The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

Speaking Comprehension Test For 8^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a deep breath and begin.

Speaking Comprehension Test for 8^th Form Students

1. What kind of clothes do you like wearing? Does fashion play an important part in your life? Is fashion just a matter of dressing smartly?

2. What makes a perfect holiday? What place on earth would you like to go to? Why? What things can go wrong on holiday?

3. How does weather affect people’s moods? Which are some of the problems caused by bad weather? What climate is there in your country?

4. Which means of transport would you prefer to travel by? What problems might one have while travelling? Have you ever travelled by ship/plane?

5. How much time do you think parents should spend with their children? Is it easy for a woman to combine a career and everyday chores like shopping and housework? Would you work if you had your own family?

6. How important is it to eat healthily? How have attitudes to food changed over the last 50 years? Are there any foods you don’t like eating?

7. Is astrology popular nowadays? Do you think it is possible to predict the future? Which way would you choose to learn about your future? Do you think knowledge of your sign of the zodiac helps you make your life better?

8. What kind of books do you like reading? Are there any public libraries in your area? How could people be encouraged to buy books and read more?

9. Why is history taught at schools? Which event(s) do you consider the most important in the history of your country? If you had an opportunity to have a trip back in time what historic period would you choose?

10. Do you think keeping animals in cages is right? Why/Why not? Why are some animals in danger of becoming extinct? Do you know of any organizations that protect animals?

11. What do young people of your age do in your free time? Do you enjoy eating out? Do you usually eat with your family? Why?

12. Is it important to take care of the environment? What environmental problems are caused by pollution? What can be done to stop air and water pollution?

13. What kind of music do you like? Why? In what way do you prefer listening to music? Is music a profitable industry? Why/Why not?

14. Is money the most important thing in life? What would you do with one million hryvnias won in the national lottery? Are there many advantages of having a car?

15. If you had a choice where to live, would you live in a city/town or in the countryside? Why? Would you like to live in one city for the rest of your life? If you could choose which city or cities you would live in, where would you live?

16. Do you think the Europeans know a lot about Ukraine? What would you tell teenagers from different European countries about Ukraine? What Ukrainian traditions and customs would you mention to them? Why?

17. What is your favourite film? Why? Do you think the actors performed well in the film? Whom would you strongly advise to watch this film?

18. What are your favorite Olympic events? What sports do you do in your free time? Do PT lessons at school help you keep fit?

19. What in your opinion makes studying a foreign language interesting? Is it easy or hard for you to learn English? Why? Why is it important for the Ukrainians to study English?

20. What is the greatest invention ever? What do you think is the most useless invention on earth? Which invention is better, the Internet or a mobile phone? Why?

Writing Comprehension Test

For 8^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks. Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

Writing Comprehension Test for 8^th Form Students

1. Which person has had the greatest influence on your life? Why was this person influential? What did this person teach you? Would you like to be like him/her?

2. What is the biggest problem in your town/city or village? How does this problem affect people's lives? How could this problem be solved? Whom would you ask to help you solve the problem?

3. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Explain the reasons for your choice.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

Speaking Comprehension Test

For 9^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a deep breath and begin.

Speaking Comprehension Test for 9^th Form Students

1. What kind of holiday-maker are you? Would you like to go on a school trip to the Carpathians? Why? What conditions would make your trip exciting? What should you do before setting out on your trip?

2. What makes a perfect holiday? Which place on earth would you like to go to? Why? What things can go wrong on holiday? Does a day trip or a long journey have more pros than cons?

3. How does weather affect people’s moods? What are some of the problems caused by bad weather? What weather conditions are typical of your country? Has any part of your country ever been a disaster area? Why?

4. What should someone keep in mind when choosing a career? Would you be interested in a teaching career? Why/Why not? Do you think students get enough help from their school in order to choose a suitable career? Which would be an ideal career for you? Why?

5. Do you think keeping animals in captivity is justified? Why/Why not? Why are some animals in danger of becoming extinct? Do you know of any organizations which campaign for the protection of animals? What can you personally do to ensure animal rights?

6. Some schools require all students to wear a uniform at school. Other schools allow students to wear whatever they want. Which policy do you think is better and why? Is wearing casual clothes or a suit and a shirt more your style? Which other school rules do you think might be questioned?

7. Are there any advantages of being an only child in a family. Do you have brothers or sisters? Are there any disadvantages if there are a lot of children in a family? Would you like to have a child adopted in your family?

8. Is money the most important thing in life? What would you do with one million hryvnias won in a lottery? Would you like to give most of your money to charity? Why/Why not? What work of art would you like to buy having a large sum of money?

