"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things."

Flora Lewis

Topics for Oral (B2+)

  • famous people
  • war&peace
  • control&power
  • news&mysteries of history
  • protest
  • educational system
  • places at school/university
  • types of school
  • exam&qualifications

1. Think about a historical figure and say what you know about him/her.

2. In your opinion, which present-day figure(s) will eventually become part of history on account of their exceptional contribution?

3. Dwell on your favourite history quote. Do you dis/agree? Why (not)?

4. How do you understand the quote: "History is the version of past that people have decided to agree upon" (Napoleon Bonaparte)

5. Do you like reading history? Why (not)? Do you think it is important to know what happened in the past? Why (not)?

6. Is there a country or civilization whose history you find particularly interesting, exciting and rewarding to read? Give reasons.

7. Explain how you understand the statement "history is always subjective".

8. Has the role of women changed in course of history? How come? What bright historical figures of women do you know?

9. Were there any mysteries in history? Dwell on the one you consider to be the brightest example.

10. What do you think is the role of museums? Will there be museums in future?

11. Are there any wars/terrorist attacks nawadays? Dwell on the major reasons /participants/injured/etc. Are there any peace talks to end the wars?

12. Highlight the brightest periods in history of the world. How can you characterise the current one?

13. What do you think makes a good teacher? What qualities should s/he possess?

14. What are the most important factors for success at university?

15. Dwell on any quotation about learning. How do you understand it?

16. Do you think learning will take place without teachers/classrooms/schools/universities/etc?

17. What are your predictions about schools in the future? Do you believe Cyber Schools may substitute traditional ones?

18. Compare British/American/Ukrainian education systems.

19. What places do you use at your university? How often do you use them? What is your favourite/worst place at university?

20. Would you like to study abroad? Why (not)? If you could choose any university to continue your studies, which one would you choose? Why?

21. What is your attitude to exams/continual assessment? How do you get ready for exams? Describe a typical exam at your university.

22. Is corporal punishment allowed at schools these days? Why (not)? Do you think there are any occasions when it might be acceptable?

23. How do you understand the notion of 'subjective vs objective' assessment? Which one do you think is better? Should teachers be 'generous' markers?

24. What is a learning strategy? Which learning methods do you think are the most effective to you? Which learning strategies do you use in language learning?

25. What stages in person's education can you name? Are there any differences in the UK/USA and Ukraine?

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