Oral Conversation Topics

1a. What lessons can we learn from being part of a team?

1b. Can you think of some instances where it is vital that people co-operate with each other?

2a. Do you think it is important that everyone should be able to cook?
2b. Do we learn better when we discover things for ourselves?
2c. We can learn a lot from books, but how else can we learn?
2d. How important is practical or hands on experience?

3a. People are living longer nowadays. How can older people keep active when they retire?
3b. How can older people keep up to date with new technology?
*3c. What measure can countries take to help cope with the growing number of older people?
3d. Do you agree that we are never too old to learn?
3e. How might older people benefit from learning new skills?
3f. How can the government encourage people in lifelong learning?

4a. Tell me about how people travel to work or school in your country.
4b. What are some of the problems you have experienced while travelling?
4c. What would you do to solve the problem of traffic congestion?

5a. Why is it important for people to enjoy the work they do?
5b. What are the good and bad points about working from home rather than travelling to work
every day?
5c. How do you think our working conditions might change in the future?


6a. Do you agree that some stress can be a good thing?
6b. What types of situations are particularly stressful?
6c. How do some people cope with stress?

7a. How would you feel if you were on the losing side in a competition or sporting event?
7b. How would you go about helping a friend to cope with failure?
7c. Success can also cause problems in friendships. Can you think what these problems might be?

8a. What are some of the risks and challenges in trying something new?
8b. What are some of the advantages of trying something new?
8c. What can we learn from taking risks?

9a. Is it important to teach children to look after the environment? Why or why not?
9b. How does human activity endanger certain parts of the work?
9c. What can be done to raise the awareness of threats to our natural environment?

Things to note for oral examinations
1. Never EVER give one sentence answers. Even when the question seems too straightforward,
venture to elaborate based on the main idea or theme.
2. When the question contains words such as you or your country make sure that your answer is
within that particular context. In other words, you have to give examples or elaborate according to
the context. In other words, if they ask you about students in Singapore, do not talk at length about
students in another country.
3. When confronted with a binary type of question (e.g.: good/bad, advantage/disadvantage) argue
both sides even if you lean towards one particular side. Format you answer the same way you would
when you are writing an essay.
4. If there are words you are unsure about, clarify by politely asking the invigilator to rephrase the
question: Im sorry but I do not think I fully comprehend the question, is it possible for you to
rephrase the question?/May I clarify the meaning of (word)?/By (word/phrase) do you mean
(own meaning)?
5. Establish eye contact. Sit straight. Speak clearly. SMILE