Examiner: Good morning/afternoon. Can you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good morning. My name is Wara.
Examiner: Thank you. And where are you from?
Candidate: I’m from Indonesia.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let’s talk about science. Did you like studying science when you were at school? Why or why not?
Candidate: Not particularly, to be honest. The main issue was that our school didn’t have a proper laboratory, so science lessons were quite theoretical and textbook-based. We’d read about experiments and chemical reactions, but we never actually got to conduct them ourselves, which made it quite dry and difficult to really grasp the concepts. I think I would have been much more engaged with science if we’d had hands-on practical sessions where we could actually see these phenomena happening.
Examiner: What do you remember about your science teachers at school?
Candidate: I remember Ibu Karsanah quite well – she was my biology teacher. What stood out about her was her remarkable ability to memorize countless Latin names for plants and animals. She could recite scientific nomenclature without even glancing at a textbook, which was quite impressive. Though I must admit, while her knowledge was extensive, the teaching style was quite traditional – lots of memorization and note-taking rather than interactive learning.
Examiner: How interested are you in science now? Why or why not?
Candidate: Not particularly interested, I’d say. The main reason is that I don’t really use scientific knowledge in my daily life or work. I’m in the public works sector, specifically water and sanitation infrastructure, so while there’s certainly some technical knowledge involved, it’s more engineering and policy-focused rather than pure science. I occasionally read about scientific breakthroughs if they appear in the news, but I don’t actively seek out scientific content or follow developments in the field.
Examiner: What do you think has been an important recent scientific development? And why?
Candidate: I think one fascinating recent development is the creation of microrobots that can be used to improve blood flow in the human body. From what I’ve read, these tiny robots can be guided through blood vessels to target specific areas, potentially treating blockages or delivering medication precisely where it’s needed. This is significant because it could revolutionize how we treat cardiovascular diseases, which are one of the leading causes of death globally. The precision and minimally invasive nature of this technology could mean fewer complications and faster recovery times for patients compared to traditional surgery.
Examiner: Now, I’m going to give you a topic and I’d like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. Before you talk, you’ll have one minute to think about what you’re going to say, and you can make some notes if you wish. Do you understand?
Candidate: Yes, I understand.
Examiner: Here’s your topic. I’d like you to describe a tourist attraction in your country that you would recommend.
[One minute preparation time]
Examiner: All right? Remember, you have one to two minutes for this. Don’t worry if I stop you. I’ll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?
Candidate: Yes, certainly. I’d like to recommend the Pawai Ogoh-Ogoh in Bali, which is an absolutely spectacular cultural event and tourist attraction.
This takes place in Bali, specifically across various towns and villages throughout the island, though the most impressive processions are usually in Denpasar, the capital, and in Ubud. The event happens annually on the eve of Nyepi, which is the Balinese Day of Silence, usually falling around March or April according to the Balinese calendar.
What visitors can see is truly extraordinary. Ogoh-ogoh are massive demonic effigies – enormous papier-mâché sculptures representing evil spirits and mythological creatures from Hindu-Balinese tradition. These sculptures can be several meters tall and are incredibly detailed, featuring fierce expressions, elaborate costumes, and vibrant colors. In the evening, local communities parade these giant figures through the streets accompanied by traditional gamelan music, which creates this thunderous, dramatic atmosphere. The carriers actually shake and rotate the ogoh-ogoh as they march, making the demons appear to come alive in the flickering torchlight. At the end of the procession, the effigies are traditionally burned or destroyed, symbolizing the purification of the environment from negative spirits before Nyepi begins.
What makes this particularly special for tourists is that they’re witnessing authentic Balinese Hindu tradition, not something staged purely for visitors. The community involvement is remarkable – local youth groups spend weeks or even months constructing these elaborate sculptures, and there’s genuine pride and competition between different villages to create the most impressive ogoh-ogoh.
I would recommend this attraction for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a deeply immersive cultural experience that offers insight into Balinese Hindu philosophy and artistic traditions. Secondly, the visual spectacle is simply stunning – the combination of the massive sculptures, the energetic procession, the music, and the nighttime atmosphere creates unforgettable memories. Finally, it occurs just once a year, which makes it feel exclusive and special compared to attractions available year-round. Visitors can also combine this with experiencing Nyepi the following day, when the entire island goes silent – no lights, no noise, no activity – which is equally fascinating.
Examiner: Have you personally attended this event?
Candidate: I haven’t attended the full procession myself, unfortunately, but I’ve seen footage and photographs, and I’ve spoken with Balinese colleagues who’ve described it in great detail. It’s definitely on my personal list of things to experience.
Examiner: We’ve been talking about tourist attractions, and I’d like to discuss with you one or two more general questions related to this. Let’s consider first of all museums and galleries. What are the most popular museums and art galleries in Jakarta?
Candidate: In Jakarta, the National Museum of Indonesia, often called Museum Gajah because of the elephant statue at the front, is certainly one of the most prominent. It houses an extensive collection of Indonesian artifacts, from prehistoric times through various kingdoms to the colonial period. For contemporary art, Museum MACAN – which stands for Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara – has become quite popular since it opened relatively recently. It showcases both Indonesian and international contemporary art. There’s also the Jakarta History Museum, or Museum Fatahillah, located in the old town area of Kota Tua, which gives visitors insight into Jakarta’s colonial past. Additionally, the National Gallery of Indonesia is important for those interested in Indonesian fine arts. However, I must say that museum culture in Indonesia isn’t as developed as in some Western countries – many Indonesians still view museums as somewhat boring or purely educational rather than as entertaining cultural destinations.
