Giải bộ đề dự đoán sớm speaking quý 2 2023

Well, most of the people in rural areas are farmers so I think they probably enjoy doing farmwork, you know, like irrigating, gardening or plowing, etc.. • Do you think older people who

Contents

HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU 5

PART 1 2

1 Work and studies 2

2 Hometown 3

3 Home and accommodation 4

4 Watch 5

5 Neighbor 6

6 Weekend 6

7 Noise 7

8 Arts 7

9 Outer space and stars 8

10 Chocolate 8

11 Music 8

12 Staying Up Late 9

13 Jewellery 10

14 Keys 10

15 Library 11

16 Small Business 11

17 Happy 12

18 T-shirt 12

19 Books and Reading habits 12

20 Doing sports 13

21 Evening time 13

22 Advertisement 14

23 Meeting places 15

24 Sitting down 15

25 Computers 16

26 Old buildings 17

27 Talents 17

28 Collecting things 18

29 Boring things 18

30 Hair salon 19

31 Science 19

32 Daily Routine 20

PART 2&3 22

CORE QUESTIONS BY SIMON 22

PART 2&3 PREDICTION QUESTIONS 24

TOPIC 1: DESCRIBE A PERSON 24

1 Describe a popular/well-known person in your country 24

2 Describe a friend from your childhood who you remember very well 26

3 Describe an interesting old person you know 28

4 Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with 30

5 Describe a person you have met who you like to work or study 33

6 Describe a famous actor 35

TOPIC 2: DESCRIBE AN OBJECT 38

1 Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use 38

2 Describe a gift you received 40

3 Describe a traditional product in your country 42

4 Describe a photo you took that you are proud of 44

TOPIC 3: DESCRIBE AN EVENT/TIME 47

1 Describe a historical period you want to know more about 47

2 Describe a time when you received some positive feedback 49

3 Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something 52

4 Describe a time you were late for a meeting 54

5 A time somebody gave you something you really wanted/ A reward you got 57

6 Describe a time when you moved to a new home/school 59

7 Describe a time you were very busy 60

8 Describe a time when you helped a child 62

9 Describe a special day out that cost you little money I didn't cost you much 64

10 Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something important 66

11 Describe a time when you had to spend a long time in a traffic jam 69

12 Describe a time when someone asked you for your opinion 70

TOPIC 4: DESCRIBE AN ACTIVITY 72

1 Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young 72

2 Describe a contest/competition you would like to participate in 74

3 Describe an important event you celebrated 76

TOPIC 5: DESCRIBE A PLACE 79

1 Describe a city you would like to go to for a short time 79

2 Describe a place you visited that was affected by pollution 81

3 Describe a noisy place you have been to 83

4 Describe a favorite place in your house where you can relax 85

5 Describe a quiet place you like to go to 87

TOPIC 6: OTHER TOPICS 89

1 Describe something you did that made you feel proud 89

2 Describe a complaint that you made 91

3 Describe an unusual meal you had 93

4 Describe a website you often visit 96

5 Describe something you did with someone or a group of people 97

6 Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well 99

7 Describe a routine you have in your life that you enjoy 101

8 Describe a development in the area where you live 103

9 Describe an advertisement you do not like 105

10 Describe something you would like to learn 107

HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU

Bộ tài liệu này sẽ cung cấp cho các bạn câu trả lời mẫu cho 32 chủ đề Speaking part 1,

40 chủ đề Speaking part 2 và part 3 của bộ đề dự đoán sớm Quý 2/2023 Đây là tài liệu vô cùng chất lượng và tâm huyết được biên soạn bởi đội ngũ Học thuật của

IELTS Xuân Phi Vì vậy, học viện rất mong các sĩ tử có thể tận dụng tối đa tài liệu này và đạt band điểm cao (8.0+) cho kỹ năng Nói, một kỹ năng khó nhằn nhất trong

kỳ thi IELTS

Trong mỗi chủ đề sẽ có các mục như sau:

Câu hỏi của chủ đề - Câu trả lời mẫu

Cách sử dụng tài liệu:

• Bước 1: Tự brainstorm ý tưởng cho câu trả lời của mình

• Bước 2: Đọc câu trả lời mẫu

• Bước 3: Tham khảo ý tưởng và ghi chép từ vựng ở bài mẫu phù hợp với ý tưởng của bản thân vào 1 cuốn sổ rồi học thuộc từ vựng

• Bước 4: Tự brainstorm lại ý tưởng dựa trên những ý tưởng tham khảo và từ vựng mới đã học được (Chú ý: chỉ ghi từ 5-6 từ khóa, không ghi cả câu)

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PART 1

1 Work and studies

• Do you work or are you a student?

Well, currently I’m working a part-time job as a teaching assistant in an English center

in Hanoi I’ve been doing so for 3 years

• What work do you do? What subjects are you studying? Why did you choose that job?

Besides being a part-time teaching assistant, I’m also employed full-time as an academic assistant

My area of specialization is English linguistics, which means I have to master numerous subjects related to the major including the basics of Phonology, Grammar, English for specific purposes, etc

There are several reasons I opted for that profession Firstly, my major is English linguistics Secondly, I have been passionate about English since I was in high school

On top of that, my job also helps me to get a well-paid salary so it is really an ideal job for me now

• Why did you choose to study that subject? Do you like your job?

I decided to study that subject as it helps me to fulfill my dream of promoting our national image to the world Plus, studying English is also a way for me to train myself into becoming an active person

Of course, I love my job now One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that I have a chance to meet people from all walks of life And you know, they are all very different, which brings a unique dynamic to the classroom

• What do you like about your studies?

One of the most fascinating aspects I find in my studies is that I can keep up with current affairs Plus, I can also improve my analytical and problem-solving skills

• What do you dislike about your studies?

I just find it challenging the first time I studied my major as it was so theoretical and perplexing That’s why I had a hard time dealing with it when I was a freshman

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• What was your dream job when you were young? Have you changed your mind

on your dream job?

