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  • 24 March 2025 👇Lesson 200: Cities and towns🏙️

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    Can you describe your hometown?
    I’m originally from Mossoro. It’s a city in northeastern Brazil known for its warm climate and mix of urban life and natural beauty. The city plays an important role in Brazil’s oil and salt industries.

    What do you like most about your hometown?
    What I love most is the weather and the friendly people. Mossoro is warm and sunny almost all year round, and the locals are very welcoming.

    What age group is your hometown most suitable for?
    I’d say it’s great for both families and retired people. The city has good schools, parks and healthcare facilities. It also has a stable but growing economy, so it is a good option for anyone looking for a secure and predictable lifestyle.

    Has your hometown changed a lot over the years?
    Yes, quite a bit. Mossoro has expanded a lot in terms of infrastructure and economy. It has become a major center for oil production, and new businesses and universities have brought more people to the city.

    Do you think young people prefer living in big cities or small towns?
    I think young people mostly prefer big cities because of the job opportunities, entertainment and fast-paced lifestyle. Mid-sized cities like Mossoro are likely too boring for young people.

    What facilities are available for young people in your hometown?
    There are plenty of shopping malls and sports facilities, and there are beaches that are nearby. Mossoro also has a strong cultural scene, with music festivals and museums.

    Would you like to continue living in your hometown in the future?
    I love my hometown, but as a younger person I’d probably move to a bigger city for career opportunities and new experiences. That being said, I wouldn’t mind coming back later in life to enjoy the peaceful environment.

  • 17 March 2025 👇Lesson 199: Happiness🙂

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    Describe an event that made you happy. You should say

    • what the event was
    • when it happened
    • where it happened
      and explain why it made you happy

    One of the happiest moments in my life was when my spouse and I had our offer accepted on our first home.

    This happened quite recently, in early 2025 actually. For months, we had been searching for the perfect place. We went to open houses and made offers, but we were outbid multiple times. The process was quite stressful, and we were starting to feel discouraged. However, one day, we found a house in our hometown that ticked all the boxes—it was in a great location, had enough space for our growing family, and was within our budget. We put in an offer and anxiously waited for the seller’s response.

    The moment we got the call confirming that our offer had been accepted, we were over the moon. We were at home at the time when the good news came through. We both felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. It was a life-changing event because it marked a new chapter for us—a place to truly call our own!

    What made this moment even more special was that we had achieved a dream we had worked so hard for. Having a permanent home gave us a profound sense of stability, and I would say this is why the event brought me so much happiness.

  • 10 March 2025 👇Lesson 198: Leisure time🏐

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    How do people in your country usually spend their leisure time?
    In my country, people engage in a variety of leisure activities. Many enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and team sports, especially on weekends. Others prefer socialising with friends and family. Digital entertainment, such as watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, has also become increasingly popular.

    Do you think people have more or less free time now compared to the past?
    I believe people generally have less free time today compared to previous generations. Modern life has become significantly more fast-paced. Moreover, technology, while offering convenience, has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life.

    What are the benefits of having hobbies and leisure activities?
    There are numerous mental and physical benefits. Hobbies serve as a stress reliever, allowing people to unwind and disconnect from their daily responsibilities. Also, hobbies such as reading or playing a musical instrument can enhance creativity, while physical activities promote overall health. Having enjoyable pastimes contributes to a more balanced, fulfilling life.

    Do you think leisure activities should always be productive?
    Not necessarily. While some leisure activities can be productive, such as learning a new skill, the primary purpose of free time should be relaxation and enjoyment. Constantly striving for productivity can lead to burnout. Activities like watching movies and listening to music can be just as valuable, as they allow the mind and body to recharge.

    Thank you. That is the end of the exam.

  • 3 March 2025👇Lesson 197: A time when a friend surprised you😲

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    Describe a time when a friend surprised you. You should say
    – when it happened
    – where it took place
    – what the surprise was
    and explain what you did afterwards.

    About two years ago, my best friend completely caught me off guard with a surprise birthday celebration. I was buried in work and quite sressed, and I had almost forgotten about my own birthday.

    The surprise took place at a cozy little café in the heart of the city. My friend had cleverly tricked me into thinking we were just meeting for a quick cup of coffee to catch up. However, the moment I walked in, I was met with a huge “Happy Birthday” banner, a table full of my closest friends, and a beautifully decorated cake waiting for me. To say I was shocked would be an understatement!

