TOPIC 13: THE BEAUTY MYTH

Possible Questions: 

(Examen de la Escuela Oficial de idiomas de la Comunidad de Madrid)

The ideal of beauty has changed throughout history, which would suggest that beauty really is in the eye of beholder.

Organise these prompts before you talk to the examiners about the topic for 4-6 minutes:

• Modern obsession with beauty
• Beauty and Gender Stereotypes
• Your opinion of plastic Surgery.

Enlace a los Examenes orales (speaking) de la Comunidad de Madrid

(2ª hoja).

Haz click aquí para ver la Infografía (GlogsterEdu)

Nowadays, our society is getting stereotypes of prettiness. We live in a consumer society and material world and there is a lack of values, so we think that having a good appearance is an important thing. If you are physically attractive, it’s believed that it involves power and has a successful life.

Advertising and Mass Media play an important role on it. The tendency is to follow a celebrity who become fashionable or that mark the tendency in the beauty. In these days, there are several stereotypes which are very fashionable, like being extremely skinny, wearing brand clothes…. and besides, the way of behaviour: make-up, hobbies (and so on)…. This situation is very harmful, because it can lead to an obsession and mental illnesses…. specially in young people which are very vulnerable. Youngsters all look the same, they follow the same tendency: clothes, hair, make-up….. Young people are obsessed with this, and it can lead in anxiety, fear, frustration…. they don’t want to feel themselves like a weird. And this situation can be very dangerous.

Beauty world is a booming business. The vast majority of people spend a lot of money on cosmetics, beauty treatment, make-up…. People want to look their best, having a good looking, having fit… So, Plastic surgery is becoming more and more popular. It’s the most extreme way to enhance the beauty. But, it can be very dangerous because it involves a surgery. On the other hand, people who suffer injuries on their skin can use the plastic surgery to improve their looking, and I think it is a helpful solution. In this case, plastic surgery play an important and vital role and it is completely necessity.

As far as I am concerned, I think you have to feel good with yourself, because beauty is a mental thing. And, besides, It’s very important to have a high self-steam in order to have a successful life and to be happier.

TOPIC 10: ADVERTISING WORLD

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS:

• Arguments for and against advertising
• Censorship
• What makes you buy something.
• What particular advertisements you can remember vividly and why

VOCABULARY AND BRAINSTORMING:

Haz click aquí para ver la Infografía (Glogster)

 

POSSIBLE ANSWER:

Nowadays, we all are surrounded by advertising. It is a way of showing people your products or services and make them are bought and used. It is an unavoidable part of everyone’s life. Nobody can scape of it. You cannot avoid it. Advertising world has been changing in a great way, specially with the developing of the Mass Media and Internet. We are been boomed with a lot of information. Most of it, it’s prepared to make us to buy goods.

Advertisements are run by Advertising agencies. They make wonderful campaign strategies in order to create a powerful brand building. Most of the products have to be promoted by publicity campaigns in order to be known by people and consequently to be bought.

There are a lot of types of advertisements. Some of them are playing with our minds. In a way that, there are passing us information that we don’t realize. Not always it works but in many cases, it does. Ads. Agencies are paid by sponsor companies in order to make that certain type of products are known by people. There is a great variety of ads.: some of them are very attractive, funny with nice music…. on the other hand, other ads. want you to think about their messages. These advs. make us to feel impacted and most of them remain in our minds. It is a main outline of advertising campaigns. But, the general propose is make you buy something. Not necessarily, it is a necessity for you, but with the advs., they create our new and false necessities.

During the last years, Internet has changed in a successful platform for publicity. It is cheaper, and reaches a bigger amount of people at any time. New technologies have been a revolution in the way of advertising world. It is the most important source of income for the Media. So that, it is so important to them.

In my opinion, we have to learn to distinguish what we need and we not need in order not to be affected by this advertising campaign, because this campaign’s destiny is for people who have not very clear ideas. People have to be aware what advertisement wants and think themselves what they need. On the other hand, Although, it helps to create a consumer society, advertising world move a lot of money and create a lot of employments.