I was always ambitious about being a doctor when I was a kid Just imagining one day

I would wear a blouse and find a cure for patients, I feel like I am on cloud nine Absolutely As you can see, my current job is academic assistant However, my dream was to become a doctor That’s because I changed my major when enrolling in university, which marked an important milestone and turned my life into a new leaf

2 Hometown

• Please describe your hometown a little What is your town well-known for?

I was born and raised in Quang Ninh province, which is located in Northern Vietnam This province is also famous for its abundant seafood and a variety of tourist attractions

• Do you like your hometown?

I really love my hometown as I’ve grown up there since I was a kid All of my life has been associated with this place from my family, my school, and my friends to my house,

my street, etc

• Is that a big city or a small place? How long have you been living there?

It’s a large city facilitated by a top-notch infrastructure and numerous convenient services As I mentioned before, I’ve lived there since I was a kid Having said that, I lived there for almost 18 years until I moved to Hanoi to enter a university

• Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

I don’t think so I tend to live in Hanoi because this city provides me with a lot of job opportunities and services, allowing me to enjoy a high living standard

Would you like to live in the countryside in the future?

• What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city? What do you like to do in the countryside?

From my perspective, the former differs from the latter in some aspects Firstly, it’s apparently the environment Needless to say, the atmosphere in an urban area is far more polluted than that in a rural one due to industrial production and systems of transportation However, living in the city is way more convenient than in the

• What do people living in the countryside like to do? How has your town changed

over the last 20 years?

Well, most of the people in rural areas are farmers so I think they probably enjoy doing farmwork, you know, like irrigating, gardening or plowing, etc

To be honest, the last 20 years have seen significant development in my town The frequent parks and open spaces have been replaced by modern buildings and commercial establishments, more industries have been established and people seem to have a fast pace of life these days

3 Home and accommodation

• Who do you live with?

I am currently living with my sister She is a good housemate who fully takes care of

my cats or prepares the meals whenever I am occupied

• What kinds of accommodation do you live in?

I am residing in a run-of-the-mill house in the outskirts of Hanoi It is a fully-furnished house with all the mod cons including air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine and even oven that my sister and I have accumulated for several months These household appliances play a vital role in reducing our amount of household tasks

• Do you plan to live there for a long time?

No, I would say, I have an intention of leaving my house in maybe 7 years This is not because of the living costs or surrounding amenities It is about my future career plan

I plan to move to another city; therefore, leaving this cozy neighborhood would be a must

• What kind of house or flat do you want to live in in the future?

My dream house would be a spacious house in a big city I am a sucker for the glamour

of metropolises; therefore, I would strive to work hard and buy one Although housing

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costs in cities are criminally expensive, I would consider it as a trade-off so I am willing

to live there

• What's your favorite room in your apartment/house?

It’s the dining room where my family spends quality time together This is not only the place where every family reunion takes place but also the place where every family can enjoy a harmonious atmosphere during meals My family members always take precedence over family so despite ups and downs, we always try to eat together

• Do you think it is important to live in a comfortable house?

Yes, of course Although maybe we don’t spend most of our time staying at home, I still believe that a comfy house would help us to let off some steam after a day of back-wrecking labor It would be a hassle if we are physically and emotionally drained and still endure irritating household things

4 Watch

• Do you wear a watch?

I do wear a watch for most of the day, especially when I’m at work or traveling somewhere However, when I’m at home I would just take it off and leave it on my bedroom desk

• Have you ever got a watch as a gift?

I have gotten a watch as a gift a couple of times The first time I got one it had coloured straps and a gleaming white watch face The second time I got one it had grey plastic straps and a digital display and it could also function as a stopwatch

maroon-• Why do some people wear expensive watches?

Some of those people like to wear extravagant watches to flaunt how wealthy they are For example, a businessman would typically wear an Omega watch to show that he makes a lot of money on his job

• Do you think it is important to wear a watch?

I find it to be important to wear a watch because it is a handy way to keep track of time

If you can’t keep track of time then it wouldn’t be possible for you to do the things you want or need to do

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5 Neighbor

• Do you think neighbors are important?

Of course Because your neighbors live next door, they can keep an eye on your property when you’re far away Therefore, they can detect and inform you of any unpredictable things

• How can we get along with our neighbors?

I assume that we all should find common ground from which to enhance the relationship The better mutual understanding we and our neighbors have the more you can get support in adversity

• Do you think it's important to have a good relationship with one's neighbors? Yes, getting along with neighbors is absolutely vitally crucial To be honest, despite not having belief, hobbies in common, I think it is better for neighborhoods to be gentle and polite to avoid considerable disputes

6 Weekend

• What do you usually do on weekends?

I normally go out to some picturesque natural sceneries in urban areas to let my hair down after an exhausting week Besides, I also spend most of the weekend recharging

my batteries by sleeping all day and having dinner with pizza as a retreat

• Did you do anything special last weekend?

As my memory serves me correctly, last weekend, I engaged in a cake-making workshop That was the first time that I have ever successfully made a cake by myself Thanks to meticulous guidance from teachers, I gradually took it step by step and accomplished a cake finally

• What will you do next weekend?

I haven’t had any certainty for my upcoming week plan Perhaps, an eco-tour would be

an ideal reward for my hard working days Hopefully this plans would provide me with

a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle that I have to endure in my densely- populated city

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7 Noise

• Do you think the city is noisy?

Yes, definitely Noise pollution is increasingly becoming a pressing issue that the government and individuals constantly strive to mitigate This type of pollution is due

to densely-populated cities and a massive amount of daily transportation It is transparent that the public health would be adversely affected if the presence of noise is still perpetuated

• What makes the city noisy?

Well, the noise of cities can be attributed to a myriad of factors The main culprit is traffic, especially during the rush hours The prolonged vehicle horns always make me cringe and give me a headache The second is noise from construction workers drilling which never fails to distract me from working even when all windows are closed

• Are there any sounds you like?

Personally speaking, there is nothing better than listening to the gentle sound of drizzles

I usually cherish it whenever it rains on my balcony I also play such tunes on my laptop

to focus more on studies

8 Arts

• What forms of visual art are popular in your country?

