Speaking Task — uzdevums. Eksāmens angļu valodā, Angļu valoda II (Augstākais līmenis).

In the speaking part of the exam, you will be asked to give a short talk on a given topic using the provided materials. You will have time to read the texts, select appropriate ideas, and plan how to structure your talk before speaking. To help you prepare for this part of the exam, study the speaking task below and complete the activities that follow. These tasks are designed to help you understand how to structure your talk, support your arguments with the material, and draw clear conclusions, so that you feel more confident when completing the speaking task in the real exam.

Prepare a 5-minute talk on the topic of “Appreciation”
Read the materials below and select at least three points and opinions which you will use to support your argument. You can use other ideas as well, but you must discuss the ideas you selected from the material first. After your talk, you will answer three questions and justify your opinion.

In your talk:

introduce the topic and outline the structure of your talk;
present your arguments, supporting them with the information from the material provided;
draw conclusions on the topic.

You have 20 minutes to prepare your talk. You can make notes on the paper.

“Appreciation”

Source 1: Every man supposes himself not to be fully understood or appreciated.
Ralph Waldo Emerson,journal entry (May 6, 1840)

Source 2: The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. Praise, gratitude, and appreciation stimulate serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that create feelings of happiness and connection.
Alex Korb, in The Upward Spiral (2015)

Source 3: Research shows that employers who show their appreciation for their employees' efforts by publicly recognizing the quality of their work have lower rates of employees leaving the workplace for other jobs.
achievers.com/blog/employee-recognition statistics/

Source 4: Appreciation comes from the Latin root appretiāre, which means “to set a price on; to value.” In the beginning, the word had a strictly financial connotation, and that continues to this day when, for example, we describe the increased value of an investment as an appreciation. When the word entered English in the 16th century, it conveyed the original idea of setting a price on something, but by the 17th century, the meaning was figuratively extended to refer to the worth or value of a person.
Dr. Mardy's Quotes of the Week

Source 5: Self-appreciation builds self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence. Do you often find that you give yourself a hard time about things you didn't do, things you didn't do right, or what you didn't change? For instance, maybe you give yourself a hard time about not being able to meet a certain deadline, skipping a workout, or cancelling a social commitment. People all too often focus only on what they feel they have done wrong and disregard all the many things they have done well.
www.psychologytoday.com

1. What is the main idea connecting the sources about appreciation?

Appreciation strengthens personal well-being and relationships by recognising value.
Appreciation is mainly expressed through praise and public recognition.
Appreciation develops naturally when people become more confident and successful.
Appreciation is most valuable when it leads to measurable achievements.

2. How do Alex Korb's and the workplace research findings complement each other?

Both show how appreciation can positively influence people's well-being and behaviour.
Both argue that appreciation matters more than financial rewards.
Both suggest appreciation is most effective when expressed publicly.
Both demonstrate that appreciation is essential for professional success.

3. Which argument best reflects the importance of self-appreciation?

Praising individual efforts encourages people to depend on external approval.
Comparing personal achievements motivates people to maintain higher expectations.
Recognising personal achievements helps people avoid making difficult decisions.
Acknowledging personal strengths helps people develop confidence and self-respect.

4. What does Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation suggest about human nature?

People sometimes expect recognition without understanding the efforts of others.
People often feel that others fail to recognise their true worth.
People generally believe that appreciation should follow personal achievement.
People frequently struggle to express appreciation for those around them.

5. Which statement offers the strongest conclusion about appreciation?

Appreciation is valuable because it encourages achievement and strengthens professional relationships.
Appreciation becomes meaningful when people receive recognition for their individual contributions.
Genuine appreciation strengthens relationships and helps people recognise their own worth.
Appreciation remains important because it improves confidence and encourages positive social behaviour.

Atsauce:

https://www.viaa.gov.lv. Centralizētais eksāmens par vispārējās vidējās izglītības apguvi angļu valodā (augstākais mācību satura apguves līmenis), 2026

14. Speaking Task

Uzdevums:

Pamanīts reklāmas bloķētājs!