Family
How
many people are there in your family?
There are 5 people in my family: my
father, mother, brother, sister, and me.
Does your family live in a house or
an apartment?
We live in a house in the
countryside.
What does your father do?
My father is a doctor. He works at
the local hospital.
How old is your mother?
She is 40 years old, 1 year younger
than my father.
Do you have any siblings? What’s
his/her name?
Yes, I do. I have 1 elder brother,
David, and 1 younger sister, Mary.
Are you the oldest amongst your
brothers and sisters?
No, I’m not. I’m the second child in
my family.
What do your mother/father like?
My father likes playing football and
my mother likes cooking.
Do your parents let you stay out
late?
Of course not. They always ask me to
get home before 10 pm each night.
Do you stay with your parents?
Right now, no, but I used to.
Does your family usually have dinner
together?
Yes,
we do. My mom always prepares delicious meals for us.
RESTAURANT
How
often do you eat out? Who do you go with?
I often eat out on weekends, when I
hang out with my friends.
What restaurant do you usually visit?
Well, there are not many restaurants
in my neighborhood, so my best choice is the deli in convenient stores like the
Circle K, Mini-Stop, B-smart.
What type of food do you enjoy to
eat? Western or Asian?
I’m interested in Asian food, Western
food is not my thing.
How much do you usually pay when you
eat out?
It’s not very expensive, just around
$5 for each meal.
Do you enjoy spicy food?
Yes, I do, especially on cold days.
Are the servers there friendly to
you?
Yes, they are. Most of them are
really helpful.
Have you ever tried Italian food?
Yes, at least once, when I was in my
friend’s wedding party.
Are you concerned about calories when
eating out?
Yes, I am. I’m on diet now, so this
really matters to me.
Are fast food restaurants like KFC or
McDonald’s famous in your country?
Yes, they are. The youth in my
country are big fans of fast food.
Do you often drink alcohol when
eating out?
No,
not often. Just when I have parties with my friends.
BOOKS
How
often do you read books?
I read books almost every night
before I go to bed.
What’s your favorite type of book?
I love reading about different
cultures.
What can you learn from books?
Books can broaden my horizon about
thousands of things around the world, and books are also my best friends.
Where do you read books?
I read books at home, sometimes in
the library.
What’s the most interesting book you
have ever read?
I think that would be Nepal, a book written about the country of Nepal,
published in 1999.
How long does it take you to finish a
book?
Well, it depends on the length of the
book, but it usually takes me a week to finish a 300-page book.
Do you usually bring books with you
when you travel?
Yes, I do. When I’m at the airport or
bus station, I read books to kill time.
Is there any bookstore or library in
your area?
Unfortunately,
there are none near my house. The nearest one is 3 kilometers away.
TRAVEL
How many places have you traveled to?
I’ve visited all the provinces
throughout my country.
Who do you usually go with?
I often go with my family, sometimes
with my best friends.
What’s your favorite tourist
attraction?
That would be Venice city in Italy. I
love riding the gondola along the canals while watching Italian people live
their daily lives.
Have you ever been abroad?
Yes, I have. I came to Italy last
year for a business trip.
What language do you use when
traveling?
English, but sometimes I have to use
body language since not all people are good at English.
What do you usually do during your
trip?
I often go sightseeing, take
pictures, mingle with the local people and sample the local cuisine.
What do you do to prepare for your
trip?
Before the trip, I search for
information about the location, weather, famous tourist attractions,
transportation, local cuisine and prices on the internet.
What do you usually bring when you
travel?
I usually pack my suitcase with some
necessary items such as clothes, medicine, food, a map, and a camera.
Do you prefer traveling by car, train
or plane?
I prefer planes although it can be a
little expensive. Planes are much faster than any other mode of transport.
Do you prefer traveling alone or
joining a guided tour?
I
love backpacking with my friends who share the same interests as me.
WEBSITE
What type of websites do you often
search for?
It varies depending on my goal. I
prefer entertainment and education websites such as facebook.com, wikipedia.org
and VOA Special English.
How long have you been using them?
I have been using these websites
since I was a freshman at university.
What do you visit those websites for?
I use them to study online or
relax after working.
What’s your favorite website?
I think it’s probably youtube.com.
Can you read websites in English?
Yes, I can. Most useful websites are
written in English.
What’s the most popular website in
your country?
I’m not quite sure, but I guess it
would be facebook.com.
Do you think the youth should use
websites as a reliable source of knowledge?
Not
always, they should choose their sources carefully.
ACCIDENT
Have you ever been in any traffic
accident?
Yes, three years ago.
What happened?
I was hit by a car while crossing the
road.
How did you feel then?
I felt really terrible because of my
injuries.
Who was involved in the accident?
The car driver, his family (inside
the car), and me.
Did the insurance company pay for
repair service?
I was walking so I did not require
any car repair services.
Did you need a lawyer?
I hurt my lower back just a little,
so I didn’t call a lawyer.
Did you report the issue to the
police?
No, we didn’t want to get the police
involved.
Were you sent to the hospital after
the accident?
No, the injury wasn’t really serious.
Do you have a driving license?
Yes, I do. I always keep it in my
purse.
Why should people obey traffic
regulations?
To
protect themselves and others. The best ways are to wear a helmet, wait for
traffic lights and stay in the appropriate vehicle/pedestrian lanes.
CHILDHOOD MEMORY
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I did. I enjoyed playing hide
and seek with my peers.
Did you experience your childhood in
a city or countryside?
I spent my childhood in a rural area
where I could see vast rice fields.
Did you usually skip class when you
were a child?
Yes, I did, and many of my friends
did, too.
Who were you with when you were a
child?
I was with my beloved family.
What did you want to be when you were
a child?
I dreamed of being a fashion
designer.
Who did you love the most when you
were a child?
I loved my mom the most since she was
always there and took care of me.
Who was your childhood hero?
Robin Hood, he took money from the
rich and gave it to the poor.
What reminds you of your childhood?
Green rice fields which I happen to
see everywhere remind me of my beautiful childhood.
Did you change a lot when you grew
up?
Yes, of course. I’m more mature now
both physically and mentally.
Why is childhood important?
Because
it shapes people into who they will become.
FAVORITE ROOMS
How many rooms are there in your
house?
There are 6 rooms: a living room, 2
bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen.
Which floor is your bedroom on?
My bedroom is on the first
floor of a three-storey house.
Is it big or small?
It’s not very spacious, just enough
to put necessary furniture in.
What color is your bedroom painted?
It’s painted pink, my favorite color.
Do you love your room? Why?
I love it very much because it is my
private space whenever I go home.
What furniture does your bedroom
contain?
It contains a bed, a desk, and a
clothing closet.
What do you do in it?
Well, I spend most of my free time
there reading books and sleeping.
How much time do you spend in your
room?
About 10 hours a day, especially in
the evening.
Do you share your room with anyone
else?
No,
everyone in my family has their own room, so I stay there alone.
PRESENTS
What kind of presents are popular in
your country?
It depends on the receivers. For
children, toys are the best choice. For youth, souvenirs are recommended.
Who gave presents to you? On what occasions?
I have received many presents, most
of which were from my friends. They gave me gifts on my birthday.
What was your last present?
It was a hand-made doll, given by my
best friend when I moved to another city.
What was the one you like best?
I loved my book Nepal a lot. It was
given to me on my 23rd birthday by my brother.
Did you ever get a present you didn’t
like?
Yes, I have, but I still treasure and
take care of them.
How do you thank people who give you
presents?
I gave them presents that they would
like.
What are the times of the year that
people give presents in your country?
Some special occasions
are birthdays, weddings, graduation, New Year’s day, Valentine’s day,
housewarming ceremonies, etc.
Who was the last person you gave a
present to?
My mom, I bought her a coat on a
business trip to Bangkok.
Is giving presents important in daily
life?
Yes,
it is. It’s one of the best ways to show your love and gratitude to someone.
HISTORICAL PLACE
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Which tourist attractions do you
prefer when traveling? Historical places or natural landmarks?
Well, historical places are always my
first choice when traveling.
What do you usually do when visiting
historical places?
I usually listen to
the tour-guide introducing the sights and take notes about important
historical events.
Can you name some historical places
you have visited?
Whenever I travel to a foreign
country, I always visit its famous historical places. Some of them are the
Pyramids in Egypt, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Stonehenge in England and the Taj
Mahal in India.
What’s your most favorite historical
place? Why?
