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Will you continue to follow this person on social media? Yes, I think I will continue to follow her as her content is interesting, informative and appealing. Is social media important? If you had asked me fifteen years ago I would have said no, that it's just a way to keep in touch with friends but now social media is unavoidable. It has become something far greater than a means to keep in touch with loved ones and has expanded to become a source of all information. For companies, it is a whole new vehicle for them - to be seen and to communicate with customers and potential customers. So much so, in fact, that companies hire staff that focuses just on their social media presence. Where do people get most of their information from nowadays? I think many people still use the TV and radio for information but the importance of the internet as a source of news cannot be overstated. Personally speaking, I use the internet exclusively for information because I can learn about events from multiple sources instantaneously. I would say that I am not alone in this and the sheer number of news websites or publications that have a web presence can attest to that. Do older people get information from different sources? I think older people feel more comfortable with more traditional sources of information like the TV, radio or newspaper. You'd be hard pressed to find a young adult reading a newspaper unless it was for the novelty value of it. Do you think you will continue to get information from the same sources in the future? I hesitate to say yes because I fear that one day soon those of us that get news from the internet will be deemed dinosaurs. I think just like with the tv, something new will eventually come up to replace the internet as a source of information and I wouldn't be surprised if someone then said to me quote unquote "keep up with the times". Thank you.

Where are you from? I am from a lovely seaside town about two hours from here. Do you work or study? I work as a lawyer in a large law firm. How do you feel at work? Usually, I feel very stressed. It's a demanding job and when you know that someone's freedom is at stake it can be very overwhelming. What do you usually do at your workplace? I spend a considerable amount of time on the computer, writing briefs, researching laws, precedents – anything that is relevant to the case I am representing. I also have meetings with clients and other lawyers. Would you change anything about your workplace? I would change the pace of the work. For some reason, when it rains it pours. By that I mean that some periods are very slow and during other periods the workload seems insurmountable. Do you prefer to call a colleague on the phone or send them an email? For work-related issues, I do both. I call the colleague to discuss and then I follow up with an email so that there is written documentation of our conversation. It is a bit tedious but absolutely necessary in my line of work.

Describe something that surprised you. You should say -what it was -how you found out about it -what you did -and explain how it made you feel Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening! I had been preparing for IELTS for several months with a tutor and had completed at least 10 listening tests, so I felt very well prepared. My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening and gave me glowing words of praise so my confidence was soaring. Even after I left the exam, I was certain I had achieved my required score. Several days later, the notification that my results were available arrived. When I logged on to see the score, I was aghast. I told no one – I simply left the office and went for a walk. I don't even remember where I went! I called my tutor and let her know what had happened. I believe she tried to console me but to no avail. Shortly afterwards, when I had calmed down, I realised where I had gone wrong in my exam and now I am certain I won't repeat the same mistake again.

Do you like surprises? If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise. Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea? It depends on what the things are. A trip taken spontaneously can be wonderfully adventurous and rejuvenating. However, a house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster. So spontaneity can be a great way to bring some excitement to a person's life but it has to be done in moderation. How do unexpected situations make people feel? Generally, I think people are uncomfortable with the unknown. We say that we like excitement and novelty, but in reality we are creatures of habit and are uncomfortable in unfamiliar circumstances. People get anxious and if this feeling is prolonged or happens repeatedly, their well-being suffers. Why do some people feel stressed when things don't go as planned? People like a sense of control. Or rather, I should say they like the illusion of control. They like to feel like they are masters of their own destiny – although if you ask me, this is ridiculous. I think people get stressed because they are insecure about their ability to handle something unexpected, and it's a little childish quite frankly.

Do you work or study? I study psychology at the university here. Do you enjoy studying this? Yes, it has been my dream since childhood to study psychology. The different theories that attempt to explain human behaviour never cease to amaze me. How will your studies help you in the future? I hope to attend a graduate programme to get a specialisation in family and child psychology, so my undergraduate degree is a necessary first step. Let's talk about photos. Do you enjoy taking photos? Photography is one of my hobbies, so yes, I can often be found with my camera taking pictures of beautiful scenery. Do you like to take photos of yourself? At the risk of sounding narcissistic, yes, I do enjoy taking my own photo. Essentially though, it's because I am never happy with the photos others take of me. So, if I don't take a decent photo of myself once in a while, none would exist. Would you consider getting a professional photo taken of yourself? I was somewhat forced to do this last year. My brother and his wife arranged for a series of family portraits for my parents' wedding anniversary. It was a lovely, albeit awkward, experience. Do you have a special family photo? Interestingly, even though a professional took our photos, I don't consider these "special." For me, I consider a photograph from my brother's graduation special. The whole family is there, even my grandmother who is no longer with us. We are happy and just beaming with pride.

Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say -what item or service it was -why it was free -what you did to receive it -and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash. Although the tank was nearly empty, I asked the attendant to put 10 pounds worth of fuel in my car. He started the pump and walked away. A minute or two later, I looked at the pump and saw that it read 40 pounds and was still going! I flagged down the attendant and reminded him that I had only asked for 10 pounds of fuel and now I had to pay nearly 50! He apologised profusely but said since I had been given the petrol I had to pay for it. Well, I take it the attendant could see from my face that I was in a tight position and pretty upset about the whole ordeal. He offered to pay for the difference out of his salary but I couldn't in good conscience ask him to do that. That's when he offered me three free car washes and a waxing instead. It wasn't an ideal situation as I still had to pay for the fuel and essentially I was getting something I didn't truly need but I accepted the offer. It all worked out in the end because my car received some much needed care. I, of course, used the petrol and the attendant was satisfied that he didn't have to pay for the fuel himself.

(Note: In Part 2 of this exam, the candidate speaks about a free carwash they received.) Would you recommend this item or service to others? They did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city don't typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally. Do people value free things less than items that are purchased? Typically yes. Usually free items are something of a gimmick, a way to pull you in to earn your loyalty and convince you to buy more. They are very rarely of high value – if they were you would have to pay for them! People know that it is part of a ploy and don't always appreciate the free item. Is there anything more valuable than money? Absolutely. Obviously things like health, family and loved ones are more valuable but I would also say time is more valuable. This is particularly true for people who happen to have a lot of money. They are happy to spend more for something if it means it will save them time. Do you think money can change a person's values? I think the example I just shared is a good illustration of how money can change a person's values. When you don't have money, you will spend time to save money. On the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time. Having money – or not – will change what you place a premium on.

Do you work or study? I work in software development at a large organisation in this city. How would you describe the layout of your workplace? My workplace is made up of several large office rooms with three or four workers in each room. Everyone has a desk and each office usually has a small table with an electric kettle for coffee and tea. We're a small organisation, so the CEO works alone from the room that doubles as our company's main meeting room. It has a large table and a whiteboard. What do you do every day after you get up? The first thing I do is make a thermos of coffee while checking news headlines on my phone. Then I shower and get ready for work. I don't usually eat breakfast at home because there is a small and inexpensive cafe next to our building. Do you normally go to bed early? Yes, I'm almost always in bed by shortly after 9. I have a bad habit of watching media on my phone before bed, which I've read can disturb sleep patterns, but I'm nevertheless completely dead to the world by about 10 o'clock. Is your daily routine going to change in the future? No, barring some unforeseen change to my employment, I don't think it will. Do you usually remember your dreams after you get up? No I don't, and I don't particularly want to remember them. I find switching from one reality to another disorienting. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had a dream I could recall!

Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say: -what the story is about -who told you the story -when he/she told you the story -and explain why you remember it so well This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and I'd have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it weren't my brother who told me. My brother had planned to propose to his girlfriend of several years, and he put the engagement ring in his pocket hoping to surprise her when they met later that day. His girlfriend worked at the public transit depot in our city, so my brother's plan was to take the bus to her office and walk with her to a park nearby where they could picnic and he could ask her to marry him. Unfortunately, when he went to put his coins into the bus's fare repository, he accidentally dropped the engagement ring in too! He realised it a minute later and told the driver who radioed to have someone ready at the terminal station to open the repository and retrieve the ring. When the bus pulled into the transit depot, my brother's girlfriend was standing there. The ring was quickly retrieved and my brother proposed to her right there on the spot! My brother and his wife remain happily married to this day, so as you can imagine this story is a cherished family memory that gets told a lot.

Do people become friends because they have a similar personality? While this can be true, I don't believe this is always the case. I think there need to be some similarities like common interests or a similar sense of humour, but looking at my friends I would say that our personalities are actually quite different. There are other things that bond us: mutual understanding, shared experiences and the things I previously mentioned. However, on the whole I would not say our personalities are the same. How do people in your country behave to a new person when they meet for the first time? Well, in my country, we generally try to make the new person feel at ease. We definitely try to make them feel welcomed and so we show an interest in him or her. If the meeting is at our home, then we go to great lengths to make the newcomer feel honoured. So, we repeatedly offer food and drinks and make sure the guest knows that we value their presence. How can we make people feel comfortable the first time we meet them? In my experience, humour is the best way. People who use self-deprecating humour always seem to make others around them feel comfortable because it shows the other person they can relax and are free to be casual. When you show you can laugh at yourself you exhibit self-confidence while also breaking the ice with the people around you. How do people maintain social contact with coworkers or colleagues? I think social media goes a long way toward fostering personal relationships. Many of us don't know our colleagues' birthdays but apps like Facebook offer reminders so you can send someone wishes or even plan a mini celebration at work. Social media also lets you see who your co-workers are outside of work so you can see if you have similar interests or hobbies. This can be a starting point for a friendly relationship that extends beyond a simple acquaintance. Do you think it is a good idea for companies to give breaks to their employees? I think that even if companies don't give them employees will find a way to take them! Few people can work without interruption or break for eight hours or more. The mind needs to unwind, the body needs to move – or not move – but no work activity can or should be sustained for many hours without a short break. This leads to burnout and exhaustion, which leads to lowered productivity…so short-sighted thinking can potentially have long-lasting results. That is why I think it is a tragic mistake to not allow employee breaks.

Do you live in a house or an apartment? I live in a semi-detached house. What makes your home special? I think the garden is what makes it so inviting. It is lush and green, with beautiful flowers planted. Do you keep things from your childhood? I have more mementos than I should! I have stuffed animals, certain pieces of artwork and even some sports jerseys. I simply can't bear to part with them! Let's talk about lifestyle. Do you think people should spend their free time at home or outside? Given the amount of time most of us spend indoors for work I believe we should spend leisure time outside. Of course, someone who works outside would probably better appreciate time inside, perhaps reading, cooking or relaxing. It really depends on what a person's lifestyle is but in our free time we should do what we miss at work. Has technology changed the way people spend their leisure time? Most certainly it has. You no longer need to leave your home to spend time with friends; you just do a video call with them. Even the way we meet people has changed. Most of my current circle of friends are people that I met online. Let's talk about books. What type of books do you read? Well, I make every effort to read books written in English. I tend to prefer historical fiction books. I used to try to read classics but I find that language has changed so much in the past two hundred years or so that when I read something from that era, it's like reading a different language! So, now I prefer more contemporary fiction. Do you think you read more when you were younger compared to now? I was a total bookworm when I was younger. My parents had to scold me to put the books away to go to bed. I think after my university studies, when the purpose of reading was necessity and not pleasure, I reduced the amount I read for leisure. Have you ever watched a movie and then read the book it is based on? Not that I am aware of. I usually do the opposite. I like a book, the movie is released and then I compare my take on the story to the director's. I usually prefer mine!

Talk about someone you have recently met and liked. You should say -who the person is -when and where you met -what he/she does -and explain why you like him/her I recently met a colleague from another university and we really get along well. He is a professor at a university my institution collaborates with. We had been assigned to work on a project together so we had been communicating over email and video calls for several months. While our relationship was effective, it was definitely strictly professional and we knew little to nothing about each other personally. A few weeks ago, I had to visit his university for some follow up project work. This was the first time we had met in person. Well, we totally hit it off! We learned that we had many things in common, including growing up in the same hometown! If you think about it, it's amazing considering we both live over 500 kilometers from where we were raised. Even though we had, in a sense, known each other for many months, it was only when we actually met face-to-face that a friendship was forged. It just goes to show you the power of in person interactions I suppose.

Talk about someone you have recently met and liked. You should say -who the person is -when and where you met -what he/she does -and explain why you like him/her I recently met a colleague from another university and we really get along well. He is a professor at a university my institution collaborates with. We had been assigned to work on a project together so we had been communicating over email and video calls for several months. While our relationship was effective, it was definitely strictly professional and we knew little to nothing about each other personally. A few weeks ago, I had to visit his university for some follow up project work. This was the first time we had met in person. Well, we totally hit it off! We learned that we had many things in common, including growing up in the same hometown! If you think about it, it's amazing considering we both live over 500 kilometers from where we were raised. Even though we had, in a sense, known each other for many months, it was only when we actually met face-to-face that a friendship was forged. It just goes to show you the power of in person interactions I suppose.

What do you prefer to use to communicate, words or images? I would have to say they both serve a purpose depending on the situation. As someone who is rather artistic, I believe there are times when images – photos, a painting, a sculpture – can communicate feelings not possible with words. And yet when we want to communicate facts, questions or most information, words are very efficient for this job. I don't believe I would ever use images to make day-to-day requests, for example. However, when you think of journalistic photography, many times the power of the message is in the image so as I said before, there is a time and a place for both. What important things should people always remember? There are countless things a person should remember. They start with mundane facts like your ID number or phone number. Then there are important, more abstract things like your beliefs, your morals and your goals. These things all make up your character and integrity so if we forget those, we as people are lost. In between tangible, mundane things and abstract concepts there are other day-to-day items we need to remember, at least in the short term…so things such as facts, information, processes and dates that make us capable of carrying out the functions in our lives. How does forgetfulness affect a person's life? Well, it's very disorienting. When you realise that you have forgotten, you feel rather out of sorts and this can also be very stressful. It affects us in other ways, too. For example, people don't generally trust forgetful people and this can be a source of insecurity for a person. Everyone wants to feel worthwhile and trusted so when they are somewhat cast aside because they are deemed unreliable this can be upsetting. How can people improve their memory? Personally speaking, I use a couple of techniques. First off, I aim to be more present in my dealings. When my focus is completely where it needs to be this helps me to not forget. A backup I have is writing things down. I love a good list...so I write things that I fear I may forget. For me, the act of writing something down helps me remember and even if I don't remember, I have a written record of what I need to know. Thank you. This marks the end of the speaking exam.

What do you prefer to use to communicate, words or images? I would have to say they both serve a purpose depending on the situation. As someone who is rather artistic, I believe there are times when images – photos, a painting, a sculpture – can communicate feelings not possible with words. And yet when we want to communicate facts, questions or most information, words are very efficient for this job. I don't believe I would ever use images to make day-to-day requests, for example. However, when you think of journalistic photography, many times the power of the message is in the image so as I said before, there is a time and a place for both. What important things should people always remember? There are countless things a person should remember. They start with mundane facts like your ID number or phone number. Then there are important, more abstract things like your beliefs, your morals and your goals. These things all make up your character and integrity so if we forget those, we as people are lost. In between tangible, mundane things and abstract concepts there are other day-to-day items we need to remember, at least in the short term…so things such as facts, information, processes and dates that make us capable of carrying out the functions in our lives. How does forgetfulness affect a person's life? Well, it's very disorienting. When you realise that you have forgotten, you feel rather out of sorts and this can also be very stressful. It affects us in other ways, too. For example, people don't generally trust forgetful people and this can be a source of insecurity for a person. Everyone wants to feel worthwhile and trusted so when they are somewhat cast aside because they are deemed unreliable this can be upsetting. How can people improve their memory? Personally speaking, I use a couple of techniques. First off, I aim to be more present in my dealings. When my focus is completely where it needs to be this helps me to not forget. A backup I have is writing things down. I love a good list...so I write things that I fear I may forget. For me, the act of writing something down helps me remember and even if I don't remember, I have a written record of what I need to know. Thank you. This marks the end of the speaking exam.

