IELTS SpeakingIELTS SpeakingBy Chris TangBy Chris Tang

You don’t have to be!!!You don’t have to be!!! PredictablePredictable Easy preparationEasy preparation Lots of tips to useLots of tips to use

On Entering the Test RoomOn Entering the Test Room Waiting out at the doorWaiting out at the door ““Do you have a mobile on you?”Do you have a mobile on you?” Psychological suggestionPsychological suggestion

So how do you say it?So how do you say it? I’ve taken the test for … times. For I’ve taken the test for … times. For

my previous … tests, I always got X my previous … tests, I always got X for my reading, X for my listening, for my reading, X for my listening, and X for my writing. But I haven’t and X for my writing. But I haven’t got enough for my speaking. So I got enough for my speaking. So I have to take the test over and over have to take the test over and over again until one day I can get at least again until one day I can get at least 6.5 for my speaking.6.5 for my speaking.

Why you can say it?Why you can say it? The four official marking criteria:The four official marking criteria:

PronunciationPronunciation VocabularyVocabulary GrammarGrammar FluencyFluency

What you say doesn’t really matter, What you say doesn’t really matter, but how and how well you say it!!!but how and how well you say it!!!

General mistakes to avoidGeneral mistakes to avoid VocabularyVocabulary

Overusing words like “good, nice, beautiful, inteOverusing words like “good, nice, beautiful, interesting, delicious…”resting, delicious…” Learn to paraphraseLearn to paraphrase Can you list ten positive words (adj.) to describe Can you list ten positive words (adj.) to describe a person?a person? What about ten negative ones?What about ten negative ones? Good and well, Clever and smart, Bored and boriGood and well, Clever and smart, Bored and boringng Say “no” to ChinglishSay “no” to Chinglish

GrammarGrammar Plurality, third person pronoun, past tense, perfect Plurality, third person pronoun, past tense, perfect

tense, misusing gender-related nounstense, misusing gender-related nouns PronunciationPronunciation

MispronunciationMispronunciation Be intelligible, so enunciateBe intelligible, so enunciate

FluencyFluency Speed is not fluencySpeed is not fluency Join and expand ideas; Avoid pauses; Avoid Join and expand ideas; Avoid pauses; Avoid

repetition; Expand rather than listing thingsrepetition; Expand rather than listing things

First things firstFirst things first Standard: What is your full Chinese name?Standard: What is your full Chinese name? Variants: What is your full name?/ How should Variants: What is your full name?/ How should

I call you?/ How should I address you?I call you?/ How should I address you? Answer: Long??? Or short???Answer: Long??? Or short??? My name is ____. (even “Name is___.”)My name is ____. (even “Name is___.”) My full name is ____, and I also have an English My full name is ____, and I also have an English

name, ____. You are welcome to call me ____.name, ____. You are welcome to call me ____. Remember what matters?Remember what matters?

First runner-upFirst runner-up Are you working or studying?Are you working or studying? Principle: Don’t make it too difficult.Principle: Don’t make it too difficult. Eg. I’m studying. And I study ____ in ____Eg. I’m studying. And I study ____ in _____, one of the top universities in China and I _, one of the top universities in China and I will be graduating in 2 years’ time.will be graduating in 2 years’ time. I’m working for ____ as an I’m working for ____ as an administrative administrative staff/sales/secretarial staffstaff/sales/secretarial staff. I’ve been doin. I’ve been doing this job for many years and I still like doing this job for many years and I still like doing it.g it.

Like it and not like it.Like it and not like it. Eg. Why did you choose this major? Do yEg. Why did you choose this major? Do you like it and why? Do you like your job?ou like it and why? Do you like your job? Be prepared. You may stumble at the eaBe prepared. You may stumble at the easiest questions.siest questions. Don’t talk big, talk small.Don’t talk big, talk small. Tell a story rather than giving empty, lifeTell a story rather than giving empty, lifeless reasons.less reasons.

