Speaking Topics cho trình độ A1

SPEAKING TOPICS FOR A1
DEVELOP SPEAKING SKILL

Name:……………………..

PART I


1.

•

Let me introduce
myself
Months
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Hi, my name’s ..................

•

I’m from .................. (country)

•

I live in .................. (city)

•

I’m ... years old.

•

My birthday is on ..................

•

I’m a student at .......................

•

My favourite subject is .......................

•

My favourite sport is .......................

•

There are ... people in my family.

•

They are ...............................................

•

My father is a ............... and my mother a ..................

•

•

I would like to be a .................. because ..................

•

My hobby is .......................

•

In my free time, I also like ..............................

•
•
•

•

I don’t like ..............................

•

My favourite food is .......................

•

My favourite drink is .......................

•

My favourite day of the week is ............ because .....................

•

My favourite month is ................. because ......................

•

My favourite singer (or band) is .................

•

I like ................. (movies).

•

My favourite place is .................. . I like it because .................

•

I (don’t) like travelling. I have been to ..................

•

The most beautiful place in my country is ..................

•

I study English because .................................

Because…
• … I like it a lot.
• … I think it’s important.
• … there are many things to see and
do.
• … I have to.
• … I can relax there.
• … it’s relaxing/popular/nice/…

•
•
•
•

School
subjects
English
science
maths

art
PE
physics
chemistry
music
social studies
history
geography
computer

Hobbies – Free time
activities
reading, painting,
drawing
playing computer games
surfing the Internet
collecting stamps/coins/
…
going to the cinema
playing with friends
playing with my dog
going to the park/beach/

Movies
action movie
comedy
romantic
comedy
horror movie
sci-fi movie

war movie
thriller
animated

Jobs
teacher
policeman
doctor
architect
nurse
builder
civil servant engineer
social worker secretary
businessman shop assistant
manager
fire
fightershopkeeper
cleaner
postman


2. Let’s talk about

YOU
Conversation cards
What’s you name?
What’s your surname?
What’s your nickname?

What do you do?

Do you like being a (…) ?
Why?

Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Talk about them.

Do you have a pet?
Talk about it.

What’s your favourite kind of music? Which bands doWhat’s
you like?
your phone number?
What’s your email address?

Where do you live?
How did you get here?

What’s your favourite food?
What’s your favourite drink?

When is your birthday?
What do you usually do on your birthday?

What’s your favourite day of the week?
What’s your favourite month of the year? What’s your favourite sport?
Why?
Why?
How often do you play it?

What do you do in your free time? What do you usually do on Saturdays? How often do you go on holiday?

Where do you like going?

How often do you eat
How
out?
often do you go to the cinema? What’s
What
your
do favourite
you do inkind
the evening?
of movie?What time do you usually
What’s your favourite restaurant?

Individual task
• Interview another student (choose 3 – 5 questions).
• Write down the answers in your notebook.
• Now tell the whole class about the person you interviewed.
• Example: Let me introduce (name). She’s a student at Bangkok University. She

How

has 2 sisters and 1 brother. She goes to the cinema once a week and likes action
movies. Her favourite food is spaghetti and her favourite drink is orange juice. On
Saturdays, she usually goes shopping with friends and has dinner at with her
oftenparents.
do you … ?
always – usually – often – sometimes – not often – rarely – hardly ever – never
100%80%60%40% 20% 10% 5% 0%

Onceday / week
Twice
a week / month
Three timesyear


Play roll
What is your
name? Can you
spell it?
How do you
spend your free
time?

What is your
favourite
number?
Have you ever
been to
London?

What is your
favourite TV
programme?

When were you
born?

Are you in a
relationship?

Can you sing?

What was your
favourite toy
when you were
a child?

Can you play
any musical
instruments?

How long is
your hair?

What is your
favourite car?

Do you prefer
summer or
winter?

Miss a turn

What is your
hobby?

Are you
vegetarian?
Why?

What time do
you have
breakfast?

What food do
you like?

What is your
job?

How old were
you when you
got your 1st
watch?

Do you like
going on an
adventure?

What is your
favourite drink?

Do you like
reading books?

Miss a turn

What winter
sports do you

like?

Were you
popular when
you were a
child?

What is your
shoe size?

What does your
best friend look
like?

Where are you
from?

What did you
do on New
Year's Eve in
1999?

What is your
favourite
movie?

START

Miss a turn

Do you like
playing
computer
games?
Miss a turn
Do you have a
pet?
Miss a turn

Have you ever
been to
hospital as a
child?
Do you have
any siblings?
How many?
Have you ever
ridden a
motorbike?
What time do
you usually go
to bed?

What was your
favourite
school subject?
How do you
spell your
surname?
Where do you

like going
shopping?

What day of
the week were
you born?

How old are
you?
What colour
are your eyes?

Where do you
usually go on
holiday?

Can you speak
any other
language?

How tall are
you?

What is your
middle name?

Miss a turn

Where were
you born?

What music do
you like?

Where did you
go on holiday
last year?

How often do
you have
holidays?
Do you like
modern
technology?
What is your
favourite
dessert?
How old were
you when you
got your 1st
mobile?
Can you swim?


3. Let’s talk about

COUNTRIES
Conversation cards
What is the biggest country in the world?
What do you know about it?

What is the country with the most people?
What do you know about it?

How many continents are there?
Can you name them?

