Part 1 topics (may to august 2018)

Transportation

1. What’s the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
The most common vehicle in my hometown is the motorbike. As I’ve read in a current newspaper, most adults have their own motorbikes. Moreover, I can easily catch sight of motorbikes whenever I go outside.
2.Do you usually commute by public transport?
I take buses to go to school at least twice a day as I haven’t got my own vehicle yet. I also usually use buses to visit my relatives or friends’ homes.

2. Is it easy to catch a bus in your country?
Yes, it’s easy as pie. Today, there are more and more bus lines so i dont have to wait for a long time to get on bus.

3. Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?
Obviously, airplanes and trains have their own particular benefits for passengers. Regarding planes, they have been the fastest means of passenger transport invented so far. They enable people to travel all around the world in the shortest possible time. The biggest advantage of trains is their impressive safety record. Accidents are rare, and so people can feel relaxed and just sit back and admire the views from their comfortable seats.

4. Is driving to work popular in your country?
Yes. I’m pretty sure that private cars and motorbikes are the two most popular vehicles in my country. Therefore, it is obvious that there are a large number of people who tend to drive to work.

5. Do you think people will drive more in the future?
Yes, I think so. There will be more drivers on the roads in the future due to the convenience of motoring and the affordable prices of cars.

6. Would you ride bikes to work in the future?
Yes. As I’m a young person, I like to do energetic activities to help me keep fit, so I will give priority to a job that is within cycling distance of my home.

7. Do you think what will become the most popular means of transportation in your country?
Personally, I think the prevalence of motorbikes will continue to dominate due to their advantages, namely they are great for getting around quickly, they are easy to park and economical to run.

8. Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?
Although owning a private vehicle has various advantages, I prefer using public transportation in order to economize as well as to help protect the environment.

Other questions:
How did you get here today?
How do you usually go to school or work?
Which transportation do you usually use?

==> Band 8.0+ Sample Answer

 

Watches

1. Do you like to wear watches?

Well, I am more a cosmetics girl than clothing and accessories, hence, there are not many watches and jewelries in my possession. However, I have nothing against wearing a beautiful piece of art on my wrist and do own a few exclusive timepieces which suit perfectly with my clothing on some special occasions, giving me a sense of identity and uniqueness.

Vocabulary

In someone’s possession: if something is in someone’s possession, they have it

Have nothing against: to dislike or not approve of someone or something for a particular reason

On (special) occasions: from time to time; now and then

2. Why do people like expensive watches?

Just like any other accessories, the more luxurious a timepiece looks, the higher social status the owner may hold. Watches are widely used by either gender and one of the visual indicators presenting how professional, smart and attractive a person is. Therefore, if one wants to be acknowledged and taken seriously, he/she will prefer a high-end watch rather than a collection of low-end ones.

Vocabulary

Timepiece (n): a clock or watch

Social status (n): a person’s standing or importance in relation to other people within a society

Indicator (n): a sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing

Acknowledge (n): to accept that somebody/something has a particular authority or status

High-end (a): expensive and of high quality

Low-end (a): at the cheaper end of a range of similar products

 

 

Hometown

1. What’s (the name of) your hometown?
My hometown is ABC city where is located in the South of [your country]. It takes a 2 hour drive from here.

2. Is that a big city or a small place?
Well, my hometown is a medium city with roughly 15 wards. The booming population and economy have turned it into a promising land for many investors.

3. Please describe your hometown a little?
There are two words to describe my hometown, which are natural and dynamic. It has picturesque scenery of mountains and beaches. On the other side of the coin, its industry is growing fast; and a lot of industrial zones are being built there.

4. How long have you been living there?
I had spent a happy childhood in my hometown for 18 years until I left for study at university. It’s 5 years since the day I left, but the memory of my hometown is always in my mind.

5. What do you like (most) about your hometown?
I think it’s a peaceful and tranquil place, which always gives me peace of mind. The people in my hometown also have a strong sense of community. They live close together and always give others a hand when they are in need.

6. Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
I think I will definitely go back to my hometown, find a job and settle down there, because I love my hometown so much and it is also a safe, peaceful and worth-living place.

7. What do visitors like to go in your hometown?
I think most of them like to go to historical sites and the beautiful sunny beaches. Going there, they can learn more about our fascinating history and colorful culture or have a whale of time on the beach with crystal clear sky and turquoise sea.

==> Band 9.0 Sample Answer

 

House/Accommodation

1. Do you live in a house or an apartment?
I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a lovely back garden. It’s not really a spacious house, but it’s just right for me and my family.

2. Do you usually spend time with your family?
We often spend quality time together on eating well-prepared meals by my mother, talking with each other while enjoying our favorite delicious foods. It’s a precious time when we can momentarily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
4.What do your family usually do together?
My family often gathers around the table enjoying a cozy meal together, communicating and sometimes busting into laughter because of my father’s humorous stories. We’re also particularly into family game nights, when we huddle together to play cards or other family favorites.
5.Do you like it?

3. Does your family like it?

4. How would you change your apartment or house?

5. How long have you lived there?

6. Do you live with your family?

7. Do you want to live by yourself in the future?

8. Do you enjoy living with your family?

9. Is the transport around your home convenient?

==> Band 9.0 Sample Answer