, then listen to Student B and make notes.
Student B: You should visit a museum.
You listen to Student A and make notes first, then present your opinion.

How the task works
1. Presenting an opinion (preparation time – 5 mins, speaking time – 2 mins)
1.1. Prepare at least two reasons and examples to support your opinion.
1.2. Present your opinion on the topic and support it with at least two reasons and examples.
1.3. Listen to your partner’s opinion and make notes

2. Discussion (preparation time – 2 mins, speaking time – about 3 mins)
2.1. Use your notes to prepare two or three questions for your partner.
2.2. You should:

discuss each other’s ideas,
decide together other ways to learn new skills.

3. Answer the teacher’s questions.

Now answer these questions that will help you to prepare!

1. What should Student A and Student B decide together during the discussion?

Which original weekend option would be the better choice overall.
Which other interesting activities they could do during future weekends.
Which reasons from their presentations were the most convincing ones.

2. Student A supports a bike trip. Which argument best develops the idea of health?

Cycling makes it possible to explore unfamiliar places during the weekend.
Cycling can cost relatively little when people already own bicycles themselves.
Cycling provides physical activity while allowing people to spend time outdoors.

3. Student B supports visiting a museum. Which argument best develops the idea of experience?

Museums can offer unusual exhibitions and objects people rarely see elsewhere.
Museums can suit visitors who enjoy history, science, art or technology.
Museums can provide indoor activities when the weekend weather becomes unpleasant.

4. Which response would show that you have listened to your partner before adding a different view?