A dose of panaceaA dose of panacea It is all because of my girlfriend. She is It is all because of my girlfriend. She is

the one and only woman I love the most the one and only woman I love the most on the earth. In order to make her on the earth. In order to make her happy, I would like to do anything for happy, I would like to do anything for her, including…. Because I just want to her, including…. Because I just want to be with her, to be where she is.be with her, to be where she is.

It is because when I was young, I had a It is because when I was young, I had a teacher and he always told me about …, teacher and he always told me about …, which has deeply influenced me. So I …which has deeply influenced me. So I …

East or west, home is the East or west, home is the best.best.

Where is your hometown and could you please tell me Where is your hometown and could you please tell me something about your hometown?something about your hometown? Answers that may let people laugh their head off:Answers that may let people laugh their head off:

My hometown is Xin Jiang.My hometown is Xin Jiang. My hometown is .... But I’ve never been there before.My hometown is .... But I’ve never been there before. My hometown is …. It is a very beautiful place. I love my homMy hometown is …. It is a very beautiful place. I love my hometown.etown.

It is your homeTOWN in contrast to homePROVINCE, hIt is your homeTOWN in contrast to homePROVINCE, homeCOUNTRY, homePLANET.omeCOUNTRY, homePLANET. It is where you were born and grew up in contrast to wIt is where you were born and grew up in contrast to where your parents or grandparents came from.here your parents or grandparents came from.

Elaborate in four aspectsElaborate in four aspects Location, population, climate, and Location, population, climate, and

something special.something special.

Let me show you how!Let me show you how! My hometown Taizhou, is located in the middlMy hometown Taizhou, is located in the middle part of Jiangsu province along the Yangze rive part of Jiangsu province along the Yangze river,it has a population of 5 million people, and ter,it has a population of 5 million people, and the mostly temperate climate here offers an exhe mostly temperate climate here offers an excellent environment for various agricultural accellent environment for various agricultural activities and for tourism; It has produced many tivities and for tourism; It has produced many well-known scholars and intellectuals, one of twell-known scholars and intellectuals, one of them is our Chairman Hujingtao, who has spenhem is our Chairman Hujingtao, who has spent his early years studying here. t his early years studying here.

A bit about climate or A bit about climate or seasonsseasons

Climate:Climate: Wet/warm/tropical, dry/arid/semiarid, Wet/warm/tropical, dry/arid/semiarid,

temperate/continental, etc.temperate/continental, etc. Four distinct seasons: spring, summer, Four distinct seasons: spring, summer,

autumn/fall, winterautumn/fall, winter Beijing's climate is defined as "continental Beijing's climate is defined as "continental

monsoon." The four seasons are distinctly monsoon." The four seasons are distinctly recognizable. Spring and autumn is the best recognizable. Spring and autumn is the best time to be in Beijing, particularly in the time to be in Beijing, particularly in the months of April, May, September and October. months of April, May, September and October.

And if you choose to describe And if you choose to describe the seasonsthe seasons

Spring:Spring: Warm, windy, dusty, sand-storm, flowers start to Warm, windy, dusty, sand-storm, flowers start to bloombloom Make it poetic. Eg. When spring comes, everythiMake it poetic. Eg. When spring comes, everything wakes up from their long and cold sleeps. Treng wakes up from their long and cold sleeps. Trees turn green, and flowers also start to bloom: it es turn green, and flowers also start to bloom: it seems like the world is, all of a sudden, rejuvenaseems like the world is, all of a sudden, rejuvenated.ted. Season of new life/rebirthSeason of new life/rebirth

Summer:Summer: Hot, rainy, wet (lots of rain), stormy, humid, sunny, sHot, rainy, wet (lots of rain), stormy, humid, sunny, stuffy, sweltering, sauna-liketuffy, sweltering, sauna-like Learn to use a variety of descriptives to say “very”.Learn to use a variety of descriptives to say “very”. Quite, rather, pretty, fairly, really, so, extremely, totQuite, rather, pretty, fairly, really, so, extremely, totallyally One can even use analogy. Eg. It is like an oven in suOne can even use analogy. Eg. It is like an oven in summer time.mmer time. Activities: holiday…Activities: holiday… Holiday seasonHoliday season