I love the Pyramids the most. Taking
a tour around the Pyramids, I can not only enjoy the gorgeous architecture but
also learn cultural and historical values of the ancient Egyptian culture.
What is the most famous historical
place in your country?
It’s definitely the Statue of Liberty
in New York city.
What’s special about it?
The statue was
gifted by the people of France. It is a symbol of freedom for the US
as well as a welcoming sight to people coming to the US from another
country.
Where is it located?
It’s located on Liberty island in New
York Harbor, NYC.
Should the youth visit historical
places instead of other places?
Sure.
Nowadays the youth should visit these kind of places more often in order to
preserve historical and cultural values of their country.
NEWSPAPER/ MAGAZINE
What are the benefits of reading a
newspaper/magazine?
Newspapers/magazines can broaden your
mind about thousands of things without the need to travel.
How often do you read it?
I read it every day.
What’s the best time to read the
newspaper?
I think the best time is in the
morning when you start a new day.
What types of magazines do
you usually read?
I usually read politics and fashion
magazines. I also enjoy reading about culture and tourism.
What’s your favorite magazine?
My favorite is The New York Times,
which writes about all sorts of things: business, sports, movies, travel,
books, jobs, education, and real estate.
Do you read the paper or online
news?
I prefer online news to save money.
How much does it cost you to buy
paper newspaper per month?
I only buy a monthly newspaper,
so it doesn’t cost much money. Around $5/month.
What is the most popular magazine in
your country?
I think it would be Forbes magazine,
a leading source for reliable business news and financial information.
With the popularity of Internet, do
you think newspapers and magazines will disappear?
Yes,
unfortunately it’s just a matter of time.
A Memorable Event
How many events have you joined this
year? What were they about?
I have joined more than 10 events so
far, most of which were about education.
What was your most memorable event?
The most memorable for me was an
international study conference, in which I was introduced to some
famous universities in Europe to study overseas.
Was it organized indoors or outdoors?
It was an indoor event.
Who sponsored the event?
The event organizer was the Education
Department of American Center, but the universities introduced in the
conference were the ones who paid.
Who went to the event with you?
I went there with my friends, who
shared the same interest in studying abroad as me.
What were some performances in the
event?
There were not many performances.
Each university representative just had a speech to introduce their school to
students and then they hosted Q&A session.
Was the event shown on TV?
The event was not aired, but there
were television advertisements for it.
How would someone market an event?
Taking
advantage of social media is a smart way to promote an event.
A Favorite Subject
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What subjects did you learn in
school?
I learned Math, Science, Physics,
Biology, Geography, History, Literature, English, Art, and Music.
What subject did you like the most
when you were at school? Were you good at it?
I liked Biology the most although I
was excellent at Literature.
Did your friends like that subject
too?
Yes, they did. They enjoyed every
single Biology lesson.
Was the textbook written in
English or any other language?
It was written in English.
Who taught that subject?
My teacher was Ms. Karen, from the
USA.
How was that subject helpful to you?
It helped me a lot in becoming a
Biology teacher.
How often did you learn that subject?
I often had Biology lessons 5 times a
week.
How long did you spend on that
subject at home?
I spent roughly 2 hours per day
studying Biology at home.
Have you ever attended any extra
classes for that subject?
Yes, I have. I usually attended
evening classes.
Is it important to study hard on both
social sciences and natural sciences?
No,
it isn’t. Students should study the ones they like and those that are helpful
to their career path.
A MUSEUM
What type of museum is popular in
your country?
There are many types of museums, but
the most popular are historical museums.
What is the most famous museum in
your country?
That would be The British Museum,
located in London.
What’s special about it?
I’m impressed by its large amount of
historical, art, and cultural work.
How many times have you visited that
museum?
I have visited the museum twice.
What do you usually do when visiting
a museum?
I usually listen to the tour guide
and take notes about important information.
Are you allowed to take pictures
there?
No, the guards did not allow us to
bring the camera in.
How did you feel after visiting
there?
The overall experience was fantastic,
and I learned so many things in just a few hours.
What do you think is the importance
of museums in history?
Museums
are an integral part of any country’s history, and they keep history alive.
movie
Do you usually watch movies at home
or at a movie theater?
I usually watch movies on my laptop,
sometimes I go to the movie theater.
Is watching movies at the theater
more interesting than watching movies at home?
Yes, definitely, because you can
watch vivid images on a large screen with lively sound effects.
How often do you go to the movie
theater?
I often go to the movie theater every
weekend.
What’s your favorite type of movie?
What movie of that type do you like?
My favorite type is comedy because
whenever I watch one, I feel like there are no more worries in the world. I
love the Mr.Bean movie series.
Was that movie adapted from a book?
No, the story is derived from funny
situations in real life.
Who are the actors/actresses in the
movie?
Mr. Bean is the main character, he is
played by Rowan Atkinson who is from England.
Was it recommended by your friend,
teacher or family?
It was recommended by my classmate.
Was the movie in your mother language
or in English?
It was in English, but I can also
watch it with subtitles.
Should children watch violent movies?
I don’t believe so. Young children
are very impressionable and it could lead them to wanting to imitate the
behavior.
What’s the most important factor of a
great movie?
I believe that plot and actors are
among the factors which decide the success of a movie.
A FOREIGN COUNTRY
Have you ever travelled abroad? If
yes, what country was it?
Yes, I have. I traveled to the USA
last year with my family.
Where is that country located?
The USA is located in North America.
What is it famous for?
The USA is known for its cultural
achievements and landmarks.
What are the special food and drinks
of that country?
There are many. They are known for
fast food, dairy, and many beverages.
What do you like about that country?
I like the fast pace of life and the
various sub-cultures.
How many citizens are there in that
country?
The current population of the United
States of America was over 324 million in 2016, which accounts for 4.3% of the
total world population.
What language do people there speak?
The national language is English, but
many people also speak Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
Do you want to go back there again?
Sure.
Why do people like to travel abroad?
They
just want to discover new places, learn new cultures and maybe speak new
languages.
Parties
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On what occasions do people in your
country celebrate parties?
There are many occasions when people
throw parties such as New Year’s eve, wedding engagments, family reunions,
birthdays, etc, but sometimes people hold parties just when they meet up and
want to have something fun to do.
Are you a party animal?
Yes, I am. I’m crazy about going to
parties. I love meeting friends, drinking, and talking.
When do parties often start and
finish?
It depends on what kind of party it
is. I believe the perfect time to have a party is in the evening, from
8-11 pm.
Where are the parties thrown?
They are held inside or outside. Some
formal events like weddings/housewarmings are organized inside while others
like family reunions and birthdays may be held outside.
What do you usually wear when you
come to a party?
I often wear casual clothes like a
T-shirt and jeans if I go to informal parties, and a dress for formal ones.
What do people do in the parties you
attended?
At the party, people talk, eat and
drink together. Some go there to find business opportunities and new partners.
Do you enjoy drinking alcohol at the
parties?
Yes, a little beer can cheer me up.
Do people have to bring anything to
the party?
It’s not required, but sometimes
visitors bring some gifts to show their love for the host.
Why do people, especially the youth,
love going to parties?
It’s
just a good way for them to chill out after a long day.
Teacher
Who is your favorite teacher?
I like Mr. Tom the most, he is my
English teacher.
Is he a foreign teacher?
Yes, he’s from the US.
What do you like about his lessons?
I have fallen in love with his
American accent and he always shows us something new about the world outside of
textbooks.
What’s he like?
He’s not only knowledgeable but also
very friendly. He always treats us like friends, not students.
What does he usually wear when coming
to class?
He usually wears a gray suit when he
comes to class.
Do you love his subject?
Yes, I enjoy English a lot.
Do students in your class like him?
Yes, all of us admire him.
Do you want to be a teacher like him?
No, although I like him, my dream is
not to become a teacher. I would like to be a chef.
Have you ever been punished by him?
No, he rarely punishes anyone.
Do you want to see him again?
Of
course, he’s a great mentor.
A FRIEND
Who’s your best friend?
It’s Jenny. She’s my best friend.
What does she look like?
She has shoulder-length brown hair. I
just love her lovely smile.
How and when did you meet?
I first met her when we were in high
school.
How often do you see this friend?
I see her every day. We’re in the
same class.
What’s she like?
She’s not only thoughtful but also
very understanding. She’s always by my side to cheer me up whenever I’m in
trouble.
Do you and her share anything in
common?
Yes, a lot. We both love shopping and
playing sports.
What do you and her do
together?