Do many people visit your country? Name some landmarks in the
Name
citythree
or country
countries
where
in three
you live.
different continents where it is always hot and never
What can tourists see and do there? (= important sight or feature in the city or the landscape)

How many countries are there in the world?
Guess.

How many currencies
Name
do you
three
know?
countries in three different continents where it always snows and fr
Make a list.

What are the most popular tourist countries?

What countries would you visit if you were onHow
a world
many
trip?
countries can you name starting with the letter J?
Guess.
Get a map and plan your world trip.
On which continent(s) are they located?

Have you ever been the victim
Is crime
of a crime?
a serious problem where you live? What are the most common
Have you
crimes?
ever witnessed a crime?
Which countries have you visited?
What countries would you not want to visitHow
andmany
why? countries can you name starting with the letter K?
Talk about it.
Make a list of crimes you know.
Tell the class what happened.
Which countries would you like to visit?
On which continent(s) are they located?

What crimes have
you
heardtour
about

in the
news recently?
What kinds of crime can be
prevented?
How?
What
is white-collar crime?
a 3-week
around
your country. Make a list of places to visit,
to stay
andcountries
how to get
there.
Would you like Draw
to live, study
orPlan
work
in another
country?
How
many
can
you name starting with the letter B?
and
colour
the
flags.
Summarize the Give
stories.

What’s
your
opinion
of
the
police?
How
can
white-collar criminals be brought
a price estimate (low budget).
If so, which country?
OnMatch
which continent(s) are they located?
5 they be punished?
9
Do1you think they do a good
job?
How should
Australia
If not, why not?

Brazil
China
How should people be punished
Fine,
forprison
breaking
timethe
or law?
community

service. Which crimes
could get
Have
youyou
these
ever
punishments?
done anything
England
6
10illegal? Did you
2
Who decides?
Talk
about
it
if
you
want
to.
India
Italy
1
3
New
4. Mexico
5. USA
6. Japan
1
Zealand

7
Russia
Is there a problem with organized crime Should
or gangs
a poor,
wherehungry
you live?
man
Explain.
be punished for stealing
Dofood
you think
from prison
a supermarket?
can rehabilitate
Explain.criminals? Are there
Thailand
12
4
8
Turkey
7. China
8. Russia
9. Thailand
USA
Vietnam
1. Germany

2. Spain

3. UK

4. Let’s talk about

What is capital punishment? Does it exist where you live?
WhyAre
doyou
people
in favour
become
or against
criminals?
it? (e.g. lack of education)What’s
Give your
a serial
opinion.
killer? How do serial killers kill
Do you think the death penalty is an adequate

CRIME

Conversation cards

What is identity theft?
What do you think is a proper punishment for murder?
Should adultery be a crime?
(= cheating on your husband or wife)
Do you know any other modern or cyber-crimes?
What about serial murder?
What about abortion? Explain.

(= terminating an unborn foetus)


Stolen! Match crime and explanation

Poverty
1 burglary (a burglar)
a steal
is the
Where do (did) you go to school? Do you think it is (was)
Do you
a good
planschool?
to go to
Explain.
university? (or: Did you What
go to university?)
is (was) your favourite
subject? Why
2 embezzlement (an embezzler) b steal a person
mother
What will (did) you study?
of
3 fraud (a fraud or fraudster)
c steal items from a shop
crime.
4 kidnapping (a kidnapper)
d steal from a house or office
5

robbery (a robber)

e

steal with violence

6 What
scamare
(athe
scammer)
steal
money
youshould
manage
qualities of a good teacher? fA good
Once
student?
you
graduate,
you stop learning?
Which areExplain.
the best schools and universities in
steal
by
deceiving
(often
important
(e.g. A good teacher is patient.)
How can you continue to learn?
7 (e.g.

shoplifting
(aisshoplifter)
g amounts)
A good student
hard-working.)
8 theft (a thief)
h steal by tricking someone

He who does not prevent a crime when he can,
How much homework or papers do students
need to do?it.HowIsmuch
studying
freeexpensive
time do they
in your
have?
country?
What
are
Dokind
you
the costs?
think
All crime
is a
of it is easier to learn as a ch
encourages
disease and Explain
shouldyour view.
Do research and compare.

Behind every great fortune there is a crime.
be treated as such.
Do you agree?
Discuss.

5. Let’s talk about

Does education guarantee
Which alanguages
good job?are taught in school? Is it difficult to learn‘I’d
torather
speak start
themmaking
well? Explain.
money at 16 than
Brainstorm and discuss.
Do you agree? Discuss.

EDUCATION

Conversation cards

‘Most of what you learn in school is useless. Also, most teachers
are out
of to
touch
with
the real
‘You don’t
need

go to
school
to world.’
be smart. I can teach
‘Going
myself.’
to school
Do youisagree?
a complete waste of ti
Do you agree? Discuss.
Explain your views.

Which is more important: the skills you learn in school orWould
in realyou
life?consider
Explain. studying
Are
abroad?
womenWhere?
encouraged
Why?to pursue an education? Wh
Talk about it.


