IELTS Speaking Actual Tests 2020
IELTS Speaking Actual Tests 2020
IELTS Speaking Actual Tests 2020
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PART I
1. Islands
1.1. Have you ever been to any island?
Yes, I have! Actually, I lived on an island for 3 months back in 2016. My mother was
offered to work at a resort for 2 years, so I joined them there for 3 months. Island
life was quite an interesting experience!
1.2. Are there any islands in your country?
Yes, there are. There is one famous island called X, famed for its crystal clear water
and white sands. I’ve heard the pagodas are very interesting to visit there, as well. I
haven’t been yet, but I dream of going there for a girls getaway (when women go
on a trip together) sometime in the future.
1.3. Do you want to live on an island if you have a chance?
Not really. Islands are beautiful, but I felt really isolated (separated from others)
when I lived on one before. As I’m an active person, I felt there wasn’t much to do.
Sure, the beach is great, but it gets boring day after day.
1.4. What do you like to do when you are on an island?
Beach of course! Behind that, I like getting to know the local culture and food. I
especially enjoy drinking coconut water fresh off the palm trees and trying local fish
recipes. Moreover, I enjoy getting hair braided (hairstyle) by local people.
2. Makeup
2.1. Do you often wear makeup?
Yes, almost everyday. If I’m just bumming (relaxing) around the house, I don’t bother
putting make-up on. However, I have a very professional job, so I always put on my
best attire (clothes) and make-up when I go to work. If I go without
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make-up, I feel sloppy (messy) and unprofessional. I also like to wear make up
when I go out, just so I feel more confident with my appearance.
2.2. What does wearing makeup mean to you?
To me, it’s a way of taking pride in (be proud of) my appearance. It makes me
feel like the best version of myself. Furthermore, I’m artistic, so I see my face like a
canvas (a picture painted with oil paints on canvas or other cloth)
2.3. Do you give makeup as a gift?
Sometimes, but I’m always hesitant, as I don’t always know the right shade of
make-up to buy for another person. If someone requests make-up, I would certainly
buy it for them. However, I would feel too nervous to pick it out myself, so I would
opt for buying a gift card instead.
2.4. What do you think when you see a man wearing makeup?
Nothing in particular. Everyone has the right to express themselves, so who am I
to judge? I wouldn’t even blink an eye if a guy walked by me wearing make-up.
Actually, I often see it in my city, so I’m quite used to it.
3. Perfume
3.1. Do you like perfume?
Yes, I do! As I'm an athlete who sweats a lot, I tend to (usually) have a strong
odor. Because of this. I buy perfume incase I don't have time to take a shower
before I go out.
3.2. Do you use perfume?
Everyday! I always use it after my soccer practice as well as before dates with my
boyfriend. It makes me feel a lot more feminine and confident.
3.3. How much money do you spend on perfume?
Although I don't earn a great salary, I budget (plan an amount of money to be
spent) to be able to buy a new bottle of Chanel perfume every few months.
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It costs around $80 a bottle. Sometimes when I run out (to finish) of perfume, I
temporarily use a body spray which is around $15 a bottle.
3.4. Have you ever given perfume as a gift?
Hmm let me think. Actually, I haven't. I feel nervous to choose a scent for someone
in case they don't like it, so I would rather (give them a gift card to a department
store so they can choose their own.
3.5. Would you ever give perfume as a gift?
Although I don't prefer it, I would definitely give it as a gift. However, I would make
sure that I knew the brand or scent that they like before I buy it. I know that perfume
is a sensitive gift to give someone!
4. Transportation
4.1. What’s the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
Without any doubt I would say motorbikes. Almost everyone travels by motorbike.
The reason why motorbike is so popular I think is due to their reasonable price and
convenience. They also extremely varied in terms of size, color and quality, thus a
wide variety of choices is available for everyone.
Vocabulary
Without any doubt/There is no doubt that (expression) a phrase expressing
certainty or agreement; yes
A wide variety of (collocation) a number or range of things of the same general
class that is distinct in character or quality.
4.2. How often do you take buses?
Almost every day. Since my house is so far away from my university, it’s impossible
for me to travel by motorbike. In addition, the air is heavily polluted by exhaust
fumes and traffic jams always take place, especially during peak hours. Thus, I’d
prefer to take the bus, to save time, save gasoline and causing less pollution.
Vocabulary
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Exhaust fumes (n) waste gasses or air expelled from an engine, turbine, or
another machine in the course of its operation.
Traffic jam (n) a line or lines of stationary or very slow-moving traffic, caused by
roadworks, an accident, or heavy congestion.
Peak hours/Rush hours (n) the busiest hours
4.3. Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?
Planes and trains regularly depart and arrive on time. Plus, there are many
convenient facilities catering particularly to certain groups of passengers.
However, traveling by plane is clearly time-saving and enjoyable in terms of on-
board services like meals or comfortable seats, while traveling by train offers you
a chance to see the world outside, admire the views from their seats. It’s totally
a great experience for most train-travelers.
Vocabulary
On-board services (n) provided on or within a vehicle
Cater (v) provide with what is needed or required
4.4. Is driving to work popular in your country?
Although cars themselves and gasoline are expensive, a lot of people prefer
driving, possibly because driving is more comfortable in such weather, with such
polluted and noisy surroundings.
4.5. Do you think people will drive more in the future?
If you’re talking about India, no, I don’t think it’s possible, even in the future. Cars
and gasoline are becoming unaffordable for many people these days. Plus, the
transport infrastructure in various regions in India is not appropriate for cars.
Vocabulary
Transport infrastructure (n) the framework that supports our transport system
4.6. Would you ride bikes to work in the future?
Definitely not. Riding a bike means you’re exposing yourself to the unpredictable
weather and to air pollution. What is worse, I’m afraid the main streets or the
highway are too dangerous for cyclists, as cars, motorbikes and
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buses will travel at a very high speed. Thus I’d rather ride a motorbike or take the
bus instead.
Vocabulary
Unpredictable weather (n) to not able to be predicted; changeable
4.7. What will become the most popular means of transport in your country?
I think buses will take the lead. You can travel the distance without much worries
about ticket price or rainy weather outside. Also new buses now offer better
services like comfortable seats for the elderly or good air conditioning systems.
Vocabulary
To take the lead (v) to start winning a race or competition
4.8. Do you prefer public transport or private transport ?
I think I’d prefer public transport. It’s much more inexpensive and because it can
contain a large number of people, it helps ease the intensity of traffic jams during
peak hours and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by vehicles.
Private transportation is more costly in terms of fees, taxes and gasoline.
Vocabulary
Intensity (n) of extreme force, degree, or strength
Greenhouse gas emissions (np) the emission into the earth's atmosphere of any
of various gases, especially carbon dioxide, that contribute to the greenhouse effect
5. Trust
5.1. Who do you trust most?
I would have to say my father. Although we have our differences, I know he is 100%
someone I can count on (depend on). I feel that I could tell him any
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secret, and I know that he would never spill the beans (tell a secret) to anyone.
He is a very trustworthy and sincere person.
5.2. What kind of people do you trust?
I trust people who are transparent, those who are open with their emotions. When I
feel someone keeps everything inside, I wonder what it is that they have to hide, so
naturally my trust lessens. Furthermore, I trust people who aren’t always just
looking out to gain something for themselves, and someone who doesn’t have a
criminal background, especially involving theft.
5.3. Have you ever lost trust in somebody?
Of course! In high school, my best friend and I were attached at the hip (very
close). We used to have sleepovers (when kids sleep at each other’s houses)
almost every weekend, until one day my mother discovered that my friend was
stealing money from her savings jar. Since that day, I felt that I couldn’t trust
someone who would take advantage of my mother who always opened her home
to my friend.
5.4. Do you trust artificial intelligence?
That’s an interesting question. Well, I believe that technology nowadays is
advanced enough to create intelligence, but I wouldn’t say that it’s equal to human
intelligence. While a robot may be better on paper (objectively more intelligent),
they lack feelings, which leads me to believe that they aren’t emotionally and/or
socially intelligent, which ties everything together. So, all in all, I’m not overly
trusting of artificial intelligence.
7. Mathematics
1. Do you like math?
Not at all! Maths has always been my worst subject. While I can write an amazing
essay or learn foreign languages easily, I can't seem to understand numbers very
well. I always feel stressed and frustrated with myself in Maths class for not being
able to think logically.
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2. Do you think females are good at maths?
Hmm, I can't say. I haven't noticed whether one gender is better than the other at
Maths. However, I've heard the stereotype that women don't tend to think as
logically as men, so maybe this affects their mathematical abilities.
3. When did you start learning Math?
Since I was 6 years old, maybe even 5. I remember doing some basic addition
activities, such as counting chickens on the board. After that, we progressed onto
subtraction, and then even multiplication tables and division!
4. Do you think maths is important?
Yes, I do. However, I don't think that advanced math subjects, such as Calculus,
Trigonometry, Geometry, etc. are very applicable in day-to-day life. On the other hand,
basic math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are something
that we use everyday, such as at the grocery store or work.
5. Who taught you maths?
My teachers, with my parents’ help at home. It all started with very basic equations
like “If I take away one of these jelly beans, how many are there?”, which my
parents practiced with me at home, also. But, first and foremost, it started at
school.
6. Is maths difficult for you to learn?
Totally! I tend to have a more abstract (illogical) brain, so I am more apt (able) to
subjects like art, literature, or music. Math was always the class I would dread (not
look forward to) all day. Actually, I even failed Geometry in high school. Do you
like to use a calculator?
Yes! Calculators have made life much more convenient. Thinking back, I can’t
remember a time without them. I remember my high school algebra teacher didn’t
believe in them, which made the class even more of a challenge. However, I agree
with her to an extent because it strengthened my mental math (math in your
head) skills!
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8. Smiling
8.1. Do you like to smile?
I love it! I have traveled extensively and seen that some other cultures smile more
than others. When someone smiles, it brings me positive energy and instantly
improves my mood. With this said, I have taken it upon myself to smile as much as
possible to give others a warm feeling.
8.2. How often do you smile?
As much as possible! I've noticed that even when I'm having a bad day, a smile or
laugh always helps. So, I try to smile whenever I meet or pass someone, as well as
after a bad day.
8.3. Do you smile when you are having your picture taken?
Yes, I do! Although I prefer a more serious look for my selfies which shows off my
bone structure more, I always smile in a group photo. Actually, sometimes I can't
help but to smile because I am having such a good time!
8.4. When do people smile to others?
In many different cases, but I would say usually when they make eye contact with
someone or to people in their workplace. In my country, people usually don't smile
at everyone on the streets because that person may suspect us of wanting
something from them.
8.5. Can you sense (or feel, or tell) if someone's smile is fake?
Yes, I can! I can sense a fake smile but how much it looks forced. When someone's
smile is fake, they smile with just their mouth instead of their eyes. With this said,
you can always tell a genuine smile by the eyes.
9. Time management
9.1 How do you organize your time?
Hmm, well I'm not always the most organized person, but the good thing is that I'm not
a procrastinator (someone who waits until the last minute). I always
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do what needs to be done first, such as my errands or work tasks. After I do what I
need to do, I will then allow myself to relax.
9.2. Do you make plans every day?
No, I don't. I'm more of a spontaneous (unplanned) person. I don't like to plan
every second of every day, as plans can quickly change. I only plan out what I need
to do and how to get it done, but I let my social interactions come up (arise)
unplanned.
9.3. Would you say you manage your time well?
More or less. I'm not the most organized nor disorganized person on the planet.
However, I can say with certainty that I always complete what is asked of me.
On the other hand, I sometimes can't do things like plan vacations very well.
9.4. Are you ever late for anything?
Once in a blue moon (very rarely)! I am a stickler (serious) about time, so I am
almost never late. When I think about it, the only times I've been late for work were
because of a traffic jam or an accident.
9.5. Do you think young people organize their time in the same way?
No, I don't. I think that's too general of a question. I believe everyone organizes
their time in different ways. However, young people tend to have heavy work and
study schedules, so they may not be able to manage their time and tasks as well
as someone who doesn't. So, in this case, young people have to prioritize(decide
what is most important) more.
9.6. What's the biggest difficulty you have when managing time?
I would have to say my social life. As I have a demanding work schedule, I tend to
lose track of time and forget to add in time to spend with my friends and family. I am
looking for a way to manage this better.
10. Flats/Houses/Accommodation
10.1. Do you like a house or a flat/ an apartment?
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I believe most people would prefer to have their own house rather than to rent a
place and so do I. Hence, if I have my way, a house with a small garden would be
my choice since I don’t enjoy the constant disturbance from next-door apartments
and elevator rides everytime coming home.
Vocabulary
Have/ get one’s way (idiom): get or do what one wants in spite of opposition
10.2. What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?
For the past 21 years I have lived in a house with my family. And I think if I can move
out and start making a living on my own, I would try my best to have an independent
place where I can plan and design a house layout to suit myself since sharing a room
or a flat with strangers sounds so troublesome to me.
Vocabulary
To afford (v) to be able to financially support/have enough money to pay for Sth
Suit myself (v) to do exactly what you like/want
Troublesome (adj) causing difficulty or annoyance
To make a living (v) to earn enough to support one’s self
10.3. What do you usually do in your house/flat/room?
Well definitely I’ll spend some me-time there. I study, I chill out by reading,
drawing and dancing all by myself. Sometimes I also invite one or two friends to
spend time with. We’ll watch some movies together and tell each other endless
stories.
Chill out (phrasal verb) relax
Me-time (phrase) time for one’s self alone
To do Sth all by one’s self (phrase) to do Sth alone
10.4. Who do you live with?
I live with my family. There are 5 of us and we all have our own room, which is way
more comfortable as the older we grow, the more privacy we need for ourselves. I
think our house is big enough for us yet still a warm and cozy place that I call
home.
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10.5. How long have you lived there?
Although during my childhood my family had to move a lot, I’ve lived in the most
recent house for almost ten years. Comparing to the old houses, I think this house
has been the best so far.
10.6. Do you plan to live there for a long time?
The answer would be yes if the respondent is my parents, since moving in and out
is too time-consuming and exhausting. Cleaning and arranging everything all over
again would be like torture to them. For me, on the other hand, as I’m thinking of
moving out to start my adult life, hopefully soon I’ll be able to afford to live in a flat
or an apartment.
Vocabulary
All over again (idiom) used for saying that you do the whole of something
again starting from the beginning, or that the whole of a long process happens
again
Torture (n) great physical or mental suffering
10.7. What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you
have lived in the past?
As I’ve already mentioned my family moved several times when I was younger. And
the most current house where we’ve been living for about ten years is the best
house so far. All of us have separate rooms for our need of privacy yet a big
dining room where we can spend the whole evenings together watching TV or
having dinner.
Vocabulary
Need of Sth/doing Sth (phrase) circumstances in which something is necessary;
necessity
10.8. Can you describe the place where you live?/ Please describe the room
you live in
Briefly, my humble house locates in a small and quite street, so coming home to me is
like all the craziness happened outside is left behind. Just beside my house stands a
big old tree. I have my own room with walls painted violet, which
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is kinda a peaceful color. The air outside is fresh. I usually open the window to
enjoy the wind and sunshine, which will help cool down my room without an air
conditioner. Since I spend most of my time staying at home, my room means the
whole world to me. It’s like a friend who is always there to share ups and downs
with me. So yeah, I would always miss my house, my room whenever I’m away.
Vocabulary
Humble (adj) having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance
To help (SO) do Sth (v) to make it easier or possible for (someone) to do
something by offering them one's services or resources.
To share ups and downs (v) together being through good and bad times To be
away (adj) to or at a distance from a particular place, person, or thing
10.9. Which part of your home do you like the most?
It’s the dining room where my family spends our time together. Not only lunch or
dinner but all our family reunions take place in the dining room where we can
enjoy a harmonious atmosphere. We always try to keep the family dinner as
something we cannot go a day without, since for us it’s the family bonding that
lies behind.
Vocabulary
Reunion (n) a social event for a group of people who have not seen each other for
a long time
Harmonious (adj) friendly and peaceful
To go a day without Sth/doing Sth (v) to feel not necessary to do Sth on a
day
10.10. Why do you think some people invest a huge amount of money in
buying houses?
People certainly have different reasons to buy a property. I believe the most important
one is privacy. You will gain much more independence and freedom to refurbish the
place as you please since you are the owner. Besides, it would
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create a pride of ownership. No matter how small or big your house is, it is yours
to renovate or brag about.
Property (n): a building or buildings and the surrounding land
Refurbish (v): to clean and decorate a room, building, etc. in order to make it more
attractive, more useful, etc.
As one please (idiom): whatever you like, or in whatever way you prefer
Ownership (n): the fact of owning something
Renovate (v): to repair and paint an old building, a piece of furniture, etc. so that it
is in good condition again
Brag (+about) (v): to talk too proudly about something you own or something you
have done
10.11. Should we live in a flat or a house?
It heavily depends on people’s preference and affordability since each type of
property has its own perks. If one enjoys the modern amenities that an apartment
complex can provide such as gyms, swimming pools and convenience stores and,
of course, he has money, an apartment would be a great choice. In contrast,
houses are usually suitable those who prefer privacy and a quiet lifestyle.
