Splendid Speaking Interviews

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide if the following questions are true or false according to what Corina says. 1) Music is good to listen to after a hard day at work. 2) Corina finds it difficult to find examples of Romanian folklore to listen to. 3) Music offers therapeutic benefits. 4) Young people have problems listening to music because their batteries … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 1: Spontaneous Talks

Transcript Are you working in an industry or an academic area where you have to describe or interpret pictures or photographs? Perhaps you're doing an exam like CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), part of which asks you to describe a series of photographs. This podcast features an interview with Ekaterina from Bulgaria, who at the time of the interview was preparing for … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 3: Describing Photographs

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide if the following questions are true according to what Alejandro says. 1) He is aware of how important technology is. 2) He thinks most technological developments are fads and will go out of fashion. 3) He uses the Internet for his job. 4) He uses a webcam for some of his conversations. 5) He speaks with his family using a … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 7: Structuring a Short Talk

Comprehension Questions Listen to the first interview. According to Lachesara and Ekaterina’s discussion, match the correct profession (A-E) to the statement (1-5). A) Soldiers B) Teachers C) Scientists D) Politicians E) Football players 1) They help us feel safe. 2) They are good for the economy of a country. 3) They help a person become a citizen of a country. 4) … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 8: Working Together to Reach Agreement

Comprehension Questions As you listen, try answering these questions. 1) What were Werner and his friends celebrating? 2) Why did they have to drink the beer they had bought quickly? 3) Which subject did the man they met teach them on that first day? 4) Why did the teacher suggest that Werner change college? 5) Did Werner or the teacher discover an alternative … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 9: Memorable Introductions

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide if, according to Eun-Kyung, the following statements are true or false: 1) Eun-Kyung lives near Seoul. 2) At the time of the interview she had recently graduated. 3) You have the chance to teach before you graduate. 4) Eun-Kyung is looking for a part-time job. 5) On her training course none of the students were motivated. … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 10: Delivering STAR Stories

Comprehension Questions As you listen, try answering these questions. 1) Why does Arturo talk about the climate in Italy? 2) Where do most people meet for Christmas in Italy? 3) Do both speakers think children still believe in Santa Claus as much as ever? 4) What is a secret friend? 5) When do people in Brazil open their presents? 6) Why does Solange think the children in … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 11: Taking Part in Discussions

Comprehension Questions As you listen, try answering these questions. 1) Who is Eun-Kyung's talk aimed at? 2) How long was the Joseon Dynasty? 3) How do Korean palaces differ from Western palaces? 4) What will you find at Insa-Dong? 5) Why might tourists find Insa-Dong an easy place to visit? 6) What two things does Eun-Kyung say are good about Korean restaurants? 7) … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 12: Essential Signposting

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide if the following questions are true according to what Ana and Jonas say. 1) Ana thinks evening yoga sessions would be popular. 2) Jonas thinks it would be easy to organise yoga lessons. 3) Jonas thinks they would need volunteers to deliver the courses. 4) There are solutions which don’t require exercise. 5) The aim should … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 13: Acknowledging Your Partners Contributions

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide whether according to Arturo, the following questions are true or false. 1) Attitudes to food have changed. 2) Children welcomed the emergence of canned food. 3) Arturo used to help his mother with the running of the house. 4) Processed food gave people more free time. 5) Canned or processed food was less expensive than … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 14: Using Anecdotes

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide whether according to Solange, the following questions are true or false. 1) Travel helps you develop your intellect. 2) You need to watch your behaviour when dealing with different religions. 3) Experiences of travel can help you deal with people better in certain working situations. 4) Tolerant people are more likely to … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 15: Spontaneous Talks

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide whether according to Anca and Laurent, the following questions are true or false. 1) Anca and Laurent both worked in the same area. 2) Laurent is currently working as an engineer. 3) Anca knows a lot about Laurent’s field of work? 4) English is important for Anca as she wants to be a teacher. 5) Laurent believes people … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 16: Asking and Responding to Questions

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide whether according to Victoria, the following questions are true or false. 1) Victoria met her husband whilst traveling around the world. 2) Victoria speaks Russian. 3) Victoria and her husband used to communicate in English when they were getting to know each other. 4) Victoria decided to learn English mainly to … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking interview 17: Using Anecdotes

Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide whether according to Joao and Werner, the following questions are true or false. 1) Joao doesn’t think some of the options are useful. 2) Joao would like to run courses about the Internet. 3) Werner has experience of being in a similar community group. 4) Werner spends more time on the computer now than when he was … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 18: Working Together to Reach Agreement