Where is your hometown? My hometown is a little village in the mountains and overlooks the ocean. What is your hometown famous for? My hometown was the birthplace of a famous war hero. He was the General of the Army and led our country to many great victories. There is a statue of his likeness erected in our town square. So, history buffs know this, but I wouldn't say it makes my town particularly famous. Did you learn about the history of your hometown in school? Yes. If my memory serves me well, we covered local history in the early years of elementary school. That is when I believe we learned about the general. Have you ever found something that another person lost? Oh, my mother is very talented at this! She'll find any piece of lost jewellery or money within a 10 mile radius! But in all seriousness, I once found my sister's necklace in the sea – it was nothing short of a miracle. What kind of things do people usually lose? I believe it's common for people to lose their keys and their mobile phones. Plus, jewellery is frequently lost. So, usually we lose things that are small and can be easily misplaced. Why do they lose these things? Well, as far as keys and mobiles are concerned I think it's distraction that makes us lose them. We're always so preoccupied with our own thoughts that we do things rather mechanically and in the end leave things… wherever. Have you ever lost anything? Well, I wouldn't say that I lose things necessarily, but I definitely misplace them. My keys, my glasses, my wallet - I absentmindedly leave them somewhere and then spend hours looking for them. I wish I were more "present" but I too am guilty of being preoccupied with other thoughts.

Where is your hometown? My hometown is a little village in the mountains and overlooks the ocean. What is your hometown famous for? My hometown was the birthplace of a famous war hero. He was the General of the Army and led our country to many great victories. There is a statue of his likeness erected in our town square. So, history buffs know this, but I wouldn't say it makes my town particularly famous. Did you learn about the history of your hometown in school? Yes. If my memory serves me well, we covered local history in the early years of elementary school. That is when I believe we learned about the general. Have you ever found something that another person lost? Oh, my mother is very talented at this! She'll find any piece of lost jewellery or money within a 10 mile radius! But in all seriousness, I once found my sister's necklace in the sea – it was nothing short of a miracle. What kind of things do people usually lose? I believe it's common for people to lose their keys and their mobile phones. Plus, jewellery is frequently lost. So, usually we lose things that are small and can be easily misplaced. Why do they lose these things? Well, as far as keys and mobiles are concerned I think it's distraction that makes us lose them. We're always so preoccupied with our own thoughts that we do things rather mechanically and in the end leave things… wherever. Have you ever lost anything? Well, I wouldn't say that I lose things necessarily, but I definitely misplace them. My keys, my glasses, my wallet - I absentmindedly leave them somewhere and then spend hours looking for them. I wish I were more "present" but I too am guilty of being preoccupied with other thoughts.

Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say -when and where it was -who taught you the lesson -what you learned -and explain why you remember the lesson well As far as school is concerned, I can't in all honesty say I remember many lessons. However, I do remember a lesson I had with my English tutor. The lesson I remember very well was one that I had fairly recently in order to prepare for my IELTS exam. I was at my tutor's home around four months ago and she began explaining writing Task 1 to me. I was extremely nervous about Task 1 because all my friends who had taken IELTS told me how tricky it was. Fortunately, my tutor explained it to me very methodically and demystified it for me. She showed me how to organise my ideas and what kind of language to use. She taught me how to group information appropriately, what to edit out and what to include, and how to communicate these areas in an appropriate tone. It initially felt like a great deal of information to synthesise but with some practice, it became a piece of cake. I took the writing portion of the test earlier today and feel like I utilised every bit of information my tutor provided, so I believe this is a lesson that is not only memorable but will be a crucial component to my success in the exams.

We've been talking about a lesson that you remember well, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. What makes a lesson memorable? I think a few things help achieve this. Firstly, the teacher has a lot to do with it. Teachers that can make a subject interesting to the learner will always have memorable lessons. The learning environment can also enhance the experience. I used to study Arabic with a tutor while living in Dubai. We would meet in shopping malls and he would help me practise by watching me speak in Arabic to shop owners. Those were lessons I will never forget! Why do people hire private tutors? In many cases, it depends on the student's learning style. Some people prefer having designated one-on-one time with the teacher so that they can focus on their own weaknesses without having to concern themselves with the needs of other students. I enjoy both classroom instruction and private tuition, but when studying languages I prefer having a private tutor that can give me immediate and ongoing feedback. I feel this accelerates my progress. How are younger and older teachers different? They are different in many ways. Often older teachers have a much deeper understanding of the topic they are teaching, and this just comes from experience. However, younger teachers might have better understanding of technology and how the topic might be applied to contemporary times. In the advertising industry, for example, there may be statistical understanding that an older teacher explains better, whereas a younger teacher has a better grasp of the reach and demographics best hit by apps like Instagram. How have teaching styles changed compared to the past? Teaching these days makes much greater use of technology. I can't remember the last time I saw a classroom with chalk sticks and a blackboard. Since COVID, it is also common for teaching styles to blend distance with in-person learning. Certain skills are also considered central to the learning experience now. For example, a lot of learning these days demands students research a topic using a variety of media on the internet. Do you expect people to learn in the same way in the future? I feel learning styles will forever evolve, but for now I think learning will occur through a blend of virtual and in-person methods. I feel like humanity is still a bit shaky on how to use some of the technology that was introduced during the global lockdown, so I don't anticipate drastic changes in the foreseeable future. I imagine the next few years will involve solidifying our use of current technologies.

Where do you live at the moment? I live with my parents in their house, which is north of this city. Do you like snacks? Yes, I do. Because my family is Chinese, we mostly eat traditional snacks from our hometown such as a crispy rice called 'guoba' and roasted peanuts. I also like dried fish snacks, which are usually quite spicy so you have to couple them with a drink of some kind. What time of the day do you prefer to have snacks and why? Where I am from, people tend to snack all day and I guess I would say I follow suit. In the early morning, it is not uncommon for me to start my day by snacking on salted ginger. If I'm feeling peckish in the afternoon or evening, I might grab a handful of sunflower seeds. In my opinion, anytime is a great time to snack on something! Do you think snacking is a healthy habit? I guess it depends on what you're eating. I presume snacking on processed foods like potato chips or chocolate wouldn't be great for your health long term. Traditional snacks from my country tend to be quite natural, though. They're mostly fresh or dried foods with few --if any-- additives. I guess so long as you're careful to munch on unprocessed foods only, snacking can be considered healthy. What were your favourite snacks as a child? Well, my snacking choices as a child were much less healthy than they are today! I enjoyed sweets and other sugary snacks. I remember my classmates and I would often get frozen snacks after school that were sweet and very similar to ice cream. My snacking choices have obviously evolved quite a bit since I was young! If you had a child, what snacks would you give him or her? I would try to push them towards the healthier options that I mentioned earlier. People say eating habits are partially established in childhood, so I think it is important to set a good example early. This doesn't mean that a child can't have the occasional sweet snack, but what's important is to remember that moderation and mindfulness are key.

