【TPO小站】iBT中国大陆06、07年口语考试内容
06.9.15
1.
Choose one of your favorite methods to relax and explain why it is your favorite. Please include specific details in your explanation.
2.
Some college students prefer to attend classes regularly because they believe that only in the class atmosphere can they focus on the reading. Others, however, believe that the best reading can only be done outside the classroom. Which reading method do you think is better and why?
3. Reading passage:
Student Health Center Cancellation
The university has decided to cancel the student health center on campus. The reason is that a new hospital has been opened recently in the local community. Because the new hospital is very close to the campus end most students can have convenient access to it, and also because the new hospital comes with a lot of first-class medical equipment, which the student health center lacks, the student health center?s existence is not justified anymore. Also, the money saved by canceling the student health center will be used to amplify the library storage.
The woman expresses her opinion of the school?s cancellation of the student health center. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion. 4.
Reading passage:
False Consensus
Social-psychologists point out that many people, when acting among others, tend to believe that their thought represents the ideas of the majority in the population, or at least, they feel at ease because their opinions don? t contradict those of the mainstream. Ironically, revealed by recent studies, this feeling of “consensus” is not true.
On the contrary, though many people comfortably assume that their opinion is as common as every others? will be, their points sometimes can differ greatly or even
oppose each other. This attention-grabbing social-psychological discovery is called “False Consensus”.
The professor takes an example to demonstrate “False Consensus”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The man discusses two possible solutions to the woman?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a biology lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how a newly-brought-in plant can be harmful to the local system.
06.10.8
1.
Everyone has to leave home sometimes. What do you miss the most when you are away from home? Please include specific examples and details in your explanation, 2.
Some students prefer the internet-based teaching. Others prefer to study in traditional classrooms. Which method of studying do you prefer and why?
3.
Reading passage:
Adding Evening Classes
The school computer lab has planned to add a few evening classes to its opening schedule. Usually, the computer lab only opens from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Nevertheless, because of the rapid increase of student numbers in recent years and the limited seats of the computer lab, it has become progressively difficult to meet each student?s requirements. Therefore, in order to be able to serve the students better, the administrators have decided to add evening classes in the computer lab from 6pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday.
The man expresses his opinion of the university?s plan. Stale his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage;
Nonverbal Languages
Nonverbal languages refer to human emotional expressions without involving verbal statements. Facial expressions and body movements are the two mostly attributed types of nonverbal languages.
It is generally believed that nonverbal languages function as the enhancement of emotional expressions when they consist with verbal languages. However, under the circumstances that nonverbal languages and verbal languages contradict in the contents they express, nonverbal languages are more likely to release peoples? true emotions.
The professor takes two examples to illustrate the theory of “Nonverbal Languages”. Explain how the examples are related to the reading passage.
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of an art lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the examples of colors and textures demonstrate the effects of visual elements on viewers.
06.10.15
1.
Everyone has a goal to fulfill. What?s your goal and explain why you want to fulfill this goal. Please include specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
Some students tend to study in a large class. Others study in small classes. Which method of studying do you think is better for students and why?
3.
Reading passage:
A Change of the Orientation
The university has decided to make a change to the first-year student orientation program. Usually, all first-year students are highly recommended to take the two-day hiking trip orientation as part of the school tradition. However, the school authorities have made the decision of replacing the two-day hiking trip with a new orientation consisting of only one-day hiking or a one-day game. Either of them is available to first-year students, depending on each individual?s choice. By composing this major adjustment, the school is reasoning that freshmen students may be more willing to welcome a short orientation and also the new orientation is easier for students to make their individual choice.
The man expresses his opinion of the university?s plan. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Diffusion of Responsibility
Diffusion of responsibility is a social-psychological phenomenon which tends to occur in groups of people above a certain critical size when responsibility is not explicitly assigned.
Normally, people would feel responsible for lending hands to others in emergency. However, sometimes, they may also fail to respond to obvious urgent situations, when their responsibility is not clearly assigned and they have reasons to believe that some other people will certainly help out. This is called diffusion of responsibility.
The professor takes two examples to illustrate the phenomenon of “Diffusion of Responsibility”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a biology lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the example of thunder-birds and drought demonstrates the effect of climate changes on animal.
06.10.21
1.
What kind of qualities should a good leader possess? Please state your opinion and give specific details and examples in your explanation.
2.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Please explain your opinion. People should always tell the truth.
3.
Reading passage:
Close of the Art Gallery
The university is going to close the art gallery and redecorate it into an office building. This decision is based on the following rationale: firstly, the school has noticed that the art gallery is taken advantage of by art majors for display only occasionally. More often, ii remains empty. Secondly, even during the period of exhibition, few students pay a visit to the gallery.
