Talking points

SPEECH PRACTICE

The first exchange between two people – and the first chance to make a good or bad impression – is often an exchange of names. What are some general rules of getting acquainted?

In the English speaking world, first names come from many different sources. What origins do names/surnames have in Ukraine? What is the origin of your name/surname? Do you live up to your name?

Nowadays the family unit is still the basic living arrangement for most people. What are the tendencies in the family life in Britain/the USA and in Ukraine? How close are you as a family?

Family gatherings are quite rare in Britain. They are mostly confined to the Christmas period. What other family celebrations in Britain do you know? What are the most significant family events or rituals in Ukraine?

Generation gap seems to be one of the most typical family problems in different countries. How much of a generation gap is there/was there between your parents and you? Was/is it easy for you to get on with your parents?

Is seventeen the perfect age? What are advantages and disadvantages of other stages of life? What is an ideal age?

People have always dreamed of living forever. However, old age creates a lot of problems. How are old people treated in this country? Should they live with their families or in the homes for aged people?

It is a big advantage in life to be an only child in a family. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Some of us make friends easily, some not. But usually there are very few people who we call real friends. What makes a good friend? What kind of person will make you feel easy in his/her company?

What is your favourite book/film character? Why do you like him/her? In your opinion, in what way have their family, friends and background formed their character?

You have been invited to a party where you don’t know anyone at all. Which people would you like to meet, and which ones would you wish to avoid talking to at all cost?

Wedding celebrations have some things in common but a lot of different traditions in various countries throughout the world. Compare the typical wedding ceremony in Ukraine with the traditional wedding in Britain/the USA. What do they have in common? What are the differences?

Traditional national English food seems boring. They say it’s unambitious. What do you know about British cuisine? How much is it different from the Ukrainian one? Which cuisine would you prefer and why?

Every country has its drinking habits. What are they like in Britain? What do you know about British national drinks? How common are they in this country?

Good manners are the essential part of our behaviour. As George Mikes humorously remarked, “On the Continent people have good food, in England people have good manners”. What are the table manners one should follow in Great Britain? How much are they different in Britain and this country?

There is a saying “You are what you eat”. What are your preferences in food? What are you particular about as far as food is concerned? What do your tastes in food and drinks reveal about your character?

How well do you cook? How did you learn? How often do you cook? What is your favourite recipe?

Doctors and nutritionists say we should eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, but many people still have an unhealthy diet. Why do you think this is?

Home means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? Where do you consider your roots to be? What first comes into your mind when you think about home? What makes your home special for you?

Do you often eat out? What places do you choose? Explain your choice.

“An Englishman’s home is his castle” – goes the famous saying. What does the modern accommodation in Britain look like now? What features should it possess? What is more important for the British – “home” or “house”?

Most people in Britain try to avoid living in blocks of flats. Why? How true is it about this country? What is the most desirable home in Britain/this country?

People in Ukraine live in different types of houses. What does your house look like? What would you like to change in it if you had a possibility?

What would be your ideal home and who would you live with? Think about location, size, style, design and technological features.

The kitchen is usually a place where the family spends most of its time together. What’s your kitchen like? How much is it different from your idea of a well-equipped kitchen?

Is your home clean and tidy or messy and dirty? How often do you have a clear out and throw away old clothes, books and magazines or useless household objects? How do you feel after you have done it?

People say that sharing doesn't always come easy. Would you prefer to live on your own or to share your flat with other people? Why?

Generally British students live in “Halls of Residence”. What is it like? How much is it different from the students’ accommodation in this country? Which one would you prefer and why?

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14