Affordability (n): the fact of being cheap enough that people can afford to buy it or
pay it; how affordable something is
Perk (n): a benefit or advantage that you get from a situation
Amenity (n): a feature that makes a place pleasant, comfortable or easy to live in
11. Reading
11.1. Do you like reading?
Yes, I’m definitely a book worm (a person who loves to read)! I believe that
books are a way to not only escape, but also to gain more knowledge. By the
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same token, people who read tend to have a richer vocabulary and a higher level of
general knowledge, so they tend to have more to converse about.
11.2. What books do you like to read?
I’m definitely a fan of fiction. I don’t know why, but I’ve always been more into
reading about real-life accounts, self-help books, or biographies rather than far-
fetched (unreal) fantasies or science fiction novels. I know it’s an unpopular
opinion, but I’ve never liked Harry Potter or Star Wars!
11.3. What book did you read recently?
I recently read a book by a Buddhist monk called “How to Love”. The book goes
over (reviews) the ways to love someone in a nourishing way, such as giving them
freedom and always searching for understanding rather than seeking possession.
11.4. What did you learn from it?
I learned so much from this book! I learned about different meditation uniques and
some new ideas on how to define love. After reading this book, I felt in such a deep
zen (relaxed) state.
11.5. What was your favorite book as a child?
I remember being very fond of a book called “My Sister’s Keeper”. I recall that it
was the story of two sisters, one of which needed a kidney transplant. Although the
sister was initially apprehensive (scared; nervous) to do so, she ended up
donating a kidney to her sister and saving her.
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12.2. Do you recycle things like paper and plastic?
Always. First, I separate the garbage in my house into paper, plastic, glass, etc
then take it to the recycling bin which is available in my condominium complex.
Along with this, I reuse plastic as often as possible.
12.3. What do you do when you see rubbish on the street?
Pick it up. If I can find a garbage can or recycling bin, I’ll take it there. If I can’t, I’ll
carry it with me until I can dispose of it at my house. I know it’s yucky (disgusting)
to carry it around, but it’s worth it.
12.4. Can you suggest why some people throw their litter on the ground?
I think it could be because of lack of concern, ignorance, or perhaps lack of
education. I think this education all starts at home and school, so they just simply
may not know if they never learned. Furthermore, I think some people simply don’t
care because they don’t think their one small act with have a negative effect on the
planet.
12.5. Would you like to help other people to keep your town or city tidy?
Absolutely! I love to take part in city clean-up activities. It would be my dream to
start my own NGO, so I’m even thinking about creating one with an environmental
cause. Apart from this, I’m a teacher, so I always integrate environmental topics
into my classes.
12.6. Do you think plastic bags are a serious environmental problem?
Very! They aren’t the only subject to focus on, but there is concrete evidence of the
negative effects that plastic has on our entire planet and ecosystems, as it cannot
decompose. I feel very upset when I see videos of animals dying from ingesting
plastic, etc.
12.7. Do you think it's important to protect the environment?
Very! It isn’t something that only affects us, but also our future generations. If we
destroy the planet now, there won’t be a healthy one for our children, grandchildren,
and so on. Furthermore, along with humans, we also have to think about the state
of our ecosystems in order to create a sustainable future.
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12.8. Do you think schools should educate children to protect the
environment?
Of course! Education is a very powerful tool to change the world. We have to
educate them on even the simple steps they can take to create a more sustainable
future, as well as let them know the risks we face. Moreover, we have to show them
the significance of it all.
14. Forest
14.1.When was the last time you went to a forest?
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Hmm, let me think, it’s been a while. Well, a couple years ago, my boyfriend and I
went on a hike through a forest on the border of Germany and Belgium. It was really
beautiful! The pine trees and thick greenery were really impressive.
14.2. Do you like to go to a forest if you are free?
I like it, but it wouldn’t be my first place. Instead of a forest, I would rather go to the
beach or the mountains. There’s something I find a little eerie (creepy) about being
in a forest. I always fear the critters (animals), or even worse the people who
could be lurking around (hanging out) in the forest.
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17. Amusement Park
17.1. Do you like amusement parks?
I love them! I think they are something that all ages can enjoy. I still feel just as
excited about them now as I did when I was a child. There’s nothing like the feeling
of your stomach dropping on a rollercoaster.
17.2. How often do you go to amusement parks?
Not very often anymore, maybe once every few years. However, in the past, we
used to go every year. Nowadays, we go every few years. We’re planning on going
to Six Flags this October for Halloween, actually. They always have a special event
there with haunted houses and costumes!
17.3. What do you usually do at amusement parks?
Rides, eat at concession stands, go swimming, and wait in line for a long time! My
favorite rides are roller coasters and water rides, especially on hot days. For
example, I love the log flume ride where you get a huge splash at the end.
Moreover, I love the wave pools (a pool with generated waves) and lazy rivers
(rivers where you relax and float).
18. Tiredness
18.1. What kinds of things make you tired?
I’m generally a lethargic (tired; low energy) person, so I tend to get tired easily. I
usually start to feel sleepy when I sit in a boring lecture and work in an office.
Moreover, I tend to feel tired when I eat too much or drink alcohol.
18.2. What do you do when you feel tired?
Sometimes I decide to fight it with a cup of coffee or another form of caffeine, or I
simply surrender (give up) and take a nap. However, when I take a nap, I tend to
sleep for too long and feel even more tired afterwards, so it’s better to fight through
my fatigue (tired).
18.3. Who do you usually talk to when you feel mentally tired?
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Just my closest friends or family. When I feel that way, I don’t like to be in social
situations in which I have to meet new people because I feel that I can’t give my
best self to them. I would rather retire to my room to listen to some music and fall
asleep.
18.4. Do you like to talk to strangers when you feel mentally tired?
Not at all. I like to have full energy when I meet new people. When I meet new
people when I’m exhausted, I feel dull (boring) and unable to engage in
meaningful conversation.
19. Work/Study
Work
What is your job?
I’m the founder and project manager for a volunteer organization called Corazon de
Apus. We find local children living in poverty or with difficult family situations and bring
them to a safe place after school where they can learn English with the volunteers
from Western countries, get homework help, and simply play and escape their
problems. We also pitch in (everyone gives some money) to provide them with
school supplies, dental care, and uniforms.
How long have you been doing your job?
This is my 4th year on the job. Actually, at university I studied Finance, but I
realized a 9- 5 isn’t for me. I knew I needed to do a job that helps those in need.
However, my finance skills do come in handy (are useful) in this job!
How was your first day at work?
I felt a little overwhelmed with all the volunteers coming to me asking all the ins
and outs (all the details), but very excited at the same time. All of the stress was
worth it when I saw the smiles of the children. Actually, they tackled me (to jump
on and push to the ground) to ground with hugs! Do you prefer part time or full
time job? Why?
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Well, of course I would rather have a part-time job! If I had a part-time job, I would
invest the rest of my time to do the things that truly interest me, such as yoga,
meditation, see family and friends, etc. I’m sure we would all feel happier if we were
able to do this. Unfortunately, the problem is the money though!
Which job did you want to do when you were a child?
I used to dream of being a zookeeper. I have no clue why I thought it would be
enjoyable to clean up after large, exotic animals! I guess I always loved animals.
Anyway, this dream has passed!
Which job do you prefer in the future?
I would like to continue in the volunteer field, but keep expanding the projects. For
example, I have dreamt of going to remote villages in the mountains and educating
the people about public health, as it is a big problem in Peru. I hope to aid in (to
help) reducing preventable disease.
Study
Describe your education
I’m on a 5 year study plan, so I’ll finish in 2 years. Next year, I’ll begin my internship
at a clinic for substance addicts. I really look forward to that hands on experience.
After my Bachelor’s, I plan to go onto my Master’s, perhaps even my PhD.
What is your area of specialization?
I’m a Psychology major with a minor in Spanish language.
Why did you choose to study that major?
As I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works, I felt that Psychology was
the ideal field of study for me. Furthermore, I believe I have wonderful interpersonal
skills and can easily connect and empathize with others, making me the perfect fit.
What was your favourite subject as a child?
I’ve always loved Art because it helps me relax and well, I’m quite good at it. After
all the strenuous hours of book work in the other classes, it was always a
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relief for me to come to my canvas. I feel that Art is an incredible outlet (a way
to express feelings) for me.
Do you think your country has an effective education system?
To an extent yes, but I also think it can be too theoretical at times. I think they need
to teach us how to use the information we learn more rather than just have us
memorize for the exam. All in all, I cannot complain too much though.
Are you looking forward to working?
Absolutely! I cannot wait to put into effect what I’ve been learning for years now. I’m
eager to help people with the psychological struggles that they face. I believe I can
make a difference in the world.
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20.9. Do you like western festivals?
Of course! They are part of my culture. I especially love Christmas, Easter, and New
Years since they have always been part of my upbringing (childhood). However, I
also find eastern festivals interesting. I lived in Vietnam for 2 years, and I was in awe
(amazed) of the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn festival.
20.10. Where do people usually go during festivals?
Between homes and the streets. We hold meals in our homes for the holidays, as we
value home-cooked meals. However, we are people who enjoy going out, so we often
go out to celebrate at bars or even in the streets. For example, the Christmas Eve
celebration entails going to a bar with friends until the wee hours (early hours) of the
morning, followed by a family lunch the next day.
Version 2:
Do you like travelling?
I adore it! I definitely caught the travel bug (became addicted to) after my first
trip abroad in 2011 to Australia. Since I first discovered the thrill of being lost in a
new place, I have become an avid traveler.
Do you like travelling long distance?
Yes, I do! I don’t mind the long flights or jet lag whatsoever. I am thrilled by
discovering other cultures and customs completely opposite from my homeland.
Actually, I never fear what’s foreign to me.
Do you often travel by plane?
Several times a year, sometimes even once a month. I’m a travel addict, so I
always have my next plane ticket booked to keep me going. Although I don’t have a
high salary, I always find a way to fly via discount airlines and saving year-round.
Would you say your country is a good place for tourists to visit?
For sure! We have a wide range of ecosystems- from the Amazon Rainforest, The
Iguazu Waterfalls, to the pristine coastlines. Brazil has so much rich culture and
festivals to offer to tourists, not to mention the warm, fun-loving people.
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In which season do you prefer to travel?
As I have 4 weeks of vacation in the winter, I prefer to travel during this time. I
usually spend Christmas with my family in Brazil, then travel around to my
neighboring countries. Actually, last year I traveled to Canada and now this year I
will go to Vietnam Cambodia, and Thailand.
What was your first travel in your life?
Fortunately, the first trip I ever took abroad was to Australia. My parents sent me to
stay with a host family in Australia to learn English while I traveled. Along with
Australia, I visited New Zealand the the island of Fiji.
Where do you plan to travel next?
This coming year, I have a trip planned to Southeast Asia- to Vietnam, Cambodia,
and Thailand with my husband. We will begin in Bangkok and discover the islands
and elephant sanctuaries of Thailand, then move onto Hanoi, Vietnam and ride
motorbikes to the south, then enter Cambodia to visit Angor Wat and Phnom Pen. I
can’t wait to discover this part of the world!
22. Playing
22.1. Where did you play when you were a child?
As I grew up in an outdoorsy (someone who likes nature) family, I always used to
play outside in my yard. Since we lived on a large piece of property that was partly
wooded, I often used to play in there and find creatures such as snakes, turtles,
salamanders (a lizard-like animal), frogs, or other critters. As a kid, I was never
afraid of creepy crawlers (scary insects like spiders)! On rainy days, I would come
inside and spend hours by my doll house or coloring.
22.2. Did you play at your friend's home?
Yes, I did! I had a few best friends, so we would often set up playdates (when
parent arrange a time for their kids to play together). All of my friends also had
big yards, so we would play tag, jump on the trampoline, play hide and seek, etc.
One of my friends had a Nintendo Game Cube which I didn’t have, so we would
spend hours playing Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros.
22.3. Did you prefer to play outside or inside when you were young?
Definitely outside! I always had more fun in my sandbox or finding critters (small
animals/insects) rather than sitting inside playing games or watching TV. I know
that no matter how much I change, I’ll always be an outdoorsy person.
22.4. Do you think it’s important for children to play outside?
Very! Nowadays, I feel sad that children are glued to (always attached to) video
games and TV rather than spending time taking in breaths of fresh air. Of
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course some video games and cartoons are okay, but I think children should spend
more time outdoors to benefit their mental and physical health.
24. Hometown
24.1. Please describe your hometown a little
Where do I begin? My hometown is marvelous. It was the heart of (the center of)
the Inca Empire, and is home many ancient Inca ruins, especially Machu Picchu. It
lies at 3,100 meters up in the mountains. You can do a lot of trekking, site seeing,
visit incredible natural landscapes, etc. It’s a perfect mixture of the ancient and
modern world.
24.2. How long have you been living there?
I was born and raised in Cusco. I’ve lived there for my entire life, except for when I
went to Lima, the capital city, to study my Bachelor’s Degree. After that, I needed to
escape the hustle and bustle (noise from a big city) and come back to my lovely
town.
24.3. What do you like (most) about your hometown?
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I love that it’s a mix between the ancient and modern world. Furthermore, I like the mix
of the indigenous (native people) and Spanish influence. Sometimes it feels like I’m
walking in the shoes of the Incas. Furthermore, there is definitely a warm, friendly feel
to the town which makes it a pleasant place to live.
24.4. Would you like to live there in the future?
Although my city is magical, I would consider moving somewhere else in the world. I
think sometimes people become too accustomed to (used to) their daily routine. So,
perhaps when and if I have a family, I would consider moving to another country in
South America or to Spain. It would be our adventure!
25. Walking
25.1.Do you like to walk?
I love it! I’d say it’s my preferred method of travel. For one, I feel relaxed when I
walk, so I feel it improves my mental health. Furthermore, I like to lead a healthy
lifestyle, so walking helps me achieve this.
25.2. Do you walk very much?
As often as possible. I have to drive to work, but I try to get my steps in by walking to
places that are close enough from my house- such as the pharmacy, grocery store,
and corner store. Moreover, the weather has been delightful, so I try to go on an
evening stroll (walk) at least 3 times a week at sunset.
25.3. Do you like to walk on your own or with friends?
To be honest, I kind of prefer to walk alone. For one, I’m kind of a slow walker, so I
don’t like it when other people pressure (pressure somebody to do
something to persuade somebody to do something) me to stay at their pace
(speed). By the same token, I enjoy the self-reflection time I have when I walk.
25.4. Would you say your city is a good place for walking?
Not really. For one, it’s extremely hot and humid, so that makes it difficult to walk.
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However, there are sidewalks and beach promenades (a path for walking on), so
walking is a possibility.
Do you spend enough time walking?
A fair amount, but I would like to do more. I walk at every opportunity I have, but I
would like to integrate it into my daily routine more. For example, maybe I can
map out (plan) a way to walk to a public transportation stop to get to work instead
of simply jumping in (getting in) my car.
Do you walk more often now than (you did) in the past?
Yes, I do. As I’ve gotten heavier with age, I’ve started to make changes in my lifestyle,
which includes more walking. I notice now that I walk more, I feel more
limber (able to stretch).
Do you think people will be walking more in the future?
I doubt it. I imagine that as technology continues to advance, less and less people
will want to rely on their own two feet. You can even see instances (examples) of
this now, as renting bikes and scooters is now the norm (the usual) on every
corner.
26. Weather
26.1. Do you like hot weather?
I’m used to it. My city is very hot and humid, so it’s something I’m built for. I adapt
by buying clothes that withstand sweat well, such as cotton or linen. On the other
hand, I avoid materials like silk or wool that cause one to sweat more and/or feel
sticky.
26.2. What kind of weather is typical in your hometown?
It’s a jungle climate, so it’s quite hot all year long. During wet season, it is
extremely humid and sticky. For many, the climate is hard to take. For me, I’m used
to it. I don’t even sweat profusely (sweat a lot).
26.2. What do you do in hot weather?
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Since I live close to the coast, I often go to the beach on hot days. I also have a
pool in my apartment complex, so you can often find me there on hot days, as well.
On days that are unbearable, I stay inside in the air conditioning and watch TV or
go to the gym.
26.3. What is your favorite season?
I would say dry season. It’s difficult to get around during wet season during a
downpour since our culture is to go around by motorbike, not to mention that the
streets flood easily. All in all, it’s a hassle (annoying or difficult). So, I much prefer
the dry season since it’s a dry, more bearable heat.
26.3. Would you like to visit a hot country?
Sure! It’s something I’m used to. I am interested in countries in Asia and the Middle
East, such as India, Cambodia, and Saudi Arabia, and the heat wouldn’t stop me
from visiting there. I would simply wear breathable clothes and stay inside during
the peak heat hours.
26.4. Do you like wet weather?
No! I don’t know why, but I tend to feel a little down in the dumps (depressed) in
the rain. I especially feel that way when I wake up in the morning and it’s still dark.
So, a sunny climate definitely suits me better!
26.5. How many seasons are there in your place?
Two seasons- wet and dry. They each last about half the year. In wet season, there
are downpours (extreme, heavy rain) and it’s generally humid and sticky. In dry
season, it is a dry heat. I find dry season to be a lot more comfortable although the
flora in wet season is more impressive.
