IELTS SPEAKING TEST -TASK 1 (Questions & Answers)

IELTS SPEAKING TEST -TASK 1

Questions & Answers

Qu.1   : Could you tell me your name or how can I call you?

Ans.    : My name is …………………………………………………. You may call me by my first name which is ………………………………

Qu.2   : What are you doing presently?

Ans.    : Presently I work in a company as………………………………………….. / Presently I am not engaged in any job. However, I use my time to prepare for my IELTS Test. / I am a housewife. In addition to the normal household activities which a housewife has to carry out, I have also been using my time to prepare for IELTS test.

Qu.3   : What is your academic qualification?

Ans     : I have acquired postgraduate degree in…………………………… /                  I have done Bachelors of Arts program in Commerce from………………………………….. I am a qualified degree holder in…………………..Engineering  from …………………

Qu.4   : What are your future plans?

Ans.    : I want to pursue higher studies in (the program for which you want to go). Afterwards I plan to stay in…………………………………….. for a period of ……………………………. Years. This is as per the rules & regulations of ……………………………………. governing the foreign students. This will also help me to acquire valuable experience in a foreign country.  After this, I plan to come back to my country & search for a good job here.

Qu.5   : Why are you taking IELTS?

Ans.     : I am taking IELTS for two reasons. First reason is that taking IELTS & scoring certain minimum bands is compulsory for purpose of getting visa. Second reason is that I am also keen to improve my skills regarding use of English language.  This test also provides me an opportunity to improve my language & also to measure my skills.

Qu.6     : To which country are you planning to go & why?

Ans.     : I am planning to go to …………………………..  I have selected this country after taking advice from many of my friends & relatives. Some of the persons I have consulted are staying in this country presently. I have been advised that not only the quality of education in this country is very high; the life style is also of very high standard.

Qu.7     : Which course are you going to study there & why?

Ans.     : I have chosen to pursue ……………………………. As I have stated, I plan to come back to my country & settle here. I have found out that there is a heavy demand for professionals having this qualification. The demand for experienced persons in this field is even more. That’s why I have selected this course.

Qu.8     : How will your qualification help your family in future?

Ans.     : I come from a middle class family. In such families many times our relatives & friends need financial help.  My additional qualification will help me to earn handsome salary. This will enable me to be of help to my relatives in time of need. I will also be able to guide them regarding importance of education.

Qu.9     : Where have you studied?

Ans.     : I have studied in ………………………….. It is one of better known educational institute in our area. Of course; I have also studied in schools during my school studies. But, this is the last institute in which I studied.

Qu.10   : Where are you studying at present?

I am a student of ………………………. I am pursuing Master of Commerce program.

Qu.11    : How good is the place where you studied or you are studying?

Ans.       : I studied in ………………… during my college education. I cannot truly say that the place where I studied was very good or famous place.  However, this was the most sought after place for higher studies in our area.

Qu.12    : Where are you working presently?

Ans.       : I work in …………………… as……………………… I joined this company in……………………. & I have been working in this company ever since.

Or

I am still a student. Hence I am not working in any company.

Or

I am a housewife. Hence, I am not working in any company.

Or

I have completed my education. However, as I have decided to study further in Canada (or the country where you want to go), I decided to prepare for IELTS rather than taking a job.

Qu.13    : How did you get this job?

Ans.       : I saw an advt. in the paper & I liked the profile of the company. I applied for the job. I had to appear for three interviews. Finally I was the only candidate selected by the company.

Qu.14    : Do you like your job?

Ans.       : Of course. I like my job. It is in tune with my qualification & future plans. The experience which I will gain from my present job will be very useful in my future plans.

Qu.15    : How many hours in a day do you have to work?

Ans        : Generally, speaking people in our country have to spend 8 to 10 hours daily on work. Employees in the company where I work also have to spend 8 to 10 hours daily.

Qu.16    : How helpful is your qualification in your present job?

Ans.       : I was careful to choose the job in which I had real interest & I could also use my qualification. Hence my qualification has become very handy for me to discharge my duties.

Qu.17       :  What skills are demanded by your job?

Ans.          : Like any other job, my present job also needs good peoples’ skills.  In addition, it also needs good technical knowledge & ability to think on one’s feet.

Qu.18       : Are you satisfied by your job? Or you would like to change your job? Yes or no & why?

