Common IELTS Questions & Related Vocabulary (Speaking & Writing) - Part 4

Part 3. :
- Who usually gives personal advice in your country? Why?
- Is it better to be advised by family or friends? Why?
- Do teachers in your country often advise students on personal issues? Why/why not?
- What kind of a person can be a good advisor? Why?
- Who’s the best person to give career advice in our life? Why?
- Who usually advises young people on which job to choose in your country? Why?
- Do young people follow career advice given? Why/why not?
- Is it better to listen to others’ advice or make decisions alone? Why?
- What does a person need to know to be able to advice someone on their career? Why?
- Which advice on consumer goods is the most reliable one? Why?
- Where can we find reliable information about products we buy?
- Do you think that some harmful products need to be banned? Why/why not?
- Who is responsible for people’s health, government, manufacturers or individuals? Why?
- What advice do young people usually need? Why?
- What’s the best way to give advice to a young person? Why?
- In local communities in your country, are there any advisors one can turn to? Why/why not?
- Who could be a good community advisor? Why?
- Do you think that only old people can give good advice? Why/why not?
- Does a person need some special training to advise others? Why/why not? If so, what kind?
- What can happen if people follow advice blindly? Why?
- Do you think it is often true that what people do and advise others aren’t the same things? Why/why not?
- Which is more useful, receiving a piece of advice or learning from our own mistakes? Why?
- your favourite meal/a dish you know how to make/foreign food you have tried

Vocab :

1. vitamins /ˈvɪtəmɪnz/ (n.) = natural substances found in food that are necessary to keep your body healthy

2. fibre/ˈfaɪbə(r)/ (n.) = the parts of fruit, vegetables and grains that your body cannot digest

3. to be nutritious /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ (adj.) = providing the substances that people need in order to be healthy

4. fattening /ˈfæt(ə)nɪŋ/ (adj.) = making you fat

5. savoury /ˈseɪvəri/ (adj.) = tasting of salt or spices and not sweet

6. to be a far cry from (phr.) = to be very different from sth

7. to be entirely different from /ɪnˈtaɪə(r)li/ (phr.) = to be completely different from sth

8. herbs /hɜː(r)bz/ (n.) = plants used for adding flavour to food or as a medicine

9. condiments /ˈkɒndɪmənts/ (n.) = things like salt, pepper or a sauce that you put on food or the table to make it taste better

10. fragrant /ˈfreɪɡrənt/ (adj.) = with a pleasant smell

11. a barbecue /ˈbɑː(r)bɪˌkjuː/ (n.) = a meal at which mean and other food is cooked and eaten outside, often a meal that you invite friends to

12. to pressure cook /ˈpreʃə(r)/ (v.) = to cook with a tight lid that allows pressure of steam to cook food quickly

13. to garnish /ˈɡɑː(r)nɪʃ/ (v.) = to add sth to a dish of food to make it look more attractive

14. to preserve /prɪˈzɜː(r)v/ (v.) = to prevent food from decaying by adding a chemical substance to it

15. to precook /ˌpriːˈkʊk/ (v.) = to cook sth partly so that it can be heated and eaten at a later time

16. a secret recipe /ˈsiːkrət ˈresəpi/ (phr.) = a set of instructions for cooking or preparing a particular food that only a few people know about

17. sth can touch my taste buds (phr.) = sth very tasty for sb

18. metabolism /məˈtæbəˌlɪz(ə)m/ (n.) = all the chemical processes by which cells produce the energy and substances necessary for life

19. to be a gourmet/ˈɡʊə(r)meɪ/ (n.) = sb who knows a lot about good food and wine

20. to be mouth-watering (adj.) = food that smells and looks very good

21. to be disgusting /dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ/ (adj.) = extremely unpleasant

22. a pickled cabbage /ˈpɪk(ə)ld/ (n.) = a cabbage preserved in vinegar or salt water

23. to pan-fry (v.) = to fry in a pan in a small amount of fat

24. a dip /dɪp/ (n.) = a thick cold sauce for dipping pieces of food into before eating them

25. to stir-fry (v.) = to cook food quickly by moving it around in hot oil

26. a steamer /ˈstiːmə(r)/ (n.) = a container used for cooking food with steam

27. to steam /stiːm/ (v.) = to cook food with steam

28. deep-fried (adj.) = cooked in a lot of hot oil

Part 3. :
- Are there any rules of how to behave during meals in your country?
- Is it important to have meals together in your country? Why/why not?
- Is watching TV and eating at the same time a good habit? Why/why not?
- What’s a typical diet in your country?
- Has diet in your country changed recently? Why/why not?
- Does advertising influence people’s diet? How?
- Is food in school canteens usually healthy? Why/why not?
- How can schools encourage healthy diet?
- Is being a farmer a good job in your country?
- Is agriculture an important part of your country’s culture? Why/why not?
- How have ways of producing food changed over the years?
- Can technology be helpful in food production?
- Do you think in the future scientific and technological developments might affect the way food is made? To what extent? How?
- your favourite means of transport/a trip you took by public transport

Vocab :

1. a rickshaw /ˈrɪkˌʃɔː/ (n.) = a small vehicle with two wheels used for carrying passengers and pulled by sb riding a bicycle or walking

2. a tuk-tuk (n.) = a three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi (usually in Thailand)

