IELTS Speaking Actual Tests and Suggested Answers

(September – December 2018)

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Preface

Most candidates like to read model answers as a very powerful way to get the
best possible Band score when they are preparing for the IELTS speaking
module. This ebook provides model answers for IELTS Speaking Actual
Tests that appears in the IELTS speaking module. Even if your English is not
perfect, you can transform your IELTS Band score by using this book.
The model answers are intended as a guide and candidates should modify the
answers to suit their own circumstances and add to them wherever appropriate.
In other words, candidates should consider using the vocabulary and
grammatical structures in this book to help them to create their own answers.

Don’t just trust to luck in your IELTS exam – the key is practice!
IELTS Material
https://ieltsmaterial.com | admin@ieltsmaterial.com

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CONTENT
Preface ........................................................................................................................................ 1
PART I ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Morning ............................................................................................................................. 5
2. Study time ........................................................................................................................ 6
3. Plants ................................................................................................................................ 6
4. Transportation.................................................................................................................. 8
5. Films ................................................................................................................................ 10
6. Spare time/Hobbies ...................................................................................................... 12
7. Saving Money ................................................................................................................ 13
8. Sports/Physical Exercises ........................................................................................... 14
9. Drinking Water ............................................................................................................... 16
10. Flats/Houses/Accommodation .................................................................................. 16
11. Foreign food ................................................................................................................. 20
12. Boredom ....................................................................................................................... 21
13. Maps/ Navigation ........................................................................................................ 22
14. Teachers ...................................................................................................................... 24
15. Cooking ........................................................................................................................ 25
16. Watches........................................................................................................................ 27
17. Parks/ Public Gardens ............................................................................................... 28
18. Sunglasses .................................................................................................................. 28
19. Work/Study .................................................................................................................. 29
20. Travel ............................................................................................................................ 31
21. Shoes ............................................................................................................................ 32
22. Colors............................................................................................................................ 33
23. Letters / Handwriting .................................................................................................. 34
24. Hometown .................................................................................................................... 35
25. Photographs ................................................................................................................ 36
26. Weather ........................................................................................................................ 38
27. Music ............................................................................................................................. 39
28. Gifts ............................................................................................................................... 40
29. Drawing/Painting ......................................................................................................... 41
30. Politeness ..................................................................................................................... 42
31. Neighbors ..................................................................................................................... 43
32. City ................................................................................................................................ 44

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PART II & III ............................................................................................................................. 46
1/ Describe a good law in your country .......................................................................... 46
2/ Describe a mathematical skill that you learnt in primary school ............................ 48
3/ Describe a time that you were shopping in a street market ................................... 51
4/ Describe an occasion that you wore formal clothes ................................................ 54
5/ Describe a time when you received money as a gift ............................................... 58
6/ Describe a time you spend with your friend in your childhood / Describe a
childhood friend of yours .................................................................................................. 59
7/ Describe a time you borrowed something from your family or friend ................... 62
8/ Describe a skill you need long time to learn ............................................................. 65
9/ Describe a film or TV show that made you laugh a lot............................................ 66
10/ Describe an activity you would do when you are alone in your free time .......... 68
11/ Describe someone who is talkative.......................................................................... 69
12/ Describe a family business you know...................................................................... 71
13/ Describe something important that you lost ........................................................... 73
14/ Describe a party that you joined ............................................................................... 75
15/ Describe an interesting job that you want to have in the future .......................... 78
16/ Describe a building you like ...................................................................................... 81
17/ Describe a recent happy event ................................................................................. 83
18/ Describe an interesting song you like. ..................................................................... 86
19/ Describe a time that you had to change your plan/ you changed your mind .... 89
20/ Describe a perfect holiday/vacation from home you want to go on in the future
.............................................................................................................................................. 91
21/ Describe a beautiful city you’ve visited/ Describe an interesting part of your
country ................................................................................................................................. 96
22/ Describe a useful website that you often visit. ....................................................... 97
23/ Describe an interesting talk or lecture you heard .................................................. 99
24/ Describe a popular comic actor /actress you know ............................................. 100
25/ Describe an interesting animal ............................................................................... 102
26/ Describe something you made by hand that you gave to other people ........... 105
27/ Describe a place where you have worked or studied ......................................... 106
28/ Describe an important plant in your country ......................................................... 108
29/ Describe a time you looked for information from the internet ............................ 109
30/ Describe a time you were scared/ Describe a frightening experience you had
............................................................................................................................................ 110
31/ Describe a time that you took medicine ................................................................ 112
32/ Describe an occasion when someone took a good photo of you. .................... 113
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33/ Describe an occasion when you wore traditional clothes ................................... 115
34/ Describe a time when you received your first cellphone .................................... 117
35/ Describe a book you have read recently ............................................................... 119
36/ Describe an important decision you made with the help of other people ........ 120
37/ Describe someone you haven't seen before but you would like to know ........ 121
38/ Describe a teenager you know ............................................................................... 122
39/ Describe an equipment of yours that had problems/Describe a time that a
piece of equipment of yours was broken (such as TV) ............................................. 123
40/ Describe a complaint that you made and you were satisfied with the result ... 124
41/ Describe a person who helps protect the environment ...................................... 125
42/ Describe a game you played in your childhood ................................................... 127
43/ Describe another language (not English) you would like to learn ..................... 128
44/ Describe a dream you have had ............................................................................ 129
45/ Describe a place away from home where you stayed ........................................ 130
46/ Describe a magazine you enjoy reading. .............................................................. 131
47/ Describe something interesting that your friend has done but you haven’t done
............................................................................................................................................ 134
48/ Describe something you own that you want to replace ...................................... 137
49/ Describe a time that you wore a type of clothes for a special occasion .......... 139
50/ Describe a competition you want to take part in .................................................. 143

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PART I

1. Morning
1.1. Do you usually do the same things in the mornings?
As I’m a creature of habit, I would say yes. I always get up at 6:00 am, have
noodles and tea for breakfast, brush my teeth, then brush up (quickly study)
on what we learned the day before in class to make sure I’m well-prepared.
After all of this, I start heading to class at 8:30am. However, on weekends, I
tend to hit the snooze button and end up sleeping till 9:00am then start my day.
1.2. Do you think breakfast is important?
Absolutely. Many experts state that it is the most important meal of the day. I
believe it gives me the fuel I need to tackle my day (to strongly take on the
day). Moreover, I think it’s critical to have a balanced breakfast to make sure I
get all the proper nutrients. I cannot imagine starting my day on an empty
stomach!
1.3. Did you do the same morning routines in your early ages?
Yes, pretty much! As I’ve always been a scholarly person, I’ve always had the
motivation to get myself up earlier than expected to have a balanced breakfast
and prepare myself for the day ahead of me. However, I used to have more of
a sweet tooth (a person who lives sweets) as a child, so I used to munch on
(eat) some sweet bread instead of noodles.
1.4. Do you want to change your daily routines in the future?
I think it’s inevitable since I’ll soon be joining the workforce! I want to keep my
organized, prepared habits, but I hope to sleep in a bit more in the future. I
would like to at least sleep 30 minutes to an hour later, and not have to spend
as much time preparing for my day. Furthermore, I hope to have my own car
instead of taking a Grab every morning.

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2. Study time
2.1. What can you do to improve your learning efficiency?
Hmm, I would say that meditation and physical exercise can certainly be of help.
I believe that meditation can help you to become more aware of yourself and
find your center of concentration. Furthermore, exercise releases tension and
brings you back to focus. When I feel overwhelmed with my studies, I often take
a break to go work out at the gym then afterwards feel more productive.
2.2. Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the evening?
Definitely the evening. When I have an exam the next morning, I feel that the
information stays with me much more clearly when I cram (study at the last
minute) the evening before. When I try to study in the morning, I often feel
rushed or cannot stay focused, as I know all my daily tasks are awaiting me.
2.3. What time do you like to study?
Around dinnertime after I've finished all my tasks for the day; I feel most at ease
at this time. When I study right before bed, I tend to even dream of that
information, helping me to remember clearly for that exam.
2.4. Why do people find it difficult to focus on studying?
Well, for one, studying isn't something enjoyable for many people, so it’s hard
to concentrate on something you dislike. Moreover, it’s difficult with all of the
distractions of today- such as texting, instagram, facebook, etc. Lastly, some
people become preoccupied with other tasks they need to do, such as cleaning
or cooking.
2.5. Do you like to study alone or with your friends?
Both can be nice. But, I tend to be more efficient when I study alone. Sometimes
when I study with friends, we get off topic and don’t get much done. However,
it is effective to quiz each other. So all in all, there are benefits to both.

3. Plants
3.1. Do you like plants? Why?
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Yes of course I do! I think they add to the ambiance (charm; feeling) of our
homes. I can’t explain it exactly, but they just make you feel better somehow.
Maybe it’s because of the oxygen and the physical appeal.
3.2. What plants do you like?
I really like orchid flowers. I have several of them, both white and purple, around
my home. My friends always give me orchid flowers for special occasions since
they know I like them so much! Furthermore, I love the look and symbolism of
the lotus, but it’s a bit difficult to find them here in Spain since they aren’t native
to this part of the world.
3.3. Have you ever grown any plants?
I would love to, but I’ve never really had the chance. Since I live in an apartment
without a balcony, it’s quite difficult for me to get the necessary sunlight. Oh,
how I dream of having a big back yard (grassy green area behind the house,
usually in the US) with a vegetable and herb garden one day! I want my own
tomatoes and basil especially.
3.4. Did you grow any plants when you were a child?
I never grew any plants as a child, but I used to help my grandmother on her
olive tree farm in the countryside of southern Spain. I’ve learned that olive trees
need mild winters and long, warm, and dry summers to sustain themselves.
3.5. Do you think plant is a good gift for you or not?
I so appreciate getting plants! I think it’s a lovely gesture, and also something
that you can keep around your house which will remind you of that person. I
adore when my friends give me orchids to add to my collection!
3.6. Do you like having plants in your house?
I absolutely love it! The only downfall (disadvantage) is that I have business
trips, so I worry about them when I’m not home. Sometimes it’s a bit of a pain
(it’s inconvenient or annoying) to ask someone to come over to water them
while I’m away.

7
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
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.
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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
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

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4.10. 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. Films
5.1. Do you like watch films?
Absolutely! They are an excellent way to unwind (relax; free your mind).
Moreover, my friends are reallt into films, so it’s a fun, relaxing way to spend
time together. Afterwards, we discuss and debate the film that we have just
watched. Apart from just relaxing and enjoying the film, I like to delve deeper
(get to the deeper meaning) to discover the subliminal messages.
5.2. What kinds of movies do you like best?
Well, I would say I’m still a kid at heart (a person who still feels like a child
in their heart), so I really enjoy watching kids’ movies. Although they seem
simple and innocent, there are often many life lessons packed into these films.
Moreover, I’m really into drama and historical movies. When I watch these, I
feel that I can more deeply understand human emotions and re-live historical
moments, like the Vietnam-America War or World War II.
5.3. Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?

10
Since my country doesn’t have a huge film industry, I’ve always been really into
American films. Not to knock (to insult; discredit) other film industries, but
American ones are incredibly entertaining and well-made; the evolution of film
continues to amaze me. Moreover, I only watch films in English so it helps me
to learn new slang and expressions.
5.4. How often do you watch films?
Well, I am quite a busy bee (a busy person), but I manage to see about one
or two films a week at home. After a long day of studying, I love snuggling up
(getting comfortable with blankets) on the sofa and watching a film to unwind.
I tend to do this on Friday and Sunday evenings with my friends.
5.5. How often do you go to a cinema to watch a movie?
Not too often actually. As the prices in my country are quite high, I usually opt
to (choose) watch a movie at home instead to save on costs. Actually, I think
it’s kind of a waste of money to see a movie at a cinema when you can watch it
from the comfort of your living room. I only go when a friend invites me, which
is maybe 4 times a year.
5.6. Do people in your country like to go to a cinema to watch a film?
I would say so. Since people like to go out with their families on the weekends,
this is often an activity that they would choose. Moreover, teenagers enjoy this
activity as a way to get out of the house. Furthermore, it’s often a popular date
option for many people!
5.7. What was the first film that you watched?
Hmm it’s hard to say the first, but I think it was the Lion King. I know it first came
out in the early 90’s when I was a child. It was my absolute favorite- I used to
watch it repeatedly until my parents were really tired of it! I even built “pride
rock” out of rocks that I found when we would go to visit my relatives who have
a garden.
5.8. Do you like to watch movies alone or with your friends?
Both! On one hand, I find it extremely relaxing to chill out and fall asleep to a
film by myself, but it’s also enjoyable to have company. So, all in all, I prefer

11
films with friends, since they are also into film. Afterwards, we can discuss the
meaning and carry on inside jokes (jokes among friends) from quotes from
the film later on!
5.9. Would you like to be in a movie?
Not one bit! As I have stage fright (fear of being on stage), I would never
have the guts (never be brave enough to) to do it. Secondly, I feel awkward
when I try to act and I have the memory of a goldfish (short memory) so I
know I could never memorize my lines! All in all, acting is simply not my thing.

6. Spare time/Hobbies
6.1. Do you have any hobbies?
Of course! My number one hobby is playing golf. Actually, my entire family,
grandparents included, are really into golf. Ever since I was a child, my father
used to take me to the driving range (the place to practice hitting golf balls)
with him to practice. This planted the seed of interest for me. Now we all play
together as a family, and actually I beat them all most of the time!
6.2. What do you do when you have free time?
My favorite things to do are play golf and see my friends and family. My top
priority is spending time with those I love- and luckily most of us share the
common interest of golf. For those who don't like golf, I enjoy spending time
eating or at a coffeeshop together.
6.3. What free time activities are popular with people in your country?
As most countries in the world, soccer is quite popular. Furthermore, people
tend to enjoy playing cricket and drinking tea with one another. Nowadays,
backpacking across Southeast Asia is becoming quite popular too!
6.4. What do you usually do after work or classes?
Since I have an exhausting day in the office, I don't like to stay sedentary all
day. I usually hit the gym and go to the driving range after work almost every

12
single day. If I go straight home, I become glued to (attached to) the couch
(another word for sofa) and don’t do anything worthwhile.
6.5. Do you prefer staying at home or going out during evenings?
As I’m an extroverted, active person, I’d definitely rather hit the town (go out).
I really enjoy going out with my college and golf mates for some beers every
weekend. Moreover, I always dedicate Sunday to my family. We usually have
a lunch and tea time at my grandmother’s house.
6.6. What free-time activities would you like to try in the future?
Lately I’ve had a growing interest in yoga and meditation. Some of my friends
and family have recently gotten involved in it, and I see that it helps them
maintain their calm regardless of the chaos around them. Furthermore, it
improves balance, coordination, and body toning. I think it could benefit me, as
I have a stressful office job.
6.7. Do you like to spend your free time with families or friends?
It’s equal! I need both. However, family will always be my number one priority.
Unlike some people, I always let loose and have fun with my family. On the
other hand, I really enjoy spending time with my friends and discussing topics
that would be inappropriate in front of family members.

7. Saving Money
7.1. Is money important to you?
So-so. To be honest, money can help your life. As I know I’m a person who likes
traveling abroad, I know I must have a high-paying job to be able to attain this
lifestyle. When I have this freedom to have new experiences, I feel a lot
happier. So, because of this I’d say money matters to me.
7.2. How do you save money?
I think it’s always important to have a certain number in mind. I think of a goal
amount to save each month and pretend as if I don’t have it. This has been a

13
huge success for me. With these savings, I’ve been able to take my dream
vacations and buy nice gifts for my family.
7.3. Did you save money when you were young?
As I’ve always dreamt of traveling the world, I used to save money in a piggy-
bank! Although these savings never amounted to anything substantial, maybe
just some movie tickets or candy, I’m glad I did it as a way to teach myself to
save. I’ll never forget how sad I felt when we broke the piggy-bank!
7.4. Why do people save money?
Various reasons! I think the main reasons are to have a safety blanket in case
emergencies or unexpected costs arise, such as a flat tire or a broken hot
water heater, or to save for a vacation or something specific that they would like
to buy. Moreover, many parents are focused on saving for their children’s
schooling and college later on.
7.5. Have you ever given money to the children?
Certainly! Although I don't have any children of my own yet, I like to slip a 20
dollar bill into birthday cards for my young nieces and nephews. Furthermore,
when I’ve traveled, I often buy things from children selling on the streets.

8. Sports/Physical Exercises
8.1. Do you like to watch sports on TV?
Not at all! I despise (hate) it. I get extremely bored and disinterested. I usually
try to avoid watching sports on TV at all costs unless it’s an exciting event, like
the World Cup or Super Bowl. In that case, I go for the social event rather than
the game itself.
8.2. Do you play any sports?
Not anymore. I was an avid (enthusiastic) swimmer as a child, but I gave that
up after high school, as it was quite time-consuming. Nowadays, I enjoy going
to the gym, running around the lake by my house, and going on mountain treks.
I’m not sure if these are considered sports, but I’m really into physical activity.
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8.3. Which is the popular sports in your country?
Soccer of course! As soccer is the sport of the world, that would be number one.
People go wild when our team wins a game- they even drive around waving
flags, blocking off the streets! Apart from this, many people enjoy playing tennis
and doing martial arts.
8.4. Who is your favorite sports star?
As I’m not a big sports fan, I don't really have one. However, I think I may like
Cristiano Ronaldo. Although I don't know anything about him or his athletic
abilities, I think I've always been drawn to him (attracted to) because of his
looks.
8.5. What kinds of sports would you like to try in the future?
I’m really intrigued by soccer. I think it’s something that can really connect
people, as well as is good cardiovascular and coordination activity. Actually, I
wish I had gotten into it as a child. I think it would be interesting to join a league
in my city.
8.6. Do you do any physical exercise?
You could call me a couch potato (a lazy person who sits on the sofa a lot.
“Couch” is another word for sofa). I’m naturally thin without any exercise, so
I’m quite lazy when it comes to exercise. I do go for mountain hikes, but I should
definitely do more to gain muscle.
8.7. Do young people in your country like to do exercise?
Gyms are not very popular in my country because of the cost, but I would say
that people get their fair share of exercise everyday because of the hills in the
city. Many people climb a mountain to their home every single day! I used to
live in a house that was unreachable by car and a total of 200 stairs to get there!
8.8. Do you think people are keen on doing physical activity? Why?
Well, I think they are quite accustomed to it. I don’t think they would be too keen
on going to the gym, but they really enjoy going on mountain hikes. Since our
religion is based upon the Mother Earth and the Mountain Gods, these treks are
a spiritual journey.

15
9. Drinking Water
9.1. How often do you drink water?
Well, everyday of course! Staying hydrated is a priority for me since I easily get
a headache if I don't, not to mention my weight loss goals. Drinking enough
water is critical for our health.
9.2. What kinds of water do you like to drink?
All different kinds; I’m not too picky (selective)! I either drink tap water that I
put in a Brita filter or bottled water from time to time. I usually put water in my
refillable water bottle and carry it around me with me all day.
9.3. Do you drink bottled water or water from water machines?
Bottled water. Since the water in my country is potable (drinkable), I usually
opt for that with a filter to improve the flavor. If this isn't available to me, I buy a
bottle of water, although I prefer not to because of my environmental concerns.

10. Flats/Houses/Accommodation
10.1. Do you like a house or a flat/ an apartment?
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

16
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.
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

17
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
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.

18
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
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

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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. Foreign food

11.1. Have you ever tried foreign food?
Of course! Since Germany welcomes many immigrants and refugees, we
embrace a multi-cultural cuisine. Since there are many with Turkish roots living
here, we are huge fans of kebab. Moreover, we enjoy many asian cuisines,
especially Vietnamese, since there is a large Vietnamese community living
here.
11.2. Do you like to try new food?
Absolutely! I think it adds color to our live and tastebuds (part on our tongue
that controls taste). As I’m a big foodie, I’m always open to trying new cuisines.
I’ve never been very fearful nor picky when it comes to trying new foods. Even
sometimes the scariest looking dishes I’ve tried have ended up being delicious,
such as sheep head soup in Peru and tarantula in Cambodia.
11.3. How often did you eat foreign food when you were young?
Since my father is of Turkish decent where my mother is German, we have
always had a fusion (mixture) of cuisines in my home. Furthermore, my father
20
only eats halal meat, so we would often go Middle Eastern or Indian restaurants
to accommodate this. Moreover, my mother has always had a taste for Asian
cuisines, so we have always incorporated Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, etc foods
into our eating habits as well.
11.4. Do you like any food from countries near yours?
Certainly! One of the things I like most about living in Europe is that each country
has it’s own unique cuisine. I really enjoy the waffles, chocolate, and beer from
one of our neighbors, Belgium, as well as the one of a kind perogies (a
traditional Polish dish) from Poland. All in all, I’d have to say that
Mediterranean cuisines, especially Greek and Italian, foods are my favorite.
There are few things that compare to those fresh ingredients and delicious
olives!
11.5. Do people in your country like foreign food?
As Germany welcomes many immigrants into our country, I would say yes,
since people have always been exposed to different types of food. In my
experience, I see that all of the people in my circle embrace (to take advantage
of) the unique variety of flavors that we have here in Berlin. To be honest, I don't
know anyone who doesn't enjoy a juicy Doner kebab!
11.6. Will people eat more or less foreign food?
More! Since Germany continues to be one of the most desirable migration
destinations in the world, I’m sure that even more foreign cuisines will be
introduced into our country. Moreover, I think that the traditional German food
may become a fusion with other popular cuisines here. I really look forward to
this! I think that multi-cultural foods bring more culture and richness (diversity)
to a place.

12. Boredom
12.1. Do you ever get bored?
Of course! But recently I have been so lost in my medical school that I haven't
really had time to feel bored. Since I work and study from sun up to sun down
21
(all day), I embrace my downtime much more than I did when I was younger.
Nowadays I really enjoy having time to unwind (relax after a long day) doing
mindless activities, such as watching TV or reading a book.
12.2. What kinds of things are boring to you?
Museums and people who talk too much. I’ve never been a big fan of museums
for some reason. I get extremely bored when everyone is in complete silence
observing artifacts and reading information. When I travel, I much before to walk
around and soak up (absorb) the local surroundings. On the other hand, I
cannot stand people who talk my ear off (talk too much)! I lose focus and
cannot wait to get away from them!
12.3. What will do when you feel bored?
I always call my mom! We have an extremely close relationship, so I know she
is always just a phone call away. As she is also in the medical field and shares
many similar interests with me, we always have endless things to talk about.
Moreover, we both enjoy gossiping!
12.4. When you were young, what would you do if you felt bored?
When I was young, I would always venture (explore) outside when I was stuck
in the house all day. It always kept me entertained to go outside and people
watch (sit outside and observe people). Moreover, there was a small pond
and park near my house, so I would often go there to play at the playground.
The swings were always my first choice.

