This is the fifth sample article candidates of the ECPE examination (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English of the University of Michigan) My first post to deal with articles , explains what needs to be present in this type of piece of writing. As stated, examiners are looking for articles that elaborate on ideas and have solid arguments; are well organized; make use of a wide lexical and grammatical range; have an original ring to them (in other words, readers are able to distinguish the author's unique "voice"). Before reading, take a look at the following post if you haven't already done so. It will help you focus on the vital aspects you need to be aware of while reading the article and what you should make sure to use when you write your own. The question appeared in Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 1 (revised 2021 version) and is accompanied by the following three writing prompts:
This is the second list of MSU-CELC examination description questions (Tasks 1 and 2 of the oral exam).
Twenty more questions should help keep candidates on their toes before the exam. If you missed the first post with description questions, you can read it here.
This list can also be used by other learners of English to improve their speaking skills. Teachers could use it as a discussion or oral exam practice tool.
If you are an MSU-CELP candidate, feel free to go over the topics but make sure to extend your answers to cover two minutes instead of one.
How to use the list
Students should time themselves and be able to continue to speak for about one minute on the following topics. By practicing regularly, they should be able to know how long their answer should be to cover the time set aside for this task.
They should prepare a rough response for each question by thinking of key words to include in their answer, but should not memorize full-length texts.
For instance, if the question asks you to describe your favorite book, you should make a list of words related to the topic to review the day before the exam. In other words, you would include words like:
FOR MORE BLOG POSTS RELATED TO SPEAKING EXAMS, CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW.
Twenty more questions should help keep candidates on their toes before the exam. If you missed the first post with description questions, you can read it here.
This list can also be used by other learners of English to improve their speaking skills. Teachers could use it as a discussion or oral exam practice tool.
If you are an MSU-CELP candidate, feel free to go over the topics but make sure to extend your answers to cover two minutes instead of one.
Click on the image for IELTS Speaking tips |
How to use the list
Students should time themselves and be able to continue to speak for about one minute on the following topics. By practicing regularly, they should be able to know how long their answer should be to cover the time set aside for this task.
They should prepare a rough response for each question by thinking of key words to include in their answer, but should not memorize full-length texts.
For instance, if the question asks you to describe your favorite book, you should make a list of words related to the topic to review the day before the exam. In other words, you would include words like:
- author
- plot
- main character / protagonist
- antagonist
- setting
- theme of the story
- genre
- suspense / drama / comedy
Looking for ECPE Stage 2 speaking tips? Click on the image. |
MSU-CELC ORAL EXAM
Speaking Topics - Descriptions
1) Describe the ideal place to go out with your friends
on weekends.
2) Describe a pet you have / a pet you’d like to have.
3) Describe a building in your city you find beautiful.
4) Describe the music you enjoy listening to the most.
5) Describe your neighborhood.
6) Describe a sport you like to watch or do.
7) Describe something (a game, an object) you had as a
child that you have kept and will keep.
8) Describe something that you have bought recently.
9) Describe a charity you would like to donate money to
or volunteer for.
10) Describe a famous person you admire.
11) Describe your ideal job.
12) Describe your room.
13) Describe a fun party you went to.
14) Describe your favorite café, bar or fast food place.
15) Describe a wedding you went to.
16) Describe an assignment or project you have worked on
recently.
17) Describe your favorite car.
18) Describe a website you visit regularly.
19) Describe a household chore you hate having to do.
20) Describe an advertisement you have seen recently you either enjoyed or not.
FOR MORE BLOG POSTS RELATED TO SPEAKING EXAMS, CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW.