Category Archives: Culture

Lesson 179: Breakfast🍳

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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.

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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 170: Being courteous🙂

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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

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

Part 1 questions
Where are you from?
Do you work or are you a student?
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?
Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?
Is having good manners helpful to people?
What is considered courteous behaviour in your culture?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

if given the choice (phrase)
-used to express a preference

“We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.”

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 originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.”
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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 originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

Do you work or are you a student?

I work as a librarian in a local library. I enjoy helping people find the information they need and organising events that promote literacy and learning within the community.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time, I like to hike. The area around my town offers some fantastic hiking along scenic river trails. Hiking allows me to unwind and stay active.

Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?

Yes, hiking often involves social interaction, especially when I join group hikes or meet other hikers on the trails. We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.

Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?

In my opinion, it is extremely important. Courtesy fosters respect and harmony, and this can make everyday interactions more pleasant and productive.

Is having good manners helpful to people?

Definitely. Good manners are key to creating a respectful environment and can help to avoid misunderstandings. When we practice good manners, we show that we value others’ time and their perspectives, which in turn encourages others to treat us with the same respect.

What is considered courteous behavior in your culture?

In Icelandic culture, courteous behaviour includes practices such as greeting others warmly, being punctual, and respecting others’ personal space. For example, when entering a room or meeting someone, it’s customary to greet them with a handshake and a smile. Icelanders also value straightforwardness and honesty, so being direct but polite is considered courteous. Additionally, saying “takk”, which is “thank you” in Icelandic, for any kind of help is a common way to show appreciation.

Lesson 159: How is success defined in your culture?🏆

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In this lesson, you will practise speaking about success and how it is defined in your culture. This lesson uses a sample band 9 demonstration for Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking exam.

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

Part 3 Questions

On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
Is success important in your culture?
How do people achieve success in their lives?
What factors contribute to a person’s success?
Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

perseverance (adjective)
-persistence in doing something despite difficulty

“People achieve success through education and perseverance.”

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 my culture, people offer congratulations for anything that’s a significant life milestone. So for example, academic events like graduation, professional achievements such as a promotion, and personal events such as a wedding would all be causes for celebration.”
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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

On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
In my culture, people offer congratulations for anything that’s a significant life milestone. So for example, academic events like graduation, professional achievements such as a promotion, and personal events such as a wedding would all be causes for celebration.

How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
People offer congratulations verbally, through written messages like cards, and by giving flowers. Public acknowledgments during gatherings or on social media are also common. The method often depends on the occasion and the relationship between individuals.

Is success important in your culture?
Yes, success is highly valued as it reflects hard work and dedication. It brings honour to individuals and their families, motivating others to strive for excellence. Achievements in education, career, and personal life are particularly celebrated in my culture.

How do people achieve success in their lives?
People achieve success through education and perseverance. Continuous learning is particularly important, along with building strong relationships. I think adaptability when facing challenges is also crucial.

What factors contribute to a person’s success?
I would say education and determination are key factors. Opportunities for growth and access to resources significantly influence success, too. There’s a saying in my culture that goes “you can only be as successful as your environment will allow,” which I think is very true.

Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?
Yes, motivation is essential for achieving success because it drives individuals to work towards a goal. One of the most motivating workplaces I ever worked was at a company that provided a very positive work environment and an achievable performance bonus. In such a motivating environment, workers always successfully completed their tasks.

Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.

Lesson 156: Appliances and people⏲

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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.”
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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.

Lesson 150: Learning English💂

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We’ve reached 150 lessons!🎉 This week’s topic is very central to the base theme of this entire website: learning English!

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

Part 3 Questions
Do you think the way people learn English today is the same as in the past?
Is it easy for children to learn new languages?
Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults?
What is the importance of language in a culture?
Can people understand a culture without learning its language?
Is it important to protect small language groups?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

in my own case
-a phrase used to cue a personal example

“For example, in my own case, I found certain English pronunciation patterns challenging because these sounds do not exist in my language!”

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.

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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“No, the approach to learning English has evolved significantly. With technology and globalisation, access to diverse resources like online courses has enhanced the learning process. Learners are no longer constrained to classrooms. There are now dynamic approaches that allow people to train from anywhere in the world and in a variety of settings.”
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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 have been talking about languages and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you think the way people learn English today is the same as in the past?

No, the approach to learning English has evolved significantly. With technology and globalisation, access to diverse resources like online courses has enhanced the learning process. Learners are no longer constrained to classrooms. There are now dynamic approaches that allow people to train from anywhere in the world and in a variety of settings.

Is it easy for children to learn new languages?

Yes, children have a natural aptitude for language acquisition due to their adaptable brains and exposure to language-rich environments. Also, unlike adults, I think children are less inhibited by the fear of making mistakes, and this allows them to experiment with language freely.

Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults?

