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In speaking tests like the G.B.C., you may get questions that you have never thought of before. You should say something intelligent, but you need time to think of what to say.

In the G.B.C. test, the examiner will almost certainly ask about your job. It’s a relatively easy subject because you don’t have to think of a long story or an abstract answer. You can just talk about what you know.

While the words "value" and "values" are deceptively alike, they actually have two different meanings. 

• Value (uncountable) is your worth. What you bring to the table. In Japanese, the equivalent to it would be the word 価値.
• Values (countable, usually used with “s”) are your important and lasting beliefs or ideals. In other words, your principles. The Japanese word here would be 価値観.

Japanese people say "delicious" far more often than native English speakers do. The reason is that "delicious" is a direct translation from a Japanese word that is very commonly used in Japanese. But translating directly from your native language is a big roadblock when you are learning a language.

There is no such thing as a "native English accent". English speakers from Boston sound much different than those from South London, Sydney or Delhi. Sometimes the differences in accents between native speakers can be so great, we can't understand each other!

Speaking tests are meant to measure a variety of English skills, including the ability to communicate with friends or colleagues. Learn how to use an answer structure more appropriate for talking with a colleague, classmate or friend.

Have you had this question on the G.B.C. before? Which city is the best city in the world to live?

I've often heard non-native English speakers say something like, "You had better do it." But to a native English speaker, this sounds like a threat! If "better" is a positive word, why does "you had better" seem scary?

In the G.B.C. test, there are often abstract questions that can cause difficulties, because you have to think very quickly about a topic you may never have considered before. In other words, expect the unexpected!

Use emphatic phrases to make your spoken English more effective.

Keeping motivated is something that everyone struggles with from time to time. Whether it’s motivation to exercise, eat healthy, study, or learn a new language, we’ve all found ourselves lacking the drive and energy to work at whatever goals we’ve set for ourselves.

Here, we are going to look at a very common question which usually comes up at the start of a GBC interview. Of course, the answer to questions about Japanese cultural experiences is a very subjective one. I'm sure all of you will have his or her own answer.

In the G.B.C. test, there are often abstract questions that can cause difficulties because you have to think very quickly about a topic you may never have considered before. In other words, expect the unexpected!

Have you ever said something like this?

A: How was your weekend?
B: It was fine. I could enjoy a relaxing time.

Language is a major factor in what makes humans unique. We use language as a tool to explain how we see the world. But could language actually be what determines how we see the world around us?

Here is a question that you can bet will keep coming up for the next four years: What do you think about the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020?

Today I want to look at a very common question in the G.B.C. interview. It is surprising how many respondents, when asked about the place where they grew up, have very little to say.

This time, we're going to look at a hot potato* that has caused a lot of heated discussion in Japan.

The question we're going to deal with is: What do you think of the legalization of casinos in Japan?

Here is my sample answer:

What do you think is the biggest threat for the world in the near future? Here's a sample answer to that question.

This time, we're going to consider a G.B.C. question about you. As we have mentioned before, personal questions should, in theory, be the easiest to answer. However, because they are considered easy questions, it is important that you have a really good answer prepared.