Match

1

boarding school
a. 2nd stage in formal education, usually from the ages of 12 to

17
2 diploma
b. higher education provided by universities and colleges
3 distance learning
c. 1st stage in formal education, usually from the ages of 6 to 11
4 mortar board
d. higher education institute that provides distance learning
courses
5 open university
e. school where pupils are provided with meals and lodging
Have you ever been abroad?
Have you ever ridden a horse? An elephant? A camel?Have you travelled by plane or ship?
6 been?
primary education A motorbike? Anything
f. document
a student
earned
a degree
Where have you
else? Talkthat
aboutproves
it.
Which dohas
you prefer?
Explain.
7
secondary
education
g.
courses

taken
at
home,
usually
online
using
a
computer
Which country would you like to visit and why?
Quotes:
What
we learn with pleasure,
webought
never
forget.
Have you ever• seen
a ghost?
Have you ever
a lottery
or lotto ticket? Have you ever visited a fortune teller?
Do you agree? Discuss.
• in Practice
is the best ofHave
all you
instructors.
Do you believe
ghost?
ever won anything?
Talk about it.
Talk about it. • If you can read this, thank a teacher.

6. Let’s talk about

Have you ever been camping?
Have you ever cheated on an exam? How did you doHave
it? you ever been to an amusement park?
Where did you go? Did you like it? Talk about
Talkit.about it.
What were your favourite rides?
Talk about it.

EXPERIENCES
Conversation cards

Have you ever broken a bone or been in hospital?
Have you ever done anything that you really regretted?
Have you ever been to the zoo?
(= to be sorry or sad about something)
Talk about it.
Which animals did you like most?
What was it?
Explain why.

Have you ever met a celebrity?
Have you ever performed in public? (sing on stage, play music, act in a play,Have
speakyou
in public,
ever etc.)
been on the radio or on TV?
Who was it?

Talk about it.
Talk about it.
Talk about it.

Have you ever told a big lie to someone closeHave
to you?
you ever seen a tornado or another naturalHave
disaster?
you ever called a woman ‘sir’ or a man ‘madam’?
Tell the class if you want.
What other natural disasters do you know? MakeWhat
a list.happened?


Interview a friend
…………………………………
Have you ever
(+V3) …
(be) in a fight?
(drink) beer?
(eat) horse meat?
(go) abroad?

y/
n

Name:
Details (ask extra questions)
(why)

Food for thought Discuss

•

Experience is a great teacher.

•

Experience is simply the
name we give our mistakes.

•

Good judgment comes from
experience and experience
comes from bad judgment.

•

The only source of knowledge
is experience.

(taste)
(taste)
(where)

(play) golf?
(with whom)
(ride) a donkey?
(cost)

(visit) a fortune teller?
(prediction)
(speak) to a foreigner?
(from where)
(see) a ghost?
(where)
Where
do
you
usually
buy
your clothes?
(skip) school?
(why)
Why do you buy them there?
(cheat) on an exam?
(how)
Are you price-conscious?
(tell) a lie?

• If we could sell our
Do you
How
choose
muchyour
money
owndo
clothes?
youexperiences
spend on clothes?

ever worn hand
for Have
whatyou
they
If not, who helps you choose? cost us, we'd all be
millionaires.

7. Let’s talk about

FASHION

Do you ever buy designer clothes?
What kind of clothes are in fashion now?
Have you ever bought secondHow important is image to you? Conversation
Do you think it is important
to
wear
fashionable
clothes?
Why or why not?
cards
What are the pros and cons?

What do you think of wearing
How much
high heels?
time do you spend getting ready to go to school/work/a
What’s the most
party expensive
with friends?

piece of clothi
Do you or would you wear them?
Why or why not?

Is there a dress code at school or at work? Talk
Doabout
you wear
it. the same clothes that you wore ten years ago?
Do you ever read fashion ma
What about when going to parties or clubs? How long do you usually wear clothes?
If so, what’s your favourite?

What kind of clothing do you find provocative? (= inciting sexual
In what
desire)way
What
does
do your
you think
grandmother
of showing
or grandfather
skin?
dress differently
Do you
fromhave
you?any tattoos or p
What do you think of them?

Would you ever wear dreadlocks? What do you think of peopleWhat

wearing
do you
them?
think of men who wear make-up? What is the traditional dress w
When is a person wearing too much make-up? Is it comfortable?
Do you ever wear it?


Match

3

2

1

anklet
bandan
a
barrette
belt
bracelet
brooch
cuff
links
earrings
necklac
e
shawl
tie clip

wristba

5
4

6
7

8

10

9

1
1

Quotes
Clothes make the man. (proverb)
“Every generation laughs at the old
fashions but religiously follows the
new.”
“Fashion is a form of ugliness so
intolerable that we have to alter it
every six months.”
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

12

“A fashionable woman is always in

love - with herself.”

Explain in plain English.
Do you agree? Discuss.

8. Let’s talk about

HOUSES

Where do you live?
Describe your house or flat.
Do you live in a house or a flat (also: apartment)? (both
inside and outside) cards
Conversation

What is there in your living room?
What is there in your bedroom?
Name as many things as you can. What do you do there?
Name as many things as you can.
What time do you usually go to bed?

What is there in your bathroom?
Name as many things as you can.
What do you do there?

Do you prefer living in a house or flat?
Explain why.

What is there in your garden?
Name as many things as you can.

What do you do there?

How many rooms are there in your house?
Name them.

What is there in your kitchen?
Name as many things as you can.
What do you do there?

What is there in your garage?
Name as many things as you can.
What do you do there?

Do you prefer living in the city or the country?Are you in favour of renting or buying a house?
Explain why.
Explain why.

How much does an average house or flat cost where youWho
live? does the housework in your family?Give some reasons why people can become homel
Where do people get the money to buy one?
What do they do?