13. Maps/ Navigation

13.1. Do you use maps?

Well, I tend to (I usually) have a good sense of direction, so I prefer to use

them only when there is no other option. I’d rather get directions from someone
using landmarks, as I have a photographic memory (when you can easily
remember images rather than words). However, when I find myself

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completely lost, especially in a foreign place, I will resort to (do as a last
option) tourist maps or google maps.

13.2. How often do you use them?

I would say a few times a week. Since I don’t usually go outside of my daily
routine, I have no reason to use a map. When I get on my bicycle every day, I
know every niche (every small detail) of my city. If I find myself lost, you can
always rely on a stranger to help in my small town.

13.3. What kind of maps do you use? Why is that?

For some reason paper maps just don’t seem to click (make sense) in my
mind. Because of this, I prefer google maps since they give me verbal
instructions. I find this a lot easier to follow, as well as much safer especially
when I’m driving. Furthermore, the estimated time and walking, biking, or driving
option is super helpful.

13.4. How long have you been using them?

I’ve been using online maps for the past few years, and well, paper maps for
my entire life. I followed my first paper map while driving when I was 16. I got
so lost and ended up calling my father in tears (crying)! Since online maps and
GPS, it has become much easier to get around.

13.5. Did you use paper maps before?

Oh, I can remember those days (an expression when talking fondly about the
past)! The glove box(the place in front of your carseat to store things) in my car
was full of maps and my father used to draw them for me when I was new to
the road. Furthermore, even nowadays when I travel, I often stop by the tourist
information desk and get a free map.

13.6. Have you ever asked somebody/passer-by for directions?

I believe that people will help you in most cases, so I certainly have. I know
some people feel shy or maybe too proud to ask for help, but I’m not one of

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these. Although I’ve been rejected a few times, more times than not people
have gone out of their way (put in a lot of effort to help you) to give me
detailed directions with landmarks included to my destination.

13.7. What type of maps do people use the most nowadays? Why?

Google maps or other online maps/GPS have completely taken over (became
popular). Nowadays, you don’t even need to know where you’re going. Since
we have these modern day conveniences, less and less people are going
through the hassle (inconvenience) of reading a paper map. Furthermore,
since GPS and online maps are so popular, perhaps people are losing the skill
to read and follow a map.

14. Teachers
14.1. Do you like any teachers of yours?
There were a few teachers that I was particularly fond of. I’ll tell you about my
high school PE teacher, Mrs. Burrier. Since she knew I was painfully shy and
especially clumsy (can easily trip or fall) when it comes to gym class, she
allowed me to do the dance routine that she assigned to us in a private room
only in front of her to save me from embarrassment. I so appreciated it!
14.2. Do you still keep in touch with your teacher?
I’ve lost contact with all elementary and middle school teachers, but I keep in
touch with a couple university professors. As uni professors are allowed to have
more of a relationship with students, it was easier to get to know them. My
Spanish professor and I message back and forth every year to catch up.
14.3. Do you want to be a teacher?
As I’m not a patient person, I don’t think teaching is for me. Furthermore, I dread
(don’t look forward to) the thought of standing in front of the classroom trying
to get the class’s attention while the children fool around (play). I think it takes
a special person to be a teacher, and unfortunately I don’t meet the criteria!
14.4. Do you remember your fav teach from primary school?
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Of course! I’ll tell you about my second grade teacher, Ms. Puleo. She was
always kind, encouraging, and incredibly patient, even with us little rascals
(slang for kids). I always felt a sense of warmth in her classroom, which the
students responded well to. The world needs more teachers like her.
14.5. Did you pretend to be a teacher in the childhood?
Oh yes! I remember playing teacher with a small chalkboard my friend had at
her house. I used to think it was so entertaining to be the teacher and give the
class assignments to do; I usually focused on Math and Art. I loved pretending
to give orders!
14.6. What qualities should a good teacher have?
Firstly, I think a teacher needs to be patient. Secondly, I think the teacher must
be kind and encouraging, which creates a warm, open learning environment. I
also think they should have interpersonal skills to be able to understand the
needs of all different students. There are different kinds of teachers, but I would
use this as rule of thumb (a general rule).

15. Cooking
15.1. Do you like cooking?
Moderately! Since I’m a vegetarian in a town with few options, it’s critical for me
to cook for myself. I wouldn't say that I love it, but it is growing on me (starting
to like). I feel accomplished when my own concoctions turn out well!
15.2. How often do you cook?
Pretty much everyday. Since I’m a busy bee (busy person), I usually prepare
meals for the week on Sunday afternoons. For example, I prep some tofu,
beans, and rice then just heat them up with some stir-fried vegetables
throughout the week.
15.3. How good are you at cooking?/ What dish are you best at cooking?
I would consider myself to be average. I’ve mastered some dishes, but could
still use work (need to practice) on others. For example, I’m quite good at
25
preparing vegetable curry and falafel. That it what I usually prepare when I have
guests.
15.4. What cooking experience have you had?
Not too much actually; it’s been self-created. My family had a housekeeper
when I was a child so I never learned from her or my parents. As I got older, I
started to look up more recipes online from sites like Tasty and then tried them
out on my own. It’s been trial and error (learning by trying and failing!
15.5. Does anyone in your family like to cook?
Not really. I can remember that my grandmother enjoyed entertaining and
preparing food for family and friends. I distinctly remember her corned beef and
cabbage. However, she died when I was quite young along with that tradition.
15.6. Who taught you how to cook?
No one really, considering my family members do not cook and I didn't have a
close relationship with the housekeeper. So, I taught myself thanks to facebook
and online pages with video tutorials like Tasty.
15.7. When you were a child, did you ever help your parents to prepare a
meal?
Very rarely. There were a few incidences in which our housekeeper could not
make it, so then my parents would cook for us. I can only recall one time that I
helped them stuff dumplings before boiling them.
15.8. Do you want to learn how to cook?
Yes I do! I want to keep improving the skills that I have. Moreover, I want to
learn how to prepare Chinese style dumplings and Polish perogies, which are
among my favorite foods.
15.9. Who usually do the cooking in your home?
As I live alone, now just me. I eat at home nearly everyday and often invite my
friends over for meals on weekends.
15.10. Who is the best cook you know?

26
My ex boyfriend. He had magic hands! Everything he cooked was packed with
(full of) flavor and never missing anything. I was lucky to have been with him
for 4 years!

16. Watches
16.1. Do you usually wear a watch?
As I’m a very punctual person, yes I do. I like to be able to quickly check my
wrist instead of going through the hassle (inconvenience) to check it on my
phone. Furthermore, I like the way they look!
16.2. Where did you get your watch?
A thrift store near my house. Since I didn't want to splurge (spend a lot of
money for luxury) on a new Rolex, I bought a vintage one that I found. Actually,
I like it more since it’s unique! I really enjoy thrift store shopping since you can
find high quality for low prices.
16.3. What kinds of watches do you like to wear?
High quality yet reasonable prices. I’m not the type of person who likes to have
the same watch that everyone and their brother (an expression meaning
everyone)has, so I really enjoy when I find unique pieces. With this said, I often
go to vintage or thrift shops.
16.4. Why do some people like to wear expensive watches?
Well, I think there are 2 reasons. One is that it is a status symbol (something
that shows your economic class). They know that if someone catches a
glimpse (a quick look) of their watch, they will know that he/she has money.
Furthermore, perhaps they really like to appearance of it or they are the type of
person who likes high quality products.
16.5. Have you ever received a watch as a gift?
Not since I was a child. I remember my mother gave me a pink, shiny digital
watch for my 11th birthday and I was ecstatic about it! I wore it everyday at
every moment till I went swimming with it on one day and broke it.
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17. Parks/ Public Gardens
17.1 Are public gardens very important in your country?
Yes, absolutely. This is simply because people can enjoy a great time with their
friends or families in public gardens via some activities like going for a stroll
or looking at the beautiful flowerbeds.
17.2. Are there many public gardens in your country?
Not much I have to say. People tend to be so tied up at the workplace or at
school, therefore, there is no need to have many public gardens, from the
government’s perspective.
17.3. Do you think there are enough public gardens in your hometown?
I think it’s pretty enough as I am more concerned about the quality rather than
the quantity. And most of the public gardens in the place where I am living,
which is also my hometown, offer me a great experience you know, looking at
the beautiful plants and flowers every time I tire myself out.

18. Sunglasses
18.1. Do people in your country wear sunglasses?
Absolutely. But since the UK has a rainy climate, they aren't as needed as in
other places. Still, people like to wear them as a fashion statement or as an
accessory to their outfit.
18.2. Do you like to wear sunglasses?
Why yes of course, especially when I feel that I look tired. Moreover, I like that
they can tie a whole outfit together (make the outfit look better). Moreover,
when I drive on sunny days, sunglasses are a must.
18.3. Do you often wear sunglasses?
Not too often actually because of the climate here. I’d say I have to wear them
a couple times a month on the rare occasion that the sun comes out. As I
28
mentioned before, I feel I need them most when I drive on sunny days or when
I go on holiday to the beach.
18.4. Where do you buy sunglasses?
I’m not one to splurge on (spend a lot of money; luxury) sunglasses since I
have the tendency to lose or break them, so I usually just buy knock-off (copy)
brands from street vendors. I’ve bought and lost several pairs of knock-off Ray
Bans which were just fine for me. I feel that the shape of them suits my round
face shape.

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?

29
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

30
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.

20. Travel
20.1. Do you like traveling?
Not really actually! I’m more of a creature of habit (someone who doesn't
like changes to routine), so I’m usually not keen to change my daily routine.
When I change it up, I often feel anxious and disoriented (not a clear mind).
Furthermore, I have a fear or airplanes and get carsick, so traveling just isn’t for
me.
20.2. Do you often travel by air?
Not at all! I try to avoid it at all costs (very seriously). If I must travel, I will take
some motion sickness (getting sick from any kind of transportation)
medicine and go by car or train. I was once on an airplane on my honeymoon
that came very near to crashing, so my phobia (strong fear) stems from
(comes from. Stem is the part where the flower grows) this.
20.3. How long was the longest trip you took?
I once had to go on business to the Philippines. It was a 24 hour flight! It was a
nightmare (we saw this when something is very terrible). On top of this, I
was seated next to a child who was relentlessly (not stopping) crying during
the entire journey.
31
20.4. Which country would you like to travel to in the future?
I’m dying to (I really want to) go to Egypt. I’ve always dreamt of going there
since I was a child, actually. I’m really fascinated by their ancient culture. I would
be in awe of (amazed by) the Grand Pyramids I’m sure. Unfortunately, since I
despise (hate) flying, I dont think I’ll ever get there.
20.5. Would you like to travel to space?
Perhaps! I’m not sure how it feels to be in a rocket. I think it would be incredible
to see a completely foreign galaxy (another world). I’m curious if other life
forms (aliens) exist, so I would definitely go along on this journey to find out for
myself. I also wonder if the moon is made out of cheese!

21. Shoes
21.1. Do you like shoes?
Yes, of course! I’m quite a girly girl (very feminine), so I’ve always been into
shoes since I was a little girl. My mother used to catch me trying on her high
heels in her closet! Moreover, I’m a fashionista (a person who likes fashion)
so I feel that shoes really tie the whole outfit together.
21.2. How often do you buy shoes?
Mm I would say every couple months. I’m trying to save up for a new car right
now, so I don't like to spend too much unnecessary money. With this said, I
usually buy a new pair at the start of every season.
21.3. Do you like to wear shoes that are comfortable or good looking?
Definitely good looking, hopefully comfortable too! I care much more about the
appearance and if they complement my outfit. However, I try to buy nicer brands
so that more comfortable should be expected. Moreover, many comfortable
shoes are often unattractive, like Crocs for example.
21.4. What is your favorite type of shoes?
High heels 100%! I feel that they really tie the whole outfit together. Moreover,
I feel feminine when I wear them, not to mention that they accentuate my legs.
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I have spent several years getting used to them so I can now strut my stuff
(walk confidently) in heels everywhere I go!
21.5. Why do some people have too many shoes?
Well, there could be various reasons. I think one is that perhaps they see shoes
on sale so they buy them on a whim (buying something without thinking
about it), even if they don't need them. Moreover, some people are really into
shoes so they like to collect them. Lastly, maybe they keep their old shoes so
their collection keeps growing.
21.6. Have you ever bought shoes online?
Of course, although I don't prefer it. I have only bought shoes online from
familiar stores, like Aldo and Zara, which I know fit me well. On the other hand,
I don't like to buy shoes from new stores when I’m not able to try them on first.
21.7. Are people willing to buy expensive shoes?
Some people! I think people who are wealthy are more apt to (likely to) buy
expensive brands. On the other hand, there are some people who would rather
have a few quality items rather than a bunch of cheap quality pairs. So, I think
this type of person often tends to buy more expensive shoes also.

22. Colors

22.1. What is your favorite color?

I would have to say it’s a tie (equal) between deep purple and golden yellow.
Actually, these colors quite complement each other. I love how mysterious
purple is, and yet how bright and versatile yellow is.
22.2. What is the color of your home?
Since I rent my apartment, I am not allowed to paint the walls, so they are plain
white. However, I do have a lime green backsplash (the area behind the
kitchen sink). To go along with this, I have a dark purplish-blue bedspread,

33
gray sofa, dark blue bean bag chair, and yellow and teal lanterns hanging
around.
22.3. Did you use bright color when you were a child?
Absolutely. I was so into it that I convinced my father to paint each wall in my
bedroom a different color. So, I lived in a cube of lime green, light orange, bright
yellow, and a medium pink color during my high school years. Looking back, it
was quite distasteful (ugly, not fashionable)!
22.4. What color would you like to paint your bedroom?
If I could, I would paint my room a turquoise color. Considering the decorations
and furniture I already have, I think this would be suitable. Moreover, I think
turquoise is a cheerful color which could change the environment in my dark
apartment.
22.5. Are there any colors you dislike?
Orange! Especially highlighter orange, like hunters wear. I find that orange
doesn't look good on anyone, especially not me, considering I'm a redhead.
Whenever I wear orange, I feel like a pumpkin. Eek!
22.6. Is color very important to you when you are buying something?
Depending on what I’m buying. Color is critical when I’m buying clothes,
accessories, furniture, or decorations. On the other hand, I don't really mind
what color if I’m buying non-fashionable items like school supplies, bathroom
rugs, laundry hampers, etc.
22.7. Do you prefer light or dark color?
Definitely dark. In my later years I’ve become more into bold colors than bright.
I like the mystery of dark colors and I think they look better as decorations.
Moreover, I prefer darker colors for my own personal fashion sense. As I have
a beer belly (a fat stomach from drinking beer), I think black helps
camouflage (hide) that.

23. Letters / Handwriting

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23.1. Do you like to write a letter or email?
In today’s age, I much prefer writing an email. With a mail system that cannot
be trusted, a letter is just out of the question (not an option) sometimes. I
love that email is immediate and that you can know for sure if the recipient has
viewed it or not. However, there is still a certain charm about receiving a hand-
written letter.
23.2. Do you think emails are useful?
Very! They are major time savers. They replace meetings and phone calls. They
are a quick, easy way to send information and share links, which cannot easily
be done over the phone. Furthermore, I have more courage to say things over
email that I would be too shy to say in person or over the phone; I like having
the extra time to think about the exact words. As I’m not much of a phone
talker (don’t like talking on the phone), I’m grateful for emails!
23.3. Do you think email might one day replace handwritten letters?
Absolutely! It’s already on the way there. For example, when I got hired at my
last company, I was able to sign all documents via email instead of sending in
a letter or doing it in person. I think many companies are following this trend
now.
23.4. What sorts of letters (or emails) do you think are the most difficult to
write?
Complaints for sure! As I prefer to avoid conflict and am sensitive to other’s
feelings, I find this to be the most difficult. However, emails and text messages
make it much easier. As I may be speaking to someone with a native language
different than my own, another challenge is finding just the right words (the
exact words) to say in this situation. I once had to fire an employee over email
and it was very painful for me!

24. Hometown
24.1. Please describe your hometown a little
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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?
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. Photographs
25.1. Do you like taking photographs?
Why yes of course. They are a way to capture a moment in time. Moreover, I
like to be able to show them to people so they can imagine that they were there
with me. As I’m a big traveler, photos are my way of sharing my experiences
without words.
25.2. How often do you take photos?

36
I would say everyday. I’m a big fan of selfies, so I often snap a few of them to
send to my boyfriend every morning before work. Moreover, I take hundreds of
photos when I travel.
25.3. I which situation do you like take photos?
Any situation! But especially when I see something out of the ordinary. For
example, I like to take photos when the light is setting just right on my street, or
when I catch a glimpse (a look) of two children holding hands.
25.4. Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery?
Definitely people. I like to capture the raw (real; candid) emotions on their
faces. I feel that photos of people can be quite powerful. Moreover, I feel that
scenery photography never does the actual place any justice.
25.5. Do you prefer to take photographs yourself or to have other people
take photos?
Definitely myself. As I’m quite picky about the photos that I take and post, I take
this responsibility upon myself. Call me a snob (a person who feels superior
to others), but I feel that most people don't have any idea of what makes a
good photo and end up taking unflattering photos of me.
25.6. How do you keep your photos?
On my iCloud! I’m really grateful for this type of technology that keeps this
record of my photos for me. Moreover, I post my photos on social media, such
as Facebook and Instagram, so that also keeps them secure.
25.7. Do you keep your photographs on your computer?
Absolutely! It’s a must nowadays. Now it’s nearly impossible to lose your photos
and memories thanks to iCloud.
25.8. Are there any photos on the walls of your house?
In my own personal apartment, no, as I haven't bothered to decorate much. On
the other hand, my bedroom at my parents’ home is full of collages of my
friends, family, and I over the years.
25.9. Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos?

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Many times! Although not too often anymore, as social media is taking over.
However, I've often framed photos to give to my boyfriend or family members
as gifts for their special occasions.
25.10. Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that
you took yourself? (Why?)
My own photography, as I feel quite confident with my skill. Furthermore, I feel
that my own photos are much more personal. Although some post cards are
beautiful, I don't feel that they hold a candle (compare) to my own.

26. Weather
26.1. 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. 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.
26.3. 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.
26.4. 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.
26.5. Do you prefer dry or wet weather?
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Dry! As I said before, heavy rain becomes a hassle in my city. Moreover, the
dry heat feels a lot more comfortable, as the humidity is nearly unbearable in
this part of the world at times.

27. Music
27.1. Do you like music?
Yes, of course I like music. I couldn’t live without it. It’s what allows us to escape
from reality. Furthermore, it connects people. I think no matter what country,
religion, or culture we come from, we all enjoy music.
27.2. What kind of music do you like?
Well, this is a bit of a tough question because I have a diverse taste in music,
but I’ll say my favorites are modern pop, 90’s alternative, and hip-hop of all
ages. I can always sing along to pop songs and I enjoy keeping up with the
modern hits. 90’s alternative takes me back to my childhood and makes me
feel so nostalgic. Lastly, who can resist moving and shaking when you hear
hip-hop beats?
27.3. Do people in your country like music?
Yes, people in my country are a big fan of music. As the US leads the
entertainment industry, I would say people are really into music and that it is a
big part of all of our lives. It has played a large role in telling our history, such
as the blues and jazz, and will continue into the future.
27.4. Were you listening to music when you were younger?
I would definitely say so! 90’s songs are the soundtrack of my childhood. I
remember driving along old country roads bobbing my head to the sound of
90’s alternative and pop hits. As my parents were both into music, they
always brought their love of music to my sister and I. When I hear those
songs now, it triggers bittersweet memories.
27.5. Do you think music will change in the future?

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As with all things, I believe music will continue to change in the future. Firstly, I
believe it will rely on technology even more than now. I wonder if there will even
be like humans playing music then. I could imagine robots playing songs that
are programmed into their brains. It’s tough to say!

28. Gifts
28.1. Have you bought a gift for someone?
Yes, I have bought many gifts for others during my lifetime. I give them to my
family members and friends for their special occasions, such as birthdays,
graduations, weddings, etc and to those who invite me to their homes for a
meal.
28.2. Do you like to buy gifts for others?
I deeply enjoy buying gifts for others. I think that giving to others gives us a lot
of happiness. However, sometimes I feel stressed or nervous that I will not find
just the right gift for that person. I especially feel stressed for my picky friends
and family members! Sometimes it seems like they don’t like anything.
28.3. Do you like to receive gifts too?
Yes, of course I like to receive gifts! Regardless of what the gift is, I feel happy
that someone went through the trouble to buy me something. I feel appreciative
of any thoughtful gesture!
28.4. Did you ever receive a handmade gift?
Yes, I have received several handmade gifts in my lifetime, from decorations to
shorts to photo albums.
28.5. What was it?
One gift I remember was a pair of shorts with a patch sewn onto the pocket of
an indigenous, colorful pattern native to South America.
28.6. Who gave it to you?

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My friend, Yazmin, who is a fashion designer made me these shorts after I
helped her with her fashion show. I was so happy! I especially appreciate hand-
made gifts.

29. Drawing/Painting
29.1. Do you like drawing or painting?
Both of them, but I enjoy drawing more. When I paint, I often make a mess and
just cannot blend the colors properly. I find drawing to be easier and something
that you can do on the go, such as on the underground or doodling (drawing
without proper form) on your notes during class.
29.2. What kinds of things do you like to draw?
Definitely portraits. I’ve always been inclined to draw the human face, capturing
their intricate (detailed) features and expressions. When I travel, I take
photographs of local people then later replicate them to keep those memories
alive.
29.3. Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child?
Of course! It was one of my favorite classes. Since I was never a math or
science person, art was always a creative outlet (way of expression) for me.
I felt like I needed it after all the stress of logical thinking throughout to do, not
to mention my art teacher was really cool and zany (unique; quirky).
29.4. Do you ever draw or paint pictures now?
Absolutely! Not as often as I used to because of time and adult responsibilities,
but I still manage to draw a few times per week, especially to unwind (relax)
before bed. Furthermore, I intend to go on a 2 or 3 week holiday abroad each
year so I sketch (draw) people there.
29.5. When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition?
Hmm, when I went to Madrid on business last month. It had always been a
bucket-list (things you want to do before you die) item to visit the Prado

41
museum to see the original Guernica by Picasso, one of my idols, so I made
time to do that. It was worth it!
29.6. What kind of pictures do you like having in your home?
Abstract and travel art. I’ve never been into classical art. I like having Picasso
paintings where you can't really tell what the real meaning of the painting is to
allow more space for you to form your own perception. Moreover, I like filling
my home with my portraits from those I met traveling to keep their memory alive.
29.7. What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?
Endless! I think firstly art is a great therapy for people, no matter what condition
they're suffering from. Secondly, art is an outlet for creativity, which some
people cannot express in their daily lives. Lastly, it’s thrilling and rewarding
(gives you a personal benefit) to gain new artistic skills.