Generally, yes. As I mentioned, a child’s lack of inhibitions allows for easier experimentation with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, and this willingness to experiment encourages them to learn. Children have also not developed fluency in any language, so they have no preprogrammed speaking patterns that are working against them. For example, in my own case, I found certain English pronunciation patterns challenging because these sounds do not exist in my language!

What is the importance of language in a culture?

Language is integral to culture. It serves as a means of communication, expression and identity. Language also reflects the evolution of a society, and by this I mean it captures the collective wisdom and values of the people that speak it. Some sayings in one language may be completely nonsensical in another, and I feel this is clear evidence of how central language is to culture.

Can people understand a culture without learning its language?

I don’t think people can gain a deep understanding, no. While some insights can be learned through secondary sources, a deep understanding of a culture requires knowing the language. Language is an expression of the values of a culture, and it shows how the people of that culture solve problems and think about the world. So I guess that is to say that any quote unquote ‘understanding’ someone claims to have about a culture is very surface-level if they don’t know anything about the language.

Is it important to protect small language groups?

Absolutely. Small language groups represent linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. They embody unique ways of perceiving the world. Efforts to protect and revitalise endangered languages are crucial to preserving cultural identity and honouring the contributions of every culture to human civilization.

Thank you.

Lesson 149: A person from another country that speaks your language well🎎

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This week’s lesson requires the candidate describe a person that speaks their native language well.

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

Describe a person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person
🧑‍🎓Target language:

set apart
-something special or distinguished

“What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication to learning Japanese.”

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.

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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.”
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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 person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person

I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.

What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication and unconventional approach to learning Japanese. For example, instead of relying solely on textbooks and classroom instruction, she sought out authentic Japanese materials, such as novels, podcasts and films. Additionally, before she moved to Japan, Maria actively engaged with native Japanese speakers through language exchange programmes and online communities. She now lives in Tokyo and seamlessly integrates into Japanese society, displaying a level of cultural fluency that is rarely seen among foreign language learners.

As someone who grew up in Japan, I can say with confidence that Maria is truly fluent in Japanese. Her pronunciation is near-native, and she effortlessly navigates complex grammatical structures with skill. Her proficiency in Japanese fills me with admiration and respect, and I feel truly inspired when I am around her. Her commitment to mastering the language reflects a genuine love for Japanese culture and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

I feel very lucky to know an amazing person like Maria. Just being around her motivates my own language pursuits!

Thank you.

Lesson 148: Your village and native language💬

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This week’s ‘repeat after me’ lesson uses questions from Part 1 of a recent IELTS Speaking exam.

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

Part 1 Questions
Do you work or study?
Do you live in a village, town or city?
What do you like about your village?
Is your village a good place to raise children?
What languages are children taught in schools?
Is music used to teach the native language in your country?
Whose duty is it to teach the native language to children?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

deep-rooted (adjective)
Something that is firmly established.

“One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community.”

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.

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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community. We have annual festivals for a variety of occasions, and I like how these festivals bring a sense unity and belonging. My village is also just a really beautiful place. It has fields and mountains and cherry blossoms that come out in the spring.”
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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?

Currently, I am a student. I am pursuing a degree in Agricultural Science at the local university.

Do you live in a village, town, or city?

I live in a charming village in the countryside of Japan.

What do you like about your village?

One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community. We have annual festivals for a variety of occasions, and I like how these festivals bring a sense unity and belonging. My village is also just a really beautiful place. It has fields and mountains and cherry blossoms that come out in the spring.

Is your village a good place to raise children?

It certainly is. The safety of our village makes it an ideal environment for raising children. There are clean parks, safe streets and close-knit neighbourhoods. Children are safe to explore and play freely. Moreover, the local schools prioritise holistic education, instilling values of respect and cooperation from a young age.

What languages are children taught in schools?

In our schools, children primarily learn Japanese, which is our native language. Additionally, English is introduced as a compulsory subject from elementary school onwards to prepare students for global opportunities.

Is music used to teach the native language in your country?

Yes, music is integrated into language education. Japanese nursery rhymes and traditional songs are often used to teach language fundamentals, enhance pronunciation and deepen cultural understanding. It makes the learning process more engaging and memorable for students of all ages.

Whose duty is it to teach the native language to children?

The responsibility of teaching the native language primarily rests with our educational institutions. They are equipped with innovative teaching methods and resources to impart language skills effectively. However, I believe parents also play a crucial role in nurturing language development at home. They can do a lot to foster a child’s love for our rich cultural heritage and language.

Lesson 147: Relaxation in your country🎣

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This week’s Part 3 model continues from last week’s cue card on the topic of ‘relaxation’.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample band 9 response.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode.

Step 3: Complete the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and make note of the new language you encountered this week.

Step 5: Complete your five speaking exercises with your Whatsapp instructor. Here is the first exercise (due Monday night) :

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Transcript

Are there many places for relaxation in your country that are well-known?

