Mid Test for Speaking I, Even Semester 2009

Topics Discussed – Mid Term Test
Speaking 1 - Even Semester 2009

Topics:
1.Women in the military
2.Poverty exploitation on TV shows
3.Fortune telling
4.Cloning
5.Euthanasia


Instructions:

1. Form a group of 5 persons; this will be your team for your practice during the preparation of the mid test.
2. Team member and topics during the mid test will be defined randomly, not according to your choice.
3. Find any information relates to the topics above on news, articles or newspapers.
4. If the information is written, read it and make sure that you understand about the topic.
5. After you have the knowledge relates to the topics, you can share the information with your group and discuss the topic and express your agreement or disagreement.
6. You are allowed to practice with friends in discussions.
7. The time of your presentation and discussion will be approximately 6 – 8 minutes for each group.

Scoring will cover these items:

a.Fluency
b.Pronunciation
c.Intonation
d.Understanding of the topic
e.Content of the conversation



Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Expressing a General Opinion
In my opinion…
I think …
I prefer …

Expressing an Opinion about Taking Action
We could …     Maybe we could … (softer)
Could we …?  (More polite)
I think we should …
I don't think we should …
Why don't we … (more polite if inflected as a question)
How about…

Expressing Agreement
Great idea!
I agree.
That's a good idea.
I think so too.
I would go along with that. (Positive, but slightly neutral)
I might go along with that. (Even more neutral, but slightly positive)
Maybe you are right. (Positive, but slightly neutral)


Expressing Disagreement
I'm not sure about that (negative, but slightly neutral)
I don't know, but it seems that … (gentle)
I don't think I agree.
I don't agree. (Stronger)
I'm afraid I disagree.
I'm sorry, but I don't agree.
I'm not sure that's the best idea.
Yes, but …