Traditionally, pictures created with unique materials such as lacquer and fabric are commonplace These days however, we are beginning to embrace modern art forms such as graffiti and photography

• Are there any differences between the art in your country and the art in Western countries?

The biggest difference between Vietnamese and Western art is that we use more unconventional materials such as lacquer and fabric Thus, our art is usually more experimental because of this

• Do you want to be an artist?

I would not want to become an artist because I have a lousy eye for composition and color I do not know which color goes with which and I do not know which patterns or shapes to use to make a beautiful picture

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9 Outer space and stars

• Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?

I did learn about outer space in elementary school I learned about the solar system as well as the types of stars and extraterrestrial objects that are commonly found However, that’s where my knowledge of outer space ends

• Are you interested in films concerning outer space and stars?

I do have an interest in movies set in outer space One of my favorites of all time is The Martian, in which a NASA astronaut played by Matt Damon has to survive on Mars after being left stranded there by accident

• Do you want to go into outer space in the future?

I do not want to venture into space in the future because the thought of floating in the darkness of space somewhat frightens me Therefore, I’m more than happy with staying

on Earth thanks

10 Chocolate

• Do you like chocolate?

Yes, I do Chocolate is my favorite kind of sweet treat in the world I do especially like dark chocolate as long as it doesn’t have over 80% cocoa in it

• Did you like chocolate when you were a child?

My love for chocolate began when I was a kid so yes, I did like it back then I would eat it almost all the time but my parents were worried that I was getting fat so they compelled me to eat less of it

• Have you ever given chocolate as a gift to someone?

I gave chocolate as a gift to people many times before, mostly during special occasions like birthdays or Christmas It is pretty much my go-to gift for people since it is easy to find and pretty cheap

• How popular is chocolate in your country?

It is a fairly popular treat in Vietnam, although local snacks and fruits like sunflower seeds, papaya, watermelon and dragonfruit are more commonly eaten However, we are starting to make our own chocolate and become less dependent on imports from abroad

11 Music

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• How often do you listen to music?

I listen to it almost everyday My life would be rather dull without it I have my own Spotify account so I can listen to music on my phone or computer whenever I like

• What kind of music do you like most?

I have a strong preference for classic rock, mostly British bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin However, I’m open to newer genres like hip hop and techno

• When do you listen to music?

I mostly listen to it in the morning and afternoon when I’m working Music helps me to concentrate on whatever I’m doing at the moment At night, I prefer to watch TV to be entertained because it is more stimulating

• What types of music are most popular in your country?

Among the youth, they are highly receptive to music from abroad such as American and British pop as well as K-pop Older people however like music produced by local artists like My Linh and Hong Nhung as that’s what they grew up listening to

12 Staying Up Late

• How often do you stay up late?

I mostly stay up late during the weekends as I have no work to do I would usually go out on the town with my friends hopping by bars and pubs till the break of dawn

• When did you last stay up late?

I last stayed up late last Saturday I was watching a Premier League match between Tottenham and Manchester City on TV and it was on from 3 to 5 am

• How do you feel after staying up late?

I normally feel exhausted after staying up late, especially after having one too many drinks I would then feel desperate to have a good night’s sleep, going as far as ignoring brushing my teeth and not taking off my clothes

• Does anything make it difficult for you to fall asleep?

When it is too noisy or too bright in my bedroom, I would have trouble falling asleep and when I don’t get enough sleep I wouldn’t be able to work effectively and would

struggle to stay awake

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13 Jewellery

• Do you like wearing jewellery?

Not really I find it to be uncomfortable and garish I instead prefer to wear a watch since it is more useful and it is nicer to look at in its unassuming design

• Have you ever bought jewellery as a gift?

No, I have not because it’s way too expensive for me to afford I instead prefer to buy something much cheaper like a book or a box of chocolate, which are just as nice as jewellery in my estimation

• What type of jewellery would you like to buy?

None of them because like I said before, they’re all too expensive to buy If I earned more money, then maybe I would buy a ruby ring because I like the color of it

• What type of jewellery is most popular in your country?

Anything that has diamonds in it, we’ll go out of our way to get it We like the appearance of diamonds and the connotation it brings in terms of social and financial status

14 Keys

• Do you have a lot of keys?

No, I don’t I only have my house keys which are all I need I don’t own anything else that might need a key like a motorcycle or a miniature safe

• Do you always take your keys when you go out?

Yes, I do because I need them to lock and unlock the door to my house regardless of the situation If I didn’t have them with me then how would I be able to come inside my house?

• Have you ever lost a key?

I have never lost my keys I always check that I have them at all times and it has worked for me so far Also, I keep them hidden from public view in case someone wants to steal them

• Do you do anything to avoid losing keys?

I always keep my keys in either my pocket or handbag so that I know where to find them and pull them out whenever I’m leaving or entering my house

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15 Library

• How often do you go to the library?

I hardly ever go to the library Whenever I need to search for information, I can just use

my phone or computer and go on Google to find what I need

• When was the last time you went to a library?

I last went to a library nearly five years ago when I was studying abroad I was at my university’s library to conduct research for my final dissertation

• Did you go to the library when you were a child?

I did go to my school’s library quite often when I was a kid I would go there just to borrow books or magazines that are interesting to me

• How popular are our libraries in your country?

Libraries are not well-visited by people in Vietnam We instead search for the information we need online which is faster than scouring for a particular book across numerous shelves

16 Small Business

• How often do you shop at small businesses?

I shop at small businesses almost twice a week but I shop at supermarkets or malls more often They have a wider range of products on offer and so they have more choices for consumers

• Do you prefer buying things from small businesses or big businesses?

I prefer to buy stuff from small businesses because they show greater sincerity in the products that they sell and they are usually more stringent towards quality control than big businesses which tend to cut corners in this regard

• Are there many small businesses where you live?

In the district where I live, there are many small businesses owned by independent entrepreneurs and families selling everything from sunglasses to candles Hence there are plenty of opportunities to support these kinds of businesses

• Would you prefer to work for a small business or a large business?

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I would prefer to work for a small business because I like rooting for the little guys These big businesses are already making millions so why not let these smaller ones get the spotlight?