Yes. Brazil has numerous well-known relaxation destinations that cater to a variety of tastes. There are natural landscapes, such as the beaches and forests in Rio de Janeiro, but also cultural spots like Sao Paulo Cathedral and various museums.

What places for relaxation are popular with people in your country?

I would say the beaches rank highly among locals as popular places for relaxation. Beach life offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Additionally, relaxation services such as those found in gyms and spas have gained popularity in recent years. I think people see these services as rejuvenating and good for physical health and mental well-being, and this is why they have become so popular.

Why do people like to relax in different places?

I believe this is influenced by a number of different factors. Some individuals gravitate towards natural settings like beaches and parks due to the calming effect of nature and the opportunity to get away from other people. Others seek relaxation in urban environments, and I think these personality types are more drawn to the vibrant energy that you can only find in cities. Ultimately, I think each person’s pathway to true relaxation is unique.

Do you think relaxation is important?

Without a doubt. Relaxation is paramount for maintaining overall health and well-being. Today’s fast-paced world is characterised by relentless work schedules and constant connectivity. Thus, taking time to unwind not only alleviates stress but also promotes mental clarity. I also think relaxation is important because it fosters creativity, enhances productivity and improves the overall quality of a person’s life.

In your opinion, should employers pay for the relaxation of their employees?

No. While some organisations may offer perks such as wellness programmes or flexible work arrangements, expecting employers to finance all relaxation activities is not practical for every business. Instead, employers can support employee well-being by fostering a supportive work environment and promoting healthy work practices.

Thank you.

Lesson 145: Music in your country🪕

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This week, we are looking at Part 1 of a recent IELTS Speaking exam.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s IELTSCast episode and practise saying a few of the lines from the speech sample.

Step 3: Complete the full exercise using the below video.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note all areas that you found new or challenging this week.

Step 5: Complete your weekly speech shadowing exercises with your Whatsapp instructor. Below is Monday’s exercise. Tuesday through Friday’s exercises will be posted to your Whatsapp group.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

What is your name?

My name is Ryan.

Where are you from?

I am from the city of Salvador. It’s situated along the northeastern coast of Brazil.

What do you do? Work or study?

Currently, I am pursuing a degree in social sciences at a university in my city.

What do you like about your studies?

I like learning about societal structures. For example, the degree lets me analyse human behaviour and societal dynamics, and these are topics that I find fascinating.

What type of music do you enjoy listening to?

This is probably no surprise, but Brazilian music holds a special place in my heart. I especially like styles such as bossa nova. In fact, I have a Brazilian bossa nova playlist that I listen to almost every day.

When do you usually listen to music?

I often immerse myself in music during relaxing moments, such as when I’m on the beautiful beaches of Salvador or enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Was music a part of your education during your school days?

It was! Music education was integral during my school days in Brazil. We had dedicated classes where we explored the rhythms of samba and the melodies of bossa nova. For us students, these sessions were not only informative but also a source of national pride.

Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?

Yes. I learned how to play the acoustic guitar. Playing allows me to express the soulful melodies that are deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture.

Do many people in your country enjoy music?

Without a doubt. Music is a fundamental part of life in Brazilian culture. You can hear it pretty much everywhere – on a busy bus or…coming from someone’s window as you walk down the street. It’s a hallmark of our country.

Thank you.

Lesson 144: An event or ceremony most people go through in your culture🪔

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Here is the Part 2 cue card we are working with this week:

Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
-what the event or ceremony is
-when people usually experience it
-how it affects people
and explain your opinion about it

Step 1: Listen to the model response.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode and practise saying some of the sentences from the response.

Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the full transcript (below) and note any of the language items you found challenging this week.

Step 5: Submit your five speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for your instructor’s feedback.

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Transcript

Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
-what the event or ceremony is
-when people usually experience it
-how it affects people
and explain your opinion about it

I’d like to talk about the traditional ceremony of Diwali, which is widely celebrated in my culture.

Typically, Diwali falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival lasts for five days, with the main day being marked by the lighting of oil lamps and candles. We do this to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali has a profound impact on people in my culture. It is a time when families come together and adorn their houses with colourful decorations. This fosters a sense of unity and creates a positive and festive atmosphere. We also prepare sweet and savory dishes and exchange gifts to promote goodwill among friends and neighbours.

On a deeper level, Diwali holds cultural and spiritual significance. The rituals and prayers performed during the festival are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The symbolic significance of light dispelling darkness encourages introspection and pushes people to make positive changes in their life.

In my opinion, Diwali is not just a festival. It is a reflection of our cultural values and traditions. It brings joy and happiness to people’s lives, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The rituals associated with Diwali, such as lighting lamps and offering prayers, instill a sense of spirituality and mindfulness. Moreover, the emphasis on charity during Diwali encourages people to share their prosperity with those less fortunate. I believe that such traditions are essential in preserving the richness of our cultural heritage and promoting values that carry on for multiple generations.