The man expresses his opinion of the university?s plan. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Self-fulfilling Prophecies
The self-fulfilling prophecy is a psychological phenomenon whereby a person believes something to be true, acts on that belief and by his actions causes the belief
to become true eventually.
Normally, people all live under certain expectations from others. Once an individual accepts the social expectations toward him as true and realistic, he will first take these social beliefs and then formulate them into his own confidence. After that, he starts to respond to his beliefs by taking practical actions. Finally, the social expectations on the individual become true, as a result of his continual efforts.
The professor takes an example to illustrate the phenomenon of “Self-fulfilling Prophecies”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and
explain
why.
6.
Now listen to part of an economy lecture.
Please State the major points in the lecture. Explain how the example of bread in the 18th century challenges the traditional theory of the relationship between price and demand.
06.10.22
1.
Who is the person you admire the most? Please give specific details and examples in your explanation.
2.
Some people believe that higher education is for all students. Other people believe that higher education is only suitable for certain students. Which opinion do you think is better and why?
3.
Reading passage
Building an Internet Question Website
The university health center has become overcrowded recently. Actually, Southern University, the university located in another state, faced a similar situation a few years ago. However, what they did was to establish an internet question website, which provided answers to simple health questions from students. Since many simple health problems had been solved successfully through the internet, students visiting the school health center soon found out that they didn?t? t have to wait in long lines like before. Thus, the fund raised up by our university to build a new health center could instead be used to establish an internet question website.
The woman expresses her opinion of the student?s proposal about how to utilize the health fund. State her onion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Bridge Shifting
Bridge shifting is a movie-making technique which helps movie makers to switch between different scenes. Applicators of this skill intentionally skip certain time slots or
spatial distances to shorten the overall film length.
Despite the omitting of quite a few pictures, the director?s train of thought would still be clear and comprehensible to movie viewers. This is because the scenes left out from the film could be accordingly compensated by the viewers? daily experiences, if proper guidance is offered.
The professor takes two examples to illustrate the movie-making skill of “Bridge Shifting”. Explain how the examples are related to the reading passage.
5.
The man discusses two possible solutions to the woman?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a science lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the examples of the universal remote controller and cell phones demonstrate the effect of modern technologies on people?s daily lives.
06.10.28
1.
Usually, novels, magazines and poetry are considered the three major forms of literature. Which one do you prefer and explain why you prefer this literature form. Please include specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
Some students tend to live alone, while others may want to share their rooms with their 2 roommates. Which way of living do you think is better for students and why?
3.
Reading passage:
Apartments off Campus
The university has planned to build off-campus apartments in local communities. The decision is based on the following considerations; firstly, apartments off campus help to save limited campus areas and therefore leave more space for student activities. Secondly, students dwelling off campus usually have better chances to increase their daily communication with local communities, which is essential for their social experience and future job hunting.
The woman expresses her opinion of the university?s plan. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Actor Observation
Actor observation is a psychological description of the fact that people tend to give different attributors toward the same conduct, when they themselves play roles in
the action and when they do not.
Normally, people would attribute others? misbehaviors to inner factors, such as personality defects. Whereas, when the same misdeeds are theirs to blame for, they are more likely to attribute them to external factors, such as environmental pressures Out of control.
The professor takes an example to illustrate the phenomenon of “Actor Observation”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The man provides two possible solutions to the woman?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the Iwo solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the examples of
proud-feeling expression and clay-car-making illustrate the effects of arts on child development.
06.10.29
1.
Choose an object you like and explain why it is of special value to you. Please include specific details in your explanation.
2.
Some people tend to judge a person on the basis of first observation. Some people believe it takes a long time to know a person well. Which approach to knowing people do you think is better and why?
3.
Reading passage:
A New Art Building
The university has decided to construct a new art building to help advance the office and teaching facilities of the arts department. This is because the school administrators are reasoning that the current art building was designed half a century ago and it no longer meets today?s requirement. In addition, since the neighboring universities all have developed their new art buildings one or two years ago, the school authorities believe it may also help to attract upcoming arts students as soon as the new construction is accomplished.
The woman expresses her opinion of the university?s plan. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Quoting Out of Context
Normally, advertisers attract peoples? attention by honestly introducing the properties and advantages of their products, such as revealing the high performance or particular functions of a certain machine.
However, sometimes advertisers may also desire less honest techniques in drawing peoples? interest. One of these dishonest promotion skills is called “quoting out of context”, which is to say: quoting only a few words from famous reviewers? remarks in order to misguide the listeners. Having been cut off from their former contexts, quotations normally distort the original meanings of what the reviewers intended to express.