How many kinds of houses can you name? (e.g. house, flat, apartment,
How many
…)times have you moved
Makehouse?
a list of important things to look for when buying (or re
(e.g. a garden, near a supermarket)
Did you enjoy it?

1

2


3

kitchen
bathroom

5

Match BrE (left) with AmE (right)

4

6

1

cellar

a

apartment

2

lift

b

yard

3

garden

c

basement

4

flat

d

elevator

garden
cellar
living room
dining room

Explain and discuss

7

8

study
bedroom
hall
attic
garage

11
9

10

•
•
•
•
•
•

Home sweet home.
Home is where the heart is.
A man’s home is his castle.
Until the cows come home.
Charity begins at home.
Bring home the bacon.


ANSWER KEY
There is/There are

Living room: sofa, TV,
armchair, coffee table, rug,
table, chairs, computer, lamp,
bookcase, cupboard, shelves,
picture

Bedroom: bed, wardrobe,
nightstand(s), pillows,
mattress, sheets,
duvet/comforter, mirror,
dressing table/vanity

Kitchen: cupboard, shelves,
cooker/stove, pots & pans,
microwave oven, sink,
dishwasher, table, chairs

Bathroom: toilet, bath,
shower, washbasin, mirror,
medicine cabinet

Garden: flowers, grass, trees,
shrubs, swimming pool,
garden furniture, swing,
sandbox, flower beds,

Garage: car, bicycle,
motorbike, lawn mower,
shelves, tools, garden hose

Discuss prices
Introduce: savings,
inheritance, mortgage

Cleaning, cooking, washing,
ironing, doing the dishes,
setting the tables, taking out
the rubbish/garbage

bungalow, detached house,
semi-detached house, villa,
palace, castle, mansion, farm,
cottage, terraced house (also
row house or town house),
studio, houseboat, igloo,
tent/wigwam, treehouse,
condo (or condominium),
cabin, stilt house, A-frame,
hut, trailer

Match BrE (left) with AmE (right)
1

Cellar C

a

apartment

kitchen

8

2

Lift D

b

yard

bathroom

3

3

Garden B

c

basement

2
1
0

4

Flat A

d

elevator

garden
cellar
living room

9

dining room

4
1
1

study
bedroom

5

hall

6

attic

7

garage

1

Explain and discuss

•
•
•
•
•
•

9. Let’s talk about

HEALTH
Conversation cards

Home sweet home.
Home is where the heart is.
A man’s home is his castle.
Until the cows come home.
Charity begins at home.
Bring home the bacon.


Have you ever been ill?
What was wrong with you?

When was the last time you went to the doctor/dentist/hospital?

How often do you have a medical checkup?
Why did you go?

Is a doctor’s visit or a stay in hospital expensive?
Does your country have good medical healthcare?
How is your health?
Discuss.
Explain.
What health problems do you worry about the most?

What do you do to keep fit and healthy?Have you ever stopped doing something for your health?
What diseases kill the most people worldwide?
Compare with others.
Talk about it.
Do research and discuss.

How many serious or terminal illnesses do you know? (e.g.Have
cancer)
you had any vaccines?
Work in a group and make a list.
If so, against which diseases?
(terminal: cannot be cured)
Are you afraid of needles?

What sports can be damaging to your health? In what way
In your opinion, what are the healthiest sports?

What are the main causes of death?
What are the worst jobs for your health?
Are they the same for younger and older people? Brainstorm.

What about the best ones?
Brainstorm in group.

Is being a doctor or nurse a good job?
Would you like to do this job?
Why or why not?

What is the
averagewords
life expectancy
in your country?
How is your mental health?
can the environment be damaging to someone’s heal
Match
and
Do you
have
a job?
Are you good at savingHow
money?
Do you have a bank account? Where do
4
Is it the same
for
men
and
women?
Do
you
know

anyone
with
a
mental
disorder?
Explain.
3
pictures

Is it full-time or part-time? 1(e.g. schizophrenia)
If so, how do
Why?
2 you do it?
ambulance
Do you make a lot of money?
bandage
cast
How
do you usually pay when you go shopping?
Do you have an ATM card? (also: debit card) Do you have a credit card?
crutches
8
How often do you use it?
How often do you use it?
5
doctor
Where do you use it?
7
health food

6

nurse
operating
What was thetheatre
last thing you bought? Where
When
didyou
youtravel
buy it?abroad
Talk about
(= to another
it.
country), how
How
dodo
youyou
payspend
for things?
your money? What do y
11
plaster (band
aid)
12
surgeon
9
10
syringe
Have
you ever had any money stolen from you?

How much did you spend yesterday?
How much does it cost to get a haircut in
wheelchair
If so, how did it happen?
What did you spend it on?

10. Let’s talk about

MONEY

How much pocket money do (did) your parents
Do you
giveever
you?give money to beggars on the street?
Money can’t buy happiness.
How do (did) you spend it?
Why
or why not?
Money can’t buy love.
Conversation
cards
Do you agree or disagree?

What’s the most you have ever spent on a gift? What wasWhat
it? Who
would
wasyou
it for?
do if you won
Would

theyou
lottery?
prefer to be rich, famous or rich and


3

Match
coins
ATM
beggar
card
What’scredit
your favourite
kind of music?
4
cash register

Match
1. salary
2. interest

a. opposite of save
b. what you have to pay for

smth.
piggy
bank
c.How
theoften

price
trip by
Can you3.play
a musical
instrument?
do of
youalisten
to music?
bus,
train
If so, which one?
4. expensive
d. opposite of lend
1
5. spend
e. payment for a job
6. price
f. cash machine
7. fare
g. opposite of cheap
Have you ever been to a concert or live show?Have you ever sung karaoke?
Do you like to sing?
8. rich
h. money paid for the use of
Talk about it.
Did you likemoney
it?
Why (not)?
2
5

9. ATM
i. money box

Have you ever downloaded music from the Inte
10. Let’s talk about

How many CDs do you have? What’s your favourite?
Do you have an MP3-player?
How often do you use it?