9. You have a choice between living in one city for the rest of your life or moving to a new city every three years. Which style of life would you choose? What are some of the reasons for this choice? If you could choose which city or cities you would live in, where would you live? Why?

10. What are the reasons for people to study foreign languages? What word or phrase do you think is the most important to know when travelling in a foreign country? Why? What is the biggest challenge for a traveller who does not speak a local language? How do people communicate when they don’t speak each other’s language?

11. Do you think computer games are bad for a child’s development? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing computer games? Do you think parents should limit the amount of time their children play on computer? What do you usually use a computer for?

12. Do you think that global warming is caused by the actions of humans? Are you convinced that global warming is a serious problem? Why? Can we say that weather conditions typical of four seasons are the same as they were fifty years ago?

13. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? What dishes should he or she eat? What souvenirs should the visitor take back to his or her country? What season would you advise the visitor to come to Ukraine in?

14. What toys did you play with being a small child? What magical creatures did you believe in as a child? Who told you these creatures weren’t real, and what was your reaction? Is it good for children to believe in magical creatures? Why or why not?

15. If you could be a famous musician, what instrument would you play? What genre of music would you play? What kind of audience would you write your music for? What singer or music band is your favourite one? Why?

16. Would you like to be in possession of a time machine that allows you to travel ONLY back in time? What period of history would you travel to? What would you do there? If you could take one thing for the people from the past century what would it be?

17. In your opinion, why are more and more schools requiring uniforms? What effects do uniforms have on students, teachers, and education? Why do people in certain professions have to wear uniforms? Is this a good or bad thing and why?

18. What do you think are the best reasons to play sports? What can we learn from playing sports, either in a team or individually? What life lessons have you learned from playing sports? If you could take up any sport, what would it be?

19. Talk about a holiday that is celebrated in another country. What are the most important or interesting parts of this holiday? Is the holiday celebrated in Ukraine as well? What holiday unites the peoples of Europe?

20. Some school subjects are considered more important than others. Which do you think they are, and how do students benefit from taking these classes? Do you think that physical education and art are of any importance to the young generation? Why or why not? What new subjects would you like to have introduced at your school?

Writing Comprehension Test for 9^th Form Students

1. Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information causes problems. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific examples to justify your opinion.

2. Woodrow Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together.” Do you agree? Why or why not? How can this be applied to global politics? How can this be applied to your personal life? What personal qualities do you think will help to form a deep and lasting friendship?

3. Nearly every nation in the world has its own flag, anthem, and emblem. What purpose do these national symbols serve? Do you identify with any national symbols? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having national symbols? What person in your opinion is a symbol of Ukrainian national pride?

Speaking Comprehension Test

For 10^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a deep breath and begin.

Speaking Comprehension Test for 10^th Form Students

1. Vegans are people who do not eat meat, dairy, or any animal products at all, including eggs. What reasons might a person have for becoming a vegan? Do you think veganism is a good lifestyle choice? Why or why not? Imagine a vegan friend is coming to dinner. What would you serve?

2. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. How have humans affected this natural resource? Can the situation be improved or has too much damage been done already? Explain your point of view.

3. Some would say it is important to have many friends, while others would argue that it is better to have a small group of friends. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a large group of friends? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a smaller group of friends? Do you feel it is more important to have many friends or few? Why?

4. Imagine that Ukraine has decided to colonize a new planet and you have been chosen to go into space. If you could take only five things with you, what would you take? What would you miss most about Ukraine? What are the first three things you would do on the new planet?

5. School uniforms are becoming more popular in Ukraine, but students don’t always seem to like them. In your opinion, why are more and more schools requiring uniforms? What effects do uniforms have on students, teachers, and education? Why do people in certain professions have to wear uniforms? Is a uniform required at your school?

6. Books have a positive influence on many peoples’ lives. What childhood books influenced you most? What do you think are the most important elements of a good story? If you could be any character from literature, who would you be and why?

7. You have been chosen to form a new band. You will be in charge of creating the band’s image and sound. What kind of music will your band perform? Why? How will you select your performers, and where will you find them? What name will be given to your new band?

8. Many people think that parents are the most important role models. Are your parents your role models? If not, who are your role models? What qualities do you feel are important for being a good role model? What responsibilities do role models have?

9. People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? What clothes do you wear, and does it influence your behaviour? How can someone’s appearance affect the way people judge them?

10. Holidays are a special period of time to spend with friends and family. What is your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate this holiday? What interesting tradition(s) do your family have? If you could introduce a holiday or a tradition from a foreign country into Ukraine, what would it be?