3. a double-decker bus /ˌdʌb(ə)l ˈdekə(r)/ (n.) = a bus that has both an upper and a lower level where people can sit

4. to move freely (phr.) = to move without restrains

5. to do harm to (phr.) = to be harmful to

6. a transport infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə(r)/ (n.) = the set of transport systems that affect how well it operates

7. a road network (n.) = a system of streets and roads in a place

8. rails /reɪlz/ (n.) = metal bars that a train travels on

9. a carriage /ˈkærɪdʒ/ (n.) = one of the vehicles that are joined together to make a train

10. a compartment /kəmˈpɑː(r)tmənt/ (n.) = one of the separate spaces into which a railway carriage is divided

11. a window seat (n.) = a seat that is next to a window on a plane, trains or bus

12. an aisle seat /aɪl/ (n.) = a seat in a train, plane etc next to an aisle

13. a flight crew /kruː/ (n.) = the people involved with flying a plane including the plots, the flight engineer and the navigator

14. to be airsick /ˈeə(r)ˌsɪk/ (adj.) = to feel ill as a result of the movement of a plane

15. a passenger ship (n.) = a ship carrying people

16. to embark /ɪmˈbɑː(r)k/ (v.) = to get on a ship in order to begin a journey

17. a pier /pɪə(r)/ (n.) = a structure built out from the land over water and used for getting on and off boats

18. to be seasick /ˈsiːˌsɪk/ (adj.) = to fell ill from the movement of the boat

19. to be carsick /ˈkɑː(r)ˌsɪk/ (adj.) = to feel ill from travelling in a car

20. a convertible /kənˈvɜː(r)təb(ə)l/ (n.) = a car with a roof that can be folded back or removed completely

21. a dirigible /ˈdɪrɪdʒəb(ə)l/ (n.) = an aircraft like a large balloon with an engine

22. a four-by-four (n.) = a vehicle that has four-wheel drive

23. a vespa (n.) = an Italian brand of a scooter

24. a limousine /ˌlɪməˈziːn/ (n.) = a large expensive comfortable car in which a screen separates the driver from the passengers

Part 3. :
- What can be done to solve traffic congestion?
- What in your opinion is the biggest reason of the increasing car accidents?
- What types of public transports are there in your country?
- What is the most popular means of public transport? Why?
- What are some advantages of public transportation?
- What are some disadvantages of public transportation?
- How can more people be encouraged to use public transport instead of their private cars?
- Why do people like to use their private cars so often? Even for a short trip?
- What is the percentage of families owing a car in your country?
- Why do you think some families have more than one private car?
- Is there any way the government can limit private car ownership? If so, how?
- Do you think people will use their private cars more in the future? Why/why not?
- How can public transport be more environmentally friendly?
- What new innovative means of transport will we have in the future?
- your favourite weather/season

Vocab :

1. drizzle /ˈdrɪz(ə)l/ (n/v) = very light rain

2. to hit a park/garden (phr.) = to go to a park/garden

3. to turn on my hibernation mode /ˌhaɪbə(r)ˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = to sleep a lot

4. torrential rain /təˈrenʃ(ə)l/ (n.) = rain that falls fast in large amounts

5. the pollution is a real killer (phr.) = the pollution is terrible

6. a catastrophe /kəˈtæstrəfi/ (n.) = an event that causes a lot of damage or makes a lot of people suffer

7. a cold snap/spell (n.) = a period of cold weather

8. a meteorological satellite /ˌmiːtiərəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l ˈsætəlaɪt/ (n.) = a satellite measuring weather conditions

9. humid /ˈhjuːmɪd/ (adj.) = hot and wet in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable

10. scorching /ˈskɔː(r)tʃɪŋ/ (adj.) = extremely hot

11. freezing /ˈfriːzɪŋ/ (adj.) = very cold

12. continental /ˌkɒntɪˈnent(ə)l/ (adj.) = characteristic of mainland Europe

13. monsoonal /mɒnˈsuːnəl/ (adj.) = rainy, accompanying the wet monsoon

14. tropical /ˈtrɒpɪk(ə)l/ (adj.) = from the hottest parts of the world

15. subtropical /ˌsʌbˈtrɒpɪk(ə)l/ (adj.) = from or relating to the warm parts of the world just north and south of the tropics

16. a sandstorm /ˈsæn(d)ˌstɔː(r)m/ (n.) = a strong wind in the desert that blows clouds of sand in the air

17. in the shade /ʃeɪd/ (phr.) = where sun does not go

18. cloudless sky /ˈklaʊdləs/ (phr.) = sky without any clouds

19. sweltering hot /ˈswelt(ə)rɪŋ/ (adj.) = extremely hot in an uncomfortable way

20. a heavy downpour /ˈdaʊnˌpɔː(r)/ (n.) = a large amount of rain that falls quickly

21. it’s bucketing down (phr.) = to rain very hard

22. to get drenched through /drentʃt/ (phr.) = to get thoroughly wet

23. a rainbow /ˈreɪnˌbəʊ/ (n.) = a curved line of colours that appears in the sky when the sun shines while it is raining

24. to tremble with cold /ˈtremb(ə)l/ (phr.) = to shake with cold

25. sleet /sliːt/ (n.) = a mixture of snow and rain

26. to be snowed in (phr.) = to be unable to leave a place because a lot of snow has fallen there