MUSIC

Why?

Conversation cards

Do you prefer music in English or in your own
Which
language?
musicianWhy?
or band would you most like to meet?
Do you
Why?
ever listen to loud music? When?

Can you dance?
Do you listen to music on the radio? What’s
When
youryou
favourite

listen to
radio
music,
station?
do you try to understand the
What’s your favourite dance?

Would you like to be a famous singer?
What’s
Why?
your favourite singer? Why do you likeWhat’s
him oryour
her?favourite band? Why do you like


Tick the music you
like

1

Match instruments and
pictures

classical
2
accordion
piano
3
easy listening
saxophon

drums
e
heavy metal
6
tambouri
4
hip hop
flute
ne
jazz
guitar
triangle
5
harmonic
R&B
a
trumpet
rap
rock
salsa
What are natural
disasters? Give examples. What are often the results of natural disasters?
What can be done to prevent natural disasters?
traditional
8
11 preventive
10 and possible
12 measures.
Make a list of disasters
7

9

Are there ever natural disasters in your country?
What natural disasters could happenHave
where
youyou
or any
live?of your friends or relatives ever been in a natural disaste
Explain.
What happened?

11. Let’s talk about NATURAL
DISASTERS

What was the last natural disaster you saw What
on TV?are the worst natural
disasters you can cards
remember?
How can we help victims of a natural disaster?
Conversation
Where did it happen?
How did it affect people?

In your opinion, what’s the worst natural
Howdisaster?
much warning time are people
How
usually
can you
given

prepare
aheadwhen
of a disaster?
a natural disaster is imminent where you live? (= abou
Why?

Have you ever seen a natural disaster
What are
movie?
some of the problems
What
people
wouldoften
you do
have
if you
after
knew
a natural
an inescapable
disaster? disaster was about to happen and you only
Talk about it.

Why did dinosaurs becomeWhat
extinct?
kills more people worldwide: natural disasters, war, terrorism,
Could thefamine,
Internet
other?
be helpful in case of a disaster? How?

Discuss possibilities.
Brainstorm and discuss.
Could it be misused? How?


2

1

6

4

8

Match

3

5

7

11

9
10

Do you have a pet?
If not, have you ever had one?

Talk about it.

avalanche
drought
earthquake
flood
forest fire
heat wave
hurricane
meteor
impact
tornado
tsunami
volcanic
eruption

What are the most popular pets nowadays?
Which animal makes the best pet?
According to you, why are these animals popular? Why?

12. Let’s talk about

PETS

What’s the strangest, scariest or most unusual pet you have What
ever seen?
are the pros and cons
Conversation
cards
Tell the class about it.

of keeping a pet? (= what is good and bad about)
Discuss.

Which animals should not be kept as pe
Explain why.

Some people let their pet(s) sleep in their bedroom
Should
or even
people
on orliving
in their
in an
bed.
apartment
Classify
be allowed
all possible
to keep
pets ayou
pet?
canExplain.
think of in a category grid (mamma
What do you think of this?
Which pets would be okay?

Do you think it is right to keep wild animals in a zoo?Would you eat
Some
rabbit
people

meat?
let their pets in the house, others always keep them outdo
Explain you point of view.
Would you go to a dog race?
Would you pet a spider?
Would you touch a snake?

Exotic pets are becoming increasingly popular. Why?
Do you think it is okay to use animals for medical
Is it okay
research?
to kill animals for their meat, fur – or just f
Can you name some? Do you know any endangered
Whatspecies?
about testing cosmetics?
Which animals are found in labs?

What do you think of cultures that eat dog meat/horse
‘Animals should
meat/monkey/insects/snails?
never be kept in captivity. They belong in the
‘We
wild’.
can(=judge
in a cage
theorheart
lockedofup)
a man by his treatmen
Would you try it?
Do you agree?

What does this mean?
Do you agree?


1

Match and say if you think it makes a good pet and
why.

3

2
6

4
5
7

8
9

1
1

10
13

12

Pet

#

OK
?

cockatoo
guinea pig
iguana
parrot
pot-bellied
pig
rabbit
Rottweiler
Siamese cat
snake
squirrel
sugar glider
tarantula

7

yes

Why (or why not)?

It’s cute and lives in the garden.

13. Let’s talk about

SCHOOL
What school do you go to?
Where is it?
How do you get there?

What’s your favourite subject?
What time do you get up on a school day?
Conversation cards
Why do you like it?
Who wakes you up?

What time does school start?
Is your
When
school
doesfar
it from
finish?
your home? How long does it take youWhat
to gettime
to school?
do you go to bed
Are there any breaks?
on the eve of a school day?
Do you ever stay up late?

Where is your school located?
Is it easy to get there?

How many students are there in your school?What classes don’t you like?

How many in your class?
Why not?

