A few speaking questions with possible answers

1.       What is the importance of stories in the development of a child?

Stories play an important role in the development of a child. They help the child imagine the characters in the mind which is the first step to creativity. Another important benefit is that we can impart the knowledge of culture, tradition, moral values and religion in the mind of the child. This forms the basis of the child’s personality. Finally, telling stories enhances the curiosity of the child and enhances their mental growth.

2.       What are the benefits of grandparents telling stories to children in the family?

There are many benefits of grandparents telling stories to their grandchildren. This is one of the best ways to pass on our cultural heritage to our children. Another big advantage is that it reduces the loneliness of grandparents. They feel wanted and loved. It is a win-win situation for both. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is a symbiotic relation. Parents can find time for other things while grandparents and grandchildren are happily busy with each other.

3.       What type of books children read nowadays?

Nowadays, generally speaking, the reading habit of the children is on the decline. Whatever books they read are based on fantasy, fiction and supernatural characters like Barbie, superman and shaktiman.

50 years ago – Children read a lot. They read moral and spiritual books. They read animal stories.

After 50 years – I do not think they will do any reading. All the time will be spent in front of computers.

4.       Do you think children have lost their interest in stories?

No, I don’t think that children have lost their interest in stories. However, the stories they read today are very different from the past.

5.       Can story books be an ideal gift for children?

Yes, definitely! Story books can be an ideal gift for children. They can help the child imagine the characters in the mind which is the first step to creativity. Another important benefit is that we can impart the knowledge of culture, tradition, moral values and religion in the mind of the child. This forms the basis of the child’s personality. Finally, story books enhance the curiosity of the child and enhance their mental growth.

6.       What can be done to encourage the habit of reading among children?

A lot can be done to encourage the habit of reading among children. The first and foremost step would be to make books available. There should be good libraries in the schools as well as in neighbourhoods. Story telling competitions could be organised. If children have to take part in these competitions, then naturally, they would be encouraged to read books. Finally, books could be made more interesting by adding graphics.

7.       How does reading help a child?

Reading helps to improve concentration. It also helps to improve general knowledge. It also improves the language skills and satisfies the curiosity of children on various things. 

8.       What sort of books can be suggested to children to read?

Children should be encouraged to read religious and historical books. They should also read biographies and autobiographies of famous people so that they get motivation from them. They should also be encouraged to read books on science and technology. However, these books should be made very interesting by adding pictures. 

9.       How much should a child read every day?

A child should read half to one hour daily. I think that would be enough considering that they have to go to school and do their homework as well. 

10.   What is the difference between the books sold in the past and the books sold nowadays?

In the past, books related to culture, tradition, religion and history were sold. Nowadays, books are mostly based on fiction and fantasy.

What are the benefits of requiring young people to serve the army? Does participation in community work qualify as an alternative?

Military service is voluntary in most of the world. However, it is compulsory in some countries like Mexico and Iran. Although it has many benefits, some people argue its mandatory nature. Therefore, some alternatives, such as community service, can be taken into account.

An unusual activity you have done recently

(written by Munisha)       

1. To overcome the monotony of daily life everyone needs something interesting.

2.       I usually do many activities in my leisure time such as drawing, gardening and dancing.

3.       But here I would like to talk about an unusual activity which I found really interesting.

4.       It was Furoshiki .

5.       It is a Japanese technique.

Some speaking questions with possible answers

1.     1. Do old people in your country have a comfortable life after retirement?

Those people who have planned their retirement during their earning years have a comfortable life after retirement. But, unfortunately, there are many who cannot save for their retired life. They face many problems such as health problems and financial problems. The small amount of pension they draw is not enough and their children generally do not look after them. They also suffer from isolation as their children and grandchildren do not like to spend time with them.

2.     Do teenagers and adults enjoy the same kind of songs?

It depends on the personal taste. Generally speaking, teenagers like songs with fast beats and adults like songs with good lyrics and soft music.

3.     What are the factors which make people like a song?

A song should have good lyrics, a good composition, a pleasing voice and a good video to be liked by people.

4.     On which occasions do people in your country sing together?

In my country, people sing together on birthday parties, marriages, anniversaries and national holidays like the Independence Day and so on.

5.     Which kinds of songs are suitable for children? Why?

I think folk songs are very suitable for children because they keep children connected to our culture and tradition. As it is, today’s children are following the global culture and so, they need to be kept in touch with our traditional culture. Folk songs are a good way to connect with our culture.

6.       Do you think that it is important to learn about the oceans and why?

I think it is very important to learn about the oceans. We are directly or indirectly influenced by the oceans. Ocean waters serve as a source of food and valuable minerals such as salt which we use daily in our food. Oceans also are used for commerce. For example, pearls taken from oysters are used in jewelry, and shells and coral are used as building materials. They also provide a place for recreation.  Each year more people are attracted to the sports of swimming, fishing, scuba diving, boating, and waterskiing.

7.     Do you think the oceans should be protected by international agreement?

Definitely, oceans should be protected by international agreement. Without oceans there would be no life on Earth. We are directly or indirectly influenced by the oceans. Ocean waters serve as a source of food and valuable minerals such as salt which we use daily in our food. Oceans also are used for commerce. For example, pearls taken from oysters are used in jewelry, and shells and coral are used as building materials. They also provide a place for recreation.  Each year more people are attracted to the sports of swimming, fishing, scuba diving, boating, and waterskiing.

