这些话题是这几次考试中在全国范围内出现频率较多的第一部分，希望同学们好好准备，把下面的话题用自己的话加以改良，脱口而出。成功其实很简单，那就是简单的事情重复做。
第一部分重点话题：hobbies, birthday, swimming,bicycles, reading, cooking, handwriting, party, sport, plan, news, music,friend, weekend, shopping
1: Hobby
What do you usually do in your spare time?
As a matter of fact, I have very little spare time these days. My studies are so important to me that I have given up all my other activities. For example, I used to love playing tennis, but these days I simply do not have the time. In addition, I used to swim often, as I believe it kept me fit without the danger of being injured.
What are your spare time interests?
Well, these days, I surf on the Internet in my spare time. I have just bought my first computer, and love to look for exciting web sites that I have not known before. It is of course very time consuming, so I don't rally have time for anything else. I have to mention that it is an educational activity. For example, by means of web cams （video images from cameras set up at certain places） I am able to watch what wild animals are doing in many parts of the world. I particularly like to watch the polar bears playing with their cubs.
Do you often watch TV? What is your favorite program?
Yes, I often watch TV. My favorite program is called 'Discovery'. As to why it is my favorite, I would like to mention the following. Firstly, it is not science fiction but a documentary on real life events and happenings. For example, it had a program on the latest eclipse of the sun that occurred at the end of the year. Secondly, it often has items about nature. For example, last week it explained how some birds have adapted to survive in a desert.
Do you think watching TV is a waste of time?
No, I do not think watching TV is a waste of time. Firstly, one can learn a lot from watching TV, and secondly, it is a good way to relax. For example, the soap operas help me to relax, while the documentaries are informative. Lastly, I believe that TV has become the best source of information these days. For example, it is a fast and convenient way to find out about the latest news from all over the world.
2: FRIENDS
What does friendship mean to you?
One of the aspects I could tell you about regarding this topic is that friendship is very important to me. For example, I believe that friendship should be the basis for many of our relationships. Husbands and wives, for example, should be friends. In addition, I need friends to help me when I am in trouble. I know this sound selfish, but I feel that it is one of the reasons why I have friends, and they would not mind me saying so. On the other hand, my friends know that I will always be available should any one of them get into some trouble.
Do you have a lot of friends?
Yes, I have a lot of friends. Some of them are only casual friends like my friends at work, but I also have some best friends. For example, I have some friends who I have known for many years. I will do anything to help them when they need me, and I know they would do the same for me.
Do you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?
I prefer to be alone. Please allow me to explain. I like reading, which takes a lot of my time. Reading to me is a way of studying, so I have to do it alone. I often have to check the meaning of unfamiliar words in my dictionary, which is a slow process taking a lot of time.
Do you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?
I prefer to be with my friends. Please allow me to explain. At work I spend most of my time alone in my office. So after work I like the company of other people. I often invite some of my friends over, and we listen to our favorite music, or just chat the whole evening.
Do you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?
Sometimes I prefer to be alone. For example, after a hard day at work I just want to relax without anybody disturbing me. Those are the times that I might meditate on the meaning of life for example, or just savour some fond memories. On the other hand, sometimes I want to be with my friends. For example, over weekends, I like to go out with them and enjoy their stimulating company.
What do you usually do with your friends?
Firstly, we often visit the nearest net bar for a number of reasons. For example, to play computer games or to surf the net. Sometimes we chat to young people abroad. We often spend hours there at a time. Secondly, we like to play basketball. For example, we would challenge another group to play against us.
What do you usually do with your friends?
We usually go to the movies. My friends and I like cartoons very much, so we will look in the newspaper where a new cartoon is being showed and go and watch it. In addition, we like to watch a good action movie from time to time. We find the spectacular crashes and explosions very exiting. These movies are from Hong Kong or Hollywood, and have famous actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Cruise playing in them.
3: News
What are the different ways people get news?
Newspapers, TV, Radio and magazines are the most important channels through which we get the news.Nowadays, Internet offers us a much easier access to the information. Sometimes our friends like to talk about daily events, which provides another way for us to get news.
What types of news do you like?
I prefer TV news to the radio news. I can get a better understanding of the news on TV because I can see the vivid pictures and images. In addition, I feel more convinced of the news through watching some TV interviews. Also, I like international news because I like to keep up-to-date about what's going on in the world in case I'm going on vacation, or need to do business abroad. I also like it because it teaches me about other cultures and that way learn a lot about human psychology.
Do you think children like the news?
No I don't think they are interested because it is soo depressing and kids look for humour in TV also they would be too young to understand what was going on.
Are old people and young people interested in the same （kinds of）news?
It really depends on the individual and not their age. For example: I know young people who are very interested in global events and some elderly interested in celebrity watching, and vice-versa. It is individual preference.
How does the news affect people?
News influences people by only reporting certain things and leaving out parts that could matter. One sided news or journalism isn't news but propaganda in my opinion. It's like the good old saying LeLe always mentioned: Some people would rather believe the lies of Satan than the truth of God.
4: READING
Do you like reading?
Yes. I like reading very much. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I believe that all of us should read a lot. For example, when you read you acquire new knowledge, which in turn will broaden your views on important matters. In addition I also like reading 'Crazy English'. The topics are interesting and short, and the translations ensure that I don't waste time looking up unfamiliar words.
What kinds of books do you like best?
I like cartoons. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I believe cartoons are a special form of art. For example, the Japanese cartoons that are common in China, have excellent illustrations.
What kinds of books do you like best?
I like novels. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I like to read a storyline that is full of intrigue and suspense. For example, many love stories have characters who are involved in all sorts of conflicts amongst them. The most common one known all over the world since ancient times is the so-called 'love triangle'.
Describe a book that you have read recently.
I have read a book about the life of Michael Jordan. I am sorry, but I have forgotten the name of the book. I also like to read Japanese cartoons.
Describe a book that you have read recently.
I have recently read a book about the history of South Africa. It is called ' The Covenant', and was written by a famous American author called James Mitchener. It describes the history from the very first days, up to the present. It covers all aspects of the country, but focuses on the people of the country.
Do you often read the newspapers?
No. Allow me to explain the reasons by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, I use the Internet these days if I want to know what's happening in China and the world. For example, websites like CNN contain all the latest news on world events. Secondly, I like to read about stories in depth, and this I cannot find in newspapers. For example, I often would like to know the history behind a story. On the Internet I can do some research right away, and so gain a broader perspective on the subject at hand.
5: SHOPPING
Do you like shopping?
Yes, I love shopping. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I usually buy clothes for myself. I like to go to the shops and see what they have to offer. I browse around and compare the prices before a buy something. Secondly, I do the shopping of all our household needs. I love to find out about any new products on the market and how they can possibly make my life easier.
6: MOVIES
Do you often go to the cinema?
Yes, I go to the cinema as often as possible. I usually go with some friends to watch the latest action movies or comedies. We have a great time, like for example when our favorite star is playing a lead role in the movie.
Do you often go to the cinema?
Yes, I go to the cinema as often as possible. I believe that films are a wonderful form of art. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, in films there are a wide range of genres ranging from comedy and drama, to horror and science fiction. For example, recently I have seen the drama 'Titanic', which has been described as the most expensive film ever made. The extent to which the producers attended to the details of the original ship was astounding. Another example would be the thriller with my favorite actor Anthony Hopkins in the lead role called 'Silence of the lambs'. It had me on the edge of my seat for most of the time.
Who is your favorite movie star? Describe him / her.
My favorite movie star is Jackie Cheng. He is handsome, and very funny. He always has a smile on his face, and never seems to be worried about the situations that he finds himself in. The U.S. President Clinton went to watch one of his movies with him.
7: MUSIC
Do you think music is important?
Yes, I like music very much. That is to say, I cannot imagine what my life would be like without music. Firstly, I believe music plays an important part in people's lives. For example, we can use it to sooth our minds after a hard day at work, or it can provide us with the rhythm to dance to.
What kind of music do you enjoy most?
I like pop music very much. Allow me to explain. First of all, pop music is lively, and suits me at my age. What I mean to say is that us youngsters like to listen to music that fits in with the way we feel Secondly, usually has a good rhythm. For instance, it is suitable for us to dance on. Lastly, pop music is simple to understand. That is to say, I like it because it is not difficult to understand, and it helps me to relax after I have been studying hard for some time.
How long do you listen to music everyday?
Oh, let me think a bit. I guess I listen to music for about half an hour every day. I would, for example, listen when I get home from school, or in the evenings before I go to bed. On weekends, however, I listen to music much more. For example, I would invite my best friend over to my place, and we would listen to our favorite CD's for a few hours at a time.
8: TRAVELLING
Do you like traveling?
Yes, I like traveling. Firstly, I believe that traveling is always educational. What I mean to say is that the people that you meet along the way are usually interesting. Secondly, I wish I were able to travel more. For example, I have not traveled to a foreign country yet.
How do you usually travel?
In China I like to travel by train. Allow me to explain. Firstly, when I travel by train I am able to see more of China. In addition, the trains in China are convenient and comfortable. For example, I can travel to any city, and I am able to sleep on the train. Lastly, traveling on a train is a social event as well. For example, one can chat to the other passengers about where they are going, and why they are traveling.
Where have you traveled to lately?
I traveled to Dalian last month. My parents and I traveled there by train. We went to see my grandmother who has been ill lately. I enjoyed the trip as I have not been to Dalian before. We did not have the opportunity to sleep on the train, as it takes only six hours to get there.
What kind of places do you like to visit?
I like to visit places where there is a lot of entertainment. For example, I don't like it when we go and visit my grandparents in the country. They live on a farm and don't even have a computer for me to play on. I like to visit the cities where there are movies to watch and nightclubs to visit.
9:WEEKEND
What do you usually do on weekdays and on weekends?
On weekdays I go to school. On weekends I like to go out with my friends. For example, we will go and visit new shopping malls in the city. Then we would browse around all the shops. Sometimes we will sit in a restaurant and have something to drink while we watch the crowds of people go by.
What do you usually do on weekdays and on weekends?
On weekdays I go to school. On weekends I like to stay at home. I can easily spend a weekend watching TV and just relaxing. For example, I like the soap operas like 'Meteor Garden' and so on. I know the different characters well by now, some whom I love, and some whom I hate. I realize that some of the plots are silly and overdramatic, but it is good relaxing entertainment, as one does not have to think very hard to follow the stories.