27. to be cut off (phr.) = to not be able to leave a place due to snow

Part 3. :
- What are the main changes in weather in your country in recent years?
- Why is the weather getting worse in your opinion?
- What do people generally think about pollution?
- What pollution is the most serious one in your country?
- What can be done about pollution?
- What do you know about global warming?
- What kinds of clothes do people in your country wear at different times of year? Why?
- Do most people in your country watch the weather forecast? Why/why not?
- Can any daily activities by affected by weather? If so, how?
- How many seasons does your country have?
- How do different seasons vary in your country?
- Do you celebrate any festivals related to seasons? Why/why not?
- How do different seasons affect the country’s economy?
- Has your country experienced a climate change in recent years?
- What problems might global warming bring in the future?
- Who should be responsible for controlling global warming? Why?
- How does the weather change in your country at different times of the year?
- Do you think more people like cold or warm weather? Why?
- What are some good sides of living in a cold country?
- What jobs have close connection with weather conditions?
- How can working in extremely hot or cold conditions be difficult?
- What jobs are limited to particular seasons? (farming, tourism)
- How does seasonal work affect communities?
- What are some recent climate changes in the world? Why?
- Are people generally concerned with climate change? Why/why not?
- What measures have been taken so far to tackle the climate change problem?
- your first mobile phone

Vocab :

1. to speed up the pace of sth (phr.) = to make sth work faster

2. to bring liberation from sth /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = to give freedom from sth

3. mute mode /mjuːt/ (n.) = a setting on your phone that allows you to keep it on but with silent option

4. to upgrade sth /ʌpˈɡreɪd/ (v.) = to make a device more powerful or effective

5. no frills (phr.) = used for referring to sth that is good enough but has no unnecessary extra features

6. the battery has run down (phr.) = the battery has stopped working

7. on the blink (phr.) =if a piece of electrical equipment is on the blink, it is not working very well

8. a manufacturer /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃərə(r)/ (n.) = a company that makes a product

9. cumbersome /ˈkʌmbə(r)s(ə)m/ (adj.) = not simple, fast or effective enough and difficult or annoying to use

10. handy /ˈhændi/ (adj.) = useful

11. to make improvements /ɪmˈpruːvmənts/ (phr.) = to make changes for the better

12. sth has improved beyond all recognition /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = sth has improved in a way that makes it impossible to recognize what it is

13. to be an instrument of social change /ˈɪnstrʊmənt/ (phr.) = to help social change

14. a SIM card /ˈsɪm ˌkɑː(r)d/ (n.) = subscriber identity module card: a small piece of plastic that is inside a mobile phone and contains information about the person who uses the phone

15. reception /rɪˈsepʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = signal strength

16. a flip phone (n.) = a small mobile phone that closes by folding in the middle to make it easier to carry

17. to be cutting out (phr.) = for a phone: to stop working

18. feature /ˈfiːtʃə(r)/ (n.) = an important part or aspect of sth

19. mobile phone culture is out of control (phr.) = everyone is crazy about mobile phones

20. to switch it off in public places (phr.) = to not use your phone in public places

21. compact /ˈkɒmpækt/ (adj.) = smaller than most things of the same kind

22. a smartphone /ˈsmɑː(r)tˌfəʊn/ (n.) = a mobile phone that also works as a small computer, allowing you to store information and write letters and reports

23. mobile entertainment /ˌentə(r)ˈteɪnmənt/ (n.) = entertainment one can enjoy on their phone

24. useful functions /ˈfʌŋkʃ(ə)ns/ (phr.) = a handy purpose of a phone

Part 3. :
- Are phones popular in your country? Why/why not?
- When do children in your country start using mobile phones? Why?
- Is it easy for everybody to learn how to use a mobile phone? Why/why not?
- What are some drawbacks of mobile phones?
- Do people prefer to have a smart phone today? Why/why not?
- In what ways do people use mobile phones in your country? Why?
- Is texting popular in your country? Why/why not?
- Do many people use apps? Why/why not?
- What apps are the most popular in your country? Why?
- Do you think mobile phones need to have the Internet connection? Why/why not?
- Does modern technology always help people? Why/why not?
- Do you think business people might travel less due to advanced technology soon? Why/why not?
- Do you think that translation on the Internet will decrease a number of people learning foreign languages? Why/why not?
- Can modern technology help to learn a foreign language? How?
- How does technology influence communication between people?
- something you did that was relaxing

Vocab:

1. bliss /blɪs/ (n.) = complete happiness

2. idle away /ˈaɪd(ə)l/ (v.) = to spend time relaxing and doing nothing

3. a dabbler /ˈdæb(ə)lə/ (n.) = a person who never keeps doing one activity for long

4. a shot in the arm (phr.) = something that quickly makes a bad situation much better

5. to ease tension /iːz ˈtenʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = to release pressure

6. to let your hair down (phr.) = to relax and enjoy yourself because you are in a comfortable environment

7. to practise yoga /ˈjəʊɡə/ (phr.) = to do yoga

8. an early night (phr.) = an occasion when you go to bed earlier than usual

9. a night out (phr.) = an evening when you go out to a cinema, theatre, party etc.

