Part 1

What is your full name?
Can I see your ID?
Where are you from?
Do you work or study?

Plants

Do you like plants? Why?

Yes of course I do! I think they add to the ambiance (charm; feeling) of our homes. I can’t explain it exactly, but they just make you feel better somehow. Maybe it’s because of the oxygen and the physical appeal.

 What plants do you like?

I really like orchid flowers. I have several of them, both white and purple, around my home. My friends always give me orchid flowers for special occasions since they know I like them so much! Furthermore, I love the look and symbolism of the lotus, but it’s a bit difficult to find them here in Spain since they aren’t native to this part of the world.

 Have you ever grown any plants?

I would love to, but I’ve never really had the chance. Since I live in an apartment without a balcony, it’s quite difficult for me to get the necessary sunlight. Oh, how I dream of having a big back yard (grassy green area behind the house, usually in the US) with a vegetable and herb garden one day! I want my own tomatoes and basil especially.

 Did you grow any plants when you were a child?

I never grew any plants as a child, but I used to help my grandmother on her olive tree farm in the countryside of southern Spain. I’ve learned that olive trees need mild winters and long, warm, and dry summers to sustain themselves.

Painting

Do you like drawing or painting?

Both of them, but I enjoy drawing more. When I paint, I often make a mess and just cannot blend the colors properly. I find drawing to be easier and something that you can do on the go, such as on the underground or doodling (drawing without proper form) on your notes during class.

What kinds of things do you like to draw?

Definitely portraits. I’ve always been inclined to draw the human face, capturing their intricate (detailed) features and expressions. When I travel, I take photographs of local people then later replicate them to keep those memories alive.

Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child?

Of course! It was one of my favorite classes. Since I was never a math or science person, art was always a creative outlet (way of expression) for me. I felt like I needed it after all the stress of logical thinking throughout to do, not to mention my art teacher was really cool and zany (unique; quirky).

Do you ever draw or paint pictures now?

Absolutely! Not as often as I used to because of time and adult responsibilities, but I still manage to draw a few times per week, especially to unwind (relax) before bed. Furthermore, I intend to go on a 2 or 3 week holiday abroad each year so I sketch (draw) people there.

Cooking

Do you like cooking?

Moderately! Since I’m a vegetarian in a town with few options, it’s critical for me to cook for myself. I wouldn’t say that I love it, but it is growing on me (starting to like). I feel accomplished when my own concoctions turn out well!

 How often do you cook?

Pretty much everyday. Since I’m a busy bee (busy person), I usually prepare meals for the week on Sunday afternoons. For example, I prep some tofu, beans, and rice then just heat them up with some stir-fried vegetables throughout the week.

 How good are you at cooking? 

I would consider myself to be average. I’ve mastered some dishes, but could still use work (need to practice) on others. For example, I’m quite good at preparing vegetable curry and falafel. That it what I usually prepare when I have guests.

 Does anyone in your family like to cook?

Not really. I can remember that my grandmother enjoyed entertaining and preparing food for family and friends. I distinctly remember her corned beef and cabbage. However, she died when I was quite young along with that tradition.

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Part 2

Describe a competition you want to take part in

You should say:

• What the competition is
• How you knew it
• What you need to prepare for it
• And explain why you want to attend it

BAND 9 MODEL ANSWER 

I’m going to tell you about my real dream. First, let me give you some background. I think that I have a pretty decent singing voice, but I’m rather shy so I usually limit myself to singing in the shower. I’ve always dream of having the courage to sing my heart out (sing passionately)in front of a large audience. I’ve always dreaded (not looked forward to) being in the spotlight, but I think I must do this to force myself to new limits.

I recently read on a facebook ad that there is a singing competition in Istanbul, about 100 km in my house in November 2018. I know it’s a bit far, but I really want to make that journey. You must pay $500 dollars to enter, but I feel that this is a worthy investment. Last year’s winner, Aybars, won a new car and singing lesson with the American winner of The Voice. There will be over 100 contestants, so the competition is stiff. There is a preliminary round to see if you are able to continue, then there will be two other elimination rounds. It will even be on live air on the local Turkish television.

I feel really nervous and apprehensive because I have never sung in front of an audience, let alone (neither) on TV. I’m afraid that I may do something embarrassing like trip and fall on TV, or even not make it past the preliminary round. I even have nightmares about these situations sometimes! However, I feel quite confident with my voice so I think I can make it far (do something successfully).  Even if I don’t win, I would still love to have this experience. It will be one for the books (something memorable).

Part 3

Why do you think some school teachers use competitions as class activities?

Well, there are many competitive people in this world. Many people thrive on (makes them excited) it, so learning would not be fun without it. For this reason, I think teachers use it to appeal to all different types of personalities. Secondly, it gives us incentive (motivation for a reason) to pay attention and try harder in class. If we are never tried (tested), we may keep silent in the back of the classroom. When there is a prize at stake (something you are able to get), people tend to put a lot more effort forth. All in all, it is a fun way to spark interest and attention in the classroom, not to mention students of all ages smile when they receive some sort of prize.

Is it a good thing to give prizes to children who do well at school? Why?

I would say yes, because it is an incentive to put effort into your studies. However, I don’t think the teacher should build a prize into every lesson because then the children may focus on that instead of actually gaining knowledge, which is the real prize. I think it’s fun and healthy competition to bring in a small prize for pupils, such as candy, but definitely not something to do on the daily.

Would you say that schools for young children have become more or less competitive since you were that age? Why?

It’s tough to say really, but I would say that they are becoming more competitive. I think one of the reasons for this is the social media. Now that our lives are on blast (something everyone can see), students see this and begin to compare themselves to other students. For example, maybe students post pictures of their high scores online or their parents praise them on their Facebook status.  So, this creates more of a competitive sense. Furthermore, the job market is quite competitive, so as a society we must put more effort into standing out (being remembered; being different from others). Maybe the students aren’t aware of this, but this I would imagine that the parents put more pressure onto their children to be better than the others.

Today’s listening Test-with answers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPzC7eywv6U

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