11. Some people say that the content of mainstream media such as TV, movies, video games, and the Internet have a negative influence on young people. Do you think that the media influence young people negatively? What are some positive and negative aspects of the content of these media? If there are any negative effects, what can we do to combat them?

12. You speak with teachers on a daily basis. What do you think of teaching as a profession? Is it important or not? Is it hard or easy? What position do teachers occupy in our society? How do you think the profession of teaching will change in your lifetime?

13. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” How do you interpret this American saying? What does it mean to you? What would life be like if money did grow on trees? Do you think Ukrainian and American people differ in making money? Can money make a person happy?

14. Many actors’ and musicians’ lives take place in the spotlight. Do you believe that the public should have access to the lives of celebrities? Why? Which celebrities do you feel are the most interesting? How do celebrities influence your life and the lives of pupils at your school?

15. The Internet has provided the world with a wonderful tool for communication. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet? How has the Internet allowed people from different cultures to communicate? In what ways has the Internet changed our society?

16. Imagine that you have been asked to write a travel guide to Ukraine. What cities would you recommend, and what attractions should people see in these cities? Do you think it is important that visitors to Ukraine also experience life in a village? Why? Why not? What natural wonders of Ukraine would you suggest visiting?

17. Historically, baseball has been America’s favourite sport. Now many Americans prefer basketball or American football. Is there a favourite sport of Ukrainians? Why do Ukrainians love this sport so much? Do you think the favourite sport of Ukrainians will ever change? Explain.

18. Fifty percent of the world’s population now lives in urban areas. Why do you think so many people want to live in cities rather than in towns or villages? Do you think the number of people living in cities will continue to increase? Why? Do you think urbanization has a positive or a negative effect on societies? Why?

19. Most people agree that eating junk food such as chips, cookies, and candies is not good for our health, yet almost everyone eats these things anyway. Do you eat junk food? Why? Which are your favourites? What other bad habits do people have that affect their health negatively ? What would life be like if we always did what was best for us and never made poor decisions?

20. Do you think all children should study art at school? How great is your interest in art? What kind of art do you like – paintings, sculpture, ceramics, etc? Does art change the way you think or feel? Do you think painting can really be worth a million (or more) dollars? Do you think anyone can be an artist or do you need a special talent?

Writing Comprehension Test

For 10^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks. Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

Writing Comprehension Test for 10^th Form Students

1. The Olympics occur every four years in a different city around the world. This sports event has become an international tradition. People seem to stop what they do to be able to watch the games during the two weeks they take place. But, what would happen if the Olympic games were cancelled? How would the world respond? What would people do? Write an essay describing what the world would be like without the Olympics and your feelings about it.

2. Mobile phones have become popular around the world. People depend on mobile phones to do their daily jobs or to keep in contact with other people. But what would the world be like without mobile phones? Has this invention truly improved the quality of life of those who use them? If you could invent something new, what would it be? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed.

3. A holiday is a special time when people excitedly exchange meaningful presents showing their love for one another. What do you think is better: to give or to receive presents? Why? What presents do you especially wish for? Why do you want these things? If you had the money or ability to give anything to one person in the world, what would you give, whom would you give it to, and why?

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

peaking Comprehension Test

For 11^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a deep breath and begin.

Speaking Comprehension Test for 11^th Form Students

1. “Look before you leap” is a popular saying. Is it important to think before you act in every situation? In which situations is it most difficult to think before you act? Describe an experience in your life when you did not follow this advice, and explain the consequences.

2. Many people have exotic animals as pets–everything from birds to tigers. Are the dangers of owning exotic pets greater than the danger of keeping ordinary pets? Do you think it is cruel to own exotic animals as pets? Should there be laws limiting the types of animals people can own as pets?

3. People often wish to be someone else. Have you ever wanted to be anyone else, even for one day? Who and why? Do you think that other people want to be you? Explain? Does a wish to be someone else make one’s life better or worse? Explain.

4. Imagine you are in possession of a time machine that allows you to travel ONLY back in time. What period of Ukrainian history would you travel to? What would you do there? If you could change the course of events, what would you like to change and why?

5. Many young people have role models they admire. Who do you think is a good role model for young people in your country? Why? Would you consider yourself to be a role model? Do you have a role model? If yes, do you consider your role model to be successful? Does success depend on individual effort or on luck? Why?

6. Imagine you are friends with a time traveller. Your friend has just arrived in 2013 from 100 years ago. What will be the biggest surprise for your new friend? How will you help guide your friend through modern life? Explain. What challenges will you and your friend face?