26.7. What kind of weather do you like most?
If I could choose, I would say about 28 degrees, dry, with a cool breeze. This would
be ideal whether to go for a motorbike ride around the countryside or lie out on the
beach. Since I don’t like extremes, this would be perfect for me.
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27. City/ Countryside
27.1. Do you like the city you are living in now?
Yes, I really enjoy ABC city. Although it’s quite hectic, I love the liveliness of it. Apart
from this, I think it’s exciting since it is developing at a rapid pace (quickly) and I
love the international environment. This city never sleeps!
27.2. Which city have you been to recently?
I recently visited Bangkok for a short holiday. I had about 3 days free, so I went
there to visit the floating market, palaces, Buddhist temples, and vibrant city center.
27.3. Do you prefer the city or the countryside?
I would say I’m definitely a city person. I enjoy the hustle and bustle (craziness) of
city life, along with the endless opportunities to meet new people from all over. I feel
too limited in the countryside, not to mention I’m terrified of
critters (small animals, like spiders, etc).
27.4. What kinds of city do you like?
A mix of modern and old. I like when there is an old historic quarter, but also a
district with skyscrapers and a more futuristic look. Moreover, I require a city with
friendly people and smiles- I couldn't live in fast-paced, robotic (people moving
so fast that they don't have any expression) place like New York City for
example.
27.5. Which city do you want to go to?
I’ve always dreamt of going to San Francisco. I’ve always seen the Golden Gate
Bridge, charming doll-house like homes, and cable cars on TV and imagined myself
there. Moreover, San Francisco seems to be a very liberal city which I would be
into.
27.6. Have you ever lived in the countryside?
Yes, I was born there! I grew up in the countryside. Actually, my backyard was a
cornfield and some people even used to drive to my high school in tractors!
Running around barefoot (without shoes) in the mud and frolicking around
(running) open fields has always been a part of my life.
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27.7. What do you like to do in the countryside?
Firstly, I like the outdoor activities, such as playing outside, gardening, going for
walks and hikes, and going swimming. Secondly, I love the time I have to self-
reflect and find deep relaxation. Sometimes I even like to do meditation or yoga in
a field.
27.8. What do people living in the countryside like to do?
I imagine they like the outdoor activities, such as farming, gardening, going for walks,
swimming, hiking, etc. I guess that they also like to have gatherings, maybe even
barbecues and bonfires (a large outdoor fire), too. Lastly, I would think they like to
go on trips to cities on the weekends as a change of scenery.
28. Patience
28.1. Do you have patience?
Not at all! I’m quite an impatient person. I often feel on edge (stressed), especially
when I’m behind the wheel or waiting in line. Moreover, I like immediate
gratification, so I tend to lose my patience when I cannot obtain this. This is one my
biggest downfalls (bad personality traits).
28.2. Do most people in your country have patience?
Not really. Since I come from a country of people who are used to having all
conveniences at their fingertips (something easily accessible), they often
become impatient when this doesn't happen. Furthermore, people spend a lot of
time commuting (traveling from home to work) to their offices in the mornings,
which tends to leave them feeling antsy (anxious) as well as angry at other
drivers.
28.3. Have you ever lost patience?
Who hasn’t? There have been several instances. I once became quite impatient while I
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the line repeatedly, and I just left my items there idly (not doing anything) and
stormed out (left angrily) of the store.
28.4. When do you need patience the most?
That’s a difficult question. I think having patience in general is quite a virtue (a
good trait). I think it’s good to have it with your life in general. When you have this,
I imagine your life goes more at ease from step to step. Moreover, I think it’s
important to have it with your children so that they aren’t raised in an angry
environment, and furthermore so they can develop it later on in life.
30. Dance
30.1. Do you like to dance? (Why?/Why not?)
Yes, I do! Although I don't know how to formally dance very well, I enjoy letting
loose (relaxing; not caring what others thing) and dancing with my friends.
There is something about dancing that makes me feel incredibly carefree (fully
relaxed). Furthermore, it’s a good way to exercise.
30.2. Have you ever learned to dance?
Yes, I have! When I was about 4 years old, my parents signed me up for ballet.
Actually, I hated it with a burning passion back then. I would often burst into tears
(to cry hard) before recitals and try to play sick (pretend to be sick to avoid
something). Furthermore, we learned swing dancing, square-dancing, and
ballroom dancing in school, which were humiliating at the time!
30.3. When was the last time you danced?
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It’s been a while. Since my group of friends aren't into dancing, I haven't been out
to a club for a while. However, I often dance around my apartment with music as a
way to de-stress.
30.4. What kind of dancing do people in your country like?
It seems like many people are into salsa and bachata these days. I’m seeing more
and more Facebook ads for these particular dances. Moreover, are into hip-hop
dancing, as well as dancing along to EDM music.
30.5. Why do you think some (or, many) people like dancing?
I would say because it’s a way to let loose. Moreover, it’s a way of self-expression
for many, especially those who are more talented. When you hit (go to) the dance
floor, it seems like all your worries go away and you simply focus on the
movements of your body.
30.6. Do you think there are any benefits for young people to go dancing?
Without a doubt! It’s important to know how to let loose and have fun, for one.
Secondly, it builds confidence. I remember feeling really shy to dance in front of
others as a child, but once I just did it, I stopped caring. Lastly, it’s an enjoyable
form of exercise and builds certain skills, like flexibility, posture, etc.
31. Haircut
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dark hair brings out (shows) my eyes more, but the blonde color is a change and
makes me feel sassy (with attitude).
32. Voice
33. Jeans
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Not too much. For some reason, I don’t feel attractive when I wear them. I much
prefer a dress or romper instead. When I wear jeans, I feel too plain and not
elegant enough. Furthermore, it’s hot and humid where I live, so jeans tend to stick
to me.
33.2. How often do you wear jeans?
Just from December to February, as my city is constantly hot. I wear them for
casual outfits and sometimes even dress them up with a cute top and heels to go
out at night. However, in the summer, as little clothes as possible is best in my city
with its heat.
33.3. When did you start wearing jeans?
Ever since I can remember! Jeans are a stitch (centra)l in all of our wardrobes in
my country. My parents dressed me in jeans ever since I was a small child, and I’ve
carried this through to adulthood.
33.4. Did you wear jeans at school?
No, never. As I attended a Catholic school, I was always obligated to wear a
uniform, which consisted of a button-up blouse, pleated skirt, knee high socks, and
dress shoes. We occasionally had dress-down (casual) days where we could
wear our own clothes, though. In that case, yes I wore jeans.
33.5. Would you say jeans are popular in your country?
Very much so! They are an essential. People wear them in all different shapes,
sizes, and colors. Along with blue jeans, people also like to wear black, white, and
bright colored jeans. Moreover, people tend to dress up black or white jeans for
work quite often.
33.6. Would you buy an expensive pair of jeans?
Hmm, perhaps. I would much rather buy an expensive dress or high heels, but I
can see how buying a pair of expensive jeans in worthwhile (meaningful). For
example, you may buy a pair of Levi jeans that last you a lifetime!
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34. Concentration
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PART II & III
well.
In this case, I would like to talk about myself. I consider myself a forever language
learner. It all started when I first began taking Spanish classes when I was 19 years
old. Actually, I had always thought of languages as a foreign language code that I
would never be able to master. However, I proved myself wrong, now seeing that I
have a knack for (have a special talent for) languages. I’m now proficient in
Vietnamese, Mandarin, English, and Portuguese!
First and foremost, I decided to learn these languages out of interest. Second of all,
they benefit my future, creating a window of opportunity (more opportunities).
Speaking of Spanish in particular, I chose to pursue it because there is a large
Latin American community in my city. Since I work in Marketing, it is extremely
valuable to be able to reach a wider scope (range) of people. Other than just to
boost my career, I simply enjoy the sound of the language! Lastly, I’ve always been
attracted to Latino men so I wanted to able to communicate with them!
First of all, I learned this language well because I’ve always been dedicated to
practicing. Furthermore, since I had the opportunity to go abroad (to another
country) to Argentina and Costa Rica, I was able to put what I’ve studied to
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use. Immersing yourself in the country is extremely beneficial. From this, I picked
up countless local slangs and improved my pronunciation and speaking skills. For
the times I haven’t been abroad, I’ve always practiced at home and found language
exchange groups to keep up my skill. All in all, it just takes practice!
Part 3
Is learning a new language important?
I would definitely say so. I feel that we better ourselves through each language we
learn. For example, there is concrete evidence that language strengthens our
cognitive (brain) abilities and problem-solving. Since I began my language
studies, I feel that my memory has become much stronger and that I’m able to
solve puzzles better. Furthermore, I’ve gained a greater understanding of my own
native language! Second of all, language creates countless more opportunities for
work and travel! Especially with English and Spanish we can travel to a wide range
of countries. By being able to expand your customer base, you can achieve more
business success. Furthermore, through languages you can discover a new
culture, which makes you more open-minded, tolerant, empathetic, adaptable,
among other things.
What benefits for one's career does knowledge of foreign languages bring?
Endless! In this globalizing world, it’s becoming a necessity to know at least one
foreign language. Needless to say, English is the language of the world, so this is
the most important one to learn to be able to communicate with the entire world.
Behind these, I would say that Spanish and Mandarin are extremely useful, as well.
By being able to communicate with more of the world’s population, you create
opportunities to expand your business. On the other hand, since languages are
proven to increase your cognitive functions and puzzle-solving skills, one who
speaks more than one language may have stronger problem-solving skills in their
career. Furthermore, since many
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language learners have lived or spent time abroad, they tend to be more adaptable
and culturally understanding. All in all, it’s just a win-win (double benefit) to study
other languages.
Who do you think learns a language faster, children or adults?
Definitely children! Since children’s brains are like sponges, absorbing new
information, they undoubtedly pick up (learn) languages much faster. Furthermore,
children’s memories are much sharper, so it is easier for them to remember new
vocabulary. On the other hand, adults are more concrete in their native language
and the world they’ve built from it, so they tend to be less open to accept another
language. Children, on the other hand, can play games or watch cartoons in
another language from a young age and pick up the language without even
realizing it. The only advantage that adults have is that their behavior doesn’t stand
in the way of their language learning, they are more motivated to learn, and that
they are more likely to review and study at home. Furthermore, they pay for the
classes, so they are much more invested (care about what they’re doing)!
I’m going to talk about my deep love of cycling by the beach. Since a lot of people in
my town like to stay in shape (stay healthy/fit), the government built a walking and
cycling path along the coastline. I should mention I live just a kilometer away from
the beach, so I like to take full advantage of this. I
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just moved here 5 months ago from the mountains, so this is when I started
taking part in this activity.
Over the past year, I’ve put on loads of (a lot of) weight, so I’m always looking for
ways to lose it. Cycling is one enjoyable way to do so, along with going to the gym.
As it’s scorching (very hot) during summer days here in Florida, it’s better to
exercise outdoors in the evening, so that’s when I take my bike out. Furthermore,
the sunset which gives a cotton candy colored sky is the perfect backdrop
(background) to do exercise while enjoying nature. Cycling undoubtedly improves
my mental and physical health. It has cardiovascular benefits as well as leg and
core strengthening. It is effective in aiding (helping) in weight loss, as well. When
it comes to mental health, it helps reduce my stress by spending time in nature,
indulging in (enjoying) breaths of fresh air.
So I’m going to talk about an advertisement for Blue Electronics, which is one of the
biggest electronic brands in Vietnam. I’ve seen its advertisements everywhere, on
TV commercials and even on social media networks like Facebook and Instagram.
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The advertisement shows a video of people dressed as blue household appliances,
smiling and staring creepily (strangely) at the screen and dancing spontaneously
(unplanned) to a really annoying, yet catchy (memorable) tune.
I think the aim of this ad was to leave a big impression on the audience and to
make the products seem more appealing (desirable) to them. I also think they are
trying to traumatize (scare) the audience so that whenever they hear that tune,
they will think of Blue Electronics.
I think older people probably won’t enjoy these kinds of advertisements because
they tend to prefer more informative, serious kind of ads, whereas the younger
generation seems to be amused about this kind of advertisement. Since I’m young,
I’ll always remember this ad because it made me laugh a lot.
I'm going to tell you about my interest in paddle boarding. As I grew up about 3
hours from the coast, I frequently went to the beach but I didn't usually do
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anything other than just relax on the beach. However, I've always seen people do
paddle boarding on the intercoastal waterways and ocean itself, and have
wondered what it's like.
I would like to try it in Miami, Florida, about 3 hours from my house. There are lots
of opportunities to do paddle boarding and almost any other water sport activity
there. For example, there's sailing, kayaking, canoeing jet skiing, parasailing, etc.
For this activity in particular, I would just need to rent the paddle board and the
paddle, as I don't own either of them- there are countless places that offer this. I'm
sure the company would provide instructions and make you sign a waiver
acknowledging the possible risks. I don't think there is any preparation other than
having decent upper body strength, generally being in shape, and listening to the
paddling instructions.
I'm particularly interested in this sport because it is a good way to exercise while
enjoying a nice view. While I've tried kayaking, I've always wondered if paddle
boarding is a whole new challenge, since it involves you to be standing while you
do it. All in all, I think it would be a good way to stay in shape and explore the seas.
I’m going to talk about my friend, Elliott, who is a natural (good at) at languages and
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learning and teaching. He is a fellow teacher at my workplace, so I feel I know him
well enough to speak about him.
First of all, he is fluent in THREE foreign languages, English, Chinese and
Japanese, in addition to his mother tongue. So you can imagine, as a language
teacher, he really stands out from the others. I feel that he has a special empathy
for language learners.
Although he has a knack (a talent) for languages, he knows that others struggle with
them, so he always tries to come up with (invent) new methods to help language
learners improve faster and achieve better results. In addition to imparting
(communicating) knowledge, he always creates a fun atmosphere. For example, at
the start of each class, he would have all the students stand up and play some warm-
up games instead of going straight into doing routine teaching stuff. Some of the
games are even invented by himself and I must say they are all well thought out
(well-planned). I learn a lot from observing his classes and look forward to working
more with him in the future. I’m really interested in learning more about how to make
language learning fun.
Part 3
What kinds of ideas are respected in your country?
That’s a tough question, but I’d definitely say any ideas that are groundbreaking
(new) or revolutionary are very valued in my country. For example, we really
respect people like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, who changed future through
technology. Furthermore, people who are forward thinkers are respected in today’s
society, such as those who search for solutions to violence or support the gay
rights movement. Lastly, people really respect those who have innovative business
ideas, which improve the country’s economy. Actually, that might be the most
respected one. All in all, we like those who are unconventional (unordinary)
thinkers.
When do children start to have their own ideas?
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They say that 7 is the “age of reason” (when kids know right from wrong), so I
believe this is when it all begins, even if in small ways. I think this is the age where
children begin to recognize their individuality and separateness from their parents.
However, children tend to follow the belief system of their parents up to their teen
years, when they start the rebellious years. Thinking back, I remember I started to
question my parent’s religion and political ideas when I was around 15, leading me
to break off (separate) from them. So, all in all, by the time you are 18, most teens
know who they really are.
Where do these ideas come from?
The family is definitely the first foundation of how we shape our ideas. Apart from this, I
would say teachers have the second largest influence. Following this, what kids hear in
school, from their friends, what they watch on TV, and so on start to shape their way of
thinking. Lastly, we start to break away (separate) from our family’s ideas and create
our own ideas based on our life experiences.
I’m going to talk about a recent successful online shopping experience that I’ve
had. To be honest, I’ve had countless incidents in which I ordered the wrong size or
the product ended up being completely different than how it appeared online, so I
was surprisingly delighted with this purchase. Well, let me tell you about it.
Zara is my favorite store, and unfortunately there isn’t one currently near my house,
so I decided to check out their online shopping site. I just started a
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professional job, so I’m always in need for more professional clothes. Zara always
seems to fit me well and have classy, smart clothes, so I decided I would order a
white dress from them. Luckily, the dress was on sale for $30 instead of $50, which
gave me even more incentive to buy it. The model was a lot thinner and taller than
me, so I doubted it would look as good on me, but I was willing to take my chances.
To my surprise, the dress fits me like a glove (fits me like a glove)! Furthermore,
the dress arrived in 2 days when they predicted 3-4!
This was a positive experience because now I get compliments whenever I wear
the dress. The fit and style couldn’t be better on me, and I feel very tasteful
(stylish) when I wear it. I now know I can count on Zara to fit me. Zara has a good
price to quality ratio. All in all, would recommend!
Part 3:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
The advantages would be that it’s more convenient and saves loads of time,
avoiding those dreaded (terrible) lines. Furthermore, sites like Amazon tend to
have secondhand (used) items, so you can save a lot of money this way. The
negatives are that you cannot try clothing on before, sometimes items don’t look
the same in person, the shipping fees, and the time you have to wait for the item.
By the same token, it’s a hassle (annoyance) to send it back if there’s an issue.
So, all in all, there are more disadvantages, I’d say.
Do you think it is safe to shop online?