17 Happy

• What made you happy when you were little?

As a kid, I would always get happy whenever I got to play outside with the other kids from the neighborhood They were really fun to play with and the games we played were just as exciting

• What do you think will make you feel happy in the future?

I think that if I get a better paying job in the near future, I’ll feel happier because I’ll have more money to pay the bills as well as have more money to buy things I most desire like a new phone or computer

18 T-shirt

• Do you usually wear T-shirts?

I do often wear T-shirts, especially during the summer where I need something light to wear In the winter I would wear something heavier like a sweater

• Do you like T-shirts with pictures or prints?

I do like T-shirts with pictures on the front because they make them unique from other similar T-shirts and they add some pizzazz to the shirt as well

• Do you think older people who wear T-shirts are fashionable?

I don’t think so because it comes across as them trying too hard to be trendy like today’s youth It is better for these older people to wear whatever they like and not have to be forced to wear clothing more appropriate for young people

19 Books and Reading habits

• Do you often read books? When?

Yes, definitely As books are my perennial favorite pastime, I am usually engrossed in the world of fantasies especially before my bedtime Personally speaking books really exert a therapeutic effect that could easily lull me to sleep

• Has your reading habit changed since you were young?

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One of the significant changes in my reading routine is that I have diverted my enthusiasm from comics to self-help genres This hands down marks a watershed of becoming mature in choosing books

• Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?

As a bookworm, I won’t miss any chance to watch film adaptations from classic novels The one that leaves the most impression on me is hands down The thorn birds, which received highly critical claims The film has enabled me to relive the life of characters

in a far more very vivid, animated way

20 Doing sports

• What sports do you like?

Well, I’m a sports enthusiast Although I’m just an amateur, my favorite activity is playing soccer Undoubtedly my health would reap benefits from practicing a sport regularly It not only keeps me as fit as a fiddle but also mitigate potential negative health conditions And last but not least, it refreshes my mind after a day of back-breaking labor

• Do you think students need more exercise?

Yes, absolutely Taking regular exercises surprisingly does wonders for a student's cognitive development This is because exercise can promote the multiplication of brain cells in specific parts which control the formation, retention and recall of memories Therefore, it is singularly essential for students in learning

• What sports are popular in your country?

I would say football without a doubt Football is such a special sport that can unite all walks of life together and enhances national pride The victory cheering and chanting

of the crowd totally left Vietnamese people with an indelible experience at least once

in their lifetime

21 Evening time

• Do you like the morning or the evening?

I have no preference for either time of day I treat both the morning and evening the same since they can both be invigorating and exhausting, depending on what happens

in either period

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• What do you usually do in the evening?

I would usually stay at home, eat dinner and watch TV until 11:30 at night to decompress from my busy schedule On the weekends I would sometimes hang out with

my friends in the evening for dinner or a drink

• What did you usually do in the evening when you were a kid?

I basically did the same things that I do now because they were a surefire way for me

to let my hair down However, I also had to do my homework since I was at school when I was young and I had to learn to grow up

• Are there any differences between what you do in the evening now and what you did in the past?

I wouldn’t say there are stark differences between what I do in the evening now and what I did in the past The biggest difference I would say is that I’m going out more now because there’s plenty of fun to be had by going outside to meet with friends

22 Advertisement

• Do you like watching TV advertisements or Internet advertisements?

I am not interested in advertisements on either platform because I find them a bit of a nuisance so I would avoid them wherever they come up If they’re on TV then I would get up and do something else If they’re online then I would just ignore them and move

on to whatever I am doing online

• What kinds of advertisements do you dislike?

I particularly dislike advertisements selling medication because they are typically not honest about what they do to your body to make it healthier They would often exaggerate the capabilities and effects of the medication to convince consumers that they are the best thing in the world

• Do you share advertisements with others?

I don’t share advertisements with other people because nobody ever really does that They would find it uncouth to do something like that because they are not interested in what products these advertisements are marketing

• Do you want to work in advertising in the future?

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I do not intend to work in advertising because it seems like it’s an industry that is based

on manipulating people to buy a certain product and I find it somewhat repugnant to mislead people into doing that

23 Meeting places

• Where is your favorite place to meet with your friends?

I like to meet my friends at a coffee shop because it’s the kind of place where we can easily gather and talk over a drink Also, a coffee shop has a nice and quiet atmosphere that I like when I want to talk with my friends

• Why are some meeting places better than others?

I wouldn’t say one meeting place is better than the other If anything, it really boils down to one’s personal preference For example, some like to meet in restaurants while others don’t, it’s that simple

• Do you think there are some places more suitable for meeting people than others?

I wouldn’t say there are more suitable places but rather there are those that are equally suitable because it depends on what the person likes Some of those other places include libraries, restaurants, bars and pubs

• Are there any differences between your favorite meeting places now and the ones when you were little?

During my childhood, I loved to meet with my friends in arcades and amusement parks Nowadays I like to meet my friends at coffee shops The main difference between these places is that coffee shops are quiet and mellow as opposed to arcades and amusement parks being loud and buzzing

24 Sitting down

• Where is your favorite place to sit down and relax?

I like to sit on my office chair in my bedroom because it’s the one place I can retreat to after coming home from work Once I sit on it I can finally rest and chill out for the rest

of the day

• Do you always sit down for a long time?

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I do tend to sit down for a long time because my work necessitates me to do it I have a job where I have to sit down and answer calls from my company’s clients for many hours straight

• Do you feel sleepy when you have to sit still for too long?

Not always, but when I sit in an air-conditioned room for a long time I do start to get sleepy because the cold environment causes my body to get comfortable to the point where I will doze off

• Did you sit on the floor when you were a kid?

I did sit on the floor quite often as a kid, especially during my time in kindergarten and elementary school It was a way for the teachers to assert their authority over the students including myself

25 Computers

• When do you have to use computers?

I would use my computer for work as well as for entertainment It can be used for anything from finishing an assignment to watching a movie or TV show However, I would never use it whenever I’m going somewhere from point A to point B

• When was the first time you used a computer?

