Lesson 180: Talk about a popular public location in your country🏞️

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This week we look at a new Part 2 cue card (see below).

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s cue card:

Talk about a popular public location in your country. You should say:
-where this place is
-what people do there
-why it is popular
and explain how you feel about this place

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

I’m from Los Angeles in the United States. A highly visited location in Los Angeles is Venice Beach. It’s known for its mix of art, recreation and local culture.


Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Talk about a popular public location in your country. You should say:
-where this place is
-what people do there
-why it is popular
and explain how you feel about this place

I’m from Los Angeles in the United States. A highly visited location in Los Angeles is Venice Beach. It’s known for its mix of art, recreation and local culture.

Venice Beach is located west of downtown, and it attracts both locals and tourists who come for the beach life and the vibrant boardwalk. Here, people can walk or cycle along the boardwalk and shop for handmade items at small vendor stalls. The area also has skate parks and open-air gyms, including the iconic Muscle Beach, where bodybuilders train in front of audiences.

Venice Beach is celebrated for its eclectic and energetic environment. It combines California’s beach culture with artistic and bohemian vibes. Its famous canals, which were designed to be similar to Venice, Italy, add a quiet contrast to the more lively atmosphere of the boardwalk.

For me, Venice Beach represents the spirit of Los Angeles. It’s a place where diverse communities and creative expressions come together. The mix of natural beauty, art and open-minded culture makes it an inspiring place to visit, and I find the lively energy there refreshing. It’s a space where you can observe a unique blend of art and individuality that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Lesson 179: Breakfast🍳

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This week we look at questions from Part 1 of a new exam. The topic is ‘breakfast’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 1 questions:

Do you work or study?
What do you like about your job?
Would you like to change your job in the future?
Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?
What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?
Do you ever skip eating breakfast?
When do you usually eat breakfast?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
I do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.


Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.

What do you like about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is learning about the business’s processes and how these processes can be improved. It’s interesting to see what’s required to keep our operations running smoothly while ensuring customers leave happy.

Would you like to change your job in the future?

Yes, definitely. I’m studying business management with the goal of transitioning into a more senior role where I can apply those skills. I have enjoyed working as a cashier, but it is not what I want to do long term.

Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?

Absolutely, I believe breakfast is essential. It’s the first meal of the day and really helps kick-start the body and mind. Personally, I notice a big difference in my energy and focus when I’ve had a nutritious breakfast compared to days when I skip it.

What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?

In Portugal, traditional breakfasts can be quite hearty. A Portuguese breakfast might include eggs, cold cut meats or bacon, toast and possibly grilled tomatoes or baked beans. Of course, for a lighter option, many people enjoy porridge or just toast and coffee or tea, especially on weekdays when mornings are busier.

Do you ever skip eating breakfast?

Occasionally, yes, especially if I’m in a rush. However, I do try to avoid skipping it as I’ve noticed it affects my concentration and energy levels throughout the day. On busier mornings, I might grab something like a banana or yogurt just to keep myself fueled.

When do you usually eat breakfast?

I usually have breakfast around 7:30 in the morning, just before starting my workday or study session. It gives me a good foundation to stay focused and productive. On weekends, I might have it a bit later, but it’s still something I try to make time for every day.

Thank you.

Lesson 178: The future of the internet🤖

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This week we look at questions from Part 3 that follow-up on last week’s cue card. The topic is: the future of the internet.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 3 questions:

How has the internet changed the way people access information?
Do you think people rely too much on websites for information nowadays?
What are the advantages of using websites compared to traditional sources like books or newspapers?
Are there any disadvantages to getting information from websites?
How do you think websites will evolve in the future?
Do you think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how websites are designed and used?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
In the past, people had to rely on physical resources such as books and libraries. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, we can access a vast array of data on virtually any topic. Additionally, the internet offers multimedia options—videos, infographics, podcasts—which cater to various learning styles.


Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

How has the internet changed the way people access information?
In the past, people had to rely on physical resources such as books and libraries. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, we can access a vast array of data on virtually any topic. Additionally, the internet offers multimedia options—videos, infographics, podcasts—which cater to various learning styles.