Depends on the site. If you use a reputable one like Amazon or the store’s website,
it is generally very safe. However, buying from private sellers online, especially in
their homes, can be risky. Furthermore, scams always exist online, so you never
know if someone could be scamming you. I always say, if you have time, it’s better
to go buy the item in person to gain more trust in the purchase.
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Do you think the government should impose more control on online
shopping?
Wow, this isn’t something I’ve ever thought about. In my opinion, I think the
government should investigate to make sure sites are reputable, but that’s about
all. I don’t think there should be any limit to what we buy, as long as they are legal
products. Every purchase benefits the economy, so at this point I don’t see a need
to regulate it.
I would like to talk about one of my favorite singers, Sam Smith. He is a British
singer and songwriter who has become popular in my lifetime. He is famed for his
mellifluous (containing flow) voice and quality of his song lyrics, which are often
romantic and soulful.
Thinking back, I remember the first song I heard from him was “Latch”, circa 2013. I
remember my roommate was playing it in her car and I asked who the singer was
and decided to look him up. Ever since that day, I just fell in love with him. He
constantly has new hits out on the pop radio stations! His songs are just super
catchy (something you remember).
I would consider his music to be a mix of soul and pop. I think he started as a soul
singer, but his music has transformed into being more of a pop genre. I really like
his music because there is always a good beat to it, and the lyrics speak to me on a
deep level, causing me to feel emotional and identify with
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current dilemmas(problems) I’m facing. I like that some of his songs are more for
dancing, while others are more deep and romantic. All in all, he is extremely
talented and has a wide range. Sam Smith has a voice that really leaves a mark
on you (impressive). I just love him!
Part 3
What kinds of music are popular in your country?
A wide range! Nowadays with youngsters, EDM music is all the rage (popular).
Besides that, pop music, hip hop, alternative, and country are types of music that
you hear most often on the radio. For example, my parents’ generations still sticks
with their southern rock style of music, such as ACDC. Of all the music from the
past, 80’s American music seems to be played on the radio the most often.
Do singers make lots of money?
Of course! Singers are some of the richest people in the world. However, I imagine
that their pay may be cut due to the increase in Youtube, Spotify, Pandora, and the
like instead of buying the records at stores. However, our generation idolizes
(worships) celebrities, so they make incomparable profits from their social media
posts, concerts, and just pure talent.
What do you think makes a song become popular?
Definitely by how catchy it is, for one. Also, how well the artist markets themselves.
If they constantly get their songs into the Top 40, their songs will be heard by the
entire world. Lastly, of course, the artist needs to talented and have something that
makes their songs stand out (be unique) from the others, such as by having a
lovely voice, good beat, etc.
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You should say:
who organized this meal
where you had it
what you talked about during the meal
what you ate and drank and explain why you had this meal with your friends.
I’m going to tell you about a time I invited my parents and grandparents over to my
house for tortellini soup. I had just moved into my new house, so I was really
excited for this housewarming (a party for a new house) event. Actually, I was
extra excited because I just moved near my relatives after living across the country
for years.
I planned this event myself because I felt confident in my ability of making tortellini
soup. Along with the soup, I prepared an Italian style salad and some warm,
homemade bread with it. My mom passed the recipe down to me, so I had years of
experience preparing it. I know it’s always a hit (popular; successful) at social
events! During the meal, we talked about memories of my mother, who had passed
away 10 years before. Every time we eat her recipe, it always brings back memories of
her. After that, we had small talk about our weekly plans and updates in our lives.
Furthermore, my family asks me lots of questions about what home improvement
plans I had for my new home, so I showed them the furniture and paint colors I had
chosen for the house.
We drank Pinot Grigio wine during the meal, which paired well with the Italian
flavors. We met to catch up and enjoy my new home together. It was a simple yet
very pleasant dinner party!
Part 3
Do people in your country prefer to eat at home or in restaurants?
Since I’m from a low-income country, people tend to eat at home rather than at
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so all of the family members come together with the ingredients they have to cook a
grand meal together on the daily. When we all pitch it, we all end up saving money
and enjoying a higher quality meal than we would get at a restaurant.
What do people usually cook for special festivals?
Although seemingly strange or unappealing to others, guinea pigs are a delicacy in my
country. For the Festival of the Sun in June every year, we prepare the guinea pig
called “Cuy” and eat it home with our families, and even sell it on the streets.
Sometimes we also prepare a cold dish called “Chiriuchu” which consists of chicken,
guinea pig, fish eggs, and seaweed eaten cold. Stil, I understand it doesn’t sound tasty
to others, but I’m very fond it of it.
What would you say are the benefits and drawbacks of eating in a
restaurant?
The benefits are that it is easier, more convenient, less work, and that you are able
to try more international dishes whose ingredients you may never get to get your
hands on (find). Also, at a restaurant, they often have interesting cocktails and
appetizers to try with your meal. However, the disadvantages are that it’s more
expensive, you tend to consume larger portions and more calories, and that you
don’t know the real source of your food. In my opinion, it isn’t healthy to constantly
eat at restaurants. They should be reserved for special occasions, if you want to try
a specific food that you don’t know how to prepare, or if you’re in a pinch for time
(have limited time).
More and more people are having (or, getting) their meals delivered, so would
people cook at home?
With the food delivery apps of today, I can see that less people are eating at home. In
countries like America where fast food is cheaper than home-cooked meals, I can
definitely see how people would choose that option over cooking at home. However, in
my country, fast food is very expensive, so people cannot afford to eat out (eat at a
restaurant) very often. Since we have ample markets
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with fresh, delicious ingredients available to us, it is not common to go out for meals
other than for special occasions.
To be honest, I was rarely out of bed by 8.00 AM apart from some specific
occasions. However, there is an occasion I had to wake up earlier than usual which
is my trip to ABC last summer vacation.
I was supposed to get everything prepared the night before, so I did pack my suitcases
with all the essential items that I might need for my vacation trip, like suntan cream or
some swimming costumes. When the preparation was over, I try to send myself to
sleep but ended up tossing and turning in bed, so you see, I hardly got a wink of sleep.
When the dawn came, I went out to feel the gentle touch of a cool breeze on my face , then
I also took a sip of coffee to get myself fully awake. After some minutes, the coach showed
up and I got in no time.
I took the trip with 2 of my besties, so we had the chance to catch up on gossip with
one another. We also had fun at many outdoor activities on the beach like surfing.
Although I was a bit exhausted at the end of the journey due to lack of sleep, it was
definitely an enjoyable time. Since then, I have been less of a night owl and got up
earlier, which I think is a better and healthier habit.
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exhaustion. What I mean here is that it's better if you turn in early and wake up
earlier than being a night owl and lie in the next morning
In my country, buying a car isn’t exactly a big deal, but driving a car is. It sounds a
bit odd, doesn’t it? Well, if it does, then the reason for this is, it is extremely difficult
to obtain a driving license in my country as it involves some rigorous (difficult;
detailed) driving and road tests. So, when I finally managed to pass the driving test
a year ago or so, I felt as if I had landed on the moon (accomplished something
huge).
I had recently gone to a job interview in which they required the candidate to have
their driver’s license. I was really intrigued by the job, so I decided to follow up on
this. So, I went to a local car driving school and started to take driving lessons
mostly on the weekends, as I worked during the week. Initially, the lessons involved
learning about different parts of a car and their functions. Then came the actual
driving lessons on the road by understanding and following different road signs and
driving rules. Needless to say, the lessons followed some stringent (strict) driving
standards which weren’t always easy to maintain, but that was exactly the real
“test” in order to help a future driver understand the safety and security aspects of
taking a car on the roads.
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Anyway, the lessons had continued for almost three months, and I was finally ready
to take an official driving test to obtain a driver’s license.
Anyway, I am glad that I had finally learned driving as it has allowed me the
freedom to travel to my work and other places at my own pace (speed) and
according to my agenda (schedule). Besides, learning this driving skill has also
made me confident about applying for some well-paying jobs. Finally, learning how
to drive has also allowed me to transport many bulky (big) items in my car, which
otherwise would have been really inconvenient for me if I had to take them on the
bus like before. All in all, driving is just so useful.
Well, I spend my spare (extra) time with my friends quite often. I'd especially like to
talk about a time my friends and traveled to Thailand after graduating medical
school. After all those years of blood, sweat, and tears (an expression for hard
work), we really deserved this trip.
I vividly (a lot of details) remember this moment because as soon as we got out
of our final exams, we were all aboard on the way to Bangkok. 6 of us had originally
agreed upon going, but finally 2 bailed at the last minute. When I think about it, it
was an experience to bond (connect deeply) more with just this small group.
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The main reason visiting there was to get away from the stress gained from studying
very hard. Speaking of what we did there, it was pure relaxation and discovery. We
saw everything from the majestic pagodas and kingdoms in Bangkok to the pristine
(elegant), white-sanded beaches in the Phi Phi Islands. Even more than just the
incredible landscapes, the kind-hearted, welcoming people were what really left their
mark (left an impression) on us.
To sum up, we truly had a blast on this trip. It was really what we needed at the
time! I’ll never forget the flavors of pad thai and bubble tea! It was 100% a blast (a
lot of fun).
12/ Describe the information that was incorrect that you got.
Well, wrong information creates many difficulties in our lives. Sometimes we have
to face danger due faulty (incorrect) details. So, here I would like to talk about a
time when I got the wrong information from a website.
About 3 years ago, my friend sent me an email with an attached link to something. He
wrote me that it is a link to a website where there is an article related to a painting
competition. I clicked on that link and a website was opened on my laptop’s screen
within a few seconds. I read a piece of information related to a painting competition at
the district level. It was going to organize an art gallery in my district, and it was
necessary to register for it. So, I registered for this competition because I can paint a
variety of paintings. The fee for this
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painting contest was about 50 dollars, so I paid it with my credit card. The
competition would occur in ten days.
I started my preparations for performing better in this competition. On the day of the
competition, I went to Moga via bus and I arrived there at 8.00 A.M. I visited the
correct place because I had received the venue from the website. I entered an art
gallery named “Street Art”.
I asked about this painting competition to reception. The receptionist told me that
there would be competition held, even though I showed them a receipt which I got
during registration. To add to it, He explained to me that there was an error on their
ad regarding the date, and that he would do what he could to help me out.
He apologized to me for this inconvenience, but I still couldn’t help but feel so
disappointed. All in all, after that moment, I came back home. Now you see, wrong
information causes inconveniences.
Part 3
Would you say people trust the information that is found online?
In this day and age, people tend to believe everything they read online without even
questioning it first. This is dangerous, as people sometimes write whatever they want
online. Before we determine that information is trustworthy, we must consider the
source. I think information can be trusted from sites with a .org/.edu at the end of it, as
well as photographs for extra proof. For example, one safety precaution is to never go
directly to someones’s house from the internet. It’s always better to meet at a public
place first.
How can people check whether a piece of information is correct or not?
There are various means that can help people tell the right information from the
wrong one. The first approach is to gain access to reliable sources of
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information, and make a comparison with the fraudulent information to see the
differences. Dependable sources of news can be established newspapers like
BBC, the New York Times and other verified news agencies. The second method is
that people can ask for advice of professionals in the field, either by phone or email,
and wait for some days to receive their feedback.
What are the most common ways in which people obtain information?
I think people obtain the larger share of their information from books and mass
media like TV, newspapers and radio. And today since the Internet has grown
exponentially, more and more people are getting their information from the web.
There is an eclectic mix of stuff that those who go online can take advantage from,
such as newsfeeds on social networking websites like Facebook, or informative
contents from other electronic news platforms.
13/ Describe a time when someone didn't tell you the whole
truth about something
You should say:
- when this happened
- what the situation was
- who you were with
- and why the person didn't tell the whole truth
I’m going to tell you about a time I was really upset about someone lying to me. As I
whole-heartedly value the truth, I feel very disappointed when I find out that
someone has lied to me, especially when it’s someone close to me. So, I'll share
this situation with you.
I had just started dating a new guy and felt that I really liked him. I was 24 at the time,
and he had said that he was 30. He appeared to be a bit older than that, so I tried to
clarify his age twice, which he insisted was exactly 30. So, I decided to believe him. I
was chatting with his best friend one day who was 32, and he
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made a comment saying that he was younger than Manny, which I was confused
about at first. Later that day, I called Manny out (confronted) about that over text,
in which after several lies finally confessed that he was actually 33 years old. I
knew it wasn’t the most terrible lie someone could tell, but I felt that my trust in him
was tested. I thought, “if someone lies about simple personal details, what else do
they lie about?”
He never stated his intentions about his lie, but I would imagine that maybe he felt
he was too old for me. I guess that he was afraid to lose me if I knew he was 33,
which wasn't a problem for me. Furthermore, maybe he was struggling with
accepting his age himself, so he wanted to keep believing that he was 30. I’m sure
it was related to his insecurities one way or another. Anyway, whatever his reasons
were, I decided to give him another chance although I wasn't happy that he was
dishonest.
I would like to talk about my co-worker, John, who is always willing to go the extra
mile (do extra) for others. As teachers, we constantly have a lot to do outside of
the classroom. However, John utilizes his free time to be of service to others. For
example, he sends his students extra materials every single day, always stays
overtime to assist other co-workers, and even stops by work outside of work hours
to bring us snacks. Whenever an emergency situation arises (comes up), he is
always the first one to lend a hand (help).
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I believe he does this because he is a man of faith (religious). Besides this, I think
that people improve their well-being when they dedicate themselves to others. To
him, it is no sweat to be of service to others- it’s simply a joy.
I truly value John, as he is a rare breed. In this day and age, it’s uncommon to
find someone who simply wants to do good without ulterior motives (other
interests). I can say with full confidence that John isn’t looking for anything in
return. All in all, John is just an excellent human being.
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and rested there among the greenery. It was the perfect way to recharge for the
week.
I really enjoyed this because it was an escape from city life. The work culture in
London is demanding, so it’s nice to catch a break from time to time. Since I’m a
salaried worker, I tend to spend over 40 hours working per week. I crave moments
in nature after being confined to my desk all week. Furthermore, when I exercise, I
find that I disconnect from the stress in my life and reduce it. All in all, it was a much
needed day to escape our obligations!
Well, since I’m a teacher, I teach new things to younger people on a daily basis.
However, I will highlight one experience in particular that was really rewarding (gave
me a personal benefit) to me. This would be when I taught a 4 year old student how
to hold a pencil correctly and begin to write her first letters.
Thinking back, this was about 2 years ago now. I usually teach high-school aged kids,
but in this particular time I decided to take on a summer school program with 4-5 year
old students. This girl who I taught to write was 4 years old, while the others were 5
years old, already having experience in kindergarten. I planned a lesson on the
alphabet, assuming that all of them had previous knowledge of this. However, I had to
sit beside the 4 year old girl to further assist her as she didn't have previous knowledge
of this. We started off by holding the pencil together to form the letters, followed by me
slowly easing (taking off
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easily) my hand off of it. I stayed beside her until she was able to write out her first
letters. I’ll never forget the excited look on her face when she finally got the hang
of it! As the class progressed, she was easily able to keep up (stay at the same
speed as) with the 5 year olds.
This was an extremely rewarding experience for me; I was just so excited. Since I
had never experienced teaching a child a basic skill, it was really special to me. It
made me start to think about raising my own family one day, especially standing
beside my children at their milestones (big life events). I had never thought about
how exciting it must be to be a parent! All in all, it was an emotional moment for me.
Well, I’m almost never into eavesdropping (secretly listening) to the other
people’s personal conversations, but it’s bound to happen nowadays where people
never disconnect from their phones. In particular, I would like to share a situation
with you when I overheard a lucky conversation. Well, here it goes:
Last month, I was traveling to Orlando to Miami by train. The person who sat next
to me had the appearance of a sharp (elegant) businessman. After 10 minute, his
phone suddenly rang. As soon as he picked it up, he started
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speaking loudly which let me no choice but to me shift my attention to his
conversation, even though I was reading a book.
He was talking about online jobs such as a content writer, editor, data entry and so on.
Along with this he also told the person the name of one or two websites. with the help
of these websites, individuals get a job which is relevant for them. Unfortunately, I did
not catch (hear) the name of websites he mentioned.
achieve a goal.
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I'm going to talk about a friend and ex-coworker of mine named Billy. He has been
a friend of mine for years now, and is always a shoulder to lean on (someone
you can rely on). He has always been there for me through thick and thin (good
and bad times), and I don't know where I would be today without him. Let me tell
you more.
I've always dreamt of being an entrepreneur but was unsure of myself before. I first
met Billy at the International School I used to work for before. We were both
teachers and hating our lives working under someone. So, one day we got together
and started sharing ideas about starting our own language school. I'm good with
people and thinking of creative ideas, while Billy is more apt to deal with numbers
and the business side of things. He encouraged me to fulfill my dreams and put my
creative ideas to test, while I encouraged him to put his number and business skills
to use. He would tell me that my ideas could change the world, which made me feel
on top of the world. I needed someone to believe in me to this degree (to this
extent), as I didn't feel that my ideas were good enough to start my own business
before. Through mutual encouragement, we ended up where we are today.
