Speaking tests. B2.2 Semi.

B2.2 Semi (Online session)

SPEAKINGtests

(Revision)

1) How should I start? 2) Can I go off topic? 3) What type of things can I say to give my opinion? 4) What type of linguistic elements should I use? 5) What should I write? Can I read it? 6) How can I finish?

LINKING DEVICES (I)

SEQUENCING IDEAS

CAUSE

• In the first place,
• First of all,
• To start with, / To begin with,
• In the second place,
• Secondly,
• Next,
• Finally,
• Last, but not least,

• because of + noun / -ing
• due to + noun / -ing
• owing to + noun / -ing
• because + Subject + Verb
• as + subject + verb
• Given that...
• Since...

LINKING DEVICES (II)

ADD INFORMATION

CONSEQUENCE

• Apart from that,
• In addition,
• Besides,
• Moreover,
• Furthermore,
• On top of that,
• What is more,

• So,
• Therefore,
• That is why,
• As a result,
• As a consequence,

LINKING DEVICES (iii)

CHANGING THE SUBJECT

CONDITIONS

• On a different note,

• If
• Unless
• Provided that
• As long as

REFERRING TO OTHER SOURCES

• According to...
• In X's view,
• In X's opinion,

LINKING DEVICES (IV)

CONTRAST

PERSONAL OPINION

• In my opinion,
• As I see it,
• It seems to me (that)
• Personally,
• From my point of view,
• In my view,
• As far as I'm concerned,
• To my mind,

• However,
• Nevertheless,
• Although + Subject + Verb
• Even though + Subject + Verb
• On the one hand,... On the other hand,...
• In spite of + noun / -ing
• Despite + noun / -ing

LINKING DEVICES (V)

EXPLAINING / GIVING EXAMPLES / EMPHASISING

SUMMING UP

• In conclusion,
• In short,
• To put it briefly,
• To sum up,
• Taking everything into account, / consideration,
• All things considered,
• On balance,

• In fact, / As a matter of fact,
• For example,
• For instance,
• such as...
• In other words,
• Actually,
• Needless to say,

• Choose one topic to talk about.
• Write down some important words.
• Talk about it with your partner, using the vocabulary provided.

health

Caring about our health and keeping fit has become a priority in the present times. Why do you think people are so interested in it? Do you think this is a new but ephemeral trend? What are the different businesses and professions that have sprung up around this field?

health

Vocabulary

2. SUCCESS

• What do you think success involves? Education? Knowledge of languages? Personal skills?

• Give examples of successful people you know. Why do you consider them to be successful?
• Are qualifications necessary? Which ones?
• Are people with certain personal skills more likely to be successful? Which ones?

2. SUCCESS

Vocabulary

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

• Are your childhood memories mostly good or bad?
• Do you feel things were better in the past?
• Do you remember anything you regret doing?What is your relation with the people from your past?

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

4. SHOPPING

• Have you ever wasted money on something?
• What do you prefer, small shops or shopping centres?
• Are you willing to pay more for food that is really organic? Why? How much more? Why not?
• Have you ever sold anything online? If so, what was it? If not, why do you think some people do it? Is it a good idea?
• Are there any items you have bought because of the adverts? Why? Why not?.

4. SHOPPING

friendship

Friendships can be difficult to maintain. Discuss:

• Lending money to a friend will probably mean the end of your friendship.
• It is uncommon to have friends from an older generation.
• It is almost impossible to have a good relationship with an ex-partner.

friendship