Do you think people rely too much on websites for information nowadays?
Yes, to an extent. While it’s convenient and time-efficient, people often skim articles or rely on unverified sources, which can lead to misinformation. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the positive side: the internet provides a level of accessibility to knowledge that was previously unimaginable.

What are the advantages of using websites compared to traditional sources like books or newspapers?
Firstly, websites provide real-time updates, whereas printed books or newspapers might take days or months to be published. Secondly, websites are searchable, making it far easier to locate specific information in seconds. And finallly, websites often provide interactive content that can enrich the learning experience far beyond what traditional media can offer.

Are there any disadvantages to getting information from websites?
As I mentioned before, one major disadvantage of obtaining information from websites is the prevalence of misinformation. Another issue is the distraction factor, as websites often contain ads and other stimuli that can interfere with focused reading.

How do you think websites will evolve in the future?
I believe websites will become even more personalised and intuitive in the future. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, websites will likely offer highly customised experiences, predicting what information a user needs before they even ask for it.

Do you think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how websites are designed and used?
I feel artificial intelligence is already having a profound impact on web design and usage, and this trend will only intensify. In the future, I think we’ll see AI-driven websites that can autonomously update content, optimise their own design and have increasingly sophisticated interactions with users.

Lesson 177: A website you regularly visit🖥️

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This week you will train to respond to a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a website you regularly visit.’

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

Describe a website that you regularly visit.
You should say:
What the website is
What you use it for
Why you like it
And explain how it benefits you.

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
One website that I frequently visit is Coursera.com. It’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines.
I primarily use Coursera for continuing my education. It offers a rich collection of courses that are both theoretical and practical, covering topics like machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical analysis.

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a website that you regularly visit.
You should say:
What the website is
What you use it for
Why you like it
And explain how it benefits you.

One website that I frequently visit is Coursera.com. It’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines.

I primarily use Coursera for continuing my education. It offers a rich collection of courses that are both theoretical and practical, covering topics like machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical analysis. The interactive learning approach, including hands-on projects and quizzes, has been instrumental in enhancing my knowledge.

What I appreciate most about this website is its flexibility. Being able to learn at my own pace is incredibly convenient. Additionally, the platform often provides certificates upon completion, which helps me build a credible portfolio. This is a real advantage in today’s competitive job market.

Coursera has benefited me immensely, and it was key to my career transition into data science. It has broadened my knowledge base, introduced me to real-world applications and improved my confidence in handling complex techniques. Moreover, the global network of learners allows me to collaborate with and learn from others who share similar interests. It’s a website that I would highly recommend.

Lesson 176: How to talk about your childhood🧒

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This week, we’re looking at a new exam. In this exam, the examiner asks you to talk about your childhood.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where are you from?
Do you work or study?
Do you enjoy studying this?
Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?
What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?
Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?
Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?
Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
Where are you from?
I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Do you work or study?
At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝


Transcript

Where are you from?

I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Do you work or study?

At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.

Do you enjoy studying this?

Yes, I really enjoy studying data science. It allows me to work on real-world problems by analysing data patterns. I use these patterns to support decision making, and I find this really rewarding.

Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?

Yes, I had a very happy childhood. I was fortunate to grow up in a supportive family. I have many fond memories of exploring forests and hills with my friends and family.

What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?

As a child, I loved exploring the outdoors. I also enjoyed reading, playing board games and working on little projects or hobbies with my friends.

Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?

Yes, I did. At one point, I wanted to be an engineer because I enjoyed building things and solving problems. Later on, I became fascinated by computers and technology, which naturally led me to the field of data science.

Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?

I often helped around the house with chores. Because I was only a child, I did simple jobs like cleaning and helping my parents with tasks in the garden. We also had a pet dog that I was responsible for feeding and walking.

Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?

Definitely. Problem-solving was something that I started practising as a child through activities like puzzles and strategy games, and it’s a skill that is invaluable in data science. Also, the discipline I gained from helping my parents with chores has been crucial in managing my time and staying organised while studying. These basic skills are absolutely critical to me today.