7. In the Harry Potter fantasy series, pupils at Hogwarts School are divided into four houses by a magical hat that can see into their minds. The bravest are sent to Gryffindor, the cleverest to Ravenclaw, the hardworking and loyal to Hufflepuff, and the cunning and resourceful to Slytherin. Do you think any of the above characteristics are better or worse than the others? Is one house ‘the best’? If you were to try on the hat, which house do you think you would belong to? Why? If all students at your school were sorted like this, how would that change the divisions of class groups?

8. Imagine that you are the owner of a new restaurant. What type of restaurant would you like to own? What three dishes would your restaurant be known for? What issues do you have to keep in mind when owning and operating a restaurant?

9. Imagine that in your city an old historical building is being considered for demolition in order to make way for a modern facility. Should your city try to preserve its old historic building or replace it with a modern building? Would the city benefit more from an old building or a modern facility? How much attention should be drawn to historical sites?

10. Eating organic food (food grown without chemicals) has become very popular. Why do people prefer organic food to inorganic one? How have supermarkets and fast food restaurants responded to this trend? Do you think this trend will last? Why or why not?

11. Many people have a ‘dream profession,’ or a job that they would love to have throughout their lives. What is your ‘dream profession’? Why would you choose this profession? What steps would you have to take to achieve professionalism in this sphere of human activity?

12. Because of increasing globalization, many cultures are losing some of their own traditions while gaining those of others. What do you think about this phenomenon? How important are your cultural traditions to you? What are the disadvantages of losing your own cultural traditions? What are the advantages of knowing culture and traditions of others?

13. The film industry is currently releasing a series of new films, many of which were originally books. Some say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but others believe that nothing can replace a good book. Do you think that classic books should be made into films? How do books benefit from being made into films? What do they lose?

14. You are appointed the principal of your school for a day. What challenges might you face as a principal? What changes, if any, would you make to your school and your school’s routine? Do you think that being a principal is an easy or difficult job? Why or why not?

15. A ‘Round the World’ ticket is a special deal most major airlines offer. With it, a passenger can choose multiple destinations and fly between them for one set price as long as he or she travels in one direction. Design your own trip and choose three to five destinations. Why would you want to go to these places? What are the advantages of seeing them all in one trip? What would you need to take with you?

16. Online journals and blogs are becoming increasingly popular. Often, people who publish online diaries write about personal events and feelings, and allow anyone on the Internet to read them. What is the appeal of online journals? What are the consequences of publishing personal thoughts online instead of writing about them in a private diary? Do you keep a diary, online or otherwise? If not, which format would appeal to you more, and why?

17. Television shows like “American Idol” and “Fabryka Zirok” have become incredibly popular in recent years. Ordinary people present their talents before judges and a viewing audience, and if they are well-received, they have a chance of becoming stars. What does it mean to be a ‘celebrity’ today — is talent the most important thing? Are shows like these a good way to discover unknown talent? Do all talented people have equal chances of achieving fame?

18. A utopia is described as an ideal community or society. Describe your ideal society. Who would be invited to live in your society? Who would be excluded from your society? Whose rights would be primarily protected in your ideal society? Is there any community or society nowadays that looks like an ideal one?

19. The level of medical care today is much higher than it was in the past. Doctors continue to acquire more knowledge that helps them treat patients effectively. In your opinion, what is the biggest medical advancement that has been made in the last one hundred years? In contrast, what is the biggest medical problem currently facing the world? Describe a time when you or someone you know benefited from a high level of medical care.

20. Mother Teresa said, “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” How are young people in Ukraine involved in improving their communities? What challenges do young Ukrainians face when they try to improve things person to person? What do you personally do to improve lives of the people around you?

Writing Comprehension Test

For 11^th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks. Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

Writing Comprehension Test for 11^th Form Students

1. Pirated products are sold all around the world. They are cheaper than the original products and widely available. However, they are illegal. Write an essay listing the advantages and disadvantages of using pirated products. Are you for or against selling and using them? What would happen if they were not allowed anywhere at all any longer?

2. Some people claim that libraries with paper books are becoming obsolete with the developments in media. Do you agree? What role will libraries play in your future and that of your peers? Can anything be done to keep libraries from becoming a thing of the past? Do you think there is any difference in information coming from the printed pages of a book and a computer screen?

3. You have been called upon to create a new national holiday for Ukraine. What person or event do you choose to honour, and why? When will you have the holiday, and how will this affect the celebration? What traditions will be associated with this holiday? Why will this holiday appeal to the citizens living in our country?