Ans.          : Yes, I am satisfied with my present job. However, this doesn’t mean that I would not like to change my job. Like anybody else; I too would like to progress, start earning more, improve my career, & learn new things in life. Hence, I too would like to my job but after a reasonable time.

Qu.19       : Can you describe your routine?

Ans.          : I am an early riser; hence I get up at 5 am. I complete my morning routine by 7 am & offer prayers to God. Sometimes, I even go to a nearby temple. I take my breakfast by 8.30 am &

leave for my job. Our office works from 10 am to 6 pm.  I come home by 7.30 pm. I take some refreshments & spend some time reading newspaper & magazines. As I get up early, I usually take my dinner by 9.30 pm with my family members. We talk about how our day went by during dinner.  Afterwards, we all watch TV for some time. Finally, I go to bed by 10.30 pm.

Qu.20       : What are your hobbies?

Ans.          : I must say that as far as hobbies are concerned; I am pretty ordinary person. I don’t really have any serious hobby. Though I do enjoy good music & reading sometime, but I cannot say that I pursue these activities seriously as hobbies.  I like to keep myself busy in my work.

Qu.21       : Do you know how to use camera? Where do you use camera?

Ans.          : These days cell phone manufactures have made cameras available to almost everybody having a cell phone. My cell phone too has a camera. Hence it follows that I know to use a camera. As we carry our cell phone & hence the camera with us always, we use it on almost all occasions like meeting friends, family get- together, parties & any other occasion where people meet.

Qu.22       : Do you like to meet people?   

Ans.          : I am a very sociable person & get bored easily when I am alone.

For this reason I always look forward to meeting new persons & making new friends. However, I always take care that my long term association is always with like minded persons.

Qu.23       : Do you meet foreigners in your area? Alternatively, where can you meet foreigners in your city?

Ans.          : I don’t meet foreigners in my area; that is where I stay. However, the city in which I stay is fast emerging as a large industrial city. Hence; many international companies have set up their offices in my city & transferred many of their employees to their Indian offices. Hence, we can see many foreign employees of these companies in market places, shopping malls & multiplexes etc.

24.               : Do you do any social work?

Ans.        : Doing social work is not a very popular concept in my country. The reason for this may be that people are busy earning their livelihood. Hence, they don’t have spare time to spend on social work. However, occasionally I go with some of my friends who are members of Lion’s Club whenever they organize some activity like blood donation camp or cleanliness drive in slums etc.

Qu.25      : How do you feel when you do some social work?

Ans.        : I feel good when I do some social work with my friends. At that time I really feel that I am contributing something to a good social cause. I even feel that I should do social work more often. However, as I said before, I don’t get much time to do social work more often.

Qu.26      : Should people do social work & why?

Ans.        : yes; people should do social work. Everybody in the society is not equally lucky. There are many unfortunate persons in the society who are either poor or illiterate or are victims of some social evil. Helping such people to overcome their problems is a good social cause & every able person should do some social work.

Qu.27      : Should the government spend huge sum of money on space research?

Ans.        : The change is the only constant is a popular saying. Man wants to learn about new things. Besides; there are many processes in semi conductor industry or medical field which need clean atmosphere. This is possible only in space. Hence, in my opinion space research is very important. Hence, govt. should spend money on space research.

Qu.28       : What are the advantages & disadvantages of single religion & multi religion society?

Ans.          : In a single religion society all the people follow the same religion. Hence they don’t get chance to know about other religions. This can also make them less tolerant to people of other religions.  It can also lead to religious fundamentalism. On the other hand people staying in a multi religious society will have a greater sense of accommodation towards people following other religions.  They will be able to adjust more easily with others.

Qu29        : Tell me something about the latest news, which you have read or heard.

Ans.          : The latest news these days is about IPL. It is how the IPL commissioner Lalit Mody is supposed to have committed many irregularities in award of several contracts of IPL. It is also about financial irregularities committed by many of the team owners. It is also about how many senior politicians got involved with a few team owners to influence IPL regarding selection of new teams.  

Qu.30       : Do you like cooking?

Ans.          : In traditional Indian families males are not expected to undertake cooking. Hence, I don’t know much cooking beyond making an occasional cup of tea or boiling an egg sometime or other. It is another matter that at times even I have to throw the tea made by me for being too sweet or too strong. As regards boiling eggs, at times I have more egg on my face than in the boiling pan.