Describe a memorable outdoor activity that you have participated in. What did you do during this activity? Who did you go with? Why was it memorable for you? And say how you felt during and after this activity. One memorable outdoor activity that I participated in was a multi-day hiking trip through the mountains. I went with a group of friends, and we spent several days hiking through beautiful wilderness areas, camping out under the stars, and exploring the local flora and fauna. Sometimes my friends and I would get lost in deep conversation as we trekked, but there were also long stretches when we walked in silence and I was completely alone with my thoughts. The reason this trip was so memorable for me was because it was the first time I had ever gone on a long-distance hike. It was physically challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I felt a sense of accomplishment and freedom as we hiked through the stunning landscapes, and the sense of camaraderie with my friends was unbeatable. During the hike, I felt a mix of excitement and exhaustion. There were moments when I was really pushing myself to keep going, but then there were also moments of pure joy and wonder as we took in the breathtaking views. And after the hike, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and pride in what we had achieved. Overall, this was a truly memorable outdoor activity for me, and one that I will always cherish.

What do people in your country do when they have a day off? In my country, people spend their days off in a variety of ways. Some people prefer to spend their time alone at home, relaxing and unwinding from the stress of work or school. They may choose to read a book, watch a movie, or simply take a nap. Other people, on the other hand, prefer to go out with friends and engage in social activities such as going to a restaurant, seeing a movie, or going shopping. Some people like spending time alone at home on a day off, while others prefer going out with friends. Why is this? The reason for this difference in preference may have to do with individual personality and lifestyle. Some people may value alone time and find it energising, while others may find that being in groups of people is more enjoyable and fulfilling. Additionally, some people may have more responsibilities or commitments that make it difficult for them to go out, while other people may have more freedom to use their time as they wish. Are people spending their free time in different ways now compared to the past? Compared to the past, I believe that people are spending their time in different ways now. For example, with the advent of technology, people now have more access to online entertainment and social media, which they can use to stay connected with others even when they are at home. Additionally, many people now have more disposable income and can afford to engage in more leisure activities such as traveling or taking up hobbies. Do you think that technology has changed the way people enjoy their leisure time now? Technology has certainly changed the way people enjoy their leisure time. With the rise of smartphones and other mobile devices, people are now able to access the internet and various forms of entertainment from anywhere and at any time. This has shifted people away from traditional forms of leisure, such as reading a book or watching TV, to more interactive and social activities, such as online gaming or social media. Who do you think has more leisure time, older or younger people? And why? In terms of age, I believe that older people may have more leisure time than younger people. This is because older people are more likely to have retired from their jobs, and therefore have more free time to spend on leisure activities. Younger people, on the other hand, are more likely to be in school or starting their career and thus have less free time. Do you think it is true that young people enjoy active leisure activities more often than older people? In terms of leisure activities, I think it is true that young people tend to enjoy more active leisure activities more often than older people. This is likely due to the fact that young people tend to have more energy and are more physically capable than older people. Additionally, young people may be more inclined to seek out new and exciting experiences, which active leisure activities can provide.

Do you work or study? I am currently working as a purchasing manager with a medium sized construction company. What are your responsibilities at work? My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed. I communicate closely with our sales team and create purchase orders for items based on our forecasted figures. Why did you choose this job? I actually didn't choose this job. I was working as a warehouse manager when a vacancy as a purchasing manager opened up. The directors at the company thought I would be a great fit for the role and encouraged me to join. Is there something you don't like about your job? I like most things about my job, but if I had to choose something I would say that the role requires dealing with a fair amount of uncertainty, and I don't terribly like this. The construction industry has seasonal fluctuations, and sometimes demand for our product can be difficult to forecast. This can be a source of significant stress for me. Let's talk about advertisements. Tell me about an advertisement you saw recently that you enjoyed. Recently, I saw an advertisement for a new mobile application that promised to help users stay organised and manage their time more effectively. What I liked about the advertisement was that it was very visually appealing and easy to understand. They used simple and clear language to convey the features and benefits of the app and the animation was very engaging. Would you like to be in an advertisement one day? I think it could be an interesting experience to be in an advertisement one day. I could use it as a great opportunity to showcase my personality and talents to a wider audience. However, I would only want to be a part of an advertisement campaign that aligns with my values and beliefs.

Describe a day out that didn't cost much. You should say -where you went -what you did -what you spent money on -and explain whether you enjoyed the day out and why I recently had a day out that was both enjoyable and affordable. I went to a nearby park with a few of my friends. We all brought our own food and drinks and had a picnic on the grassy lawn. We spent the whole day playing games, like frisbee and soccer, and just enjoying each other's company. The only money we spent was on parking, which came to about $5. I really loved this day for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was a beautiful day and being surrounded by nature was really peaceful and calming. Secondly, I got to spend quality time with my friends and we had so much fun playing games and just chatting. It was such a great reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the most happiness. Another reason I enjoyed this day out was because it was so affordable. I love going out and trying new things, but often these activities can be quite expensive. This day out showed me that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. All you need is good company and a positive attitude, and you can have an enjoyable day no matter where you are or what you're doing. Overall, this day out was a really memorable experience for me, and I would definitely do it again. It was a great reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones that don't cost much.

Is it easy to communicate with people from another culture? No. Communicating with people from another culture can be challenging, but it is not impossible. I guess the key precursor to this is that both speakers share a want to achieve successful communication. If this is a shared goal, I think communication between cultures is much more easily attained. What difficulties do we face when we talk to a person from another culture? There are several difficulties that people face when communicating with someone from a different cultural background, including language barriers and differences in customs. Certain gestures or wording can be endearing in one culture and offensive in another, for example. Is language barrier the main problem or are there other difficulties? The language barrier is a significant challenge in cross-cultural communication but it is not the only difficulty, and I wouldn't necessarily say it is the "main" difficulty. I already mentioned differences in customs, but I would add that contrasting values or social norms can also make it challenging for people to understand each other's perspectives. Do you think if there were just one language in the world, people from different cultural backgrounds could communicate more easily? Having just one language in the world could make cross-cultural communication easier, but it would not solve all the difficulties that arise. Cultural differences could still create misunderstandings and difficulties in communication. So, in the event there were just one language in the world, I would presume healthy communication would still need people to be open-minded, respectful of others' cultures, and willing to learn and understand others' perspectives.

Do you study or work? I am currently pursuing a higher education at a well-renowned university. I am studying a multidisciplinary field which is a balanced combination of my diverse interests. Where do you study? My university is located in the bustling city centre, providing a perfect combination of academic rigor and cultural diversity. It's a supportive learning environment that I find motivates me to achieve my goals. What type of shoes do you wear? I am quite meticulous when it comes to footwear, as it plays a crucial role in my daily comfort. I usually wear premium sneakers made from high-quality materials, which offer excellent cushioning and support. What is your favourite colour for shoes? My favourite shoe colour is navy blue. I find it to be a timeless and stylish colour that can be easily paired with a wide range of other clothing. Do you often buy shoes in this colour? Yes, I often purchase shoes in this particular shade as I find it to be a reliable choice for various occasions. Moreover, because it is a darker colour, any scuffs or other signs of wear and tear are difficult to see. How often do you buy new shoes? I believe in the philosophy of investing in quality over quantity, which is why I don't buy shoes frequently. I usually purchase a new pair of shoes every 8 to 10 months, or when my current pair starts to show clear signs of age. When did you last buy a pair of shoes? I actually bought my last pair of shoes just a few weeks ago. They are navy blue sneakers made from premium materials, and I am thoroughly impressed with their comfort and performance. I can confidently say that they are among the best shoes I have ever owned.