10. to unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (v.) = to begin to relax after you have been working hard or feeling nervous

11. to take your mind off sth (phr.) = to make you stop thinking or worrying about sth

12. to laze about /leɪz/ (v.) = to relax and enjoy yourself, doing no work

13. to loosen up /ˈluːs(ə)n/ (v.) = to relax or to become less serious

14. to have a kip /kɪp/ (phr.) = to have a short sleep

15. to sit in silence (phr.) = to sit without taking or any other distractions

16. to get on the dance floor (phr.) = to relax by dancing

Part 3. :
- What do young people in your country like to do in their spare time?
- What free time activities do the elderly enjoy?
- Do you think people have enough leisure time today? Why/why not? What would they need to change to have more free time?
- Are leisure activities today the same with the ones in the past? Why/why not?
- Can doing nothing be relaxing? Why/why not?
- In today’s world, is it easy to relax? Why/why not?
- Why do some people have so many troubles relaxing?
- Is it important to take time off work/study regularly? Why/why not?
- Do you think people will have more time for relaxation in the future? Why/why not?
- Do you think people in different countries relax in the same or different way? Why?
- Is the leisure industry a big one in your country?
- How can the leisure industry grow even stronger in the future?
- something you would really like to do in the future/a plan you have for your future/something you would like to do in your future (not related to work or studies)

Vocab :

1. to balance work and family /ˈbæləns/ (phr.) = to create a healthy level of time spent with family and spent working

2. an incentive /ɪnˈsentɪv/ (n.) = sth that makes you want to do sth or to work harder, because you know that you will benefit by doing this

3. a goal /ɡəʊl/ (n.) = sth that you hope to achieve

4. to pursue career goals /pə(r)ˈsjuː/ (phr.) = to follow your carer plans

5. to have one’s heart set on sth (phr.) = to aim at sth

6. to make up one’s mind (phr.) = to make a decision

7. the only fly in the ointment is /ˈɔɪntmənt/ (phr.) = the only problem that spoils sth is

8. a stepping stone in the pursuit of my dreams (phr.) = a step in a process of reaching you dreams that helps you to move forward

9. foreseeable future /fɔː(r)ˈsiːəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = future that easily be imagined before it happens

10. to go ahead with sth (v.) = to start or continue to do sth, especially after waiting for permission

11. to bring sth forward (v.) = to change the date or time of an event so that it happens earlier

12. to look ahead to sth (v.) = to think about what is likely to happen, or to plan what you are going to do in the future

13. to go according to plan /əˈkɔː(r)dɪŋ ˌtuː/ (phr.) = to go as planned

Part 3. :
- Do people in your country usually plan for the future? Why/why not?
- What kinds of plans do youngsters make in your country?
- What kinds of plans do elderly make in your country?
- Why do you think some people do not make plans?
- Is it easy to plan?
- What are some good ways to plan things?
- Should people plan? Why/why not?
- Is it true that people get better at planning things once they grow older? Why/why not?
- Can people learn anything from plans that didn’t work out? If so, what?
- Is it important to plan one’s retirement? Why/why not?
- How can people make sure their retirement is well-planned?
- Who usually takes care of the older family members in your country?
- Is it easy to take care of an older family member? Why/why not?
- How should the government deal with a large ageing population? Why?
- something difficult which you did well

Vocab :

1. Achilles’ heel /əˌkɪliːz ˈhiːl/ (n.) = a weak feature that sb or sth has that could cause failure or could be attacked

2. an arduous process /ˈɑː(r)djuəs/ (phr.) = an extremely difficult process

3. to be very rewarding /rɪˈwɔː(r)dɪŋ/ (adj.) = giving you satisfaction, pleasure or profit

4. to use lateral thinking /ˈlæt(ə)rəl/ (phr.) = to solve problems in a way where you use your imagination to try to think about it in a different or unusual way

5. willpower /ˈwɪlˌpaʊə(r)/ (n.) = the ability to control your thoughts and behaviour in order to achieve sth

6. to overcome a dilemma /dɪˈlemə/ (phr.) = to succeed in a situation in which you have to make a difficult decision

7. trial and error (phr.) = a way of finding a good method that involves trying several possibilities and learning from your mistakes

8. feeble attempts /ˈfiːb(ə)l/ (phr.) = not good enough to achieve the intended result

9. a major hurdle /ˈhɜː(r)d(ə)l/ (phr.) = a big problem

10. minor difficulties (phr.) = small problems

11. to pay off (v.) = if sth that you do pays off, it brings you some benefit

12. to bear fruit /beə(r)/ (phr.) = to have a successful result

13. You reap what you sow. (phr) = used for saying that sth happens to sb because of what they have done in the past

14. to exert yourself /ɪɡˈzɜː(r)t/ (phr.) = to use a lot of physical or mental effort

15. to come to fruition /fruːˈɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = to get the result that you wanted to achieve from a plan or idea

16. gruelling /ˈɡruːəlɪŋ/ (adj.) = very difficult and involving a lot of continuous effort

17. a perennial problem /pəˈreniəl/ (phr.) = a problem that never seems to go away

18. to get to grips with sth (phr.) = to start to deal with a problem, situation or job that you have to do

