Category: Experiences

This week, you will train to talk about a free item or service you received.

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

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.

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

Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash. Although the tank was nearly empty, I asked the attendant to put 10 pounds worth of fuel in my car. He started the pump and walked away.

A minute or two later, I looked at the pump and saw that it read 40 pounds and was still going! I flagged down the attendant and reminded him that I had only asked for 10 pounds of fuel and now I had to pay nearly 50! He apologised profusely but said since I had been given the petrol I had to pay for it.

Well, I take it the attendant could see from my face that I was in a tight position and pretty upset about the whole ordeal. He offered to pay for the difference out of his salary but I couldn’t in good conscience ask him to do that. That’s when he offered me three free car washes and a waxing instead. It wasn’t an ideal situation as I still had to pay for the fuel and essentially I was getting something I didn’t truly need but I accepted the offer. 

It all worked out in the end because my car received some much needed care. I, of course, used the petrol and the attendant was satisfied that he didn’t have to pay for the fuel himself. 

This week’s lesson examines Part 3 questions that ask the candidate to talk about spontaneous situations.

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

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.

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 like surprises?

If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise. 

Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?

It depends on what the things are. A trip taken spontaneously can be wonderfully adventurous and rejuvenating. However, a house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster. So spontaneity can be a great way to bring some excitement to a person’s life but it has to be done in moderation.  

How do unexpected situations make people feel?

Generally, I think people are uncomfortable with the unknown. We say that we like excitement and novelty, but in reality we are creatures of habit and are uncomfortable in unfamiliar circumstances. People get anxious and if this feeling is prolonged or happens repeatedly, their well-being suffers. 

Why do some people feel stressed when things don’t go as planned?

People like a sense of control. Or rather, I should say they like the illusion of control. They like to feel like they are masters of their own destiny – although if you ask me, this is ridiculous. I think people get stressed because they are insecure about their ability to handle something unexpected, and it’s a little childish quite frankly.

Thank you.