This week’s lesson continues the conversation that began with last week’s cue card. The topic of this Part 3 sample is ‘appliances and people’. Note how the candidate’s responses are longer and more developed in this section of the exam.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
| Part 3 Questions Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use? Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes? Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls? Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones? How do you judge the quality of a household appliance? How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it? |
| 🧑🎓Target language: staple(noun) -a central part of something “Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time.” |
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!🗣️📲 “Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.” |
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
We’ve been talking about home appliances, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use?
Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.
Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes?
Yes, and I think this trend is primarily driven by aggressive marketing tactics that make people believe buying the latest technology will simplify their life. It also doesn’t help that it is so easy to buy things online nowadays. However, in reality, many of these gadgets end up being used infrequently, if at all, and this results in cluttered living spaces and wasted resources.
Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls?
In my country, the preference for shopping locations varies, but a significant number of people tend to favour shopping malls over traditional markets when buying household appliances. Shopping malls offer a wider selection of products and the convenience of modern facilities. Malls also offer the assurance of purchasing from reputable retailers. Plus they typically offer after-sales services. This level of assurance isn’t commonly found in traditional markets.
Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones?
Not necessarily. While higher priced appliances often come with advanced features, they do not always deliver superior quality or performance. For example, several years ago I purchased my microwave from Carrefour, which is a budget superstore in my area. This microwave was not expensive, yet it remains highly reliable and functions just as well as pricier options. To my mind, it’s essential to look at online user reviews before you purchase. Doing this will help you judge whether a more expensive option is really worth it.
How do you judge the quality of a household appliance?
Judging the quality of a household appliance involves several factors. Firstly, as I mentioned, I want to know what others think, so I base a lot of my opinion on online reviews. Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the durability and performance of the appliance. Secondly, I check whether the appliance’s specifications and features meet my specific needs. Lastly, I look at the warranty and the availability of after-sales service, as I want to have options should the appliance break after I buy it.
How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?
The expected lifespan of an appliance can vary greatly. Generally, I would expect a well-made household appliance to last at least five years. Major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines should ideally last closer to a decade, if not longer. On the other hand, smaller or more technologically complex appliances might have a shorter lifespan. I wouldn’t expect to get more than about five years out of a blender, for example.
Thank you.