Speaking exams can be stressful! What if you don't understand the examiner (考官)? What if you don't get the exact word you need? Don't panic (惊慌)! Remember that everyone gets nervous in exams, especially oral exams. So, don't worry and our tips will help you feel more confident in a speaking exam.

★ Listening to as much English as possible will help to improve your speaking. Listening to songs, and watching films, TV series or video clips will help you feel more confident about speaking.

★{#blank#}1{#/blank#} If you speak English regularly in class, you will find it easier to speak in an exam.

★{#blank#}2{#/blank#} It's not a race. Before you speak, think carefully about what to say and speak a little slower than normal.

★{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Use words and expressions you have used before. If you don't know a word, think of another way to say it.

★{#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you find this difficult, practice with a friend at home. Stand at opposite ends of a room and speak to each other in English. Or speak to each other in English on your computers.

★{#blank#}5{#/blank#} So, take some deep breaths before the exam and try to relax.

    Hiram Fong grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. He began picking beans when he was only four years old to help support his family. Fong also sold newspapers, shined shoes, and worked as a golf caddy when he was a boy. A golf caddy is a person who carries a player's golf clubs.

    Fong began working in Hawaii's government in 1938. At that time, Hawaii belonged to the United States, but not a state. Fong believed that Hawaiians should be able to take part in making laws for the United States government, just as other Americans could. Fong said Hawaii should be a state of the United States. In 1959, Hawaii became the fiftieth state, and Fong was chosen as one of Hawaii's first two senators (参议员). He became the first Asian-American in the United States Senate.

    As a senator, Hiram Fong supported equal (平等的) rights. For example, he wanted the laws about immigrants (移民) to be fairer. He wanted to improve conditions for workers in factories and businesses. He also believed that women and men should be paid the same for doing the same job. In a lifetime of hard work, Fong found more than personal success. His work helped millions of people.

    Mr. Johnson lives outside of the town. His wife is often ill and his six children are studying at school. He works hard but he is often short of money. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    One afternoon, on Mr. Johnson's way home, it suddenly began to rain. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} His wife washed the clothes and shoes for him and aired them outside. Before she went to bed, she brought the clothes into the room but forgot the shoes.

    The next morning Mr. Johnson couldn't find his shoes. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Then he went to the police station and told the policemen about it.

   "I paid ten dollars for my shoes, sir," said the man." Look! I have to wear such a pair of worn-out shoes now!"

    Several days later, the police caught a thief and found the shoes. They were worn-out, too.

    "{#blank#}4{#/blank#}" said a policeman." The shopkeeper told me a pair of new shoes like them costs only seven dollars!"

    "You're right, sir," said Mr. Johnson." I've had them for five years and I had them fixed six times. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}"