    The most touching part of the surprise was the personalised video montage he had put together. It featured heartfelt messages from friends and family. Watching that video was incredibly emotional, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.

    After the initial surprise, we spent the evening reminiscing, sharing laughs and enjoying the delicious food. I made sure to personally thank my friend for his thoughtfulness and effort. The following day, I wrote a heartfelt message to everyone who had been a part of it. I later treated my friend to a nice dinner as a token of appreciation. Even now, whenever I think about that day, it reminds me of how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life.

  • 24 Feb 2025👇Lesson 196: Stories🪶

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    Where do you live?
    I currently live here in Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a large city known for its rich culture and its stunning natural landscapes.

    How long have you been living there?
    I’ve been living here for several years now, and over time, I’ve come to appreciate its energy and vibrancy. Although I’ve visited other cities in Kenya, Nairobi has a unique charm that makes it feel like home.

    What do you like most about your home?
    What I love most about my home is the sense of space and comfort it provides. My neighbourhood is quiet and covered in greenery, so it is a nice change from the busy city. I also appreciate the nice weather in Nairobi, which stays quite pleasant throughout the year.

    Is there anything you would like to change about where you live?
    If I could change one thing, it would probably be to lessen the traffic. Nairobi is a fantastic city, but rush hour traffic can be quite hectic!

    Let’s talk about stories. Do you enjoy reading stories?
    Yes, absolutely! I find stories to be a great way to disconnect. I love how they can transport me to different worlds.

    What kind of stories do you like to read?
    I’m particularly drawn to historical fiction and adventure novels. I love books that can take me on a journey through far off, exotic locations.

    Do you prefer reading stories in books or online?
    I prefer physical books because I love the experience of turning pages and the feeling of holding a book in my hands. I do read online occasionally, but its not my favourite way to consume books.

    Have you ever written a story yourself?
    Yes, I have. When I was younger, I used to write short stories for fun. More recently, I attempted to write a short fiction piece inspired by life in Nairobi. While I wouldn’t call myself a professional writer, I definitely enjoy the creative process.

  • 17 Feb 2025👇Lesson 195: A time you did something difficult💯

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    Describe an occasion when you had to do something difficult.
    What it was
    Why it was difficult
    How you handled the situation
    And explain what you learned from it

    Well, as I mentioned before, I work as an electrician. One particularly difficult experience I had was when I had to rewire an entire house by myself due to an unexpected staffing issue. Initially, I was supposed to work with a team, but at the last minute my colleagues were urgently reassigned to another job. That left me responsible for completing the work on my own.

    The task was challenging because the house was quite old. This meant the existing wiring was outdated and not up to modern safety standards. I had to carefully remove the old wiring and then ensure that the new system I was installing met all safety regulations. Because I was working alone, I also had to manage every aspect of the job—planning the layout, installing the cables, and dealing with any unexpected issues that arose.

    To handle the situation, I broke the project down into smaller tasks and set clear goals for each day to ensure steady progress. I also double-checked every connection and used my experience to anticipate potential problems. In moments of doubt, I called a senior electrician for quick advice, which gave me reassurance and kept me on track.

    In the end, I successfully completed the job on time with everything up to standard. This experience taught me a lot about problem-solving and time management. I also learned that in high-pressure situations, staying calm and methodical is the key to overcoming challenges.

  • 10 Feb 2025👇Lesson 194: Personal challenges and growth🏋️

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    Why is it important to challenge yourself?
    Challenging oneself is crucial for personal development. It pushes people out of their comfort zone and allows them to discover their true potential. Without challenges, people tend to remain stagnant, missing out on opportunities for growth.

    In what ways can personal challenges contribute to self-growth?
    Personal challenges contribute to self-growth in multiple ways. For one, they encourage adaptability. When people face obstacles, they learn to adjust their strategies and develop creative solutions. Challenges also build mental toughness, which helps individuals cope with stress and uncertainty.

    Do you think people should deliberately put themselves in difficult situations to improve?
    Yes. This fosters personal growth. For instance, stepping into leadership roles, learning a difficult language or travelling alone can be intimidating but ultimately rewarding experiences. A person can’t really grow unless they step outside their everyday routine.

    Are some challenges unnecessary or harmful?
    Absolutely. For example, working excessively long hours just to prove one’s dedication can lead to burnout and health problems. Similarly, taking unnecessary risks, such as engaging in dangerous extreme sports without proper training, can have severe consequences. I would say these sorts of challenges are unnecessary or harmful.