Or

In traditional Indian families cooking is generally done by ladies of the house only.  Ladies in any Indian family are therefore taught cooking from an early age. Hence, I also know cooking. In addition to this, I also like cooking & like to prepare new dishes; though much to the annoyance of my other family members who have to eventually try my culinary wonders.

Qu. 31      : Who cooks food in your house?

Ans           : Generally, in my house my mother/mother-in-law does the cooking. As I am busy with my preparation, I don’t get time to help her regularly. However, sometimes I also help her in the kitchen work.

Qu.32 : From who have, you learnt cooking?

Ans                 : I have learnt cooking from my mother.

Qu.33 : What food items do you like to cook?

Qu.34 : Can you tell me how a traditional food dish is prepared?

Qu.35    : Which meal is more important to you? Lunch or dinner & why?

Ans.       : For me dinner is the more important meal. I keep irregular hours in my job. Hence, it is not possible for me to have proper lunch daily. Lunch is also taken in hurry. In any case a lunch will also make a person lethargic & sleepy in the afternoons. This will also affect his work. On the other hand we can have dinner properly & also with our family members. Our body also gets time to digest the food properly.

Qu.36       : How often do you go to eat in restaurants?

Ans.          : People in my state are very fond of eating out. I am no exception. We all like to go out for eating at slightest pretext. Hence, generally I go out for eating about 2 to 3 times in a week.

Qu.37       : Do you like to visit amusement parks & why?

Ans.          : People all over the world like to visit amusement parks for relaxing & enjoyment. Amusement Parks are also favorite places of children who like to enjoy various rides & games. They also like to play with other children in the park. Hence, I go to the Amusement Park with children of my family for company as well as for my personal enjoyment.

Qu.37       : When do you like to visit a park?

Ans.          : I like to visit a park in the morning for my morning exercise. In the morning the atmosphere is quiet & pollution free. There is not much noise too.  Besides; we also have many people doing morning exercises, having their morning walk etc. This motivates me also to have a morning walk & also to do some exercise. 

Qu. 38      : Describe your last visit to an amusement park.

Ans.          : There is a permanent garden cum amusement park in my city. Recently, we had some relatives from my native place visiting us. I took them to this Amusement Park.  That day a special children fair was also going on in the park. Hence the crowd that day was nearly three to four times the crowd on other days. Many additional rides & games had been put up in the Children Fair. Puppet Show & Magic Show too had been organized. Children as well as grownups were all enjoying the rides, puppet show, magic show & music etc. 

Qu.39       : What activities do you/ people do in the amusement park?

Ans.          : People go to amusement park for enjoyment, relaxation or recreation. Besides, amusement parks will also have many rides & games etc. Hence many persons come to amusement park for a family outing. They bring their packed lunch or dinner from home & have it in the amusement park. Many others will simply come to enjoy rides & games. Some people come to amusement park even for making new friends & acquaintances.

Qu.40       : Why do children like to visit amusement parks?

Ans.          : Children like to play in open spaces. They also like to make friends with other children. Children also like to enjoy rides & games. They get all this & much more in amusement parks. Hence children like to visit amusement parks for these reasons. 

Qu.41      : Why do you celebrate birthdays?

  Ans.        : We are all gregarious people hence we generally look for occasions to meet socially as group. Many occasions provide us with an opportunity to meet in groups. Birthdays, anniversaries and festivals provide us with opportunities to get together.  Hence we celebrate occasions like birthdays to basically get together.

Qu. 42   : What do you prefer more, celebrating birthdays with friends or family members & why?

Ans.       : Celebrations are occasions to get together socially with everybody and improve our social bonds with friends & family members. Giving preference to one group of persons over another may not be such a good idea as the group not included may feel slighted. This can even affect our social relations. Hence, I would not like to give preference to one group over other.

Qu. 43   : How much should a person spend on birthdays?

Ans.       : This really depends upon the financial capacity of the person. However, I am personally against being extravagant in any celebration. I would rather donate the money to some good charity rather than spending on such celebrations.

Qu. 43     : Do you think uniforms should be compulsory in schools & work places?

