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  • 3 March 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 197: A time when a friend surprised youšŸ˜²

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    Describe a time when a friend surprised you. You should say
    ā€“ when it happened
    ā€“ where it took place
    ā€“ what the surprise was
    and explain what you did afterwards.

    About two years ago, my best friend completely caught me off guard with a surprise birthday celebration. I was buried in work and quite sressed, and I had almost forgotten about my own birthday.

    The surprise took place at a cozy little cafĆ© in the heart of the city. My friend had cleverly tricked me into thinking we were just meeting for a quick cup of coffee to catch up. However, the moment I walked in, I was met with a huge ā€œHappy Birthdayā€ banner, a table full of my closest friends, and a beautifully decorated cake waiting for me. To say I was shocked would be an understatement!

    The most touching part of the surprise was the personalised video montage he had put together. It featured heartfelt messages from friends and family. Watching that video was incredibly emotional, and I couldnā€™t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.

    After the initial surprise, we spent the evening reminiscing, sharing laughs and enjoying the delicious food. I made sure to personally thank my friend for his thoughtfulness and effort. The following day, I wrote a heartfelt message to everyone who had been a part of it. I later treated my friend to a nice dinner as a token of appreciation. Even now, whenever I think about that day, it reminds me of how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life.

  • 24 Feb 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 196: StoriesšŸŖ¶

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    Where do you live?
    I currently live here in Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a large city known for its rich culture and its stunning natural landscapes.

    How long have you been living there?
    Iā€™ve been living here for several years now, and over time, Iā€™ve come to appreciate its energy and vibrancy. Although Iā€™ve visited other cities in Kenya, Nairobi has a unique charm that makes it feel like home.

    What do you like most about your home?
    What I love most about my home is the sense of space and comfort it provides. My neighbourhood is quiet and covered in greenery, so it is a nice change from the busy city. I also appreciate the nice weather in Nairobi, which stays quite pleasant throughout the year.

    Is there anything you would like to change about where you live?
    If I could change one thing, it would probably be to lessen the traffic. Nairobi is a fantastic city, but rush hour traffic can be quite hectic!

    Let’s talk about stories. Do you enjoy reading stories?
    Yes, absolutely! I find stories to be a great way to disconnect. I love how they can transport me to different worlds.

    What kind of stories do you like to read?
    Iā€™m particularly drawn to historical fiction and adventure novels. I love books that can take me on a journey through far off, exotic locations.

    Do you prefer reading stories in books or online?
    I prefer physical books because I love the experience of turning pages and the feeling of holding a book in my hands. I do read online occasionally, but its not my favourite way to consume books.

    Have you ever written a story yourself?
    Yes, I have. When I was younger, I used to write short stories for fun. More recently, I attempted to write a short fiction piece inspired by life in Nairobi. While I wouldnā€™t call myself a professional writer, I definitely enjoy the creative process.

  • 17 Feb 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 195: A time you did something difficultšŸ’Æ

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    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 jobā€”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.

  • 10 Feb 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 194: Personal challenges and growthšŸ‹ļø

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    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 oneā€™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.

    Thank you.

  • 3 Feb 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 193: A typical day in your lifešŸŒ…

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    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 clientā€™s house, depending on the project for the day. Some tasks involve wiring new buildings, while others require troubleshooting faulty systems. Thereā€™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. Iā€™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, Iā€™d like to have a bit more free time in the evenings.

    Why?
    Sometimes, after long shifts, I donā€™t have much energy left to do other things I enjoy, like meeting friends or working on personal projects.

    Do you think itā€™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 donā€™t overlook important details. That said, flexibility is also important because unexpected situations, like urgent repairs, can disrupt a fixed schedule.

  • 27 Jan 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 192: An old item in your familyšŸ•°ļø

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    Describe an old item that has been in your family for a long time.
    You should say:

    What the item is
    How your family got it
    How long it has been in your family
    And explain why it is important to your family.

    One of the oldest items in my family is a traditional cuckoo clock. This clock has been hanging in my grandparentsā€™ living room for as long as I can remember. Itā€™s a beautifully handcrafted wooden clock with intricate carvings of birds and leaves. At the hour, a small wooden bird pops out of a little door and says “cuckoo,” which always fascinated me as a child.