Interview a friend (or do it for yourself)
Have you ever been late for class? If so, why?What do you do during breaks?
Where do you have lunch?
don’t
don’t
Do you like English?
hate
love
like
Was the teacher angry?
Talk about it.
What
do
you
usually
mind
eat
for lunch?
like
Yes, I love it.
Do you like exams?
No, I hate them.

English
exams
Have you ever fallen asleep in class?Have you ever been punished What
at school?

subjects
Why?
are you good at? What subjects are difficult fo
Geography
If so, why? Explain.
What was the punishment?
History
holidays
homework
Give examples of school rules.
Have you ever broken
any?do you like best about your school?
Do you ever skip class?
What
Maths
(e.g. you must wear a uniform; you mustn’t eat in the classroom)
If so, what do you do?
Explain.
PE (sports)
2
Science


1
3
4
Match
desk
laboratory
school bus

teacher
whiteboar
d

5

14. Let’s talk about

SHOPPING
Conversation cards
Do you enjoy shopping?
How often do you go shopping?

What’s your favourite place
What
towas
shop?
theWhy?
last thing you bought for someone else?

What was the last thing you bought
Do you
for compare
yourself? prices at different stores when
How you
important
go shopping?
is customer service when you a
Where did you buy it?

Can you name a few supermarkets? Which one do you
Where
like best?
do you
Why?
usually buy your clothes? Why?Are brand names important to you
Why (or why not)?

Where would you go to buy toys?
What’s
Why?
the best place to buy computers and electronics?
Does your family
Why? have a TV? Where did yo
Ask a friend: Have you ever

bought… ?

candy

lipstick

a CD

a necklace

a computer

shoes

Do you like to go shopping alone or with friends?Who
Why?
does the shopping
inSmall
your family?
local shops or big supermarkets? Which do y
a mobile
items)
a car (= buy household
phone

Where do you buy fruit and vegetables?
Why?
do you usually pay
when
Cash,you
ATM
buy
card
something?
or credit card. Which is the easiest? The
a How
dog
a skateboard

earrings

sunglasses

a football

a teddy bear

a house
an ice
cream

a tie
a cinema
ticket


15. Let’s talk about

SPORT
Conversation cards

What’s your favourite sport? How many hours of sports do (did) you
Which
have
sports
in school?
have you played? Which one did you e
How often do you play it?
Is (was) this enough?

Which sport would you like to try?
Explain why.

Which sports do you think are dangerous?

Is there a sports centre near your home?
What can happen?
How often do you go there?

Playing sports or computer games? Which do you prefer?
Which Why?
sports are popular in your country?
Do you prefer playing or watching sports?
Talk about them.
Explain.

Have you ever been toHave
a sports
you ever
match?
won an award or medal in a sports competition?
Name
Talk3about
sportsit.played with a ball.
Talk about it.
Explain the rules for one.

Do you prefer individual or team sports?Who’s your favourite sports personality? Name 3 winter sports.
Explain why.
Why?
Have you tried any?
Match

Do, play or go?

badminton
aerobics
Do you think famous sports players
Whichare
sports
overpaid?
is your country good at? Name the mostName
famous
3 team
players.
sports and 3 individual spor
basketball
3 Explain the rules for
Explain.canoeing
one.
1
cricket
football
2
cycling
judo
fencing
running
golf
skiing
4
ice hockey
swimming
6
taekwondo

tennis
Work
in
groups.
5
Thai boxing
Can you guess the
water polo
rules?
10


8

7

9

16. Let’s talk about

TECHNOLOGY
Conversation cards

What do you think of
In when
your opinion,
you hearwhich
the world
invention
technology?

has had the greatest impact on society in theWhich
last 100
modern
years?invention
Explain your
cou
Brainstorm. Discuss in group.
Explain your choice.

What are the 3 greatest inventions of all time? What things should never have You
beenare
invented?
stranded on a desert island. Wha
Work in group. Make a list. Compare your ideas.Brainstorm and discuss in group.Explain why.

How has technology changed the workplace? Has technology had any impact on education?How has technology chang
Explain.
In what way?
Technology has revolutioni

Has technology ever let you down? (= disappointed
Do computers
you bysave
not working
time orproperly)
do they just make us Does
wastetechnology
more time?(or
Discuss.
the useTake

thereof)
a vote.
ever g
What happened?
Explain and give examples.

How has technology improved our daily lives? Give examples and explain the advantages
Is technological
of technological
advance always
advances.
‘Any
forsufficiently
the better?advanced technology is indis
Can you think of any disadvantages
Give some
of technology?
examples.

1

2

3 never be replaced
What could
What would you like to see invented
in the
future?
‘Modern technology owe
4 by technology?

My invention
Your
invention
Explain why not.
Explain why.
What does this mean?
Do you agree?
5

Match
digital camera
electronic
dictionary
industrial robot
microwave oven

6
7

8

mobile phone
MP3-player
thumb drive
vending machine
washing machine

9

Description

The Universal Translator™ is a
machine that can translate
instantly one spoken language
into another. This device will
make travel and international
business much easier, as well as
relationships between people
and countries worldwide.
It is powered by solar cells that
will last a lifetime. Software
provided for 200 languages. Will
be available soon in miniaturized
pocket version.

Description
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………


17. Let’s talk about

TELEVISION
Conversation cards
How often do you watch TV?
How many hours per day?

What kind of TV programs do you like toDowatch?
you ever watch English channels? Which

Do you have cable TV
TV antenna,
at home?satellite dish or cable TV. How does the TV signal
TV reach
commercials:
your home?
useful or a waste of tim
If not, why not?
What do you think?