Ans.       : I think that wearing of uniform should be made compulsory in schools & work places. In fact, I feel that uniform should be made compulsory in all educational institutes. Uniform gives a person an identity. It indicates the institute to which a person belongs. The sense of identity & belongingness leads to improved quality of work. It also unites the persons of an institute.

Some Additional Sample Answers

1. Hello. Could you show me your identification card please?

Hello. Sure, here you are.

2. Could you tell me your full name please?

My full name is XXX.

3. What shall I call you?

You could call me XXX.

4. How are you?

I am well thank you, and yourself?

5. How old are you?

I am 22 years old. In other words, I was born eight of March 1980.

7. Is your name important to you?

No. I don’t think it can do anything for me. I believe a person has to work out his own life. I am planning to do this as well as I can

Part 2-hometown

8. Where do you come from?

I come from xxx. My parents have been living here for the past thirty years or so. I

grew up here and I attended a well-known school called School ………... We live in a nice area with many shops, restaurants, and other businesses. The people in our building are generally friendly and quite, which makes it a pleasure to live there.

9. Where do you live?

I live with my parents in ……………. at the moment. This is an apartment building in one of the suburbs of the city. I have my own room and enjoy the privacy that it brings, but I am looking forward to the day that I can have my own apartment.

10. Can you tell me something about your hometown?

11. Can you tell me about some famous landscapes in your hometown?

11. Can you tell me about some famous scenic spots in your hometown?

11. What are the main places of interest in your hometown? Why?

11. What places should foreigners visit in your hometown? Why?

12. What places in your hometown do you like best?

13. What are the major occupations in your region?

14. What is the difference between your hometown and where you stay at present?

15. What are the people like in your hometown?

15. Can you tell me something about the people in your hometown?

Part 3-present situation (student)

16. Are you a student or do you have a job?

I am a student at the moment. I am studying …………  at ……………… here.

16. Are you a student or do you have a job?

I have a job. I work in …………………………….. at the moment. I graduated from ……………   and went to work immediately.

17. What do you like most about your studies?

18. What is your major?

20. Can you tell me your study habits?

I have well established study habits. I start promptly at eight in the evenings. I study for two hours, have a ten-minute break, and the study for another hour.  over the weekends I put in more hours. For example, I study in the mornings and afternoons, and then take the evenings off to relax with my family or friends.

21. Do you think your subjects are relevant?

22. What kind of job do you prefer?

I would like to become a doctor. Firstly, I would like to serve the community to which I belong. I would also like to assist the elderly that do not have the financial means to afford private hospitals.

23. What are your job prospects?

I am planning to become a Hotel Manager. Firstly, I believe that the hotel industry will be growing greatly in future. For example, people are becoming more affluent, and spend more and more of their money on holidays. In addition, I believe that after graduating I will be able to find a good job anywhere in

Mu country or anywhere else in the world. What I mean to say is that all hotels and resorts have the same objectives irrespective of where they are situated. Their aim is to ensure that their guests have a good time and return again.

Part 3-present situation (employee)

24. Do you have a degree? If so, when and where did you graduate?

25. What impressed you most when you were at university / college?

I was most impressed by the knowledge and skills of my lecturers. For example, they had experience in the working environment, and could tell us exactly what we would come across there. Secondly, I was impressed by the facilities. For example, we had a large library, well-equipped laboratories, and sporting facilities at our disposal.

26. Do you still remember your school days?

Of course! Those were some of the best times in my life. Firstly they were carefree days. What I mean to say is that I had no or very few worries. My parents provided in my day-today needs, and all I had to do was get good grades. Secondly, I had many friends in school. For instance, some o my best friends today were people that I met in school.

27. What do you do for a living?

28. Is your job important to you?

29. If you could, would you change jobs?

No, not really. What I mean is that I am very happy in my present job. In addition, in my present job I get along well with my colleagues. Should I change jobs however, I might not find such nice people to work with and could be very unhappy. Lastly, I believe I will be able to develop my career here. For instance, if I keep up the good work that I am presently doing, I could be promoted in two years time and so become the head of a department.

or

Although I am very happy in my present job, I believe one should always be

ambitious. That is to say one should never be complacent, but should be on the

lookout for opportunities to advance in your career. Furthermore, I would not hesitate for one moment if I could obtain a promotion by changing jobs. I realize that one should show some loyalty to your present employer, but there has to be a balance between looking after one’s own interests and those of your present employer.