19. to exacerbate sth /ɪɡˈzæsə(r)beɪt/ (v.) = to make a problem become worse

20. it’s more trouble than it’s worth (phr.) = used to say sth is not worth making too much effort to succeed at it

21. easier said than done (phr.) = used for telling sb that what they are advising you to do is not easy to achieve

22. to roll your sleeves up (phr.) = to prepare to work

23. sth takes some doing (phr.) = sth takes a lot of effort

Part 3. :
- Do most people like challenges? Why/why not?
- What challenges do young people need to face when they are starting their adult life? Why?
- Do you think that people in the past had to deal with the same kinds of problems? Why/why not?
- Can a little bit of difficulty help a person in any way? How?
- Are young people in your country generally ambitious? Why/why not?
- What is the biggest ambition of young people in your country today? Why?
- Is it generally important for young people to have ambitions? Why/why not?
- What can happen if someone is too ambitious?
- What types of jobs involve an element of risk? Why?
- Why do some people choose to do dangerous jobs?
- Who is responsible for a disaster in dangerous jobs?
- Should people doing risky jobs be paid more? Why/why not?
- something you did that helped you learn another language

Vocab :

1. a language organization habit (phr.) = the way you organize your language studies

2. slang /slæŋ/ (n.) = words or expressions that are very informal and are not considered suitable for more formal situations

3. native pronunciation /ˈneɪtɪv prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = authentic articulation

4. drilling /drɪlɪŋ/ (n.) = learning through repetition

5. a loanword /ˈləʊnˌwɜː(r)d/ (n.) = a word from one language that is used in another language without being changed

6. lexicon /ˈleksɪkən/ (n.) = all the words and phrases in a language

7. to brush up on sth (v.) = to practise and improve your skills or knowledge of sth

8. to divert sb’s attention from sth /daɪˈvɜː(r)t/ (phr.) = to distract sb from sth

9. an example sentence (phr.) = a sentence one uses with a new word to know its usage

10. context /ˈkɒntekst/ (n.) = the words surrounding a particular word that help to give it its meaning

11. ambiguous /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ (adj.) = not clear

12. to interpret sth /ɪnˈtɜː(r)prɪt/ (v.) = to translate what sb is saying in one language into another language

13. transparent /trænsˈpærənt/ (adj.) = simple, clear and easy to understand

14. self-explanatory (adj.) = easy to understand without explanations

15. precise (adj.) = exact and accurate

16. figurative /ˈfɪɡərətɪv/ (adj.) = if you use words in a figurative way, you use them not in their normal literal meaning but in a way that makes a description more interesting or impressive

17. to sink in (v.) = to become completely understood

18. durable materials /ˈdjʊərəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = materials that are able to stay in good condition for a long time and after being used a lot

19. out of necessity /nəˈsesəti/ (phr.) = sth must be done

20. linguistically-diverse /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪkli daɪˈvɜː(r)s/ (adj.) = including elements from many different languages

21. to enjoy learning for learning’s sake /seɪk/ (phr.) = to like learning just for the benefit of learning

22. to relish the intellectual challenge /ˈrelɪʃ/ (phr.) = to get great satisfaction from the intellectual challenge

23. to open up a world of possibilities (phr.) = to broaden sb’s horizons

24. to constantly be exposed to (phr.) = to be in contact with

25. to become proficient /prəˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/ (phr.) = to become very skilful at sth that you have learnt

26. immersion /ɪˈmɜː(r)ʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = a method of teaching a foreign language in which teachers and students use only the foreign language during classes

27. a visual learner /ˈvɪʒʊəl/ (n.) = a person who learns best by seeing

28. a target language /ˈtɑː(r)ɡɪt/ (n.) = the language into which a text, document or speech is translated

29. to brainstorm /ˈbreɪnˌstɔː(r)m/ (v.) = to discuss ideas in a brainstorming discussion

Part 3. :
- What foreign languages are common in your country? Why?
- What in your opinion is the most difficult about learning a foreign language? Why?
- Who learns a foreign language faster: younger people or older people? Why?
- What’s the best method to learn a foreign language?
- Is it important to know a foreign language? Why/why not?
- How does learning a foreign language benefit us?
- Are foreign languages more important in a contemporary world than they were in the past? Why/why not?
- If the whole society learns a foreign language, wouldn’t that affect their culture negatively? Why?
- What are dominant languages in the world today? Why these ones?
- Do you think your native language might become dominant in the future? Why/why not?
- Is it good or bad to have one international language? Why?
- Do you think that if a country accepts one global language it also needs to accept one global culture? Why/why not?
- a competition you would like to join/you took part in

Vocab :

1. to compete on a level playing field (phr.) = to compete in a situation that is fair for all the people involved

2. fair and square (phr.) = in a way that is clear and fair, so that no one can complain or disagree

3. evenly-matched /ˈiːv(ə)nli/ (adj.) = matched equally

4. to dominate /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/ (v.) = to control sth or sb

5. a cliffhanger (n.) = a situation in which it is not clear what will happen next

6. to be predictable /prɪˈdɪktəb(ə)l/ (adj.) = to happen in a way that you would expect

7. team spirit (n.) = an enthusiastic attitude towards working or playing together with other people as a team

8. good sportsmanship /ˈspɔː(r)tsmənʃɪp/ (phr.) = fair and honest behaviour in sport

9. to hammer sb /ˈhæmə(r)/ (v.) = to defeat sb

10. to set the pace /peɪs/ (phr.) = to set the speed of sth

11. to forge ahead /fɔː(r)dʒ/ (v.) = to move forwards in a strong steady way

12. to take some beating /ˈbiːtɪŋ/ (phr.) = to be damaged because of performing badly or being criticized

13. to hot up (v.) = to become very lively or exciting

14. to come out on top (phr.) = to be the best or the winner

15. a dark horse (n.) = sb who wins a race, competition, election etc that no one expected them to win

16. neck and neck (phr.) = involved in a close race, competition etc.