The first time I used a computer was when I was five years old My dad taught me how

to use his computer to write a sentence and to play Solitaire From then on, I became fascinated with computers

• What would your life be like without computers?

I think that my life would be much more difficult without a computer because I do a lot

of my work on it I also use it a lot to communicate with my friends and family and without it I would struggle in reaching out to people

• In what conditions would it be difficult for you to use a computer?

It would be difficult for me to use a computer in a setting where there is a lot of noise

It would be too much of a distraction for me to do anything on my computer I prefer if there was little to no noise so that I can focus on whatever I’m doing

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26 Old buildings

• Have you ever seen any old buildings in your city?

My city has many old buildings that are still intact for many decades Most of them are designed in the local style to the area with long roofs and a gray color scheme

• Do you prefer to live in an old building or a modern house?

I prefer to live in a modern house because the facilities will be typically nicer For example, the toilets in a modern house are usually cleaner and cozy than those in older buildings

• Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why?

I would like to visit the Palace of Versailles in France in the near future because the architectural style looks splendid and it is of historical importance since it is where the treaty that ended World War 1 was signed

• Do you think preserving old buildings is important?

Yes, definitely This is because old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural changes of a region, therefore, it would provide citizens with a sense of place and connection to the past

27 Talents

• Do you have any special talent?

I am particularly good at doing magic tricks I know almost every trick and I would do them to impress my friends or young children

• Did you learn about it when you were young or recently?

I first started learning magic when I was 15 years old since I always found it so fascinating For the next 8 years I trained myself to do magic tricks and eventually I mastered them

• Do you think your talent can be useful for your future work?

My talent for doing magic would never be useful for my future career because it’s only for show I would only do it for fun and I never intend to make a career out of it

• Do you think anyone in your family has the same talent?

No one in my family has the same talent as I do None of them are particularly skilled nor interested in doing magic tricks to show off to people

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28 Collecting things

• Do you collect anything?

I collect things from time to time I actually have a collection of old postage stamps from Britain that I gathered over the three years I was in university there Some of them were dated as far back as 1910

• Is there anything that you keep from childhood?

I still have my old childhood photos; they are valuable in that they remind me of a simpler time in my life I also keep some of my old miniature cars because they also remind me of my days as a kid

• Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?

I do tend to keep old things for a long time for a few reasons First, they might come in handy in the near future whenever I’m doing something Second, I would develop an emotional attachment to these things that is so strong, it prevents me from willingly disposing of them

• Where do you usually keep things you need?

I would usually keep my things in a storage closet since it’s spacious enough to fit a multitude of items there The things I would keep in that closet are my old files and childhood mementos

29 Boring things

• What kinds of things are boring to you?

There are many things that bore me out such as watching anime, reading comic books and listening to discussions about mathematics and science These things bore me because I have no interest in them at all so I would avoid them whenever I run into them

• What will you do when you feel bored?

Whenever I’m bored, I would find something else to do that would be more interesting For example, I would go on Netflix to watch a TV series whenever I feel bored while stuck at home I would also go outside for a walk in the same situation

• What was the most boring thing you did when you were young?

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The most boring thing I ever did when I was young was painting my bedroom wall It was so boring to me because I only had to paint one color and I was doing the same motion over and over again to cover the wall which was to go up and down with the roller It was so boring that I almost fell asleep doing it

• Do you think school is boring?

Going to school can be boring at times because some of the lessons are never really interesting and feel very routine Also, that boredom stems from the fact that going to school is something we are obliged to do rather than something we can do for enjoyment However, that boredom can be balanced with the fact that we get to see our friends everyday which is always fun

30 Hair salon

• Do you often go to the hair salon?

Yes, I would say Although I’m occupied with mountains of deadlines at work, I always make the most of my time retreating by going to the hair salon Thanks to the dexterity

of washing techniques, I not only have my hair done beautifully but also feel rejuvenated afterwards

• Would you like to have your hair dyed/colored?

No This lies in the fact that I am a pretty conservative person; therefore, I usually have bias against rebellious hairstyles Hopefully, I will be more open-minded and have a crack at new things

31 Science

• What did you learn in science class?

To be honest with you, I nearly acquired nothing from science class Although I am eager to discover new things and obtain an in-depth understanding of the world, science classes are always filled with theoretical knowledge that can promptly lull me to sleep

• Do you want to know more about science?

Yes absolutely As I am infatuated with getting insights of natural phenomena, I usually watch science programs with intriguing experiences and chemical reactions

• Which science subject is most interesting to you?

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It’s pretty hard for me to choose But I would go for biology This subject can provide students with a closer look about the process of the human body and different organs Eventually, we can get a better understanding of our health and; therefore, implement some healthy living habits to have a good holistic health

32 Daily Routine

• What is your daily routine?

Yeah, I have a fixed routine that I more or less stick to when I can I get up early, try to get the day off on the right foot by doing some reading for my classes Then I do the most intensive work that requires the most concentration For the rest of the day, I just work through my busy-work and listen to music at the same time

• Do you usually have the same routine everyday?

I used to have a fixed schedule when I was a student… but recently, since I started work, I’ve been trying to be more disciplined with my time It’s tough though as my working hours are always up in the air I rarely get in dinner at the same time every day for example - but what does it really matter in the end?

• What part of your day do you like best?

My favorite time of the day would have to be after 7 p.m, when I come back home from school and catch up with family That helps me recharge and feel grounded

• Have you ever changed your routine?

Yes, in fact I’m trying to fix my sleeping routine right now In the past, I pulled a lot of all-nighters, and then would doze off in class during the day sometimes Now, I turn off

my computer at 10, read a book and put on some ambient noise to fall asleep faster

• Do you like to plan what you will do each day?

Yeah, because it gives me a feeling of control and organization But at other times, I sometimes feel robotic following a plan It’s good to be spontaneous and not just rigidly

- stubbornly - stick to what you jotted down on a slip of paper - that’s no way to live your life

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PART 2&3

CORE QUESTIONS BY SIMON

• Describe an object (a gift, something you use etc.)

