Olympiad

City English Olympiad

2018-2019н.р.

Speaking Comprehension Topics for the 9^th  Form

1.      Choose a favorite holiday.

•     Explain why you like this holiday so much.

•    Tell a story from your life that illustrates what this holiday means to you.

•      Explain how your family’s traditions are typical, or not, for Ukraine.

          2. Your local newspaper is interviewing you because you are the representative from your town

               for the National Olympiad.

•  Tell a little about yourself.

•    Explain how your academic achievements have led you to this competition.

•       Explain what you will do while you are visiting Uzhhorod that will make the people of

      your hometown proud of you.

3.      What is the most important quality a friend can have?

•  Why is this quality so important?

• Do your closest friends have this quality? Do you?

•  How can you work to improve on this quality?

4.       The popularity of mobile phones is growing among young people.

•  Why do teenagers today have mobile phones?

•     What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones for teenagers today?

•     In your opinion, at what age should children be allowed to have a mobile phone?

5.       What do you believe are the most popular free-time activities among youth today in Ukraine?

•  Why do you believe they are so popular?

•      Are these activities beneficial to Ukraine’s youth as a whole?

•     What are some free-time activities that can help your society?

6.      Linguist Frank Smith said, “One language sets you in a corridor [a narrow passageway] for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”

•      What does this quote mean? Explain it in your own words.

•    Does this quote apply to your own experiences, learning and speaking English?

•      Is it important to learn foreign languages? Why, or why not?

7.      Everyday millions of people visit video-hosting sites such as YouTube.

• Why have these sites become so popular? Do you or someone you know watch these clips?

• What makes such sites different than television?

• How do these clips influence society? Give examples.

8.                      The world is becoming increasingly urbanized.

• Why are more and more people living in cities?

• In the future, do you think people will live in the countryside?

• Is living in a' city a sustainable lifestyle? Explain.

9.                      Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter. You have the opportunity to interview any person in the world.

• Who would you choose to interview?

• How has this person influenced people’s lives?

• What three questions would you ask first?

10.                 Imagine you have the power to see the future.

• What advantages and disadvantages accompany this gift?

• What responsibilities come with this gift?

• Would you make the knowledge of your ability public? Why or why not?

11.                 Ursula Le Guin once said, ‘There are no right answers to wrong questions.”

• Do you agree with this statement or not? Why?

• What is a right question for you? What does it consist of?

• In your opinion, what is more important: to ask a right question or to respond with a right answer?

 12.                 C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

• What does friendship mean to you? What kind of people can become your friends?

• Are your family members or your friends more important to you? Do you consider your family your friends?

• How do you make new friends?

13.                 Muhammad Ali said, “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."

• Describe one of your closest friends.

• How do you maintain a good friendship?

• Has a friend ever let you down? Explain.

14.                 Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”.

• Have you ever been abroad? Where have you been? (If you have not yet been abroad, where would you like to go?)

• Describe the most interesting person that youhave met on one of your travels (either in Ukraine or in another country).

• Have you ever been in a difficult situation while traveling? Describe it.

15.                 Mary Ritter Beard said, “Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living”.

• Which foreign country would you most like to visit? Why?

• Have you ever gotten lost while traveling? If so, tell about it.

• What kind of souvenirs are you interested in collecting when you travel?

16.                 Robert Louis Stevenson said, “We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find In our travels is an honest friend."

• Have you ever made friends with other people while traveling? Do you still keep in touch with them?

• What are some benefits of travel? Why do people travel?

• Do you prefer to travel with friends, family, or alone? Why?

17.                 About 100 years ago, ten percent of the world’s population lived in cities. By 2008. however, half of the world’s population lived in cities.

• In your opinion, why has this change occurred?

• Is this change a positive or negative development? Explain.

• Where do you think most people will live in the future: in cities, in suburbs, or in the countryside? Why?

18.                 Describe a memorable meal that you have had.

• Why was it memorable? Was the food excellent? Was the company delightful? Is there another reason?

• Have you ever had an awful meal? Why was it awful?

• If you could share a meal with anyone in the world (alive or deceased), who would you choose? Why?