17. to give it your all (phr.) = to do your best

18. to give sth your best shot (phr.) = to do your best

19. to play it safe (phr.) = to avoid taking any risks

20. a close shave (phr.) = a situation in which you only just avoid sth dangerous or unpleasant

Part 3. :
- What are some common competitions people in your country can join? Why?
- Why do some people enjoy taking part in competitions more than others?
- Are competitions good or bad for children? Why?
- Can people learn anything from participating in competitions? Why/why not?
- Is motivation something we naturally have or do we need to develop it? Why?
- How should a good boss motivate his or her workers? Why?
- What is a better motivation, money or a sense of achievement? Why?
- Can children do better at school if they are brought up in a strict family? Why/why not?
- Is public recognition generally important to people in your country? Why/why not?
- What personal achievements should be recognized publicly? Why?
- Why is it important to be publically praised to some people?
- Do you think that today’s pop culture sees different things as praiseworthy? Why/why not?
- a concert you went to/a live event you have been to/would like to go to/a public/art/cultural event you attended/a place you know where people go to listen to music

Vocab :

1. a newsworthy event /ˈnjuːzˌwɜː(r)ði/ (phr.) = an interesting event

2. sensational /senˈseɪʃ(ə)nəl/ (adj.) = very excitingand surprising

3. a drink on the house (phr.) = a free drink

4. an open-air concert (phr.) = a concert conducted out in the open space

5. a symphony orchestra /ˈsɪmfəni ˈɔː(r)kɪstrə/ (n.) = a large orchestra that plays classical music

6. blaring music /bleə(r)ɪŋ/ (phr.) = very loud music

7. to be suffused with /səˈfjuːzd/ (v.) = to be surrounded by

8. to be steeped in /stiːpt/ (v.) = to have a lot of particular quality or thing

9. acoustic music /əˈkuːstɪk/ (n.) = without using electronic equipment

10. a composer /kəmˈpəʊzə(r)/ (n.) = sb who writes music, especially classical music

11. sonata /səˈnɑːtə/ (n.) = a piece of classical music for one instrument, usually the piano or for one instrument and a piano

12. a tune /tjuːn/ (n.) = a song or piece of music

13. to give a concert (phr.) = to perform at a concert

14. a podium /ˈpəʊdiəm/ (n.) = a small raised area where sb stands to conduct an orchestra

15. a soloist /ˈsəʊləʊɪst/ (n.) = sb who performs a musical solo

16. an accompanist /əˈkʌmpənɪst/ (n.) = sb who plays the supporting music while sb else sings or plays the main tune

17. the new and the old intermingle /ˌɪntə(r)ˈmɪŋɡ(ə)l/ (phr.) = the old and new mix

18. a live band (n.) = a musical group performing live

19. jam-packed with people (phr.) = full of people

20. highly spirited /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/ (adj.) = expressing opinions in a determined way

21. an expressive art form /ɪkˈspresɪv/ (phr.) = an art form that clearly shows the thoughts or feelings of the artist

22. a bit over the top (phr.) = more than what is considered normal or suitable

23. a choir /kwaɪə(r)/ (n.) = a group of singers who perform together

24. to pay through the nose for sth (phr.) = to pay much too much for sth

25. a genre /ˈʒɒnrə/ (n.) = a particular style

26. booze, merch and dope /buːz/ /mɜː(r)tʃ/ /dəʊp/ (phr.) = alcohol, good that are sold related to the band and drugs

27. a jazz trio /ˈtriːəʊ/ (n.) = a group of three musicians who play jazz music together

28. good acoustics /əˈkuːstɪks/ (phr.) = the way that sound is heard in a room, as a result of the room’s shape and size

29. to bounce off the piano lid /baʊns/ (phr.) = to move energetically from the top of the piano, usually for dramatic effect during performance

Part 3:
- Where can children hear music?
- Is listening to music beneficial to children? Why/why not?
- Should every child learn how to play a musical instrument? Why/why not?
- How has popular music in your country changed over the years?
- Should music be available on the Internet for free? Why/why not?
- How has technology influenced the way music is being made today?
- How will music be different in the future?
- Is technology going to replace traditional music?
- How can music be helpful with memories?
- Why do we remember certain songs but forget others?
- Which way is better to express feelings, music or words? Why?
- Can music help cultural understanding? How?
- Can we live without music?
- Do many people in your country go to concerts today? Why/why not?
- What’s the best place to listen to music? Why?
- Why do people enjoy live concerts?
- Is the experience one gets at a live concert different from listening to music at home? How?
- Who is the best live performer in your country? Why?
- Are concerts popular in your country?
- Are concert tickets pricey? Why/why not?
- Do you think artists will perform live more in the future? Why/why not?
- How does technology affect the way concerts are organised?
- a family event/gathering you were a part of/from your childhood