Eg: Describe a useful electronic device that you have

You should say:

• What it is

• How long you have used it

• What you use it for

And explain why it is useful

Eg: Describe a famous person that you admire

You should say:

• Who the person is

• How you got to know about him or her

• Why that person is famous

And explain why you admire that person

• Describe an event (a festival, celebration etc.)

Eg: Describe an event that you enjoyed

You should say:

• When it happened

• Who was in the event

• What you did

And explain why you enjoyed the event

• Describe an activity (a hobby, a game etc.)

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Eg: Describe a sport that you enjoy

You should say:

• What the sport is

• How to play

• What equipment is required

And explain why you enjoy the sport

• Describe a place (somewhere you visit, a holiday etc.)

Eg: Describe a place that you love to visit

You should say:

• What the place is

• Where the place is

• How to get to the place

And explain why you would love to visit that place

• Describe your favorite (book, film, advertisement, website etc.)

Eg: Describe your favourite book

You should say:

• Which book it is

• How you got the book

• What the main content is

And explain why you like the book

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PART 2&3 PREDICTION QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1: DESCRIBE A PERSON

1 Describe a popular/well-known person in your country

You should say:

• Who this person is

• What he/she has done

• Why he/she is popular

And explain how you feel about this person

Answer:

One of our most celebrated national icons is footballer Nguyen Cong Phuong He plays for the Vietnam national football team as well as Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club as a striker, meaning that he is responsible for putting the ball back to the net However, Vietnamese people mostly know him for his performances for the national team since Vietnamese club football is not particularly popular During his tenure in the national team, he has helped them win the 2018 AFF Championship as well as make it to the quarter-finals

of the 2019 Asian Cup, which were pretty impressive considering how they are not typically one of the best national teams in Asia Cong Phuong is often compared to the legendary Lionel Messi due to their similar physique and style of play, as they both swiftly cut through the defense and score goals

Nguyen Cong Phuong is considered a popular figure in Vietnam because not only his footballing skills are superlative but also because of how instrumental he was in elevating the prestige of the national team His performances alone have brought the team to a whole new level on the international stage, so much so that native non-football fans are now paying attention to how the team is performing in Asian and global competitions As for myself, I quite like seeing Cong Phuong running on the pitch and clinically scoring goals to boost our national pride I also like how he is a nice guy off the field, as shown by how he takes the time to greet the fans as well as give money to various local charities to help those who are financially disadvantaged

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Part 3:

• What kinds of people are popular at work?

I would say that the ones who are easygoing and willing to make new friends are often the most popular people at work They are people who like to start conversations and don’t take themselves too seriously In addition, they are the most likely to organize office parties They know how to have a good time and make everyone else momentarily forget their stress It’s no wonder why these people are well-liked by everyone in the office

• Are bosses more popular than employees at work?

It depends on what the boss is like If he or she is easygoing and friendly to the staff, then he or she will be well-liked If he or she is a stickler of the rules and is not concerned with the well-being of the staff at all, then he or she will be massively despised Thus it

is important for a boss to both maintain guidelines and decorum in the office and to ensure that the employees are cared for and well-compensated for their efforts

• Which one is more important, keeping a good relationship with colleagues or doing well at work?

I think both are equally important and none are greater than the other It is vital for a worker to maintain friendly relations with colleagues because they are all in the same boat so to speak and they must stick together to overcome obstacles at work At the same time, it is important for a person to do well at work because they are cog in a massive machine that is the company and if that cog fails to work then the rest of the machine will fail as well

• What benefits are there when a child is popular at school?

One such benefit is that they are less likely to be a target of bullying If a child that is well-liked by the majority of students gets beaten up, then the perpetrators will face a major lynching by those students Another benefit is that they more easily ask for favors from other students Since that child is adored by most of the other students and they want to be liked as well, they are more willing to do anything that the popular child asks them to do

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2 Describe a friend from your childhood who you remember very well

You should say

• Who he/she is

• Where and how you met each other

• What you often did together

And explain what made you like him/her

Answer:

I have made many friends from my childhood but my closest one was a guy named Bruno Bruno lived in the same neighborhood as me and our families were rather close

as they often visited each other on weekends for dinner Bruno was a tall and thin kid

as he exercised a lot and ate very healthily I, on the other hand, was rather short and slightly pudgy Bruno was from a Portuguese background whereas I was from Vietnam Nevertheless, these differences didn’t get in the way of our friendship and we were able

to get along with each other just fine

Besides having dinner together on weekends, we would go out in the street to play an assortment of sports such as football, badminton and basketball Bruno was more athletic than I was but I still had fun playing with him as he was very much a team player We would also play board games at each other’s houses My favorite was Battleship, while his was Connect Four Still, we were willing to play each other’s favourite games Finally, we love to watch movies either at home or at the cinema Our favorite movie genre was action so we would go out of our way to either watch a new action movie or an old classic like something from Jackie Chan or Arnold Schwarzenegger

One thing that made me like Bruno was his sense of creating camaraderie He knows how to start a conversation and tells a good joke to lift everybody’s spirits up Heck, even one of his stupid fart jokes will be enough to get me and the neighborhood kids laughing like mad Another thing I liked about Bruno was how protective he was of his friends Whenever I or any of the other neighborhood kids got into trouble, Bruno would always be there to save us and we would be grateful towards him He knows how to come up with ingenious solutions to various problems, basically a real-life MacGyver

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Part 3:

• Which one is more important, old friendships or new ones?

Both old and new friendships are equally important in my eyes because - while it is nice

to make new friends - we shouldn’t abandon those who’ve been with us through thick and thin The larger one’s social circle is, the better Though that gets harder as you get older and have to prioritize work or family or friendships Also, who knows, maybe your old friends and your new friends will meet and take a liking to each other

• How important is childhood friendship to children?

I would say it’s extremely important since children can learn the value of talking and playing with other kids their own age In the process, they can learn to forge new relationships that might last a lifetime This is why oftentimes in elementary school, teachers pair students up so that they can begin to build long-lasting friendships I mean, that’s what happened to me and my best friend - we’ve known each other since grade school

• Do you think the development of social media affects friendships nowadays?