We usually do homework and read books
together.
Have you and her ever
quarreled?
Yes, but we seldom quarrel. When we
do argue, afterwards we seem to understand more about each other.
Does she know how to cook?
Yes, but she’s not a great cook.
Do your parents like her?
Yes, a lot. They always ask Jenny to
come over for dinner.
Why is a friend important in life?
A
good friend can make your life better in many ways. I don’t think anyone can
stand loneliness.
A HOTEL
What is your favorite hotel? Where is
it located?
It’s the Sheraton, a five-star hotel
located in Saigon, Vietnam.
How do you know that hotel?
Before coming to Vietnam for
traveling, I searched on the Internet. It’s one of the best hotels in Vietnam.
Why do you choose to stay in that
particular hotel?
I like the architecture there, and
online all the reviews about the hotel are positive.
Is it by the beach?
No, Saigon is not a beach-side city.
Does it attract many tourists?
Yes, I guess. When I stayed there, it
was completely booked.
What type of room did you stay in and
what facilities did you get from the hotel?
I stayed in a double-bed room. The
room is equipped with air-conditioner, a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, etc.
What do you like about that hotel?
A gymnasium, swimming pool, and BBQ
area are available. I also love the green space surrounding the hotel.
Is all the staff friendly and
helpful?
Yes, definitely. They all are
professional.
How much does it cost a night?
It costs me around $250/night.
Do you recommend that hotel to
friends?
Yes,
if they come to Vietnam. I love everything there.
A LETTER
Who wrote the letter to you?
My dad wrote the letter to me
when he was on a business trip.
Did you keep the letter?
Yes, I put it in a folder. Whenever
I’m down, reading his letter would be a good way to cheer me up.
What was the letter about?
He told me about his new workplace
and how things were there.
How did you feel about the letter?
I was glad to know that he was fine
in another city.
Do you have a letter collection?
Yes. I collect all the letters from
family and friends. It’s one of my hobbies.
Do you like writing letters or
emails?
I prefer writing paper letters.
Do people in your country usually
write letters?
Years ago they did. Now people prefer
emails.
What’s the difference between emails
and hand-written letters?
Emails are much more convenient than
letters because they’re free to send and they get there instantly. However,
letters are much more special.
Why should we write letters to
friends or relatives?
It’s
a good way to show love to people you care about.
HOBBIES
What is your hobby?
I like playing sports, especially
swimming.
Is your hobby common in your country?
Yes, kids, adults, and senior
citizens all like swimming in my country.
Is your hobby the same as when you
were a child?
Yes, I was fond of swimming when I
was a little girl.
When did you start practicing that
hobby?
I started swimming when I was 5 years
old.
Is there anybody in your family who
you share your hobby with?
My dad, he taught me how to swim.
How much time do you spend on your
hobby?
I usually go to the swimming pool
twice a week.
What benefits do you get from it?
Swimming is a really good
workout. It helps me keep fit and chill out after a long day working.
Have you ever heard of someone having
a very unusual hobby? What was it?
Yes, my cousin loves tattooing
vehicles. He puts stickers everywhere on his car.
What do you think about someone
having weird hobbies?
I don’t think any hobby is weird.
It’s just what you like to do, so I don’t judge others.
What hobbies are usually expensive in
your country?
Playing
golf is a really expensive hobby. Only the rich can afford to buy golf
supplies.
MUSIC
What kind of music do you like?
I’m crazy about Pop music.
Is that the kind of music preferred
in your country?
It varies. Normally the youth enjoy
Rock and Pop while middle-aged citizens prefer country music.
Who is your favorite singer?
I’m a big fan of Miley Cyrus, a
talented US singer, songwriter, and actress.
What piece of music do you like? Who
sang that song?
My favorite song is Jolene, sung by
Miley Cyrus.
How much time a day do you spend
listening to music?
I usually listen to music all day
with an MP3 player.
Do you feel relaxed listening to
music?
Sure. I feel like there are no more
worries in the world.
Why is music important to us?
Music has the power of beautifying
our life.
Do you usually go to bars or clubs?
Not often. I sometimes go there on
weekends.
What do you think about the
teenagers’ music style?
Teenagers tend to choose loud and
fast music like Rock or Rap. Everyone has their own taste
of music though.
Have you ever thought of forming a
music band?
No, I
don’t have any talent for music.
SHOPPING
Do you like shopping?
Yes, I’m a shopaholic.
What do you usually shop for?
I usually shop for clothes. I’m a big
fashion fan.
Where do you go shopping?
At some fashion boutiques in my
neighborhood.
Are there many shops in your
neighborhood?
Yes. My area is the city center, so I
have many choices of where to shop.
Do you spend much money on shopping?
Yes and I’m usually broke at the end
of the month.
Do you usually shop online? What
items?
Yes, but not really often. I only buy
furniture online.
What’s the difference between
shopping online and offline?
Unlike
shopping offline, you cannot try on the pieces of clothes or check the material
when shopping online.
HOLIDAY
Where did you go for holiday?
Last year I went to Singapore, a
Southeast Asian country.
Why did you choose that destination?
I love to travel to Asian countries
and Singapore was my best choice because of its beauty and culture.
How long did it last?
I stayed there for 2 weeks.
Who went with you?
I traveled to Singapore with my best
friends.
How did you travel?
We flew there of course. During the
time there, we moved mostly by MRT and taxi.
What did you pack up?
I only brought some necessary items
such as money, clothes, medicine, a map and a digital camera.
What did you do during the holiday?
We visited famous tourist attractions
like Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, Artsience Museum, Singapore
Flyers. We also enjoyed local cuisine there.
What’s the difference between
holidays today and 20 years ago?
Well, it has changed a lot. People
now can afford holidays outside their countries while 20 years ago, traveling
abroad seemed hard.
At what time do people in your
country usually go on holiday?
It
depends on what job people have. When they have a break from work, they will
find somewhere to travel.
ANIMALS
Are you an animal lover?
Yes, I am. I love animals.
Are you raising any pets?
Yes, I have a pitbull puppy at home.
What is it like?
My puppy is friendly, highly
intelligent and well-behaved. He always waves his tail and licks my hand to
welcome me home.
What does it look like?
He’s a medium-sized puppy with a
strong neck, broad chest and brown hair.
What are its habits?
My Pitbull puppy loves doing exercise
every day. When he plays, he plays to win.
What do you usually do with it?
We usually play tennis together. My
puppy helps me pick up tennis balls.
What does it like to eat?
He loves beef, chicken and
some dairy products.
What do you learn from it?
He teaches me loyalty. An adult
pitbull may make me feel safe.
Why do people keep pets?
They consider pets as their loyal
companions which make their life better.
Are pets well looked after in your
country?
Yes.
People in my country love pets.
A PRACTICAL SKILL
What practical skill have you
learned?
Cooking is a practical skill that I
have practiced recently.
Who taught you that skill?
My mom is the best cook. She taught
me everything about how to make soup, salad, omelettes, cake, etc.
How did you learn it?
She shows me how to buy food, prepare
ingredients, and cook meals whenever she’s in the kitchen. I learn how to boil,
grill, steam, fry, braise, etc. day by day.
Why did you learn it?
I just want to be a good cook like my
mom when I get married. I will prepare the best dishes for my husband and
children.
How long did it take for you to learn
it?
I learned it in 4 years. The skill
seems to be strengthened when I live apart from my family for studying.
How often do you use this skill?
I cook every day. I also love
homemade food.
How has this skill helped you?
It makes me more confident whenever I
go on a picnic outside. I’m always responsible for the BBQ.
Do people in your family know this
skill, too?
My younger sister knows how to cook,
too. She has just started learning.
Do all skills need learning?
Yes, they do. ‘’Practice makes
perfect.’’
How is this skill important to you?
It’s an essential life skill. All
women need to know this to keep their family warm and happy.
SPORTS
What sport do you like?
I like playing badminton.
Is it easy to play that sport?
Yes, it’s pretty easy to play.
Is that sport popular in your
country?
Yes, it is.
How long have you been practicing
that sport?
I have been practicing it for 5
years.
Who do you play sports with?
I play badminton with my friends,
sometimes with my brother.
How often do you play that sport?
I play badminton every weekend.
What benefits can you get from that
sport?
It helps strengthen my muscles
because while playing, I have to move continuously. It is good to burn calories
as well.
Do you like watching football? Online
or offline?
Yes, I do. I prefer watching football
offline and online. Going to the stadium, shouting and cheering are good to
release stress.