Lesson 175: Animals and society🐡

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This week, we’re finishing up the exam we’ve been analysing for the past few weeks. The topic once again involves animals.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 3 questions:
In what ways can animals be helpful to humans in daily life?
Do you think schools should teach children about interacting with animals? Why or why not?
How has the role of animals in society changed over the years in your country?
What are your views on keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes?
How important is it to protect endangered animal species?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“Animals play a pivotal role in various aspects of human life. For example, domesticated animals like dogs and cats provide emotional support and companionship, which can significantly improve mental health. In rural areas, animals such as horses and donkeys are used for farming, making daily tasks more manageable. Additionally, animals contribute to human well-being through service roles. Guide dogs, for instance, allow visually impaired people to navigate their environment.”

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝


Transcript

In what ways can animals be helpful to humans in daily life?

Animals play a pivotal role in various aspects of human life. For example, domesticated animals like dogs and cats provide emotional support and companionship, which can significantly improve mental health. In rural areas, animals such as horses and donkeys are used for farming, making daily tasks more manageable. Additionally, animals contribute to human well-being through service roles. Guide dogs, for instance, allow visually impaired people to navigate their environment.

Do you think schools should teach children about interacting with animals?

Yes, I do. Teaching children how to interact with animals can foster a sense of empathy and responsibility. By learning about animals’ needs and the proper way to care for them, children develop an appreciation for other living beings. I think this helps children develop into kind, compassionate adults.

How has the role of animals in society changed over the years in your country?

In the past, animals were largely seen as working partners, especially in rural communities where they were essential for farming and transportation. However, with modernisation, machines have largely taken over these roles, and now people more see animals as companions. Today, many laws have been enacted to protect animals, so the shift in opinion in my country has been pretty dramatic.

What are your views on keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes?

I believe keeping wild animals in captivity purely for entertainment purposes is ethically questionable. Many animals in zoos and circuses endure environments that are drastically different from their natural habitats. I think we should shift our focus towards more humane and educational alternatives, such as wildlife documentaries and virtual reality experiences. This would allow people to learn about wild animals without causing harm.

How important is it to protect endangered animal species?

Protecting endangered species is of paramount importance. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. For instance, the extinction of a predator can lead to overpopulation of prey, which can in turn lead to habitat destruction. I believe there is also an ethical responsibility to preserve the incredible variety of life on Earth for future generations to appreciate.

Lesson 174: Describe a time when you interacted with an animal🐻

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This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that asks you to speak about a time when you interacted with an animal.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

Part 2 cue card
Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say:
What kind of animal it was
Where you were and what you did with the animal
How the experience made you feel
And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.”

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝


Transcript

Part 2 cue card
Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say:
What kind of animal it was
Where you were and what you did with the animal
How the experience made you feel
And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future

I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.

At the sanctuary, I was given the opportunity to assist the staff in feeding the turtles as part of a conservation programme. I helped prepare a mixture of vegetables and fish, which was the turtles’ preferred food. Once the food was ready, I gently placed it in the water. A few moments later, one of the turtles swam up and slowly started to eat it!

This experience made me feel deeply connected to nature. It was a humbling reminder of the vast diversity of life on our planet and how much we can learn from creatures that live so differently from us. I also felt a sense of responsibility toward protecting endangered species like this one, as they are so vulnerable to human activity.

As for whether I’d like to spend more time with this kind of animal: absolutely. Turtles are peaceful, ancient creatures, and being around them has a calming effect. I’d love to be involved in more conservation efforts. It would give me more chances to learn about turtle behaviour and contribute to their preservation.

Lesson 173: Talking about pets🦜

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This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘pets’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

Part 1 questions
Where are you from?
Do you work or study?
Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets?
What kind of pet would you like to have in the future?
Did you grow up with pets in your home?
How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life?
Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!👇🗣️📲

“At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.”

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝


Transcript

Where are you from?
I’m from a small town in Ireland.

Do you work or study?
I work as an assistant in a local shop. It’s a great job where I get to interact with different people every day.

Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets?
At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.