We have now owned our own school for 3 years and counting! We have had
success because we always build each other up and focus on our strengths
rather than our weaknesses. By helping one another, we both felt enough
confidence to achieve our dreams. We certainly make a great team!
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what you learned there
and explain why you visited this historical building
I’m going to talk about the majestic Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city tucked into
(inside) the Andes Mountain range. More than 7,000 feet above sea level, Machu
Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Incan Empire
and built around 1450AD, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007! It
was such a humbling experience!
I had always seen pictures of Machu Picchu and studied about its significance in
school, but experiencing it in person made me realize that the pictures do it
absolutely no justice (looks better in person). Upon arrival, you start to see
intricate stone paths, walls, and buildings surrounded by mountain ranges, which
frame the ancient city. There are irrigation systems and farming terraces extending
down the mountains. Below it, there is fast-flowing river. You can tell they built this
city intelligently! Furthermore, there are llamas throughout the structure, as well as
tourists posing for selfies in every direction. The contrast between the bright green
mountains with the stone city and agricultural terraces is truly breath-taking. On
sunny days, you can see snow-capped mountain ranges even further in the
distance!
In this incredible place, I did a tour to learn about the history of the Incas and the
detailed work and planning that went into building this place. For example, I learned
that they suppose Machu Picchu was built to house the aristocratic class and that it
was abandoned after the Spanish conquest. Furthermore, I learned that the Incas
worshiped the sun, and that they had technology way ahead of their time
(advanced), which reflects in their stonework, irrigation system, farming system,
etc.
As I had always been fascinated by the Incas, I decided to take this trip with my family
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Part 3
Do people in your country often visit historical buildings?
To be honest, not really. As the US is a very new country, there aren’t many
historical places to visit. Furthermore, since people tend to enjoy visiting the coast
or modern places more, historical places are losing their value. Moreover, people
usually only have a week of paid vacation per year, so they tend to visit family or
take a family beach, camping, or mountain trip instead. Unfortunately, not too many
people have the means, desire, nor the time to visit historical monuments.
Do children like to go to that kind of place?
I definitely think a child would be impressed by the sight of Machu Picchu, but I don’t
like it would be the number one spot to take them. For example, there are steep drop-
offs (steep hills) where a child could easily fall to their death. Secondly, it may be
tiring for children to walk up the steep steps, and they could get bored during the
several hour tour. On the other hand, I think children would get a kick out of (be
entertained by) the llamas walking around the complex!
Do you think people who damage historical relics should be put in prison?
Yes, in most cases! It is just insane that someone would do such a thing. I think this is
such a heinous (horrible) crime for someone to destroy a piece of history. A person
who would do such a terrible thing clearly doesn’t understand the value of historical
relics. However, before putting the person in jail, authorities should determine the
reason for it. Perhaps the person would do such a thing as a way to seek vengeance
(revenge) for a historical event that deeply scarred them. Still, it is unacceptable for
them to destroy it, but maybe the government should consider what historical
landmarks mean to some.
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20/ Describe something a child did that made you laugh.
Often, children say and do the craziest things, as they lack the filter that adults
have! It leads to lots of laughter. So, let me tell you about this child, Peter, who
really made me laugh.
He the child of one of my co-workers. It was Peter’s 3rd birthday party last week
and I attended his birthday party. As I know Peter is a very active, rambunctious
(naughty) child, I thought a water gun would be a suitable gift for him. So, I
presented it to him and he was ecstatic (excited)!
Peter sees many television shows and knows that the guns are used to shoot. So,
he immediately started playing with the gun. He refilled the gun with water and
pointed it to the guests and shot them with water! He wanted to have fun and did
so. But finally, when the water ran out (emptied) and his parents did not allow him
to refill with water, he shot them.
When he shot his dad, the dad fell on the ground. When he shot his mother, she
also fell in the ground as if she died. He was surprised. He could not decide what to
do. So, he shot himself and fell beside his mother until they stopped pretending to
be dead.
The entire event was hilarious (really funny), and all of the guests were roaring in
laughter. In fact, the kid was highly clever and his gestures made me laugh. He was
confused what to do when he shot his parents. So, finding no other options left, he
killed himself. In fact, it proves his guilt but the
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representation of the situation was really interesting that everyone could not stop
laughing with this scenario. Despite the issue being a serious one, it was a kind of
comical event. So, I laughed with my whole heart. In fact, it was the rapid decision
making skill of the child and the implementation of the decision without any
hesitation was the key element of the genuine laughter.
Version 1:
There have been several instances in which I have had the pleasure of enjoying my
free time over the course of my life, but I will talk about the most recent one. Well,
to give you some background, I have recently taken on a new managerial position
at a company. Since I’m new to management, I find some of the tasks and
responsibilities overwhelming at times, so free time is something I cherish
(appreciate) more now.
Luckily, there was a holiday last Monday, so I had a three day weekend. I took
advantage of this time by going to visit my relatives for the weekend. She lives a
couple hours away, so I made a short road trip there across my state. As soon as I got
there, I was greeted by warmth and affection. I was staying at my auntie’s house, so
we spent countless hours at the pool drinking margaritas all weekend. Along with this,
we cooked together and caught up (updated each other). One afternoon we went to
visit my grandfather, in which we just relaxed
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and prepared lunch for him. Although it was a simple weekend, it was just the
relaxation that I needed.
I felt so happy and light-hearted (simple; non-emotional) over this whole
weekend. When I went back to work on Monday, I felt re-charged and ready to
tackle (face) all the challenges of the week. Family is my number one, so I always
feel relaxed after I get to spend time with them. All in all, it was a very pleasant visit.
Version 2:
Wow! That is difficult to just think of one instance, as I tend to always enjoy my free
time. However, I’ll tell you about one day last week when I had a snow day (day
when you can’t leave the house because of a snowstorm) and couldn't leave
the house. I’m not a fan of the snow, so I often get down in the dumps during the
winter season. But, this day I decided to cheer up (get happy). I was home alone,
so I started off the day by making myself pancakes, eggs, and a few cups of coffee.
I think even just this kicked off the day better for me, as I’m usually scrambling
around (running around quickly) at the last minute to get to work on time in the
mornings.
After breakfast, I went outside in my yard for a bit and just sat in the snow in my
apartment complex. Then I decided to trigger my inner child (act like a child) and
build a snowman and make snow angels. This really made my day! After this, for
old time’s sake (to remember old memories), I went inside and made myself a
cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, as my mother used to do for my brother
and I when we were kids. Following this, I stayed in my apartment all day sprawled
out (lied) across the floor with blankets and pillows watching Netflix. I watched
everything from childhood classics like Lion King to conspiracy theory
documentaries.
I truly felt relaxed and at ease on this day. As I tend to get lost in the demands of
my boss as well as drama with my boyfriend, I really needed a day like this.
Actually, this day changed my attitude about snow. I used to think of it as just
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an inconvenient, inefficient day, whereas now I see it in a different light. Now I see
them as opportunities to awake my inner child and take me back to the good old
days!
Part 3
What do people like to do when they are free in your country?
Like me, many people like to spend time with their family or friends in their free
time, as we all have heavy work schedules during the week. For family and friend
time, people often go out for meals together, go to the cinema, hang out at each
other’s houses, go to bars, etc. Furthermore, since obesity is a growing problem,
many people choose to exercise before or after work during the week or on
weekends. Additionally, many people spend their free time taking their kids to
sporting events or to other extra curricular activities over the weekends, such as
soccer games, etc.
Do you think most people are able to manage their free time?
Not all! As I said before, many people spend their free time stressing about work
and/or the future. Furthermore, since people don’t tend to have much free time to
begin with, the only free time they have it spent running errands to prepare for the
following week. Moreover, many people tend to sleep in (sleep without an alarm)
on weekends and waste the day away, or maybe just watch TV on the sofa all day
long. Since many people have to be on call or go into work on weekends, there isn’t
much time to get out of town on the weekends, either. Additionally, many people
spend all of the free time they have taking their children to their activities, so there
isn’t enough time to do what they would truly enjoy. With all of this said, I wouldn’t
say most people know how to effectively spend their free time in my country.
What is the difference between the things people did in their free time in the
past and the things they do nowadays?
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Well, I would say technology definitely plays a role in this. Furthermore, the
importance of quality family time is disappearing as the world progresses. Let’s take
children for example. I would imagine they used to spend their free time playing
outdoors in the past, where now they may spend it staring at a TV screen or playing
video games for the entire day. When it comes to family as a whole, I would
imagine in the past that they would all have meals together and go out together on
weekends, whereas now there is more independence and separation of the family.
With more entertainment available now, such as the cinema, arcades, bars, etc.,
people would rather do this instead of spending quality time with family.
Today I’ll tell you about how I used to want to be like my sister when I was younger.
She was always the popular, scholarly type, while I was sort of the unfocused,
social outcast (unpopular) type. I always struggled with my weight when I was
younger even though I ate pretty healthily, whereas my sister always had a perfect,
thin physique (fitness) even while eating junk food constantly. I’ll explain it more in
depth.
My sister is 2 years older than me, and we grew up together. She was always the at
the top of her class, even though she studied very little. I remember her saying that
she would forget to study, but still get nearly 100% on her exams,
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even through her college years. Moreover, she had a natural athletic ability with
very little effort. She could take up a new sport and be good at it at the drop of a
hat! I envied her swimming and basketball skills, especially. Apart from this, she
was the thin, pretty blonde girl that everyone wanted to be friends with, although
she didn't have to put effort into being nice to people. Another thing I looked up to
her for was that it was easy for her to speak her mind. When I was younger
especially, I always found it difficult to speak up even when I was being treated
unfairly.
Reflecting back, I think what I most wished to inherit from her was her ability to do
everything at ease. It seems like I always had to put more effort into school to get
good grades, be fit, have friends, etc, so I wished those things could come easier. I
especially wished I had her athletic ability, as I would like to do more physical
activity. Furthermore, I wish I didn't have to spend countless hours studying and
even meeting with a tutor to get good grades. However, as I’ve gotten older, I
realize that we cannot compare ourselves to other people because we all have
different strengths and weaknesses. Still, I admire her for her abilities as well as her
outspokenness.
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I’m going to talk about a quiz show called “Who wants to be millionaire?”. As it
famous all over the globe, I’m sure you’ve heard of it before. It can be viewed by
everyone, as it is family friendly. Well, let me tell you how it works.
At the start of the show, the contestants gather and prepare to answer a multiple
choice question to decide who gets to be in the “hot seat”. Naturally, it’s the person
who answers accurately within the shortest time frame.
When a contestant is selected, he or she will proceed to sit in a chair in the center
and have the opportunity to answer a total of 15 questions that become
progressively more difficult. For every answer that you answer correctly, you are
awarded a determined amount of money. Apparently, if you’re unsure of one
particular question, you can always stop the game and go home with the money
that you have allotted at that time. However, if you are willing to take your chances,
you can follow your instinct and keep going. Also, there are always three “aids”
you can use, for example you can call your friends for help, or choose to have half
of the options eliminated.
All in all, I enjoy this game because it’s very suspenseful: it always keeps me on
the edge of my seat! Furthermore, I gain knowledge from watching this show. Since
I have 2 teenage children, I like that it is something that we can all watch together!
Part 3
Do people in your country like to watch TV?
Too much! People in my country are definitely couch potatoes (people who like
to stay on the sofa all day). Since it’s always rainy here, people tend to stay
indoors and watch Netflix quite often. With a raging entertainment industry, there is
always some hot new TV series coming out, which leaves people on the edge of
their seats (anxious; excited).
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What games do children play nowadays?
In this technological world, children are shifting more towards video games, as well
as games on their cell phones or tables. Actually, I was shocked the other day when
I walked past a group of elementary kids who were all simultaneously staring away
at their cell phones, lost in their games. I always get on (push) my children to go
outside and take a bike ride or a walk instead of staring at their X-box all evening
long.
Are there any differences between the games children's games and adults'
games?
Yes, to an extent. First of all, kids tend to have more energy, so they like games like
tag where they can run around like crazy. Furthermore, kid’s games are usually
more cartoon character based games, or educational games that work on building
soft skills. Since adults already have these skills, their games are usually based on
creativity or a higher intelligence level. However, there are many similarities of all
games, considering most are based on entertainment and problem-solving skills.
Since the start of 2019, I promised myself to exercise more to lead a healthy
lifestyle. So far so good! Let me tell you about my usual workout routine.
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Well, luckily my apartment complex has a fitness center, so I use this gym the most
often, as it’s extremely convenient. Additionally, I have a gym membership at
another fitness club, as well as exercise outdoors on days with pleasant weather.
When I go to the gym, I usually spend 30-60 minutes doing cardio, in which I
alternate between the bicycle, treadmill, and elliptical. After this, I move on to some
light weight-lifting to help tone my body. For example, I do some triceps (muscle in
your arms) exercises to thin out my arms, or some crunches (abdomen
exercise) to harden up my abs (abdominals). So, between the cardio and weight
lifting, I spend about an hour and fifteen minutes at the gym per day.
I do this because it benefits my mental and physical health. Exercise releases
endorphins (a brain chemical), which cause you to feel happier. Furthermore, I
feel more confident when I work out. Also, I feel that I have more leeway (freedom)
on what I can eat when I exercise, as I’m known for having a sweet tooth (likes
sweet food). Lastly, I’ve been wanting to shed (lose) some extra pounds, so
exercise definitely aids in this. All in all, there’s no way to argue that exercising is
loaded (full) with benefits!
artificial intelligence
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Artificial intelligence, the latest front in computer science, is affecting all fields of
technology, continually making our lives easier. Nowadays there are countless
(many) apps and products in existence thanks to artificial intelligence, but I would
like to talk about one I’m especially fond of (like), which is the robot vacuum
cleaner, especially the Samsung powerbot. I’ve always been a bad sweeper, so this
is an ideal creation for me. I was gifted one for Christmas last year and I’ve been in
love with it ever since!
Instead of sweeping the floors, the robot vacuums are battery operated machines
which go all over your house to pick up all the dirt, animal fur, and dust for you! All
you have to do is put batteries in them and empty them out after they do their
rounds (go around). You can even program it to sweep the floors at a specific time
daily! The interesting thing about them is that they remember the map of the room
and have a sensor to know when they are approaching another object, and then
turn away. Furthermore, they sense when they have sufficiently cleaned the floors
then return back to their charging station home-base.
I think this is such a brilliant invention, as I usually miss dirt when I sweep the floors
myself. Although it’s pricey, about $300 per machine, I believe it’s worth it for the
time and efficiently of it. Since a lot of people track dirt into the house when they
enter, this is a sure way to keep the floors constantly clean and tidy. All in all, I’m a
huge fan of it (I really like it)!
Part 3
Can Artificial Intelligence be conscious?
Mmm...not really. I know they are programmed to sense when someone is near them
or enters the room, but I’m unsure of whether they are really conscious. For example,
with more advanced robots such as Erica, I do believe she has feelings and her
individual personality. Furthermore, I know she has a very developed “brain”. On the
other hand, I know that Alexa or Siri don’t have a conscious. They simply respond with
a series of programmed responses.
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Perhaps it’s just my own bias (preference), but I’m firm in the fact that I don’t
believe that robots’ emotions could never match humans’.
How does AI help us in everyday life?
Alexa helps us to check the weather, save electricity by turning the lights off when
we leave the room, remembers our favorite playlists, etc. More than anything else,
she reduces the amount of monotonous (boring and repetitive) tasks we are
used to doing and makes our lives easier. I believe there are more benefits than
drawbacks to her presence. On the other hand, we shouldn’t rely too heavily on Al,
since technology can fail us at any given second.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of AI?
I would say the advantages are that it saves time, reminds us to conserve
electricity, makes listening to music easier, provides easier navigating, and is simply
rather amusing. On the other hand, I don’t think there are any drawbacks
(disadvantages) to her except the fact that people become to reliant on technology
and tend to get irrate when it fails them. For example, I always go to my friend’s
house and when Alexa can’t understand what he said, he will start to holler at her! I
think people build too high of expectations for technology, assuming it should be
just as intelligent as a human, which causes people to lose their tempers (get
angry).
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The prize I would like to get is from a quiz show called “Who wants to be
millionaire?”, known all of the world. I’m sure you are familiar with this, so it’s
unnecessary to explain every detail of how it works. So, I’ll describe it briefly.
It is roughly like this, contestants have to answer in total 15 questions that get
increasingly more difficult. For every answer that you get right, you’ll be awarded a
determined amount of money. Apparently if you’re not sure about one particular
question, you can always stop the game and go home with the money. But if you’re
feeling adventurous you can just go with your instinct. And there’s always three
“aids” you can use, for example you can call your friends for help, or choose to
have half of the options eliminated.
Winning first prize, which means nailing (getting correct) all 15 questions, is what
I’m aiming for. The game requires you to know a bit of everything, so I’m reading
up on areas that I’m not interested in or familiar with. I’m also looking for people
who I can call for help during the program. I’m planning on entering the competition
next month!
Part 3
Is it good to have competition?
I think competition is healthy to an extent. But, I think the number one person we
should compete with is always ourselves. Being better than we previously were is
the number one priority, in my opinion. However, team and individual competitions
are also a healthy and necessary way to motivate people to try their hardest and
gain a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship (respect to the other team
whether you win or lose). By the same taken, failure is also a great lesson to help
us to be better in the future. We all need failure just as much as we need success!