What is your favorite football team?
I like the Manchester United Football
Club, also known as “The Red Devils”.
Why is sport important?
Sports
are sources of recreation. People can learn how to encourage team
spirit when they play sports, too.
A SCHOOL
What school did you go to?
I went to Millennium high school,
founded in 1999.
Where is the school located?
It’s located in New York City, United
States.
Do you like the architecture of the
school?
Yes, I do. The architecture is not
really impressive, but I like it that the building’s architects left plenty of
space for lounging.
What are the teachers like?
Most of the teachers there are
helpful and friendly. I especially like Mr. Mike, my Physics teacher.
How long have you spent there?
I have spent 3 years of upper
secondary school there.
Is that a single-sex school?
No, it isn’t. This is
a unisex school.
Do you like the school uniform?
We don’t wear uniforms at school, actually.
Why do you enjoy the time there?
Although I had to deal
with quite a heavy workload, I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere when hanging
out with friends in the cafeteria there.
What important lesson did you learn
from school?
I learned how to work in a group in
which there are many friends coming from different cultures. That’s the lesson
of cooperation.
Will you recommend that school to
others?
Yes, of course. I’m proud to
recommend Millennium High School to anyone who is searching for a good place to
learn.
FESTIVAL
How many popular festivals are there
in your country?
There are many: New Year’s day,
Martin Luther King day, Valentine’s day, St. Patrick day, Easter, etc.
What is the most important festival
in your country?
I believe that New Year’s day is the
most important one since it’s a chance for family reunion and
parties. People gather together to welcome the new year.
When does it take place?
It occurs on January 1st.
Where’s the festival celebrated?
The New Year’s day is celebrated all
over the country. Each family has its own way to celebrate the day.
What do people do to prepare for the
festival?
Before New Year’ day, people go shopping
for food and drinks, repair the house or put up decor.
Who can join the festival?
It’s a day for everybody.
What do people do in the festival?
On New Year’ Eve, people have a party
with traditional food and drinks. After that, they may visit friends or
relatives, go to the movies or watch sports.
What’s special about that festival?
It marks the end of a year and
celebrates a new year. People believe that the things they do on the first day
will bring good luck and prosperity to them during the whole year.
Is the festival culturally related?
Sure, the festival is an integral
part of culture.
Why is a festival important?
It
adds structure to our social lives and connects us with our families and
backgrounds.
FOOD
Do you like to cook?
Yes, I do. Cooking helps me feel
relaxed after long hours working.
Is there any kind of food you don’t
like?
I don’t really like fried chicken,
which is very high in fat.
Do you eat out or cook at home?
I usually cook at home, sometimes
when I’m busy, I go out to eat.
How often do you cook?
Just when I have free time. My mom is
often responsible for preparing meals. She’s the best cook ever.
What’s your favorite food?
I’m addicted to sushi. I can eat
sushi every day.
Is it Western or Asian cuisine?
It’s Asian cuisine. Sushi is derived
from Japan.
Is it easy to make your favorite
food?
Yes, I guess. The recipe is quite
simple.
What ingredients do you need to make
that food?
I would need rice, eggs, meat,
seafood, and vegetables.
What do you think about fast food?
I don’t really like fast food. It’s
not healthy at all.
Would you say that you have a healthy
diet?
Yes,
I would. I prefer eating vitamins, protein and less fat.
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE
What’s the most useful household
appliance that you have?
That’s definitely the washing
machine.
When did you buy it?
I bought it 2 years ago. Actually, my
mom gave it to me as a birthday present.
Is it expensive?
I don’t think it cost that much.
Is it easy to use?
Yes, it’s pretty simple.
How does it work?
Just put clothes in, press the
desired button and everything will be done within several minutes.
How often do you use it?
I wash my clothes twice a week.
Will you replace it with a more
modern one?
No, because it was a present and it’s
still working well.
How does your life change with that
household appliance?
It makes our life more convenient. We
can save time as well.
Do you think that household
appliances will make people lazier and lazier?
Yes,
to some extent. With the help of electronic equipment, people tend to forget
manual tasks and become lazier.
A MUSIC BAND
What’s your favorite music band?
I’m a big fan of One Direction. There
are 5 singers in the band.
Is it famous around the world?
Yes, it is. The band is well known
around the world. Almost all teenagers love them.
What’s their taste of music?
They sing Pop music. Their most
famous song may be “What Makes You Beautiful’’.
Are they good at dancing?
Yes, I think so. I fall in love with
their every step.
Have you ever seen them in real life?
Nope, I just watch them on media. I
wish I will see them one day.
How often do you come to their show?
I watch videos almost every day.
Listening to their songs helps me chill out.
Can you sing their songs?
Yes, but only one song. I just keep
singing it over and over again every day.
Do your friends like them?
Of course. We usually watch their
performances and discuss it together.
Do they have anti-fans?
Yes,
every famous singer has anti-fans.
WEATHER
What’s the weather like in your
country?
Well, there are 4 seasons: Spring,
Summer, Fall, and Winter, which vary considerably in characteristics.
What kind of weather do you like?
I enjoy hot weather. There are more
things to do when it’s sunny. I love swimming and sunbathing.
What months have the best weather in your
country?
I believe it depends. For me,
the best weather is from June to August when it’s warm across the country.
Do you like it when it rains?
Not at all. I hate raining.
How does the weather affect your
feelings?
I usually have a bad mood when it rains.
The rain reminds me of sad memories.
How has the weather changed recently?
Due to global warming, the weather
has become more and more unpredictable. It’s boiling hot in summer and freezing
cold on winter days.
Do you usually watch the weather
forecast?
No, not very often.
What’s your favorite season? Why?
Let’s see. I love spring when trees
and flowers blossom.
What do you like to do when it’s
windy?
When
it’s windy, I like flying a kite with my friends. That’s interesting.
NEIGHBOR
Who is your neighbor?
My neighbor is a university student.
He lives next to my apartment.
When did you become neighbors?
I first met him when I moved to this
apartment 2 years ago.
Is he friendly?
Yes, he is. He always smiles when he
sees me.
How often do you see him?
Every day at the gate. Sometimes I
invite him to my apartment when I throw a party.
Do you have any problems with him?
Only once when he sang karaoke too
loud, which kept me awake all night. We ended up talking to each other the next
day, and he never sang karaoke at midnight from then on.
Does he usually help you?
Yes, he does. He usually helps me run
errands.
Would you be sad if he moves to
another area?
Yes, of course. That will upset me if
he leaves.
What’s the difference between friends
and neighbors?
I’m not quite sure, but I think the
difference may lie in the relationship. A friend can be someone you share your
feelings with, while a neighbor can just be someone living next door.
What do you need to be a good
neighbor?
Being
respectful is the most important factor in building a good relationship.
NATURAL SCENERY
Do you like visiting natural places?
Yes, I do. Being close to nature
helps me release stress and worry.
What’s the most impressive natural
scenery you’ve ever seen?
That’s the horseshoe of the Colorado
River in Arizona. It’s such a great scenic place on Earth.
When did you see it?
I visited the place last Summer
holiday.
Who went with you?
I went there with my family. We
camped near the place.
What’s special about it?
I’m fond of the great nature there.
It’s a horseshoe-shaped meander of Colorado river.
How has it changed recently?
It doesn’t change much actually.
What’s the next natural scenery you
would like to visit?
My next destination would be the
Maroon Bells in Colorado. I fell in love with mountain ranges and yellow
flowers there.
What can people get from visiting
natural places?
People will get closer to Mother
Nature. Children have more motivation to discover the world around them.
What are some famous natural attractions
in your country?
There are many such as Death Valley,
Niagara Falls, the Redwoods, and the Grand Canyon, to name a few.
Outdoor Activities
What outdoor activity do you
participate in?
I do many, but my favorite one is
jogging.
Where do you do it?
I go jogging in the park near my
place.
Who do you do outdoor activities
with?
I usually go jogging with my family.
Who shares the same interests as you?
My family, especially my dad. We
usually jog together.
How often do you take part in outdoor
activities?
Every morning, except on rainy days.
How do you feel after activities?
I feel really relaxed and refreshed.
What benefits can you get from
outdoor activities?
It’s a good workout method. Jogging
is also a good way for me to charge batteries for a long day working.
Do you usually play sports outdoors?
Yes, I do. I play volleyball and swim
outdoors.
Why are children less interested in
outdoor activities nowadays?
Children
nowadays prefer high-tech gadgets like computers, iPads, and phones to outdoor
activities.