Autumn/Fall:Autumn/Fall: Cool, crisp, mild, cozy, clear sky, golden season, Cool, crisp, mild, cozy, clear sky, golden season, azure skyazure sky Golden season, season of harvestGolden season, season of harvest

Winter:Winter: Cold, freezing, snowy, icy, short days, long nightCold, freezing, snowy, icy, short days, long nightss Silver season, Christmas seasonSilver season, Christmas season

I’d like to own my own I’d like to own my own house!house!

Do you currently live in a house or an apDo you currently live in a house or an apartment/flat? Where do you live? Can yoartment/flat? Where do you live? Can you describe what is in your home?u describe what is in your home? Let’s see a few pictures.Let’s see a few pictures.

To compare two or more To compare two or more thingsthings

Always think in terms of Always think in terms of Cost/priceCost/price Features (what makes it really what it is)Features (what makes it really what it is) Effects (popular?)Effects (popular?)

What are the differences What are the differences between a house and an between a house and an

apartment/flat?apartment/flat?HouseHouse FlatFlat

PricePrice ExpensiveExpensive Cheap Cheap (affordable)(affordable)

SpaceSpace SpaciousSpacious CrampedCramped

LocationLocation Far from townFar from town Near townNear town

I’m a traveholic.I’m a traveholic. Do you love traveling? Do you often Do you love traveling? Do you often

travel?travel? To answer “Yes” and “No”To answer “Yes” and “No”

Sure. You bet. Absolutely. Definitely.Sure. You bet. Absolutely. Definitely. Not if I can help it. Not a chance.Not if I can help it. Not a chance. Is ice cold? Does bird fly?Is ice cold? Does bird fly?

Shop till you drop, and sports Shop till you drop, and sports stuffstuff

Do you play sports? What sports do you play?Do you play sports? What sports do you play? Do you often go shopping? What do you buy?Do you often go shopping? What do you buy? Common answers: I play soccer, basketball, teCommon answers: I play soccer, basketball, tennis, table-tennis… (listing things)nnis, table-tennis… (listing things) Better answer: I often buy lots of different thinBetter answer: I often buy lots of different things from food to drinks, from clothes to shoes. gs from food to drinks, from clothes to shoes. Anyway, I enjoy shopping, ‘cause it brings mAnyway, I enjoy shopping, ‘cause it brings me great joy.e great joy.

Food, forever I like. Cooking, Food, forever I like. Cooking, um, yet to be answered.um, yet to be answered.

Avoiding overusing the word “delicious”Avoiding overusing the word “delicious” Flavor: spicy, hot, sweet, sour, bitter, Flavor: spicy, hot, sweet, sour, bitter,

salty, savory, lightsalty, savory, light Vegetables and fruitsVegetables and fruits Cooking methods: boil, fry, steam, roast, Cooking methods: boil, fry, steam, roast,

bake, grill, stir-fry, stew, braise, barbecuebake, grill, stir-fry, stew, braise, barbecue Texture: chewy, tender, crispy, flakeyTexture: chewy, tender, crispy, flakey

Other questions, but they are Other questions, but they are easy!easy!

What is your favorite kind of music/ book/movie/food? What What is your favorite kind of music/ book/movie/food? What kind of … do you like?kind of … do you like?

What is your favorite time in a day/ month/season in a What is your favorite time in a day/ month/season in a year?year?