19.                 Do you read for pleasure? (Do you r.ead books that you do nothave to read for school?)

• How much do you read for pleasure? If you do not currently read for pleasure, would you like to? Why or why not?

• What have you read recently that you would recommend? Why are you recommending this book?

• Do you prefer to read paperback books, or books displayed on a computer/e- reader?

20.                 Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks.         

• Which do you prefer? Why?

• How can taking risks be positive? How can taking risks be negative?

• Provide several specific examples to support your opinions?

My Favourite TV Programme

 1.The title of the programme, its type.

 2. When is it on? What channel is it on?

 3. Who is the presenter/ host on it? Why do you

     like him/her?

 4. Whois it for?

 5. What is it about?

 6. Why do you like it?

highly entertaining – дуже розважальний

instructive - повчальний

informative - інформативний

amusing - забавний

fascinating - захоплюючий, чарівний

gripping – захоплюючий; exciting

hilarious - дуже веселий

touching/ moving - зворушливий

of great artistic / educational value - великої художньої / освітньої цінності

captivate viewers- захоплювати  глядачів

make a ...impression on smb - справити ... враження на когось

make smb. laugh / cry / think - 

 змусити когось сміятися / плакати / думати

Card I

Speak about your dining traditions.

·         How many times a day, what and where do you eat?

·         What food do you avoid?

·         Do you eat special food on holidays?

·         What is your favourite dish? Is it difficult to make it?

Card II

Speak about your yourfavourite relative. Describe his/her

·         appearance;

·         character;

·         activities and hobbies;

·         your feelings for him/her.

Card III

Speak about sport.

·         Why do people do sports?

·         What sports are popular in Ukraine?

·         What sport do you do? When did you take it up?

·         Why is it a good sport to take up?

Card IV

Speak about your dream school. Mention

·         the school building;

·         school rules, uniform;

·         lessons, subjects, teachers;

·         extracurricular activities.

Card V

Speak about London.

·         What kind of city is London?

·         Describe three places of interest in London and say why they are worth visiting.

Card VI

Speak about Vinnytsia region. Mention

·         the natural attractions inthe area;

·         the  weather and what people can do at different times of the year;

·         what you think tourists would like to visit in your area;

·         what is the best time to visit and why.

Card VII

Speak about hobbies.

·         Why do people have hobbies? What hobbies are popular with teenagers?

·         What hobbies did you have in the past?

·         How do you spend your free time?

·         Why do you enjoy doing your hobby/hobbies?

Card VIII

Speak about travelling.

·         Why do people travel?

·         What are people’s favourite holiday destinations?

·         Where do you usually go on holiday?

·         What is your dream holiday?

Card IX

Speak about your favourite holiday.

·         What holidays do you and your family celebrate?

·         What holiday do you like most of all and why?

·         How do you prepare for the celebration?

·         How do you celebrate it?

Card X

Speak about your everyday routine.

·         name the usual activities,

·         mention how often you do them,

·         where you do them and why.

Card X

My school day starts very early. Although a proverb (|ˈprɒvəːb|прислів'я) says  “an early bird catches the worm(|wɜːm|черв'як)”, I would be very happy to sleep longer.

Well, I set my alarm for 6.30, (which is when (це коли) I should ideally wake up, however I always end up pressing the snooze (короткий сон)button (кнопка повтору)until at least 7o’clock! This gives me little time to do anything, but I pack my bag the night beforehand so all I really need to do is brush my teeth and wash, etc)

Card IX

My Favourite Holiday

Like other people, I celebrate different national,  family and religious holidays: e.g. my relatives’ and friends’ birthdays, New Year’s Day, St. Nicholas Day. We celebrate Victory Day and May Day in May. Easter is usually in April. At Easter Ukrainians paint eggs which they call pysanka and bake Easter bread which they call paskha.

My favourite holiday is Christmas. Christmas Day is celebrated in Ukraine on January, 7. It is a religious holiday. Christians celebrate Jesus Christ's birth. The Christmas story comes from the Bible. It tells a beautiful story about shepherds who were watching their sheep when an angel appeared to them. He told them that a Saviour had been born in a stable in Bethlehem. His mother was Virgin Mary and her husband was Joseph. The shepherds went to see Jesus. A star led them to him. They brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Christmas is a happy holiday. Families come together to share their happiness, many people attend church. I do not go to school and my parents do not go to work. We clean and decorate our house/flat and buy foodstuffs and presents. We visit my grandmother and have Holy Supper on the 6^th of January. It consists of 12 dishes. The main dish is kutia - wheat porridge seasoned with nuts, raisins, poppy and honey. I sing Christmas carols with other children and get sweets, fruit and money.

