Communication

Part 2 sample question

Describe a conversation you had which was important to you.
You should say:
-

when the conversation took place

who you had the conversation with
what the conversation was about

and explain why the conversation was important to you.

Part 3 sample questions
1. What differences are there when using various channels of
communication (face-to-face, telephone, writing)?
2. To what extent do you think the media influences how people
communicate with each other?
3. Do you think there are differences in the way men and women
communicate?
4. Do you think that people become better communicators as they get
older?
5. Do you agree that education has a strong and positive effect on
peoples ability to communicate effectively?
6. What impact has the growth of technology had on the way people
communicate and how do you think this will develop in the future?
Useful Vocabulary
Common forms of communication
-

speaking / talking face-to-face

speaking / talking on the phone / by mobile phone
sending a text message / an SMS (texting)
sending / writing a letter (snail mail)
sending / writing an email
using an electronic messenger service
social networking
sending a fax

Non-verbal forms of communication

-

lip-reading
using body language
using sign language

using hand gestures / signals

using facial expressions

Informal utterances
-

Give me a call
Call me
Send me a text / an email
Text me / email me
Drop me a line (letter/emal)
Give me a buzz (call)
Give me a bell (call)
Keep / Stay in touch
Ill be in touch

Other forms of communication

-

making / giving a speech

speaking in public / public speaking
giving a lecture / lecturing
giving a seminar

Reasons for communicating

-

giving a demonstration / demonstrating

giving instructions / instructing
asking for / giving directions (directing)
asking for / giving advice (advising)
making a complaint / complaining
making small talk / building social relations
exchanging views / opinions
gossiping

Business communication
-

writing a report / proposal / recommendation

participating in a call conference
participating in a video conference
giving a presentation
chairing a meeting

Effective communication skills

-

maintaining eye-contact
projecting your voice
varying your intonation
punctuating your sentences
emphasizing / repeating key words
engaging the listener

Useful Linking Expressions

Giving opinions
-

In my view,
In my opinion,
From my point of view,
In my experience,
As I see it,
Personally, I think
I believe / feel that
For me personally,
As far as Im concerned,
Sample Answer

Qu. Do you think that people become better communicators as they get
older?
I think that peoples ability to communicate does improve with age because
generally speaking, people get more confident as they gain more experience
of life and I believe that confidence is a major factor. On the other hand,
some people may become more self-conscious as they got older, particularly
when they reach certain stages in their life such as adolescence. For me
personally, I feel that Im a better communicator now than when I was
younger.