What is your favorite kind of music?What is your favorite kind of music? Genres: pop, jazz, blues, rock, classical, instrumental, rap Genres: pop, jazz, blues, rock, classical, instrumental, rap

(urban), gospel…(urban), gospel… When it comes to music, I have to say…When it comes to music, I have to say… I’m very much into/ fond of/ fascinated by/about; …is the I’m very much into/ fond of/ fascinated by/about; …is the

greatest passion in my lifegreatest passion in my life When I am listening to…, I feel like…When I am listening to…, I feel like… For example, for instance, once…For example, for instance, once…

Think outside of the boxThink outside of the box

Let’s give it a try!Let’s give it a try! Well, I am not really into music. But Well, I am not really into music. But

sometimes I do like listening to religious sometimes I do like listening to religious music, I mean, Christian music. Christian music, I mean, Christian music. Christian music is always about singing praises to God music is always about singing praises to God and reminding people of their responsibility to and reminding people of their responsibility to live a pure and holy life. It is music that live a pure and holy life. It is music that purifies life. It helps me a lot. Whenever I’m purifies life. It helps me a lot. Whenever I’m listening, I feel like being lifted up to heaven listening, I feel like being lifted up to heaven and drawn close to God. It gives peace to my and drawn close to God. It gives peace to my mind and joy to my soul.mind and joy to my soul.

Let’s get serious: Topic/Cue Let’s get serious: Topic/Cue CardsCards

Four categoriesFour categories PeoplePeople PlacePlace ObjectObject EventEvent

And I don’t care what category it is. I And I don’t care what category it is. I always have my way.always have my way.

Well, today I am going to talk about none other than my uncle. MWell, today I am going to talk about none other than my uncle. My uncle is quite famous in his place. People often call him Mr. Tray uncle is quite famous in his place. People often call him Mr. Traveholic. And just as this name suggests, he loves traveling very mveholic. And just as this name suggests, he loves traveling very much. And actually traveling is one of the most important things in uch. And actually traveling is one of the most important things in his life. And he has been to many places throughout China, from his life. And he has been to many places throughout China, from Harbin in the north to Guangzhou in the South, from Shanghai in Harbin in the north to Guangzhou in the South, from Shanghai in the east to Urumuqi in the west. And he always says his favorite pthe east to Urumuqi in the west. And he always says his favorite place of all is Qingdao, because of its natural beauty, its food and ilace of all is Qingdao, because of its natural beauty, its food and its unique local culture, which all drive him to return to Qingdao tts unique local culture, which all drive him to return to Qingdao to visit over and over again.o visit over and over again. First, Qingdao is famous for many of its interesting places, its beaFirst, Qingdao is famous for many of its interesting places, its beautiful beaches, and its clean streets. Hundreds of thousands of viutiful beaches, and its clean streets. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are attracted here from all over the world by its enchanting sitors are attracted here from all over the world by its enchanting natural beauty.natural beauty. Second, the local food and snacks are also something one can neSecond, the local food and snacks are also something one can never miss when visiting Qingdao. They come in various colors, shaver miss when visiting Qingdao. They come in various colors, shapes and tastes, to suit different palates and wallets. They are not pes and tastes, to suit different palates and wallets. They are not only exotic and delicate to the tongue, but also to the eye.only exotic and delicate to the tongue, but also to the eye. Last but not the least, Qingdao is also famous for its unique cultuLast but not the least, Qingdao is also famous for its unique cultural heritage represented in local festivals and Qingdao beer. Esperal heritage represented in local festivals and Qingdao beer. Especially, Qingdao beer. It is quite a big name in China. It is loved by cially, Qingdao beer. It is quite a big name in China. It is loved by millions of people, including me.millions of people, including me. Anyway, that is my uncle, a traveholic, and Qingdao, a great placAnyway, that is my uncle, a traveholic, and Qingdao, a great place to visit.e to visit.

People CardsPeople Cards Who the person isWho the person is What the person looks likeWhat the person looks like What the person is like (character What the person is like (character

and personality)and personality) What the person does/has doneWhat the person does/has done When and where you met this personWhen and where you met this person Why you like/dislike/admire/choose Why you like/dislike/admire/choose

to talk about this personto talk about this person

““Who” questionWho” question Well, I am going to talk about…Well, I am going to talk about… When it comes to …, I would like to When it comes to …, I would like to

talk abouttalk about (Snow White) was a very good friend (Snow White) was a very good friend

of mine.of mine.