30. Politeness
30.1. Do you think you are a polite person?
I would say yes, but I think that manners depend on the country. Here in
Denmark, it’s impolite to strike up a conversation with someone in public, as
you may be disturbing them. On the other hand, it’s seen as rude to be
unfriendly and not acknowledge others in other countries. However, I consider
others, so yes I would say I am a polite person.
30.2. Who taught you about politeness when you were a child?
My mother. She constantly reminded me to say please, thank you, and to greet
guests that came into our home. Moreover, she was very particular about table
manners and using utensils correctly. I could not get away with (be allowed
to) talking with food in my mouth or eating with my hands.
30.3. Are we less polite with members of our families than with people we
don’t know?
I agree, because we feel more comfortable with family. Moreover, we often take
family for granted and fail to thank them for all they do for us. However, when
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we meet someone we don't know, we are less likely to tell them our true
opinions and are always careful not to offend them.
30.4. Why should people be polite?
We feel better and they feel better! When we know we are treating people in a
respectful way that doesn't cause harm, we tend to feel better. When they are
treated this way, I imagine they feel the same. Furthermore, all countries have
different etiquette so we should consider this to not offend them.
30.5. In your country’s culture, how do you show that you are being polite?
We show politeness by saying please, thank you, respecting the environment,
and trying our best not to disturb others. We shouldn't be overly loud and
obnoxious (causing attention to yourself) and should never be late. Also,
when we are invited to someone’s house for a meal, we should bring a gift, like
a dessert, flowers, or wine.
30.6. Have there been any changes in politeness in the past few decades?
I would say so. Nowadays, there’s a lot less emphasis on respecting the elders.
We no longer have to Sir/Ma’am, etc. Moreover, people are beginning to not
even acknowledge you when you enter a social circle. Furthermore, chivalry
(men being gentlemen) is becoming to die and it isn't frowned upon for women
to use curse words anymore.

31. Neighbors

31.1. Do you know your neighbors?

Yes, I do. My family has been living on the same block since I was born, so
we've gotten to know each other quite well. We are close to my next door
neighbor in particular, Ms. Elizabeth. As she’s a widowed (husband died) 80
year old woman in poor health, we keep a close eye on her to make sure she’s
managing on her own. The other neighbors have come and gone (many new

43
ones have moved here, many have moved away) so we aren’t as close with
them.
31.2. Do you like your neighbors?
Some of them! We are all quite fond of Miss Elizabeth; she has always been
like a grandmother to me. She has always been there during our important
milestones (important life stages) in life. I’m always thrilled when she turns
up at our door with freshly baked banana bread. On the other hand, some of
our other neighbors are quite stand-offish ( unfriendly) so we tend to keep our
distance. However, Miss Elizabeth is family.
31.3. What do you think of your neighbors?
I think they are just so-so people. It seems as though they lead stressful daily
lives and cannot be bothered (making the effort would bother them) to talk
to their neighbors. They are caught up in (lost in) their own family dramas. We
used to be friends with another neighbor, but then she ended up being too
nosey (too interested in the lives of others), so now we just smile at her but
don’t share our business.
31.4. How often do you see (or talk to) your neighbors?
Other than Ms. Elizabeth, I just see them in passing (see briefly). So, I see
them everyday but really only talk to them once or twice a week when we are
forced to be in the same vicinity. For example, when I take the garbage out, we
usually make small talk (talk about unimportant things, like the weather
etc.)

32. City

32.1. Do you like the city you are living in now?

Yes, I really enjoy Ho Chi Minh 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!

44
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.
32.2. 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!
32.3. 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.
32.4. 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.

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PART II & III

1/ Describe a good law in your country

You should say:
- What the law is
- How you first learned about this law
- Who benefits from this law (who is affected by this law)
- And explain why you think this is a good law

I’m going to tell you about Singapore’s littering laws which I firmly believe are a
great idea. As you know, Singapore is one of the cleanest countries in the world
which I feel extremely proud of, considering many other countries in Asia have
enormous pollution issues. Unfortunately, I think people need strict laws
enforced to have the incentive not to do it. Either way, I’m glad it benefits our
planet and those who reside on it.
In Singapore, a first time offender who is caught littering is subject to a max fine
of $2,000, a second time offender $4,000 and third time $10,000. However, this
is only if a police sees you. I wonder how many people can sneak past (do
something without being caught) this! However, there is a strong police
presence in Singapore, so I hope this isn't the case.
I would say the entire country benefits from this. By having a cleaner
environment, we all have uncountable health benefits. For example, we could
have healthier lungs, skin, animals have improved habitats, etc. Furthermore,
we attract more tourists, as many people are drawn to clean places. With this
said, I know that some people financially profit from this.
Sadly, humans have a tendency to choose to see only what they want. None of
us want to believe the gravity of (how serious something is) just how much
we are harming the planet and cannot always directly see it in front of us; we
live just for today. With this said, people usually don’t take initiative to protect
the environment unless there are laws. So, I think this law is critical to give
46
people incentive to not litter. As the fine is drastically high, it will scare people
into making sure their trash goes into the bins. Although it must go hand in hand
with education, I think it’s impossible to keep a clean country without strict laws.
I wish more countries enforced laws like these.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Is there any situation people disobey the law?
To be honest, I’ve never actually seen anyone litter. I’m sure it must still exist to
some low extent, but I genuinely think people are afraid to do so because of the
fines and police presence. However, I know that no country is perfect and that
there are always people who will disobey the law. On another note, I think that
perhaps people who come to Singapore are more likely to throw their trash on
the ground if it isn't something enforced in their home country.

Do people like being a policeman in your country?

I would say so. Actually, my father is a police officer and he seems to enjoy it
quite a bit, although it is a tough job. Since Singapore has a reputation to
maintain, the police force strives their utmost (works extremely hard) to give
their all to make sure that Singapore remains among the safest countries. With
this said, some police officers feel quite a lot of pressure, which makes it a
challenging yet rewarding job.

What qualities should a police officer have?

Firstly, I believe that a police officer must have a high sense of integrity. As
corruption is a problem in many countries which prevents progress in a place,
it is important that the police officer has a sense of integrity along with morality,
honesty, and a genuine concern to make the country safer. Furthermore, they
must be hard-working and not too relaxed as there are always people trying to

47
slip through the cracks (do something without being caught) of the law. All
in all, they must be a strict, no tolerance sort of individual to be efficient.

Why some people want to become a lawyer?

To be honest, I think some people choose it for the money, as it is a high paid
job in many countries. Secondly, some people feel quite passionate about the
law and want to dedicate their life to it. Thirdly, there are many different
branches of law, such as international, geriatric, criminal, etc., so there are
many different opportunities within this career path. As with other jobs, people
know in their heart which career is for them!

2/ Describe a mathematical skill that you learnt in primary

school
You should say:
- What the skill was
- How you learned it
- Who taught you
- Why it was useful to you

I’m going to tell you about when I learned multiplication in second grade, when
I was 7 years old. At first it was a big challenge and a hard concept to swallow
(meaning to deeply comprehend), but I got the hang of it fairly quickly. The
first few days I remember this was a stressful time in my household, as I always
had to turn to my parents and sister to help. Since I got the hang of it, I aced
(got a perfect mark on) almost every exam!
I started learning this skill from Ms. Puleo. The first few days she used images
for us to learn the concept of multiplication, as we had already mastered
addition and subtraction. We could then visualize 3 times (x) 3 by drawing a

48
picture of 3 groups of 3 tigers for example. She had a clever way of teaching us
this by creating tables for us to get ample practice. After completing these, I
was able to memorize several simple multiplication problems, like 3 times 6, 7
times 7, 8 times 8, etc. Moreover, she taught us the helpful trick that all
multiplicands of 9 add to nine. With her patience and way of making us visualize
and memorize, multiplication has always stuck with me.
This helped me because it only added to my knowledge of addition and
subtraction. It may seem like a simple skill, but I can see that I use it regularly
in my daily life. For example, when I go grocery shopping and something is $9
and I buy seven of them, I think back to those multiplication tables and can
quickly come up with the answer in my hand! Although more complex is not
always applicable to life, I see that all basic math is constantly used in daily life.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

How can adults benefit from this skill?
I’ve realized that the most basic mathematical skills have helped me the most.
They make daily life much easier when we are able to use mental math (math
in your head). For example, if I had never learned this skills, I would always
have to be reaching for my calculator or asking Siri for the answer. All in all, I
value being able to do multiply in my head.

What can government do to teach maths to adults?

Life applicable lessons are always the way to go! As math is source of confusion
and anxiety for many, Instead of having adults sit in cold, stiff (not inviting
people to talk) classrooms, I think it would be better to have hands-on lessons.
For example, they could create monthly budgets for their family with these new
skills. Moreover, they could pretend that the power just went out at the
supermarket and that they must add everything on paper. For more complex
math which I’m not an expert on, I believe similar techniques could be applied.

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I’d say that teaching people how to apply their new skill to their life is the most
effective way.

Which one is more important, mathematics or handwriting?

I would say mathematics. As it’s still important to know how to write by hand, I
would say that math teaches you new ways to think. Furthermore, as technology
continues to be on the rise, handwriting is losing its value. Although people
should still know how to write by hand, it’s not a skill that is used very often,
thanks to computers and cell phones. Looking back, I feel that learning to write
in cursive was a waste of time, while math has helped me expand my mind and
improved my logical thinking skills, even though it was always a struggle for me.

Do you think computers will make learning maths less useful?

This is a possibility. In the beginning of my schooling, we learned everything the
old school (traditional; without technology) way. As I progressed to high
school, the technological age began; we could then plug everything in to a
calculator and solve the problem. With this evidence, I’ve seen that all the time
I invested in learning how to do everything by hand were then easily solved with
a few clicks on a calculator or a google search. On the other hands, I still value
these skills. There are always moments when technology fails us, so it’s still
good to have this back-up.

Do you think computers can control humans in the future?

I could see that happening! Although it’s hard to wrap my head around that now,
I wouldn't be surprised if that happened. I could imagine some intelligent human
mind creating an evil line of robots that would seek revenge against humanity.
Moreover, I think it’s possible that robots become more intelligent than humans,
without many errors, like driving for example. As robots may not have as
intricate (detailed; complex) of feelings as humans, I think that they are able

50
to focus and retain more attention better without distractions. This thought is
a bit frightening!

3/ Describe a time that you were shopping in a street market

You should say:
- When it was
- Where it was
- What you bought
- And explain how you felt about the shopping experience

I will tell you about a memorable experience I had at a street market in Cusco,
Peru. It was in May 2014, when I went backpacking throughout South America
after I finished the army. I was on a tight budget (not having much money),
so I took advantage of (used in a positive way) all the the cheap, local
markets and restaurants around me. In the center of Cusco, there were two
Main Street markets, so I opted for (chose) the one closer to where I was
saying. If I remember correctly, it was called San Pedro. I had gone in just to
look for some fresh veg and quinoa to cook in my hostel kitchen, but ended up
(happened without planning) leaving with a friend!
I went to the veg stand of a woman who seemed friendly, then she ended up
inviting me to have a fresh juice at her other stand. She noticed that I had a
slight cough which was concerning to her, so she whooped me up (made
quickly) a juice with ginger, lemon, honey and pineapple juice at room
temperature, which she said would help my cough. Actually, indeed it did! I
ended up buying some cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, garlic, and tomatoes from
her, and some quinoa from her friend at the stand next to her. All in all, it cost
me around $1!

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I was extremely pleased with this experience! I know that I certainly wasn't
ripped off (charged a higher price) as a tourist for one. Secondly, I really
appreciated the personal care and attention that Marcelina, the stand owner,
gave to me. It would have been easy to just sell my some fruits and veggies at
an outrageous to me, but instead she even went out of her way to help me out.
This experience left a good impression on me.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Why some people choose to buy in the street market rather than the
shopping mall?
As far as I’m concerned, street shopping is quite cool in the aspect that people
are given a combined experience of shopping and immersing themselves in the
nature! When they stroll along the small shops lined along the street, they can
see the items on display while being able to look up to the sky and breathe the
fresh air, for example. Sometimes, it’s an enriching experience as people can
have casual talks with the shopkeepers and deal some bargains with them. All
these can make shopping at a street market appealing to many.

Do you think the discounted goods have good value?

From my personal experience, the quality of goods sold at a discounted price
is often Inferior to those sold at normal prices. This can be due to the fact that
the seller may want to get rid of some faulty commodities, so they may reduce
the prices so as to attract the vulnerable consumers who are interested in such
bargains. Additionally, lowly priced items are often out of dated. So if you’re a
fashion fanatic, buying discounted clothes won’t be a good choice, as the items
of clothing are often fading out of fashion as newer versions are being launched
on the market on an hourly basis.

How often do people in your country go shopping?

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Generally speaking, people are really into shopping, just like Western people
and they will spend as much as time possible for this activity. Usually women
will spend at least one or two times a week browsing for latest lines of products
especially clothes at the supermarket or shopping mall. If they are busy, they
tend to log on the Internet Ion some virtual stores and compare the prices of
different brands: and then wait till the weekend to satisfy their desire for
shopping

What kinds of places are popular for shopping in your country?

Usually, there are two types of places which are popular among shoppers. The
first and most prevalent lone is supermarket. This is simply because there are
a wide range of clothes of different brands on display and the customers can
feel free to try on their favorite piece of garment, they can also take their friends
along to check for them if those clothes match or not, which I think is pretty
great. Another type is online shopping. The consumers can access the virtual
stores on the Internet and browse for items they love. Moreover, they can
compare prices and look at the Review sections and receive advice whether
that product is worth buying or not

Do you think online shopping will replace shopping in reality?

Not really, I think each type has its own merits. In terms of shopping at physical
stores, customers there are a wide range of clothes of different brands on
display and the customers can feel free to try on their favorite piece of garment;
they can also take their friends along to see if those clothes match or not, which
I think is pretty great. In terms of online stores, they can compare prices and
look at the review sections and receive advice whether that product is worth
buying or not. In a nutshell both are here to stay.

Did you ever have had shopping experience?

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Yes, I did. I remembered that I bought a fake Iphone 5 and ended up throwing
it in the trash can after one or two uses. The problem is that I didn't receive good
customer service and chose less reliable places to shop. I recalled the shop
assistant was strangely nice to me but I didn't think that those nice words were
her trick.

What would you do if you bought something disappointing from the

internet?
There can be a number of courses of actions I can consider when an item I
bought online fails to live up to my expectations. The first thing would do in this
case is to note down the address of the store owner and go directly there to ask
him. This is simple because the sellers must have the responsibility if they
provide products that don't meet the standards and fix them if there are any
technical problems. Another thing I would take into account is that I would go to
some local authorities and claim my rights the seller refuses to repair the item;
change another one or give a refund.

How is online shopping so popular these days?

It is understandable that buying stuff online is gaining tremendous popularity
among people in modem society. You can see nowadays people don't have
time to get to the store in person and access the virtual stores instead. There is
an increase in the number of online stores, selling diverse range of products
with different rice ranges which cater for the needs of people of all ages.
Furthermore, the customer service is being improved greatly and I see that
many people are placing their trust on inline shopping these days.

4/ Describe an occasion that you wore formal clothes

You should say:
- What occasion it was
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 - When it was
- Where it was
- And explain why you wore it

I’m going to tell you about the time I was a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding
last year. It was a spring wedding, so she wanted us to wear light shades of
purple with the men in silky, gray suits that were just divine. The exact date was
May 13, 2017 held in a town known for its beautiful horse farms and sprawling
(open, never-ending) fields called Hunt Valley. My cousin is a devout
Christian (serious Christian), so she decided to get married in a Catholic
Church with a backdrop of the gorgeous fields behind us.
Although the wedding was held on this day, I ordered my dress 3 months in
advance and had it altered two times before the big day. I had put on weight
during the months leading up, as I was going through a stressful break-up (end
of a relationship). So although I had ordered a size 10, I had to have it taken
out by a tailor to make it a size 12. Moreover, at the last minute, I realized my
heels weren't tall enough so the bottom of the dress was dragging along the
floor, picking up dirt. So, I had it altered again by about 6cm. When all was said
and done, the dress fit me like a glove (fit perfectly). The day before I went
to get a French manicure and tips and had my hair and make-up done the
morning of. My cousin provided us with bouquets, a flower bracelet, and a set
of gold earrings to thank us for being a part of her special day.
Although the dress wouldn’t be my personal taste, I felt that I had to put on a
face (smile even when you don't like something) for my cousin’s sake. I
know that your wedding day is a day one dreams of for their entire life, so I
certainly didn't want to put up a fuss (complain). Furthermore, a wedding
especially in a church is a formal event, so I wanted to dress accordingly. All in
all, I did it for her!

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QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

What kinds of clothes do people wear after work?

There are a wide range of clothes people can choose to put on when people go
home from their office. One of the most popular types is shorts and T-shirts,
which I think is favored by both sexes. I guess this is simply because at the,
workplace staff are supposed to dress formally and such clothes are pretty
uncomfortable. So, casual wear helps the blood circulate better and thereby
relaxing their body. Many people are also keen on gym clothes, pajamas or
skirts as it doesn't increase their laundry, which means they don't have to wash
their clothes frequently.

What kinds of clothes should people wear at work?

Actually, I think it depends on what people do. One of the most popular types
among manual laborers is thick pieces of garments with protective gear as
these help them to prevent injuries and dirt. However, those working in the office
have different dress code for sure. To be more precise, office workers tend to
dress more formally like a pair of trousers and shirts for males or a dress for
females. This is probably because they have to present a professional Image in
the eyes of the customers or wearing such clothes gives staff more confidence
in their ability.

Do you think it is necessary for children to wear school uniforms?

As far as I’m concerned, I strongly believe that it’s absolutely vital for school
children to wear uniforms. The most convincing reason is that in a developing
country, if all students wear the same clothes, which are white shirts and blue
pants, then poor students will feel less humiliated and embarrassed about the
financial conditions and consequently can focus more on their academic study.
The second reason is that uniform brings and cultivates a sense of belonging
and unity in a group. Besides, it will be pretty pleasing to the eyes, if you see

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students in their uniforms in the schoolyard line up to enter the class, which I
think is unique in my country.

Where do people in your country buy clothes?

Actually, there is quite an array of places people can purchase their clothes.
The most typical one is at the supermarket where clothes of all price ranges are
on display. I reckon it absolutely caters for consumers' interest as they are able
to pick whatever item of garment they like and try it on. ask their buddies’ opinion
and so on. Another place is at the market or alongside the streets. Clothes sold
at these points are often of lower quality but at more reasonable prices, which
is quite a popular choice among less well-off folks. Needless to say but most
people are short of cash at times so this alternative seems to be pretty good.

When do people wear formal clothes?

Formal attire is often a must on important occasions such as meetings,
ceremonies and other solemn events. Having said this, it’s becoming more and
more popular that people nowadays prefer casual wear on nearly all occasions
and it's a standard practice in my country, I’d have to admit. For example, it's
absolutely normal to wear jeans and T-shirts to weddings, birthdays, meetings
and so on. if the nature of the event is not too serious. This is quite in contrast
to that of Westerners who often hut on a suit or a dress every time they join a
formal event.

Do people wear formal clothes more often or less often than the past?
I’d say casual attire is gaining more popularity as people in modern society
prefer flexibility and convenience. For example. it's absolutely normal to wear
jeans and T-shirts to weddings, birthdays, meetings and so on, if the nature of
the event is not too serious. This is quite in contrast to that of Westerners who
often put on a suit or a dress every time they join a formal event.

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Will the way we dress influence the way we behave?
This is an interesting question, and my answer is yes. For those creative people,
they often choose a combination of diverse colors in their clothing style and
such people tend to be fashionistas who have a firm grasp of a hat to wear to
make them look best. These people are dynamic, energetic and love to
socialize. On the other hand, those who often wear plain clothes to belong to a
group which doesn't have much enthusiasm about fashion and IS willing to put
on anything they can find in their wardrobe every morning

5/ Describe a time when you received money as a gift

You should say:
- Who gave it to you
- When it was given to you
- Where it happened
- How you felt about it

I’m going to tell you about my college graduation gift from my grandparents.
They have 4 grandchildren, so they made a pact (made a promise) to give us
all the same graduation gift. With this said, they decided to give all of us $2,000
upon completion of our Bachelor’s Degree. I graduated back in May 2015 and
received the gift about a month after, since they live 12 hours away.
I had a late graduation party in my backyard in June since some family members
were busy during the month of May with their own children. My grandparents
suffered through a 12 hour car ride just to make it to my special day- I was so
very grateful! So, they slipped me a card while I was opening my other cards
and gifts and I could not believe my eyes! I had heard that he gave all of us a
generous gift, but I didn't expect the gravity (how serious or big) of just how
much. When Monday came, I immediately deposited it into my savings account,
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as I’m quite a frugal person. However, months later, I decided to treat myself to
a solo trip to Prague. Considering I had always dreamt of going to Prague, I felt
that I put the money to good use.
Since I had never received a gift quite like this, I felt extremely excited. I felt that
this money gave me new opportunities to travel and enjoy my future, especially
if I save it. Moreover, apart from the money, I felt very appreciative that my
grandparents traveled all that way for me. All in all, I felt almost in disbelief along
with elated (extremely happy and proud)!

