Ministry of public education of the republic of uzbekistan

The examiner: Do you know the people who live next door to you?
Test taker A: No, I've never met them. The reason for this is that I'm away most of the time at university so I've never really had the opportunity. I know my family has met them on a few occasions, just for a quick chat, but they don't know them well. I think they like to keep their privacy.
Test taker B: No, I've never met them.
Test taker C: No, I've never met them. I think my parents have, but I don't know who they are.


The examiner: What kinds of books do you like reading?
Test taker A: I don't like reading. Books are boring. I much prefer to play on the internet or just watch TV in my free time. Reading books just sends me to sleep.
Test taker B:Although I think books are great ways to learn, and I know some people love to read, I've never been a great fan of them. I used to read books a bit when I was younger but not much anymore. I read a lot on the internet actually, articles on various topics. So I do read, but it's just not usually books.
Test taker C: I don't really like reading, but I did read a book once. I'll tell you the story. It was set in the 1960's in London. It was about a poor family who were just trying hard to make ends meet as they had so little money. If followed the life of the boy in the family from when he wasyoung until he grew up. The first part of the book was about growing up with his family and his school life...(candidate continues the story)


Follow up task:

• 
  Ask participants to read the questions in Handout 4 and answer them using complete sentences. Allocate 10 minutes.
  

Handout 4 English Conversation Topics

Participant A: Talking about education in English 1. At what age do children start to go to school in your country? Your answer: 2. Is education mandatory (children MUST go to school) in your country? If so, until what age? Your answer: 3. Are most schools coeducational (boys and girls study together) in your country? Your answer: 4. What did you like to study most in your school days? Why? Your answer: 5. Did you have to do a lot of homework when you were a student? Your answer: 6. What makes a "good student"? Your answer: 7. What makes a "good teacher"? Your answer: 8. How do you think education could be improved in your country? Your answer: