The VNU-EPT Speaking test, especially the part about introducing yourself and your hobbies, is often considered the easiest starting point. However, it is a golden opportunity to make a great first impression on the examiner. A smooth, confident, and engaging start not only helps you score points but also builds a solid psychological foundation for the more complex parts that follow. This article will provide a detailed sample response, a smart structure, and a valuable vocabulary list to help you completely conquer this section.

How to Make a Memorable Self-Introduction in VNU Speaking?

Instead of a dry introduction, turn it into a short story about yourself. An effective structure not only helps you present information coherently but also demonstrates your ability to organize ideas logically. Here is a suggested structure you can adapt:

• Greeting: Start politely and friendly. "Good morning/afternoon, examiner. It's a pleasure to be here today."
• Name: State your name clearly. "My name is [Your Name], you can call me [Nickname if any]."
• Basic Information: Briefly mention your age, hometown, or major. "I'm a [your year] student at [University Name], majoring in [Your Major]." or "I come from [City/Province Name], a city well-known for [a notable feature]."
• Add an Interesting Detail: This is where you can stand out. Share a goal, a passion related to your studies, or an interesting fact about yourself. For example: "What I find most fascinating about my major is [an interesting aspect], and I aspire to become a [dream job] in the future."

Adding a small but significant detail will make the examiner remember you and show that you are not just reciting a pre-written script.

How to Answer Questions About Hobbies in VNU Speaking Part 1?

When asked about your hobbies, don't just say "I like reading books" and stop. Expand your answer to showcase your language skills and personal depth. The "AREA" (Answer - Reason - Example - Alternative) formula is an excellent tool:

• Answer (Directly): State what your hobby is. "In my free time, I'm particularly keen on landscape photography."
• Reason: Explain why you like that activity. How does it make you feel? "I find it incredibly therapeutic as it allows me to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature."
• Example: Talk about a specific experience or describe the hobby in more detail. "For instance, last month I went on a trip to Ha Giang and captured some breathtaking photos of the rice terraces during sunrise. It was an unforgettable experience."
• Alternative: You can mention another hobby or a contrasting feeling. "Besides photography, I also enjoy reading. My current journey in English test preparation has opened up a new world of English literature that I'm eager to explore."

Applying this structure helps make your answer deep, complete, and demonstrates a rich vocabulary.

Complete VNU Speaking Sample: Introducing Yourself and Hobbies

Below is a complete sample response that you can refer to and adapt for yourself.

Examiner: Good morning. Can you tell me your full name, please?

Candidate: Good morning. My full name is Nguyen Minh Anh, but you can just call me Anh for short. It's a pleasure to be here today.

Examiner: Alright, Anh. To start, could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Candidate: Certainly. I'm currently a third-year student at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, majoring in Information Technology. I come from Hai Phong, a port city famous for its vibrant culinary scene, especially the iconic 'banh da cua'. I've always been passionate about technology and how it can solve real-world problems. What fascinates me most about my major is the field of Artificial Intelligence. I find the concept of creating intelligent systems that can learn and adapt truly captivating, and I aspire to work as an AI specialist after graduation.

Examiner: That sounds very interesting. Now, let's talk about what you do in your free time. What are some of your hobbies?

Candidate: I have a few hobbies that help me unwind and maintain a balanced lifestyle. First and foremost, I'm an avid reader. I'm particularly drawn to science fiction novels. For me, reading is not just a pastime; it's a gateway to other worlds and perspectives. It stimulates my imagination, which I believe is incredibly beneficial for a creative field like IT. For example, I recently finished reading 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, and the intricate world-building and technological concepts in it were absolutely mind-blowing.

Besides that, I'm quite active and I make it a point to play badminton with my friends at least twice a week. It's a fantastic way to de-stress after long hours of sitting in front of a computer screen. The fast-paced nature of the game helps improve my reflexes and concentration. It's not just about physical exercise; it's also a great social activity that strengthens my friendships.

Finally, something I've picked up more recently is cooking. It started as a necessity when I moved to Hanoi for university, but it has grown into a genuine passion. I find the process of following a recipe and creating a delicious meal from scratch to be incredibly rewarding and almost meditative. I love experimenting with different cuisines, and last weekend, I successfully made my first batch of Italian pasta carbonara. It was a delightful experience, and it's a skill I'm excited to develop further.

High-Scoring Vocabulary You Should Know for Talking About Hobbies

To make your speech more vivid and academic, equip yourself with some advanced vocabulary and sentence structures.

• Ways to Express Liking:
  • I'm passionate about...
  • I'm an avid [reader/hiker/collector]...
  • I'm keen on... / I'm fond of...
  • I find [activity] incredibly [adjective]...
  • [Activity] is my go-to way to unwind.
• Adjectives to Describe Feelings/Experiences:
  • Therapeutic: having a healing or relaxing effect (e.g., Painting is very therapeutic for me.)
  • Invigorating: making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy (e.g., A morning jog is always invigorating.)
  • Captivating / Fascinating: holding your attention completely (e.g., The plot of the movie was captivating.)
  • Rewarding: providing satisfaction; gratifying (e.g., Volunteering is a truly rewarding experience.)
  • Thought-provoking: making you think seriously about a particular subject (e.g., It was a thought-provoking documentary.)

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid in the Speaking Introduction?

To achieve the highest score, recognizing and avoiding common mistakes is crucial.

• Giving short answers: Avoid one-word answers like "Yes" or "No". Always try to extend your response using the "AREA" formula mentioned earlier.
• Memorizing answers: Examiners can easily spot a memorized answer. Instead, practice based on key points and structures, then speak naturally.
• Incorrect pronunciation: Pronunciation is a key factor. Pay attention to ending sounds, word stress, and sentence intonation. Recording yourself is an effective way to self-check.
• Overusing complex vocabulary: Using advanced vocabulary is good, but only if you truly understand and can use it naturally. Using a word incorrectly can be counterproductive. Clarity and accuracy are more important than complexity.
• Pausing too much: A few natural pauses are fine, but constantly using fillers like "uhm" or "err" will affect your fluency. The best way to overcome this is to practice regularly with a VNU Speaking Sample to build confidence.

In conclusion, the self-introduction and hobbies section is a fantastic opportunity to show your personality and language proficiency from the very beginning. By preparing a clear structure, a few interesting personal stories, and a rich vocabulary, you can confidently score well and create a favorable start for your VNU Speaking test. Good luck!

Related Posts:

• Full Video: IELTS Speaking Sample Band 8.5 with Examiner's Commentary
• How to Ace IELTS Speaking Part 1: High-Scoring Answers for 10 Common Topics
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample: Describe a Person You Admire