Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

1. What kind of education system did you grow up in?
   Sample Answer:
   “I grew up in a public education system, which focused heavily on core subjects like math, science, and language. It was very structured, with an emphasis on standardized testing and academic performance. While I found it quite rigorous, I think it provided a good foundation in terms of basic knowledge and skills.”

2. Do you think it's better to study alone or in a group? Why?
   Sample Answer:
   “It depends on the situation. Studying alone can be effective for focusing on specific tasks without any distractions. However, studying in a group can be very helpful for discussions, sharing ideas, and motivating each other. Personally, I think a combination of both is ideal—you can study individually to understand the content and then discuss it in a group for a deeper perspective.”

3. What skills do you think are important for success in today’s education?
   Sample Answer:
   “I believe that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for success in today’s education. Students need to be able to analyze information, think independently, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Adaptability is also important, as the world is constantly changing, and being able to learn new skills quickly is a great asset.”

Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a learning experience that had a significant impact on you.

• You should say:
  • What the experience was
  • When and where it happened
  • What you learned from it
• And explain how this experience has influenced your approach to learning.

Sample Answer:
“One learning experience that had a significant impact on me was a leadership training workshop I attended during my final year at university. It was a week-long program held at a retreat center, where we engaged in a series of team-building activities, discussions, and challenges designed to improve leadership skills. One of the exercises involved problem-solving in teams under time pressure, which taught me the importance of effective communication and collaboration. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me to become more confident and assertive in both my studies and personal life. This experience has influenced my approach to learning by encouraging me to be more active and to seek opportunities that involve hands-on experiences and interactive learning.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think that learning outside of the classroom is as important as learning inside it?
Sample Answer:
“I absolutely do. Learning in the classroom provides the theoretical foundation, but learning outside the classroom offers practical application. Experiences like internships, volunteering, and workshops allow students to develop soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are equally important in real life. Both forms of learning complement each other and contribute to a well-rounded education.”

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some challenges that students may face during their education. Talk together about how difficult each challenge might be and decide which one is the hardest for most students to overcome.

• Lack of motivation
• High academic pressure
• Financial difficulties
• Balancing school and personal life
• Difficulty in understanding certain subjects

Sample Discussion Points:
“I think high academic pressure can be quite difficult for students to manage, as they often have to meet high expectations from their teachers and parents. It can lead to stress and sometimes even burnout. However, balancing school and personal life is another challenge because students have to juggle assignments, extracurricular activities, and their own interests. What do you think?”
“I agree, balancing different aspects of life can be very tough, but I think financial difficulties are a major barrier for many students. When someone has to work part-time or struggle to pay for their education, it can affect their focus and ability to perform well in school. Lack of motivation is also common, especially if a student doesn’t see the relevance of their studies. Which of these do you think is the hardest to overcome?”

Extended Answer:
“I think it depends on the individual, but overall, I would say that financial difficulties can be the most challenging because they often lead to other problems, like lack of motivation or the inability to balance school and work effectively. If a student is constantly worried about money, it can be hard to stay focused and perform well academically. However, each challenge is significant and can greatly impact a student’s education.”

Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

1. Do you think technology has improved the way students learn?
   Sample Answer:
   “Yes, I believe technology has significantly improved the way students learn. With the availability of online resources, educational apps, and e-learning platforms, students have more access to information than ever before. Technology allows for interactive learning through videos, quizzes, and forums, which makes education more engaging and personalized. However, it’s also important to use technology responsibly, as it can become a distraction if not managed well.”

2. What changes do you think should be made to the education system to better prepare students for the future?
   Sample Answer:
   “I think the education system should place more emphasis on practical skills and critical thinking rather than just memorizing facts. Including subjects like financial literacy, digital skills, and emotional intelligence can better prepare students for real-world challenges. Additionally, there should be more opportunities for experiential learning like internships, project-based tasks, and collaborative work, which mirror the skills needed in today’s workforce.”

3. How important is it for people to continue learning after they finish their formal education?
   Sample Answer:
   “It’s very important for people to continue learning after formal education because the world is constantly changing. Skills that are relevant today may become obsolete in a few years, so lifelong learning is essential for career development and personal growth. Learning doesn’t have to be formal—it can come from attending workshops, reading books, or even picking up a new hobby. The ability to adapt and stay updated with new knowledge is key to success in both professional and personal life.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think that online learning will replace traditional classroom learning in the future?
Sample Answer:
“I don’t think online learning will completely replace traditional classroom learning, but I do think it will become a more integrated part of the education system. Online learning offers flexibility and access to a wide range of resources, making it appealing for many people. However, traditional classroom learning provides face-to-face interaction, immediate feedback, and the ability to socialize and network with peers, which are important for personal development. A blended approach, combining both online and classroom learning, might be the most effective way forward.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Standardized testing: Exams that are consistent in how they are administered and scored across all test-takers.

   • "Standardized testing is used to measure students' academic performance."

2. Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information and make reasoned judgments.

   • "Critical thinking skills are essential for solving complex problems."

3. Soft skills: Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with others.

   • "Employers often look for soft skills like teamwork and communication."

4. Burnout: A state of physical and emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress.

   • "High academic pressure can lead to student burnout."

5. Hands-on experiences: Learning by doing, involving active participation.

   • "Internships provide students with hands-on experiences in their field."

6. Interactive learning: Engaging with the content actively through discussions, activities, or digital tools.

   • "Interactive learning helps keep students engaged in the subject matter."

7. Practical application: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

   • "Practical application of knowledge is essential for understanding complex concepts."

8. Experiential learning: Learning through direct experience and reflection.

   • "Experiential learning opportunities like internships can be very beneficial."

9. E-learning platforms: Online spaces where educational content is delivered, often including courses, quizzes, and discussion forums.

   • "E-learning platforms have made education more accessible to everyone."

10. Financial literacy: The ability to understand and use various financial skills effectively.

    • "Financial literacy is an important skill that should be taught in schools."

11. Lifelong learning: The ongoing pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional development.

    • "Lifelong learning is important for staying relevant in a changing job market."

12. Memorizing facts: Learning information by rote repetition without necessarily understanding its deeper meaning.

    • "Modern education is shifting away from just memorizing facts to developing skills."

13. Collaborative work: Working together in a group to achieve a common goal.

    • "Collaborative work helps develop teamwork and communication skills."

14. Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new conditions and situations.

    • "Adaptability is a key skill for success in a rapidly changing world."

15. Digital skills: Abilities related to using technology effectively and responsibly.

    • "Developing digital skills is essential for students in today's world."

16. Face-to-face interaction: Direct, in-person communication.

    • "Face-to-face interaction allows for immediate feedback and deeper connections."

17. Academic performance: The level of achievement students reach in their studies.

    • "Good academic performance is often a result of consistent hard work."

18. Theoretical foundation: The base of knowledge that provides understanding of a subject or concept.

    • "A strong theoretical foundation is necessary before practical application."