Is watching TV good or bad for you?
Explain.

Could you live without television?
Explain.

Do you have a TV in your bedroom?
Why or why not?

When and where do you usually watch
Do youTV?
watch TV while eating breakfast, lunch or dinner?

Have you ever visited a TV studio?
Give times and places.
Tell about it.

Have you ever been on TV? In which show?What’s your favourite TV programme?
How many channels can you watch on you
If not, would you like to?
Name and describe it.
What’s your favourite?

Do you ever watch reality TV shows? Do you likeDo
them?
you watch
Why (not)?
soap operas on TV?
You
Docan
youimprove
like them?
your English by watching TV. Do you
Rank the following
What’s your favourite?
activities
1 (love it) to 9 (don’t like
it)
go shopping
go to the cinema
listen to music
play computer
games

play sports
read books
surf the Internet
take a nap
watch TV
Compare answers with
your classmates and make

Match
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
2. Big Brother
3. Friends
4. The Blue Planet
5. Ready, Steady, Cook
6. Tom & Jerry
7. News Flash
programme
8. Neighbours
programme
9. Top of the Pops

a. animated cartoon
b. news
c. movie
d. soap opera
e. documentary
f. reality TV show
g. music
h. sports
i. sitcom

18. Let’s talk about the

FUTURE
Conversation cards


What do you think the weatherWhat
will be
aretomorrow?
you going to do tomorrow? Describe your plans
What
to the
areclass.
you doing tonight?
Give your prediction.
What fixed appointments do you

Where do you see yourself ten years from
Do you
now?
think doctors will clone people in theWill
future?
pollution make the Earth uninh
Explain.
If so, do you agree? Explain.
Discuss.

Do you think scientists will find aDo
cure

you
forthink
AIDSpeople
and cancer?
will live longer? What is positive or negative
Will robots
aboutever
it? replace human
If so, in what way?

Do you think the world will be better or worse for future
How do
generations?
you think your
Explain.
country will change Ifinyou’re
the future?
single, when are you going to

How will transportation and travel change in
Dothe
youfuture?
think aliens will everWhat
visit kind
the Earth?
of job When?
would you like to do in the future?
Give your views.
What will happen?

Do you
tellers
What
ornew
horoscopes?
inventions
would
like
to yesterday
see in theevening?
Do
future?
you think
Giveyou
reasons.
will everfrom
travel,
Whatbelieve
did you in
dofortune
yesterday?
What were you
doingyou
at 10
p.m.
life live
100 or
ye
8 How is life today different
7

4
5
6
9
WhyDescribe
or whyyour
not?day.
TalkGive
about
it.
examples.
#

ye
mayb
Do you think this will happen? Discuss.
s
no
e
A nuclear war will destroy the Earth.
born? will invadeWhen
the last time you went on holiday?
Think of a major news story of the recen
3Where were youAliens
the was
Earth.
Where did you grow
up?
Talk
about

it.
(where,
who,
when,
how
long,
with
whom,
what
Tell
see/do)
it in your own words.
Flying cars will solve the problem of traffic jams.
warming will wipe out many animal species.
Talk about yourGlobal
childhood.
2
10
Overpopulation will lead to mandatory euthanasia
at 70.
People will live for 150 years or more.
Think of three things that didn’t exist 20
years ago.
people
Talk routine
about
do without
your
lastthem?
birthday.tasks.

Think of a relative or a celebrity who passed a
Robots
willWhat
takedid
over
household
11
Scientists will invent
a did
time
Could you live without them?
What
youmachine.
do? Did you have a party? Who was
Talk there?
about them.
There will be a friendly alien encounter.
1
Tourists will go on space holidays.
Transporters (like in Star Trek) will be used.

When was the first time you went to the cinema?
Think about the last time you had a lot of fun withThink
friends.
about the first pet you ever had. Wh
Talk about this experience.
What did you do?
Tell the class about it.
Talk about it.

19. Let’s talk about the

PAST

Ask a friend some questions about their last
Didshopping
you watch
trip.
the 2008 Beijing Olympics? Nowadays
What do you
many
remember?
families have a car. How did your gran
(when, how/get there, where/go, what/buy, go/with who,Talk
how about
much/spend)
them.

Conversation cards

Older people sometimes talk
Christopher
about ‘theColumbus
good old isdays’.
one of the most famous explorers
‘You haveever.
to know
What
thedopast
youto

know
understand
about him?
the future.’ (Carl Sa
What do they mean? Discuss.


Interview a friend

Talking about the past

Ago
Other time markers
When was the last time you …
five minutes ago
yesterday
… (buy) an ice cream?
the day before
… (come) home late?
one hour ago
yesterday
… (do) housework?
three days ago
last week
Howorange
often do
you go on holiday?
What are the most popular tourist attractions in your
Describe
country?

a sightseeing trip you have
… (drink)
juice?
two weeks ago
last month
have you been?
… (eat)Where
fast food?
six months ago
last year
… (get) up late?
a few years ago
… (go) swimming?
a long time ago
- Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future.
… (have) a party?
- Why?
Noor
man
is richholiday?
enough to buy backWhat
his past.
Wilde)
Which museums
have
you visited? Which did you enjoy most?
City trip
beach
are(Oscar
the benefits

of tourism for a
… (meet)
your
For
the
majority
of
us,
the
past
is
a
regret,
the
future
an
grandparents?
Which do you prefer?
Explain.
experiment. (Mark Twain)
… (play) basketball?
Do you agree? Discuss.
Why?
… (speak) English?
… (visit) a museum?