昵称法昵称法 A childhood friendA childhood friend I would really like to talk about I would really like to talk about

SlobberySlobbery, a childhood friend of mine. , a childhood friend of mine. SlobberySlobbery is his nickname, because he is his nickname, because he used to let saliva dribble from his used to let saliva dribble from his mouth while sleeping in class. His mouth while sleeping in class. His real name is XXX. But anyway, he is real name is XXX. But anyway, he is a nice buddy…a nice buddy…

One’s LooksOne’s Looks General descriptors: good/bad-looking, General descriptors: good/bad-looking, handsome, beautiful, pretty, plain, homhandsome, beautiful, pretty, plain, homely, ugly, awfulely, ugly, awful Significant parts on the face: eyes (eye cSignificant parts on the face: eyes (eye color:black, green, blue, hazel), eyebrow, olor:black, green, blue, hazel), eyebrow, nose(aquiline nose), mouth, teeth, cheenose(aquiline nose), mouth, teeth, cheek, chink, chin Other parts of the body: torso, limbsOther parts of the body: torso, limbs

Quotation from Quotation from Gone with Gone with the Windthe Wind

Scarlet O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom Scarlet O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the delicate features of her mother, a Coast blended the delicate features of her mother, a Coast aristocrat of French descent, and the heavy ones of aristocrat of French descent, and the heavy ones of her florid Irish father. But it was an arresting face, her florid Irish father. But it was an arresting face, pointed of chin, square of jaw. Her eyes were pale pointed of chin, square of jaw. Her eyes were pale green without a touch of hazel, starred with bristly green without a touch of hazel, starred with bristly black lashes and slightly tilted at the ends. Above black lashes and slightly tilted at the ends. Above them, her thick and black brows slanted upward, them, her thick and black brows slanted upward, cutting a startling oblique line in her magnolia-white cutting a startling oblique line in her magnolia-white skin—that skin so prized by Southern women and so skin—that skin so prized by Southern women and so carefully guarded with bonnets, veils and mittens carefully guarded with bonnets, veils and mittens against hot Georgia suns.against hot Georgia suns.

Character and PersonalityCharacter and Personality Kind, warm-hearted, easy-going, Kind, warm-hearted, easy-going,

faithful, honest, responsible, faithful, honest, responsible, accountable, trustworthy, reliable, accountable, trustworthy, reliable, compassionate, humblecompassionate, humble

A giving person, a man of his word, a A giving person, a man of his word, a “me, me, me” person, an angel of “me, me, me” person, an angel of mercy, double-crosser, double talkermercy, double-crosser, double talker

What One DoesWhat One Does OccupationOccupation Time, Location and StoryTime, Location and Story Significance or meaningSignificance or meaning

Eg. A friend looking after you when you are sEg. A friend looking after you when you are sick. It shows that he has heart of gold.ick. It shows that he has heart of gold.

Why?Why? Good character/personality Good character/personality

impresses or touches youimpresses or touches you You have learned a life lesson from You have learned a life lesson from

themthem StoryStory

A Childhood FriendA Childhood Friend Relating topics: child, friendRelating topics: child, friendTell me about a child that you knowTell me about a child that you knowYou should say:You should say: How you know themHow you know them What they look likeWhat they look like

cute, short, chubby, messy hair, dirty hands, cute, short, chubby, messy hair, dirty hands, innocent and pure innocent and pure

Something about their personalitySomething about their personalityAnd say whether or not they are similar to And say whether or not they are similar to