    The clock was originally bought by my great-grandfather when he travelled to Germany in the early 1900s. He wanted to bring back something special that represented the culture of the place he visited, and cuckoo clocks were famous in that region. This particular clock has been in our family for over a hundred years, and it has been passed down from one generation to the next.

    What makes it so special is not just its age but the memories associated with it. As kids, my cousins and I would wait eagerly to see the bird emerge and count how many “cuckoos” it made. Even now, when I visit my grandparentsā€™ house, the sound of the clock evokes a nostalgic feeling. It has become a symbol of our family traditions, and I hope it will continue to be passed down to future generations of our family.

  • 20 Jan 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 191: A pet you havešŸ¶

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    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.

    Iā€™d like to talk about a dog that my cousin owns. His name is Max, and heā€™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. Itā€™s easy to see why my cousin, and everyone else in the family, adores him.

  • Lesson 190: Fashion and the environmentšŸ„»

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    How do you think the fashion industry influences peopleā€™s clothing choices?
    Designers and brands often set the tone for what is considered stylish. I think this filters down to everyday consumers through advertisements, social media and celebrity endorsements. Additionally, retailers make trendy clothing affordable and accessible, which further drives consumer demand and shapes the way people dress themselves.

    What are the main differences between formal and casual clothing?
    Formal clothing is typically characterised by its structured and elegant design. It is often made from high-quality fabrics like wool or silk, and it is usually worn for special occasions. In contrast, casual clothing prioritises comfort. It is often made from more relaxed materials such as cotton or denim.

    Do people prefer formal or casual clothing in your country?
    In my country, casual clothing is generally more popular. It aligns with the relaxed lifestyle and climate. For example, people often wear jeans, t-shirts and sneakers to do daily activities. Formal clothing is still highly valued for special events, but it’s not what’s most often preferred in day-to-day life.

    How does the fashion industry impact the environment?
    Fashion designed for quick turnover contributes to pollution through the excessive use of water, chemicals and energy during production. It is expected that a sizeable portion of what’s produced will never be purchased or used, so tons of garments end up in landfills every year. The fashion industry’s impact on the environment is thus quite negative and needs to be improved.

    What steps can the fashion industry take to reduce its environmental impact?
    One key step is investing in sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics. Companies can also improve manufacturing processes to reduce water and energy consumption and cut down on chemical usage.

  • Lesson 189: ReadingšŸ“š

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    Do you study or work?
    Currently, I am a student. I am studying agricultural sciences at a local university.

    What do you like about your university?
    One of the things I appreciate most about my university is its emphasis on practical learning. For example, in addition to science-heavy courses, we also do horticultural work outdoors. The campus also has a large greenhouse that allows us to continue this hands-on training right through the dead of winter.

    Is there anything you dislike about your university?
    I suppose I feel that some administrative processes could be streamlined. For instance, registering for courses or accessing certain student services can sometimes be unnecessarily time-consuming.

    Let’s talk about reading. How often do you read books or other materials?
    I try to read every day, whether itā€™s an academic article, a novel, or just news updates online. I see reading as an essential way to stay informed and expand my knowledge.

    Do you find it easier to read on a computer or a physical book?
    I find reading on a computer or tablet more convenient because it allows me to access a wide range of resources quickly. However, when it comes to enjoying a novel or something purely for leisure, I still prefer physical books. Thereā€™s something comforting about the feel of a book in your hands.

    Do you prefer reading for pleasure or for educational purposes?
    I enjoy both, but my preference depends on my mood. Reading for educational purposes is often rewarding because it helps me gain skills related to my studies. That said, reading for pleasure allows me to unwind and immerse myself in different worlds.

    Do you think reading will be important for your future career?
    Absolutely. Staying updated on the latest agricultural research is crucial for my industry. Reading will play a significant role in helping me refine my skills, understand emerging technologies and remain competitive in the field. Being well-read also enhances critical thinking and communication skills, which are invaluable in any profession.

  • Lesson 188: The best outfit you have ever wornšŸ§„

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    Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say
    ā€“ what it looked like
    ā€“ when you wore it
    ā€“ 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 Iā€™ve ever worn because of how useful andā€¦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.