Law
What law do you like?
I like the traffic law of wearing
the helmet when traveling by motorbike.
Is that an international law?
Yes, people around the world follow
this law.
When was it issued?
I’m not quite sure, but I guess a
long time ago.
Who told you that law?
I learned it at school.
Is it easy to follow that law?
Yes, it is. It doesn’t cause any
inconvenience at all.
What do you think about that law?
The traffic law is so necessary for
traffic participants when they’re on the road.
What benefit can you get from
following that law?
It may keep me safe from traffic
accidents.
Why should people obey the law
strictly?
Following law is a good way to
protect themselves as well as others.
What can be done to encourage people
to follow the law?
Pollution
How many kinds of pollution are
there?
There are many types of pollution:
land, water, noise, air, light, thermal pollution.
What type of pollution is popular in
your country?
The most popular one is water
pollution, I guess.
Have you ever littered?
Yes, I have, but when I was taught
the lesson of protecting Mother Nature, I quit littering.
What can you do to help prevent
pollution?
Reduce and reuse whatever I can to
eliminate the amount of waste is what I can do to prevent pollution.
What does the government do to encourage
people to protect the environment?
They organize some campaigns to raise
the awareness of people. Everything should start from education.
Are people in your country aware of
the environmental issues?
Yes, they are. They care about what
happens to the environment around them.
Is there any law to force people to
protect the environment?
Yes. The environment law states
punishments to people doing harm to the environment.
Traffic Jam
Are you comfortable with traffic jam?
Not at all. I feel annoyed.
Why does it happen?
Because there are too many vehicles
on the streets during rush hours, I bet.
How often do you sit in
a traffic jam?
Just every day, when I finish office
hour and go back home.
What time in a day are you usually
caught in a traffic jam?
In rush hour at 7 a.m and 5 p.m
How long does it take to escape from
the traffic jam?
At least half an hour.
What do you do while waiting in a
long line?
I often glance at my watch actually.
Have you ever had any trouble caused
by traffic jam?
Yes, just yesterday I was late for an
important meeting with my clients.
How has the traffic situation changed
recently?
There are more vehicles, which makes
traffic jam more and more serious.
TV Program
What is your favorite TV program?
Well, I watch a lot, but the one I
like best is “How’s it made”.
Is that an international TV program?
Yes, it is. It’s available in Canada,
Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and so on.
What is the TV program about?
Its name somehow describes the
content, which is about the process of making things like lipsticks, balls,
candy, toys, chocolate and so on.
How often do you watch that TV
program?
Almost every day after dinner.
Who watches that program with you?
My family watches it together. My
younger brother can’t wait to turn on the TV.
What channel is it on?
A very common one, Discovery channel,
which focuses on popular science, technology, and history.
Why do you like that TV program?
I love learning new things,
especially about how everything is produced. I would love to run a business
about hand-made cosmetics.
How does that TV program change you?
I know more about the world around
me. It also supports me in my career path to make my dream come true.
Who is its target audience?
It particularly aims at families and
younger audiences.
Would you recommend that TV program
to your friends?
Yes,
of course. They would be crazy about the program, I bet.
Architecture / Building
What is the most impressive building you’ve
visited?
It’s the Petronas Twin Tower in
Malaysia.
Where is it located?
It’s located in the capital of
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
How tall is it?
They were the tallest buildings in
the world from 1998 to 2004. It reaches the height of 451.9 meters.
Who was the architect?
César Pelli, an Argentine American
architect.
Is it well-known all over the world?
Sure. Tourists can’t miss it when
visiting Malaysia.
Do you have to purchase a ticket in
order to visit the tower?
Yes, I do. It’s sold online.
When did you see it?
I saw it 2 years ago.
Will you come back there again?
Of
course. I’m looking forward to seeing again someday.
Electronic Media
What kind of electronic media is
popular in your country?
There are some popular kinds: radio,
TV and online news.
What’s your favorite kind?
I like online news because I have to
work with computers every day, it’s easier for me to read online.
Why do you like it?
Due to its convenience. I love
reading anyway.
How often do you access to that kind
of electronic media?
Every morning before I start working.
What’s interesting about it?
Instead of watching TV or listening
to radio passively, I ‘d rather read and think about the news.
Is it convenient to access to that
kind of electronic media?
Yes, with a computer, smartphone
connected to the Internet, you can read electronic news anytime and anywhere.
Do your family like that electronic
media too?
No. My dad likes radio, and my mom
likes TV.
How has mass media changed
recently?
They’re
more modern and user-friendly.
Job/Career
What is your desired job?
Well, my dream changes in accordance
to age. Up to now, I would like to be a great English teacher.
Is that a demanding job?
Yes, I think so although people
suppose that being a teacher is easy and boring.
What challenge do you have when doing
that job?
I have some problems with classroom
management. Maybe I have to improve that skill a lot in order to be a good
teacher.
Is it hard to make your dream come
true?
Every job needs time and effort,
and teacher does as well. Apart from the academic knowledge I was
taught in university, I have to learn many other soft skills.
Why do you choose that job?
I really admired my high school
English teacher, and I want to be like her.
What requirements and characteristics
do you need to do that job?
Let’s see. You need to be patient,
thoughtful and sympathetic.
Does the job have something to do
with your major at university?
Sure. I studied English Linguistics
and Literature, majored in English teaching. The major does support me a lot in
my career path.
What does the society think about
your job?
I’m not quite sure, but I’m proud to
be a teacher, an honor job.
Do you make much money with that job?
Not at all. Teacher’s one of the
lowest paying jobs in my country.
Have you ever thought of leaving your
job?
I
haven’t thought of that before, but I believe in what I’m doing right now.
Competition/Contest
What is the most impressive
competition you’ve entered?
I took part in an eloquence
competition, organized by my university last year.
What was it about?
The competition was to find out the
best public speaker in the university.
Were there many participants in the
competition?
Yes, there were around 500
participants totally.
What prize did you get?
Well, I didn’t get a very high prize,
but it didn’t matter, I was still happy with the result.
What could you learn from the
competition?
I learned the way to develop ideas
for a speech beside some body language tips in public speaking.
Did you have to prepare a lot for the
competition?
Yes, I did. I read various materials
about eloquence, as well as rehearsed a lot.
How did you know about the
competition?
The competition was informed in the
school poster.
Did you do your best then?
Yes, I think so. After the
competition, I know I have to try more.
Is the competition useful, in your
opinion?
Sure.
It helps students learn soft skills as well as become more confident in life.
Garden
Is there any garden that you like?
Yes, I love the strawberry garden in
my neighborhood.
Where is it?
It’s in the highland area where I
live.
When did you first see it?
I accidentally saw it when I had a
picnic in the highland.
What were planted in the garden?
Strawberries, of course. There are
also some boxes of cucumbers next to the strawberry beds.
Why do you like the garden?
I love picking red strawberries. The
garden brings me closer to nature as well.
What is special about the garden?
The strawberries there are organic.
How do people do the gardening?
Keeping the beds mulched is important
since it helps reduce water needs.
How often do you visit the garden?
Just when I have leisure time since
I’m quite busy.
Is there any relation between the
green garden and your mood?
Yes, at least for me. The green will
help me chill out.
Do you want to be a gardener?
Honestly, no. I’m not used to manual
work.
Hometown
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is a coastal state of US.
Is it the city or the countryside?
I live in a suburb area.
What’s it known for?
It’s famous for tobaccos.
What do people do there?
Agriculture is the main industry in
my hometown. Most of the people here plant and sell tobaccos.
How is the atmosphere there?
Well, it’s quite peaceful. I enjoy
the fresh air here.
How are people there?
They’re friendly and hospitable.
Would you like to live in your
hometown or somewhere else?
Yes, I would. I just wish I can live
here forever.
Is it easy to find a job there?
Manual work is easy to find. I’m not
sure about the white -collar jobs.
Is it a good environment for young
people?
I don’t think so. The pace of life
here is quite slow. If they want to work in a dynamic environment, they’d
better move to the city.
Is traffic congestion a big problem
in your hometown?
Not
at all. We couldn’t be happier with the traffic system here.
Clothing
What is your favorite item of
clothing?
My favorite one is a maxi dress. I
wear it when hanging out with my friends or attending parties.
When did you buy it?
My friend gave it to me as a birthday
present when I turned to 21.
Where did you buy it?
I had no idea where my close friend
bought it.
What color is it?
It’s blue – my favorite color.