The professor takes an example to illustrate the phenomenon of “Quoting out of Context”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the
problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a science and technology lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain the two ways in which discoveries and inventions are made in human history.
06.11.03
1.
Which is your favorite type of movie: action, drama or others? Please include specific details and examples in your explanation.
2.
Some universities provide physical education. Others believe that physical education is not necessary. What do you think and why??
3.
Reading passage:
Postponement of the Election
The university has determined to postpone the student union election. Normally, the election of the student union is carried out every May as part of the school tradition. However, the coming election of this year will be held on September instead, because the school authorities have noticed that many students become fully involved with their finals and graduations on May. Therefore, rearranging the election to September could encourage more students to vote. Furthermore, since many new students are expected to be coming by September, they will also be given the chance to vote for their favorite candidates.
The man expresses his opinion towards the university?s plan. State his opinion and ex plain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Buyer’s Remorse
Buyer?s remorse refers to an interesting phenomenon mostly observed in customer services. This feeling generally comes out after the buying decision has been made, or even after the purchase is technically done. When it happens, the consumer suddenly feels regretful about the transaction for no apparent reasons.
Therefore, several techniques have been accordingly developed in customer services to handle buyer?s remorse. For example, the salesperson may visit, or call the customers after sales to make sure they still want the purchase.
The professor takes his own example to illustrate the phenomenon of “Buyer?s Remorse”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The man discusses two possible solutions to the woman?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a business lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the predictive method and the descriptive method are used to help enterprises manage their customer information.
06.11.17
1.
Describe a public area that you visit frequently. Please state why you visit it frequently and include specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
Some students prefer to choose universities located in big cities. Others would like to study in universities located in small towns. Please state your opinion and explain why.
3.
Reading passage:
New Policies of the Computer Lab
The university computer lab is currently under a new reformation, A few new policies will be added to its regulations to ensure the computer lab provides its best quality service to students. Firstly, not all students are qualified to apply for the job as a computer lab assistant, according to the new policy. Instead, only students who have successfully finished the introduction courses or have relevant working experiences
can apply for this job. Secondly, no technicians will be hired as technical supervisors in the computer lab anymore.
The woman expresses her opinion of the university?s plan. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Substitution Acting
Substitution acting is a method of acting, which is widely applied by experienced actors and actresses. There are three steps in applying this acting method:
1. Applicators of this method have to define the type of emotions required, such as joy or sorrow, based on the particular role they play.
2. Then, applicators must search the data base of their daily experiences for scenes that have provoked themselves that similar emotion in them.
3.Finally, applicators would imagine they were in the same scene again when acting, in order to smooth the expression of that specific emotion.
The actor takes two examples to illustrate the skill of “Substitution Acting”. Explain how her examples are related to the reading passage.
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a modern poetry lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the examples of Alan Poe and the skill of word combination are used to illustrate the effects of accidents on poem writing.
06.11.18
1.
If you get a chance to choose a job, what will you do? What?s your reason for choosing this job? Please include specific examples and details in your explanation. 2.
If you unexpectedly receive a large amount of money, what will you do with it?
Would you spend it for practical purposes or simply for fun? State your opinion and explain your reasons.
3.
Reading passage:
Proposed Improvement to the School Health Center
The school health center has become very crowded in recent years. Many students visiting the health center find out that they have to wait in long lines before receiving medical treatments. In addition, they also notice that most doctors working in the health center are already overworked.
Therefore, some changes should be made to improve the quality of the service of the health center. Firstly, the number of doctors working in the health center should be increased so that more students could be helped at the same moment. Secondly, the health center should be open during the weekends so that fewer students will come to see doctors from Monday to Friday.
The man expresses his opinion towards the student?s suggestion. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4. Missing the relevant questions
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
Now listen to part of a psychology lecture.
6.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the example of the job interview illustrates the difference between introverted and extroverted people.
06.11.19
1.
What is the best way for students to relax after working hard? Please state your opinion and explain why. Use specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
Some students prefer to get up early and sleep early. Some others prefer to get up late and sleep late. Which lifestyle do you think is better for students and why?
3.
Reading passage:
Notice
The library is going to make a few renovations based on the students? feedbacks. Firstly, the old, dirty carpet inside the library will be replaced by wooden floors. This is because wooden floors are relatively easy for cleaning and maintenance compared with carpets. Secondly, a few art works and paintings will be added to the entrance of the library as part of the improved interior decoration. Thirdly, many other outdated devices will be renewed to meet the students? requirements.
The man expresses his opinion of the library?s plan. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Allergies
Allergies are exaggerated body reactions to certain substances, situations or physical states. They are expressed as sneezing, itching, or skin rashes.
