EF p 129. Health and Medicine. Speaking Monologue. Sample Answer. Cloze
Showing posts with label EF U08. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EF U08. Show all posts
EF p 129. Health and Medicine. Speaking Mock Exam
TOPIC 4: HEALTH Preparation time: 5 minutes
PART 1. CONVERSATION
Talk to each other about some or all of the following. (8 minutes approx.)
What do you think about our health care system?
How can we help teens to develop healthy eating habits?
What are the negative effects of not living a healthy lifestyle?
Traditional versus alternative medicine. Which one do you prefer? Why?
PART 2. MONOLOGUE
Talk about at least two of the following ideas. (4 minutes approx.) The examiner may ask you further questions about the topic.
CANDIDATE A
Health benefits of regular physical activity.
Ways to cope with work stress and avoid burnout
What do you think about new diet trends? Are they all healthy?
CANDIDATE B
Health benefits of social interaction .
What advice do you hear about getting and staying healthy?
What do you think are the benefits or potential dangers of online medical advice? Would you consult a medical service on the Internet?
EF p 129. Health and Medicine. Monologue. Sample Answer. Cloze
1. To what extent should alternative medicine be integrated into conventional healthcare systems? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of such integration?
2. Although mental health is just as important as physical health, it is often neglected. Why do you think this is the case, and what measures could be taken to address the imbalance?
3. With increasing access to online health information, many people are experiencing 'cyberchondria' — excessive health anxiety fuelled by internet searches. What are the causes and consequences of this trend, and how might it be managed?
Sample answer:
Health in the Modern World: A Holistic Approach
To begin (1)____________, health – in all its forms – is absolutely fundamental to our well-being, both as individuals and as a society. In today’s fast-paced and highly connected world, we’re no longer just focused on curing illness. We’re increasingly looking at how to integrate alternative therapies, prioritise mental health, and cope with the overwhelming (2)______________ of online health information. So today, I’d like to explore these three key aspects and how they interconnect.
1. Alternative Medicine: A Complementary Approach?
First and (3)________________, let’s take a look at the integration of alternative medicine into conventional healthcare systems. It is generally accepted that treatments (4)________________ acupuncture, herbal remedies, and chiropractic care have grown in popularity in recent years. From my (5)_____________ of view, there is value in incorporating some of these therapies – but only when they’re backed by scientific evidence and properly regulated.
For example, mindfulness programmes and acupuncture are now used alongside traditional treatments for stress and chronic pain – a sign that collaboration can work. However, there can be no (6)______________ that many alternative therapies still lack the rigorous testing that conventional medicine requires. What’s (7)_________________, inconsistent regulation could lead to confusion or even exploitation of patients.
(8)____________ short, I believe we need a balanced approach: openness to new ideas, but always grounded in solid, evidence-based research.
2. Mental Health: Ending the Stigma
(9)________________ examining that, let’s now (10)_______________ on to the topic of mental health – something which, as everyone (11)________________, is just as important as physical health, yet still often neglected.
Why is this the case? I strongly (12)______________ that the stigma surrounding mental illness plays a major (13)_____________. To my (14)______________, many people still feel embarrassed or even ashamed to seek help. On (15)_____________ of that, healthcare systems often prioritise physical conditions, leaving mental health services chronically underfunded.
So what can be (16)_______________? First of (17)______________, we must educate people from an early age – mental health should be (18)_______________ about as openly as physical health. Besides, governments need to invest more heavily in accessible support services. Let’s not forget workplaces either – they can play a crucial role in promoting well-being through supportive workplace practices and mental health days.
All things (19)___________________, a healthy society requires both body and mind to be equally (20)________________ for.
3. Cyberchondria: The Perils of Dr Google
This (21)________________ directly to my next point – cyberchondria, or the anxiety caused by compulsively searching for symptoms online. Have you ever (22)______________ why something so simple can cause so much distress?
It (23)_______________ to me that the combination of easy access to information and a lack of medical training creates the perfect (24)______________. People want answers quickly, and the internet often shows the most extreme possibilities first. As a (25)______________, a mild headache can suddenly seem life-threatening.
