(CD 2, Track 3)
In part 3, the Examiner will ask you some questions related to the
part 2 topic. This candidate has just given a talk about a book that he
enjoyed reading.
Examiner: We’ve been talking about a book you enjoyed and I’d like
to discuss with you one or two more general questions related to this.
Let’s consider first of all why people decide to write a book. What sort
of reasons do you think people have for writing novels?
Candidate: Well, some people say that every one of us has a good
book inside us, but I think there are many various reasons why people
write. Perhaps they have a political message, but I think that the main
thing is that you just feel that you have a story to tell, perhaps you
can’t not write it.
Examiner: And some people have an ambition to write, don’t they?
Candidate: Exactly.
Examiner: What personal qualities do you think a writer needs to
have?
Candidate: Well, I think the ability to be self-disciplined and to work
alone, to be able to understand people, to get into the minds and
hearts of other people.
Examiner: Do you think it’s something that many people could do?
Candidate: No, I don’t think so, otherwise we would all write that
book.
Examiner: Could you ever write a novel?
Candidate: I’ve had a go, but it was a teenage experiment and it’s
been long gathering dust.
Examiner: Yes. What about newspapers? Do you think newspapers
are a good source of information?
Candidate: Providing you remain aware of the political inclinations of
any particular newspaper, yes, I think it’s a good way of learning
about the news, etc.