SPEAKING

TEST 5
SPEAKING Q1-2: Read a text aloud.
Directions:
In this part of the test, you will read aloud the text on the screen. You will have 45 seconds to prepare.
Then you will have 45 seconds to read the text aloud.
Q1:
For the past thirty-five years, the Smithson Theater has brought award-winning shows to the people of
Hartford. Tonight's performance of the play Love Again is no exception. If you'd like to show your support
for the Smithson Theater and the work we do, please make a donation at the ticket counter after the show.
Five dollars, fifty dollars, or five hundred dollars - any contribution is welcome. But for now, please sit
back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Q2:
Residents of Allman City now have another option for transportation. January 1st, 2008, will mark the
introduction of a city bus system, brought to you by the Allman City Council. Bus passes will be free to all
residents for the first month. After that, the cost of a month-long pass will be just 25 dollars. For information
on bus routes and schedules, log on to www.allmancc.gov. Now stay tuned for a traffic update.
SPEAKING Q3-4: Describe a picture.
Directions:
In this part of the test, you will describe the picture on your screen in as much detail as you can. You will
have 45 seconds to prepare your response. Then you will have 30 seconds to speak about the picture.
Q3:
Q4:

SPEAKING Q5-7: Respond to questions

Directions:
In this part of the test, you will answer three questions. You will have three seconds to prepare after you
hear each question. You will have 15 seconds to respond to Questions 5 and 6, and 30 seconds to respond
to Question 7.
Imagine that an American marketing firm is doing research in your country. You have agreed to
participate in a telephone interview about shopping for clothing.
Question 5: How often do you shop for new clothing and who do you usually go with?
Question 6: What aspect of clothes shopping do you find most pleasant?
Question 7: Do you prefer shopping for clothing at a store or online and why?
SPEAKING Q8-10: Respond to questions using information provided.
Directions:
In this part of the test, you will answer three questions based on the information provided. You will have
45 seconds to read the information before the questions begin. You will have three seconds to prepare and
15 seconds to respond to Questions 8 and 9. You will hear Question 10 two times. You will have three
seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to respond to Question 10.

My name is Cynthia Woodbridge, and I heard that two famous authors will be appearing at your store. Can
you answer some of my questions about this event?
Question 8
When will Mr. Toudle's talk begin and how long will it last?
Question 9
Someone told me that the two authors will be appearing at your downtown store together. Is that true?
Question 10
What will happen after Mr. Toudle and Ms. Waits give their talks?
SPEAKING Q11: Express an opinion
Directions:
In this part of the test, you will give your opinion about a specific topic. Be sure to say as much as you can
in the time allowed. You will have 45 seconds to prepare. Then you will have 60 seconds to speak.
Some people choose to communicate over the phone. Others prefer to use email to communicate. Which
communication method do you think is better and why?
WRITING Q1-5: Write a sentence based on a picture
Directions:
In this part of the test, you will write ONE sentence that is based on a picture. With each picture, you will
be given TWO words or phrases that you must use in your sentence. You can change the forms of the
words and you can use the words in any order.
Question 1

Coat/because

Question 2

in front of/ building

Question 3

as/ write

Question 4

finish/ because
Question 5

map/ how
WRITING Q6-7: Respond to a written request
Directions: In this part of the test, you will show how well you can write a response to an e-mail.
Your response will be scored on
• the quality and variety of your sentences,
• vocabulary, and
• organization.
You will have 10 minutes to read and answer e-mail.
Q6: Read the e-mail.
From: Barry Cole, Accounting
To: Jim Slate, Assistant Manager, Accounting
Subject: Computer problems
Sent: March 10, 3:58 P.M.
Mr. Slate:
I have been having problems with my office computer recently. I requested assistance from the help desk
several times, but they have not fixed it yet. Could you please help me find a way to solve this problem?
Thank you,
Barry
Respond to the e-mail as if you are Mr. Slate. In your e-mail, ask ONE question and make TWO
suggestions about getting the computer fixed.
Q7: Read the e-mail.
From: Tradewinds Apartments
To: All residents
Subject: Residents' meeting
Sent: September 3, 12:28 P.M.
Dear Tradewinds residents,
This message is to remind you that we will be having our monthly meeting next week. To make the meeting
more beneficial for all, please e-mail us with some suggestions for topics to discuss and let us know if you
are going to attend the meeting or not.
Thank you.
Respond to the e-mail as if you are a resident at Tradewinds Apartments. In your e-mail, suggest TWO
topics and ask ONE question about the meeting.
WRITING Q8: Write an opinion essay
Directions: In this part of the test, you will write an essay in response to a question that asks you to state,
explain, and support your opinion on an issue. Typically, an effective essay will contain a minimum of 300
words.
Your response will be scored on
• whether your opinion is supported with reasons and/or examples,
• grammar,
• vocabulary, and
• organization.
You will have 30 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay.
Q8: Some companies push employees to retire after they pass middle age. Others allow employees to
stay until they want to retire. Which do you think is better from the company's point of view? Use
specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.