TOPIC 8: THE MASS MEDIA

Possible questions in the speaking about the topic the Mass Media:

• Changes in the Mass Media during the last years.
• Journalist’s role in the digital era.
• Yellow press:  Do you think that pay much attention in celebrities? Do you agree o disagree?
• Give your opinion about these statements.

Brainstorming and Mind Map:

Haz click aquí para ver la imagen (glogster)

Posible Answer:

The Mass Media involve Television, Radio, Press and of course, Internet, and besides,  all way of communication.  The Mass media can control the opinion public’s interests, and so that it has a vital importance nowadays. On the other hand,  Society never has had a great variety of information than ever before. Due to the use of new technology and specially the internet, we get the free information at the press of a bottom.

So, the role of the journalist and specially  serious press have a great revelance. It is very important that  journalists check their information carefully, and should have the obligation to inform their readers of the facts accurately. On the other hand, it’s very common that journalists concentrate their efforts on famous people, because it can appeal more readers, and therefore more publicity on their media platforms.

During the last years, Yellow press had become very popular and had attracted a lot of readers.  It is a kind of journalism which focuses on sensationalism and a way of exaggerating  news. Generally speaking, it involves famous people’s life, celebrities’s scandals, gossiping, Violent crimes, Royal family  and so on… It is covered by tabloids, magazines, websites… Nowadays, it is becoming more and more popular and successful, and appeal readers’s attention with eye-catching headlines, impressive pictures and so on….. In my opinion, in some cases, the governments are interested in this Yellow press, because people’s minds are occupatied in these banal cases and not the nation’s real problems. It can be very worrying, because this way people have not opportunity to think or to give their opinions,  discuss the problems…..

As far as I am concerned, public opinion can be influenced by the Mass Media, and it’s a terrible situation, because this trends to make people stupid. People have to be aware that they have to read realible news and serious press, in order to be very well informed. So that, the society would create a good knowledge of their society’s problems and realize of the real situation that surround us.

TOPIC 7: FRIENDSHIP AND DATING

TOPIC 7: FRIENDSHIP AND DATING

Ideas and Brainstorming (Your mind can not go blank)

Haz clik aquí para ver la imagen (glog)

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS YOU CAN HOPE IN YOUR SPEAKING ABOUT THIS TOPIC:

• How have the ways of staying in touch with people and dating changed during the last years?
• Which way of staying in touch with your friends do you prefer?
• What are the advantages or disadvantages of each of these options?

ANSWER

Nowadays, the way of meeting people has changed a lot. With the impact of social networks,  online methods to meet new people have increased and got much more fashionable than other traditional ways as meeting people in a bar or at work. Having a social life is very important in people’s lives because it can make you be happier.

Either friendship or between partners, we are generally attracted to people who are similar to us, fairly similar in education, intelligence and what we think matters in life. Besides, Couples usually share religious and beliefs and are about the same age. Sometimes, starting to make friends and as a result the couple’s relationship gets stronger. So that, you can feel attracted to each other, and begin to go out.

Today, the internet is one of the most popular ways for people to get dates. Social networks are a helpful tool to meet new people. There are a lot of relationships that have started online. It is a easy way, because you can speak with unknown people at home, you can express your feelings more easily online and get to know each other more quickly. On the other hand, you can lie more easily, and you can read people’s misleading profiles in a dating site. You should be aware of having reasonable expectations when you chat to speak though social networks.

On the other hand, there are a wide range of posibilities of meet people, for example, in blind dates, speed dates….. Finding a partner has always been complicated proceess. In recent years speed dating has become popular all around the world. It means that a single person have exactly 3 minutes to decide if the person they are talking to, could be your perfect people. Everything involves in a quick conversation. Internet is a good option for people that can’t have a social life. The traditional offline methods are much more effective because you talk to other person face to face, and it is much more trustful.