30. Are their possible changes that could affect your job in any way?

I don’t think so. The company that I am working for is large and strong. In addition, I have a good relationship with my colleagues and my boss. Lastly, the only possible change that would affect me is if I should receive a promotion. That would be a positive development, so I am not worried at all.

31. Could you tell me something about your family?

Certainly. We are a normal Indian family. It consists of my father, my mother, and me. I am the only child, so I don’t have any brothers or sisters. My grandparents passed away when I was still very young, so I did not have the privilege of knowing them. My father was one of four children, and my mother has a brother, so I have a number of uncles and aunts, and many cousins.

32. What do you think of the One-Child Policy?

That’s a difficult question. Allow me to explain my personal views by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, I think we have to have this policy in my country. Our population had been growing to rapidly and something has to be done. Secondly, I believe the policy can give us a chance to move ahead in the world. What I mean to say is that as soon as the population growth has stabilized, we will be able to make progress in the fight against unemployment.

33. Why do people in your country traditionally want to have a son?

That’s an interesting question. Allow me to explain my personal views.

 Firstly, I believe that fathers all over the world want someone to carry their name into the future. For example, in many western countries it is customary for a boy to receive his grandfather’s name. A second reason that I could mention is that parents worry about what will happen to them after they had retired. They feel that when they have a son he would be able to provide for them in future.

34. Who does most of the shopping in your family?

In my family my mother does most of the shopping, but my father and I also do some shopping from time to time when I have to buy my clothes.

35. Who does most of the cooking in your family?

My mother does most of the cooking. My sister also assists her in the kitchen. Sometimes, much to her annoyance, I also help my mother. I could also tell you  that we often eat out. For example, often on a Friday night none of us feel like cooking; we visit one of the local restaurants, and have our favorite dish.

36. How does your family feel about you going abroad?

They are very happy about me going abroad. I believe my parents will be very proud if I were to achieve a degree at a university abroad. In addition, they themselves never had the opportunity to study. They would do anything in their power to allow me to have the opportunity.

Part 4-family (married person)

37. Are you married, and if so when did you get married?

Yes, I am married. I got married about three years ago. I have a good husband / wife, and we are very happy together. To say it in another way you could say that we are best friends.

38. Do you have any children?

39. What is your child’s name?

40. What does your wife do?

41. What does your husband do?

42. Do you stay with your in-laws or independently?

43. Was your arranged marriage?

.

44. Is living together without getting married acceptable in your country?

These days it is becoming more and more acceptable. Many times, young people feel that they first want to get know each other even better by living together. When they are absolutely sure that they are able to adapt to each other’s lifestyles, they would then most probably decide to get married.

45. Do you think couples should live with their parent or on their own?

There are several reasons as for why I think couples should live on their own. I believe couples should become independent as soon as possible. They should learn to solve their problems & manage their finances independently.

46. What responsibilities should a couple take?

There are several responsibilities that couples should take. In the first place, I believe they should be responsible for their own finances. For example, young couples usually do not have a lot of money. They may find it difficult to make ends meet. Secondly, I believe that later they have to look after their children. For example, they have to feed and clothe them, and ensure that they get a good education.

Part 4-family (children)

47. Are there any traditions around the birth of a baby in your region?

48. What kind of parent do you intend to be?

That’s an interesting question. Let me to explain my personal view: First of all, I would love my child unconditionally. What I mean is that I realize my child is not perfect, but I will still love him/her even if s/he has made a mistake. Secondly, I would like to be known as a strict but fair parent. For example, I will not allow my child too many freedoms, but I will also try to understand his/her needs.

49. What hopes or fears do you have concerning your children?

That’s an interesting question. Let me to explain my personal views: Firstly, I fear that my children will have a very hard life. For example, I wonder if they will have work to do. Secondly, I hope that they will be happy. For example, that they will find a good spouse, have children, and live together in peace and love.

50. What type of culture do you want your child to grow up in?

That’s a broad question. Let me to explain my personal views: Firstly, I would like my child to grow up in a culture of love. What I mean to say is that I hope the circumstances in our home will full of love and understanding. Secondly, I hope my child will grow up in a culture where the finer things in life are important. For example, things like music, art, and studying should be part of his life from the beginning.

51. Are you going to bring your children up differently from the way you were

brought up? Why?

