Describe a meal you enjoyed eating outside your home. You should say: what the meal was where you ate it who you were with and explain why you enjoyed this meal.
One of the most enjoyable meals I’ve had outside my home was during a short trip I took to Hanoi, Vietnam last year. I had the chance to try ‘nem rán’, which are traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.
I had spent the whole afternoon walking around the Old Quarter, and by evening, I was craving something warm and satisfying. A local friend of mine recommended a small family-run restaurant near the lake, so I went with her to try it.
The spring rolls were absolutely delicious. They were made with minced chicken, glass noodles, mushrooms and finely chopped vegetables all wrapped in rice paper and then deep-fried until crispy. They were served with a small bowl of tangy sauce made from fish sauce, garlic and chili. We also had them with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs like mint, and lettuce to wrap everything up.
What made the experience really memorable was the contrast in textures and flavours—the crunch of the roll, the softness of the noodles, and the freshness of the herbs all came together amazingly well. It felt light but filling. I also enjoyed it because my Vietnamese friend was with me to explain the ingredients that went into the dish.
Even now, when I think of Hanoi, the taste of those spring rolls is one of the first things that comes to mind.
Describe a place you went to that was full of colour. You should say: where it was when you went there what you saw and explain how you felt about being in that colourful place.
One place that truly amazed me with its colour was Ihwa Mural Village located in my home city, Seoul. I visited it last autumn with a friend who was visiting from overseas.
Ihwa Mural Village is a small neighbourhood on a hillside that was transformed into a vibrant public art space. Artists were invited to paint murals and create installations to revitalise the area, and now it’s full of life and colour. As my friend and I walked through the narrow alleyways, we saw walls covered in paintings of flowers, animals and abstract patterns. Even the staircases had artwork—one staircase had a beautiful painting of koi fish that looked like they were swimming up the steps.
What made the place even more special was how the art blended with the everyday lives of the residents. Flower pots, painted mailboxes and colourful signs made it feel like the entire village was part of an open-air gallery.
Being there made me feel cheerful and inspired. It was the kind of place that sparks your imagination and lifts your mood. It reminded me that colour and creativity can really change the way we experience a place.
Describe a time when you saw something very unusual or surprising. You should say:
what it was where you saw it who was with you and explain why it was so unusual or surprising.
One of the most unusual things I’ve ever seen happened when I was in Japan a couple of years ago. I was visiting a small town called Nara, which is famous for its ancient temples and friendly wild deer that roam freely in the city. What surprised me was something the deer did that was completely unexpected.
In one of the parks, my friends and I saw a deer walk up to a vending machine and wait in front of it patiently. A moment later a local man walked over and actually bought the deer a snack from the machine! The vending machine, oddly enough, sold little packs of deer crackers, and the deer seemed to know exactly how the whole system worked.
I was completely fascinated. I had seen smart animals before, like parrots mimicking speech, but this level of awareness in a wild animal was something else. The deer behaved almost like a polite citizen, waiting its turn like it had done it a hundred times.
To this day, that moment has stayed with me — not just because it was unusual, but because it was so oddly civilised for a wild animal.
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision quickly. You should say: What the situation was What decision you made Why it was difficult And explain what you learned from the experience.
Well, one time that really stands out was when I was travelling abroad and missed a connecting flight due to a delay. I was in Frankfurt Airport, and my flight to Dublin was cancelled because of heavy fog. I had less than 10 minutes to decide whether to wait overnight for the next available flight or book a last-minute train and ferry route through France and the UK to get home.
The decision I made was to take the overland route. It involved multiple transfers: a train to Paris, then to London, and finally a ferry across to Ireland.
It was difficult for several reasons. First, it was expensive and required navigating different transport systems in countries where I didn’t speak the language fluently. I also had no time to think because seats were quickly selling out. And to make matters even more stressful, I had committed to a job interview in Dublin the next morning!
In the end, the journey took almost 24 hours, but I made it in time for the interview. What I learned from this experience is that sometimes trusting your instincts and acting decisively is better than waiting for the perfect option!
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.
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.
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.
-what room this is -what the room looks like -who uses this room the most
and explain what you like or dislike about this room
I’d like to talk about the living room in my house. It’s the heart of our household, where my family and I gather to relax, entertain guests and spend quality time together.
The living room is spacious and well-lit, thanks to a large window that allows plenty of natural light. The walls are painted a calming pastel colour, and there’s a stitched rug that adds a touch of coziness. In terms of furniture, the room has a comfortable L-shaped sofa and a wooden media unit that houses the TV. There’s also a small bookshelf in the corner, which has books and a few family photos.
While everyone in my family uses the living room, I’d say it’s my parents who spend the most time there. My dad enjoys sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea, reading the newspaper in the morning, while my mum often watches her favourite TV shows in the evenings.
What I love most about this room is its versatility. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day, yet it’s also a welcoming space for socialising. The natural light during the day and the warm glow of the lamps in the evening make it feel cozy and inviting at any hour. The only thing I dislike is the positioning of the furniture. I think a more open layout would enhance the room’s functionality.
Overall, the living room holds a lot of cherished memories, which makes it very special to me.
Talk about a place you visited where everything was expensive. You should say
– what the place was – when you went there – why you think everything there was expensive
and explain whether or not you would visit this place again.
A place I visited that I found to be exceptionally expensive is Dubai, UAE. I visited the city about two years ago during my winter holidays.
I stayed in a luxurious area near the iconic Burj Khalifa, and I was immediately struck by the opulence everywhere. The hotels, restaurants, and even everyday activities seemed tailored to a high-end clientele. For instance, I recall dining at a restaurant with a view of the Dubai Fountain, and while the meal was amazing, the bill left me speechless.
There are a few reasons why everything there is so expensive. For one, Dubai is a global hub for luxury tourism, catering to wealthy visitors from around the world. The city invests heavily in creating world-class entertainment, and the costs are naturally passed on to consumers. Also, many of the goods and services are imported, and this of course adds to their price.
Despite the high costs, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there because the city offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and stunning architecture. I would happily visit again!
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.