6/ Describe a time you spend with your friend in your

childhood / Describe a childhood friend of yours
You should say:
- Who is this friend
- What did you do at that time
- How did you know about each other
- And explain why you describe this time

I’m going to tell you about my best friend Chris. Well actually, we aren't in close
contact (not in touch; don’t speak often) anymore, but he still means a lot
to me (is important to me). We were in the same kindergarten class, so we
first hit it off (when you immediately like a person) then. As soon as I walked
into the classroom nervously on the first day, I felt drawn to (attracted to) him.
He invited me to sit next to me and complimented me on my 100 Dalmatians
backpack. Since that initial moment, we sat together in the learning circle every
day. We soon starting having regular play dates (when children schedule a
time to play). He would always share his toys with me and play nicely with me,
even though I was a girl. Even better, our mothers started to become very close
friends since Chris and I often had had dates at each other’s homes, so our
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lives became intertwined (connected in many ways). Still, his entire family is
very special to me. His mother became like a second mother to me. Although
things aren't like the old days anything, we still usually make time during our
busy schedules and get together about once every year or two years.
I still remember how he was a very fragile child. He had many allergies, so he
was always sent to the hospital. I remember worrying sick (worrying a lot)
one time when he was sent to the ER by ambulance when he had an allergic
reaction to soy bean. Moreover, I remember he was always extremely talented
in Math class, whereas I was really into Art. We could balance each other in
that way. Actually, we balanced each other in many ways. I felt that he was
always a bit feminine, where I was masculine. I was strong and nearly never ill
when he was so delicate. I think this is what makes a good friendship!

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Do you use technology to communicate with friends?
Absolutely! I think it would be impossible to do in this day and age. We
coordinate all meet-ups by WhatsApp, SMS, or Facebook messenger.
Moreover, I’ve even met friends online through different Facebook pages. I’m
not into (I don’t like) talking on the phone, so I really prefer this mean of
communication. If it weren't for these apps, I may be a lot more anti-social than
I am! I think the fear of strangers from the internet is lessening a lot nowadays.

Does social media help to build your relationships?

It certainly can! As I said, I’ve even met friends through Facebook pages. I think
it allows you to reach a wider spectrum (an audience; a variety) of people.
Nowadays, it isn't as common to come across (find without planning) new
friends in public spaces. Since many people are beginning to work online, it also
creates a challenge for meeting friends. The social media allows people to
advertise social events which bring people together.

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Is it important for kids to have friends?
Absolutely. I think it’s critical to learn how to be a good friend from a young age.
I believe that humans need friendship to survive, like almost all species, so a
child is bound to (probably) be happier when they are surrounded by friends
from a young age. Moreover, it teaches them how to share, open themselves
to others, support someone, and simply have more fun! I think life would be
very lonely without friends.

What effect do friends have on children?

I think friends definitely make a child’s life better in various ways. For one, the
child must feel a lot happier and have more fun with friends by their side.
Moreover, the kid is reminded that they aren’t alone in this world and have
something who is an outlet (a person to talk to to express your feelings) for
them, which definitely makes them feel comforted. Secondly, through friends,
they learn how to have interpersonal relationships and treat and relate to other
people outside of their family. Lastly, especially if the boy/girl is an only child,
they may not have much experience sharing and they may feel as if they are
the center of the universe. Friends are critical for life!

Are children easily influenced by friends?

I would say yes, 100%. Children are very impressionable (easily influenced),
so they tend to morph into (change into) the people they spend the majority
of their time with. If a friend has a good habit, I’m sure that the other friend will
soak it in (to absorb) and begin to act in a similar way. On the contrary, when
a friend has a bad habit, like smoking or cursing, their social circle is affected
by this and begin to pick up their habits. I’ve noticed that children start talking,
walking, and dressing like their friends. Because of this, I think it’s important for
the parent to teach the child to be a leader rather than a follower.

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7/ Describe a time you borrowed something from your
family or friend
You should say:
- What you borrowed
- Who you borrowed it from
- What you borrowed it for
- And explain why it was useful to you

I’m going to tell you about a time my grandfather lent me his car when mine
broke down (stopped working). My car was in the shop after it left me
stranded (stuck) without brakes, so I really appreciated his kind gesture. If he
hadn't done this for me, I would have been lost since this was the time before
Uber, not to mention I live in the suburbs of Atlanta so there isn't much public
transportation available.
I borrowed his Honda Civic for about a week. I used it to get to work and school
as well as run other errands. As I said, it’s nearly impossible to get around my
town without your own personal vehicle. The brakes in his car weren’t the best
either, so he only allowed me to take it on short journeys. With this said, I didn't
go out with friends or take any road trips with it. As my grandfather is known to
have a bad temper (gets angry easily), I was very careful in it to make sure I
didn't scratch, dent (to leave an indent), or get in an accident with it.
It was useful to me all basic ways. Without his offer, I would have been able to
get to work and school which were the basis of my life. Since everything is
spread out (not close together) and not walkable, we completely rely on our
cars in my town.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Who is more important to you, friends or family?

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In the deepest part of my heart, I think family natters more to me, although
sometimes I may spend more time with my friends. You know, we can only be
born once by our parents, but we can make new friends all the time. Besides,
in this benefit-oriented society, only parents truly love us. Therefore, family
should, carry more weight.

In a typical family, who plays the leading role?

Well, the stereotype is that the father is the breadwinner of the family, the
person who makes the decisions and takes responsibility for the whole family.
This can be understandable because the father tends to occupy high positions
in society while the mother tends to be housewife or only gets involved in some
trivial work like cleaning or babysitting. However, this is not really the case in
modern society where freedom and equality is being put a higher emphasis
on. Women are as successful as men and are no longer in charge of the
monotonous household chores like they were in the past

In your country, what kinds of family members usually live together?

Well, to the best of my knowledge, despite the increasing popularity of
nuclear families, extended ones still exist in our society. Usually both parents
and one, two or three kids would live together under the same roof. In other
cases, a grandmother or grandmother joins them to take care of the small kids
while the parents are away for work, for example. Other less common situations
are many generations reside in the same house, usually a multi-story house.
Families like these often consist of an uncle, aunt, and their families and so on.
Typically, many problems occur when a great many members are in a similar
place

Do young and middle-age people live with old people?

Frankly speaking, unlike in Western countries where it is common to send older
grandparents to nursing homes, most people are bound by their duty, which

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means that they should or, in another sense, have to pay back what their
parents have given them. As a consequence, the young generations and
middle- aged people tend to share the same house with older people. This can
be beneficial since small children can receive special care from their
grandparents, obtain invaluable hands-on experience and tend to develop a
good code of conduct later on.

What would children do to make their parents proud?

I guess kids can have good performances at school and behave well to their
teachers and the elders. Parents usually take a great pride in their kids if their
children get a good score at school, or when others tell them that their kids are
nice people. As well as this, I deem it a necessity if children help their parents
out with mundane tasks ground the house like sweeping the floor, or washing
the dishes.

Do you like to spend time on your own or with your family/friends?

I would love to hang out with my families more. As my parents are always pied
up at work we can hardly manage time for one another. So, we often try our
best to spend time by having a dinner together at some restaurants at the
weekend or see a movie together if time permits. For me, it's much better to
build a close-knit family and strengthen our bonds.

What are parents' responsibilities for their children?

Primarily, they are responsible for the safety and upbringing of their children.
Obviously, it includes a lot of things, such as feeding them, comforting them
and looking after them under any circumstances. They need to make sure
that their children have everything they need and are well looked after, have
opportunities to learn about things, grow up and develop as well-mannered
individuals.

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What’s the influence of parents on their children?
At first, parents’ behaviors influence their children greatly. If parents are
polite, generous and kind, their children tend to be like this. Besides, parents
have influence on their children in making some great decisions. I think good
parents should help their children make better decisions and offer them
useful guidance. What’s more, parents’ attitudes to work, marriage and life
can also influence their children. The children may lose confidence in love
and marriage if their parents often quarrel.

8/ Describe a skill you need long time to learn

You should say:
- What it is
- Where you can learn it
- How to learn it
- And explain why you need long time to learn it

I would like to talk about learning a language, which definitely requires a lot of
time and patience. I think many people go into learning a language expecting
to speak fluently after a few short months which can lead them to
disappointment. I think to truly be fluent in a language, you need at least 3
years, preferably living and immersing yourself in that country. Language
starts with the grammar and sentence structure, then being able to listen and
respond, then onto reading and writing which is a whole different ball game
(a different challenge). Even those who can communicate effectively would
still struggle to read a novel or literature in that language.
You can begin to learn a language in various ways. For one, you can learn it in
school and a language center, which is a good base for grammar especially.
Secondly, you can study it on your own, maybe even by watching youtube
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videos, series/ movies, listening to music, etc. which is becoming more of a
trend nowadays due to the high costs of studying at a language center.
Moreover, you can learn it by starting a relationship with someone and
figuring out a way to communicate after some time - I think it usually happens
fast when you catch feelings (to start feeling emotions for someone) for
someone who doesn’t speak the same language! Lastly, you can move to that
country and pick it up there. I would say this is the best way, although many
don’t have this opportunity.
I think language learning is a tedious (long, detailed) process because it
involves many different skills, such as memorization, pronunciation, grammar,
etc., and requires you to think outside of the box, which doesn't come easily for
some. Moreover, I think it takes your brain a long time to accept another
language when you’ve spent your whole life making memories in one. All in
all, it is no easy task.

9/ Describe a film or TV show that made you laugh a lot

You should say:
- What it was
- When it happened
- Who was with you?
- And explain why it made you laugh

I’m going to talk about the American sitcom, Friends. Although it first debuted
in the 90’s, I just began to watch it this past year.
I watched almost the entire series by myself, with the exception of a few
episodes with my ex-boyfriend. We both chuckled at this goofy sitcom. As I’m
now in my late 20’s like the characters in the show, it made me laugh a lot
almost every episode because I can relate to many of the same situations and
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challenges that they face, especially dating. For example, they all are trying to
get married and have children but keep finding many dating failures before
finding the real thing (true love).Furthermore, I think the characters in the show
are quite well-developed and each have their own unique personality, like
Joey’s goofball (silly) self and Phoebe’s hippy, zany (uncommon) way of
being. I think this is what made me want to keep watching.
I really enjoy this show because it’s quite light-hearted (easy-going, not too
serious); it’s one of those shows you can unwind to in the evening. I find shows
based on simple stories, like a 20 something group of friends, quite entertaining
because it’s relatable. For example, I laughed at their ways of talking to each
other on the daily because I imagine saying things like that to my own group of
friends.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Why do children laugh so much?
Well, I would say because the mind of a child is a lot more simple. Take a baby
for example, they laugh when you play peek-a-boo (when you cover your
face with your hands then uncover with babies). I think it’s because they are
still figuring out the world and their permanent place in it, so it seems odd and
silly to them that you can “disappear” for a moment. Moreover, children are often
playful and tend to giggle almost non-stop at things that adults would find
immature, like potty talk (talk about the bathroom) for example. All in all, I
think children are a lot more light-hearted, which makes laughter come easier
to them. They are always looking for the next opportunity to play or giggle with
their siblings or friends.

Why don't adults laugh easily?

Well, this really depends on the adult. Actually, I know a lot of adults with a great
sense of humor, although darker than children. I believe that laughter comes

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more easily to adults because they have lived through more experiences, so
they can simply laugh at their misfortunes at times. On the other hand, some
adults are completely consumed by their work, which may make uptight and not
often laugh. Moreover, adults are more developed, so it takes a lot more to
make them truly laugh- they will usually not laugh at potty talk or peek-a-boo.

What kind of people can make people laugh?

It depends on their audience! For example, some people find darkness and
sarcasm (saying the opposite of what you really think as a joke) funny, so
those type of people would make them laugh. Moreover, some people are really
into whit (quick humor) and banter (arguing with jokes) which would cause
them to seek like-minded kinds of people or comedians. Furthermore, I think
goofy (silly; informal) people who don't have much concern for what people
think of them usually make others laugh often because they are just like a
walking joke. Lastly, comedians or others in the performance industry tend to
have a knack (have a special talent) for entertaining people and appealing to
their sense of humor.

10/ Describe an activity you would do when you are alone in

your free time
You should say:
- What do you do
- How often do you do it
- Why do you like to do this activity?
- How do you feel when you do it?

I’m going to tell you about my love for reading. Ever since I was a child, I’ve
always been more of the introverted type and have loved to have my face
buried (expression for someone reading) in a book. Since my parents often
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fought when I was a child, I felt that it was an escape from reality. Moreover, I
am also really into writing and I think it’s impossible to be a great writer without
reading. Through reading books, I can bask in (deeply enjoy; get lost in) the
literary geniuses of the book and find inspiration for my own books in the future.
I read every single day. Actually, I can’t recall a single day in my life that I didn't
read. Sometimes I feel as if books are my entire life. Whether the book is my
taste (preference) or not, the suspense always kills me (not knowing what
will happen next is exciting) and I cannot stop flipping the pages to find out
what happens next. However, duty calls (responsibilities call) and I must go
to work at the boutique from 10-6 Monday-Friday, so I have to pull myself away
from my books during that time. I usually get up around 7am and read a bit
before work then come home, have dinner, and get lost in a book for the rest of
the evening.
As I mentioned, books are a great escape for me as I feel my life is quite
mundane (boring; uneventful). Moreover, I really find deep joy in analyzing
the literature, such as the character development, plot, archetypes, etc. I feel
like my best self when I read; I feel I stretch my mind to new dimensions.
Furthermore, reading sends me into a tranquil state. After a busy day at work,
opening a book is the best way to unwind (relax). On another note, I feel quite
exhausted conversing with others all day at work so I feel quite rejuvenated
(fresh) when I’m finally at home in my den in my happy place. Moreover, I feel
that people who read have more interesting things to talk about so I often find
myself in engaging (exciting) conversations with co-workers and customers at
the boutique throughout the day. All in all, reading is everything to me.

11/ Describe someone who is talkative

You should say:

- Who this person is
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 - How you know this person
- What this person likes to talk about

I’m going to tell you about my stepmother’s friend, Mindy. She is the chattiest
(chats a lot; negative meaning) person I know! She absolutely never shuts
up, for a lack of kinder words. Even though she constantly talks our ears off
(talks too much), we still love her because she is a kind, caring friend. Because
of this, it would be really difficult to ask her to be quiet (stop talking). My
stepmom has been friends with her for over 20 years, so she's like family to us.
My stepbrothers and Mindy’s three children grew up together, as they were
neighbors. My stepmom admits that at first she couldn't stand Mindy because
of her talking, but after some time Mindy started to grow on her (started to
slowly like). She says that it’s hard to find friends like Mindy, as she is always
very loyal and would do anything for any of us; she is a very selfless (opposite
of selfish) person.
I met her about 12 years ago when my father and stepmother first got together.
At first I felt like I was going crazy due to her constant chatter (non-stop
talking about unimportant things), but she also started to grow on me. I see
now that perhaps it is a nervous habit of hers. I have also met other people who
feel the need to fill the silence with mindless chatter (unimportant things) to
make the situation more comfortable. I also feel that when someone talks a lot,
it shows that they require attention. So, actually, now I’m sensitive to her.
Mindy talks about every single detail of her life- from her children’s lives to her
home improvement projects. On a car ride, she was chatted the entire 45 minute
ride about what colors she has been thinking about painting her kitchen.
Furthermore, it’s clear that her children are her world (are extremely
important to her), so she discusses them non-stop at well. Everything we may
say turns into a story about her Peter, Tommy, and Becky. From spending time
with her, I know every aspect and stage of her children’s lives. I know what

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Peter did when he was a baby, why Becca and her boyfriend fight, and all about
Tommy’s new car. Although it can be quite annoying, somehow we still love her!

12/ Describe a family business you know

You should say:
- What this family business is
- How you know about it
- Who the customers of this family business are
- And explain why the business is successful

I’m going to tell you about my family’s Chinese restaurant. It all started when
my cousin Yvonne met her Chinese husband, Mr. B. He had just moved to
America and wanted to put his chef skills to use and start his own business. So,
Yvonne was on board (agreed with the idea) and they opened The Rice
House restaurant after a few years.
Of course I know of this business from my family. Their restaurant is on the
coast of Maryland, which was about 3 hours from my hometown. If I didn't know
them, I would have never discovered this place. Although many people flock to
(big groups go to) the coast in the summer, many tourists don't know about
The Rice House because it’s located in an inconspicuous (not easily noticed)
mall, which most people don't visit on vacation. Furthermore, tourists tend to
gravitate towards (feel attracted to) the seafood in Maryland which is quite
famous. So, most of their customers are locals. I imagine they find out about
this restaurant through Facebook advertisements and word of mouth.
Considering they have a large house, a movie theater in their home, and luxury
brand cars, I can see that they do good business. I think it’s because of Mr. B’s
expertise. I’ve been to many Chinese restaurants, but I swear (to be 100%
sure) his is the best I’ve ever tried, not only because he's family. Moreover, they
offer high quality, gourmet dishes but for reasonable prices with large portions
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which attracts more customers. Furthermore, many people in rural areas have
one Chinese restaurant that they like to go to or order in from, so he has a good
clientele. All in all, I think a restaurant is a safe path to finding success in
America as an immigrant.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Do more expensive shops provide better service?
I have to agree with this, when you buy something that costs an arm and a leg,
it means the price of the product has included he superb service hut you receive
in, the store. For example, most luxurious Items are on display at some world-
renowned brand stored and once you step into the store. It looks like you are
being in a palace, and the chances are that he staff are polite and a good
listener to provide you with details of the products.
Do you often buy things at big shops or small shops?
From my personal taste, I’d rather go for big shopping centers rather than
smaller ones. The most compelling reason for this is that there is an array of
goods and items for me to choose fruit, all being on displayed at the same
premise. All this means that I won't have to run to different stores just to buy
something else, as everything is just right there for me to choose from
If customers feel difficult in the shops, who will they ask?
Not surprisingly, there’s always someone for you to make enquiries 11I ease
you want for more information on a particular item. The shop assistant would
just be pleased to show you around, explain the features and functions v>f
something. for you. A prime example is when I went to purchase a smartphone,
I met a nice shop assistant who instructed me in detail about different brands,
and I ended up picking the most suitable one.
What kinds of businesses are popular in this city?
In my city, people prefer top open beauty saloons or small coffee shops. I can
put it down to the fact that most girls or women would try their best to look
gorgeous in others’ eyes and spending money to beautify themselves is

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considered as a must for them. Or in a similar situation, the youths tend to hang
out with their buddies for some casual/idle chit-chat, which means many cafes
are doing well recently. Ah, not less popular are some small restaurants that
can only accommodate to more than ten people. It can be understandable that
many would call on these places for a snack or drink when they have time or
feel hungry.
What jobs require staff to get in touch with many people?
To the best of my knowledge! any job that involves handling people’ enquiries
and complaints means that staff are supposed to have regular contact with a
whole lot of people. Take customer service staff as a prime example, they
always need to call their customers to ask whether they feel satisfied with
certain products or staffs attitude after using a service or purchasing a product.
Another case is teachers, whose job requires sorting out students' questions,
and explaining the answers to them.

13/ Describe something important that you lost

You should say
- What it was
- Why it was important
- How you lost it
- What you did after you lost it

I was devastated (really sad and upset) the time I lost my first Iphone! Let me
give you some background. It was my 16th birthday and my parents had just
bought me an Iphone 4. I had waited for this for so long and was filled with joy
when I finally received it after getting good marks at school. It was all the rage
in technology at that time, so I really wanted to keep up with my friends.

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It was important to me since I know my family worked hard to be able to buy a
gift like this for me. I have seen my father work hard around his law office and
my mother tend to our home to create a happy, clean atmosphere for us.
Although I feel ashamed to say it now, it was important for me to have it as a
status symbol (something that shows how much money you have) at the
time.
I lost it one afternoon when I went out on a cold day with a loose, winter coat
on. Unfortunately, I forgot to zip the pocket that it was in. I hadn’t realized that
it felt out of my coat pocket during my ride when I hit a big bump in the road.
Foolishly, I had music blaring on my headphones, so I never noticed the sound
of it dropping.
I tried to retrace my steps to see if I could find it along the way, but never did. I
imagine that someone may have snatched it. I then went home to my parents
in tears and told them what had happened. While my father was understanding,
my mother yelled at me and told me that I need to be more careful. However,
they both agreed that I would have to save up if I wanted another.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

How did you feel about it?
I was devastated. I knew my parents had worked hard for this, so I felt really
disappointed in myself. Moreover, I felt that I was just an ungrateful, careless
teen. It reminded me that I needed to be more careful with my things in the
future, especially as I didn't buy them myself.

Why do children lose their things?

Since children lack the maturity of adults, they tend to not be careful with their
things. When they don't buy the things for themselves, I think they don't see the
value of them as much. This is to say that children haven't developed a sense

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of responsibility yet. Furthermore, children are just humans as all of us, so they
often make mistakes.

Why do adults lose their private things more than other things?
Well, since adults have many responsibilities and things on their mind, they tend
to become scatter-brained (many things on their mind) and lose their things
sometimes. I imagine that especially adults in a serious relationship and/or with
children tend to prioritize others over themselves. With this said, they forget
their own things rather than those of others.

Studies have shown that people who are messy are more creative. Why is
it so?
I imagine that people who are messy can find beauty in chaos. They don't need
to follow a strict routine, so they are more likely to think outside of the box. With
this said, they are more creative. I think people who can go with the flow instead
of insisting their usual organized ways can find more opportunities for creativity.
Lastly, perhaps messy people find unexpected beauty more, perhaps among
the trash pile in their room!

14/ Describe a party that you joined

You should say:
- When it took place.
- Where it was.
- Who were there.
- What you did I here.
- And how you felt about the party.

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Well, I’ve actually been invited to quite a few parties, particularly wedding
receptions as I’m now at the age when lots of my buddies are starting to tie the
knot, so it was kind of tough choosing which one fro give you an account! but I
guess probably the easiest for me to talk about would be the most recent party
I went to, which was the wedding party of one of my neighbours.

And, as for who was there, well. I couldn’t tell you everyone, because there
were Absolutely loads of people you know, the hall was pretty packet! so my
guess would be that there were probably Something like 250 to 300 guests, and
if I'm not mistaken it seemed to be that the overwhelming majority were friends
and relatives of the bride and groom.

Anyway, with regard to where the party was held. well, it was actually in a small
city called X, which is about an hour's drive just to the south east of Y, because
that's bride’s birthplace, and the reception itself was held in quite a nice-looking
hotel, which was easy to spot because it was about 10 times higher than all the
buildings around it!

So regarding how I felt at the party, well, to put it simply, it was an Absolutely
out-of-this-world experience, and there were some parts of it that moved me
quite a lot, such as when the bride broke down in tears when she was on stage
expressing her gratitude towards her parents for all the support they had given
her. It was also really clear to see how much the bride and groom loved each
other, as they couldn’t take their eyes off each other the whole evening, so I
was really happy for them and was glad that I made it to their wedding.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

How do people in your country celebrate birthdays?

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Generally speaking, people like throwing a party to celebrate. Some people
acknowledge their birthdays, but they don’t actually celebrate them.

