Trinity GESE Grade 8: Conversation phase

Society and living standards

  • Has family life changed since your grandparents' time?
  • Are people happier today than they were in the past?
  • Do you think young people should take an interest in politics?
  • Is it important to know your neighbours well?

Personal values and ideals

  • What qualities do you look for in a friend?
  • Do you consider yourself to be an honest person?
  • Do you think it's important to have a lot of money?
  • Who in your life has had the most influence on you and your values?

The world of work

  • Are there any jobs you would never consider doing?
  • Would you rather work in an office, or have a job where you’re out and about in different places, seeing different people, every day?
  • Should young people work part-time while they’re still at school?
  • There are so many problems for people who are unemployed.

The supernatural

  • If someone told you they had seen a ghost, how would you react?
  • Do you believe that some people can predict the future?
  • Do you believe that there are some things that science can't explain?
  • Why do you think some people regularly read their horoscopes?

National environmental concerns

  • Are you worried about the environment where you live?
  • Are cities in your country growing or shrinking?
  • Do you think people in your country care enough about the environment?
  • It’s difficult to teach young people about the dangers the environment faces.

Public figures

  • Which public figure do you admire most?
  • I think celebrities earn too much money these days.
  • Should celebrities have the right to a private life?
  • What do you imagine are the main advantages and disadvantages of being famous?

Trinity GESE Grade 8 Practice Test Photocopiable © Oxford University Press 1

Trinity GESE Grade 8: Interactive phase

1 Keep the conversation going.

BenI'm finding things a bit hard at school right now.

EmmaI'm sorry to hear that. What's the problem?

BenOh, I don't know. I just seem to be under so much pressure.

EmmaHave you spoken to your teacher about it?

BenI couldn't do that! I'd be too embarrassed.

EmmaWell, perhaps you could ask your parents for advice.

BenYes, perhaps. Do you have any study tips?

EmmaWell, what exactly seems to be the problem?

Ben’s statements are in order. Put Emma’s responses in orderto continue the conversation.

Ben / Emma
I just can't concentrate. Even if I study, none of it seems to stick. / A I'm sure he'll understand if you explain it in the right way.
I usually study for a couple of hours as soon as I get home from school. / B I suppose he’s noisy, and that disturbs you.
I'll try that. I also find it hard because I share a room with my brother. / C Have you tried explaining to him how important your schoolwork is this year?
Exactly, and there's nowhere else for me to go. / D Maybe you should have a break first, have something to eat, and then open your books.
Not really. You're right. I'm going to try that. / E I always try to study at the same time every day. Do you have a routine?

2Now you try it.

Work with a partner to keep this conversation going.

I don’t know what to do. I’m really worried about a friend of mine.

Trinity GESE Grade 8 Practice Test Photocopiable © Oxford University Press 3