Vocab :

1. a good laugh /lɑːf/ (phr.) = a fun time

2. a bit of a drag /dræɡ/ (phr.) = boring

3. a convivial atmosphere /kənˈvɪviəl/ (phr.) = a friendly and making you feel welcome atmosphere

4. a large feast /fiːst/ (n.) = a large meal for a lot of people in order to celebrate sth

5. to go through the hassle of cooking /ˈhæs(ə)l/ (phr.) = to trouble yourself with cooking

6. a festive season /ˈfestɪv/ (phr.) = bright and colourful in a way that makes you think of a celebration

7. to sit around the dinner table (phr.) = to sit at the table and enjoy the meal and time together

8. to catch up on our news (phr.) = to exchange the latest changes in everyone’s lives

9. the whole clan /klæn/ (phr.) = a large group of families that are related to each other

10. an extended family /ɪkˈstendɪd/ (n.) = a family group that included grandparents, cousins, aunts etc.

11. to tell sidesplitting jokes /ˈsaɪdˌsplɪtɪŋ/ (phr.) = to tell extremely humorous jokes

12. a get-together (n.) = an informal social occasion

13. to stay up all night (phr.) = to not go to sleep and talk all night

14. to bring us closer together (phr.) = to strengthen the bond between us

15. You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family. (phr.) = you should accept your family as they are because you did not choose them

16. the atmosphere turned sour /ˈsaʊə(r)/ (phr.) = the atmosphere was unpleasant, unfriendly

17. the be-all and end-all of our lives (phr.) = the main aim in our lives

18. a safety net (n.) = a plan or system that is designed to protect people or prevent serious problems

19. material and emotional needs (phr.) = the needs related to our lives and out feelings

20. strong traditions based around families (phr.)

21. to have sb’s best interest at heart (phr.) = to care for someone’s well-being a lot

Part 3. :
- What does a typical family in your country look like? Why?
- What are some main roles in a typical family? Why?
- Have the family roles always been this way in your country? Why/why not?
- Do you think parents treat boys and girls in the same or different way? Why?
- How can parents prepare their children well for adult life? Why?
- At what age do children become adults in your country? Do you think it’s the right age? Too early? Too late?
- What skills do children need to acquire to become successful adults in the future? Why?
- Do you think children grow up too fast today? Why/why not?
- Is being an adult only about age?
- Do young people in your country experience a lot of pressure today? Why/why not? If so, from where?
- How do young people usually deal with pressure?
- How can youngsters be helped to achieve their dreams?
- Do you think that young people these days are too materialistic? Why/why not?
- What are the values of young people in your society?
- a friend’s success that made you proud

Vocab :

1. to be down-to-earth (adj.) = practical and sensible

2. to set priorities /praɪˈɒrətiz/ (phr.) = to pay attention to the most important things

3. motivated /ˈməʊtɪˌveɪtɪd/ (adj.) = enthusiastic and determined

4. enthusiastic /ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/ (adj.) = very interested in sth or excited by it

5. to express your admiration /ˌædməˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = to express your respect

6. to be supportive of sb /səˈpɔː(r)tɪv/ (adj.) = helpful and sympathetic

7. to be superior to sth/sb /sʊˈpɪəriə(r)/ (adj. = to be better than sth/sb else

8. to make a meal of sth (phr.) = to take more time or care than is necessary when you are doing sth

9. a resounding success /rɪˈzaʊndɪŋ/ (phr.) = a complete success

10. to turn out well/badly (phr.) = to have a good/bad result

11. the secret of sb’s success (phr.) = a particular way of achieving success

12. a stroke of luck (phr.) = sth that happens by chance and that helps you to achieve sth

13. to realize your potential (phr.) = to understand your capabilities

14. to not put a foot wrong (phr.) = to do nothing wrong and not make any mistakes

15. to overcome obstacles /ˈɒbstək(ə)lz/ (phr.) = to succeed at solving problems

16. to go from strength to strength (phr.) = to develop or process with increasing success

17. to prop sth up /prɒp/ (v.) = to support

18. a roaring success /ˈrɔːrɪŋ/ (phr.) = a huge success

Part 3. :
- How can a student become successful at school?
- How are good students usually rewarded in schools in your country?
- Is being good at artistic subjects as important as excelling in academic subjects? Why/why not?
- In your culture, is it important to parents to have successful children? Why/why not?
- In what ways can a person become successful at work?
- How can a boss motivate his or her workers?
- Is success at work important to people in your culture? Why/why not?
- What does a person need to do to become successful?
- What problems do people need to overcome to become successful? Why?
- Is successful life really important in your culture? Why/why not?
- Does success equal happiness? Why/why not?
- What is more important for success, opportunity or ability? Why?
- Can people feel successful if they are not publically recognized? Why/why not?
- something you are good at/bad at

Vocab :

1. sth is a subject very close to my heart (phr.) = sth deeply interests me

2. to be passionate about sth /ˈpæʃ(ə)nət/ (adj.) = to have very strong feelings, interest or enthusiasm about sth

3. avid /ˈævɪd/ (adj.) = very enthusiastic about sth you do regularly

4. bokeh photography (n.) = the visual quality of the out-of-focus areas of a photographic image