I would say yes in both positive and negative ways, mainly the latter of course On the one hand, social media allows two or more friends to maintain communication regardless of distance or time, which is rather convenient - group chats, video calls, learning from their posts what they’ve been up to On the other hand, if social media is used too often then it will ironically cause friendships to deteriorate due to lack of direct interaction between people

• Do you think social media will replace face-to-face communication?

I would argue that it almost already has for the most part These days it’s impossible for most people to go a single day without checking social media and it’s a common sight for friends to be huddled together peering over their phones together It’s not that they don’t talk to each other but they prioritize the virtual world and online interaction But maybe this shift is somewhat overstated by older generations who feel left behind or people who want to make a point of criticizing the sad state of affairs we find ourselves

in these days

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3 Describe an interesting old person you know

You should say:

• Who this person is

• How you know this person

• What you do together

And explain why you think this person is interesting

Answer:

This topic reminds me of an old man named Wang, whom I consider really intriguing

He is an immigrant from China He has lived in Vietnam for years since he moved to

my neighborhood for retirement However, it was not until last week when I met and got to know him by chance at a block party At the party, we had some chit chat together and I’ve just realized that he was rather nice He told me of his previous life, in which,

he was a former member of the Chinese Army, who served for five years and then left his hometown to open a laundromat in Vietnam almost 40 years ago Being touched by the country’s friendly people and peaceful life, He decided to live here for the rest of his life and raised a family of his own His laundromat located downtown is still in operation, although he no longer runs it after deciding to retire at the ripe age of 70 Every now and then, I would visit his home to tend to his needs He and I enjoy some tea and discuss our lives and interests, however, what engrosses me the most is every time we meet, there is always something about him surprise me Turns out he shares the same interest in playing chess as well as books since he is a bookaholic and also a big fan of chess He even owns a large garden at the back of his home and I help him take care of it every weekend I’m not bragging when praising that his garden is absolutely gorgeous because any other words can’t describe its beauty, which is created from various flowers and fruits with diverse colors, such as orchids, roses, oranges and apples I find Mr Wang to be a pretty interesting guy because of his life story and rather jovial attitude to life In spite of his advanced age, he approaches every new day with vigor and excitement I aspire to be like him when I retire and reach my 70s

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Part 3:

• Do you think old people and young people can share interests?

I would say yes because in the end both old and young people are just that, people They can easily share common interests if they know where to look For example an old man and a young woman can bond over their love for chess, and a young boy and an old woman can build a friendship based on their common affinity for fantasy novels The belief that young and old people can’t share the same interests is pure nonsense in my opinion

• What can old people teach young people?

The old can teach the young valuable life lessons that they themselves have learned from experience They can teach the youth lessons about personal finance, relationships and practical things among many other topics For example, a senior citizen who has been married to his wife for 40+ years can teach his grandson how to maintain a long-lasting relationship because he has that experience

• Are there benefits when one person is interested in another person? Why?

If we’re talking about being romantically interested then I would say yes, with the main one being that person has a goal to attain and a new purpose in life If a man is newly attracted to a woman then he’ll make it his mission in life to win her heart However, this can bring about feelings of jealousy if another person is interested in the same person as you so it’s ultimately a 50/50 situation

• What are the advantages of having an elderly person at home?

For one, that person can act as the de facto nanny for a family Instead of hiring an independent nanny which costs money, a grandparent can look after the children instead which is doubly beneficial since it is cheaper and strengthens familial bonds For another, the old person can step in to resolve arguments since they have greater authority

in the household on account of their age In most societies, the elderly have the most decision-making power in a family so they have the authority to mediate an internal scuffle

• Is there anything that older people should learn from the younger generation? The elderly can learn from the youth how to be more proficient in technology Since its usage is not going away any time soon, it would be beneficial for the elderly to know

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how to use the newest devices and they can learn to do this from the younger generation since they are the most savvy in using such technology As a result, everyone can be on the same page when it comes to taking advantage of technology

• What can the younger generation learn from the older generation?

This is similar to a previous question so I’ll say the same things as before The youth can learn valuable lessons from the elderly about life, love and money to name a few because they have the experience to back those lessons up For example, a grandson can learn from his grandfather how to manage his expenses because he has the practical experience to prove that his advice has worked before

• What qualities does a person need to take care of old people?

For one, a person needs to be patient in looking after the elderly Since they move and behave slower than younger people, a caregiver must have bottomless patience to be more accommodating towards old people’s weaker physical and mental health For another, a person needs to have empathy for the problems that old people are facing That person needs to understand what they are struggling with and why so that they can

do all they can to help

• Do you think elderly people should be allowed to work?

I think so because it’ll give them something to do and they won’t feel stuck being at home doing nothing However, they shouldn’t do physically strenuous jobs because they are much weaker than they were in the past Instead, they can do more leisurely jobs such as a shopkeeper or a baker and they can set their own schedules to accommodate their age

4 Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with

You should say:

• What party it was

• How you met this person

• What you talked about

And explain why you enjoyed talking with him or her

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Answer:

Seven years ago, I was in college in Birmingham, England starting my bachelor’s degree I was living in a dorm right by the main campus and I was told by my fellow flatmates that there was an inauguration party held every beginning of the academic year Naturally I was excited to join and once the day came everyone was in a jovial mood Everyone was drinking, dancing, talking and pulling pranks to lift up their spirits

As the party was going down, I came across a fellow flatmate named Aidan who was sitting by himself amidst all the festivities He looked kind of bored with the party and wanting to make new friends, I then joined alongside him, exchanged introductions, talked about what we were studying and our lives in general

It turns out that he was studying chemical engineering as a Master’s course and he’s originally from London but moved to Birmingham as he was tired of the fast-paced lifestyle in the capital Aidan chose to study chemical engineering since it was his father’s field of expertise and he shared the same passion as him He also told me that his parents were originally immigrants from Ireland who moved to London to start a new life Looking back on it now, I liked talking with Aidan because he was a good listener and he showed great interest in others’ lives He also liked to crack a joke every now and then to make the conversation more fun and his jokes were quite witty indeed

I still keep in touch with Aidan even long after we’ve both graduated from college

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Part 3:

• Under what circumstances do people meet new people?