No, not really. I believe my parents raised me well, and gave me a good education. If I could do the same for my child I would be happy. Maybe I would be a bit more modern. For example, I believe my parents were unreasonably strict at times. I would try and keep a balance between discipline and freedom.

Part 4-family (woman)

52. Is there any gender discrimination in your country?

52. What is the position of women in your country?

One of the aspects I could tell you about regarding this topic is that there is some

discrimination against woman in my country. For example, woman who are doing

exactly the same job as men, are getting smaller salaries. Secondly, women are not considered for certain high level positions, like for example, in government. In

addition, in many communities , women are still regarded as inferior to men. This is particularly the case in the rural communities. Lastly, parents prefer to have a boy as opposed to a girl. This is an unhealthy situation, as it will disturb the balance between the number of men and women in my country in the years to come.

53. What are the causes of gender discrimination?

One of the main reasons which I would like to highlight is  that men often determine the wages in the companies. Secondly, women are not seen as able to do certain jobs as well as men. For instance, construction work has always been seen as a man’s job. Lastly, many men still believe that a woman should stay at home, raise the kids, and serve her husband.

53. What are the causes of gender discrimination?

That’s an interesting question. Allow me to explain my views: Firstly, I believe that discrimination against woman have deep roots in societies all over the world. It is not a present day phenomenon. Throughout history; woman have not enjoyed the same status as men. It is only recently that woman have been filling the same positions in the work place. Lastly, I believe that it will take much more time to eradicate this practice. For example, as more and more woman become sole breadwinners in families, they will have to be compensated as such irrespective of their gender.

Part 5-preferences (spare time)

55. What do you usually do in your spare time?

55. What are your spare time interests?

As a matter of fact, I have very little spare time these days. My studies are so

important to me that I have given up all my other activities. For example, I used to

love playing many games, but these days I simply do not have the time.

55. What do you usually do in your spare time?

55. What are your spare time interests?

Well, these days, I surf on the Internet in my spare time. I have just bought my first computer, and love to look for exciting web sites that I have not known before. It is of course very time consuming, so I don’t rally have time for anything else. I have to mention that it is an educational activity.

56. Do you often watch TV? What is your favorite program?

Yes, I often watch TV. My favorite program is Discovery. As to why it is my

favorite, I would like to say that it is not science fiction but a documentary on real life events and happenings. For example, it had a program on the latest eclipse of the sun that occurred at the end of the year. Secondly, it often has items about nature. For example, last week it explained how some birds have adapted to survive in a desert.

57. Do you think watching TV is a waste of time?

No, I do not think watching TV is a waste of time. Firstly, one can learn a lot from

watching TV, and secondly, it is a good way to relax. For example, the soap operas help me to relax, while the documentaries are informative. Lastly, I believe that TV has become the best source of information these days. For example, it is a fast and convenient way to find out about the latest news from all over the world.

Part 5-preferences (friends)

58. What does friendship mean to you?

What I could tell you about this topic is that friendship is very important to me. For example, I believe that friendship should be the basis for many of our relationships. Husbands and wives, for example, should be friends. In addition,

I need friends to help me when I am in trouble. I know this sound selfish, but I feel

that it is one of the reasons why I have friends, and they would not mind me saying so. On the other hand, my friends know that I will always be available should any one of them get into some trouble.

59. Do you have a lot of friends?

Yes, I have a lot of friends. Some of them are only casual friends like my friends at work, but I also have some good friends. For example, I have some friends who I have known for many years. I will do anything to help them when they need me, and I know they would do the same for me.

60. Do you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?

I prefer to be alone. I like reading, which takes a lot of my time. Reading to me is a way of studying, so I have to do it alone. I often have to check the meaning of unfamiliar words in my dictionary, which is a slow process taking a lot of time.

60. Do you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?

I prefer to be with my friends. At work I spend most of my time alone in my office. So after work I like the company of other people. I often invite some of my friends over, and we listen to our favorite music, or just chat the whole evening.

60. Do you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?

Sometimes I prefer to be alone. For example, after a hard day at work I just want to relax without anybody disturbing me. Those are the times that I might meditate on the meaning of life for example, or just savor some fond memories. On the other hand, sometimes I want to be with my friends. For example, over weekends, I like to go out with them and enjoy their stimulating company.