Talk about a person you know from another culture, such as a friend or a teacher. You should say -who the person is -how you met him/her -where you met -and explain what you learnt about their cultural background I would like to talk about my friend Hiro, who is from Japan. I met Hiro in my first year of university, where we both took a course on international relations. We were assigned to work on a group project together, and that's how we became friends. We met at a coffee shop near campus, where we discussed the project and got to know each other. As we worked on the project, we learned a lot about each other's culture. Hiro shared many interesting things about Japan with me, and he opened my eyes to traditions from his homeland. One of the things I learned from Hiro is the importance of respect in Japanese culture. He explained how respect is a fundamental value in all aspects of life in Japan, from family and relationships to business and politics. Hiro also told me about the tradition of bowing as a sign of respect, which is something I found really interesting. Another thing I learned from Hiro is the importance of food in Japanese culture. He introduced me to some delicious Japanese dishes and explained the significance of certain ingredients and cooking techniques. I also learned about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which I found fascinating. Overall, I feel very fortunate to have met Hiro and to have learned so much about Japanese culture from him. It has given me a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures in the world, and I feel more open-minded and eager to learn about other cultures.

We have been talking about cities, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. What are the main disadvantages of living in a city? I believe there are several disadvantages, the first being the lack of nature. Many cities were developed without taking into account the need for green spaces and so this has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of the city residents. Another drawback is the fast pace of life in these metropolises. In order to survive, one must work harder, longer and more. This too has an effect on people's psychological well-being and burnout is common. Partially because of this fast pace, cities are also notorious for creating and fostering isolation. It's ironic but with so many people around, city inhabitants often feel extremely lonely. How do you think cities could be improved? I think two main areas should be addressed in modern cities. The first is the creation of green spaces. They are necessary for the environment but also serve as places for people to relax and unwind. The second is traffic reduction. Real effort must be made in creating car parks outside of the city and efficient public transport connecting these areas to the city. Are people less friendly in cities than in the countryside? Yes, I believe they are but I don't view this necessarily as a negative. People in the city do not have the luxury of being friendly with everyone they meet. Friendliness requires energy and city residents don't see the point in investing this energy in someone they will most likely never see again. On the other hand, people in the country don't often get a chance to meet new people so when this opportunity presents itself, it's something of a novelty and they take advantage of it by being friendly to all the new faces they see. Why do a lot of people want to move to a foreign country? No matter what country it is, I think all foreign countries seem somewhat exotic, at least at first. There are new places to discover, new tastes, new aromas, new people and their habits – all of this can seem very exciting. Apart from this, moving to a new country also allows people the chance to discover and develop new sides of themselves, so this too can be very attractive. What factors in a new place affect people's lives? I think there are many. The first one is climate. This may seem somewhat superficial but it is in fact a basic issue. For example, leaving from some place cold to some place warm, or the opposite can be an enormous adjustment. Another main factor I believe has to do with the bureaucracy of the new place. How easy is it to get certain things done? Coming from a place where the bureaucracy is notorious for precluding any sort of foreign investment or development, I think this is a basic element in a place's quality of life.

Do you work or study?I work in software for a tech company. I graduated from university a few years ago, and since then I've been working in the industry. What kind of job do you have?I'm a software engineer. This means I'm responsible for designing and developing software applications. My job involves coding, testing, and debugging software to ensure that it meets the requirements of the project. This role also requires I be familiar with project management frameworks to ensure the complex nature of our work is kept organised. Do you feel pressure when you work?Yes, I do feel pressure at times. Deadlines can be tight, and there's often a lot of work to do. However, I try to manage my workload and prioritise tasks to ensure that I meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. Let's talk about names. Does your name have a meaning?Yes, my name is Tom, which is a short form of Thomas. As I understand it, Thomas is a Greek name that means 'twin', although I don't have a twin sibling. It's a popular name in the UK and has been in use for centuries. Do you have any family members with the same name as yours?Yes, my grandfather's name is also Tom. He's been an important figure in my life, and we share a close bond. It's an honour to have the same name as him, and it's something that I'm proud of. I might even consider naming my son 'Tom' as well if I'm fortunate enough to have children one day! Thank you.

Why do people choose to learn a new language? There are various reasons why people choose to learn a new language. Language learning can be an effective way to connect with other cultures and broaden one's understanding of the world. Additionally, it has been shown that learning a new language can also have cognitive benefits, such as improving memory and brain function. Thus, the benefits of learning a new language can be both practical and personal, which makes it a popular choice among individuals. What problems are often associated with learning a new language? Learning a new language can be a challenging and complex process, and several problems are commonly associated with it. For instance, learners may struggle with acquiring the necessary vocabulary and grammar, which are fundamental building blocks for communication. Additionally, pronunciation and intonation can be problematic, especially if learners are not exposed to native speakers or have limited practice opportunities. Cultural differences and misunderstandings can also pose a challenge to learners who may find it difficult to communicate effectively. Why do you think learning a new language is easier for some people but harder for others? Well, several factors can influence how easy or difficult it is for someone to learn a new language. For example, age has been shown to be a significant factor, as younger learners tend to acquire languages more quickly and easily than older learners. Prior language learning experience can also play a role, as individuals who have learned multiple languages may be more comfortable with the learning process and have a better understanding of language structures. Additionally, learners who are exposed to the language in immersive settings or have access to native speakers may have an advantage over those who primarily learn in a classroom or textbook setting. Do you think people visiting a country as tourists should learn its language? While not essential, learning even basic phrases can enhance the tourist experience, facilitate communication, and demonstrate respect for the local culture. Moreover, being able to communicate in the local language can make travel easier and more enjoyable, and it allows tourists to navigate public transportation, order food, and ask for directions more effectively. In summary, while tourists do not need to be fluent in the local language, making an effort to learn at least some basic phrases can have numerous benefits and is a worthwhile endeavour for anyone travelling abroad. Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.

What are the main disadvantages of living in a city? I believe there are several disadvantages, the first being the lack of nature. Many cities were developed without taking into account the need for green spaces and so this has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of the city residents. Another drawback is the fast pace of life in these metropolises. In order to survive, one must work harder, longer and more. This too has an effect on people's psychological well-being and burnout is common. Partially because of this fast pace, cities are also notorious for creating and fostering isolation. It's ironic but with so many people around, city inhabitants often feel extremely lonely. How do you think cities could be improved? I think two main areas should be addressed in modern cities. The first is the creation of green spaces. They are necessary for the environment but also serve as places for people to relax and unwind. The second is traffic reduction. Real effort must be made in creating car parks outside of the city and efficient public transport connecting these areas to the city. Are people less friendly in cities than in the countryside? Yes, I believe they are but I don't view this necessarily as a negative. People in the city do not have the luxury of being friendly with everyone they meet. Friendliness requires energy and city residents don't see the point in investing this energy in someone they will most likely never see again. On the other hand, people in the country don't often get a chance to meet new people so when this opportunity presents itself, it's something of a novelty and they take advantage of it by being friendly to all the new faces they see. Why do a lot of people want to move to a foreign country? No matter what country it is, I think all foreign countries seem somewhat exotic, at least at first. There are new places to discover, new tastes, new aromas, new people and their habits – all of this can seem very exciting. Apart from this, moving to a new country also allows people the chance to discover and develop new sides of themselves, so this too can be very attractive. What factors in a new place affect people's lives? I think there are many. The first one is climate. This may seem somewhat superficial but it is in fact a basic issue. For example, leaving from some place cold to some place warm, or the opposite can be an enormous adjustment. Another main factor I believe has to do with the bureaucracy of the new place. How easy is it to get certain things done? Coming from a place where the bureaucracy is notorious for precluding any sort of foreign investment or development, I think this is a basic element in a place's quality of life.