The consequences are serious – unnecessary panic, self-diagnosis, wasted resources, and sometimes even delaying proper medical treatment.
So how do we manage this? Firstly, public education is vital – people need to learn how to distinguish between reliable and (26)_______________ sources. In (27)________________, healthcare providers should offer vetted online tools to help guide patients. And finally, tech platforms must take more responsibility (28)________________ how they present health content.
Conclusion
All things (29)_______________, health today is about much more than medication or hospital visits. It’s about finding balance – between traditional and alternative approaches, between body and mind, and between knowledge and anxiety in the digital age.
As I (30)_____________ it, the future of health depends on three key principles: open-mindedness, critical thinking, and collaboration – between medical professionals, policymakers, and the public.
To put it simply: take care of your body, nurture your mental health, and use technology wisely – to empower us, not to overwhelm us.
To (31)_________________ up, health is no longer just a medical issue — it’s a human one.
Well, I truly appreciate you (32)______________ the time to listen, it’s been a pleasure sharing these thoughts with you.
KEY
1. with
2. amount
3. foremost
4. like
5. point
6. doubt
7. more
8. In
9. After
10. move
11. knows
12. believe
13. role
14. mind
15. top
16. done
17. all
18. talked
19. considered
20. cared
21. leads
22. wondered
23. seems
24. storm
25. result/ consequence
26. unreliable
27. addition
28. for
29. considered
30. see
31. sum
32. taking
EF C1.1 p 133. HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL. Speaking Mock Exam
TOPIC 7: HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL Preparation time: 5 minutes
PART 1. CONVERSATION
Talk to each other about some or all of the following. (8 minutes approx.)
How can travel broaden our mind?
‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Discuss.
What impact does tourism have on an area?
The future of travel and tourism.
PART 2. MONOLOGUE
Talk about at least two of the following ideas. (4 minutes approx.) The examiner may ask you further questions about the topic.
CANDIDATE A
Advantages and disadvantages of travelling solo.
What is the best travel advice you have ever received?
What is the positive and negative impact of having free public transport?
CANDIDATE B
Advantages and disadvantages of travelling with a group.
Do you feel that your physical and psychological well-being improves when you go away on holiday? In what ways?
What is the best age to travel? Why?
EF C1.1 p 133. Travel and Tourism. Speaking. Word formation. Sample Answer
- How can travel broaden our mind?
What impact does tourism have on an area?
Eva: Hey, Mark! How are you doing?
Mark: Hi, Eva! I’m doing great, thank you. Just got back from my trip to the Scottish Highlands. It was utterly brilliant!
Eva: Oh, that sounds pretty (1)_______________ (AMAZE)! I’ve always fancied a visit to Scotland. What was it like?
Mark: It was absolutely (2)________________ (BREATH)! I decided to go off the (3)____________ (BEAT) track and explore some of the more (4)___________________ (SECLUDE) areas. The landscapes were so (5)_______________ (SPOIL) and (6)______________(PICTURE), (7)___________ (LIKE) anything I’ve ever seen before.
Eva: Blimey, that sounds like a proper adventure. I’m fed up with touristy spots; they can be so (8)_________________ (CROWD) and (9)_____________ (SOUL).
Mark: Spot on! That’s why I opted for more remote locations. It really allowed me to connect with nature and (10)___________ (CHARGE) my batteries.
Eva: I totally get that. I recently went on a trip to Italy, and while places like Rome and Venice were (11)__________________ (STUN), they were also (12)_______________ (CHOCK) with tourists, which was somewhat (13)______________________ (OVERWHELM).
Mark: I can imagine. It’s a shame when beautiful places become (14)_____________ (RUN) with visitors and lose their charm. Did you manage to find any (15)_______________ (HIDE) gems while you were there?
Eva: Fortunately, yes! I stumbled upon this quaint little village (16)_______________ (NESTLE) in the Tuscan countryside. It was so charming and authentic, in contrast to the more spoilt areas.
