Oral Proficiency: A Guide to the Opic Speaking Test and English Interviews

This book is written as a helpful guide for English speaking tests. It primarily focuses on the OPIc test, but it can be equally helpful in other English speaking exams. It contains tips for giving lengthy answers in English and it offers clues to understanding different question types. There are many example answers for the test, which include vocabulary for advanced level students. There is also a list of common English errors, which will help you avoid such mistakes during your exam or interview. Studying the book and doing the recommended activities will dramatically increase the level of your English performance.

A Few Example Answers Include:

I'd like to know about the amount of vacation you get each year, and more importantly, how you normally spend this time.

In Korea, people don't get a huge amount of vacation. I recently started working and, as a new employee, I didn't get any vacation time, at all. The only time we're allowed to take a break is during public holidays. During this time, most people are with their families, but I prefer to go hiking in the mountains. City life can be very hectic, so this small journey into nature helps me keep my peace of mind. In the evenings, I may go out and have a few drinks with friends, especially if there's no work the next day. Apart from that, I spend a lot of the time catching up on sleep. I inevitably feel tired when I go back to work, but the extra sleep helps my complexion.

You indicated in the survey that you go shopping. Where do you usually shop? What do you buy the most? How much money do you usually spend? Who do you shop with? Tell me all the details.

About once a month, I go shopping for new clothes in a place called Dongdaemun market. The marketplace surrounds a stadium and includes many stores, and clothing stalls. I usually update my wardrobe there, so I'm there to buy new pants, tops, and sometimes shoes. The clothes aren't always high quality, but they are cheap and you can occasionally find something nice. I spend between $50 and $100 every time I go. I try to take my friends with me because I need their advice on clothes. Once in a while, I go with my mom. Her taste in clothes isn't bad, and she always pays for my clothes.

What kind of movies do you like to see? Do you like action movies? Do you like comedy or horror movies? What's your favorite type of movie?

I usually see one or two movies a week, and the movies I see can belong to any genre. If I have my choice, I prefer to watch science-fiction or horror movies. However, I often go to the movies with my girlfriend, which means it isn’t always my decision. Her tastes are more refined than mine, so she prefers independent, artistic films to Hollywood blockbusters. Most of the time, I don’t have a problem with her choice in films, and she seems to appreciate it when I let her choose.