Are birthdays more important for children or for adults?

Birthdays are important for children, because they get to celebrate growing up
and also can have fun parties with their friends and stuff. Oh and let’s not forget
the cool presents. I think as adults it’s not so much about the party but about
the age. I think from mid 20's to mid 30’s it's not important for them cause
generally they are too busy with work or being a parent. But in retirement it's
important again because that is a chance they get to see family.

What are the things the old and the young like doing in their free time?
Truth be told, many old people spend their leisure time indoors, sitting down,
reading a book or resting; or they might go outside for a brisk walk in the
evening. Many of them enjoy watching TV or knitting. Young people, on the
other hand, enjoy a variety of things. Many do the same things I mentioned that
old people do, but in my opinion, there are many more options available if you
are young. You can play sports, go clubbing all night, participate in extreme
sports like bungee jumping or sky diving - that might give an older person a
heart

Should parents spend much money on children's party?

I guess it should depend on the financial budget of the family and the
importance of the birthday party. If a family is well-off, splurging more on a grand
birthday party for their beloved son won't matter a big deal, especially if it marks
a milestone in their life. Having said this, those from less advantaged family
backgrounds should weigh the pros and cons carefully before throwing a party
for their kids, as this can make an inroad into their monthly income; so a small
and cozy party enough.

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Why some people dislike attending parties?
People are being increasingly on the go land can hardly manage time for drinks
or parties as they are overly occupied with work-related matter Given this, a 2-
hour wedding reception party, for example, can take away their precious time
for work, making them delay their progress. Besides, some families fire running
short of cash to cover the expenses for attending parties, so every time there’s
a wedding invitation, they’re often Worried and helpless.

Why do people throw parties?

Parties are a good occasion for reunion and bonding A fact is that people in
modern society are up to ears with their work and can hardly manage time for
socialization, so attending parties can be a golden opportunity to catch up on
what is going on with their friends whom they may not have met for ages.
Secondly, parties often nark a milestone in an individual's life and record
memorable experiences the host has with his friends and family. After all,
parties can have a meaningful role to play in our life.

15/ Describe an interesting job that you want to have in the

future

You should say:

- What it is
- How you might find this job
- What qualities it requires
- Explain why it is a well-paid job

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I’m going to tell you about a job I’ve always dreamt of doing, a National
Geographic photographer. Firstly, I want to travel around the world and hear
countless stories from people of all different cultures and backgrounds. I think
it would be extremely fascinating to work in this changing, enriching (makes
you more cultured) environment. For this job, you don't necessarily apply. As
most of the photographers are some of the most well-known photographers in
the world, they say that if they want to hire you, they already know who you are.
For this job, they require that you have a degree in a discipline other than solely
(only) photography. They want you to have studied Anthropology, Psychology,
Sociology, or Journalism and have also attended photography courses. They
require that you are already known for your unique skill and that you agree to
work an independent, not full-time schedule. You also have to accept that they
may not always pay for your travel fees.
Actually, it isn’t an extremely well-paid job compared to some others. The salary
is about $50,000. Although I could get paid higher in another field, I would say
it is worth it to get your name out there (to get famous). I think it would
undoubtedly open countless windows of opportunities if you stand out from
others. Who knows, I could end up with millions later on!
I think I could be suitable for this job for many reasons. I’ve always had an apt
(have the ability to) to capture sensitive, moments on the human face. I’ve
traveled all around Asia, the Middle East, and South America working on a
photo journal of people I've met along the way. Apart from this, I have a degree
in Biology, so I could venture out (travel) into the wild to give Wildlife
Photography a try. I currently have an instagram with 700,000 followers, so I’m
slowly and surely getting my name out there. I do believe I’m a good fit
(suitable), but let’s see if I could impress them enough!

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

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Do you think job satisfaction is more important than salary when
choosing a job?
I would say it’s a mixture of both, but I’m leaning more towards (believe more)
job satisfaction. You must spend a large portion of your life working, so you
might as well do something you love. When you do something you’re
passionate about, I’m sure your happiness and sense of fulfillment is greatly
elevated. Moreover, if you love what you do, it may not even feel like work. On
the other hand, when your salary is low, people often become lazy and
motivated. Furthermore, it is ideal to have a career that can provide a
comfortable life for you, with as little financial stress as possible. Money can't
bring you happiness, but it can certainly be a tool in it!

What skills do you think are needed to get a job nowadays?

I think that language, technology skills, and Master Degrees are becoming a
necessity nowadays. As one language can be limiting, especially if it isn’t
English, it only makes you more desirable to an employer to have other
languages. Furthermore, it would be impossible to survive in a career without
technology skills nowadays, as the world is becoming more technologically
advanced at the speed of lightening (a very fast speed), in some countries
especially. Moreover, as some job markets are more competitive than others, it
may be compulsory to have a Master’s Degree in some countries.

Do you think women should be able to do all the same jobs that men do?
Absolutely! I believe that gender inequality in the workplace should be a thing
of the past (should disappear). If the person is qualified for the job, the gender
should have no effect on whether they are hired or not. Sure, there may be
some jobs that are typically more suitable for men, like perhaps construction or
mining, but that doesn’t mean a woman shouldn't have a fair shot (have a fair
opportunity) at it if she’s eligible.

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How has technology changed the way we work?
Wow! In many ways. Firstly, it has seriously cut time for tasks that used to take
ages (take a long time), thanks to email, phone contacts, writing reports, etc.
Secondly, I think there is less emphasis on interpersonal skills, as you may
never even have to meet the client face-to-face. With this said, maybe it is
making people more antisocial. Lastly, make it has made people lazier since
they can finish a task with a few clicks of the mouse. Maybe now if there boss
asks them to a tedious task, they may scowl (an expression of anger) and not
be too thrilled about doing it.

What is the difference between white collar and blue collar jobs?
Well, a white collar job is usually a job in which you wear more formal attire to
work, no manual labor, in an office or administrative environment, and usually
requires a higher level of education. On the other hand, a blue collar job is an
informal one usually based on manual labor. People created these named as a
way to classify people’s prestige (wealth) in society. In my opinion, doesn't
matter if the person is white or blue-collared, as long as they do honest work.

16/ Describe a building you like

You should say:
- Where this building is
- What it looks like
- what it is used for
- And explain why you like

Nowadays, there are many creative modern and high-rise buildings built in my
country. Among them the first one that popped into my mind is the library in my
college, which is the tallest and most unique building. It’s located in the East
corner of the school.
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Just like other buildings, made of concrete and steel but the shape and height
are what sets it apart from others. If you look at the library from the outside,
you’ll find it resembles a big book case full of books—the shape of each window
is identical to a book. The color is red and yellow because these colors are very
bright and appealing to the eyes. And I wouldn’t forget to mention that it is taller
than any surrounding buildings, consisting of 9 stories.
The first floor is a big hall, where you can check out or check in your books. All
the new books are placed there. On the second to the fourth floor, you could
find all kinds of reference books about a wide range of majors, and of course,
there're also some entertaining books. On the fifth floor, there’s a computer lab,
where students can get online or search for reference materials. The remaining
floors are the entertainment areas where students can play some educational
games on the computer; there are also places where they can feel free to set
up their own activities. Truthfully speaking, I have never been to higher floors,
so I'm pretty not sure what is there to offer.
I love reading and this gorgeous library makes me love reading even more. I'm
glad that our school could have such a wonderful library building.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Are there many tall buildings where you live?
High-rise apartments are a common sight in the vicinity of my
neighborhood. Actually, they are mushrooming on a yearly basis some even
have more than 20 stories, but mostly they are residential buildings.
Why are there tall buildings in so many places?
It is simply because land is p scarce resource. Its scarcity and high price have
forced real estate developers! to think vertically rather than constructing a
horizontal building. Also I wouldn't forget to mention the fact that those buildings
can act as a symbol of a city! as It can beautify the cityscape! and draw tourists
as well.
What role do you think old buildings play in society?

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The old buildings symbolize the ancient culture and civilization. They remind us
of the ancient people's ancient people and craft. From the old buildings, we
learn about people's lifestyle, customs and even social structure in the past.
Do you think it necessary to protect old buildings?
Yes. the government should fund to preserve the old buildings. They are the
Representative of our long history and splendid culture! Besides, they are of
research value. Finally, they can bring tourism income for the city.
What are the differences between the constructions in your city nowadays
and 20 years ago?
The constructions 20 years ago in my city were quite single-styled, and there
were no many high buildings. Most constructions were made of red bricks, and
they looked the similar by appearance. But a lot of changes have taken place
in the past decades and many stylish, spacious and colorful constructions have
been built. The nest-shaped Olympic Stadium is a good example.
What do you think of the constructions in the city center?
I think the density of constructions in the city center is too high. There are fewer
colorful constructions, but some don’t match the surroundings. They look
offensively conspicuous!

17/ Describe a recent happy event

You should say:
- What it was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- And explain why it was happy

Well, today I’d like to share with you about the wedding ceremony of my best
friend, X. This event was the most recent one I feel delighted and enthusiastic
because it was the first time I had been a best man/bridesmaid.
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X has been my close friend since childhood. We have known each other for
more than 15 years. When he/she invited me to be his/her best man/bridesmaid,
I agreed without any hesitation.
The wedding was celebrated at ABC, one of the most famous wedding venues
in my country, where guests can enjoy the stunning views of the sunset. We
had a hectic but memorable day back then, which was last month I remember.
The ceremony procedure was quite conventional, just like others; the bride and
groom exchanged wedding rings, towed down to their parents, proposed toast
took photos with guest and so on.
Since we bumped into a bunch of old friends, we turned the wedding into a big
reunion party everyone had a good time together. At the beginning, I was quite
nervous ‘coz I had never been a bridesmaid before, and it seemed like I was
going to have a big day. Before the ceremony, we had laboriously decorated
and planned everything. During the ceremony, the couple recalled their love
journey: they tied the knot after experiencing all sorts of ups and downs together
and I was deeply touched by their stories. As their best friend, I wanted to
express my overwhelming love and best wishes to them.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

How would you define happiness?
From my perspective, the definition of happiness is subject to multiple
interpretation. Some people argue that accomplishing a sense of satisfaction in
life means possessing as much money as possible. Therefore, people will
sacrifice whatever it takes to become wealthy. However, my view is that having
a good job and a happy family life is what makes us truly happy in life. If we feel
what we are doing is worthwhile and financially rewarding; or our children
behave well and love their parents, that happiness is no longer out of reach.
Do you think money can make people happy? =Do you think people will
be happy when they become richer?

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The answer is yes for me. It is true that money cannot buy everything. However,
people will enjoy a greater sense of comfort and feel better contented with their
life if they are in possession of much more money. For example, a rich family
can gain better access to top-notch services like healthcare or education or
spend their weekends going shopping or seeing a movie together. The second
point is that although money cannot buy happiness, it is the means with which
can make others happy. Take this example, you can buy a present to bring
happiness to a small child or use your wealth to cover medical expenses for the
less fortunate people. So you can see, it not only makes you happy but other
people as well.
What do you do when you feel unhappy?
It is hard to deny that everyone can come up against apparently insurmountable
hurdles in their lifetime and I am no exception. At those times, I try to comfort
myself by assuming the best. For example, if a person keeps me waiting for
hours, I would console myself by some thoughts like he may be springing a
surprise on md with something special. Or some scenarios like he may have
stopped at the store to pick up a present for me. So, this could cheer me up at
that instant. At other times, I often come to my soul mates to confide in ups and
down and seek for sympathy, yet just for utterly miserable moments, to tell the
truth
Do you think rich people are always happy? = Can money make person
happier?
No. they aren’t, as I have mentioned. Money cannot buy happiness. It only
makes life more comfortable and convenient. As you see. material wealth brings
both positive and negative changes. From my experience, I have witnessed a
true story about my uncle. At first he was a broke guy, however, after his
business at the publishing company paid off, he turned over a new leaf.
However, the more profits he made, the greater his ambition and greed became.
He ended up turning into a man who values material wealth more than anything
else on earth and nothing can satisfy his limitless desire. As time went by, his

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family broke up because he just put efforts into earning money without devoting
any quality family time to his wife and children. The outcome is that they got
divorced and his wife took 3 small kids with her, leaving the husband lonely in
his 5 story villa.
Is it possible to be happy during whole life?
I would have to say it is quite out of the question to stay happy all the time during
one's life. Whether we like it or not, there are ups and downs: happy moments
and sorrowful ones. Therefore, it would be unrealistic to expect only good things
to come to us and paint a rosy picture of one's life. Rather, one is supposed to
face up to unpredictable difficulties and make their best efforts to overcome
them and become happy again. It’s safe to say that life is a vicious circle.

18/ Describe an interesting song you like.

You should say:
- What it is:
- Which country the song comes from
- What story the song tells
- And explain why you think it is interesting.
I have always been a huge fan of music. I love listening to music because good
music helps me recharge my battery and energy as well as uplift my
spirit after a long day overloaded with work and study. I listen to many different
kinds of music from Rock to Jazz, depending on where I am, who I am with and
how I feel at the time. Today I’m going to tell you about one of my favorite songs
titled ‘Hello’.
The genre is pop, as characterized by its upbeat music and simple, down-to-
earth lyrics. It’s actually a single that just went platinum this week. The song
is incredibly popular at the moment, I mean, it’s the talk of the town. It’s
been topping the charts for weeks, and has got millions of streams on music
sites.
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The person who performs the song is Adele, an internationally acclaimed
artist, hailing from the UK. She’s made a killing with her albums, but she’s
maintained a somewhat low-profile lifestyle. I am a huge fan of her. I have an
impressive collection of her records that I really treasure. Maybe I would have
the fortune to attend one of her concerts.
I first listened to the song last week. It was when I was in the middle of finals.
I was up to the ears in revision and it was incredibly nerve-racking time, so I
needed something to let my hair down. That’s when I went to YouTube to
watch some music videos. The minute I heard Adele’s voice, I was hooked and
totally blown away. I’ve put the song on repeat ever since.
I am keen on the song for a number of reasons. First, it was her voice that struck
me, which is incredibly soothing, and has a nice warm quality to it. The lyrics is
also dope. It talks about emotions after two people part ways in a relationship
and I can definitely relate to that.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

What do old people like to listen to? = Why do you think old people like
old songs?
My guess is that the old generation would show a big preference for old songs,
particularly the ballad or love story. Those songs usually contain meaningful
lyrics and give them a golden chance to reflect on their life a bit. Besides, such
melodious pieces of music are great ways to let their hair down they like
immersing themselves in the soft and meaningful music I’d say. I wouldn't forget
to mention songs with a theme on wars as they remind the elderly of their
Miserable time and all the hardship they had to suffer when the country was still
ill poverty and conflict.
Mow would your grandfather feel If you gave him some hip hop music to
listen to?

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What an interesting question! As I have mentioned earlier, modern music like
hip-hop or rap is definitely not their taste. Having that in mind, I have never
thought of recommending that sort of songs to my grandparents.
Why do you think people of different age groups have different favorite
songs?
Simply speaking, people of different ages belong to different groups and each
group has its own norms. So, teenagers are under the influence of other
members, in the group and would go for the latest pop songs of current artists
on TV or songs that go viral on the social network Meanwhile, the older and
more mature group would rather look back on past values and prefer old songs
that usually have something to do with their life some 40 years ago. What I’m
trying to say is they can recall bitter or sweet memories from those pieces of
music.
Why do some people like to play music = play a musical instrument in the
open?
As far as I'm concerned, when you are out in the open air and hold your musical
instrument, sing a song, you not only give yourself but others a great time as
well. From my personal experience, I have seen many university students; for
instance, gather around in the park, surrounded by a lot of trees and sing group
songs with their guitar. This is great fun you know', just imagine everyone feeling
the heat and dance to the tunes of the songs, or many other passers-by
stopping for a while to enjoy the song.
What kinds of songs do children like listening to?
From my point of view, based on what I recall from my own childhood, I would
have to say most kids tend to be drawl by short, simple songs which have catchy
tunes and memorable lyrics, and I suppose a lot of them are the theme songs
from their favourite cartoons or some songs accompanying the adverts on the
TV.

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19/ Describe a time that you had to change your plan/ you
changed your mind
You should say:
- When this happened.
- What made you change the plan.
- What the new plan was.
- And how you felt about the change.

Well, when I was 21 years old, I made a decision that has forever changed my
life; it started in 2014. I had it all set up (carefully planned) to go to Chile to
study for a 2 month summer semester and language immersion. However, as
soon I set foot in Valparaiso, I instantly fell in love with it. I felt like that culture
really suits me (goes well with me), as opposed to life in Canada. I loved the
art and charm that fills the street. I had finally found a place where I could learn
the language I wanted and pursue (get; follow) my art career as well.
Furthermore, the people there really welcomed me with open arms and made
me feel at home. So, I decided to stay for 2 years! Fortunately, I was able to
finish my Bachelor’s Degree there since they are affiliated (partners)with my
Canadian university.
This has affected my life in many different areas. For one, my parents have
always put pressure on me to work in business. However, I’ve always known
that that wasn't for me (not suitable for me). After this experience, I decided
to be an Art teacher to children in a part of town with many Spanish speakers.
If I had never stayed for 2 years, I wouldn't have the fluency that I have in
Spanish today. Moreover, I’ve become a lot more well-rounded (educated,
experienced) from this. I’ve gotten the opportunity to travel around South
America and see the way others live, as well as the breath-taking (extremely
beautiful) landscapes. Most importantly, I met the love of my life there! He
moved back to Canada with me and I’m now pregnant with our second child.

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Looking back, my life wouldn't be nearly what it is today without this change of
plans!

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

How did people around you respond to it?
My family was quite happy for me, but it was bittersweet (happy and sad at
the same time)for them because they really missed me. Since my parents were
immigrants to Canada, they never had these opportunities when they were
young, so they were joyous that I was able to. However, they were concerned
that I would party too much instead of study! Moreover, they would stress about
my whereabouts (where I was, what I was doing) and well-being while in
Chile.

Do you like changes? Why?

Certainly! I’m not a creature of habit (a person who likes the same routine)at
all. Actually, I get so bored with a monotonous (always the same; never
changing)life. Moreover, I’m an extremely adaptable person, so I think I can
embrace (make the best of) and intigrate myself into almost any unfamiliar
situation. I believe we all need changes to help us grow and simply make life
more interesting.

Why do some people hate changes?

Well, I would say the number one reason is fear. It often happens that people
are afraid of what the change may bring. Another reason is that some people
become so attached to their daily routine that they feel off-kilter (shocked,
unbalanced)when it’s tweaked. I think this especially happens to the elderly.
Lastly, changes are difficult! Although we may know that the change is
necessary, like perhaps leaving your current job that you hate, it’s still hard to
make that first move (to make the change happen). Change requires
discomfort and adjustment!

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How can you change people’s opinions?
I would say that the number one way to do this would be through a peaceful
dialogue. In the world today, many people resort to violence, threat, or other
extreme measures to try to change someone’s mind. However, I think this is
ineffective. I believe all parties must sit together and listen to each other’s ideas
before any change can happen.

20/ Describe a perfect holiday/vacation from home you want

to go on in the future
You should say:
- Where you want to go
- When you would like to go
- What you can do for the holiday
- Who you would like to go with
- And explain why you want to have this holiday

Frankly speaking, I’m not an extrovert, so I haven’t been on many trips up to

now. However, I would crave for having a pleasant experience on a package
tour/ motorbike trip to [place] - only within a 50- kilometer drive from my house.

I intend to travel on my own to do the sightseeing, which may save me from

the hassle and nuisance from my friends, who usually complain all the time
while being on a long holiday. If everything goes according to my plan, the tour
should be reasonably priced, at 40 USD for at least 2 days 1 night and it should
promise luxurious accommodation and scrumptious food. So you see, I tend
to go for cheap holiday without second thoughts as it is exactly what I want to
expect. The first part of the journey will probably be good enough for me
because it will take me not too much time to reach the destination. Besides, l

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am looking forward to chances to engage in any gossip with other
passengers so that the trip will go by with a lot of fun.

I imagine that the moment I check in at the hotel near the beach, I will be really
glad that the quality of the room will definitely be up to standard. If I recall
correctly, I made it quite clear to the travel agency that the bed must be cozy
and comfortable and the air-conditioner has to work well. Regarding the
swimming and the seafood, the weather on that day will be so sunny for
sunbathing, which will make me feel like jumping my feet into the seawater. To
add to the fun, because I am going to travel during off season, the seafood
won’t be too pricey and the servings will be therefore large for a person like
me.
Vocabulary
Extrovert (noun) someone who is very confident, lively, and likes social
situations
Crave for (verb) to want something very much
Package tour (noun) package vacation, or package holiday comprises
transport and accommodation advertised and sold together by a vendor known
as a tour operator
On my own (noun) unaccompanied by others; alone
Do the sightseeing (phrase) the activity of visiting the famous or interesting
sights of a place
Hassle (noun) argument
Nuisance (noun) disturbance
Scrumptious (adj) delicious
Second thoughts (noun) a change of opinion after considering something
again.
Engage in (verb) take part in a particular activity
Up to standard (phrase) good enough

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Make it clear to somebody (phrase) If you make something clear, you say
something in a way that makes it impossible for there to be any doubt about
your meaning, wishes, or intentions
Off season (phrase) a period of the year when there is less activity in business
Serving (noun) a quantity of food suitable for or served to one person.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

What can people benefit from travelling?
Clearly, there are a number of merits brought by travelling. But I would probably
say that the thing that really stands out is 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 cuisine and learn a great
deal of interesting stuff. Besides, a second positive point could be that we can
let our hair down after undergoing nerve-racking period of time of hard
work or study. A flying visit to somewhere can help us recharge our batteries
and work more effectively afterwards.
Merit (noun) the quality of being particularly good or worthy
Stand out (verb) to be easy to see or notice because of being different
Broaden one’s horizon (phrase) to make you see a wider range of
opportunities and choices
Let hair down (idiom) relax
Nerve-racking (adj) nervous
Flying visit to (phrase) short visit
Recharge one’s batteries (phrase) to rest and relax for a period of time so
that you feel energetic again

Do you like to travel on your own or with your family?