Mark: That sounds lovely. It’s those (17)_________________ (FREQUENT) spots that often leave the biggest impression on us, don’t you think?
Eva: Absolutely! They offer a glimpse into the true essence of a place, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
Mark: Couldn’t agree more. So, do you reckon travel has the power to (18)______________ (BROAD) our minds and (19)__________________ (RICH) our lives?
Eva: Definitely. Experiencing different cultures and environments opens our eyes to new perspectives and ways of life. It’s like a journey of self-discovery.
Mark: I couldn’t have put it better myself. Travelling allows us to break out of our comfort zones and embrace new experiences, (20)____________________ (ULTIMATE) shaping who we are as individuals.
Eva: Exactly. And I think it’s important for us to be (21)________________ (MIND) travellers, respecting the places we visit and their communities.
Mark: I think we're on the same page here. Sustainable and responsible tourism is key to preserving the beauty and (22)____________________ (AUTHENTIC) of destinations for generations to come.
Eva: You took the words right out of my mouth, Mark. It’s been great discussing this with you. Thanks for sharing your (23)________________ (SIGHT)!
Mark: (24)________________ (LIKE), Eva! It’s always a pleasure to (25)______________ (CHANGE) thoughts with someone who shares a passion for exploration and discovery
KEY
1. amazing
2. breathtaking
3. beaten
4. secluded
secluded/sɪˈkluːdɪd/ quiet and private.
E.g.
a secluded garden/beach/corner
We managed to find a secluded spot for our picnic
5. unspoilt
unspoilt: beautiful because it has not been changed or built on.
E.g.
unspoiled countryside
It’s a country of stunning landscapes and unspoiled beaches.
6. picturesque
7. unlike
8. overcrowded
9. soulless
soulless: not having any attractive or interesting qualities that make people feel happy. Depressing.
E.g.
They live in soulless concrete blocks.
A soulless city of grey concrete
10. recharge
11. stunning
12. chock-a-block
chock-a-block (with something/somebody) very full of things or people pressed close together.
E.g.
The shelves were chock-a-block with ornaments.
It was chock-a-block in town today (= full of people)
13. overwhelming
overwhelming: very great or very strong; so powerful that you cannot resist it or decide how to react. Having such a great effect on you that you feel confused and do not know how to react. Sp. abrumador.
E.g.
She found the city quite overwhelming when she first arrived.
The evidence against him was overwhelming.
The overwhelming majority of those present were in favour of the plan.
an overwhelming sense of loss
She had the almost overwhelming desire to tell him the truth.
You may find it somewhat overwhelming at first.
There was overwhelming support for our policies.
14. overrun
overrun: if a place is overrun by unwanted things or people, they spread over it in great numbers. Sp. infestar.
be overrun by/with something
E.g.
a tiny island overrun by tourists
The house was overrun with mice
15. hidden
16. nestled
nestle: + adv./prep. to be located in a position that is protected, sheltered or partly hidden. Sp. recogerse.
E.g.
The little town nestles snugly at the foot of the hill
17. unfrequented
unfrequented: not often visited by many people.
E.g.
an unfrequented spot
18. broaden
19. enrich
20. ultimately
ultimately: in the end; finally.
E.g.
A poor diet will ultimately lead to illness.
He is ultimately responsible for the actions of the rebels he leads.
Ultimately, you'll have to make the decision yourself.
21. mindful
mindful: remembering somebody/something and considering them or it when you do something
SYNONYM conscious. Sp. consciente.
E.g.
mindful of somebody/something
mindful of our responsibilities
Mindful of the danger of tropical storms, I decided not to go out.
mindful that…
She is mindful that the election result was very close last time.
22. authenticity
23. insights
insight: an understanding of what something is like. Knowledge and understanding. Sp. conocimiento.
E.g.
There are many valuable insights in her book.
His work offers several useful insights.
insight into something
The book gives us fascinating insights into life in Mexico.
I hope you have gained some insight into the difficulties we face
24. Likewise
25. exchange
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