8.     Do you think the environmental problems can affect the oceans?

Yes, the environmental problems can definitely affect the oceans. Because of global warming, ocean water is also getting heated up and this is affecting marine life. People and big industries are dumping their effluents in the oceans and this is a cause for alarm.

9.     How is the noise level in your city?

My city is an industrial city and on top of that it is on the national highway. So, the noise levels are very high.

10.                        Where does noise in urban areas come from?

The noise in urban areas comes from pressure horns of vehicles, industries and loud speakers.

11.                        Do you think it is important to be alone sometimes?

It is very important to be alone sometimes. Everyone needs to introspect at times. One needs to know about ones likes and dislikes and everyone needs time for one’s personal work which can be best done in solitude. 

12.                        What is the importance of belonging to a certain group?

There is a lot of importance of belonging to a social group. Man is a social animal and cannot live alone for long. One needs to share one’s happiness and sorrows with others. That is why we join social groups and feel part of these groups. Social groups are a sort of support system. They give us support when we are low in life. It is mentally unhealthy to be alone for long. 

13.                        What are problem you could have if you go out together in big group?

There could be a lot of problems in a big group. It is difficult to organise a big group. Mismanagement can lead to conflicts. It could end up in a lot of wastage of time. It has been well said that “two is a company and three is a crowd”.

Some businesses find that their new employees lack in basic interpersonal skills such as lack of ability to work with colleagues as a team. What are the causes and suggest possible solutions. Also provide relevant examples from your experience.

( written by Neha in exam of 28^th July)

As we are living in the era of Globalization , new jobs are emerging day by day . But many businesses opine that their new employees lacks in basic interpersonal skills such as the ability to work with colleagues as a team . In this essay I intend to discuss the root causes of this problem with possible solutions

To begin with , Nowadays , businesses are facing such problems . before discussing the solutions we must be aware about the main causes . As we all know that new employees are university fresher They don’t have any previous work experience .They have to tackle many problems in the new environment .Like many senior officials never want to work under a more qualified junior .They never co-operate with each other. Also, they have different mindsets due to which they will never agree to work on similar platforms .

For all these reasons businesses should adopt some possible solutions so that they can easily cope with these problems . First of all training based on basic interpersonal skills should be arranged by companies, so that new employees can become familiar with the new environment . Moreover there should be some interactive meetings also so that they can come together to understand mindsets of each other .

Furthermore, proper knowledge of technology should be given so that there should be no communication gap . also there should be no biasing on social as well as religious grounds as we are the part of a global world. Employees should not be self centered . They should work for the profit of the organization not for their own .

To put it in a nutshell , I pen down saying that these are some possible solutions to simplify this problem and I am sure by adopting these solutions businesses can easily cope with these problems .

Describe an adventurous person that you know or read about. Please say - Who is this person? - Why do you find him/her an adventurer? - What can you learn from him/her?

·         There are all sorts of people in the world

·         Some like to take risks where as some like to play it safe.

·         I know many people who are adventurous such as Akshay Kumar and Jackie Chen

·         Here I would like to talk about my cousin who is very adventurous by nature

·         His name is Jatinder.

·         He is 24 years old.

·         He is not very tall but very handsome.

·         I find him an adventurer because he loves to indulge in all sorts of risky and daring activities.

·         We can learn from him to be daring and brave.

·         He is very expert in riding motorcycles

·         He performs many stunts on his bike.

·         He has also done Bungee jumping in Rishikesh.

·         I saw his video and was awe struck by his confidence.

·         He has also been with his college trip for trekking, white-water rafting, skiing and hiking.

·         He has been injured many times but that does not deter him from doing all these activities.

·         He has also participated in Mountain Dew Nidar which means ‘the fearless’.

·         Recently, he has been approached by a Punjabi film company to work as a stuntman in their film.

·         He has been offered a handsome package to work in their film.

·         His parents, however, are not happy with this job.

·         They are very protective towards him.

·         But he has managed to convince his parents.

·         He shall be starting his work soon.

·         I want to be like him but my legs start shaking at the thought of the risk.

·         I remember, once a house in our neighbourhood was on fire.

·         A six year old child was trapped inside.

·         He ran into the house and saved the child.

·         All the people in our locality praised him for his daring nature.

·         He was awarded an appreciation award by our local Rotary Club.

Speaking memories – 30th July (Inderjit)

1.       What is your full name?

2.       What should I call you?

3.       Do you work or study?

4.       What is the popular food in your culture?

5.       To what extent are colours important when you go for shopping?

6.       What colours do you prefer to buy / wear – light or dark and why?

7.       To what extent is singing important in your culture?

8.       Can every person become a good singer if given good training?

9.       Is eating together on dining table good or bad and why?

10.   Should children learn how to eat with family?

11.   Is junk food better or home-made food?

12.   How can you say that home-made food is good and hygienic?

Cue card

Talk about a song which you heard for the first time

-          When and where did you hear that song

-          What thing you remember when you hear that song

Follow up questions

1.       Do you sing a song?

2.       What do you feel when you sing a song?