Examiner: Do you believe that all museums and art galleries should be free?
Candidate: That’s an interesting question, and I think there are valid arguments on both sides. In principle, I believe that cultural and educational institutions should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background, because they play such an important role in education, preserving heritage, and fostering cultural understanding. Free admission would certainly encourage more people, particularly lower-income families and students, to visit and benefit from these resources. However, the practical reality is that museums and galleries have substantial operating costs – maintaining collections, paying staff, creating exhibitions, and preserving artifacts all require significant funding. If admission is free, the money must come from somewhere, typically government subsidies or private donors, and that’s not always reliable or sufficient. Perhaps a balanced approach would be more realistic – charging modest fees for general admission while offering free entry on certain days of the week or month, or providing free access to specific groups like students, seniors, or low-income families. Some museums also implement a “suggested donation” model, which maintains accessibility while encouraging contributions from those who can afford it.
Examiner: What kinds of things make a museum or art gallery an interesting place to visit?
Candidate: I think several factors contribute to making museums and galleries engaging. Firstly, interactive and immersive exhibits tend to be far more compelling than static displays behind glass – when visitors can touch, manipulate, or participate in some way, they’re much more likely to connect with the content and remember it. Good storytelling is also crucial; rather than just presenting objects with dry factual labels, the best museums weave narratives that help visitors understand the human stories behind artifacts and their historical context. The physical environment matters too – good lighting, clear layout, comfortable spaces to rest, and even the architectural design of the building itself can enhance the experience. Variety in the collection is important as well; museums that offer diverse perspectives or rotate their exhibitions regularly give people reasons to return. I also think modern museums benefit from incorporating technology thoughtfully – augmented reality, audio guides, or digital interactive displays can bring exhibits to life. Finally, relevance to visitors’ lives and interests makes a huge difference. Museums that can connect their collections to contemporary issues or present them in ways that resonate with current audiences tend to be more successful at engaging people.
Examiner: Why, do you think, do some people book package holidays rather than travelling independently?
Candidate: There are several practical and psychological reasons for choosing package holidays. The most obvious is convenience – package holidays handle all the logistics like accommodation, transportation, and itinerary planning, which saves enormous time and mental energy. For people with limited vacation time or those who find travel planning overwhelming, this is incredibly appealing. There’s also the cost factor; package holidays can sometimes be more economical because tour operators negotiate bulk rates with hotels and airlines, passing some savings to customers. Security and peace of mind play a role too – knowing that there’s a tour operator responsible if something goes wrong, having 24-hour support, and traveling with a group can be reassuring, particularly for less experienced travelers or those visiting unfamiliar or perceived-as-risky destinations. Some people also appreciate the social aspect – package tours provide built-in companionship, which is attractive to solo travelers or those who enjoy meeting new people. Additionally, for complex destinations where language barriers, cultural differences, or safety concerns exist, having a guide who knows the local context can significantly enhance the experience. That said, package holidays do sacrifice flexibility and spontaneity, which is why some travelers, including myself, prefer independent travel despite its challenges.
Examiner: Would you say that large numbers of tourists cause problems for local people?
Candidate: Yes, absolutely, overtourism has become a significant issue in many destinations worldwide. The most visible problem is overcrowding – when popular sites are inundated with tourists, it degrades the experience for both visitors and locals. Residents in tourist-heavy areas often face increased cost of living, particularly housing, as properties are converted to short-term rentals or Airbnbs rather than being available for local residents, which can price people out of their own neighborhoods. There’s also cultural dilution; when local traditions and practices are commodified and performed primarily for tourists, they can lose their authentic meaning and significance. Infrastructure strain is another serious concern – transportation systems, waste management, and public facilities designed for a certain population can become overwhelmed. Environmental damage often follows large tourist numbers, with increased pollution, waste, and physical degradation of natural sites. In places like Bali, for instance, there’s been growing tension between the economic benefits tourism brings and the negative impacts on daily life, environment, and culture. Some destinations have started implementing measures like tourist caps, higher fees, or time-slot reservations to manage these issues, though finding the right balance between economic benefits and sustainability remains challenging.
Examiner: What sort of impact can large holiday resorts have on the environment?
Candidate: Large holiday resorts can have quite devastating environmental impacts if not managed responsibly. Water consumption is a major concern – resorts with swimming pools, golf courses, and landscaped gardens consume enormous quantities of water, which can strain local water supplies, particularly in areas where water is already scarce. This is especially problematic in tropical developing countries where local communities may struggle with water access while nearby resorts maintain lush green lawns. Energy consumption is another issue, particularly for the air conditioning, heated pools, and constant lighting that many resorts provide. Waste generation is substantial as well – resorts produce massive amounts of garbage, food waste, and plastic, and in places with inadequate waste management infrastructure, this can lead to pollution of land and marine environments. Coastal resorts particularly can damage fragile ecosystems; the construction of beachfront properties often involves clearing mangroves, which are crucial for coastal protection and marine biodiversity, or building on coral reefs. The ongoing operation of resorts can cause further damage through sewage discharge, chemical runoff from pools and landscaping, and physical damage from water sports activities. However, I should note that there’s growing awareness of these issues, and some resorts are implementing more sustainable practices – using renewable energy, treating and recycling water, sourcing food locally, and contributing to conservation efforts. The key is proper regulation and enforcement by governments, as well as consumer pressure for environmentally responsible tourism.
Examiner: Thank you very much. That is the end of the speaking test.
Candidate: Thank you.