The most important thing in a relationship is Trust and you  can be available in awful situations. Keeping in touch with your friends is very necessary, even when your friend live far away from you. You should be supportive when your friends feel upset or get down. So that, it’s very likely to have a lot of friends.

Having a good social life is very necessary in our life. If you tend o be self-sufficient and not need many friends, you can end up alone and that is not a good option for your life.

(Nota: El topic en general es muy extenso, no están abarcados todos los puntos en la redacción del speaking. Por eso, en el brainstorming (glogs/imagen) hay más ideas no tratadas en la respuesta, que se nombran con el fin de dar más ideas y no quedarse en blanco)

TOPIC 6: SHOPPING CENTRES.

TOPIC 6: MALLS AND SHOPPING CENTRES

(Examen Escuela Oficial de Idiomas de Zaragoza)

Vocabulary and Brainstorming:

Clicka aquí para ver la imagen de los esquemas (Glog)

Answer:

Since few years back, we are seeing that malls and Shopping Centres are being more and more successful ways of purchasing in our lifestyle. They are huge buildings which are built on the outskirts or commercial areas of our cities. There, you can buy absolutely everything. A great variety of stores are there, in the same place, shops like: supermarkets, clothing stores, shoe shops… (and so on)… There, you can find a wide range of products, but specially you can pick up bargains because there are usually a lot of sales.

All products are well laid out, their window displays are very attractive, sometimes there are a pleasant music, a wide range of products, prices are clearly marked….Everything is thought to customers spend their money, and come back for their following shopping.

Some years ago, people used to buy in the little shops. People have everything at the doors of their houses. But now, many of Corner shops have closed.  Local shops could not compete with these malls.  And now, people do their shopping in this big shopping centres where they buy for the week, for a longer period.

Besides, you can have a lot of facilities to make you have your shopping easier.  They become a leisure centre. You can find cinemas, restaurants…. you can spend and enjoy all the day there, having a lunch, watching a movie, taking a coffee…. It is very common to see entire families spending the day there. It is considered as an outing. It is very important to have a free parking lot there. Besides, normally, these places also have a special place where you can leave your children attended by childminders while you do all your shopping, have sport facilities like ski slopes… (and so on)….

Malls are becoming in a successful way of spending your spare time. But, on the other hand, we are creating consumer societies. The most important advantage is that these malls create employments. But, in Today’s consumer society, malls and shopping centres are appearing as a fashionable way of shopping, and something, like unique to spend your free time, and these way of thinking can be dangerous.

TOPIC 5: STRESS

 

TOPIC 5:  STRESS

 (Examen de la Escuela Oficial de Idiomas de Las Palmas de Gran Canarias)

VOCABULARY

 

Mind Map

Para ver el mind map (imagen del mapa mental) presione sobre el enlace url o abra hipervínculo con el botón derecho.

http://www.mindomo.com/es/edit/9c73c72aeaa241bdb3b1ed147dbc2068

 

ANSWER:

The pressures of modern society can push stress to dangerously high levels. It’s becoming a very common problem in our everyday life. Even, It can get becoming in a terrible illness which can affect our lives.

There are a lot of situations which can cause stress. Although work is the major source of stress for many people, there are other ones like demanding studies, family troubles, noises, everyday responsabilities…that’s means the pace of modern life.  All of that can cause harmful physical effects, increase the risk of heart trouble, anxiety…. The most important thing is that you may know what level of stress you have, so that, you can get rid of your stress and you can have a nice and pleasant life.

Nowadays, there are a lot of quiet and relaxing methods which can overcome your level of stress. Do yoga or oriental exercises are fashionable methods, but there are other ones too, for example, start up satisfying activities relaxing hobbies… (and so on)… Besides, you can change your routine and wind down a bit.. so that you can be less stressed, also having a good laugh is a free way to relax, taking a break if you are run-down, trying  not to work quite so hard, hearing relaxing music…. (and so on). You can feel much more energetic after these methods of relaxation.

