Prompts for Part One of the AE1 Speaking exam

SZTE Institute of English and American Studies

Fall semester 2014

1. Reading a good book is often said to be more educational than seeing the film which is
based on it. Do you agree with this view? Give specific examples to support your opinion.
2. What are the qualities of a good language learner? What do you think the most effective
ways of acquiring a foreign language are? Give specific examples on the basis of your own
experience.
3. English is statistically the most popular foreign language in Hungary. Why is that so? Why
did you decide to study English? Do you speak any other foreign language?
4. What do you like about the English language? How could you describe your "relationship"
with it, or rather with its speakers? Have your university studies changed this relationship?
5. Why learn a foreign language? Learning a foreign language takes time and dedication.
Some reasons are practical, some aspirational, some intellectual and others sentimental. Give
specific examples and reasons to support your view.
6. Why is it good to be a university student? Is being a student at the faculty of arts in Szeged
different from other student experiences? In what ways?
7. The city of Szeged is statistically very popular among young people, and university
students in particular. Why do you think that is? Aside from so many students coming here to
study, what is it about the citys options for culture, entertainment, rest, relaxation etc. that
makes Szeged so popular?
8. If you could design two NEW courses for BA English or American Studies majors, what
courses would you design? Give details, including the course title, topics to discuss, type of
activities in class, type and amount of homework, etc.
9. Do you find that motivated people are more successful than unmotivated people? What is
the role of student motivation in higher education? Give specific examples and reasons to
support your view.
10. Hungarian students whose tuition fee is paid for by the state have to sign a contract
promising to stay in Hungary for years after graduation. Do you agree with this policy? Do
you think it will stop the brain drain?