    Are personal challenges helpful to society as a whole?
    Yes, personal challenges can have a positive ripple effect on society. For example, entrepreneurs who take on the risk of starting a business can create jobs and drive economic growth. Likewise, people who work hard to develop skills in medicine, education or technology make invaluable contributions to society.

    Thank you.

  • 3 Feb 2025👇Lesson 193: A typical day in your life🌅

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    Do you work or study?
    I work full-time as an electrician. My job involves installing and repairing electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.

    What is a typical day like for you?
    My day usually starts early. I head to a job site or a client’s house, depending on the project for the day. Some tasks involve wiring new buildings, while others require troubleshooting faulty systems. There’s always something new to learn, which keeps the job interesting. After work, I usually unwind by spending time with my family.

    How do you usually start your day?
    I like to begin my day with a solid routine. I wake up around 6 AM, have a quick breakfast, and check my schedule for the day. Once I arrive at the worksite, I go over the plans with my team and make sure we have all the tools and materials we need.

    Do you prefer mornings or evenings?
    I prefer mornings because I feel the most productive then. I like getting an early start on the job, especially when working outdoors before the heat of the day sets in.

    Has your daily routine changed recently?
    Yes, it has. A few months ago, I started taking on more complex projects, which means my days have become longer and sometimes unpredictable. I’ve also been doing more night shifts for emergency electrical repairs, which has slightly changed my sleeping pattern.

    Is there any part of your daily routine that you would like to change?
    If I could, I’d like to have a bit more free time in the evenings.

    Why?
    Sometimes, after long shifts, I don’t have much energy left to do other things I enjoy, like meeting friends or working on personal projects.

    Do you think it’s important to have a fixed daily routine?
    Yes, I think having a structured routine is essential, especially in a job like mine where safety and efficiency are key. A routine helps me stay organised and ensures that I don’t overlook important details. That said, flexibility is also important because unexpected situations, like urgent repairs, can disrupt a fixed schedule.

  • 27 Jan 2025👇Lesson 192: An old item in your family🕰️

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    Describe an old item that has been in your family for a long time.
    You should say:

    What the item is
    How your family got it
    How long it has been in your family
    And explain why it is important to your family.

    One of the oldest items in my family is a traditional cuckoo clock. This clock has been hanging in my grandparents’ living room for as long as I can remember. It’s a beautifully handcrafted wooden clock with intricate carvings of birds and leaves. At the hour, a small wooden bird pops out of a little door and says “cuckoo,” which always fascinated me as a child.

    The clock was originally bought by my great-grandfather when he travelled to Germany in the early 1900s. He wanted to bring back something special that represented the culture of the place he visited, and cuckoo clocks were famous in that region. This particular clock has been in our family for over a hundred years, and it has been passed down from one generation to the next.

    What makes it so special is not just its age but the memories associated with it. As kids, my cousins and I would wait eagerly to see the bird emerge and count how many “cuckoos” it made. Even now, when I visit my grandparents’ house, the sound of the clock evokes a nostalgic feeling. It has become a symbol of our family traditions, and I hope it will continue to be passed down to future generations of our family.

  • 20 Jan 2025👇Lesson 191: A pet you have🐶

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    Describe a pet that you or someone you know has. You should say:

    -what type of pet it is
    -what it looks like
    -how you or the owner take care of it
    and explain why you or the owner like this pet.

    I’d like to talk about a dog that my cousin owns. His name is Max, and he’s a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are known for being friendly, and Max is no exception.

    Max is medium-sized, with a thick, shiny coat of golden fur that looks almost like silk under the sunlight. He has big brown eyes that make him look very lovable, and he always seems to have a smile on his face.

    Taking care of Max involves quite a bit of responsibility. My cousin makes sure to feed him high-quality dog food twice a day and provides fresh water at all times. She also takes him for a walk every morning and evening, as Golden Retrievers are very active and need regular exercise. Max is also groomed weekly to keep his fur in good condition.

    What I love most about Max is his cheerful and gentle nature. He has a unique ability to make everyone around him feel at ease. For instance, whenever someone in the family is feeling down, Max instinctively senses it and sits close to them. He is also very playful and loves playing fetch or just being involved in whatever our family is doing.

    Overall, Max is a cherished member of the family. It’s easy to see why my cousin, and everyone else in the family, adores him.