It’s not easy to make gradual changes in your lifestyle, but you can have long-term benefits  in your life. Changing your everyday behaviour, you can improve your health, because stress can become a horrible illness which will affect your life.

(This can give ideas to speak in your exam about 4/5 minutes).

TOPIC 2: SOCIAL CHANGE

2 TOPIC: SOCIAL CHANGE

MONOLOGUE: SOCIALCHANGE (ESCUELA OFICIAL DE IDIOMAS DE CACERES)

What social changes have resulted from the increased mobility of people around the world?

·        Multicultural societies.

·        Opportunity.

·        Xenophobia.

_____________________________________________________________________________

2 TOPIC: SOCIAL CHANGE

             Social changes have resulted from the increased mobility around the world. It’s a phenomenon which has happened throughout the history.

               People who lived in poor conditions have travelled to richest countries than their own, to be living in better conditions.

               Getting used to a new life, new language, new customes is very difficult and imply a long time of adaptation. This can create Multicultural societies, which can get a lot of advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage would be create a cultural diversity which all together could live in peace. It’s very important people open up their mind, encourage tolerance towards others ways of life…. So that, we can make the transition into a new society.

               People have to be willing to accept to other country’s people who coming to living with us. We can help them in order to create a much better society.

               On the other hand, there would be other disadvantages too. Sometimes they don’t adopt the culture of their new country. Ghettos and run-downs areas created to them. They live in it and they cannot integrate. So, it may appear xenophobia toward poorest migration, and it can develope in big riots and violent acts.

               As for the Opportunities. We live in a global society. At any time, the Company where you work can send you to work to other country. You and even your family have to be ready to this: open your mind, encourage to know other cultures, learning other languages….. you have to see the positive side and thinking it is an enriching experience.

               Apart from that, Governments have to get social measures in order to improving new housing to them, healt care to them, free classes to study the country’s language…

               As far as I’m concerned (I believe) that young people benefit greatly from living and working abroad. Living in a multicultural society enriches our lifes.Esquema (mapa mental) en Mindomo del topic Social Change:

http://www.mindomo.com/es/edit/15d18e1ed92046508951551863ac8961

http://www.mindomo.com/es/edit/15d18e1ed92046508951551863ac8961  (clicka en el enlace para ver el mapa mental)

(Topic spoken in 3/4 minutes)

TOPIC 1: WORK (I): VOCABULARY/ COLLOCATIONS

TOPIC 1: JOBS (I): VOCABULARY/ COLLOCATIONS

 

Adjectives describing a job:

challenging                        tediousmonotonous                       boring         repetitive                           time-consuming  rewarding                          full-timemotivating                         outdoor demanding                        though     well-paid                            Part time/ full time.

 

Other words related with job:

employer                           employee

qualifications                    career

skills                                  staff

freelance                           self-employed

work experience               Run a business

marketing strategy            Good opportunities

happiest employees          Relevant experience

Retired people                  A working day

Salary/ wages

 

Adjectives related with people:

Commuter

Calculating                       Concerned

Insecure                           Secure

flexible                             Motivated

self-motivated                  Organized

dependent                        Honest

loyal                                 Patient

Collocations/ sentences:

the world of work is changing.

be in charge of

Deal with very difficult clients

He is off work at the moment

I am on maternity leave.

I am a part of a successful team

get promoted to head of department.

I am on a short-term contract.

The Company was losing money.

Out of work: I have been out of work for 3 months.

Get a better job

Get a promotion/ be promoted.

On the dole.

I was sacked

More rewarding than….

Interpersonal skills.

Under pressure

Take a drop in salary

work abroad

 

What makes people happy at work:

 

     

          Doing something rewarding

·        Doing varied work

·        earning a competitive salary

·        Doing enjoyable work

·        Having a good boss or manager

·        Having a good working-life balance.

·        Having supportive, friendly colleagues.

·        Having your achievements recognized.

·        Relaxed atmosphere

·        get promoted.

·        learning from my mistakes.

·        The courage to set out and seek my fortune.

       Being part of a successful team.