What kind of pet would you like to have in the future?
In the future, I’d love to have a dog. I would like one that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking. Since I’m quite active and love spending time in nature, having a dog to accompany me on walks would be really enjoyable.

Did you grow up with pets in your home?
Yes, we had a cat when I was growing up. She was a bit of a character —independent but affectionate when she wanted to be. Having her around taught me responsibility and compassion, and I have fond memories of spending time with her.

How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life?
I think having a pet can significantly improve someone’s life. Pets provide companionship, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Dogs, in particular, encourage people to be more active, as they require regular exercise. Additionally, pets offer emotional support and unconditional love, and this can boost a person’s overall well-being.

Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets?
Some people may choose not to have pets because of the time, effort and expense involved. Pets require daily attention and it can get expensive for things like food and veterinary visits, so owning a pet might not be feasible for everyone. Others may have allergies or live in housing that doesn’t allow pets.

Lesson 172: Talking in depth about your hometown🏠

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This week we’re looking at Part 3 questions that expand on the topic of ‘your hometown’.

Step 1: (No podcast episode published this week. Please proceed to Step 2.)

Part 3 questions
What is your hometown most well known for?
Is it easy for a person to become integrated in your hometown?
Do many tourists visit your hometown?
What are some of the challenges your hometown faces today?
Would you say your hometown is a good place for young people to live?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“My hometown is a small town in Ontario. I would say it is most well known for its rich agricultural roots. It hosts the oldest agricultural fair in Canada: The Carp Fair. It also has a Cold War-era underground bunker that has been transformed into Canada’s Cold War Museum. I would say these two things would be our biggest attractions.”

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝


Transcript

What is your hometown most well known for?

My hometown is a small town in Ontario. I would say it is most well known for its rich agricultural roots. It hosts the oldest agricultural fair in Canada: The Carp Fair. It also has a Cold War-era underground bunker that has been transformed into Canada’s Cold War Museum. I would say these two things would be our biggest attractions.

Is it easy for a person to become integrated in your hometown?

Yes. My hometown doesn’t really have a definitive identity, so I think newcomers find it easy to blend in. Also, because of its smaller size, it’s easy to get to know your neighbours.

Do many tourists visit your hometown?

While my hometown doesn’t attract the volume of tourists that larger cities do, it does see a steady stream of visitors. The Cold War Museum I was mentioning is a unique historical site that draws both history enthusiasts and school groups. Also, tourists who enjoy rural getaways often visit Carp for its serene landscapes and farmer’s markets in the summer and fall.

What are some of the challenges your hometown faces today?

I would say my hometown’s major challenge is balancing growth while maintaining its rural character. As neighbouring Ottawa expands, there is the risk that my hometown will become amalgamated. Some people see this as a threat to the small-town lifestyle and local businesses that residents cherish.

Would you say your hometown is a good place for young people to live?

Carp offers a peaceful and safe environment, which can be ideal for young families or those who prefer a slower pace of life. It has a strong sense of community, and its proximity to Ottawa means young people have access to urban job opportunities and higher education. Overall, it’s a good place for those who appreciate a balance between rural and urban living.

Lesson 171: A special place in your hometown 🌇

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This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a special place in your hometown’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.”

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝


Transcript

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.

I used to visit this hill frequently after my classes or on weekends. Even now, I make it a point to stop by when I’m back in town. I’d say I visit a few times a year, and each time, it feels like visiting an old friend.

What makes this hill so special to me is the sense of peace and reflection it offers. During my high school years, it was my go-to place whenever I needed to clear my head or take a break from studying. I would sit at the top. There’s an amazing view that stretches out over the town and allows you to catch the sunset. The colours of the sunset from that vantage point are breathtaking! It’s a sight that never fails to calm my mind and lift my spirits.

Beyond its beauty, the hill has a deep personal significance. It was a place where I would often go with friends after school. We would sit and talk about our dreams, our fears and our plans for the future. Those conversations, which often occured against the backdrop of the setting sun, are some of my most cherished memories.

Even now, this simple hill is a reminder of a simpler time and of the friendships and dreams I had when I was younger.