  

Card VIII 
Speak about travelling. 
• Why do people travel? 
• What are people’s favourite holiday destinations? місцявідпочинку
• Where do you usually go on holiday? 
• What is your dream holiday?

We travel for fun, to see places we have always – or never heard about, and to meet new people. Some of us just need a break from the daily routine. Travelling offers a totally different kind of education: we  learn something new every minute, and the lessons do not come from books. On our  trips we learn about customs and traditions of the country we are visiting, its history and natural attractions. I watch folk dances and  listen to folk songs, legends and myths.We are taught to respect other people’s culture.

Some people enjoy visiting ancient cities like London, Paris, Kyiv, Rome, Athens, Lviv. Their historic buildings attract tourists from the whole world with their splendour. Old castles, cathedrals and palaces retain the aura of ancient history. It takes your breath being there. You feel as if got into old times. A lot of people spend holidays at the seaside. They enjoy swimming and diving and get a suntan.  Those who are keen on climbing go to the mountain. Ski resourts are among popular holiday destinations.

As for me, ....

My dream holiday would be .....

If I could, I would.....

Card VII 
Speak about hobbies. 
• Why do people have hobbies? What hobbies are popular with teenagers? 
• What hobbies did you have in the past? 
• How do you spend your free time? 
• Why do you enjoy doing your hobby/hobbies?

·         A good hobby is more than a pastime. It broadens your knowledge, improves your life, and opens up opportunities for you.

Most hobbies develop creativity and make people more confident впевнений. Doing a hobby is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends.

·         Texting, watching TV, social networking and playing video games are among teens’ favourite hobbies.  A lot of  teens are interested in sports. Many of my classmates are fond of creative activities such as art, dance, drama and music. Some girls and boys prefer to spend time with their friends, at social events, just hanging out or even talking on the phone.

Card III 
Speak about sport. 
• Why do people do sports? 
• What sports are popular in Ukraine? 
• What sport do you do? When did you take it up? 
• Why is it a good sport to take up?

Health is the greatest blessing people have. We all know the proverbs “A sound mind in a sound body” and “Health is above wealth”. More and more people are health-conscious today and choose a healthy lifestyle. A lot of them do sports as their free-time activity.

             For millions of people around the world, regular exercise is now part of their daily lives. Some jog, cycle or swim, while others prefer to work out in gyms, do aerobics or play team sports. Ukrainian boys usually go in for football, hockey, judo and karate,girls like gymnastics, swimming and dancing. Some people prefer outdoor sports: e.g. golf, skiing, horse riding, boating. Others enjoy indoor sports: e.g. billiards, chess and boxing. There are also winter and summer sports.

There are several reasons for doing sports.The first reason is family or country traditions. If parents are sportsmen or do sports, they often work out with their children. In different countries different sports  are popular and children play them since their childhood (e.g. football in Ukraine, baseball in the USA ). Some kinds of sports can be fashionable. In the 80-s a lot of people were crazy about aerobics. Some people take up sports to relieve stress and have fun after hard work. Others want to be famous, still others – earn a lot of money, as good sportsmen are paid well. Besides they get money for advertising products of big companies.

But the main reason is health.First, fit people live longer, healthier lives than unfit people, especially unfit people who also smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs. Sport makes you feel healthier, happier and more positive, helps you lose weight, sleep better and not to get tired so easily. Second, both men and women want to look as young and attractive as possible and fit people not only feel good – they look good too. They are slim, graceful and strong. Besides physical beauty, sport develops a lot of good qualities: will-power, rapid reaction, courage and sportsmanship. People who do sports are active, cheerful and full of energy. As for me, ..............