What are possible disadvantages of tourism for What
a country?
kind of
Explain.

jobs are there in the tourism industry?
What makes a good tour guide?
Would like to do one?
Explain.

20. Let’s talk about

TOURISM

For tourists, what is the most convenient way to get around in
Have
youryou
country?
flown? Have you taken a long distance bus trip? How many ho
Was it short or long haul?
Did youleave
suffer from
jet lag? but footprints.
Take nothing but photos,
nothing

Which of the 7 new world wonders do you
Which
know?
city or country would you like to visit
Name
most?
some landmarks from your city
Where are they located?
Explain why.

Describe them.

Which countries are the most popular destinations?
Which cities or countries have you visited?
Does your country benefit from to
Discuss. Do online research.
What’s your top 3?
In what way?


2

1

Landmarks

#

Country

Angkor Wat
Christ Redeemer
Coliseum
Eiffel Tower
Machu Picchu
Mount Fuji
Pyramids

do you get to school?
StatueHow

of Liberty
(or)
How do you get to work?

Taj Mahal

Match
1. go
a. immigration
2. book
b. a
museum
3. board
c. some research
3
4. check
d. an arrival card
4
5. do
e. customs
6. visit
f. on a trip
7. fill in
g. local
customs
8. pass
h. into a hotel
9. go through i. a plane
10.
respect

j. ado
plane
ticket
How long does it6take you to get
here?
How far
you live
from here?
(e.g. 5 minutes, 20 minutes, 1 hour)

5

Tower Bridge

7

Do you (or your parents) have a car?
Talk about it.

How often do you take a taxi?
Are taxis expensive?

(e.g. 200 metres, 10 kilometres)

8

9

10

What’s your favourite form of trans
Why?

21. Let’s talk about

How often do you use public transport?
Which means of public transport do you know?
Is petrol (gasoline) expensive where y
Talk about it.
Make a list.
How can we use less?

TRANSPORT

Conversation cards
Is a car considered a luxury in your country?
How many kinds of transport have you used?Driving causes pollution.
What’s your dream car?
What’s your favourite?
How can we prevent this?

What do you think is the safest kind of transport?
How can we solve the problem
Have
of traffic
you ever
jams?
ridden a horse? A camel? An eleph
Why?

Have you ever been in a traffic accident? Have you seen
What
one?
makes
Talk about
of car it.
are popular in your
Sedan
country?
(also saloon), hatchback or station wag
(e.g. Toyota, Peugeot, BMW)
Which do you prefer? Why?


2

Match words and
pictures

7

airliner
ambulance
boat
cruise ship
helicopter

1
3

6
8

hot air balloon
motor scooter
4
motorbike
mountain bike
scooter
Have you ever been abroad? Where did you go?
How
many countries have you visited?
(abroad = to another country)

9

10

Where do you usually go on holiday?
What do you like about it?

Talk about them.
22. Let’s
talk about

5

TRAVEL
Conversation
Have

you ever travelledcards
by plane?
How did you feel?

How do you usually travel?
(e.g. by plane, car, bus)

Which do you prefer? Why?

Do you prefer the beach or the mountains? What’s you favourite country?
Why?
Why?

Do you ever go camping?
What do you like about it?

What is your favourite holiday destination
Why?

What’s your favourite city?
Why?
What can you do there?

Where do you usually stay when you’re on holiday?
Where did you spend your last holiday?
(e.g. hotel, resort, camping, family)
Talk about it.

When you are travelling, do you try to speak the local
Where

language?
do you plan to go for your next holiday?
Who do you usually travel with?
Talk about it.
How do you travel?

How often do you go on holiday?
With whom?

Have you ever taken a package
Do you prefer
tour? to travel in a group (e.g. a tour) or indepe
Talk about it.


Draw and colour the flag of
your country:

Questionnaire – interview a friend:
Have you ever visited another country?
Yes/No
If so, which one(s)?
…………………………………………………………………
Which three cities do you like most?
……………………………… , ……………………………… ,
…………………………………
Which country would you like to visit?
…………………………………
Why?
……………………………………………………………………

………………………
Which country would you NOT like to visit?
………………………
Why?
……………………………………………………………………
………………………

………………………………

Draw and colour the flag of
an English-speaking country:

………………………………

23. Let’s talk about

‘WHAT IF’
Conversation cards

What would you do if you won the lottery?
What would you do if you were stranded on a desert
If you
island?
had three wishes, what wo
Explain in detail.
Which 3 things would you like to have with you? Why?

What would you do if you found a fat wallet
If youon
could

the street?
be an animal for one day, what
If an
would
alienitspace
be? Explain
ship invited
why. you for a ride, w

If you could travel in time, where would you
How
go?
long would you like to live if you If
had
youthe
were
choice?
born 50 years earlier, how wo
Explain why.
Explain.

If you could start over your life, what would
If you had
you divine
change?
(= godlike) powers, how would
If you
youwere
change
thethe

leader
world?
of your country, wh

If you had the chance to be born again, in which
What
country
would
would
you do
youif like
yourtodog
be born?
ate your homework
If you
just
could
before
commit
goingany
to school?
crime and get away

5 you feel if you found out
4only oneHow
If you received one million dollar which you couldn’t spend on yourself,
What
what
would
would

you
you
dospend
if you ithad
on?
day to
would
live?
1

6
2

3