61. What do you usually do with your friends?

Firstly, we often visit the nearest net bar for a number of reasons. For example; we like to play computer games or to surf the net. Sometimes we chat to young people abroad. We often spend hours there at a time. Secondly, we like to play cricket. We often challenge another group to play against us.

61. What do you usually do with your friends?

We usually go to the movies. My friends and I like cartoons very much, so we will

look in the newspaper where a new cartoon movie is being shown and go and watch it. In addition, we like to watch a good action movie from time to time. We find the spectacular crashes and explosions very exciting. These movies are from Hong Kong or Hollywood, and have famous actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Cruise playing in them.

62. What do you usually do on weekdays and on weekends?

On weekdays I go to school. On weekends I like to go out with my friends. For

example; we will go and visit new shopping malls in the city. Then we would browse around all the shops. Sometimes we will sit in a restaurant and have something to drink while we watch the crowds of people go by.

62. What do you usually do on weekdays and on weekends?

On weekdays I go to school. On weekends I like to stay at home. I can easily spend a weekend watching TV and just relaxing. For example, I like the soap operas like …………. and so on. I know the different characters well by now, some whom I love, and some whom I hate. I realize that some of the plots are silly and overdramatic, but it is good relaxing entertainment, as one does not have to think very hard to follow the stories.

OUTINGS

63. What do you usually do when you go out?

I usually go to the nearest net bar with some of my friends. We spend many hours playing games or surfing the net. In addition, net bars are a great place for social gatherings. There we meet other youngsters and just hang around talking, and generally having a good time.

63. What do you usually do when you go out?

I usually go shopping with my mother. The reason for this is simple. Us ladies usually need a lot of clothes to make us look beautiful, so we love to go shopping. Often we don’t actually buy anything, but just browse around looking at all the clothes and comparing prices and quality.

Part 5-preferences (reading)

64. Do you like reading?

No I don’t like reading. I do not have the patience. For example, I have never been able to read a book from start to finish. Maybe the books I have tried were not interesting enough.

64. Do you like reading?

Yes. I like reading very much. Firstly, I believe that all of us should read a lot. For example, when you read you acquire new knowledge, which in turn will broaden your views on important matters. In addition I also like reading English language periodicals.

65. What kinds of books do you like best?

I like cartoons. Firstly, I believe cartoons are a special form of art. For example, the American cartoons are common in my country.

65. What kinds of books do you like best?

I like novels. I like to read a story which is full of intrigue and suspense. For example, many love stories have characters who are involved in all sorts of conflicts amongst them. The most common one known all over the world since ancient times is the so-called love triangle.

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66. Describe a book that you have read recently.

67. Do you often read the newspapers?

No, I never read a newspaper. I watch TV if I want to know what is happening in

my country and the world. Newspapers take too much time to read. However, the news on TV is short and to the point, and that’s all I want to know.

67. Do you often read the newspapers?

No. Please let me explain the reasons for my preference:

Firstly, I use the Internet these days if I want to know what’s happening in region and the world. For example, websites like CNN contain all the latest news on world events. Secondly, I like to read about stories in depth, and this I cannot find in newspapers. For example, I often would like to know the history behind a story. On the Internet I can do some research right away, and so gain a broader perspective on the subject at hand.

Part 5-preferences (hobbies)

68. Do you have a hobby?

Yes. My hobby is stamp collecting. I have been collecting stamps for the past two

years now. That is to say, for two years I have chosen stamp collecting to be my only hobby. I regularly spend time working on my collection. I guess I spend about two hours every week on my hobby. This is mainly over weekends, as I do not have time during the week.

69. Why have you chosen this hobby?

That’s an interesting question. Let me explain my personal views: It’s a very interesting hobby. For example, the stamps from other countries often say something about that country and its people.

69. Why have you chosen this hobby?

First of all, when you collect stamps, you are able to learn more about the world, and you will not be bored easily. What I mean to say is that you can get stamps from every country in the world, and the stamps often say something about that country and its people. Secondly, you are able to meet new friends through your hobby. For instance, you have a common interest with someone else, and you can discuss your collections together for many hours. Lastly, the hobby will teach you some self-discipline and how to be very systematic. That is to say, you have to tend to your collection regularly, and you have to sort the stamps according to internationally recognized systems.