Personally, I like the former option. Travelling on my own can free me from the
burden of others and so I can have more freedom and independence to explore
to my heart’s content. To be more precise, when you travel on a package

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tour with your family members, you have to plan your budget, must keep an
eye on the small kids or have to follow the instructions of the tour guide.
However, when you are on your own, you can head to anywhere you feel like,
stay with the local people, experience many different feelings, and become
more independent. You can also have me time to reflect on your life or
contemplate the meaning of life.
To one’s heart’s content (phrase) as much as one wants
Keep an eye on (phrase) to watch someone or something; to monitor someone
or something closely
On one’s own (phrase) alone
Me time (phrase) time that you spend relaxing and doing things that you enjoy
rather than time spent doing things for other people
Contemplate (verb) to think very carefully about something for a long time

Do you like to visit popular places or less-known places?

If you choose to visit touristy places:
If you ask me, I would say that I’d rather pay a visit to popular tourist
destinations. The main reason for my choice is because I will feel more safe
and secure in a place that I know like the back of my hand. To be more
precise, I could know where to get a good bargain for a service or won’t fear
the risk of getting lost. On the contrary, if you venture to visit tourist places of
no good reputation, you may risk your life or get ripped off in some cases. In
addition, I am not a kind of extrovert and dynamic person, so I’d prefer to go to
popular sites instead.
Know like the back of my hand (idiom) be entirely familiar with a place or
route.
Get ripped off (verb) to be cheated, especially by charging them too much
money for something
If you prefer less-known places:

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To be honest, I have proclivity for travel to not touristy places where I can
have more space to capture the breathtaking landscapes without disturbing
other travelers. Besides, visiting a site which has not yet been well-known
makes me enjoy to discover more about that place. This is because I want to
become the pioneer who can help introduce the place to more visitors with my
photos I snapped and travel guidance I wrote.
Have proclivity for (phrase) have a tendency or inclination to do something
Breathtaking (adj) causing awe or excitement

Where do people like to travel in your country?

It depends on different preferences and ages. For example, young American,
who are adventurous and curious about new places, tend to choose brand
new places where haven’t exploited by tourist, whilst old people prefer to stay
in a resort nearby a beach or in a village in order to bring back their memories
and do meditation.
Curious about (adj) Eager to learn more about something
Brand new (adj) completely new

What is the relationship between travel and the environment?

Obviously, travel has an adverse impact on the surrounding environment. Air
pollution is one concern. This is because people must get on a coach, a train to
reach their travel destinations and these means of transport give off huge
amounts of emissions into the surrounding air, making the air quality from bad
to worse. Another thing is litter dropping issue. All the travelers do is enjoy the
services, and throw away trash onto the ground, spit anywhere and these things
really spoil the cityscape.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone?

Well firstly I'd say the good thing about travelling alone is that you get to do what
you want, without having to ask for anyone else’s approval. So basically, you

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can be really flexible with your plans. But on the downside, if you’re travelling
on your own, you might feel lonely at times, especially if you’ve got no one to
talk to.

What are the differences between young people and old people when they
go travelling?
I guess there are a handful of differences, of which one would be that young
people generally like doing quite exciting and energetic things, like bungee
jumping; or, if they’re going somewhere coastal, they might wanna do some
watersports like jet skiing, whereas I would say the elderly, on the whole, tend
to simply like relaxing when they go on holiday, so they'll probably take a few
books with them and spend most of the time on a deck chair next to a swimming
pool soaking up the sun and enjoying the feeling of doing nothing.
A handful of (phrase) A small, undefined number or quantity
Bungee jumping (noun) a jump made by someone from a high bridge,
building, etc, secured only by a rubber cord attached to the ankles
Soak up (verb) to absorb

21/ Describe a beautiful city you’ve visited/ Describe an

interesting part of your country
You should say:
- Where is it?
- When did you go there?
- What did you do there?
- And explain why you like it

I’m going to tell you about one of the most beautiful cities in the world in my
opinion, Budapest, Hungary located in eastern Europe. I had always seen

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photos of the impressive parliament building and dreamt of seeing it in person,
and just finally bit the bullet (made a fast decision) and took a solo trip there
back in 2015. I was only 22 years old and had little experience traveling alone,
but I knew I needed to make it there (go there).
During my trip, I visited the famous parliament building, did a boat ride along
the Danube river which separates Buda and Pest, visited local markets, visited
Trinity square, visited the thermal baths, and ate the local foods, such as
sausage and goulash. It all started on the first day when I joined a free walking
tour to get to know the city from a local’s perspective. After this, I had a better
idea of what I should do while I was there. So, I visited some of these sites on
my tour then did the rest on my own (alone, by yourself), all guided with a
map, since google maps and SIM cards weren't available then. I felt proud of
myself for finding my way around all by my lonesome.
I really enjoyed this city for many reasons. Firstly, the sites were absolutely
stunning (beautiful). I discovered that Hungary has a long and interesting
history with many different influences. Furthermore, the thermal baths were
unlike anything I had ever experienced before and were just divinely relaxing,
especially on a cool day. Moreover, the food and beer were absolutely delicious
and cheap, which made the trip even more enjoyable. All in all, I highly
recommend Budapest.

22/ Describe a useful website that you often visit.

You should say:
- What the contents of this website are
- How you first found this website
- How often you go to visit this website
- And explain how this website helps you.
When the first book out of seven in the Harry Potter series, the Sorcerer's Stone
was published in the United States, I searched almost every bookstore in my
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country in vain. And just when I was downhearted, one of my friends
recommended Amazon and I got this book sent to me.
After that, it became my favorite website. The website is a great marketplace to
find anything, from books to clothes, movies and furniture. It stocks millions of
products for the home, garden and office. And there is the amazing “sell your
stuff” link. In the marketplace section, you can sell your unwanted things, such
as books, computer games and DVD s and make a little of money back.
During my student days, I spent hours on Amazon buying all the reference
books because the prices were cheaper. And now I also log onto it to buy new
or second hand DVDs and CDs. After my acquaintance with Amazon, I stop
throwing away things. I can always use the marketplace to offload these
unwanted things onto someone else that needs them.
QUESTIONS FOR PART 3
When was the first time you used the Internet?
I think it’s in middle school when I first used the Internet. I watched comic
cartoons, read novels on the Internet, and later. I even began to write novels by
myself in the online community.
Do you often buy things on the Internet?
Not really. I don’t like shopping clothes online. I prefer to go the shopping mall
and try the clothes on. and then decide to buy or not. If I cannot try it. I’ll feel it
may not fit me well. But sometimes I will buy some daily necessities on the
Internet that don't have the problem of size or fitness.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet?
The Internet has changed our lifestyle. People can get information of what b
happening in the world at an time and at an place through Internet we may-talk
to the friends who are far away from us. But I also has some downsides The
Internet IS also a Source of violence and porn which fry III do harm to Innocent
children.
How do you think about online shopping?

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Since the introduction of online shopping in the mid 1990s. the online market
has grown rapidly. The advantages of online shopping have greatly contributed
to its monumental success. Online shopping offers many more options to
consumers than the traditional bricks-and-mortar retailer does. Initially, the
development of online stores came about in order to fulfill consumers' need for
greater variety. Also, physical retail stores only order and keep a certain amount
of any merchandise, so customers become frustrated when they travel to a retail
store and are unable to find the particular items that they want. Online stores
can offer not only a greater range of goods, but they can also eliminate the
uncertainty of an Item being in stock. Most “e-tailers” have a feature that can
tell customers if the product they are looking for is available and, if not, how long
it will take to arrive. By moving one’s business to the Internet, an owner is not
restricted to the confinements of a physical store.

23/ Describe an interesting talk or lecture you heard

You should say:

When you heard it
Where you heard it
What it was about
And explain why you think it was interesting

I’m going to talk about a Philosophy Forum held every Wednesday evening in
my town at a local bar/restaurant. I have been interested in going, but I was a
bit hesitant since none of my friends wanted to join. However, I bit the bullet
(quickly made the decision) and decided to attend this past Wednesday,
especially because the topic called “East meets West” what particularly
intriguing to me.
I came across this event via Facebook. Furthermore, an acquaintance
(someone I know, but not a close friend) of mine had mentioned it. This
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week’s topic was about the differences between Eastern and Western
philosophies. They discussed the ideas of the most famous philosophers, such
as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and mostly focused on Confucius for the
Eastern philosophies. We drew contrasts between the two sides of the world,
such as the language, environment, and the attitudes toward conflict. They had
supporting evidence that Western and Asian people have some differences in
their way of thought. For example, the speaker stated that there is more of a
gray area (not a clear answer) in Eastern way of thinking, whereas things are
more black and white (a clear answer) in Western thinking. Furthermore, he
said that Eastern people tend to focus on community more, meanwhile
westerners tend to be more individualistic (focusing on themselves).
I found it especially interesting because the first speaker was an American
philosopher, and the second was a Vietnamese man. After the entire speech of
the American, the Vietnamese man countered (argued against) everything
that was said. You could say he was playing the devil’s advocate (to argue
the opposite of what someone says). I thought it was really fascinating to see
the two different ways of thinking. Although we mostly spoke of the differences,
I learned that we are all still one human race. All in all, that is what fascinated
me and kept me on the edge of my seat (excited; suspenseful).

24/ Describe a popular comic actor /actress you know

You should say:
- Who he/she is
- How you knew him/her
- What comedies ‘films have he/she performed
- And explain why he's he is popular

I would like to tell you about a silly, versatile (can do many different things)
actor from my country called Jim Carrey. He’s an American actor. I first saw him
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in the movie “Dumb and Dumber” when I was about 8 years old. I thought the
faces he made were really hilarious. Since then, I started following his movies.
What I like about him is that he can nail (to do a good job) both a serious and
comedy role in movies. In real life, I hear he leads a hippy sort of life. He
discusses the universe a lot and says that he wants a simple life opposed to the
luxurious life he could have. I’ve seen recent photos of him with a long, unkept
gray beard. This makes him appeal to me even more because he’s not the
average star. He’s popular for all of his hit films, and especially his over-the-
top (crazy) faces and voices he is able to do. I think others also appreciate that
he can make you crack up (laugh a lot) laughing in one film, then make burst
into tears (to start to cry a lot) in the next.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Why are some film personalities so famous?
I think it’s all about what makes you different. With all the people trying to make
it (be successful) in the acting field, you must have something that makes you
stand out (to be different than others). On the other hand, it may be their
appearance that appeals to people. It seems like all the attractive celebrities get
the big roles.
Why do some youngsters try to copy film stars? Is it good or bad?
I guess we assume that what the media portrays is what we should be. As
youngsters are quite impressionable and unsure of their identity in most cases,
they latch on to these stars to try to be someone. I think it’s a bad thing, but also
normal for young people. However, if older people try to do this, I feel sorry for
them because they must not be comfortable in their own shoes (with who
they are).
Are famous personalities rich in your country?
Way too rich! Those in the entertainment industry are among the richest in the
country, better yet in the world. Furthermore, the athletes are incredibly rich.
Kudos (to congratulate or respect) to them for their talents, but also

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sometimes this makes me feel a bit ill because there are other professions that
are poorly paid, such as teachers, which really deserve more. This doesn’t
make sense to me.
Do you think they spend their money wisely?
I guess this depends on the individual. I know that some famous people, like
Bill Gates for example, are huge philanthropists (people who help
humanity). He invests money to disadvantaged (poor and/or unlucky) countries
so that they can get vaccines for preventable diseases. However, I’ve heard
that some celebrities such as Justin Bieber, throw away every outfit after they
wear it once which is just plain (is simply) wasteful and sinful. So, I would say
that most famous people probably spend some of their money on unnecessary
luxuries, but many also donate to charities.
What is difference between film stars in the past and film stars nowadays?
In my opinion, I felt like stars in the past were famous because of their talent,
like acting or singing. Nowadays, it seems like people get fame from their over
the top reality show personalities or just simply by their business tactics of
getting their name out there, like the Kardashians. Furthermore, I think stars in
the past were more glamorous and reserved, like the images of Marilyn Monroe.
Do you think film stars have the right to privacy?
Of course! I think all people deserve privacy. At the end of the day, celebrities
are humans like us. They have feelings and private affairs too, so I don’t think
that the paparazzi has the right to infringe upon (not follow) this. Of course
stars have chosen this path, so they must accept that some matters in their life
will be publicly shared. However, I don’t think each and every one of their moves
should be snapshotted. I can imagine that this must be one of the biggest
downfalls (disadvantages) of being famous! You can’t even go to a private
beach villa without someone following you.

25/ Describe an interesting animal

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You should say:
- What it looks like
- When you saw it
- What you saw it and explain why it is interesting
I recall that as a small kid. we went to the local zoo as part of school. We spent
most of the day there and caught sight of many different animals, and we
learned a lot about them for the class assignment we were doing. My favorite
animal is the tiger, so I'll talk about that.
It was in a large cage, which was full of enormous rocks and some large trees
too. It was bigger than I thought It would be. but then I was only a child at the
time. I'd seen plenty of tigers on TV. in movies and TV programs, but it seemed
a lot bigger in real life.
It was really like watching a big cat. the way It moved around. The colors were
amazing; the yellow, white and lack stripes on Its body were spectacular. As I
was watching, it jumped up and started climbing up one of the big rocks. When
it reached the top it slowly turned around md then looked down at everything.
moving its head from side to side, like it was observing everything going on
around it. I felt very excited because I thought it was looking at me, it was really
amazing!
At the end of the trip. I wrote an essay about the daily routines of the tiger and
got a high score for it. Until now, the image of a tiger still fingers in my mind.
QUESTIONS FOR PART 3
Why do people like to keep pets?
People mostly have pets to keep their company! Besides, they are useful for
US too in some cases. When a dog sees a stranger, it barks and the home
owner becomes aware of the existence of someone else outside the house.
Besides, cats kill mice and protect the home from different mischief treated by
the tiny, creatures.
What should we do to protect endangered animals?

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There are a number of courses of actions available to conserve the animals
facing the threat of extinction. The first step is to actively participate in and
support environmentalists' campaigns against illegal poaching which is the main
cause of the issue. Meanwhile the governments should impose strict
punishments on those who engage in illegal hunting. Also, they should increase
their spending on expanding the reserves area for these endangered creatures
so that they can live and breed well in the future
Do you support doing experiment on animals? =Researchers are being
conducted on animals, is this good idea?
Studies are on over the animals and I think it will be helpful to generate newer
species or will help to Sustain the endangered species! More researches should
be conducted over the animals as they are the part of our ecology and their
improved living condition will help Maintaining the ecological balance too.
Moreover, the wildlife, around the globe, is in danger and the researches will
help to discover the ways to protect them. If the researches are continued and
the results are applied in the animals, it will be helpful for the animals, human
and the environment
What would happen when some species disappear on earth?
There can be a number of Negative consequences if some species become
extinct on our planet. The first effect is that there will be an Imbalance in the
ecosystem. If mosquitoes, for example, disappear forever, other creatures can
suffer as a result like frogs or lizards which usually feed on mosquitoes.
Furthermore, there could be a number of hazards! to people’s lives, if there were
no cats, the mice would dominate and run freely in people’s houses, causing
sanitary issues like food poisoning.
So many animals are extinct these days. What do you think about this?
Why it is happening?
Deforestation, new constructions, people’s greed and temperature change are
some of the other reasons why many animal species are getting extinct. Global
warming is a threat both to human and other species. We should take every

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measure! to reduce the global temperature. Apart from that, hunting of wild
animals should be completely banned.

26/ Describe something you made by hand that you gave

to other people

You should say:

- What it was
- Who you gave it to and when
- How you made it by hand
- And explain why you gave that handmade gift to that person

I’m going to tell you about the gifts I used to make for my mother when I was
child. Looking back, I cannot believe my mother actually wore my gifts out
because they looked very unfashionable. But, I’m glad that she did because I
felt an extreme sense of accomplishment back then. Well, let me tell you about
it.
Back in pre-school and kindergarten times, we used to have arts and crafts time
at school. This included painting, making bracelets, making Christmas
ornaments, etc. I remember one day the teacher brought in pasta noodles, like
macaroni since it has a hole in it, of all different shapes and sizes along with
some necklace string. So, we strung together (put together on a string)
different pasta, some even a green or pink color, to make jewelry for our
mothers or other family members. I remember that I really liked one wheel-
shaped pasta so I made my mother a necklace like that, alternating plain color
and green color.
I gave it to my mother because I knew she was really into jewelry, often wearing
necklaces and earrings especially. Moreover, I chose that color-scheme

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because green was her favorite color. I think it’s natural that children like to
please their parents, so I simply wanted to make her happy. All in all, it was a
thoughtful gift in my young mind.

27/ Describe a place where you have worked or studied

You should say

- when you went there
- why you went there
- how it looks
- and explain if you liked or disliked it

Sample 1
I’m going to tell you about my first job at Subway, a healthy sandwich fast food
chain, back when I was 15. Although I didn’t really need a job, but my parents
pushed me to get a part-time job so I could learn a sense of responsibility. Apart
from this, I wanted to have some extra cash to catch a movie with my friends or
buy some new, trendy clothes, as I usually wore my older sister’s hand-me-
downs (my sister’s old clothes that she gave me). Even though the minimum
wage that I earned seems laughable and unlivable now, I felt a great sense of
accomplishment when I would receive my bi-weekly paycheck. Let me tell you
some more details about my first work experience.
Let’s see, since I was 15, so that was back in 2007. I worked there throughout
my high school years, The building was located in a strip-mall (an outdoor
shopping center with many businesses), with a supermarket, Pizza Hut, and
a Chinese restaurant attached to it. I still remember the green and yellow
“Subway” sign outside, in which the letters would frequently take turns
(alternate) burning out (lightbulb would die). The floors were a checkered
brown pattern, perhaps strategically chosen to cover up the dirt tracked in
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(carried in) by the customers. There was an assembly-line like, open sandwich
counter where you made the sandwiches in front of the customers, with one
person working with the meat, then onto the vegetables and sauces, then lastly
to the cash register. Next to the counter was the self-serve soft drink machine
and a large shelf of chips, in case the customers wanted to cheat on their diet
(eat something unhealthy). All in all, it wasn’t an attractive place, but it served
its purpose.
I had my ups and downs (good moments and bad moments) here. I enjoyed
earning money, that the job wasn’t demanding, and that my co-workers were
pleasant for the most part. On the other hand, the herbs from the bread caused
an unbearable odor on my clothes when I would go home from work. Actually,
even after several wash cycles, I still couldn't get rid of (eliminate) it! I
remember even my hair used to reek (smell bad) of it. Apart from this, I didn’t
like my boss. I felt that he made inappropriate (not professional) jokes, not
to mention I found it creepy that he would watch us on camera from his home.
In spite of this, I still cherish this experience. All in all, it was a decent workplace.

Sample 2
I’m going to tell you about my high school, called Deloni. It was a Catholic
school, so they preferred to use old-school methods instead of indulging in
modern technologies. To demonstrate this, when I began my studies in 2004
there, we were still using typewriters instead of jumping on the computer
bandwagon (jump on the bandwagon= joining a new trend) and lived in a
completely un-airconditioned building, even during the summer with
temperatures rising to 35 degrees with our wool uniforms on. Let me tell you a
bit more about this place.
I attended Deloni from 2004 to 2008. I was 14 when I entered and 18 when I
left. I was never too religious myself, but my parents wanted me to go there
because they both attended Catholic schools, so they wanted to keep this
tradition alive. Moreover, Deloni had a reputation for having a good education

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system. Actually, my parents wanted me to go to a school where I had to figure
out advanced math subjects, like Algebra or Trigonometry, without a calculator,
as many public schools were rapidly technologically advancing at that point.
They believed that the old-school way was better. Looking back, I appreciate
my education there.
Delone was a rather homely looking place. It was formerly a penitentiary (a
jail; prison), so it carried an eery vibe (a dark or strange feeling). It was dark
and dingy (dull; sad) with outdated gold and orange checkered tile floors. I
think there were 3 floors if I remember correctly, a basement with two upper
floors. I distinctly remember the auditorium which smelled of mold, with red
velvet curtains covering the stage. I remember each classroom had a
blackboard with about 25-40 creaky (noisy), out-dated desks- I was always
embarrassed when I had to scoot in (move the desk forward) and caused a
loud noise in class. Although the school wasn't in great condition, there was a
brand new church built on the lot which could accommodate 1,200 people. I
found this quite appalling (disgusting; disappointing) since they hadn’t done
any renovations to our school in ages. Anyway, all in all, I received a quality
education there regardless of how creepy it was.

28/ Describe an important plant in your country

You should say:

- What it is
- What it looks like
- Where and how it is grown
- Why you like or dislike it
- And explain why it is important

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I’m going to tell you about an extremely widespread plant in my country, the
coca leaf. Although it’s controversial in other countries, as this plant is used to
produce cocaine, it’s said to heal the symptoms of altitude sickness and give
you a boost of energy while climbing the high Andes Mountains. Actually, it’s
considered a sacred plant in my country due to its healing tendencies. Let me
tell you more about it!
It’s a green color and not very large in size. I’d say each individual leaf is about
4-5 cm in length and 2-3 in width. This plant is native to western South America,
meaning Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador, cultivated in both the
lowlands and highlands of the Andes mountains. Moreover, people can also
grow this plant in the comfort of their homes with seeds. It’s recommended to
keep the plant inside in a warm, sunny environment.
I really cherish (appreciate) the coca leaf because I believe it carries medicial
value. I really believe that it cures the headaches, nausea, and light-
headedness associated with altitude sickness. Furthermore, it’s what I turn to
when I get any type of headache, not associated with altitude sickness and I
feel that it’s a healthy alternative to drinking coffee. All in all, I feel it’s better to
use something natural rather than a manufactured pill.
Coca is important to the people of my country for several reasons. Firstly, it is
a cash crop. Secondly, this plant is regarded as a sacred plant, so they play an
important role in our offering ceremonies to Mother Earth. Lastly, it cures a
multitude of illnesses! As you can see, we love this plant.

29/ Describe a time you looked for information from the

internet
You should say
- When you did that
- What information you searched
- Why you looked for it on the internet
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I’m going to tell you about a time I used the internet to look for information about
social events online, which is very useful nowadays. I had just moved to Seoul
and didn't know a soul (didn’t know anyone), so I began searching on
Facebook. I found an expat page called “Expats in Seoul” which became one
of my greatest resources for meeting locals and expats in the city. I believe that
social media can be a great blessing (something great)!
I’ve now been living in Seoul for 10 months, so I began this search my first
month here. I initially wanted to find a meditation group and a language
exchange group, and I found just that by scrolling up and down the feed and
even writing a post myself; there were countless people who informed me about
events in the area. So, since my first month I have been attending a meditation
group on Thursday evenings and have met several friends via the expat meet
up. Since then, I’ve expanded my horizons (opened up more opportunities
for myself) and even began regularly attending a Philosophy Forum on
Wednesdays and have joined a yoga club, too!
I decided to opt for the internet to start building my social life because I didn't
see many other options, as I am a freelancer. With this said, I don't have co-
workers and I can be a bit standoffish (shy; doesn't approach people) when
I go out to the bar. Although you must use your judgment when meeting people
from the internet, I think it can be a great tool when you first arrive in a new city
alone. I find it to be quite an efficient way to put yourself out there (put effort
into) to meet others. Although it can certainly be a curse at times, I certainly
feel thankful for it!