blessing–благословiння, щасливийдар

proverb |ˈprɒvəːb|  - прислів'я

sound |saʊnd|  - здоровий

mind|maɪnd| – розум, духbody – тіло

wealth|welθ| - багатство

health-conscious|ˈkɒnʃəs| - які піклуютьсяпросвоєздоров'я

lifestyle - стиль життя

regular|ˈreɡjʊlə|  - регулярнийexercise –зарядка

jog|dʒɒɡ| - бігати підтюпцем

workout– тренуватися

aerobics[ eəˈrəʊbɪks ] – аеробіка

several– кількаreason – причина

fit – який в гарній формі, здоровийunfit- нездоровий

drug– медикамент, наркотик

weight|weɪt|   - вага

attractive |əˈtræktɪv| - привабливий

graceful|ˈɡreɪsfl|  – граціозний, витончений

physical  |ˈfɪzɪkl|  - фізична

develop– розвиватиquality |ˈkwɒlɪti| - якість

will-power - сила волі

rapidreaction |ˈræpɪd||riˈækʃn|  - швидкареакція

courage|ˈkʌrɪdʒ| – мужність, сміливість

sportsmanship – порядність

cheerful|ˈtʃɪəfʊl| - життєрадіснийfullofenergy– повнийенергії

Card V 
Speak about London. 
• What kind of city is London? 
• Describe three places of interest in London and say why they are worth ([wɝːθ]вартi) visiting.

London is one of the world’s most exciting cities – beautiful, historical and cultured. It is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the biggest and busiest city in Europe. It is situated on the River Thames.  A truly international city, London attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year and never loses its charm.

London has many impressive (вражаючий) sights to see. ......................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................

sightseeing - оглядвизначнихпам'яток
to enrich people mentally and spiritually - збагатитилюдейрозумовоідуховно
to attract tourists with their (its) splendour - приваблюватитуристівсвоєювеличчю
to retain the aura of ancient history - зберегтиаурудавньоїісторії
It takes your breath being there - переймаєдиханнябутитам
historic buildings and monuments

.............................................................................................................................................................

London is an exceptional place, a truly modern city that keeps its traditional style and sense of history. You will never be bored in London because as it was said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”.

My Home Town

I was born and have lived all my life in Vinnytsia. It is situated in the centre of Ukraine and is an administrative centre of Vinnytsia region.

Vinnytsia is not an old city, it was founded in the 14^th century. There are no castles or fortresses in it. However, Vinnytsia is clean, quiet and comfortable to live in.

The river Southern Buh flows through the heart of the city and you can sunbathe on the beaches and swim in the river in summer. You can go on a boat trip and visit a park in Sabarov.

Vinnytsia is a green city. It is surrounded with beautiful forests where you can pick mushrooms and berries and breathe fresh air. There are several parks in the city. Gorky Park, which is situated in the city centre, is the favourite place for most of Vinnytsia residents and its guests. It offers something to every person - you can relax on the benches, feed squirrels and birds, watch a chess competition or a concert, play tennis or do other sports. In the park you can find children's playgrounds, a hockey field, a skating rink, merry-go-rounds and swings.

If you are a theater-goer, you can attend a performance at the Drama Theatre. The actors are brilliant, they play professionally and you won’t be disappointed.

The famous doctor Mykola Pyrohov and the Ukrainian writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynski lived and worked in Vinnytsia. The Pyrohov Museum, the Kotsiubynski Museum, the Local History Museum, the Art Gallery, cathedrals and churches are popular sights to see.

situated |ˈsɪtjueɪtɪd| - розташований

administrative |ədˈmɪnɪstrətɪv|   - адміністративний

region |ˈriːdʒ(ə)n|  - область

founded |ˈfaʊndɪd| - заснований

fortress |ˈfɔːtrɪs| - фортеця

comfortable |ˈkʌmftəbl| - затишний

flow – текти

through |θruː| - через

heart  |hɑːt|  - серце

surrounded |səˈraʊndɪd|  - оточений

breathe |briːð| - дихати

resident  |ˈrezɪdənt|- постійний мешканець

guest - |ɡest|- гість

merry-go-round – карусель

swing – гойдалка

theater-goer – театрал

performance – вистава

brilliant  |ˈbrɪlj(ə)nt|   - блискучий

disappointed |dɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd| - розчарований