Was it expensive?
Yes, I guessed.
Why do you like it?
Well, I’m kind of short and plump, so
it’s hard to find a piece of clothing that fits me perfectly, but that one
does. I also love the color and style.
Do clothes help to build your
personal brand?
Yes, I agree with it to some extent.
I still believe that personal brand can be built from the inside rather than
the outside. However, what you wear also plays an important role in saying who
you are.
Have you seen anybody wearing unusual
clothes?
Yes, I have, but I don’t think any
fashion style is weird. I believe everybody has their own taste of fashion.
How has your fashion style changed
recently?
I always wore formal shirt and
trousers whenever hanging out years ago, but now I change into casuals like
jeans and T-shirt.
An Advertisement
What is your favorite advertisement?
I’m quite impressed with the
advertisement about Surf – a laundry detergent made by Unilever.
Where did you see it?
I accidentally saw it on TV 2 years
ago.
What happened in the advertisement?
The ad told a story of a family in
which the children all loved their step-mother due to the white shirts she
prepared for them.
Why do you like it?
I just can’t stop loving the story in
the ad. It’s such a sweet story.
Was there any famous actor/ actress
in the advertisement?
Not at all. The actors were not very
well-known, I think.
Did it attract much attention?
I have no idea, but I saw it in many
public places.
What do you like the most in the
advertisement?
Well, the vivid images and sound
effects did attract me.
Do you believe
in advertisements?
Not really. Ads always say good
things and neglect to mention bad things about a product for obvious reasons.
How have advertisements changed
recently?
They’re
more modern. Digital marketing has proved successful in many fields.
A Project
What project did you work on?
I made an English poster about our
environment.
Was that an indoor or outdoor
project?
The project was carried out mostly
outdoor, only the last phase was conducted indoor.
Who was involved in the project?
My teammates and an advisory teacher.
What did you do?
We had a field trip to the
countryside where we studied insects and plants.
Was it a successful project?
Yes. We received compliments from our
professor.
Who was your advisory teacher?
Our Science teacher, Mr.John. We
learned a lot from him.
What did you learn after the project?
I learned how to write contents and
decorate posters.
Did you like your partners?
Yes. Most of them were friendly and
responsible. I particularly liked Michael, the leader of my team.
What did you get after the project?
A wedding
Have you ever attended someone’s wedding?
Who was he/she?
Yes, a lot, but the most memorable
one is my best friends.
Who went with you?
I went with one of my classmates.
Where was the wedding organized?
It was held in a restaurant downtown.
What did people do in the wedding?
They enjoyed wedding feast, sang and
danced together after giving the couple best wishes of an ever-lasting
happiness.
What did the bride and groom wear?
The bride wore a white wedding gown
while the groom wore a black suit and tie.
What was the most interesting ritual
in the wedding?
Exchanging rings is the ritual I’m
quite interested in.
Are weddings a special event of one’s
life in your country?
Yes, along with birthdays.
Do people in your country get married
early?
Not really. The average age to get
married for women is 27 and for men is 29.
What is the ideal age to get married
in your opinion?
Well. 27 would be my ideal age. Women
are most charming and mature at that age, I guess.
How has wedding changed recently?
The most noticeable change is the
reduce of rituals in a wedding. There used to be more steps in weddings
years ago than there are now.
A Coffee Shop
What’s your favorite coffee shop?
My favorite one is The Coffee House,
a local coffee shop in my neighborhood.
Where is it?
It’s 500 m far from my house.
How often do you visit that coffee
shop?
Every weekend when I hang out with my
friends. The Coffee House is always our first choice.
Who do you go with?
I meet my friends there. They love
the place, too.
What drinks does it serve?
Many kinds: coffee, chocolate,
cocktail, smoothie, tea, juice of various tastes. My favorite one is hot
chocolate.
Are the waiters there friendly?
Yes, they couldn’t be nicer.
Do you like the decorations of that
coffee shop?
Yes, I love it. I fancy the green
space they put in each corner of the room.
When was the last time you go there?
I last went there last Monday.
What is special about that coffee
shop?
The drinks are what make them
different. People are just addicted to full-bodied coffee and chocolate there.
How do you know about that coffee
shop?
My cousin recommended it to me and I
did give it a try.
Culture
Which culture do you belong to?
I was born and raised in America
where my culture was shaped.
Is that a multicultural society?
Yes, it is. My culture is a diverse mix
of customs and traditions of various races and ethnicities.
How long has your country been
practicing those customs?
Well, it has a long history, around
10,000 years ago.
What custom do you like the most?
I like practicing dining etiquette.
That’s what makes me American whenever I travel to other countries.
What are traditional costumes of men
and women in your country?
Cowboy hats and boots are American
styles, but nowadays jeans and T-shirt are more preferable.
Are you comfortable with tradition
and customs of your culture?
Of course. I was born with it.
How do people greet each other?
Well, it depends on the situation. In
an informal communication, people just say ‘hi’.
Have you ever felt drawn to another
land?
Yes, I’m interested in Indian
culture. I wish I can get there someday to attend a typical Indian wedding.
Transport
What is the most popular means of
transport in your country?
Most people in my country travel by
car.
How do you go to school or work?
I prefer bus due to its convenience.
I enjoy reading books while sitting on the bus.
How often do you take busses?
Every day. I went to school by bus 2
years ago, and the bus is still my best choice.
Do people in your country like
traveling by bus?
Not really, they have their own cars.
What are some benefits of traveling
by bicycle?
It’s a good way of doing exercise. We
can protect our environment as well.
Do you prefer public transport or
private transport?
Public transport is much cheaper.
Do you think bus should replace other
means of transport?
Sure. In the
future, busses should be used widely by commuters.
What do the government do to
encourage people to use public transport?
It’s a good idea to make public
transport as convenient as private transport. Besides, more campaigns should be
launched to raise the awareness of protecting our environment.
How has the transport changed
recently?
There are more cars in a household
now than before, which partly leads to traffic jams in some
cosmopolitan cities.
Politician
Who is your favorite politician?
She’s Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton,
an American politician.
Where is she from?
She comes from the USA.
Does she appear on TV?
Yes, quite often. She usually shows
up on TV in news programs.
What is appealing about her?
She’s a democratic politician.
Is she famous?
Yes, she’s well-known all over the
world.
Does she have a great influence on
people?
Yes. I think so. She fights for
humans rights. She has a very controversial and influential speech that ‘human
rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.’
Do you want to be like her?
Being a politician has never been my
dream, actually.
Why do you admire her?
She’s one of the few women who
succeed in politics.
What did she do that you can tell
others?
Oh, a lot of things. She cares for people’s health. She also tackles the
issues of adoption and family safety.
Communication
What’re your favorite means of
communication?
I prefer talking directly to people.
How to you keep in touch with your
friends?
I’m so busy that I don’t often hang
out with friends, so I usually get in touch with them using social networks or
phone.
Do you get in touch with your family
by phone?
Yes, I do. I live away from my family,
so phone would be an ideal means of communication.
Do you usually write letters or
emails?
I used to write letters when the
Internet hasn’t been used widely. Now I prefer emails due to its convenience.
What are some advantages of using a
mobile phone?
That’s the easiest means of
communication, I think. Mobile phones are portable. Just dial the
numbers and you can immediately get connected with anyone you want.
Do you like handwriting letters?
Yes, I do. I like to keep handwriting
letters as keepsakes.
Do you use social networks?
Yes, the youth now can hardly live
without social networks.
Do you need communication skills
using social networks?
Sure. Even in social networks.
How have social networks changed
communication?
People prefer talking online rather
than directly. Because of the illusion of social networks, people tend to
forget necessary skills to communicate with others in real life.
Do you have good communication skills
in your opinion?
Maybe
yes. People are quite happy talking to me.
Business
Are you studying or working?
I left school 3 years ago. I’m
working now.
Are you self – employed or working
for a company?
I’m self-employed. I used to work for
a company 2 years ago.
Are you running any business?
Yes, I’m running a small business.
What does your business sell?
I make and sell handmade cosmetics.
Do you have any difficulty running
that business?
Yes, I had some difficulties
attracting customers at first, but everything is getting better now.
Is that an online or offline business?
I sell products online. It’s easier
selling online than offline because I can take full advantage of my social
network.
When did you start the business?
I started running my own business 2
years ago.
What are some advantages of running
your own business?
I can
take some days off whenever I feel tired, and I can make much more money
compared to working for a company.
Computer
Do you have your own computer?