Do you think it's good to award prizes in school and/university?
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Yes, I believe so. By setting a prize, we give the students incentive to learn and try
their hardest. Awards like Student of the Month, Perfect Attendance Awards, Dean’s
List, etc. are something that boosts the confidence of the student, and may even
benefit their future when they add these achievements onto their CVs. Furthermore,
while school can be a dry, dull place, adding competitions adds a level of
entertainment, which makes it a more fun environment. Moreover, even if a student
loses a competition, that failure can be transformed into a positive lesson down the
road (in the future). Of course there are always some students and parents who
take it too far, but all in all, it is a healthy and much need practice in the school
system.
Do you think companies should give their employees prizes?
Definitely! Awards like Employee of the Month, promotions, and so on motivate
employees to give their best in their jobs. If employees always give 100% and never
receive anything in return, they may feel that there is no incentive to work hard. For
those who are naturally competitive, this is a necessity to them. Of course some
employees may become jealous or resentful (hateful) of others, but it is also a
motivating factor to build a sense of sportmanship and will make them want to work
even harder the next time around.
How to reward successful people?
Truth be told, rewards for successful people should come in plenty of forms. If they
make an enormous contribution to the nation, then they should be given proper
publicity. For example, a veteran who fought bravely or a hero who sacrificed their
life for the peace of a country should be remembered forever in sculptures and
paintings. On the other hand, successful businesspeople who play a significant role
in the development of their nation’s economy should be awarded with medals or
certifications so as to stimulate them to make even greater contributions in the
future
Should schools establish awards? What rewards can children get from
school?
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From what I see, I guess it is quite well-advised for schools to have a reward system to
encourage good deeds and academic performance amongst students. Students would
be a helpful citizen if schools add extra points to their academic record for talking an
elder across the street, offering to lift a heavy object for a passer by on the street, for
example. On top of that, academically poor students can feel the motivation to strive
further in their studies to reap the rewards, like they can obtain some pocket money
for being the top student in the class during a semester. This can greatly spur their
scholastic progress.
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27/ Describe an important technological product you bought
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but unfortunately could not manage the entire amount. So, when I received my
paycheck, I bought it right away!
I bought the laptop last month and have been using for around three weeks. By this
time, the laptop has proved its worth. It holds an outstanding charge-usually about
7 hours. Besides, my parents are also using it and they are happy too. I planned to
use the internet modem but my father has arranged a broadband internet
connection. So, using the internet is no longer a problem for us. I have two younger
sisters and they are also careful about using the laptop. They mostly use the laptop
when I am not home and watch cartoons and animated movies on the internet. My
mother takes care of the laptop and she is responsible for keeping it safe and clean
from dust.
I was really happy to buy this laptop. It may sound strange to some that it was a
dream for me. I have realized the necessity of a laptop when I was at my university.
I was unable to complete projects and assignments. I had to rely (depend) on my
friends who had their own laptops. Though they cordially allowed me to use their
laptops, I felt uncomfortable most of the time. On the other side, my family was not
fortunate enough to spend some extra bucks(dollars) for me to buy a laptop. So, I
made a plan to make this dream come true. After lots of struggles, I got the job and
finally have my own laptop. All in all, I couldn’t live without it now!
Part 3
How much has technology improved how we communicate with each other?
This is a controversial (debatable) topic. On one hand, communication had opened
up endless windows of opportunities to reach a broader spectrum (range) of people,
keep in touch (contact) with people better, and just all in all made communication
more accessible. For example, I lived across the world, but I still felt close to my family,
thanks to FaceTime. On the other hand, I believe it has had a negative effect on how
we communicate with others. Where
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in the past we used to value discussing matters at face value, we now hide behind
computer screens. I even feel I am scared to confront people face to face when I
could make it easier over the phone or via text message/email. All in all, there are
positives and negatives to it.
Do you agree that there are still many more major technological innovations
to be made?
Of course! Endless, actually. There is more that will be created than we can even
imagine at this particular moment in time. Looking back, I could never have dreamt
in my wildest dreams all that is accessible to us nowadays. I’m anxious to see what
will be available to us in the future! I can imagine hologram (digital) image video
chats!
Do you think people rely too much on technology?
At times! I think people are becoming incapable of doing things the old school way,
and with that said losing real skill. For example, I am a teacher and we rely so
heavily on videos, smartboards, audio files, etc, that when technology fails us, we
are completely lost. Furthermore, I must be connected to my phone, email, and text
messages at all times to even function. Moreover, I see that children are starting to
not be able to enjoy life without a tablet or phone, whereas kids enjoyed playing
outside and getting dirty in the past. So yes, in this world where a wifi connection
can fail us in an instant, people often rely too heavily on it.
Could you suggest some reasons why some people are deciding to reduce
their use of technology?
I’m seeing that people are starting to realize that they can’t enjoy the moment they are
in because they are always glued to(attached to) their phones. Furthermore, they
want to reduce the amount of time they stare at at a computer screen all day, as it is
straining and damaging to our eyes. Moreover, parents want to try to manage the time
their kids spent playing video games, encouraging them to get more fresh air. With the
app that records the amount
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of time that you spent on social media a day, it’s a bit shameful to see how much
time we waste away, so people are taking action against it.
attraction
I’m going to tell you about my most recent trip in which I purchased a special
souvenir. Well, a few months ago I went to Switzerland on holiday and brought
home a painting from a local shop in Zurich. It was a bit of a hassle (annoying) to
bring home because of the high taxes in the airport. However, it was such a nice
piece of painting that it was worth it. It was a large oil painting that depicts
(describe) a beautiful natural scenery common in Switzerland and not quite
common in my homeland. I have hung it in my bedroom and it is now one of the
most beautiful and cherished (special) souvenirs for me.
I went on this trip in early March with my 2 friends. The alpine scenery, picturesque
(attractive& interesting) villages, glittering (bright and shining) blue lakes, beautiful
lakeside and astounding (appalling) tranquility of the villages took our breath away.
Since we are artsy people, we attended an art festival in the mountains where I found
this painting. As I don’t like keychains or T-shirts as much, I decided to bring this home
as my only souvenir.
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Now, every time I look at this painting, it reminds me the exciting and memorable
days I had spent on our holiday in Switzerland. Apart from that, the painting is a bit
different than the other paintings I have in our house, so it really stands out
(noticeable; different). This picture takes me back (to remind someone of
something in the past) in time.
Part 3
What kinds of souvenirs do people usually buy from tourist attractions?
Well it depends on the person, but I would say the most common souvenirs are
keychains, mugs, magnets, shot glasses, art items, T-shirts, etc. I would say that
people who have some sort of vice such as drinking or smoking usually go for a
souvenir that suits this, such as a local liquor or a cigar from the specific place.
However, children tend to buy some sort of toy or T-shirt related to the place. On
the other hand, women tend to buy a clothing item or perhaps an accessory such
as earrings, a necklace, or a scarf, where men tend to buy some sports
memorabilia or the like.
Is it good that the locals sell things to tourists?
Yes! For many places, tourism is one of the only industries, so they have to take
advantage of this. For example, a local can really benefit from selling their
homemade crafts to a tourist. Of course the local benefits financially, but they could
also get their name out there (become well-known/famous), while leaving the
tourist with a one of a kind gift. On the other hand, the locals shouldn’t be too
aggressive or rip off (cheat financially) the tourists because it could turn the
tourists off to the place. It’s all a balance!
Do you prefer to buy souvenirs or useful things? Why?
As I’m more of a practical person, I prefer to buy useful things or more experiences in
the particular place that I visit. For example, I would much rather spend those $10 on a
special meal or put it towards a tour rather than buying a T-shirt that I may never wear
again. Furthermore, I’m really into photography, so a memorable moment captured in
time is much more valuable than a
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magnet, mug, or shot glass could ever be to me. To celebrate my travels, I
showcase my photography on social media and frame the pictures to hang on my
walls.
What is your opinion about the asking price for souvenirs?
It depends! For example, I would never let myself be gouged (charged an
unreasonably high price) buying a last-minute souvenir at an airport. Along with
just the airports, many places elevate the prices in touristy areas. I think it’s a bit
unfair, but it’s just kind of how it is. Of course I wouldn’t want to be ripped off, but I
can also understand that this is a good opportunity for especially impoverished
countries to make money from wealthier tourists. In my opinion, the best souvenirs
to buy are handicrafts from humble, local people on the streets or in a small shop.
I’m going to talk about this time when I needed a foreign book for my studies. I was in
my senior year in university and we had this assignment that required us to find the
latest medical breakthroughs (new information) on cancer, some of which are very
hard to come by. So, I knew I needed to find this book ASAP. Apparently in order to
get access to new data you must know the right source and pay some fees. I found out
that the breakthroughs that I needed were published in a book, which was not yet for
sale in my country. Moreover, even
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if I’d had it delivered, it would be too late by the time it arrived at my doorstep. I felt
really uptight about it, but suddenly I thought of a solution.
So, I decided to contact my former host family in the US to ask them to buy a hard
copy then have the specific information scanned and emailed to me. It took some
time but eventually I got the data in time. It was a bit of a hassle (something time-
consuming) for my host family, so I decided to buy him a small gift in return.
Part 3
What influence does the internet have on people (individually), and the
society?
Well, for one, before the internet people interacted much more when meeting up
and going out together, now you see people glued to (always looking at) their
phone screens. Their focus is on their social media apps looking at what their
friends and family are doing through photos and status updates, rather than
actually talking to them. Communication is mostly through social media, with instant
chat, cutting the need for face to face meetings.
On the other hand, the internet has had a positive impact on society because now
we can accomplish much more in a shorter time frame. Moreover, people can
access information much quicker through google for example, so it creates a
generation of well-informed people. Because of this, I believe that our future is very
bright.
Do you think libraries will disappear one day?
I think this could be a possibility, as people are beginning to think that libraries are
redundant (unnecessary), as the information is also available online. With devices
such as E-books, Kindles, Amazon, etc., it’s normal to question how much longer
libraries will last. For example, I never use the library because I see it as a hassle to
have to check out the book and return it when I could just buy a used copy for next to
nothing online from Amazon or borrow it from a friend. However, I still believe that a lot
of people like to utilize libraries for the
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tangible value of holding a book in your hand and having a quiet, serene place to
study; libraries have always been a staple to our academic world. So, with all of this
said, I think libraries will stay around for at least the next 20 years.
What do people use the internet for?
Pretty much everything! Nowadays, there are countless apps at our fingertips to
accomplish all of our tasks. For example, we use the internet to do research, pay
our bills, find a dating match, go shopping, make phone calls, find jobs, chat with
friends, find work out videos, etc. The better question would be what we don’t use
the internet for nowadays. To be honest, I can’t think of any area of life where we
don’t use the internet.
Would you say many people waste time "surfing the internet"?
For sure! Nowadays, the average person spends hours surfing the internet each day.
Take me for example. My phone has recorded that I spend an average of 2-3 hours a
day surfing the web on my phone, not to mention the 6 hours I’m constantly connected
to it to carry out my work tasks. In some respects, it’s very useful to google things that
you may be curious about throughout the day, but many people spend time surfing
instagram or facebook watching lives of people they don’t even know, which is a 100%
waste of time in my opinion.
How do you think people will be using the internet in 10 years (time)?
That’s a great question! It’s difficult to imagine this, but I would imagine we will
continue to use it in all the respects that we do nowadays, but even at a more
elevated level. For example, I’ve often speculated that we will have hologram
images instead of video chats. On the other hand, I have a feeling that the online
classroom will soon replace the traditional classroom. When it comes to the work
world, I imagine that even more jobs will become remote. All in all, the world will
continue to advance technologically.
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30/ Describe a time you taught an older person something new
Every day we meet such persons who teach us a lot of things, and sometimes we
even get the pleasure of teaching them something ourselves. We may assume that
the old hold all the wisdom, but actually we young people Such a situation that
recently occurred in my life, when I was sitting at home minding my own
business (doing nothing) when suddenly someone knocked on the door of our
house. When I opened it I found my neighbour Mr Peters, who has been working
as a government employee was standing near the doorsteps of our home. He told
me that he needed urgent help I readily (immediately) asked what the matter was.
He told me that he wanted to send an important excel file to an officer of his office
department. But, because he wasn’t proficient in Excel, he couldn't fill the data as
required by the officer. However, because he knew that I have been studying in a
college where I have to use a Ms office to complete my assignments. He came
straight (directly) to me.
I asked him to come in and sit at ease (relaxed). I took my laptop and opened a
new excel sheet and started typing the information and applying the formula. It took
about one and a quarter hours to complete the file. Not only did I fill out
(complete) the data, but also taught Mr Peters about the easiest tricks to use this
software.
Learning this new skill, Mr Peters became very happy and relaxed. Because of this,
I felt the same way. I felt excited to be able to share my skills with him to
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make his life easier. He is a very kind person who would bend over backwards
(help) for others, so I like to treat him with such respect. All in all, I felt I did a good
deed (action) by being of service to him.
Part 3
Is it easy for old people use new technology?
For the most part, no. For young people, technology is something that we grew up
with. However, for the elderly, it is a whole new challenge for them. Actually, it must
be like learning a whole new language for them. As I work with many elderly
people, I often see their frustration about this topic. When I put myself in their
shoes (imagine from their perspective), I would imagine that I feel the same.
Why do some old people refuse to use new technology?
In many cases, the elderly can become quite stubborn (not wanting to change).
For example, they have lots of wisdom and experience, so it’s hard for them to
admit that they have difficulty with something that comes so easily to the younger
generation. Furthermore, some simply don’t trust in technology and think that life
was better the old school (traditional) way.
place you visited with your friends and you had a good time.
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Well, traveling is something that thrills me a lot and I’m always waiting for my next
trip. So, I would like to talk about the vacation I had last year, which I consider to be
quite out of the ordinary (unusual).
During last summer holidays, my friend and I dreamt of going to a faraway land, but
we lacked the funds (didn’t have the money) for it.
Fortunately, on the very next day, I was looking on social media and stumbled upon
one NGO who needed some people to volunteer at a remote, mountainous area.
Moreover, the best thing about this opportunity was that it included all expensives.
For example, traveling, food, accommodation, and so on.
So, I immediately called my friend then we went to the NGO, in which they
assigned us work teaching children.
We went to Malana, Himachal Pradesh where the NGO was located.
There we volunteered as well as did some sightseeing around the place, like
visiting historical pagodas nature, lakes, and so on.
Besides that, we experienced local culture and taste of local food as well. Not to
mention, it was nice to spend the summer in a cool, crisp climate. Furthermore, we
felt very good because we contributed something to society. Usually people travel
simply for pleasure, so this is why I consider it unusual.
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experience culture shock, food adaptability and other issues if they start living there
Do you think we need to respect the region and culture when you go to other
countries?
Yes, I'd suppose. In the cases, immigrants or tourists to another country tend to
suffer from culture shock, food adaptability and racial discrimination and stuff like
that. So, it’s quite advisable that they make real efforts to pay decent respect to the
host country's culture when people come to a new land. For example, if you know
that beef is banned in Muslim countries and try to avoid including it in your daily
diet, you can save yourself from religious prejudice and lead a life like the natives.
What are the advantages of travelling?
Clearly, there are a number of merits brought by travelling. But I would probably say
that the thing that really stands out that we can broaden our horizons of the world. To
be more specific, when coming to a new region or a country, we have the chances to
sample, the local life, enjoy the and learn many interesting stuff. Besides, a second
positive point could be that we can let our hair down after stressful periods of hard
work or study. A short visit to somewhere can help us recharge our batteries and work
more effectively afterwards.
What are the advantages for a nationwide travel?
If I were to choose between the two, I would opt for domestic trips simply because I
am not a wealthy person at all. Therefore, travelling to different parts of my country
can be economical at first. Besides, there are no language barriers compared to
when you make a tour to a far-away land where you can’t use your mother tongue.
In a nutshell, such a nationwide journey can satisfy my sense of adventure.
What advice would you give to he foreigners travelling to your country?
To be honest with you, for a person who wants to make a trip to my country, there
are a lot of necessary preparations. First of all, you must get prepared to deal with
problems in daily life, which can be hard to be found in developed
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countries. For example, you are faced with traffic jam, particularly during peak
hours; or run the risk of being stolen in public places like buses. Besides, polluted
air and hot weather is another tumbling block that foreigners need to overcome.
You have to breathe dirty air and stand the scorching heat of the summers or heat
all year round if you live in HCM city
Part 3:
What is gender inequality in the workplace?
It means that people aren’t treated equally based on gender. Traditionally, the man
earns more money than a woman and aren’t able to move up in position, also
known as the glass ceiling. In my country, the woman earns about .80 cents to the
man’s dollar for doing the exact same workload. Apart from just the pay, women are
often perceived as unable to control their emotions, which prevents them from
being in a leadership position. I’m so happy to see this changing!
What are the causes of gender inequality in the workplace?