30/ Describe a time you were scared/ Describe a frightening

experience you had
You should say:
- When it happened
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 - Where it happened
- Why you were scared
- How you felt about it

I’m going to tell you about a time that I feel I may have had a run in (experience)
with a ghost. First, let me give you some background. After my mother’s death,
my father, sister, and I moved into a new house that was built in the 60’s. Upon
moving in, we got to know the old couple who had this house built and lived
their entire lives there, now moving into a nursing home. They seemed to be
quite friendly.
I know that Ruth, the woman who lived there before, had a strong connection
to her kitchen. When they moved out, she left a sign in the kitchen saying
“Ruth’s kitchen”. I left it there to pay her respect for a while. However, one day
I got tired of looking at that sign and decided to put it away in a drawer in the
kitchen. To my surprise, when I came home later, the sign was hung up again.
I quickly asked my sister and dad if they had put it up again, which they both
denied. A sense of curiosity grew inside of me and I googled her and her
husband’s names. Oddly enough, I found both of their names in the local
obituary and discovered that they had both died just months ago, very close to
one another.
I felt frightened because I was worried that Ruth felt that I was disrespecting her
kitchen. I questioned if she would come to haunt me (be evil to) for doing such
a thing; I felt that she was taking her kitchen back. With this said, I slept with
one eye open (slept in fear) for the next following weeks. I left her sign hanging
and decided to just go on (continue) with my life. Since this, nothing like this
ever happened again and I feel that if her spirit is in the house, it is a friendly
one.

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31/ Describe a time that you took medicine
You should say:
- When it happened
- Who gave it to you
- Why you had it
- How you felt about it

I am going to tell you about how I am currently taking medicine for a fungal
infection that I picked up in my city, either by the hot, humid air, touching an
infected object, or some other unknown way- the doctor was unsure. After
noticing some itchy spots showing up (appearing) on my body, I took the
initiative to see a doctor. He prescribed me an anti-fungus cream to lightly rub
on the spots. He said it was a mix between an anti-fungal cream and an anti-
biotic. It seems to work at first but after a week the infection came back and
this time spread to more parts of my body!
So, I am now taking a strong anti-fungal pill called Diflazon to kill the fungal
infection in my body. I was instructed to take 150 mg once a week. If this still
doesn't improve, he told me to come back to visit him and that he would up the
dosage of this pill or find out some other treatment methods.
During this infection, I have felt very itchy, uncomfortable, and worried that I
could pass this infection to my friends through direct skin contact. Moreover,
when I put on the cream, I didn't feel any relief from the itching and I worried
that I was sweating it off during the day in this jungle climate of my country.
After taking Diflazon, I felt a bit nauseous, but so far this treatment seems
promising (reliable), as I am noticing that my spots are starting to look better.

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32/ Describe an occasion when someone took a good photo
of you.

You should say:

- when it happened
- who took the photo
- how the photo was captured
- and why you think it was good.

I’m going to tell you about a photo my friend took of me at my high school
graduation. I’ll always remember my graduation day in 2010 because of the
lovely, candid (unplanned; I didn't know someone was taking a picture)
smile my friend captured for me. On that day, a warm mid-May afternoon after
the graduation ceremony had finished, all of the students gathered outside to
find their families to take photos for the books (to document for memories).
I had posed for many pictures all day, but I found them all unflattering. As I was
transitioning to another photo, my friend snapped a picture of me laughing of
me. This ended up being the best photo taken all day!
At that point in time, I had just colored my hair to a dark brown color and had
my make-up done; I felt really beautiful. I was wearing my maroon-colored silky
graduation cap and gown which was flattering on me. Reds are my color (I
look best in shades of red)! I think this helps the fact that I like the picture. If I
had recently woken up with no make-up, I’m sure I wouldn’t have felt as nice. I
feel that many times people obsess over trying to get just the right photo.
However, I think the best photos are candid. I love that this photo captured a
real feeling- joy. Since this day, I don’t bother trying to get the perfect pose
because they never seem to turn out. I much prefer taking selfies or let my
friends or family take unposed pictures!

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

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When technology is being used to morph photos, do you think people
have lost the craze to take photos?
I definitely disagree. People are still crazy about taking photos! Actually, they
take advantage of this photo morphing. Since you can add a number of filters
and effects to photos, such as saturation, contrast, sharpening, etc., the
appearance of the original photo quality isn't so important anymore. I think our
generation is going nuts (going crazy) with photos, nobody is holding back at
all. We snap away and post on social media and even have live stories of our
days on snapchat, instagram, and facebook.

Is it necessary for one to be professionally qualified to take a good photo?

I disagree because some people who have never taken professional courses
have an eye (have a talent for what a good photo is; an interesting
perspective) for photography. Actually, I do! I don’t even have a real camera,
just an iPhone 6s but I have some really impressive photos on my instagram
account. Sure professional courses help you to know certain techniques, but I
think it’s more about your eye. However, for more professional types of photos,
I believe that one should have some training when it comes to finding the right
light.

Can any layman take a photo to be printed in the newspapers? How is

newspaper photography different?
Absolutely not! Formal training is a requirement for this type of job position. For
one, the person should have a professional camera because a cell phone
quality photo wouldn't be suffice (enough). Since a large audience will be
viewing the photo, I think it’s necessary to be clear so it isn't misconstruing.
However, it certain circumstances, maybe a blurry cell phone photo from a
passerby (a person that walks by you that you don’t know) is all there is. In
this case, it’s certainly okay to use this.

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33/ Describe an occasion when you wore traditional
clothes
You should say
- When did you wear them?
- Where did you purchase them?
- How did you feel while wearing them?

In my country, Spain, the traditional outfit for a woman is the Flamenco dress.
First, let me describe it to you. It’s a long dress that is form-fitting (tight) that
flares out (goes out) at the bottom. They often have tassels (string-like
object) hanging from the top of the dress. The sleeves and bottoms of the dress
have ruffles, which gives the women an even better shape. The dresses can
come in many different colors, but they are often a bright, vibrant red color with
white or red details. They usually have polka dots (circles). They are
accessorized by flowers in your hair, a hand fan, and large bright colored
dangly (hanging down), circular earrings that match the colors of your dress.
You can purchase them in many boutiques around town, or even have one
tailored especially for your body. We wear the flamenco dress for the “Feria”, or
summer festival, of our town in the South. Since the Flamenco dance started
here, it’s an integral part of our cultural. It’s a week long festival that involves
drinking a sweet wine called Cartojal, going to different tents with dancing and
traditional foods, and mostly seeing all of our friends and family from our town.
I wore this dress last August for my town’s feria. I felt on top of the world when
I wear this dress. When I put it on, I felt fierce and passionate. I also felt very
confident because I have an hour-glass shape, so the dress accentuates
(highlights) this. It takes me back to my roots (takes me to my ancestors)
and reminds me of where I came from.

Part 3:
Do you always wear formal clothes?
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I am a fan of always looking put together (clean/stylish). I once heard a
saying that said “When you look good, you feel good, when you feel good,
you do good” and it has really stayed in my mind. I notice that I feel a lot more
confident when I look better. I don’t necessarily wear formal clothes, but I like
wearing a dress, skirt, or nice pants and shirt at all times. I always wear this
except for when I run a simple errand to the supermarket or convenience store.
In that case, I will throw on (often used instead of put on) some jeans or
shorts and a presentable shirt.

Is it mandatory to wear formal clothes? Why?

I wouldn’t say mandatory, but preferred to wear at least business casual (not
formal, but acceptable for work or business situations) clothes in
appropriate situations. I think it doesn’t matter what you wear when you are out
on the street, but people should look well-groomed (clean) for work, especially
if they work with people. When someone gives off the impression that they care
about their appearance, we naturally take them more seriously as employees. I
think it’s important to take pride in ourselves. When the employee looks better,
it improves their confidence which may improve their work performance.

Who should decide on a dress code of a company? Why?

I think the company should hold a meeting with both sexes of employees to
have a democracy (when people make the rules) on what can and cannot be
worn. I think it’s unfair for only one person to decide. At the very least, one
woman and one man should decide together. I think everyone should have a
say in what they feel comfortable wearing and then come to an agreement from
this.

What is the main purpose of a dress code?

I think it enforces professionalism in the workplace. Furthermore, it prevents
people from coming to work looking unkept (messy) and unprofessional. All in

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all, it maintains the appearance of what the workplace wants to achieve. In
schools, I believe it to make sure the kids don’t wear inappropriate clothing that
may cause distractions. Moreover, it’s to teach them what is acceptable to wear
at their age especially. For example, they shouldn’t be able to wear revealing
clothing or T-shirts with profanity (curse words) on them that they may not
even understand.

34/ Describe a time when you received your first cellphone

You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- Who gave you the cellphone
- What it was like
- How you felt about it

I’m going to tell you about my very first cell phone. I was absolutely ecstatic! I
remember this event quite vividly (a lot of details). It was Christmas 3 months
after I had turned 13, and my mother really wanted to surprise me with a cell
phone. My mother also knew that I was crazy about (really like) the color pink
at that point in time. So, it was Christmas morning at my house, and when the
presents came, I opened the first box at there it was! My very own pink flip-
phone (the cell phones that used to open and close)! At that time, cell
phones didn’t have cameras, internet, keyboard, etc. Looking back, it was a
very basic cell phone but it was then ahead of it’s time. I felt on top of the world
that morning, like I was joining adulthood. I remember texting my friends
immediately but that was when there were 3 or so letters on each number and
you had to click it to spell out your message. Now it seems like it took ages.

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Actually, I’ll always remember this morning with great fondness, because it was
my mother’s last Christmas, and I know that she wanted to make it very special
for me. That shiny, pink cell phone will always resonate (stay with) with me.

Part 3
How did the use of mobile phone change over the last decade? Why?
Well, mobile phones are drastically changing every year. Ten years ago, cell
phones served the purpose of calling and texting. Now, cell phones are like a
mini computer, camera, and Skype. 10 years ago, I felt that cell phones were
just an accessory in our lives when we went out, but now I feel that they are
taking over (controlling) our lives. We used to check them maybe once or
twice a day because we still used our landline phones (the home phone) at
home, but now we are constantly connected, glued to our phones. I sometimes
find myself checking the internet on the phone while I’m on the internet on my
laptop. How crazy is that?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having mobile phones?
Well, the advantages are that it’s much easier to stay in touch (be in contact)
with people, regardless of the distance. I’m living abroad, and it makes it so
much easier to be able to FaceTime my family and friends. Secondly, it’s easier
to find work. Lastly, it cuts down on costs to be able to make calls, text, and do
video chats through apps such as WhatsApp. The disadvantages are that
people spend too much time on their phones. They are preoccupied by them;
instead of enjoying the moment (living in the present), they are too busy
documenting it for social media. Furthermore, perhaps people’s social skills are
getting worse since it’s much easier to send a text rather than a call or face-to-
face.
What are the benefits for companies making applications for smart
phones?
I would say the number one benefit is the convenience. We are now able to
everything with a few clicks and an app! I think it helps us to organize our

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thoughts and tasks more. Moreover, I’m sure that companies benefit financially
from this. It’s a win win situation. (Both people benefit).

35/ Describe a book you have read recently

You should say:
- What it is
- Who wrote it
- What it is about
- And explain how you felt about it

I’m going to tell you about a well-known book I just read called The Alchemist.
It was written by Paolo Coelho, an author who has also written many other best
sellers. Now I don’t want to spoil (give too many details) it for you, but this
book tells the story of a shepherd boy, Santiago, from Andalusia, the southern
part of Spain, traveling to Tangier, Morocco and across the Egyptian deserts in
search of treasure.
At the end of the story, Santiago discovers that the treasure was in the ruins of
the old church in Spain the entire time, right behind the tree spot where he often
passed his days. With this said, the story teaches us that the treasures we often
seek in life are already at our feet (already within us), which we often don’t
even realize. Although he didn’t find what he was looking for, the book was
about his own personal journey.
I felt really inspired by this book because it is something that I can apply to my
own life. I think that it’s human nature to take our homes for granted (to not
appreciate something) and believe that all treasures of life are in a far away
place. For example, I’ve never been a fan of my hometown and have always
traveled in search of finding happiness. Although I’m still doing this, 4 years and
counting, it occurred to me that I can still discover new things, even in my small
town. Some of the quotes in the book really moved me, such as the one that
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says “When we love, we strive (try hard) to become better than we are. When
we love, everything around us becomes better to.” This made me prioritize
loving my own family, even thogh they are difficult to love at times. All in all, this
book was a positive self-reflection for me. It would be difficult to dislike this book!

36/ Describe an important decision you made with the help

of other people

You should say:

- When it happened
- Who helped you to make the decision
- What the decision was
- And how you felt about it

I’m going to tell you about when I had to make the hardest decision of my life,
which was whether to get a divorce or not. It was no easy task, as divorce is
frowned upon (seen negatively) in my country, not to mention that we have a
3 year old daughter together. However, I knew I needed to do something to fix
my happiness.
So, I decided to divorce my husband back in 2015. We had attended marriage
counseling together and had endless conversations with our friends and family
members about it. However, ultimately the decision was up to us. We tried to
make it work for a year, but we simply couldn't cope with (put up with) one
another. Luckily, we sat down on the sofa together one day and came to the
mutual agreement that we wanted to get a divorce. 3 weeks later, we signed
the official papers.
To be honest, I’m still suffering from this decision. Although I know my ex-
husband and I weren't compatible, it tears me apart (makes me extremely

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sad) inside to see us break up the family for our daughter. My ex-husband and
I wish we could give her the “perfect” family that all parents and children dream
of. Although I’m still plagued (overcome with) by sadness and disappointment
some days, I feel clarity in knowing husband and I made the right decision. I’m
beginning to feel hopeful for the future. Unfortunately the right decisions are
often the most difficult!

37/ Describe someone you haven't seen before but you

would like to know

You should say:

Who he/she is
How you knew this person
What you want to know about this person
Why you want to know more about him/her

I’m going to talk about a huge role model (someone you want to be like) for
me, His Holiness Dalai Lama. He is a Tibetan monk who was exiled (forced to
leave) from Tibet and is now residing in India. I can’t remember when I first
came to know of him exactly, but I know that I felt very moved (emotionally
affected) by his peaceful words. I often watch speeches by him on Youtube
and have read one of his novels called “The Key to Happiness”. I really have
taken a like to him because his philosophies are quite simple and applicable to
life, but also very wise and profound. Apart from this, he exudes (gives off
energy) a remarkable sense of joy.
If I were able to meet him, I would like to ask him more about his exile from
Tibet. I’m intrigued to learn how he dealt with these hardships (difficulties)
and remained at peace while his whole world was falling apart. Moreover, I

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would like to know about his daily routine. Often times we only see our idols on
TV, but we cannot imagine how their life really is. Furthermore, I know we are
all humans, so I would like to learn about the struggles he faces and how he
deals with them. Lastly, I would like to ask for advice on developing inner peace
(peace within one’s self).
Ever since I saw his face, I felt that I had a connection with him. I really agree
with the majority of his life advice and want to learn more about him. I think that
he is revolutionary in connecting the Eastern and Western world. All in all, it’s a
big bucket list item (something you want to do before you die) for me to
meet him.

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
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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
cherish (deeply appreciate) him and always wish him the best. All in all, he is
like a little brother to me.

39/ Describe an equipment of yours that had

problems/Describe a time that a piece of equipment of
yours was broken (such as TV)

You should say:

- What it was
- What problem it had
- How you fixed it
- And explain how you felt about it

I’m going to tell you about a time my MacBook CD drive broke during my prime
(most important) college years when it was needed. It was a stressful time, as
I highly depended on my computer then. I tried to fix this problem on my own

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and take it to my tech savvy (good with technology) friends, but this simply
wasn't enough. Let me tell you how it happened.
Well, I accidentally inserted a disc which I urgently needed to download for my
class, not realizing that another disc was already inside. This caused a jam,
which wouldn't allow me to get the disc drive open. With this said, I stupidly tried
to stick a knife inside to pry it open (open slowly) to retrieve the disc for my
class, which held important data. I shortly after realized that this wasn't a smart
idea, so I took it to my friend to have a look. He was scratching his head about
it, so I decided to take it to the Apple store, which was 2 hours away. Luckily,
they were able to retrieve the discs, but unfortunately could not fix my disc drive.
So, I spent the rest of my college years doing all disc-based activities at the
local library.
At this point in time, I felt very frustrated, as I was in a high-pressure
environment at my university. I was scared that I would turn in the assignment
late and risk harming my GPA (grade point average). However, I felt relieved
and lucky that I was able to fix it quickly, although it was inconvenient to do the
activity at the library, outside of the comfort of my home. All in all, technology
can be a huge stressor when it fails!

40/ Describe a complaint that you made and you were

satisfied with the result

You should say:

- When it happened
- Who you complained it to
- What you complained about
- And explain why you were satisfied with the result

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I’m going to tell you about a time I had a huge problem in a restaurant near my
house. As I’m highly allergic (dangerously allergic) to shrimp, it is very
important that I convey this to a restaurant before they prepare my food. My
allergy is so serious that if the cook doesn't change their gloves after preparing
shrimp, my body can break into hives and go into shock.
So, one evening my boyfriend and I went out for dinner. He ordered Shrimp
Scampi and I ordered Chicken Parmesan. I let the waiter know the severity of
my allergy as he was taking our order, and he assured me that the cook would
change gloves before handling my order. As soon as I took a few bites of my
food, my throat started feeling tight and I started breaking out in hives. I then
had to be taken to the hospital to get my allergic reaction under control.
I had some choice words (said unkind or curse words to) with the waiter,
but I mostly waited until after I got out of the hospital to call the manager of the
restaurant to let him know what had happened and he apologized countless
times. Since this was a grand mistake on the restaurant’s part, they offered to
cover my medical expenses. I was extremely pleased with this because I had
received a pretty costly bill. Although I felt pretty angry at the restaurant for
making a mistake, I realize that they are only humans. I was satisfied that the
manager immediately apologized and offered to cover my expenses. If he had
put up a fight, it would have been another story. All in all, I was happy with the
outcome.

41/ Describe a person who helps protect the environment

You should say:

- Who this person is
- What he/she does to protect the environment
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 - How difficult it is to do that
- And explain how you feel about the things he/she does

I’m going to talk about my aunt who is an advocate (someone who supports)
for the environment. She not only lives this way in her daily life, but also
participates in many events and protects for the environment in Washington
D.C. I really admire her green way of living and try to implement it into my own
life and share these ideas with my students here in Vietnam. Well, let me explain
exactly what she does.
In her daily life, she tries to use as little plastic as possible. She and her husband
use paper bags in their garbage bins, as well as separate it into paper, plastic,
glass etc. After doing this, they recycle their waste. Moreover, she takes their
leftovers and composts (making old food material soil) them in their
backyard which is quite clever I think. Furthermore, they eat a plant-based,
vegan diet and actually are quite self-sufficient, growing the majority of their
vegetables in their garden. Apart from all of these daily activities, she
participates in environmental rallies (environmental demonstrations or
protests) and even goes around her local community to distribute recycle bins.
There was one occasion in which she even spoke in front of hundreds of people
about the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. All in all, I admire how
she embodies (follows her ideals in her way of being) and promotes her way
of living to the community.
Maybe it would be difficult for some to speak in front of that number of people
which is understandable, but I think it’s quite simple to be environmentally
friendly in your daily life. I don't think it’s a hassle to recycle, separate garbage,
choose paper over plastic, etc. I really appreciate my aunt for teaching me these
kinds of ideals and that even small acts count towards building a more
sustainable environment. Moreover, she is not pretentious (snobby; feeling
superior to others) or judgmental towards others who aren’t as aware of
environmental issues. She uses education instead of threat, which I really

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admire, as we live in a world where people use harsh methods to push their
ideals on others.

42/ Describe a game you played in your childhood

You should say:

- What the game was
- When you played it
- Who you played it with
- How you felt about the game

I’m going to tell you about a hand game (a game like Mary Mack, etc.) I used
to play with my sister and friends. It was called “Concentration 64”. At the time
it seemed like so much fun, but now seems silly when I think about it. Anyway,
let me tell you how we used to play it.
The game started with a chant (song) along with claps that went
“Concentration 64, no repeats or hesitations, I’ll start, you’ll finish, the category
is _______” then the person leading the game would choose a category, usually
consisting of colors, animals, foods, etc. The two people had to name 64 things
under that category. If one repeated or hesitated, they were automatically out.
We started playing in in elementary school during recess, so between the ages
of 6 and 10, so from the late 1990’s to early 2000’s. I remember my sister and I
especially playing it on the way home from school, since it was about a 45
minute drive there and back everyday. It was a good way to pass the time!
I used to really enjoy this game at that time. I was really into other hand games
at the time as well, like Mary Mack for example, so they were kind of my thing
(something I really liked) in general. I would usually beat (win) my sister and
friends at it, so maybe that adds to why I used to like it so much. I thought it was
an interesting way to generate competition, not to mention I found it thrilling to
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think of all the words I could think of under the chosen category. All in all, it was
a fun way to pass the time and boost (improve) my confidence.

43/ Describe another language (not English) you would like

to learn

You should say:

- What language it would be
- How you would learn it
- What difficulties you think you would have
- And explain why you would choose to study this language

I’m going to tell you about another language that interests me- Spanish. For
one, it’s quite useful, with 21 countries speaking Spanish worldwide. Apart from
the logical reasons to learn it, I associate it with being a passionate language,
which is appealing to me; it sounds romantic. I’m even more interested since
I’ve always had a guilty pleasure (something you are embarrassed to enjoy)
of watching soap operas (Latin drama shows; telenovelas) and enjoyed
Latin dance.
I think I would start by watching some Youtube videos, listening to music, and
by changing the English subtitles on my soap operas to Spanish. Furthermore,
I would like to find a teacher online or in person. Of these two options, I think I’d
like to find a one-on-one Spanish tutor online to save time and amplify learning
time. Since I would prefer to learn this way, there isn't much equipment I would
need- simply a good pair of headphones and a solid wifi connection.
I can imagine that pronunciation may be an issue for me, since Russian is my
mother tongue. However, since I already have adequate mastery of English, I
feel that there may be some cognates (words that look similar in two

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languages). Furthermore, I worry about the writing, since that was a struggle
for me in English. However, all in all, I seem to have a knack for (to be good
at) languages, so I feel confident in myself.
Apart from my reasons listed above, I think Spanish can open up new career
opportunities for me, as I work in Telecommunications. Furthermore, since I’m
thinking about re-locating to a warmer climate, Spain could be an option for me.
Lastly, I’ve always dreamt of having a Latin lover, so perhaps learning the
language could open up this window of opportunity for me. All in all, every
language stretches your mind to new dimensions and opens new doors (new
opportunities), so it’s never a waste!