how you were as a child how you were as a child

I would really like to talk about Slobbery, a childhI would really like to talk about Slobbery, a childhood friend of mine. Slobbery is his nickname, becood friend of mine. Slobbery is his nickname, because he used to let saliva dribble from his mouth ause he used to let saliva dribble from his mouth while sleeping in class. His real name is XXX. But while sleeping in class. His real name is XXX. But anyway, he is a nice buddy. Round-faced with chanyway, he is a nice buddy. Round-faced with chubby cheeks, and usually dressed in his baggy paubby cheeks, and usually dressed in his baggy pants, he can hardly conceal his over-weighted bodnts, he can hardly conceal his over-weighted body. But you know kids. They never worry about they. But you know kids. They never worry about their body weight. Don’t be fooled by his looks. He iir body weight. Don’t be fooled by his looks. He isn’t as tough as his may look. He is the tenderessn’t as tough as his may look. He is the tenderest thing I’ve ever seen. Whenever other kids laugt thing I’ve ever seen. Whenever other kids laugh at him or bully him, he would run to a corner anh at him or bully him, he would run to a corner and cry like a girl. Well, if you ask me whether Slobbd cry like a girl. Well, if you ask me whether Slobbery is similar to how I was as a child, I would say nery is similar to how I was as a child, I would say no. But he surely resembles that kind of people who. But he surely resembles that kind of people who are one person on the outside, different on the o are one person on the outside, different on the other.other.

When it comes to a childhood friend, I When it comes to a childhood friend, I can’t help thinking about Princess Fiona, can’t help thinking about Princess Fiona, my best playmate. Her real name is my best playmate. Her real name is Annie. Even now, I can still recall her Annie. Even now, I can still recall her black curly but long hair, and her favorite black curly but long hair, and her favorite red dress with black strings tied around red dress with black strings tied around the waist. She looked so beautiful and the waist. She looked so beautiful and elegant, just like a princess. So we all elegant, just like a princess. So we all called her Princess Fiona. Not like me, called her Princess Fiona. Not like me, Princess Fiona was a strong little girl. She Princess Fiona was a strong little girl. She never cried, even when she stumbled never cried, even when she stumbled over rock and hurt her knees. Now she’s over rock and hurt her knees. Now she’s become a big girl and even stronger, become a big girl and even stronger, while I am still who I am, never able to while I am still who I am, never able to become like her. And that is Princess become like her. And that is Princess Fiona, my best playmate. Fiona, my best playmate.

Common People CardsCommon People Cards A person you’d like to spend time withA person you’d like to spend time with Famous personFamous person A person who is good at cookingA person who is good at cooking A person who has influenced youA person who has influenced you A person who helped youA person who helped you Old peopleOld people Best friendBest friend Etc.Etc.

Famous personFamous person Who he/she isWho he/she is How you got to know this personHow you got to know this person What this person is famous forWhat this person is famous for Why you choose to talk about this Why you choose to talk about this

personperson

Who: my uncleWho: my uncle How: live in the same neighborhoodHow: live in the same neighborhood Famous for: travelingFamous for: traveling Why: I also love traveling…Why: I also love traveling…

Place CardsPlace Cards What the place isWhat the place is When and with whom you visited When and with whom you visited

that placethat place What did you feel when you visited What did you feel when you visited

that placethat place Why do you visit that placeWhy do you visit that place

What QuestionsWhat Questions Name of that placeName of that place LocationLocation

… … be located/situated …be located/situated … … … sits/lies … sits/lies …

FeaturesFeatures Ten adj. to describe a placeTen adj. to describe a place

When and with whomWhen and with whom Long time ago?Long time ago? Several years ago? Many years back?Several years ago? Many years back? Just last year?Just last year? A few months ago?A few months ago? A couple of days ago?A couple of days ago?

Feeling High or Down?Feeling High or Down? Feeling:Feeling: Sad, excited, thrilled, down, Sad, excited, thrilled, down,

frustrated, depressed, etc.frustrated, depressed, etc. Feeling like…Feeling like…

Why?Why? Reasons:Reasons:

Tourist spot, beautifulTourist spot, beautiful Understand the local culture and Understand the local culture and

customscustoms StoryStory

Common Place CardsCommon Place Cards HotelHotel Shopping mallShopping mall A place where there is waterA place where there is water Tourist siteTourist site LibraryLibrary Historical siteHistorical site A place you want to visitA place you want to visit Etc.Etc.