Describe a city or place you would like to live in. You should say -where it is -what it is famous for -and explain why you would like to live there. I feel that I am very fortunate because I have traveled to a number of beautiful cities around the world. However, I have never actually been to the place where I would like to live and yet I am certain I would fall in love with it. The city where I would like to live in the future is New York. New York is a city on the east coast of the United States. The city comprises several boroughs, but ideally I would like to live in Manhattan. This island is famous for many things and by many is considered to be the centre of the world. It is called the ultimate melting pot, bringing together people of all races, religions and all corners of the world. It also has towering skyscrapers so tall that one feels dwarfed by their magnitude. Its most famous skyscrapers are the Empire State Building and of course the Twin Towers, which fell in 2001 but have since been rebuilt. There is a mythical aura about this city. There have been movies made about it, songs written about it, and even Frank Sinatra sang about it, saying, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." It is this energy that makes me want to live there one day. The idea of living in the city that never sleeps fills me with the hope of endless possibilities, that anything can be achieved in a place like that. So, even though I have only seen it movies and read about it, I am certain that a place like this would energise me, motivate me and fulfil me like no other place in the world.

Let's talk about where you live. What part of the country do you live in? I live in the south of my country, near the coast. What do you like best about the area where you live? The thing I like most about my area is its proximity to the sea. Whenever you get in your car to drive, you pass the sea and this is something truly spectacular. Its appearance changes with the weather: it can be dark and violent, bright and inviting, tranquil and warm - and each one of these possesses a certain beauty. Would you like to live there in the future? As much as I love where I grew up, I don't foresee it really fulfilling my needs in the future. I would prefer to be in a more urban environment. The professional prospects in a place like the one I currently live in are rather limited and so I plan to leave soon. Let's talk about staying at home. Do you prefer to stay home or go out? The answer to that really depends on my mood and what I've been doing. If I have been working all day, I may prefer to go home and just relax. However, there are times when I absolutely cannot stand staying at home and will find any excuse to leave. How much time do you spend at home? I suppose I am at home quite a bit. My workday typically finishes around 3pm so from then on, theoretically I am at home. However, I always have some sort of obligation or errand and so leave the house quite a bit even after I've returned home from work. Did you like to stay home when you were younger? Definitely not. Especially as a teenager when I became more autonomous, I think I went home only to shower, eat and sleep. I think the reason for this was that, like most teenagers, I began to explore my independence. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my friends and perhaps there was a little bit of a tendency to rebel against my parents who wanted me at home. What activities did you do at home when you were younger? As a child, I was happy to play alone, draw, read and perhaps watch some television. As I got older, playtime was replaced by hours on the phone with friends. Let's talk about exercise. Do you often do exercise? Yes, I do. I make a point of getting physical exercise three to four times a week. I believe it is crucial for physical and mental health. What kinds of exercise do you like? I like to jog by the sea. I find it clears my head and fills me with a wonderful sense of well-being when I am done. What are the popular activities in your area? I think that those who exercise generally join a gym. This way they have access to various machines, weights and classes. However, this is too confining for me and I prefer my seaside jogs. Is it good for students to do regular exercise? It's important for people of all ages to exercise. For students, it helps them relieve the pressure of studying so they should really learn how to incorporate physical exercise into their schedule and make it a habit. On the other hand, it is extremely important for older people to exercise as well. In fact, I recently read how crucial it is for people over 40 to include strength training in their exercise regimen. Ideally though, these habits begin at a young age. Thank you.

We've been talking about learning, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Did you like learning to drive? At first I found driving overwhelming, but once I got the hang of it, the freedom it gave me was exhilarating. Was learning to drive easy or challenging for you? I think that any time you begin to learn something new it can be overwhelming. In my case, I felt like I needed to coordinate many different things at once and be aware of many different things – for example, my — what my feet were doing, my eyes, ears, the windows, the mirrors – you feel like a one-man band at first, but practice makes perfect, so soon enough I was driving like a pro. Do you think adults should keep learning? I think everyone should keep learning. Learning new things keeps the mind active and this is the key to maintaining a good mental state as we get older. And since I referred to my mother earlier, I should mention that she is currently learning a new language over the internet, precisely for this reason. What do you think adults should learn after they finish their school studies? Well, typically, I think most adults up to a certain age will choose to learn a skill that will help them get ahead in their career, so perhaps a computer course or sometimes a new language is useful too. As people get older though, I think it is important to learn and develop hobbies, especially those they didn't have an opportunity to enjoy when they were younger when they had too many obligations. Do you think seniors possess better knowledge than younger generations? That's a very interesting question. I think seniors probably possess deeper knowledge but of fewer subjects. In contrast, I think thanks to the internet, younger people have access to endless information which allows them to know many things in many different areas. Do you think seniors need less sleep compared to younger people? I have been told that sleep becomes more difficult as you age and seniors typically sleep less but they actually require quite a bit. I think children and adolescents require a lot of sleep, but adults, whether out of necessity or for some other reason, sleep considerably less than the aforementioned age groups. Why do you think this is? Well, adults have many obligations. I think most of us would admit that 24 hours are not enough, so sleep typically becomes less of a priority. This of course has many negative repercussions but I think for most adults it is unfortunately the reality. Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test.

Talk about something useful that you have learned outside of school or college. Please say – What is it? – When and where did you learn it? – How did you learn it? – Who did you learn it from? And say why it was useful. Although the periods of school and college were times of great learning, I would have to say that I learned as much outside of school as I did inside it. However, I think the skill I learned which has served me the most throughout my life thus far was one I learned while I was still a high school student, and that is learning how to drive. The area where I grew up in my country is rather sparsely populated and there are great distances to be covered, so knowing how to drive is crucial. I needed to attend lessons and activities after school which required transport by car, so it was imperative that I learn as soon as legally possible. My mother was my main teacher. In the evenings when she didn't have work, she would patiently take me around the streets of a nearby village, first explaining to me various functions of the car, proper driver behavior and rules of the road, for example, and then she let me try driving for short distances. When I felt more confident, the duration became longer until I was able to drive myself to the after-school activities under her supervision. When I felt ready, I sat my driver's test, got my license, and was officially allowed to drive on my own. Knowing how to drive has been a vital skill for me in that it allowed me to enjoy a plethora of experiences. For example, I was able to drive my friends and myself on our very first vacation without parents. Then, I started to drive myself to university so that I could earn my degree. Afterwards and even today, the ability to drive allows me to transport myself to work, so that I can make a living and support my family. Most importantly, however, I have to thank my mother for her patience and her courage to teach me this precious skill.

Do you work or study? I am employed part-time. What do you do? I am a psychologist in a centre for drug and alcohol addiction and also run a private practice. What are your responsibilities? I conduct group and individual sessions with clients and also have considerable paperwork to do that includes writing case notes. In my private office I see clients for various issues. What part of the day is the most productive and efficient for you? Since I work part-time, my entire day needs to be productive. I must get a lot done while at the centre, but my day continues when I am home, caring for my family and my home. Now let's talk about fruit. Do you like fruit? Yes, very much in fact. However, I tend to prefer summer fruit to winter fruit. During the summer I practically live on peaches, watermelon and grapes. They are so flavorful, juicy and refreshing, whereas winter fruit like bananas, apples and pears seem so dry and bland in comparison. How often do you eat fruit? Well, I make an effort to eat at least one piece of fruit per day. This is in my effort to eat better but also to provide a good role model to my family. Did you like fruit as a child? Yes, I did. I don't believe my tastes in fruit have changed very much since then actually. I still eat the same fruit more or less in the same way, although now I try to eat them all year round. Would you ever cook with fruit? I do cook with fruit on occasion. During the winter holidays I usually prepare a turkey with a stuffing that includes raisins among its ingredients. I also enjoy fruit in salads quite a bit. Let's talk about computers. Do you like computers? Well, yes I suppose you could say I do. I find the abundance of programs and applications overwhelming occasionally but in truth they are necessary in our lives nowadays. Personally, I can't imagine life without one anymore. Do you think computers/mobile apps are helpful? Certainly. Computers have made the workplace much more efficient and mobile apps allow you to access both personal and work information anywhere at any time. This, of course, is not always a good thing, since as we know people can get addicted to these devices and there is also the phenomenon of people feeling they can never escape from their workplace. What mobile apps do you use the most? I rely quite heavily on the calendar app on my phone. It keeps me organized and prevents me from missing any important appointments or obligations. I think I would forget everything without it. As I mentioned previously, I juggle a variety of activities so knowing my schedule is crucial for me. Would you like to develop an app in the future? Oh I don't think so! I possess zero programming skills and I don't think I could accurately predict what kind of features people would want on an app so even if I could make it I think no one would buy it. Perhaps I would make an application to help busy people organize their time better, but as I said, I am not sure other people would find this useful so in the end it would probably be an app that would only benefit me. Thank you.