70. What are good hobbies, and what are bad hobbies?

In my opinion, good hobbies are those ones that give you the opportunity to develop a new skill. For example, collecting stamps teaches you to be systematic. Bad hobbies on the other hand may result in you acquiring bad habits. For example, TV and computer games will result in you neglecting your studies.

Part 5-preferences (shopping and movies)

73. Do you like / enjoy shopping?

Yes, I love shopping. I usually buy clothes for myself. I like to go to the shops and see what they have to offer. I browse around and compare the prices before I buy something. Secondly, I do the shopping of all our household needs. I love to find out about any new products on the market and how they can possibly make my life easier.

74. Do you often go to the cinema?

Yes, I go to the cinema as often as possible. I usually go with some friends to watch the latest action movies or comedies. We have a great time, like for example when our favorite star is playing a lead role in the movie.

74. Do you often go to the cinema?

Yes, I go to the cinema as often as possible. I believe that films are a wonderful form of art. In films there is a great variety ranging from comedy and drama, to horror and science fiction. For example, recently I have seen the drama Titanic, which has been described as the most expensive film ever made. The extent to which the producers attended to the details of the original ship was astounding. Another example would be the thriller with my favorite actor Anthony Hopkins in the lead role called Silence of the lambs. It had me on the edge of my seat for most of the time.

75. Do you often go to the theater?

No. I have never been to the theater. Firstly, it is too expensive for me. I prefer to go to the cinema. Secondly, I believe that the theater is boring. What I mean to say is that the actors are on the same stage the whole time. I cannot see how that can be as exciting as a good movie.

76. What kinds of movies do you like best?

I like comedies. First of all, comedies are great fun. What I mean to say is that I have a good laugh while watching. Secondly, comedies seldom contain violent scenes. For instance, you would not easily find murders, shooting, fighting, and so on in a comedy. Lastly, comedies often contain excellent acting by famous stars. For example, Robbie Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire is considered one of the most extraordinary performances ever by an actor.

77. Who is your favorite movie star? Describe him / her.

My favorite movie star is Jackie Cheng. He is handsome, and very funny. He always has a smile on his face, and never seems to be worried about the situations that he finds himself in. The U.S. President Clinton went to watch one of his movies with him.

Part 5-preferences (music and traveling)

78. Do you like music?

78. Do you think music is important?

Yes, I like music very much. That is to say, I cannot imagine what my life would be like without music. Firstly, I believe music plays an important part in people’s lives. For example, we can use it to sooth our minds after a hard day at work, or it can provide us with the rhythm to dance to.

79. What kind of music do you enjoy most?

I like pop music very much. Allow me to explain. First of all, pop music is lively, and suits me at my age. What I mean to say is that us youngsters like to listen to music that fits in with the way we feel Secondly, usually has a good rhythm. For instance, it is suitable for us to dance on. Lastly, pop music is simple to understand. That is to say, I like it because it is not difficult to understand, and it helps me to relax after I have been studying hard for some time.

80. How long do you listen to music every day?

Oh, let me think a bit. I guess I listen to music for about half an hour every day. I

would, for example, listen when I get home from school, or in the evenings before I go to bed. On weekends, however, I listen to music much more. For example, I would invite my best friend over to my place, and we would listen to our favorite CDs for a few hours at a time.

TRAVELLING

81. Do you like traveling?

Yes, I like traveling. Firstly, I believe that traveling is always educational. What I mean to say is that the people that you meet along the way are usually interesting. Secondly, I wish I were able to travel more. For example, I have not traveled to a foreign country yet.

82. How do you usually travel?

I like to travel by train. Let me explain. Firstly, when I travel by train I am able

to see more of my country. In addition, the trains in my country are convenient and comfortable. For example, I can travel to any city, and I am able to sleep on the train. Lastly, traveling on a train is a social event as well. For example, one can chat to the other passengers about where they are going, and why they are traveling.

83. Where have you traveled to lately?

I traveled to xxx last month. My parents and I traveled there by train. We went to see my grandmother who has been ill lately. I enjoyed the trip as I have not been to xxx before. We did not have the opportunity to sleep on the train, as it takes only six hours to get there.

84. What kind of places do you like to visit?

I like to visit places where there is a lot of entertainment. For example, I don’t like it when we go and visit my grandparents in the country. They live on a farm and don’t even have a computer for me to play on. I like to visit the cities where there are movies to watch and nightclubs to visit.

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