Object CardsObject Cards Eg. A useful equipment, a gift, a toyEg. A useful equipment, a gift, a toy Elements:Elements:

What it isWhat it is What it looks like; what functions it hasWhat it looks like; what functions it has Where/when you got it; who gave it to youWhere/when you got it; who gave it to you How/whyHow/why

Common Object CardsCommon Object Cards A piece of newsA piece of news A bookA book A TV programA TV program An artistic statueAn artistic statue A giftA gift A piece of clothingA piece of clothing A courseA course A childhood gameA childhood game An advertisementAn advertisement Etc.Etc.

A Useful EquipmentA Useful Equipment What it is: cell phone, mp3 player, What it is: cell phone, mp3 player,

computercomputer What it looksWhat it looks

……in color/in…color, … in shape/in…shapein color/in…color, … in shape/in…shape Trendy, classy, hi-tech, “in”, fashionableTrendy, classy, hi-tech, “in”, fashionable

FunctionFunction Why it is specialWhy it is special

Sample AnswerSample Answer Well, I would love to talk about my little Well, I would love to talk about my little

“girlfriend”—iPod, a trendy mp3 player, which I “girlfriend”—iPod, a trendy mp3 player, which I would always take along with me wherever I go. would always take along with me wherever I go. Though it is a mp3 player, I seldom use it to listen Though it is a mp3 player, I seldom use it to listen to music, but something called Podcast, which to music, but something called Podcast, which basically is a kind of “radio” program broadcasted basically is a kind of “radio” program broadcasted on the web. There are so many different on the web. There are so many different programs, about culture, news, politics and even programs, about culture, news, politics and even language learning. I am particularly fascinated by language learning. I am particularly fascinated by the free educational resources it provides. Now I the free educational resources it provides. Now I have French, German and Japanese learning have French, German and Japanese learning programs on my iPod. Given me some time, I am programs on my iPod. Given me some time, I am pretty sure I can speak some French, or German, pretty sure I can speak some French, or German, or Japanese, at least some daily phrases. In a or Japanese, at least some daily phrases. In a word, iPod is special to me not only because it word, iPod is special to me not only because it can accompany me wherever I go just like my can accompany me wherever I go just like my girlfriend, but also because it is a new technology girlfriend, but also because it is a new technology that I have greatly benefited in language learning.that I have greatly benefited in language learning.

Event CardsEvent Cards Topic questions:Topic questions:

What it isWhat it is When and where it takes/took placeWhen and where it takes/took place Who (participants) and how (effects)Who (participants) and how (effects) WhyWhy

Common Event CardsCommon Event Cards A journeyA journey A change in lifeA change in life Help/advice receivedHelp/advice received A sport/traditional/public eventA sport/traditional/public event An important/difficult decisionAn important/difficult decision A traffic jamA traffic jam A successful experienceA successful experience Etc.Etc.

A Change in LifeA Change in Life What it isWhat it is

Going to college, graduation, going to Going to college, graduation, going to work, getting married, divorced, work, getting married, divorced, becoming a gay/lesbian???becoming a gay/lesbian???

When and where it happenedWhen and where it happened How it changes/has changed your lifeHow it changes/has changed your life How you feelHow you feel WhyWhy

Sample AnswerSample Answer Honestly I haven’t thought about this much. The Honestly I haven’t thought about this much. The

one and only great change I can think of now is one and only great change I can think of now is leaving school. Look, after going to school for more leaving school. Look, after going to school for more than 16 years, all of my life has been so used to than 16 years, all of my life has been so used to school, my daily schedule, my mindset, my social school, my daily schedule, my mindset, my social life, etc. The world outside the school seems so life, etc. The world outside the school seems so familiar and yet so strange. My feelings are mixed familiar and yet so strange. My feelings are mixed with ambition, hope, expectation, as well as with ambition, hope, expectation, as well as uneasiness, insecurity and worries. It is such a uneasiness, insecurity and worries. It is such a difficult time. I am like a person lost in the no-difficult time. I am like a person lost in the no-man’s land, not knowing where to turn. Anyway, man’s land, not knowing where to turn. Anyway, most people have to face this change once they most people have to face this change once they leave school. It is a total challenge. But just as one leave school. It is a total challenge. But just as one great mind has once said, “life is always full of great mind has once said, “life is always full of changes and uncertainties; we just do all that we changes and uncertainties; we just do all that we can and hope for the best.”can and hope for the best.”