What kind of public places are there in your hometown? There are many. We have historical landmarks from 100 to 300 years old, we have many museums, parks and gardens as well as athletic fields. What kind of public places do older and younger people like? I think older people like seeing many of the religious centers whereas younger people enjoy the areas provided for sport. In general, both ages take advantage of the numerous parks and gardens for walks and conversation. So there you can really witness all walks of life. Should the government invest more money in public places? Yes, without a doubt it should. I think that any country that counts tourism as one of its major industries has a responsibility to provide and maintain public spaces. It's unreasonable to expect tourists to appreciate the beauty of our land if we give the impression that we as a country do not. By this I don't mean that the government must fund new constructions but I do believe that by maintaining what you already have, you show a particular pride in the place and that is understood and appreciated by all who visit. What is the difference between the city and the countryside? The difference is like night and day! In terms of what we have been discussing, I think the countryside has less government intervention. Any initiative taken there is usually citizen-led and privately owned and operated. This carries with it both advantages and disadvantages. So citizens who are somewhat forward-thinkers will try to improve the quality of life in the countryside but unfortunately, these people are few and far between. Also, the countryside is much poorer in terms of infrastructure. Hospitals, transport and education are all concentrated around the city. However, it goes without saying that the countryside offers natural beauty that one cannot easily find in the city. Why do more and more people migrate from countryside to the city? I believe the reason behind this is the notion that the city offers more opportunities. It is a correct notion in my opinion. The city does in fact offer more in terms of job opportunities, cultural activities, entertainment choices - so generally speaking, the city offers more of everything. Clearly, there is a trade-off here, as there are also higher levels of stress, more congestion, higher expenses and more competition, but the advantages are still attractive enough to make the city an appealing option to many in the countryside.

Talk about a public place that you think needs improvement. Please say – What place is this? – Where is it located? – Why does it need improvement? – What kind of improvement does it need? I have been asked to talk about a public place that needs improvement and I find this a very interesting question because I believe that there are many places of public interest in my city that are underutilized and undervalued so it is difficult to select only one. However, if I had to pick, I would say Bell Square in the centre of the city needs to be looked after better. Bell Square is in the heart of the city, running from the sea all the way up to the Old Town. It is a large open square and the buildings surrounding it are protected by the country's archaeological department. However, the square itself requires some care. Last year after a period of frost, the palm trees in the square froze and they have still not been replaced. There is a large clock which has not been running properly for years, yet nothing has been done about it. As you walk further towards the old town, numerous street peddlers have set up shop —this is illegal—They're selling anything from handmade jewelry to illegal CDs and as you go even further, the illegal goods become even more precarious. The whole situation is admittedly really shameful because the square is one of the landmarks of the city and I hate for tourists to see it in such disrepair. To improve it, I think, first of all, there needs to be more police presence to preclude the peddlers from selling their wares there. Additionally, the square really requires not so much renovation but more just good general upkeep to keep it in tip-top shape. Furthermore, I would like to see the square appropriately lit to really showcase its beauty. I think all of this would create a square that both residents would be proud of and tourists would be pleased to visit.

Please give me your identification. Here you are. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. What is your town or city like? I live in a city in the north of my country. It is very beautiful as it is surrounded by mountains and the sea. How long have you lived there? I was fortunate enough to have been born there, so that's 27 years. I think I must know every street, every alley and avenue in the city. What do you like most about your city? Well, apart from its physical beauty, it's also very vibrant. It is a university town, home to several well-known universities and private colleges, and, as a result, it has a very young population and this is reflected in the energy and atmosphere. Do you like music? Yes, I love music. From the moment I wake up in the morning to when I go to bed at night I can always be found listening to something on CD, or on my PC or on my mobile. What kind of music do you listen to? I used to listen exclusively to international pop music; however, lately I have developed an appreciation for the traditional and pop music of my country, so between these two types of music it's about 50-50. Do you buy music on CDs or download it? I realise it is rather controversial but in all honesty, I download music. It is the availability of music on the internet that actually allowed me to broaden my tastes into new genres of music. Downloading gives you the opportunity to discover and enjoy new types of music and artists, and in turn you often of on to support them by seeing them live or purchasing their new CDs once they're released. Let's talk about rain. Do you like rainy days? I would have to say I like rainy days, I like them most when they provide a bit of a break from one continuous weather condition, like heavy wind or snow in the winter or endless heat and sun in the summer. However, days on end of rain are certainly not my favorite. The reason behind this is that they essentially limit what you can do. So for example, I like running along the sea but if it is raining, this becomes very difficult or impossible. Does it rain very much where you live? Um, not that much. It primarily rains in the winter here. The worst is when we get maybe 10 to 12 days of rain in a row and that is really tiring but on the whole the climate where I live is rather sunny. What do you like to do on rainy days? I like to sleep on rainy days! No, I am just joking. Rain does make me sleepy though. I like to, when it's raining, read, surf the internet or watch a movie typically. Indoor activities generally are what I prefer to do when the weather is inclement. Have you ever been in the rain without an umbrella or raincoat? Yes, more often than I care to admit! I am always rather optimistic that it won't rain or even worse, I don't check the weather forecast so I often leave my house carefree, and usually wearing something completely inappropriate for the rain. I remember one time getting caught in rain downtown and my jeans getting so soaked that people actually started laughing at me. It was not a pleasant experience at the time but I can look back and laugh at it now. Do you think the rain affects people's mood? There is no doubt in my mind about that. It makes everyone lethargic, grumpy and, to tell the truth, I think it makes everyone drive worse on the road than usual!. This happens because I think people have a false sense of security that everyone else around them is being more careful when it rains, so they themselves become a bit more careless when driving. Thank you.

We've been talking about the furniture in your house. Let's talk about furniture for different uses. What type of furniture is used for offices? For offices I think that traditionally there has been more of an emphasis on function rather than form. Office furniture has to be practical and it has to be rather durable. So, typically, the concern is more regarding whether the furniture allows the employee to fulfill their duties or not and less so on the appearance of the furniture or its style. How is it different from home furniture? Well, home furniture clearly allows the owner to express themselves and their style so there is much more of an aesthetic component to it and the decisions that go into purchasing it. Lots of times, home furniture will use more luxurious materials like leather or (uh) less practical ones like silk fabrics or mirrored surfaces that need to be cleaned often. Whereas in an office you really wouldn't see much of that. Office furniture more emphasises durability and practical use. In your culture who typically decides what furniture to buy? I think that it's usually a husband and wife or a couple that would make the decision together, (um) specifically with regards to home furniture. In my country, I think the woman often has the last word to be completely honest! I'll never forget going to a furniture shop with my parents when I was younger and watching them disagree on a sofa and the salesperson there was quite clever and funny. He said to my father, "Unless you want this conversation to never end, you should listen to your wife." And so my parents laughed. In the end, my dad relented and they ended up buying what my mother liked the most. When do people buy new furniture? Most commonly furniture is purchased anytime people are starting out and by that I mean beginning any new stage in their lives. For instance, in my case, I purchased furniture when I moved out on my own. However, many young couples when they move in together will buy new furniture or when their family evolves, perhaps with the arrival of a new baby, that's another time for such purchases. Later, as children grow and their needs change, the furniture needs to do so as well. So basically, in the major stages of people's lives is when they buy furniture. What factors are involved in buying furniture? There are numerous factors. Clearly, the purpose of the furniture is a major factor. Does the new furniture satisfy what it is needed for? Then, again, its appearance is also extremely important. Is it attractive to the potential buyer? Lifestyle must also be considered. Like I mentioned earlier, if you have toddlers you probably would not want glass tables or silk upholstery because grubby little hands would probably stain everything. And lastly, price must be considered. Is the item within the consumer's budget? So all of these issues need to be addressed because furniture is not something that you buy every day. Does fashion play a role in furniture purchases? It does to some extent but since furniture is not purchased every month or even every year, when you buy furniture you should take into consideration whether it will really stand the test of time. I'm sure we've all been in homes that look terribly dated simply because the owner followed the fashion of the moment from a decade ago. Equally as bad is when you see everyone's home looking identical. I really prefer individual style as opposed to being a slave to fashion when it comes to selecting furniture. Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test.