Normally, people would meet new people in public occasions such as parties, dinners

or festivals because they normally host a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces and the familiar ones can introduce people to the unfamiliar ones as they may share mutual acquaintances That way, people can make new friendships with the ones they don’t know much about

• Where do you think people meet new people?

Like I said before, people would meet new people during public events like dinners, parties and festivals They host friends and friends of friends and people can meet those friends of friends and forge new connections with them For example, at a dinner party, friends of the host gather together and they can become friends with each other on account of them sharing a mutual acquaintance

• Do you think it is difficult for foreigners to communicate with Vietnamese people?

I would say yes if they don’t know the language If foreigners are fluent in Vietnamese then no it’s not that difficult However, these days there are more Vietnamese people becoming fluent in English, mostly among the younger generation So it may not be entirely necessary to learn Vietnamese to converse with the locals

• What types of people interact easily with each other?

For one, people who share a common interest in something can get along pretty easily For instance, it is pretty easy for a Manchester United fan to be friends with another Manchester United fan since they share the same passion For another, people who are

of the same race typically get along very well on account of them sharing the same cultural experiences For example, an Indian man studying abroad can easily be friends with another Indian man because they are of the same origin

• What kind of people are hard to get along with?

I would say it is difficult to get along with people who are arrogant because they think they are better than everyone else and they can’t empathize with others They’ll talk highly of themselves and care little about what others have to say I would also say it is difficult to get along with people who lie all the time because you can’t trust a word

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they say Trust is important in a relationship and if it’s not there, then what’s the point

in maintaining such a relationship?

• Do people now have enough time for communication?

I would say yes, but there is less and less of it nowadays because people are living a hectic lifestyle and are burdened with a heavy workload that they need to get through With whatever amount of time they have left, they tend to spend it conversing with other people about general topics such as work, current events and pop culture

• Does technology make it easier to communicate with family and friends?

On the whole, I would say yes since it facilitates greater convenience in communication For example, when a student is studying abroad, he can easily talk with his family through the phone or computer at any time despite the geographical barriers Therefore, familial bonds can still be maintained despite the vast distance between members

5 Describe a person you have met who you like to work or study

You should say:

• Who this person is

• Where you work/study together

• What you often do together

And explain why you like so much to work/study with him/her

Answer:

I work at an accounting firm as a junior accountant downtown and it has about 100 employees as part of its staff However, out of all of them, I’m only really close with one guy and his name is Jimmy Like me, he is also a junior accountant and he’s two years my senior He lives rather close to the office so he could easily walk there as opposed to myself who has to take the bus to get there because I live further away Unlike me, he is happily married and has two kids studying in kindergarten I on the other hand live alone in my apartment and am fine with it Jimmy joined the firm two years ago after working in a financial consultancy company for half a decade He told

me he wanted to work in accounting as it was less stressful for him

At work, we would go over the accounting numbers for our clients who range from small businesses to global conglomerates We would examine a client’s revenues, costs

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and profits and determine whether or not they are financially stable and advise them on how to maintain that stability Outside of work we would normally hang out at the local bar and talk about work, our personal lives and current events Sometimes, we would have dinner together with our other colleagues from work and do the same thing I like working with Jimmy because not only does he care about work to a high degree but also he’s a great conversationalist and likes to listen to others as he is very sociable

Part 3:

• What kinds of co-workers do people like to work with?

In general, people like to work with co-workers who are friendly and cooperative because they are easier to get along with and they can help them with anything they need, such as particularly difficult tasks If one’s co-workers are annoying and disruptive, then it will be much more difficult to enjoy working with them since their behavior towards others is rather poor

• Which one is more important to you at work, development in work-related skills

or recognition from your supervisors?

I think both skill development and recognition from your superiors are equally important; none is greater than the other Developing work-related skills is important because they are necessary for an employee to complete their tasks to the best of their ability Recognition from one’s supervisors is also important because it validates the hard work they have done and it gives them motivation to continue putting their effort

in their job

• Do you think managers should be friends with their subordinates?

I would say yes to a degree because in that way, the bonds between staff members can

be strengthened and managers can more easily empathize with their junior staff However, they shouldn’t be too close because it is necessary to maintain a hierarchy in the workplace and the subordinates should still recognize the authority of their managers

• Should children be allowed to choose whom they want to sit with or it should be decided by the teacher?

I think children’s seating arrangements should be dictated by the teacher because it encourages children to make new friends and not always stick to the ones they are

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already closest to If children are given free rein to sit wherever they want, they’ll more than likely sit with their best friends on account of their familiarity with them Also, they’ll more likely be disruptive during the class because they’ll start chatting with them

a lot

6 Describe a famous actor

You should say:

• Who this person is

• How do you know about this person

• What this person is famous for

• Why are you interested in this person

Answer:

The famous person I really enjoy watching is the British actor, Daniel Craig He’s mostly known for playing James Bond in the last few Bond movies but he’s got a lot of range - I’ve seen him in some other pics recently where he could really show that off and play against type

I first heard about him when he was announced as the new lead actor for the James Bond franchise and then watching the first of his Bond movies - the one that’s set in a casino I think - I took to him right away because of his intensity - he’s got deep-set blue eyes and projects vulnerability and strength at the same time - the formula for any good Hollywood leading man Since then, I’ve followed his career closely and he has gone

on to make lots of films outside the Bond universe

One of my favorite performances of his is from the movie Knives Out, where he plays

a detective looking into the murder of a powerful, cruel family patriarch It’s radically different from his standard image as a handsome leading man and puts on an over-the-top Southern drawl that’s funny and makes the movie in my opinion

I really enjoy watching Daniel Craig as an actor, since he comes off as charming and humorous like tons of other English actors I can’t speak to what kind of a person he is

in real life - you never know with celebrities in general - but he definitely gives off sensitive, good guy vibes I’m really looking forward to where his direction heads next