Yes, I owned a personal laptop when I
was in university.
How often do you use the computer?
Almost every day. I can’t work
without a computer.
Have you ever joined any computer
class?
Yes, years ago. I learned about
Microsoft Word and Excel.
What do you use the computer for?
You know, I’m an accountant, so
managing business records would be much easier for me using a computer.
What are some advantages of using the
computer?
With a computer connected to the
Internet, we can shop, pay bills or do bank transactions online. Listening to
music, watching movies are even more convenient.
Do you use other
high-tech devices besides computers?
Yes, apart from a computer, I also
use a smartphone.
Should children learn how to use the
computer?
Yes,
I think so. Children should be given chances to approach the computer but under
the control of their parents.
Exercise
Do you usually exercise?
Yes, I do. Doing exercise is one of
my good habits.
What sport do you play?
Swimming is my favorite. I also play
tennis.
How often do you exercise?
I go jogging almost every day before
breakfast.
When did you start doing exercise?
Just last year, actually.
Is there anyone who does exercise
with you?
I go jogging with my older brother.
He’s a good company of mine.
What benefits can you get from
exercising?
Well, a lot. Exercise helps reduce
fat and build muscles. It also keeps me awake mentally during the whole day.
Where do you exercise?
At a nearby park. There are some
exercise machines for people to use.
Why do you exercise?
I like moving. For me, life without
moving is like a picture without color.
Do people in your country do much
exercises?
I don’t think so. They’re so busy
working that they forget to do exercise.
What if people don’t do enough
exercise?
Obviously,
they’ll gain weights fast and become obese.
Goal/ Ambition
What is your current short-term goal?
I’m determined to get a scholarship
to study post-graduate abroad.
When did you start thinking about
this goal?
I started thinking about it when I
left university.
What difficulties do you have in
order to achieve it?
Spending a lot of time searching it,
I haven’t found any scholarship that fits my needs.
Do you need any help to achieve that
goal?
I really need spiritual encouragement
from my family and friends.
Do your parents support you to
achieve that goal?
Yes, they do. They’re always by my
side and support me when needed.
Do you think it’s important to set
goals?
Sure. We all need to have some goals
to drive ourselves towards them. Setting goals is a necessary step to do in
order to succeed in doing something
What are the important qualities to achieve
goals?
Well,
you need to be persistent to what you desire to get. Commitment and patience
are needed, too.
Art
What’s your favorite work of art?
There’s a special photograph named
‘The Napalm Girl’.
When did you see it?
I accidentally saw it 5 years ago,
when I traveled to Vietnam.
Where did you see it?
In Museum of Vietnamese History. The
photo was solemnly hung in an eye-catching position in the room.
Why do you like it?
The photo captured a naked 9
–year-old girl, running away from the napalm attack, which is really touching.
What’s special about it?
Thanks to the photo, the photographer
was awarded the Pulitzer prize for Spot News Photography.
Do your friends like it, too?
Yes, they do. The photo did touch
their souls, too.
Do you want to be an artist?
Nope, although I’m quite interested
in art.
What qualities does a person need to
be an artist?
An artist needs to be creative and
sensitive to things around him, I think.
How do children develop their talent
for art?
Children’s
talent for art should be recognized and nurtured as early as possible so that
they can reach their full potential.
Fashion
Are you a big fan of fashion?
Yes, I am. I believe every girl is
crazy about fashion.
What style do you choose to wear?
Well, my favorite piece of clothes is
a dress. Depending on the situation, I choose a formal or informal dress to
wear.
Do you enjoy shopping for clothes?
Yes, I’m a shopaholic, actually.
Is there any fashion icon who you
want to wear the same?
Yes, I really admire
Taylor Swift and wish to wear like her.
Do you create your own fashion style?
No, I’m not a fashionista, so most of
the time I just follow the fashion trend.
Do you prefer vintage or modern
style? Why?
Honestly, I love vintage style.
Wearing classic clothes makes me feel like I’m special.
Have you ever attended in any fashion
show?
Not in real life. I just watch them
on TV.
What do people think about your
fashion style?
I don’t know exactly, and I don’t
care much about it. I just wear what makes me comfortable and confident.
Are you going to change your fashion
style in the future?
Well, I can’t tell. Maybe fashion is
changeable, and I am, too.
Is fashion important to people?
Yes,
in my opinion. Fashion can partly reveal who you are.
Jewelry
What’s your favorite item of jewelry?
Well, I have quite a lot of
ornaments, but my favorite one is a necklace.
When did you buy it?
Uhm…I don’t remember exactly when,
but I guess I bought it years ago.
What’s it made of?
It’s made of silver.
How does it look?
It looks gorgeous with a ruby clover
–shaped pendant.
Why do you like it?
I believe it can bring me good luck
in everything I do.
What’s special about it?
I love the vintage style of my
necklace. It really goes with my classic dresses.
Does it remind you of something?
Yes, I spent my first month’s salary
buying it, so the necklace encourages me to work hard and earn more money every
day.
How much does it cost?
Around $400 if I’m not mistaken.
Do you usually wear it?
Yes,
I just wear it all the time. I’ll be missing it if I don’t see it.
Cosmetic
What’s your favorite cosmetic item?
My favorite cosmetic item is a cherry
red lipstick.
When did you buy it?
I bought it in a local cosmetic shop.
How often do you use it?
Almost every day. I sometimes change
the color.
How did it change your physical
appearance?
Oh. At first, I was hesitant to try
because I thought it wouldn’t match my skin undertone, but when putting it on,
the cherry red color did make me more charming and gorgeous.
Is it expensive?
Nope. It is under $21only.
Is the brand name famous?
Yes, I think. M.A.C is well-known all
around the world. M.A.C lipstick is an iconic product of the producer.
How important are cosmetics according
to you?
Well, frankly, cosmetics are really
important to women although I agree that the true beauty does come from inside.
Is it important to have a
good-looking appearance?
Sure. You will be given more
opportunities if you’re good-looking.
Are cosmetics harmful?
Yes, I guess. Some toxic chemicals in
cosmetics may cause skin cancer.
Do think beauty products are a waste
of money?
Not
really as for me, I just spend my saving money on cosmetics.
Indoor Game
What indoor game do you like to play?
Uhm, I’m fond of playing bowling.
When did you start playing it?
I’ve just started bowling. It’s been
3 weeks so far.
Who do you play it with?
Most of the time I play with my
friends when we hang out together. Sometimes, I also go bowling with my
cousins.
Where do you play?
At a nearby shopping mall. There is
an entertainment area where people can play various games.
Is it easy to play?
Yes, quite easy. The bowler has to
knock down as many pins as possible, ideally all of them.
Are you usually the winner?
Nope, because I’m just a beginner. My
friends are much more experienced in playing it.
Why do you like it?
Well, going bowling is quite
enjoyable. I love it when my friends cheer me up.
Is it popular in your country?
Yes, people playing almost
everywhere. There are nearly 3,000 bowling centers in my country.
What are other indoor games in your
country?
There
are many such as board game, table tennis, squash, boxing and so on.
Indoor Game
What indoor game do you like to play?
Uhm, I’m fond of playing bowling.
When did you start playing it?
I’ve just started bowling. It’s been
3 weeks so far.
Who do you play it with?
Most of the time I play with my
friends when we hang out together. Sometimes, I also go bowling with my
cousins.
Where do you play?
At a nearby shopping mall. There is
an entertainment area where people can play various games.
Is it easy to play?
Yes, quite easy. The bowler has to
knock down as many pins as possible, ideally all of them.
Are you usually the winner?
Nope, because I’m just a beginner. My
friends are much more experienced in playing it.
Why do you like it?
Well, going bowling is quite
enjoyable. I love it when my friends cheer me up.
Is it popular in your country?
Yes, people playing almost
everywhere. There are nearly 3,000 bowling centers in my country.
What are other indoor games in your
country?
There
are many such as board game, table tennis, squash, boxing and so on.
Phone Conversation
Do you usually talk on the phone?
Yes, I do. It’s a good way to keep in
touch.
What was your favorite phone
conversation?
It was when I talked to my
interviewer. He did give me the good news that I got the job.
When did you have the conversation?
I don’t remember exactly, but It’s
been 2 years so far, I guess.
Who did you talk to?
I talked to the owner of the
restaurant where I’m working as a cashier.
What did you talk about?
He offered me the position and
congratulated me.
Why did you find the conversation
interesting?