Long-held beliefs, society, misconceptions, our upbringing, religion, among other
things. It’s something that has been ingrained (put) in our minds for a long time. As
we are now in a time when women are getting into positions of power, we can see
that it has nothing to do with ability. I hope that people continue to develop their way
of thinking about this matter. I’m a firm believer that women are just as capable as a
man, whether it’s an office job or physical labor.
Do women have more responsibility for taking care of children?
Nowadays, it really depends. Perhaps it used to be that way since women tend to
have a more maternal and nurturing (caring) instinct, but I see this starting to
change. For example, I know of plenty stay at home dads and moms who go to
work all day. However, I still see that traditionally the woman stays home with the
children more than a man.
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33/ Describe a journey that you went on by car
It was the day before the long weekend of Labor Day and I had nothing to do, no
plans, nothing at all. So, I decided to give my friends a shout (call my friends).
Luckily, they were also free so we decided to spend this holiday together to
celebrate all the hard work we do. This is how we started the road trip and I didn’t
know it was going to be an outstanding experience. Let me tell you about it!
We decided to go to the Grand Canyon, a place with beautiful landscapes and
stunning hikes during the sunset. As soon as we arrived, the first task we
completed was to set up the tents and a small fire near us because it was a pitch-
black (very dark) night. We were lucky enough to see a shooting star going
above our heads.
The next morning, we woke up really early to start one of the most famous hikes of
the area. I would have to say that is was worth every second of it.
As we packed everything back to the cars to go back to the city, we saw a giant
raven ( large bird), trying to eat some leftovers from other camping grounds. That
was just the perfect way to end the trip- in primitive (old) nature, yet having fun at
the same time.
That weekend was something else (something really special). I felt it was a
bonding experience to get to know my friends more, as well as a nice time to
unwind (relax) from our hectic (busy) lives in the city. In conclusion, it was
one heck of a weekend (an awesome weekend)!
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Part 3
Is driving skill important?
Indeed, it is not just important, it’s a necessity here in the US. Unlike Europe, cities
were built for cars, not people, here. Especially when you want to do a road trip for
holidays or a small getaway (vacation). For example, since I bought a car, I could
take advantage of a short weekend by taking a road trip for Labor Day ant to
Chattanooga River. What a wonderful day to be alive, thanks to cars.
Do you think cars are a daily necessity?
Of course, I do, as they are necessary here in the US. They are a crucial
(important) part of the daily commuting I do from home to work and vice versa.
Moreover, they help me a lot to be on time to the daily meetings I have, as I tend to
be late often.
What will cars look like in the future?
I will say cars are going to be very different in the near future, all of this due to new
technologies in aerodynamics and electrical batteries. Just imagine a car without
an engine and solely (only) power by solar energy or electricity. That will definitely
change the shape, therefore, the entire appearance of a car. Even just from the
90’s and 2000’s to now, you can see a drastic (sharp) change in cars- I can’t
imagine what the future holds!
What are the advantages of owning a car?
One of the main advantages I can think of is how independent you can be to move
anywhere around your city. Sometimes you are hungry and you just want that
delicious pizza you saw in the commercial, so you just drive your way through the
pizza restaurant and enjoy every single slice of it without any planning.
Furthermore, I can use my car to go on roadtrips and make as many potty breaks
(bathroom stops) as I want along the way, which is impossible in public
transportation.
What are the disadvantages of owning a car?
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As there are so many advantages, there are just a few disadvantages. One of them
is the maintenance you have to do every couple thousand miles. I wish I never had
to stop at those repair shop and wait for hours until the car is ready but I know that
safety is the main priority and, in those places, they put them right on spot to keep
functioning as they are supposed to. So all in all, it really isn’t a huge
inconvenience.
My family and I always had a dream vacation of going to New York city, better
known as the Big Apple. The concrete jungle (a nickname for New York) where
dreams come true. I would have to say that those were some of the best days of
my life. It was around Christmas time, so we really wanted to see the decked out
(decorated) New York that we had always seen on TV. Let me tell you how it came
about
So, by the end of 2018 we caught a flight from Portland to New York. I have to say
that New Yorkers truly have the Christmas spirit. All of the city looked fairytale from
Disney movies. While we were wandering around (walking around) the city, we
saw a huge Christmas Three full of beautiful lights and sparkling star on top. It
really took us back to the Home Alone movies!
Seeing all of the Christmas decorations was the most outstanding part of the trip.
Actually, it made me feel emotional to be standing there experiencing this
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with my family. It touched all of our hearts a lot. In conclusion, this trip took my
breath away.
Part 3
Do you think cities worth visiting is also suitable to live in?
Yes, I do. They are worth visiting for a reason. Whether they have iconic (famous)
locations or fantastic restaurants, I would say that a city is not only worth visiting,
but is also worth living. I’m a fan of (I like) the countryside too, but I always like to
check out the capital city of a country too.
Do people in your country like to travel?
People in my country do love to travel a lot, mainly to Europe because you can
breathe culture (take in) and history in every single country you visit, and
countries are so small over there, that you can go through one of them in just 4
hours of driving, that’s fantastic!
How has travelling changed, compared to several decades ago?
Well, several decades ago, travelling was more of a luxury option for people with a
lot of money. Nowadays, it has changed and become more accessible to the
middle class. You can easily get a roundtrip tickets to Paris for less than 200
dollars, before, that was bananas (crazy)!
When do people travel (as tourists), who do they usually go with?
When people travel, they usually go with friends or family. Those ways are the most
common, but for me the best way to travel is by yourself. It’s becoming more
common for people to travel alone, but for me especially because I love the feeling
of being able to do whatever I please at any given moment.
Do you think the internet has had an effect on people’s traveling behavior
today?
It has deeply affected the way people travel, particularly in the way people buy
plane tickets and layout their days at destination. Thanks to the internet, now you
can buy plane tickets immediately, all you need to have is a credit or debit
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card. People also pick up their destination and determine what to do each day,
based on the information they find online.
If you were going on a trip, what essential modern technology would you take
with you, and why?
One of the essentials on my trips is my phone. I can’t survive without it, it brings me
so much information about destination, like how to get there and what to see. To be
honest, I’d be completely lost without google maps! I need all of that information
right in the palm of my hand (accessible) to be able to proceed with my trip.
As a child, I enjoyed playing outside and going for hikes with my dogs more than
anything else. However, I can remember one specific toy that left a mark
(impression) on me. I recall having a super powerful action figure, it was a Super
Man, those little toys that you play with for countless (endless) hours with your
friends in the backyard. I often brought him along on the hikes with me until one
day, unfortunately, my dad chewed him up and broke him!
I got that action figure when I was just 3 years old, and my grandfather gave it to
me after we saw the Super Man movie in theaters. My grandfather knew it would
make my birthday to get that toy, so he especially picked it out for me. I
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remember being over the moon (extremely happy) when I saw it and I squeezed
(hugged) him so tightly.
That small toy put a big smile on my face and helped to have fun day and night. I
loved that toy so much before my dog chewed him up. In conclusion, I’ll never
forget that day!
Part 3
Do you think it is good for children to play many computer games?
I think it is good for children to play, but not just computer games, I’m talking about
sports or playing with action figures, dolls or toy cars. Just computer games can be
limiting and time consuming. However, maybe some chess or logic games on a
computer can be beneficial to a child’s learning.
How do you think a child can benefit from playing a child’s game?
A child can widely benefit from child’s games like hide and seek or jump-rope
because these games help them with their motion control and it exercises them.
Furthermore, logical games like chess, cards, puzzles, or checkers can improve a
child’s reasoning and problem-solving skills. Lastly, bilingual games help children
to develop language skills effectively from a young age.
Which do you think is better, for children to play with toys alone or with other
kids?
I think sharing, in general, is important for everyone, especially kids. The ability to
interact with other human beings is crucial for the mind to develop and playing
with another kid is part of it. It reminds me of the Superman figure I got when I was
a kid, me and my friends really enjoyed it. It’s important for kids to learn how to
share.
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36/ Describe a place you remember well that is full of colors.
I have a colorful ice-cream place that I really like, actually, I would say it is my
favorite place for ice-cream. Let me tell you about it
It is located right in the corner of Bernard Road, it has a really stylized neon light
that glows glamour (the special exciting and attractive quality of a place) every
time you look at it, that neon light is also an usual place for people to take a picture
with it. When you go inside the ice-cream store, you will find a lot of uncommon
flavors like olive oil or lavender. You would think they’re not tasty at all, but they
actually are so rich in flavor.
Hanging on the ceiling, they have a lot of colorful umbrellas, all arranged by colors,
so it looks like you’re staring into a rainbow which is really stimulating. This is my
favorite thing to look at while I’m getting some ice-cream. I think I’ll always keep it
in my mind (remember something) because of the colorful store that left a deep
impression on you and the taste of the unusual flavors that still linger (remain for
a long time) in my mouth.
Part 3
What kind of places do people want to go to when they want to be alone?
When people want to be alone, they usually go to their room but that’s not the case
for me. I used to do a small hike to have a panoramic view of the city, just 20
minutes away from home, to be alone and connect with myself again. That’s what
recharges me most when I crave some time alone.
Do you think that landmarks will make a city more famous, why?
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Yes, I do. Landmarks for sure will make a city more famous because they will bring
more attention to their surroundings and make the city more popular and a desired
destination for tourists. They also generate more advertising, in postcards for
example, so then people are more likely to visit the place.
What’s the difference between living in the city and countryside?
It’s like two sides of a coin (two different things). One is very different from the
other. In the city you have a lot of amenities and comfort but you’re missing the
peacefulness and quietness of the country side, where you will barely see people
and maybe not have all the amenities you are used to. So, there really isn’t much in
common at all.
Well, let me tell you about a time I spent a lot of money. It was Christmas time, but
also it was time to get a gift for myself. After a long year of hard work, not to
mention a grueling (very difficult) one, it was time to spoil myself a little bit. I
knew exactly what I wanted, which was the latest iPhone. I had had mine for about
3 years and I knew it was time for an upgrade. So, I carefully saved up money
throughout the year so make sure I could provide this for myself at the end of the
year.
The day before Christmas I went into the C Train that takes to downtown and from
the train station, I walked to about 15 minutes and I arrived at the Apple Store. I
knew it was going to be a lot of money but I was aware that those
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products last for a very long time, that’s why I decided to get it. After leaving the
cashier counter and leaving most of my money, I rapidly (quickly) went back to the
train station with my bag on my hands and headed home. When I arrived there, I
was so excited to open it as test the new phone. In conclusion, it was worth it!
Part 3
Why do young people tend to waste money?
People tend to waste more money because they like to flex (try to look cool) or
pretend in front of their friends. They want to show that they can afford things that
maybe the other can’t like the latest iPhone or expensive vacations. So, it’s all
something superficial for young kids.
Why is it important for people to save some of their money?
Saving money is important because you don’t know how the future is going to be,
maybe you will go through rough times where you wish you’ve saved all the money
you spent on mundane objects. Still, I think it’s all about balance. Don’t fret (worry)
over money too much, but also don’t spend it like a drunken sailor (like a crazy
person).
Should children be taught how to manage money?
Children should be taught how to manage their money, it is very important that from
the very beginning we all know how to make the best use of our money-it could be
saving or investing. Instead of learning so many mathematical skills that we may
never use in the school system, I think they should have more classes like this.
Who is better at saving more money, men or women?
I would say that it does not depend on the gender, it depends fully in the kind of
education we received as kids and also in schools. They say that men can be
impulsive, but I know a fair share of women who are the same. On the other hand,
perhaps women spend more on physical maintenance, but by the same token (in
the same way), there are also many men who do so.
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38/ Describe a teenager you know
Who she/he is
What she/he looks like
How you got to know him or her
Why do you like him/her
And explain how you feel about him or her
I’m going to tell you about a family friend of ours named Edward. He is 16 years old
and bright (clever; intelligent) as can be. We have known him ever since he was 6
years old, and I’ve enjoyed watching him transform into the young man he is today.
Nowadays, he’s even taller than me! I would say he’s almost 6 feet tall. He has a dark
complexion and nearly black hair, now cut into one of the trendy styles with one side of
it shaved. He’s blossoming into (changing into; like a flower) a handsome fellow
(another word for boy or man).
Well, although there was a 10 year age gap in between his mother and my mother,
they immediately hit it off (liked each other immediately) when they starting work
at a real estate agency together 10 years ago. Their friendship continued to grow
within the office until they decided to open their own brokerage (real estate
company) about 4 years later. So, our families have grown close over the years.
We often have meals together, visit each other during the holidays, and even
vacation together some years.
I really care for Edward because he has always been an honest, polite kid and a joy to
be around. He isn’t like the typical rebellious teenager who feels they are too cool for
everything and everyone around them. He always greets me with a hug and shows me
a lot of respect. For this reason, I have really taken a liking to him. On another note,
he is extremely hard-working and intelligent. We often get into deep conversations
about the underlying(hidden) meanings of popular music hits or the history of the
world- we both share a love of history. Although I’m 10 years older, I feel that Edward
and I can still be friends. I
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cherish (deeply appreciate) him and always wish him the best. All in all, he is like
a little brother to me.
down.
Well, there is no doubt that the invention of vehicles made our lives more
convenient and comfortable. Nowadays, with the advancement of technology,
distances are made much shorter since there are the various modes of
transportation available such as buses, trains, bikes, and cars. Most of the time, I
prefer to use my own car for traveling. Luckily, I had not faced (had) many
problems with my car. However, I would like to share an incident when my car was
broken down on the side of the road while traveling.
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This was the first time our car gave us such trouble. Luckily, my husband had a
service center number in his pocket. So we called a mechanic for car repair. By the
grace of God (luckily), the service center was near us, so a mechanic arrived in
five minutes. He checked the care’s engine properly and replaced a belt as well as
the coolant. All in all, it took an hour to repair. Finally, our car’s engine started again
and we felt extremely relieved to see it work properly. My feelings of frustration
instantly went away. All in all, it was a smooth fix.
Well, my country has been through several historical events under various rulers
and governments. This has led to the long and highly fascinating (interesting)
history of my country to be written for everyone to know and benefit from. I am fond
of (like) reading history in general, however, the most fascinating period to me is
from the year 1940 to 1947. It was the last phase of the Indian independence
movement while still under British rule. With this said, the British rule in India lasted
for nearly two hundred years. It was in 1947 on the fifteenth of August that India
had finally gained its freedom from the oppressive and tyrannical British rule.
I am fascinated in gaining knowledge about all the proceedings that took place in this
period, as it’s something I am most curious about. I first came across (found)
information about this era in my eighth-grade history book. Since then,
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I have spoken to my grandparents at length (a long time) on this topic. They have
shared stories of freedom fighters standing up against the British army for their
rights, apart from many of their own personal accounts (experiences) during that
time. Furthermore, I have also read many books and watched various movies and
documentaries on this subject to expand my knowledge even more.
All in all, this era is full of various occurrences on a mass scale and involves sacrifices
of innumerable (countless) freedom fighters who gave away everything they had in
order to fight the British rule. During this time, our country was divided into two
separate nations, in which a new country named Pakistan made its debut (came into
existence). In conclusion, it is indeed one of the most essential (important) periods
in shaping my country’s history.
I tend to have close relationships with my friends, and am always eager (ready) to
help them out. I have this friend in particular who I’ve grown up with (known
since children); we’re pretty close. I will tell you about some serious career advice
I gave him recently. Well, here’s some background:
Last year he was working at an international company and doing quite well, so he was
offered a big promotion to become a manager. However, he had also been looking for
opportunities to study abroad, and had recently received an offer from a prestigious
university around the same time he got the job offer. It
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was a scholarship that would cover all expenses, including tuition and
accommodation, an enviable package. So, he was really in a pickle (in a difficult
situation) over what to do. It was tough for him to decide whether to pursue his
career or his education. So, we met up to discuss this.
When he asked for my advice, I told him that if he wanted to be successful in his
field, he needed to possess excellent qualifications. If he didn’t, there would be a
limit to how far he could reach. Although this promotion may look good now, there
may be a small window (limits) for growth. After this advice, he decided to take
my advice and is now studying at Yale. All in all, he saw that pursuing his education
would pay off (benefit) more in the future.
or work
Well, getting feedback about our performance is simply part of life, whether it be
positive or negative. I always thought I was doing all the right things at my job, but the
assessment day came and turned out (result) that I wasn’t performing up to par (up
to standards). I noticed that since my manager called me to his office and told me to
close the door. “I hope this is not that serious” I said, and then he responded “we need
to talk”. At that very moment I realized I was doing something wrong at work. My
manager started to talk to me about my performance and it was all good but the
delivery time of the financial charts
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were not ideal. He gave me a great advice on how I should manage all the
workload I had in order to be able to deliver the financial reports on time.
As soon as I left his office, I went to my desk and started to put into practice all
the valuable information he gave me. After a month of doing what he recommended
me, I could clearly see the results about, I was improving at my job. I felt very
relieved to be able to deliver all the financial reports on the time request or even
faster that they asked me too. Thanks to his advice I was able to improve. All in all,
negative feedback leads us to improvement!
Part 3
Is it better to get advice from a friend or from a family member?