As a rule, the immune system of our bodies reacts to outside intruders by showing the above alarming signals to draw people? s attention. However, under certain circumstances, when the immune system mistakenly rings alarms to harmless stimuli such as pollen and dusts, allergies happen.
The professor takes one example to illustrate the phenomenon of “Allergies”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The man discusses two possible solutions to the woman?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the example demonstrates the difference between generalized reciprocity and balanced reciprocity. Please explain the definition of the two types of reciprocity first.
06.11.21
1.
Describe an enjoyable event in your childhood. Why do you think it was enjoyable? Please include specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
The best way to know a city is to visit its landmarks and historic sites. Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Please state your opinion and reasons. Use specific details and examples in your statement.
3.
Reading passage:
New Parking Policy
The school administrators have decided to allow only students living off-campus to use the school parking lots. This is because many students living off-campus complain to the parking administration that they have to drive to school every day but they often cannot find enough parking spaces in the school parking lots, Therefore, students living on-campus are strongly recommended to find other transportation than driving private vehicles.
The man expresses his opinion of the university?s plan. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Tow Principles That Power Your Speeches
1) People tend to trust professionals mote than nonprofessionals. Therefore, in order to earn the audience?s trust, the speaker would better deliver a speech within his own profession. The deeper the lecturer understands what he is to talk about, the easier he is going to be the locus in the meeting.
2) The lecturer should also keep eye contact with his audience as often as possible. This is because audiences wouldn?t easily give their trust to a speech deliverer, until they believe they have received plenty of personal attention from him. So, keeping frequent eye contact helps to impress the audience with your honesty.
The professor takes one example to illustrate the two principles in delivering a good speech. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The man discusses two possible solutions to the woman?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Missing relevant questions
06.12.03
1.
Describe a social activity which is of special value for you. Please explain why it is of special value for you and include specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
When communicating with your friends and families, you can rely on letters, e-mail or telephone calls. Which method of communicating do you think is better and why?
3.
Reading passage:
Restrictions on Sport Activities
Southern University has come to a decision that students are no longer permitted to play soccer on the empty lawn in front of the school gate. Instead, students can lodge an application to the administration department if they want to play soccer in the school court. This restricting policy is based on the following considerations: firstly, playing soccer in front of the school gate may seriously lower the impression of visitors towards Southern University; because Southern University has long established its reputation as a very formal and academic institution. Secondly, soccer players usually litter after a game.
The woman expresses her opinion towards the university?s restrictions, State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
4.
Reading passage:
Words Framing
Words framing is the way that words are paraphrased with a different sequence and emphasis. In other words, words framing is to repeat the same statement from a new perspective.
Studies have proven that people are influenced not only by the contents of the words, but also by the way in which the words are phrased.
The professor takes two examples to illustrate “words framing”. Explain how the examples are related to the reading passage
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a lecture about education.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the example of Mr. Robert illustrates the two characters of good teachers.
06.12.08
1.
Describe an interesting book you have read. Please explain why you think this book is interesting by using specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement9 Please give specific reasons for your opinion. Parents should restrict the TV programs that are watched by their kids instead of letting the kids watch TV programs freely.
3.
Reading passage:
Redecorating the School Dormitories
The housing department recently notices that the lodging rate of school dormitories has dropped 20% since last year. The reason that many students keep moving out is believed to be involved with the poor interior decoration of the dormitories. Thus, the housing department has decided to gradually redecorate all dormitories in two years. It is expected that after the accomplishment of this renovation, new lights and furniture will be installed to encourage more students to move back.
The woman expresses her opinion of the university?s plan. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
Reading passage:
Outsider Artists
Outsider Artists often refer to artists living on the edge of society. Usually they could be identified through the following features:
1. Outsider artists normally live in their small circles which are isolated from the rest of the society. People rarely have the chances to communicate with outsider artists, because they often prefer to live alone.
2. Outsider artists hardly ever receive much formal training of techniques and skills in arts.
3. The approaches employed by outsider artists to produce paintings are very Unique, because of the lack of traditional art trainings. Additionally, the art pieces created by outsider artists can be much diverged from the social norms, since they are not often in touch with the rest of the society.
The professor takes an example to illustrate the phenomenon of “Outsider Artists”. Explain how this example is related to the reading passage.
5.
The woman discusses two possible solutions to the man?s problem. Describe the problem and the two solutions. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
6.
Now listen to part of a design lecture.
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain how the principles of unity and contrast affect the interior design.
06.12.10
1.
Describe a work of art, such as a song, poem or painting, which has made a lasting impression on you. Please explain the impression and include specific examples and details in your explanation.
2.
Some people prefer to keep reading a new book until it is finished. Some others prefer to stop reading whenever they lose interest. Which method of reading do you think is better and wily?