Actually, it was more exciting than
interesting. I was waiting for it for so long, and finally, he did make it
come true.
Do you prefer talking directly or talking
on the phone?
Personally, talking directly is much
better to me since it’s more lively and authentic.
Who do you usually talk to on the
phone?
I talk to my mom almost every day. I
will be missing the conversation every evening with mom if one day she stops
calling me.
What are the differences between
talking directly and phoning?
Well,
talking directly seems more exciting since you can see facial expression, eye
contact while talking on the phone, you can only listen to the voice.
Learning A Second Language
Do you like learning languages?
Yes, I do. I love traveling and
talking to the local people in their mother tongue.
What is your mother language?
I speak English.
What second language are you
learning?
I’m learning Spanish. I fell in love
with Spanish when I traveled to Spain last year.
Is that language popular in your
country?
Yes. People in my country come from
every corner of the world and Spanish is the second popular language spoken
here according to the statistic.
How often do you use that language?
Quite a lot. I see Spanish people
every day in the restaurant, bank or supermarket.
How long have you been learning that
language?
I’ve been learning it for 5 years.
I’m in advanced class now.
Why do you choose to learn that
language?
I’m interested in Spanish culture,
and I’d like to use language as a tool to discover Spanish cultural values.
Who is your teacher?
An old Spanish teacher. She can also
speak English fluently.
Why do people learn a second
language?
There
are many purposes. Some learn to do business, some learn to travel, some just
learn for fun.
A Creative Person
Who is the creative person that you
admire?
Well, I really admire Mr.Tom, who is
an extremely creative Math teacher.
Why do you admire him?
For me, Math is quite boring because
I have to work with long numbers. I used to hate Math so much before I had
lessons with Mr.Tom. He has thousands of ways to teach that boring subject,
which inspires me a lot.
How did he become so creative?
I’m not quite sure, but I think that’s
his inborn talent.
Do people you know admire him, too?
Of course. All my classmates just
love and respect him for his creative teaching.
What is he like?
He has a good sense of humor. He
always tells jokes, and we just can’t help laughing.
Do you think creativity can be
learned and practiced?
Yes, I definitely do. Creativity,
like any other qualities, can be trained.
How is creativity important in study
or work?
It generates energy and makes things
more inspiring. Without creativity, work and study are just dull and tiring.
A Celebrity
Who is a famous celebrity that you
admire?
Well, I’m a big fan of Miley Ray
Cyrus, an American singer, songwriter, and actress.
Why do you admire her?
Well, she’s at my age, but what she’s
achieved is acknowledged worldwide.
What is special about her?
I just fall in love with her
beautiful voice. I can’t stop listening to her songs again and again. My
favorite songs of hers are Jolene and Wrecking Ball.
Is she well-known worldwide?
Yes, she is. She’s a teen idol.
Do you see her on TV or in reality?
Most of the time I see her on TV.
Do your friends love her, too?
Yes, they do. We usually enjoy her
songs, movies together.
Do you want to be like her?
Yes,
being a well-known singer is my dream.
A Health Problem
What health problem did you have?
I had measles when I was 18.
How did you have that health problem?
I thought I catch measles from someone
when they cough or sneeze.
Was that serious?
Not really, but it was unpleasant. I
recovered after 10 days staying at home.
What were some symptoms of that
health problem?
I had a cold and fever with a cough,
a runny nose. The small grayish-white spots appeared on my body, too.
Did you take any medical treatment?
No, I didn’t. The situation wasn’t
serious enough to be sent to the hospital then.
How could you recover from it?
Well, let me see, I drank a lot of
water, avoided the direct light, and I had to stay off school for 10 days.
What difficulties did you face
because of that problem?
I couldn’t go out for a few days,
which was boring. I’m not allowed to play outside and I felt so bad about it.
What do people do to prevent that
health problem?
By having measles vaccine.
Is that health problem common in your
country?
Not
really, due to the effectiveness of vaccination.
Technological Advancements
Are you a tech and gadget lover?
Yes, I am. I love shopping for new
gadgets.
What is an important technological
advancement you know?
That’s the emergence of online
payment systems like Credit Cards or Paypal thanks to the development of the
Internet, I think.
What do you use it for?
I use these services to do shopping
online. Now I can book flight tickets in advance without the need to go to the
agency.
How long have you been using it?
I’ve been using these services for
around 3 years.
Does it make your life easier?
Sure. It’s fast, simple and
convenient.
How did it change your life?
Well, I can enjoy my life more. I can
do a plenty of things online like shopping, transferring money, booking
tickets, and so on.
How often do you use it?
At least once a week.
What are other technological
advancements you know?
There
are many: electricity, smartphone, the internet, robot, and so on.
A Landmark
What is a famous landmark in your
hometown?
Well, I can’t hide my proud to talk
about the Statue of Liberty.
When was it built?
I read on newspapers that It was
constructed in 1886.
Where is it?
It’s located on Liberty island in New
York Harbor.
How does it look like?
That’s a woman, known as the Roman
goddess, bearing a torch and a broken chain lies at her feet.
What was it made of?
The main material was copper.
Who was the architect?
Mr.Gustave Eiffel, who also designed
the tower of Eiffel.
What is special about it?
Actually, it was gifted to my
country, the USA from the people of France.
Does it symbolize something?
The statue is a symbol of freedom. We
all love it and are so proud to share with international friends about it.
Does it attract many tourists to
come?
Yup.
It attracts 4 million visitors each year according to the statistic.
Handcraft Items
Do you love handcraft items?
Yeah. My accessories are all
hand-made.
What handcraft item do you like?
Well, I’ve got many items, but I
really fall in love with my bamboo handbag.
Where did you buy it?
I bought it in a trip to the
countryside. People make handcrafts from bamboo there.
Why do you like it?
Because it’s unique. I travel quite a
lot, but can hardly find a similar one.
What is it made of?
It’s made of 100% bamboo.
What does it look like?
Being made of traditional material,
it looks trendy, though. My handcraft bag has A4 paper size, which is large
enough to carry a bunch of stuff: makeup things, a wallet, and tissues.
How is it made?
Luckily, I had a chance to see how it
is made. People spent the whole day knitting hundreds of small bamboo fibers
together to make one bag.
Is it easy to make?
Nope. I’m not really skillful and
patient, so handcrafts seem super hard for me.
What is special about it?
The material itself is what makes it
special. It’s eco-friendly as well.
Does it remind you of something?
Yup.
It reminds me of the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the countryside where I
visited.
Plastic Surgery
Is plastic surgery popular in your
country?
Not really. People in my country are
not so interested in plastic surgery.
What do you think about people having
plastic surgery?
It’s hard to say. As long as they
find happiness in what they’re doing, it’s fine with me.
Why do you think people do it?
They want to gain a better look, I
believe. That’s understandable.
Is plastic surgery bad?
It’s bad for health in the long run.
Does it do harm to your health?
Sure, there are several unhealthy
substances in the medical treatments which may be harmful to your body.
Do you think changing your look is a
good thing?
Yes, I can’t deny that changing for a
better appearance is what people should do. But don’t abuse plastic surgery or
you will face serious health problems later on.
Do you think the development of
plastic surgery is a positive or negative trend?
It’s more a positive trend, I guess.
Thanks to plastic surgery, people who think they don’t look good can now make
themselves more attractive.
Do you care more about your outlook
or inner soul?
As for me, the inner soul does matter
more although outside appearance is important, too.
What is a part of your face that you
wish to change?
Although
I have some imperfect parts, I have no wish to change anything. I love the
natural appearance my parents gave me.
Success
What success did you achieve?
I don’t know if it matters to someone
or not, but passing the entrance exam to university was a huge success for me.
When did you get that success?
I got it 6 years ago. It’s been 2
years since I left university.
Was there anyone who supported you?
My family supported me a lot. My mom
prepared good meals for me while my dad helped me with hard math problems.
Was it hard to get that success?
It was hard for me since I wasn’t
good at academic subjects at all.
What were some difficulties in
achieving success?
The period before the exam was quite
stressful. I was so obsessed with it that I had a serious headache.
How did you get it?
I stuck to books day and night. I
just stopped reading and writing when I felt I knew thoroughly about the
matters.
How did you feel when you were
successful?
I was over the moon then. I was
looking forward to campus life.
How did your life change after that
success?
I had a chance to learn my favorite
major at my desired university and then got a high-paying job in an active
working environment.
What is your key to success?
I
don’t particularly have any key to success. Just work hard and try your best,
everything good will come to you.
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