I have to say that all of it depends on the experience each person has. This means
if my friend has more knowledge about finance than my family, of course I will ask
my friend about it. On the other hand, sometimes I avoid asking family for advice,
because they can be harsh and judgmental, while friends tend to be more
understanding. So, what I’m saying is it depends on the relationships that each
person has with family/friends.
What would you say are the characteristics of a good adviser?
A good adviser must be a neutral person and being able to look at the problem and
solve it in the best possible way without hesitation. Furthermore, they shouldn’t let
their own bias (preference) creep into (come into) an objective situation. So, with
this said, sometimes family and friends aren’t the best people to ask for advice
Should people make their own work and career decisions, or is it a good idea
to ask for advice about this?
It is always a good idea to ask for advice but let that be just an advice because we
are the only ones who can decide about our own future. So with this said, we can’t
rely too heavily on the voice of others. We shouldn’t let their words dictate
(control) our lives, as we are the only people who have truly lived in our own
shoes (in our own situation or position).
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43/ Describe a time when you used the internet to solve a
problem.
I’m going to talk about this time when I needed a foreign book for my studies. I was in
my senior year in university and we had this assignment that required us to find the
latest medical breakthroughs (new information) on cancer, some of which are very
hard to come by. So, I knew I needed to find this book ASAP. Apparently in order to
get access to new data you must know the right source and pay some fees. I found out
that the breakthroughs that I needed were published in a book, which was not yet for
sale in my country. Moreover, even if I’d had it delivered, it would be too late by the
time it arrived at my doorstep. I felt really uptight (anxious) about it, but suddenly I
thought of a solution.
So, I decided to contact my former host family in the US to ask them to buy a hard
copy then have the specific information scanned and emailed to me. It took some
time but eventually I got the data in time. It was a bit of a hassle (something time-
consuming) for my host family, so I decided to buy him a small gift in return.
Part 3
What influence does the internet have on people (individually), and the
society?
Well, for one, before the internet people interacted much more when meeting up
and going out together, now you see people glued to (always looking at) their
phone screens. Their focus is on their social media apps looking at what
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their friends and family are doing through photos and status updates, rather than
actually talking to them. Communication is mostly through social media, with instant
chat, cutting the need for face to face meetings. On the other hand, the internet has
had a positive impact on society because now we can accomplish much more in a
shorter time frame. Moreover, people can access information much quicker through
google for example, so it creates a generation of well-informed people. Because of
this, I believe that our future is very bright.
Do you think libraries will disappear one day?
I think this could be a possibility, as people are beginning to think that libraries are
redundant (unnecessary), as the information is also available online. With devices
such as E-books, Kindles, Amazon, etc., it’s normal to question how much longer
libraries will last. For example, I never use the library because I see it as a hassle to
have to check out the book and return it when I could just buy a used copy for next to
nothing online from Amazon or borrow it from a friend. However, I still believe that a lot
of people like to utilize libraries for the tangible value of holding a book in your hand
and having a quiet, serene place to study; libraries have always been a staple to our
academic world. So, with all of this said, I think libraries will stay around for at least the
next 20 years.
What do people use the internet for?
Pretty much everything! Nowadays, there are countless apps at our fingertips to
accomplish all of our tasks. For example, we use the internet to do research, pay
our bills, find a dating match, go shopping, make phone calls, find jobs, chat with
friends, find work out videos, etc. The better question would be what we don’t use
the internet for nowadays. To be honest, I can’t think of any area of life where we
don’t use the internet.
Would you say many people waste time "surfing the internet"?
For sure! Nowadays, the average person spends hours surfing the internet each day.
Take me for example. My phone has recorded that I spend an average of 2-3 hours a
day surfing the web on my phone, not to mention the 6 hours I’m constantly connected
to it to carry out my work tasks. In some respects, it’s very
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useful to google things that you may be curious about throughout the day, but many
people spend time surfing instagram or facebook watching lives of people they
don’t even know, which is a 100% waste of time in my opinion.
How do you think people will be using the internet in 10 years (time)?
That’s a great question! It’s difficult to imagine this, but I would imagine we will
continue to use it in all the respects that we do nowadays, but even at a more
elevated level. For example, I’ve often speculated that we will have hologram
images instead of video chats. On the other hand, I have a feeling that the online
classroom will soon replace the traditional classroom. When it comes to the work
world, I imagine that even more jobs will become remote. All in all, the world will
continue to advance technologically.
I’m going to tell you about a time I was overwhelmed. I was doing extra hours at
work for a co-worker who was ill, so I already had plenty on my plate (to have a
lot to do). To add to this, my friend asked me to help her out with an online project
of her, which required a lot of time, energy, and research. Let me give you more
details.
Well, this was just the other week actually in my hometown. She’s been a long-time
friend of mine, so I really wanted to give her a hand, but I simply couldn't manage it. It
was a very time-sensitive project, so I didn't want to accept it then later give up.
However, she pushed me into it so I ended up doing what I could
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of it. The thing that really bugged me was that she made it seem like it would be a
simple activity, but it required me to research online for several hours, not to
mention then writing out documents for about 6 hours each; there were 4 separate
assignments. So, in the end, I did one assignment part of it then sent it back to her
and told her she will have to make other arrangements.
I usually work about 40 hours a week, however, it was over 50 with my extra hours
that week, so I simply didn't have much time to spare (extra). Actually, I don't think
it would have been possible to add another 24 hours of work onto that week.
Furthermore, I have to be energetic at my job to be able to effectively sell new
products, so I definitely cannot neglect my sleep schedule. All in all, it was just an
inconvenient time!
I’m going to tell you about a special trip I embarked (went) on to see a friend of
mine. In October of last year, I went to visit my best friends Michael, who moved to
Colorado Springs just few months before a visited. Visiting Michael was the best
excuse to visit city I always wanted to visit but also visit a dear friend. Let me tell
you about this once in a lifetime experience.
Colorado Springs is a well know city for its hot springs, those are wonderful natural
hot water springs, ideal for a relaxing afternoon. Besides these, there are snow-
capped mountains lining the sky line, and endless forests to
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discover. We spent the weekend snow-shoeing (hiking with special snow
shoes) and relaxing at night with a nice hot spring bath. This entire adventure
started as soon as I set foot out of the airport there!
I felt over the moon (extremely happy) being with him and remembering all the
adventures we had when we were kids, plus the relaxing moments at the springs,
there’s nothing else you can ask for in your life. This was really just the right way to
make up for lost time (catch up) with him. All in all, it was a subliminal
experience.
Part 3
Do you think that it is becoming more difficult to make friends?
Lately it is becoming more difficult to make friends and this is caused by social
media, even though technology is supposed to connect us in an easier way, makes
is harder to connect face to face. With this said, I feel we are becoming less social,
so it’s more challenging to strike up (start) a conversation with a stranger.
Although we can stay in better touch with our old friends due to social media, all in
all, it has made making lasting friendships harder.
What do you think of making friends on the internet?
Making friends online could both, good and bad. All depends on the luck you have
and what web pages or apps you use to make friends. For example, when I moved
to a new city, I used MeetUp, which led me to find free yoga classes with some of
the best people I could ever dream of. So, it can be a hit or miss (a success or a
failure).
How do people in your country make friends these days?
People in my country prefer the old fashioned way to make friends, they prefer to
gather together at public places and start talking to each other, this helps to break
the ice (feel comfortable) easier. Since technology isn’t as widespread in my
hometown as the big cities, we still place value on face-to-face communication.
Moreover, since my hometown is one of the safest in the
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country, it also makes it easier to strike up conversations with strangers since we
can most likely trust them.
Why is it hard to maintain friendships for some people?
Nowadays is harder to maintain friendships because people have a lot of
acquaintances (people you are friendly with), but not really real friends. They
are friends of the moment or opportunity but not friends for life. Furthermore,
people change as they get older, so it’s hard for the friendship to stay the same.
Lastly, since the work culture is intense in my country, people simply don’t have
much time to keep in touch (stay in contact).
I’m going to tell you about the Spanish conquest of the Incas, as I studied Latin
American History at University. Simply put, The Incas always left me in awe (amazed).
Furthermore, this has always been an important subject to me, because the Incas
made groundbreaking (amazing, new) achievements in mathematics, architecture,
astronomy, and art. When I analyze (deeply study) the Spanish conquest, I reflect on
the Inca’s historical significance, which has persevered despite the loss of the
civilization. This has really moved (had an emotional effect) me. Now that you now
why I’m fond of (like) this, let me give you a summary of the ins and outs (details) of
their story.
During this period, between 1532 and 1574, Spanish and Inca nobles brutally
(bloody, cruel) fought for dominance in the region. The Spaniards believed that they
should rule, and that their moral beliefs were superior to the Incas. The
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Incas fought to protect their home territory. However, this is a complicated period in
history, because many indigenous subjects joined the Spaniards in these battles.
They saw red (to be angry) when it came to the the Inca rule. The extra help
ultimately led the Spanish to victory. I find this period fascinating because we can
learn a lot from it in the present; you can clearly see the correlation (relationship).
Many scholars would like to know more about the Inca past, but learn very little
because colonial Spanish writings are often dismissive (don’t accept) of Inca
technology, and we don’t have Inca writings to help us understand them better. All
in all, we learn that there are tragic historical consequences of colonial conquests,
and we hope to learn from them in the present.
I’m going to tell you about my friend Veronica. She is the type of friend that you
know always has good intentions (kind, means well) and would never do
anything to hurt you. Furthermore, she is extremely loyal, understanding, and
down to earth (not thinking she is better than others). Even though she is a
highly educated and intelligent person, she would never use these qualities to be
condescending to another person.
We first met back in 2016 in a month-long, intensive Spanish class in Cusco, Peru.
The nature of our class there was very open, causing us to share private details
about our lives and even embarrassing stories, so this made it easier to get closer
as a class. We spent 7 hours a day together in that class, along with about 10
others, so I would say we got to know each other very well. When we
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broke into (divided) groups, we would often work together which always went
well. I felt that she was always a helpful classmate, never one to make you feel
dumb for not knowing an answer. After the class, we remained close friends
throughout our entire year in Cusco. During that entire time, she never did anything
that rubbed me the wrong way (to make angry).
With all this said, this is why I would enjoy studying or working with Veronica. I feel
that she would always remain sincere, regardless of any cutthroat (bad
intentions) workplace environment or competitive or prestigious (of high class)
academia. Furthermore, I feel that she would always be there to help me out, and I
would never worry that she would be conniving. Lastly, I see that she is a hard-
working, dedicated person, so that would make her an even better candidate. Since
we already have some experience as classmates and even more as friends, this is
why I chose to talk about her.
48/ Describe a place where you read and write (not your home).
You should say:
Where it is
How often you go there
Who you go there with
And explain how you feel about it
Well, there is a cabin I like to go every time I feel like writing or reading. It is located
up in the North side of West Vancouver. Wonderful place, usually cover by snow
throughout the whole year. That sensation of escape and freedom that this cabin
gives me, makes me want to write and read. Just being there sitting by the chimney
with a cup of chocolate, is one of the most relaxing sensations you ever imagine. I
even like to draw a hot bubble bath and read in the tub there, which is truly
sublime (unworldly).
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I frequent this place at least once a month and stay there for at least 2 days. We
usually like to go in fall before it’s too iced over, but really any time of year is
delightful. I tend to go with my wife most of the times but I also enjoy it going by
myself. I imagine we will bring our kids there once we have them, too. I can imagine
them playing there by the lake and building lego houses inside.
The power of creating by writing or inspiring by reading, makes feel like I belong to that
little cabin. It tweaks (changes) a certain creative flow in me. It’s a place I will pass
down generation to generation. In conclusion, I just love that place.
Part 3
Is there a completely quiet place? @IELTS_Council
Yes, there are a lot of quiet places, like lakes or mountains, where you can and feel
like you are all alone and in the middle of nowhere. Most of these places are
located far into remote forests or in the middle of deserts. Actually, I don’t often visit
places like this, but I’ve always seen them in films.
What are some of the advantages of quiet places?
Quiet places allow you to think and relax, maybe you have important decision to
make or problems to deal with. A quiet place is always a good spot to find the
answer. Furthermore, they are places where you have time to focus on creative
activities, such as reading or writing.
What kinds of places do people want to go to when they want to be alone?
People want to be alone because they do not want to be bothered, so they can go
to their room, or use this feeling to have new adventures like small walks or hikes to
places they’ve never been before. Furthermore, they may take a brisk walk in the
countryside, a field, a forest, etc. In this chaotic (stressful) world, you can still find
places like that.
What places, in your opinion, can be considered as peaceful places?
In my opinion, a peaceful place is a place where there is few or no people, a place that
will allow to think and relax a little bit. With this said, usually beaches, mountains, open
fields, forests, and lakes usually carry this kind of feeling.
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Lastly, my bedroom is this kind of place, as it’s located in the loft (top part) of my
house.
Do you think that cities will become noisier in the future?
I don’t think that cities will get noisier, on the contrary, they will get quieter. This
because new technologies will allow quieter environments, even in crowded areas.
Certain technologies such as soundproof (block sound) walls and windows
certainly help with this problem. Furthermore, due to urban planning, uninhabited
areas will be built upon to make sure that cities don’t become overcrowded.
49/ Describe a film you would like to share with your friend.
You should say: @IELTS_Council
What it is
Where you watched it
Who you watched it with
And why you want to share it with your friend
Well, there are a few films that can actually catch my attention, one of those
being the “Green Planet”. It is two hours of action being taken to save the planet. I
first watched this film alone, and have since shared it with my family members and
friends.
This award winning film helped me to have a very conscious mind about food
and trash reduction. That is why every time I have a new friend coming to my
house, I show them the film and at the end of it, we discuss it. So, this movie has
been very transformative not only to my own life, but also in the lives of my family
and friends.
I decided to share it with my friends because the director has an unmatchable way
of explaining it in a way that everyone can understand. Furthermore, he uses
stories in the film that undeniably make the viewer feel empathy about the planet.
In conclusion, this film is one of a kind (unique).
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Part 3 @IELTS_Council
Which kinds of films are popular in your country?
In my country, action movies are most popular, as we love the way people solve
their problems in a very fanciful way. We always crave movies of people hanging of
a plane or saving the planet, maybe to add color to our lives. Sometimes I wish that
fantasy was all true!
Why do you think people like watching films?
People like watching films because they feel part of the story, they feel like they’re
saving the world and conquering a new galaxy, this is what makes it so special.
Furthermore, it is a way to pass time to unwind (relax) by ourselves, and even
spend time with others. But still, all in all, it’s a great escape from the ordinary
world.
Do you think films have changed since you were a child? How?
Films have developed so much lately, in particular the fantasy films, the level of
detail makes them look so realistic. I can remember that films were very unrealistic
during my childhood, which even make me laugh looking back now. For example,
the movie IT is comical now due to the outdated technology. Furthermore, I think
films have become more psychological and terrifying.
As the technology for home viewing improves, do you think people will stop
going to the cinema in future?
I don’t think it will stop people from going to the cinemas. This is due to quality of
sounds and images also, going to the cinema is the whole experience by itself. I
think there will always be a certain charm about the cinema, whether it’s a date on
a rainy date or a family activity to do. Perhaps more people watch movies on their
big screens in their TV nowadays, but they still go to the cinema quite frequently.
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50/ Describe a situation when you celebrated your
achievement.
You should say:
@IELTS_Council
What you did
When you celebrated it
Who you celebrated it with
And how you felt about it
After four years of sleepless nights and hard work, it was time for my graduation
from college. All of my closest family members came to the dry, dull ceremony and
then we would go out afterwards. Still, we were so excited about the ceremony
graduation but I was more excited about what was coming after it, the celebration.
Let me tell you how we celebrated.
For special celebrations we pick a fine dining restaurant, actually, one of the best in
town. So after the ceremony we went straight (directly) to this restaurant and
enjoyed one of the best Italian food you can ever try. I had a lasagna, that is my
favorite meal. I felt so good after eating it but also I had a sense of relief after my
graduation was done. My family also chose their favorite Italian dishes to celebrate
on my behalf.
It was one of the biggest milestones in my life finally completed. I felt so relieved
that all my hard work would then pay off (be worth it). Although I was excited for
myself, it was the icing on the cake (something special on top of something
special) to spend it with my family. All in all, it was an unforgettable day.
Part 3
Do you think that it's important for people to celebrate their achievements?
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Celebrating an achievement is important for people because it gives us a better
sense of purpose and meaning. When we don’t celebrate, sometimes people lose
incentive (motivation) to try hard at something. Furthermore, it makes it even
more exciting to celebrate an achievement with family and friends. With this said, I
usually celebrate with a dinner with my family.
Why do you think some people prefer not to tell others about their
achievements?
Some people might not like to tell others about their achievements because people
might take it offensively (annoyingly) or feel inferior (lower). Moreover, some
people are very humble and simply don’t like to brag (boast) about their
accomplishments. Lastly, maybe people have low self-esteem so they don’t even
recognize their own accomplishments.
What events do people in your country like to celebrate?
In my country we like to celebrate all the birthdays of all of our relatives, mainly the
closest ones. Although many cultures tend to forget birthdays as they get older, my
country certainly doesn’t. Along with these, we celebrate all of the widely accepted
Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
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