Task 2
MONOLOGUE
Task instructions:
Read the text. Then in your own words:
- define briefly what the main issue/problem is;
- say what you think about the issue raised in the text;
- provide arguments and examples to support your opinion;
- come to a conclusion;
- answer one additional question which the examiner will ask you at the end of your monologue.
You have 2 minutes to prepare. Speaking time: 5 minutes.
TEXT 1: BOREDOM
The most common way to define boredom in western culture is having nothing to do. Boredom is generally viewed as an unpleasant emotional state in which the individual feels a lack of interest in the current activity. Boredom is a universal experience. Almost everyone suffers from it in the course of their lives. Existing surveys show that between 30% and 90% of American adults experience boredom at some point in their daily lives, as do 91% to 98% of youth. Men are generally more bored than women.
The most common way to define boredom in western culture is having nothing to do. Boredom is generally viewed as an unpleasant emotional state in which the individual feels a lack of interest in the current activity. Boredom is a universal experience. Almost everyone suffers from it in the course of their lives. Existing surveys show that between 30% and 90% of American adults experience boredom at some point in their daily lives, as do 91% to 98% of youth. Men are generally more bored than women.
www.psychologytoday.com
Additional questions:
- Can being bored change a person? How?
- What do you think of this: the more entertained we are the more entertainment we need?
TEXT 2: FUTURE
The world is widely considered to be on the edge of a fourth industrial revolution – one where machines will be able to do many of the jobs currently performed by humans, and perhaps even do them better. It is a future that promises greater efficiency and cheaper services, but one that also could cause widespread job losses. The good news is that many of us will probably be safe in our jobs for some time to come. The researchers predict there is a 50% chance that machines will be capable of taking over all human jobs in 120 years.
The world is widely considered to be on the edge of a fourth industrial revolution – one where machines will be able to do many of the jobs currently performed by humans, and perhaps even do them better. It is a future that promises greater efficiency and cheaper services, but one that also could cause widespread job losses. The good news is that many of us will probably be safe in our jobs for some time to come. The researchers predict there is a 50% chance that machines will be capable of taking over all human jobs in 120 years.
www.bbc.com
Additional questions:
- How far into the future would you like to travel? What do you hope to see? Give reasons for your answer.
- Do you think the future will be better or worse for your grandchildren? In what ways?
TEXT 3: REACHING GOALS
Far too often people tend to take rejection as a stop sign, rather than as a step toward success. Yes, rejection is sometimes truly crushing. But consider this: some of the world’s most successful people have failed – sometimes more than once. Steven Spielberg was rejected from the University of Southern California School of Theatre, Film and Television 3 times; the Beatles were turned down by a Decca Records executive. He believed that “guitar groups had no future in show business”. Weaker people might have given up. Instead, these people remained focused on their goals.
Far too often people tend to take rejection as a stop sign, rather than as a step toward success. Yes, rejection is sometimes truly crushing. But consider this: some of the world’s most successful people have failed – sometimes more than once. Steven Spielberg was rejected from the University of Southern California School of Theatre, Film and Television 3 times; the Beatles were turned down by a Decca Records executive. He believed that “guitar groups had no future in show business”. Weaker people might have given up. Instead, these people remained focused on their goals.
www.businessinsider.com
Additional questions:
- What person has inspired you the most? How?
- What do you do to encourage others when they are going through difficult times? Does it work?
TEXT 4: CONCERN ABOUT APPEARANCE
The media bombards people with images of the ideal body and as a result some teens are trying to compete with models who are photoshopped. It is not surprising that some people become unbalanced about their appearance. It is both abnormal and untrue to think that others will take no interest in you unless you look beautiful or handsome. People do not usually choose friends according to physical appearance. Looks may be a factor at first, but personality, moral standards and values are the true cement of friendship.
The media bombards people with images of the ideal body and as a result some teens are trying to compete with models who are photoshopped. It is not surprising that some people become unbalanced about their appearance. It is both abnormal and untrue to think that others will take no interest in you unless you look beautiful or handsome. People do not usually choose friends according to physical appearance. Looks may be a factor at first, but personality, moral standards and values are the true cement of friendship.
www.quora.com
Additional questions:
- Should children be allowed to have cosmetic plastic surgery?
- In certain situations looks do matter. How important is it to follow dress codes on different occasions?
TEXT 5: IMPROVED WRITING ABILITY
Young people today write far more than any generation before them. That is because so much socialising takes place online and it almost always involves text. So how can you become more persuasive and appear more intelligent when writing? Reading the classics is the easiest way to improve your writing ability. Great authors have a tendency to take over our mind. While reading we unconsciously absorb the grammar and style of the author and as a result we begin to mirror the writer’s style which helps us form clear, rhythmic sentences.
Young people today write far more than any generation before them. That is because so much socialising takes place online and it almost always involves text. So how can you become more persuasive and appear more intelligent when writing? Reading the classics is the easiest way to improve your writing ability. Great authors have a tendency to take over our mind. While reading we unconsciously absorb the grammar and style of the author and as a result we begin to mirror the writer’s style which helps us form clear, rhythmic sentences.
www.pickthebrain.com
Additional questions:
- How important is writing ability to modern day careers?
- If someone has thousands of followers on the internet, should that person be careful about what they write?
TEXT 6: TURNING EXERCISE INTO ADVENTURE
Adventure sports refer to activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, the list goes on and on. What these activities have in common is a degree of risk, uncertainty and self-discovery. However, today adventure sports are known to teach people self-reliance and teamwork, and they encourage people to leave their comfort zone. These elements can result in better health, improved self-esteem and increased confidence that translates into all aspects of one’s life.
Adventure sports refer to activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, the list goes on and on. What these activities have in common is a degree of risk, uncertainty and self-discovery. However, today adventure sports are known to teach people self-reliance and teamwork, and they encourage people to leave their comfort zone. These elements can result in better health, improved self-esteem and increased confidence that translates into all aspects of one’s life.
www.livestrong.com
Additional questions:
- What are the differences between training indoors and outdoors?
- Is it important to encourage people to try something new? Why/why not?