44/ Describe a dream you have had

You should say:

- When you had this dream
- What you saw in the dream
- What you did or said in the dream
- And explain why you had a dream like that

I’m going to tell you about a very strange dream that I had. I’m not so sure if I
believe dreams have a meaning, but I will try to explain the possible connections
to my life. I will also give you some background. I have always been terrified of
any kind of arachnid (spider family), even just the sight of them would send
me into panic.
Anyway, this dream happened right before I moved into my college apartment.
Upon arrival, I discovered that my roommate was a giant, human-sized
tarantula. I was absolutely petrified (extremely scared) at first! I screamed and
startled (alarmed; scared) him and then called my mom to come pick me up
and bring me home. But, my roommate apologized to me and said they he knew
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his appearance is unattractive, but that he means no harm. When my friends
would come over, he would high five eight of them at the same time! It was
pretty cool, so eventually came to terms with him being a tarantula. Actually we
ended up becoming friends!
I think dreams are simply a manifestation (demonstration) of our hopes,
fears, thoughts, etc. So, I believe this dream represents my fears. Firstly, I was
nervous about having new roommates, since I had never lived away from home.
I think I was worried that I would be roomed with a freak (a strange person),
which was manifested in the form of a tarantula in my dream. On the other hand,
I think I may have dreamt this because subconsciously I know I need to face
my fear of arachnids. I think this dream demonstrated to me that spiders don't
mean any harm- they cannot help (it isn't their fault) their creepy appearance.
All in all, this dream was a reflection of my own fears that I needed to overcome.

45/ Describe a place away from home where you stayed

You should say:

- Where it was
- When you stayed there
- What you did there
- And explain how you felt when you left it

I’m going to tell you about the family I stayed with for one month in Costa Rica
when I was 19. I had never been abroad before, but jumped on the
bandwagon (joined a trend or opportunity) when I saw that my college was
offering a trip to San Jose, CR. It included a Spanish 101 course, a family
homestay, and weekend excursions. Let me tell you more about this great
experience.
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My host family’s home was located in a more upscale area of San Jose, which
is known for some crime. There was a security guard who watched the entire
neighborhood 24/7, along with a barred cage that covered the house. I stayed
there back in 2012, over my winter holiday in January. I spent my days in class
studying the basics of Spanish for 4 hours per day, then usually explored
afterwards then eventually came home for family dinner. During the dinner, the
family would practice Spanish with me and exchange cultural information. I’ll
never forget that the mother of the family told me that the hidden ingredient to
her cooking was “love” and that you must add it to every dish. On the weekends,
I would venture off (travel) on excursions, for example to the jungle, beach, or
volcanoes with my classmates. It was really thrilling! My favorite excursion was
when we went to the Arenal Volcano and trekked around it- the nature was
mind-blowing.
It felt bittersweet leaving there. Although I had an incredible family experience
there, I was homesick (missing home) for my own. On the other hand, I was
sad to leave the Spanish-speaking world, as I was starting to get the hang of it.
Moreover, I was disappointed to leave that adventurous month and go back to
my mundane classes. However, after this trip, I decided to dedicate my studies
to Spanish! All in all, this trip was very shaping (shaped/formed the person I
am today).

46/ Describe a magazine you enjoy reading.

You should say:

- What it is
- How often you read it
- What you learn from it
- Why you like it

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I’m going to tell you about my interest in National Geographic magazine. I’ve
loved it ever since I was a child, as I always had wide eyes (to have a
curiosity) for the world around me. I used to collect them and even cut out the
pictures and make collages and hang them on my walls. Even before I could
really understand the gravity of (what something really means; how
important it is) what I was reading, I could still feel excited by the feel pictures
and have a sense of what was going on. Actually, the photographs in this
magazine tell a story without using any words.
Through this magazine, I’ve undoubtedly learned about the world around me,
including the people, animals, and environment all around me. Moreover, I’ve
seen the heroic stories of people who venture out (travel to) into the unknown
to discover the world to discover different worlds. Mostly, I’ve learned that the
world is a wide planet with all different types of struggles, joys, and ways of
being.
I really like this magazine because they tell raw (painfully true; uncensored)
stories and share interesting photography. I enjoy that they cover a range of
topics, from environment to history to travel. I like having the whole picture, as
it’s important to be educated about all of these things. Nowadays, I don't often
pick up the paper copy of the magazine, but I follow their instagram like a hawk
(to watch closely). I always look forward to the next story I’ll hear from them!
They never cease (never fail to) to leave an impact on me.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Do you think headlines are important?
For sure, because they are what sell you. I think one must carefully choose a
catchy (attention attracting) headline to capture the attention of the readers.
If there is a boring headline, people are bound to (likely to) cross out of (exit)
the page or put the paper/book down. I think it’s a shame that people tend to
judge a book by it’s cover (to judge something by its appearance), but it is

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something difficult to change. So, advertisers must try as hard as possible to
choose just the right way to draw in (captivate) the audience.

Which is more important: fashionable or advertising news?

In my opinion, advertising news is more important, as fashion isn’t for
everyone (not everyone likes fashion). Advertisements are what generate
the economy in the country, so it’s important to emphasize that. I know that
advertisements can be a bother, but they also influence people into buying
things. Moreover, they are sometimes humorous and enjoyable to see. On the
other hand, I think too many fashion ads are a waste of space, although they
may inspire people to buy new clothes and fashion accessories, further helping
the economy.

Do you think the government has the right to censor magazines?

Definitely not. I think it’s our right as human beings to have access to all
information, whether it looks good for (supports) the government or not. I
believe we are entitled to freedom, so the government should not infringe upon
(not follow or respect that) that. Moreover, I don't believe that they know
what’s better for us. All in all, I am not a fan of government censorship at all. I
cannot see any positives.

Do you think everything we read on the magazines is true?

Definitely not. We must always be skeptical (to question before believing) of
what we read in magazines or on the internet. Moreover, we have to consider
the source to avoid bias (having preference). For example, a vegan magazine
may promote ideas that are against meat-eating, while magazines involving
recipes for dishes with meat in them may have articles suggesting that eating
meat is important for our health. The same goes for political magazines- first
you must think about the political ideas of the editor. All in all, I think we can

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never believe that something is true until we have seen it for ourselves (to
see first-hand) or if there is extensive research on that particular topic.

47/ Describe something interesting that your friend has

done but you haven’t done

You should say:

- What it is
- When your friend did it
- Explain why you want to do it

I’m going to tell you about my friends who have gone to study abroad. I’ll tell
you about 2 of them- Martin and Melissa. Martin went abroad during his third
year of university to Cologne, Germany for 2 semesters. My other best friend,
Melissa, went to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the second
half of her second year. Now we are in our fourth year, and I still have not
studied abroad. I’d really be thrilled to do it, but now I feel that I’ve waited for
too long.
I would love to study abroad because I dream of immersing (completely being
a part of) myself in a completely different culture and language to personally
grow. I feel envious of all the new experience and travels that my friends were
able to have. I’ve noticed that they have become more cosmopolitan
(cultured; worldly) and mature from these experiences. Before their study
abroad, they relied too heavily on their parents. Now I see that they are much
more independent and adaptable. I can see now that they are able to fend for
themselves (support themselves). Now they are more open to tackle a new
city (to confidently go to a new city) or prepare their own meals, versus
before when they needed their parents for everything. Moreover, they now both
have a second language, which I would like to have. I’m studying Russian

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currently, but I feel like I would come full-circle(to have a full experience) if I
had to opportunity to live there, even for a year. My mother is a Russian
immigrant and has since passed, so I also feel that I could understand her better
and come closer to our family roots if I could go there. Even though I cannot
study abroad now, I’m contemplating going on a work visa there for year.
Although I feel that I missed the ball (missed a good opportunity), I know I
can still accomplish this dream of mine if I put my mind to it (focus on it).

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Are people influenced more by their friends or parents?
I would say it’s a mix of both, but more so by the family. The family is a closer
unit and creates the environment in which you are nurtured (raised; cared
for). So, this undoubtedly influences you from childhood. When I think about it,
I notice that children tend to share similar political or religious views with their
parents since that is the information drilled into (forcefully put into) their
heads at home. However, at a certain age, usually during teen years, children
become rebellious towards their families and tend to become influenced by their
friends at school more. At the end of the day, the family is still a much stronger
force.

Are people influenced by famous people?

For sure! As a society, we idolize those who are in the spotlight. We crave (to
really want) their seemingly perfect and glamorous lifestyle. Especially when it
comes to style, we always follow the fashion tends of the celebs, as if they were
the only people on earth. Whatever they do we assume is the best.
Furthermore, people sometimes begin to think like celebrities, as they are
models of perfect human beings to us.

Why are some people self-centered?

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Well that’s a tough question, but I have some ideas. I think that it could begin
during childhood. If you are raised believing you are the center of the universe
(thinking you are the only person who matters), you will tend to carry this
attitude into your adulthood. I notice that many spoiled children end up as very
self-centered adults. Moreover, I think it depends on your experiences. For
example, maybe a person who has always tried to do for others and never
receives anything in return will resort to (choose as a last option) a self-
centered attitude to avoid being hurt. Lastly, I think the society were raised in
affects us in this way. When you come from a wealthier, privileged country,
some tend to lose sight of the suffering and needs of others and only focus on
one’s self.
Is it good for people to try new things?
Without a question! People absolutely need to do this. Without it, life loses its
color and becomes monotonous (always the same; never changing). We
must do things outside of our comfort zones to grow as people and keep life
interesting. When I look back on my life, I've learned the most when I've
ventured outside of my comfort zone to something new. By doing this, we open
up new windows of opportunities (new opportunities).

Why are some people are afraid to try new things?

I think fear is the factor in this. Naturally, it’s uncomfortable to try something that
we’ve never tried before. We may not believe in ourselves and are afraid of the
unknown outcome. For example, I know I’m not very athletic, so I feel shy to
join exercise classes in my community. I felt scared that I would embarrass
myself in front of everyone with my lack of coordination. But since I joined in a
community soccer league, I've become much more confident playing sports and
have since improved my physical health. It is never easy to make the first step
(to start something new).

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48/ Describe something you own that you want to replace

You should say:

- What it is
- Where it is
- How you got it
- And explain why you want to replace it

I’m going to talk about how desperately I want to replace my living room
furniture. It includes a sofa, a love seat (small sofa for 2 people), a coffee
table, and two end tables (small tables usually for lamps). It is horribly
outdated, but I just haven't had the cash to update them yet. As my husband I
are factory workers, it’s quite difficult to save enough money to make these sort
of home improvements.
We were given this furniture when we got married in 1988 after my aunt had
just passed. Moreover, she had used this furniture for about 10 years, so it
already had some wear and tear (some damage). However, we were
newlyweds (recently married), so we made it work. The sofas are an awful
gold and dark red color with a floral pattern. The tables are a speckled (black
dots) brown wood, with countless scratches, dashes, and stains from glasses
left on it without a coaster, thanks to our children. There are also no shortage
of (plenty of) spilled juice, spaghetti sauce, etc on the sofas. Actually, we have
had it reupholstered (re-covered) two times already. Nevertheless, they
always find a way to keep getting damaged now that we have 2 grandchildren.
Mostly, I want to replace it as a way to celebrate how hard my husband and I
have worked throughout our lives. Moreover, I would feel prouder to host events
at house if my furniture were better. Actually, I feel embarrassed to have any
outsiders (people outside of family or close friends) in my home now. I
think it would create a fresher, newer feeling in our home and lead us to a
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smooth transition into our retirement. We deserve to sit on a comfy, fresh sofa
and read our books and have our morning coffee together.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

Do you prefer fixing things or replacing things?

As I’m quite up to cars with work, I find it more time-saving and convenient to
lave stuff replaced brand-new. Although I'm willing to spend a bit more money,
for repairmen or mechanics to mend the equipment if it doesn't cost an arm and
a leg, if all the efforts of repair don’t pay oft it would be a better choice to buy a
new one. I think an item in mint condition is less likely to have troublesome
errors than an item that has been fixed. At the end of the day, if financial
condition permits! buying new things is always better than getting old and
broken things repaired.

Which do you think are better, old things or new things?

If I have to take a pick, I would go for antique objects. Originally, I have a taste
for collecting old stuff as I'm really eager to learn about the history behind each
object. Furthermore, as they’re also of great monetary value so it’s worth
investing in rather than new ones. If I remember rightly, I sold my stamp
collection for over $200 to a cousin of mine.

As well as family photographs, what are some other things that people
keep in their family for a long time?
There are quite a number of objects that family often likes to keep it until they
die apart from their photo albums. The first object I can think of is the degrees
or certificates they won from some competitions. This is because they can take
pride in those achievements when they show to their kids in the future. The
second thing is the clothes. Some still keep some outfits they used to wear when
they were a kid, such a memento can remind them of their happy childhood they

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had. After all, anything that carries a message is likely to be preserved for a
long time.

What are the benefits = what is the value/what is the importance of

keeping some old things in the family?
There’re two benefits which I have mentioned earlier. The first one is that
sometime in the future, the antique object can appreciate in value and brings a
great fortune o the owner. A clock bought today can cost an arm and a leg a
century later. Another benefit is the sentimental value it carries. A piano kept for
some 30 years can remind the player wonderful times when he plays it when
he gets older. After all, monetary and emotional values ire the two main beauties
of keeping something for a long time.

Do you think it's good to recall the past?

Yes, I certainly think so; it is always a thrilling experience when looking back at
what we did. It would be nice to look back on the past such as how we looked
like when they were small or the moment when we stood on the podium and
received the university degree. Also, Recalling the bygone days is also a way
to acknowledge our shortcomings and work on it to improve our characters.

49/ Describe a time that you wore a type of clothes for a

special occasion

You should say:

- Where you bought the clothes
- And what other people at the occasion thought of your clothes

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By nature, I prefer simplicity and always pick casual clothes no matter what the
occasion is. Yet off the top of my head, there comes a time when I had to put
on a suit for a photo shoot for our yearbook, which I personally feel quite
burdensome and formal.

Everyone was supposed to dress smartly and formally for the occasion, so boys
were told to have their black suit on, and a pair of shining shoes or a brand-new
pair of sneakers for footwear. I did also wear a necktie to look more elegant and
sophisticated. The girls were simpler in their clothes; some colorful traditional
clothes could do wonders to their outer appearance.

The suits were rented from a store that specializes in renting costumes for
artists or students about to graduate, and fortunately our monitor made great
preparations beforehand so we had our clothes rented dirt cheap.

I’d have to admit that it was the very first time I put on formal wear, so my friends
made quite sarcastic comments about my look at saying that I looked quite
serious and unnatural. But somehow I was quite satisfied with how the clothes
fitted me perfectly, and afterwards I tried to be more at ease I would say I looked
great. I mapped dozens of selfie pictures and stored in my phone and
sometimes take them out and feel quite nostalgic, actually.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

What kinds of clothes do people wear after work?
There are a wide range of clothes people can choose to put on when people go
home from their office. One of the most popular types is shorts and T-shirts,
which I think is favored by both sexes. I guess this is simply because at the,
workplace staff are supposed to dress formally and such clothes are pretty
uncomfortable. So, casual wear helps the blood circulate better and thereby
relaxing their body. Many people are also keen on gym clothes, pajamas or

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skirts as it doesn't increase their laundry, which means they don't have to wash
their clothes frequently.

What kinds of clothes should people wear at work?

Actually, I think it depends on what people do. One of the most popular types
among manual laborers is thick pieces of garments with protective gear as
these help them to prevent injuries and dirt. However, those working in the office
have different dress code for sure. To be more precise, office workers tend to
dress more formally like a pair of trousers and shirts for males or a dress for
females. This is probably because they have to present a professional Image in
the eyes of the customers or wearing such clothes gives staff more confidence
in their ability.

Do you think it is necessary for children to wear school uniforms?

As far as I’m concerned, I strongly believe that it’s absolutely vital for school
children to wear uniforms. The most convincing reason is that in a developing
country, if all students wear the same clothes, which are white shirts and blue
pants, then poor students will feel less humiliated and embarrassed about the
financial conditions and consequently can focus more on their academic study.
The second reason is that uniform brings and cultivates a sense of belonging
and unity in a group. Besides, it will be pretty pleasing to the eyes, if you see
students in their uniforms in the schoolyard line up to enter the class, which I
think is unique in my country.

Where do people in your country buy clothes?

Actually, there is quite an array of places people can purchase their clothes.
The most typical one is at the supermarket where clothes of all price ranges are
on display. I reckon it absolutely caters for consumers' interest as they are able
to pick whatever item of garment they like and try it on. ask their buddies’ opinion
and so on. Another place is at the market or alongside the streets. Clothes sold

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at these points are often of lower quality but at more reasonable prices, which
is quite a popular choice among less well-off folks. Needless to say but most
people are short of cash at times so this alternative seems to be pretty good.

When do people wear formal clothes?

Formal attire is often a must on important occasions such as meetings,
ceremonies and other solemn events. Having said this, it’s becoming more and
more popular that people nowadays prefer casual wear on nearly all occasions
and it's a standard practice in my country, I’d have to admit. For example, it's
absolutely normal to wear jeans and T-shirts to weddings, birthdays, meetings
and so on. if the nature of the event is not too serious. This is quite in contrast
to that of Westerners who often hut on a suit or a dress every time they join a
formal event.

Do people wear formal clothes more often or less often than the past?
I’d say casual attire is gaining more popularity as people in modern society
prefer flexibility and convenience. For example. it's absolutely normal to wear
jeans and T-shirts to weddings, birthdays, meetings and so on, if the nature of
the event is not too serious. This is quite in contrast to that of Westerners who
often put on a suit or a dress every time they join a formal event.

Will the way we dress influence the way we behave?

This is an interesting question, and my answer is yes. For those creative people,
they often choose a combination of diverse colors in their clothing style and
such people tend to be fashionistas who have a firm grasp of a hat to wear to
make them look best. These people are dynamic, energetic and love to
socialize. On the other hand, those who often wear plain clothes to belong to a
group which doesn't have much enthusiasm about fashion and IS willing to put
on anything they can find in their wardrobe every morning

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50/ Describe a competition you want to take part in

You should say:

- What the competition is
- How you knew it
- What you need to prepare for it
- And explain why you want to attend it

I would love to take part in one of the Color Run races. It’s called the “happiest
5k on the planet” because as you run, you are splashed with bright, vibrant
colored paint. As a site note, the paint is free of any toxic materials. This race
is supposed to bring the world together to celebrate healthiness and
happiness. It’s untimed and over 6 million people in 35+ countries take part in
this race annually! I am interested in taking part in Sydney, Australia in
September. I’d like to run this race because I feel that it’s a positive experience.
To be honest, the photos of all the people splashed with all different colors of
the rainbow is quite alluring (attractive); they market this race very well. Since
I’m not a very competitive person, this race is ideal for me since there is no
timeframe. Furthermore, I’m not in the best shape of my life at the moment, so
5k is certainly feasible (possible) for me! I think that races are a healthy
contribution to the community.

Part 3:
What preparation would you need to do for the competition?
Well, I exercise often, but I don’t usually run outdoors. So, I guess I should get
more practice. I think I should set an alarm every morning at 6am and go for a
run around the lake by my house which is about 5k. I will have to train myself to
resist pushing the snooze button (the button you push to extend the alarm
clock)!

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Why do people like to participate in competitions?
Firstly, I think humans have an innate (natural) desire to belong. Because of
this, people enjoy taking part in community activities to feel a part of something.
On the other hand, perhaps some people do these sort of competitions to show
themselves up (a personal challenge) or to motivate themselves to get in
better shape. I’m sure it feels very rewarding as you cross the finish line!
Which sport or game is the most competitive?
Since it’s the number one sport in the world, I guess soccer. As there are 211
teams associated with FIFA, I would say the competition is stiff to be the best.
With so many talented players from all ends of the world, I would imagine it’s
extremely difficult to become a champion.
Who is more competitive, younger or older people?
Well, it seems like there are competitive people of all ages in the world. It’s
something in our blood (natural to us), some more so than others. As a
general rule of thumb (something that’s usually true), I’d say children are
more competitive. When they play games, they really get into it! It’s common for
children to become irrational (not thinking clearly) or upset if they don’t win,
even resulting in tears at times!
Why is it so?
I guess it’s all based on maturity. In the mind of a child, everything is amplified
(bigger). It may seem like the end of their world if they lose a game of basketball
or cards. However, I think adults can just have fun with it and understand that it
really doesn’t matter who wins in the grand scheme of things. (In the big
picture)
Why is there competition in work places?
Firstly, some people are just born very competitive, so they bring that attitude
to their workplace. To be honest, I find that women especially innately compete
with one another. Moreover, perhaps there are many people doing a similar job,
so they feel that they must try to be the best to stand out (to get attention; to

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be remembered) to the boss. Lastly, in places with high unemployment rates,
there is naturally a lot more pressure.
In what professions do you see more competition? Why?
I would say that modeling and athletes face some of the most competition. With
modeling, it’s all about maintaining your image to stay on your A game (to do
your best). If you falter (to fail), you can quickly lose your job. Of course with
sports, everything is about competition, so again you must play your best at all
times or you will quickly be eliminated and shunned from your team. This
doesn’t sound appealing (attractive) to me!
Do people learn from competition?
To be honest, I think humans learn more from failure than winning. Looking
back (thinking about the past), I can recall that I learned the most valuable
lessons after failing. For example, when I’ve failed exams, I realized what I
needed to study more. When I’ve failed at getting a guy that I really desired to
be with, I learned that we cannot always have what we want, and that perhaps
he wasn’t a compatible match for me anyway. I’m not usually a winner, but I
would imagine that people feel joy and accomplishment after a win, or maybe
they learn how able they were, but in general I think people could list more
lessons learned from their failures. We need to learn what we are lacking
(missing) so we learn how to improve. Failure does this for us!

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