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  • 4 May 2025 👇Lesson 206: Time travel🌌

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    Describe a place and time you would revisit in your life if you could time travel.
    You should say:
    Where you would go
    What time period it is
    What you would do there
    And explain why you chose that particular place and time

    If I had the chance to time travel, I would go back to my first year at university, which was about a decade ago. The university campus was located in a student-friendly city, and for me, that period was a perfect mix of excitement and freedom.

    I would return to that time not to change anything, but to relive it with greater awareness and appreciation. Back then, everything felt so fast-paced — lectures, assignments, new friendships — and I didn’t always take the time to enjoy the moment. If I could revisit that time, I would sit in on my old classes and spend more time with the friends I’ve since lost touch with.

    I think I’d also take more photos, journal more and worry less about grades. I’d also spend more time talking to my professors and possibly getting more directly involved in the research they were carrying out at that time.

    I chose this time and place because it marked a turning point in my life. It was when I started becoming independent and shaping the path I’m on now. In many ways, going back wouldn’t just be a nostalgic trip — it would be a chance to reconnect with the foundation of who I’ve become.

  • 28 April 2025 👇Lesson 205: An unusual building 🏟️

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    Describe an unusual building you have seen.
    You should say:
    Where it is
    What it looks like
    Why it is unusual
    And explain how you felt when you saw it.

    One of the most unusual buildings I’ve ever seen is the Burj Al Arab, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I had the chance to see it up close during a short trip to Dubai a few years ago, and it truly left a lasting impression on me.

    To describe it: The Burj Al Arab is famously shaped like the sail of a ship. It stands on its own artificial island that is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. The building is white and blue during the day. At night, it is illuminated with colourful lights. I have never been inside it, but I hear it is filled with extravagant gold decorations and massive aquariums.

    What makes the Burj Al Arab unusual is not just its striking design, but also its reputation. It markets itself as a ‘seven-star hotel,’ which is far beyond the official hotel rating system. Everything about it is designed to be the absolute height of luxury — from a helicopter pad on the roof to a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars for guests.

    When I first saw it, I was completely amazed. It felt like something from another world! Seeing the Burj Al Arab up close gave me a sense of awe, not only because of its sheer beauty but also because of the incredible imagination that brought it to life.

  • 21 April 2025 👇Lesson 204: Someone you taught👨‍🏫

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    Describe a time when you taught someone something new. You should say:
    -who the person was
    -what you taught them
    -how you taught them
    and explain how you felt about the experience.

    One memorable time I taught someone something new was when I showed my younger cousin, Lily, how to make kimchi. She’s about 13 years old and had recently become really interested in cooking. Since I’ve made kimchi a few times with my mother, I thought it would be a fun and meaningful thing to pass on.

    Kimchi, as you probably know, is a traditional Korean fermented dish made with cabbage, radish and a spicy chili paste. There are a few steps that can be tricky for beginners, so I decided to break it down and go through it with my cousin one step at a time.

    We started by soaking the cabbage in saltwater to draw out the moisture. I explained the science behind it to help her understand why each step matters. Then we worked on the seasoning paste—mixing garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, fish sauce and a little sugar.

    The most fun step was when we wore gloves and rubbed the seasoning into the cabbage leaves. Lily kept laughing and saying how it felt like finger painting for chefs. After we packed everything into jars, I explained how the fermentation process works and how the flavours deepen over time.

    I felt genuinely happy about the whole experience. It wasn’t just about teaching a recipe—it was about sharing a tradition and spending time with someone I care about. The whole experience reminded me how meaningful food can be!

  • 14 April 2025 👇Lesson 203: A performance you attended🎸

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    Describe a performance you enjoyed watching. You should say:
    – what the performance was
    – when and where you saw it
    – who performed
    and explain why you enjoyed the performance.

    One performance I truly enjoyed watching was a live jazz concert by a Canadian jazz group called The Heavyweights Brass Band. I saw them perform last summer at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in Confederation Park, right in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

    The band consists of incredibly talented musicians who play a mix of traditional New Orleans-style jazz, funk and modern jazz fusion. What really stood out was their energy and stage presence. From the first note, they had the crowd completely engaged. The lead trumpet player in particular was phenomenal—his improvisation was so creative and expressive that it felt like he was telling a story through his instrument.

    What made the performance so enjoyable for me was the atmosphere. Jazz, by nature, is very spontaneous and interactive, and this group really leaned into that. They would riff off each other and even involve the audience by encouraging call-and-response moments. It felt more like a conversation than a performance!

    Another reason I loved it was because it reminded me of how powerful live music can be. You can listen to jazz recordings at home, of course, but nothing compares to hearing it live. I left the concert feeling uplifted, and it deepened my appreciation for the genre.

    Overall, it was a truly unforgettable evening, and it sparked a newfound love for jazz that I’ve continued to explore ever since.

  • 7 April 2025 👇Lesson 202: Promises🤞

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    Describe a time when you made a promise that you were unable to keep. You should say:

    – what the promise was
    – who you made the promise to
    – why you couldn’t keep it
    and explain how you felt about it.

    One particular time I failed to keep a promise was about a year ago, when I told my younger brother that I would attend his school play. He had been rehearsing for weeks and was playing one of the lead roles in a production of The Lion King.

    The promise was made to my younger brother. We’re quite close despite the fact I’m ten years older. I have always tried my best to be involved in his life because our parents work long hours.

    Unfortunately, on the day of the play, something completely unexpected happened at work. I had recently started working at a marketing firm, and a client presentation that was scheduled for the following week got suddenly moved up. The entire team was called in for an emergency prep session, and I had no choice but to stay.

    I felt terrible for breaking that promise. I could sense how disappointed my brother was when I called him to explain. He tried to brush it off and said it was okay, but I could hear the sadness in his voice. I felt like I had let him down, and it made me realise how fragile trust can be, especially with younger people who look up to you.

    Since then, I’ve been much more careful about making promises. That experience taught me that it’s better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.

  • 31 March 2025 👇Lesson 201: Happiness in society🙃

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    What is the connection between a person’s behaviour and their happiness?
    I believe people who engage in positive behaviours, such as expressing gratitude, tend to experience greater emotional well-being. This is because such actions often trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine. On the other hand, negative behaviours, such as pessimism, can lead to dissatisfaction. I think happiness is something your habits can help you experience.

    How can you tell if someone is truly happy? What are the signs?
    Hmm I think truly happy individuals often exhibit both verbal and nonverbal signs. Physically, they tend to smile frequently and have an overall energetic demeanor. Emotionally, they demonstrate optimism and tend to have warm and engaging interactions with others. However, it’s important to note that happiness is not always outwardly expressed. Some people may feel joy internally and without any outward signs.

    How do happy events or good news affect people when they are feeling sad or stressed?
    Good news and joyful events can serve as a powerful distraction, providing a temporary escape from negativity. Moreover, positive experiences trigger the brain’s reward system. The brain may release chemicals like endorphins that can uplift a person’s mood.

    Do you think happiness means the same thing for different generations? Why or why not?
    I think happiness is perceived differently across generations due to changing social values and technological advancements. Older generations may associate happiness with traditional successes, such as having a lifelong career. In contrast, younger generations often find happiness in experiences and personal growth. I also feel older generations tend to find joy in face-to-face interactions, while younger people derive happiness from online communities.

    What role does society play in shaping people’s happiness?
    Society can play a significant role. A society that promotes work-life balance and mental well-being tends to foster greater happiness among its citizens. For example, communities with strong social support systems generally report higher levels of happiness than those that expect long, gruelling workdays in unsafe conditions.

  • 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.