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 This meant the existing wiring was outdated and not up to modern safety standards.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.
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.
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.
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.
Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say – what it looked like – when you wore it – how you felt wearing it and explain why you consider it the best outfit you have ever worn.
One of the best outfits I have ever worn featured a classic denim jacket. It was a blue jacket with a slightly faded look and minimal detailing, which gave it a smart-looking appeal. I paired it with a simple white T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans and white sneakers. The overall look was casual yet stylish, perfect for a relaxed outing.
I wore this outfit on a weekend trip with friends last spring. We stayed with one friend who lived on a ranch. The people working on the ranch wear denim because of its durability, so this outfit helped me feel like I fit in. It was also warm, which helped because the mornings on the ranch could sometimes be chilly.
I consider this the best outfit I’ve ever worn because of how useful and…I guess ‘timeless’ the denim jacket is. I say this because denim jackets have been popular ever decade over the last fifty years or so. Wearing this jacket also reminds me of that great weekend away with my friends, which is a nice memory.
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!🗣️📲
About a year ago, I had a flat tyre while driving on a quiet road, and I realised I didn’t know how to change it. Luckily, I had my phone with me, so I searched for a tutorial online. I found a clear, step-by-step guide explaining how to change a tyre.
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 video you watched online that you learned something from. You should say
– when you watched it – what the video was about – what you learned from it and explain how you felt after watching the video.
About a year ago, I had a flat tyre while driving on a quiet road, and I realised I didn’t know how to change it. Luckily, I had my phone with me, so I searched for a tutorial online. I found a clear, step-by-step guide explaining how to change a tyre.
The video was hosted by a mechanic, and he started the video with an explanation of what tools were needed, such as the spare tyre, a jack and a lug wrench. He then demonstrated how to safely position the jack under the car, loosen the lug nuts, and remove the damaged tyre. The presenter also emphasised safety tips, like ensuring the car was on a flat surface and using hazard lights to alert other drivers.
From this video, I learned how to change a tyre from start to finish. I discovered the importance of loosening the lug nuts before lifting the car and how to tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure the new tyre was securely attached.
This video was incredibly practical, and it gave me a sense of confidence and preparedness for future situations. It’s a very basic skill that I’m glad I learned, and I now make sure to check my car’s tools regularly to be ready for any emergencies.
This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘exercise’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where do you live? Can you describe your hometown? What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? Is this kind of exercise popular in your country?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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!🗣️📲
Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
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 do you live? I live in Muscat. It is the capital city of Oman.
Can you describe your hometown? Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? My favourite spot is Mutrah Souq, an enchanting traditional market near the coast. There you can find stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and antiques.
How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Walking around Muscat can be enjoyable in specific areas, such as the walkway along the coast or within parks like Qurum Natural Park. However, the city is spread out, and the weather can be quite hot, especially in the summer, so walking isn’t always practical.
Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? Yes, I enjoy exercising, as it helps me stay fit and reduces stress.
What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? I regularly go for evening walks. There is a beautiful walkway along the coast in my city. The sea breeze and the stunning views of the harbour make it a refreshing and enjoyable activity.
Is this kind of exercise popular in your country? Yes, walking is quite popular in Oman, especially during the cooler months. The country’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many people see these as great ways to enjoy Oman’s natural beauty while staying active.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