Describe the furniture in your house. Please say: What does it look like? Is it traditional or modern? What material is it made of? And say how you feel about it. OK. As you know, I am a student and I actually don't live with my parents, but I live on my own, so what I have decided to talk about today is the furniture in my current apartment where I live alone. I have to say that I really love the furniture in my home perhaps because it is the first time that I have selected (uh) what I buy, without having to cater to someone else's wishes or make any compromises regarding the style or colours used. So I feel that the décor in my apartment accurately represents my tastes and, in a sense, who I am. It's rather modern and in that I mean that it has a minimal, European aesthetic with very clean lines, simple finishes and no extra detail. I guess some people would describe it as Scandinavian. The colour scheme that I have decided on is full of rich browns, beiges and blues which contrast nicely with the light coloured wood of the tables and desks. I think the biggest piece in my apartment is my sofa, which is a corner sofa. I purchased it large enough so that friends can come to watch movies at my place and comfortable enough for my parents to sleep on when they visit. So I am really very fond of the furniture in my home. It's light, modern, practical and overall very representative of me and my style. Thank you. What do your friends think of your furniture? My friends always comment that my apartment has been decorated in good taste and of all our homes we always seem to gather at mine so I take that as evidence that they like it. Thank you.

Please give me your identification. Yes, here you are. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. Do you work or study? Currently, I am a student in my last year of studies. What subject are you studying? I am in my final year of medical school and afterwards I hope to attend a fellowship abroad. Have you always wanted to study this? Yes, I have. My parents are both physicians and from an early age they impressed upon me that it was an important profession, one that could save lives and garner a great deal of respect from the community, so I believe that since I was also a diligent student and rather fond of studying I thought it was a perfect fit for me. What do you like most about this course? Well, quite frankly, I find the human body and all of its functions absolutely fascinating. To see how everything in the body is interwoven and how different areas affect others never ceases to amaze me. I believe that the human body is truly a marvel to behold, and a person can never be "done" studying it – there is always something new to learn. Thank you. Now let's talk about newspapers. Do you read newspapers? Because of the intensity of my studies I don't have a great deal of time to devote to catching up on current events, although I do try to read up on the news whenever possible. So, yes, I read them, but not as often as I'd like. When did you first start reading newspapers? I guess I would have to say I began reading the news during my adolescence when I really started becoming aware of the world around me and how the things that occurred in the modern world had a direct effect on my life and my family's life. Do you prefer to read newspapers or get your news online? Well, it goes without saying that the advent of the internet has really changed our lives and nowhere is that more evident than in how we get our information, I believe. Online, you can get news instantaneously, it is updated constantly, you have a tremendous number of sources basically at your fingertips, so for me definitely the best source of information is the internet. Do you like to read about local news or world news? Well, I think they are both interesting and truth be told, to be fully aware of the world around us, one must be updated on both world news and local news. I think it would be wrong to say that one is more important than the other, so this motivates me to read as much of both as I can. Let's talk about meals. At what times of day do you eat your meals? Well, I recently started working with a registered dietician to "clean up" my eating habits somewhat, so she has me eating five times a days, (um) starting from 7:30 when I wake up and then at three-hour intervals, with my last meal at about 20:30 at night. Who do you like eating your meals with? Ideally, I would like to eat meals with friends. In this way, we could catch up on our news, tell jokes or stories and generally relieve the stress of our day and our studies. However, I must admit that our schedules don't always permit this to happen so I often end up eating alone, usually scarfing down something quickly between classes. Have your eating habits changed very much since childhood? I would have to say that they definitely have. As a child, I didn't really understand that the body is a machine and for it to run properly, you must give it the proper "fuel." While my grandmother typically cooked meals for our family, I definitely had a soft spot for cookies and chips so now that I am getting older and I have seen my metabolism slow down I am absolutely more careful about what I consume. Thank you.

We've been talking about travel. What do you feel a city needs to attract tourists? Hmm, let me see. Well, I suppose having recognisable landmarks doesn't hurt. Paris has certain iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, for example. Sydney has the Opera House. New York City has the Statue of Liberty. In addition to this, most tourists want nice weather, so places like Hong Kong and Sydney may have advantages over places like Glasgow. I suppose basic things like safety and accessibility are important. Cost is always a factor, too. You mentioned "safety" as something that can attract tourism. Can you expand on that? I think countries with track records of being welcoming to foreigners build up reputations. The last thing people want on their vacation is to have to worry about being robbed or worse. So I feel countries that take tourist safety seriously will always be attractive to prospective travelers. Are all aspects of the tourism industry positive? Not all aspects, no. I think tourism can sometimes be damaging to the local traditions of a city. In Shanghai, for example, many of the historical temples have McDonald's restaurants and Starbucks restaurants next to them to service tourists. I feel this tarnishes the image of these ancient locations. What do you think about this? I do not think people are actively working to damage their city. It is more a question of economics. Tourists travel to other countries with money to spend. Fast food restaurants only spring up in tourist hotspots because tourists are willing to spend money there. I suppose it is more the tourists' fault for altering the image of these historical landmarks than the locals'. Can you tell me about something you purchased while travelling that holds special meaning to you? Well, several years ago, perhaps almost an entire decade ago, I travelled to Paris. My grandmother is French Canadian, so she was especially excited for me to go to France. My grandmother also collects little bells, which she displays on a shelf in her family room. Anyway, while at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, I came across a man selling brushed steel items with images of the Eiffel Tower on them. Among his goods I found a little bell. I gave this bell to my grandmother, and I know it came to mean something special to both of us. Why do you think people buy souvenirs? Most people likely buy souvenirs because they help you recall a place or an experience. For example, when I see that bell, I remember spending the day walking around Paris. I think souvenirs also help a person show their friends and family that they care about them and think about them. Those are probably the main reasons why people buy souvenirs. Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test.

Describe a trip you made by public transport. Please say -Where did you go? -Why did you choose public transport? -How did you feel about the trip? And share some details about the trip. Recently, I took a coach from Toronto to Montreal to visit my brother. It is a journey that normally takes about 5 hours, but this bus company stops halfway for a 30 minute break. I chose to travel by public transportation because I don't like driving long distances. When I travel via bus, I can read or work on my computer or sleep. I find this helps me arrive relaxed. In fact, I often opt for the public transportation option if I can. Overall, I felt the journey was quite comfortable. Because it was a coach, the seats were very spacious and reclined enough that I could get some sleep. There was also a Wi-Fi connection, which is something I haven't seen on a bus before. I didn't use it, but I saw several other people connect to it. Travelling in the spring also means it was a very scenic journey. To get to Montreal from Toronto you spend a lot of time on highways surrounded by lush green nature, so that was nice. The price, however, was a little steep. I think I paid $110 for a return ticket, which, to me, is quite expensive. I suppose it would have been cheaper to drive, but I feel arriving fresh is money well spent. So, on the whole, the entire experience was a positive one. I would highly recommend public transportation to anyone.