Part 1: Introduction & Short Questions

Duration: 4–5 minutes. Questions about yourself, home, work, study, hobbies, daily life.

Strategy:

• Answer briefly but fully.

• Use personal examples.

• Add one reason or a short explanation.

Sample Topics & Answers:

1. Hometown

• Q: Where are you from?

  • Answer: I’m from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. It’s a bustling city with a mix of modern buildings and traditional culture. I’ve lived there all my life, so I feel very connected to it.

• Q: What do you like about your hometown?

  • Answer: I really like its cultural diversity and vibrant city life. There are many festivals and local events, which make it lively and interesting.

Useful Phrases:

• I’m from… / I grew up in…

• It’s famous for… / I like it because…

• One of the things I enjoy about… is…

2. Hobbies / Free time

• Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

  • Answer: In my free time, I enjoy reading books and watching documentaries. I find it both relaxing and educational, as it helps me learn new things.

Useful Phrases:

• I enjoy… / I’m fond of… / I spend my free time…

• It’s both … and … / I find it …

Part 2: Cue Card / Long Turn

Duration: 3–4 minutes. Speak 1–2 minutes on a topic.

Strategy:

• Use 4-part structure: Introduction → Details → Feelings → Conclusion

• Use linking words: for example, in addition, moreover, as a result, overall

Sample Cue Card:
Describe a memorable holiday you had.

Framed Answer:

• Introduction: One of the most memorable holidays I’ve had was a trip to Paris, France, last summer with my family.

• Details: We visited the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. We also walked along the Seine River and tried local French foods like croissants and crepes.

• Feelings / Reflection: It was memorable because we spent quality time together, and I also learned a lot about French history and culture.

• Conclusion: Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to go there again.

Useful Phrases:

• During the trip… / One of the highlights was…

• What made it memorable… / I still look back on…

• Overall… / It left a lasting impression…

Part 3: Discussion / Opinion Questions

Duration: 4–5 minutes. More abstract, opinion-based, complex answers.

Strategy:

• Explain why, how, or what effects

• Give examples, reasons, and sometimes comparisons

• Use advanced linking phrases: on the other hand, as a result, in contrast, it is often believed that…

Sample Questions & Framed Answers:

1. Tourism

• Q: Why do people like to travel abroad?

  • Answer: I think people travel abroad mainly to experience new cultures and environments. For example, they can learn about different customs, food, and lifestyles, which broadens their perspective.

• Q: Does tourism have negative effects?

  • Answer: Yes, tourism can sometimes harm the environment and local culture. For instance, popular tourist spots may become overcrowded, and traditional practices might be commercialized.

Useful Phrases:

• I think… / In my opinion… / From my perspective…

• For example… / As a result… / In contrast…

2. Technology / Social Media

• Q: Do you think technology improves our life?

  • Answer: Certainly. Technology makes life more convenient and connected. For instance, we can work remotely, access information instantly, and communicate with people worldwide. However, it can also cause distractions and reduce face-to-face interactions.

General Useful Linking Words & Phrases

To add ideas: moreover, in addition, furthermore, also
To give examples: for example, for instance, such as, like
To compare: in contrast, on the other hand, similarly, unlike
To explain reasons: because, since, due to, as a result
To conclude: overall, in conclusion, to sum up, all in all