Speaking 5. HANDOUT 5.1 SPEAKING PART 2-3 – Study, Education and Research PART 2: Sample tasks Sample task 1: Describe a time during your education that you really enjoyed. You should say: when this period was where you were what you were studying at the time and say why you were so happy. Sample task 2: Describe a period of time from your studies that was the most difficult for you so far. You should say: When it was Where you were What you were doing at that time and say why it was so hard. Useful vocabulary: - Sit exams - Work my way through university - Enormous amount of homework - Do a lot of revision - Have no time to goof around - Set aside some time to rest - A bit of a challenge - A really happy time - Distance learning - Face-to-face classes - Fall behind with your studies - Keep up with your studies - A graduation ceremony - An intensive course - Meet a deadline - Play truant PART 3: Questions you may be asked 1. How important is education to an individual? 2. How is education important to a modern economy? 1 3. What are the drawbacks of education? 4. What is the biggest problem of the Vietnamese education system? 5. How important is a degree in one’s life? 6. Can you explain the pros and cons of exams? What are other possible ways of assessment? 7. Which is the determining factor in work performance, experience or qualifications? 8. What are the qualities of a good teacher? 9. How can illiteracy be eliminated in your country? 10. Will technology change the way people learn? 11. What do you see as the major problems in educating children in your co untry today? 12. Do you think that the present education system is serving the needs of modern society? What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad? 13. Do you think the present education system is keeping pace with the changes in modern life? 14. Do you think that the present education system exerts too much pressure on today’s children? 15. What kind of education should be provided for very young children? 16. How far do you think education can alleviate the social problems in present -day your country? Are examinations the best way to assess students? What other ways could be used? 1. How important do you the education is to an individual? Possible answer: I think education is very important to an individual. In my opinion, with education, one can learn a lot of knowledge, which can enrich one’s life. From my personal experience, in the course of learning, I discovered many new things, for example, learn to do my own learning, how to train my critical thinking skills. One thing which is really important to me is that 1 discovered my potential, that means, what I am really good at. With this understanding, I could put my potential into full play and realise my dream and my ambitions. As you know, knowledge is so important in modern society. Actually, knowledge is power. With education, I improved myself in the quality of life, giving myself a chance to go out of the remote mountain village to receive higher education in this capital city of Ha Noi, to meet and learn from many people from different cultural backg round. Now, I feel so lucky to have received the education that I’m able to live a colourful and fulfilling life. 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How important are the roles of theory and practice in your disciplines? Possible answer: In my discipline, theory and practice are equally important. Having a strong back ground in theory, you will be able to analyse and design new and big software. On the other hand, 2 having sound practical experience will enable you to have new ideas realised, then you can transform your ideas into products very rapidly and establish your business within a short period. 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How important do you think the computer is in education today? Are there any subjects computer cannot teach today? Possible answer: Computers can’t possibly replace human teachers although there are some subjects in which a computer can be used successfully to teach, especially elementary mathematics and elementary language learning, in fact, any area whi ch requires a student to memorize basic facts through repetition is well suited to computer learning. The computer can be programmed to provide an endless number of simple questions, and as the student answers these questions the facts are learned and reinforced. However, in the learning and practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not adequate. A computer can evaluate an ans wer is right or wrong, but it can not determine why. It cannot find out why a student is making mistakes, and then represent important concepts in a different way so the student will understand. So you see, why computers may be useful in as a tool for prac ticing simple skills, they can not monitor s student’s s gasp of concepts, nor evaluate a student’s reasoning. It will certainly be used only as a tool, not a substitute for human nature. 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What do you think are the best qualities a good teacher should have? Possible answer: Well, it’s an interesting question. I think a good teacher should have several qualities. First of all, he should love and dedicate himself to his teaching and he should be responsible for his students. He should be very patient with them and always ready to listen to them and help them solve their 3 problems in their studies. Of course, he should be open-minded and knowledgeable in his field. And a good voice is also very important for him to make a clear speech in front of his students. 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What do you think are the major problems in your country’s education system? Possible answer: I think the main problem is the teaching approaches in Vietnam. The majority of teachers and students work for exams in school nowadays. As you know, Vietnam basically has an exam-oriented education system, with force-feeding approaches dominating. So, some students are very good at memorizing facts but what they really need is creativity, imagination or originality. But actually some improvements are being made gradually. For example, in some good schools, quality teaching is being practiced, which means that the students are learning to be independent with practical problem-solving skills. 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