Help/Advice ReceivedHelp/Advice Received What it wasWhat it was When and where you received itWhen and where you received it Who gave it to youWho gave it to you FeelingFeeling WhyWhy

Sample AnswerSample Answer When it comes to this topic, I can’t help thinking about lWhen it comes to this topic, I can’t help thinking about last year when I was overwhelmed by lots of works that I hast year when I was overwhelmed by lots of works that I have to do. It was my college graduation year. Besides all oave to do. It was my college graduation year. Besides all of the lectures I had to attend, the graduation paper alone f the lectures I had to attend, the graduation paper alone was a heavy task: there were tons of reference books to rewas a heavy task: there were tons of reference books to read, a series of surveys to be conducted and also the revisiad, a series of surveys to be conducted and also the revision and editing works. It was just too much for me. But thaon and editing works. It was just too much for me. But thank God, my professor XXX offered to give me a hand. Basicnk God, my professor XXX offered to give me a hand. Basically he gave me some very good ideas and challenged me ally he gave me some very good ideas and challenged me to consider a slight modification of my project structure. to consider a slight modification of my project structure. Then he introduced me to someone who happened to haThen he introduced me to someone who happened to have done the similar kind of project. Woow, I was feeling juve done the similar kind of project. Woow, I was feeling just like “Oh, thank you dear God.” I choose to talk about st like “Oh, thank you dear God.” I choose to talk about this, because it means so much to me. Without his help, I jthis, because it means so much to me. Without his help, I just can’t imagine myself successfully completing such a ust can’t imagine myself successfully completing such a great project and finishing my graduation paper. great project and finishing my graduation paper.

Stage IIIStage III Two principles:Two principles:

Take evasive actionTake evasive action Relate it to yourself (don’t talk big, talk Relate it to yourself (don’t talk big, talk

small)small)

Evasive ActionEvasive Action Version 1: That is a good question. I Version 1: That is a good question. I

never thought about this question never thought about this question before. But if you look at this before. But if you look at this question from different perspectives, question from different perspectives, you may just have different answers. you may just have different answers. Well, I am not really sure. Thank you.Well, I am not really sure. Thank you.

Version 2: That is a very good question. I Version 2: That is a very good question. I remember reading about this before somewhere. remember reading about this before somewhere. I have read about it on the Internet. But I don’t I have read about it on the Internet. But I don’t wear their “colored” glasses and remember wear their “colored” glasses and remember exactly what it said about this. There seem to be exactly what it said about this. There seem to be many different views. Because people all have many different views. Because people all have different education backgrounds and different education backgrounds and experiences. They tend to look at things through experiences. They tend to look at things through thus have different ideas. Well, this is not my thus have different ideas. Well, this is not my field. I am not sure. Thank you.field. I am not sure. Thank you.

Relate to yourselfRelate to yourself Example:Example:

What do you think the government What do you think the government should do to end the economic crisis?should do to end the economic crisis?

That is a good question … (evasive That is a good question … (evasive action). But I don’t think it is very bad action). But I don’t think it is very bad for everyone, both poor and rich. So I for everyone, both poor and rich. So I sincerely hope the government can do sincerely hope the government can do something about it.something about it.

Example:Example: Do you think primary school students should Do you think primary school students should

have homework?have homework? That is a very good question … (evasive That is a very good question … (evasive

action). But I do remember when I was young, I action). But I do remember when I was young, I had too much homework to do. I don’t think I had too much homework to do. I don’t think I had very happy childhood. So I think when I had very happy childhood. So I think when I have children, I would like them to have no have children, I would like them to have no homework or little homework. I they can really homework or little homework. I they can really have a good memory of their childhood.have a good memory of their childhood.