5. to make beaded jewellery /ˈbiːdɪd/ (phr.) = to make jewellery decorated with beads

6. compelling /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ (adj.) = interesting or exciting enough to keep your attention completely

7. time-consuming (adj.) = takes a long time to do

8. ravishing /ˈrævɪʃɪŋ/ (adj.) = very beautiful

9. a buff /bʌf/ (n.) = sb who is very interested in and knows a lot about a particular subject

10. to be a freak of sth /friːk/ (phr.) = sb who is extremely interested in a particular subject or activity

11. to be a do-gooder /ˌduː ˈɡʊdə(r)/ (n.) = sb who always tries to help people, especially people who are poor or in trouble

12. a social butterfly (phr.) = sb who is socially dynamic, networking, charismatic and gregarious

13. flower arranging (n.) = the skill of arranging flowers in an attractive way to use for decoration

14. gifted /ˈɡɪftɪd/ (adj.) = with an impressive natural ability

15. competent /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/ (adj.) = capable of doing sth in a satisfactory or effective way

16. a pastime /ˈpɑːsˌtaɪm/ (n.) = sth thay you do regularly for fun in your free time

17. a leisure pursuit /ˈleʒə(r) pə(r)ˈsjuːt/ (phr.) = a free time activity

18. a side interest (phr.) = an additional hobby

19. avocation (n.) = a hobby

20. recreational /ˌrekriˈeɪʃ(ə)n(ə)l/ (adj.) = done or used for enjoyment

Part 3. :
- What are young people in your country usually good at? Why?
- What are the elderly good at? Why?
- How can a person become good at something?
- Why are we bad at some things?
- Can we learn any skill? Why/why not?
- What does it take to become a master of something?
- Do you think people are too lazy to become good at something?
- How does technology affect the way we learn things?
- What are the most needed experts in your country? In what fields?
- What is the most difficult thing to learn? Why?
- Do you think people will become more dependent on machines in the future? Why/why not?
- a long journey you took/a memorable trip you took/a trip you are planning to take soon/a school trip you remember well

Vocab :

1. to widen your view /ˈwaɪd(ə)n/ (phr.) = to increase your knowledge

2. to get a better insight into sth /ˈɪnsaɪt/ (phr.) = to get a better understanding of sth

3. to hit the road (phr.) = to start a journey

4. to stick around (v.) = to remain in a place for longer than you originally intended, especially in order to wait for sth to happen

5. to venture off the beaten path /ˈventʃə(r)/ (phr.) = to go far away from the places that people usually visit

6. to be in the middle of nowhere (phr.) = a long way from any town or city

7. an itinerary /aɪˈtɪnərəri/ (n.) = a plan of a journey that you are going to make, including information about when and where you will travel

8. luggage /ˈlʌɡɪdʒ/ (n.) = bags and suitcases that you take on a journey

9. to travel light (phr.) = travel with minimum luggage

10. to go back and forth (phr.) = to move first in one direction and then in the opposite direction many times

11. to embark on a long trip /ɪmˈbɑː(r)k/ (phr.) = to depart

12. landscapes flashing by (phr.) = landscapes passing quickly

13. a home base (n.) = a place where you start from and often finish

14. to be thrown into a totally new situation (phr.) = to experience sth completely new

15. to explore a place /ɪkˈsplɔː(r)/ (phr.) = to travel to a place in order to learn about it

16. wanderlust /ˈwɒndə(r)ˌlʌst/ (n.) = a strong wish to travel

17. to fulfil my need for adventure (phr.) = to satisfy my desire to travel

18. Have your wits about you wherever you go. (phr.) = think quickly and make sensible decisions

19. comfy /ˈkʌmfi/ (adj.) = comfortable

20. earplugs /ˈɪə(r)ˌplʌɡz/ (n.) = small pieces of plastic or rubber that you put in your ears to keep noise or water out

21. a blindfold /ˈblaɪn(d)ˌfəʊld/ (n.) = sth that is tied over sb’s eyes so that they cannot see (used for sleeping while travelling)

22. to move around the cabin /ˈkæbɪn/ (phr.) = to stretch your legs on a plane

23. to stretch /stretʃ/ (v.) = to make your body as straight as possible so that your muscles become long and tight

24. to feel dehydrated /ˌdiːhaɪˈdreɪtɪd/ (adj.) = to feel weak or ill because you have lost a lot of water from your body by not drinking enough or through sweating, vomiting or having diarrhoea

25. to kill time on your trip (phr.) = to make time seem to pass more quickly by doing sth instead of just waiting

26. to recline your seat back /rɪˈklaɪn/ (phr.) = to make the back of your seat lean backwards to be more comfortable

27. to organize a trip (phr.) = to plan a trip

28. to coordinate a trip (phr.) = to be in charge of a trip

29. a permission form /pə(r)ˈmɪʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = a slip on which parents usually allow their children to attend an event or a trip

30. up-front payment (phr.) = payment made in advance

31. a chaperone /ˈʃæpərəʊn/ (n.) = a parent or teacher who goes to a school on a school trip to help to look after the children

32. a meticulously built programme /mɪˈtɪkjʊləsli/ (phr.) = a carefully prepared trip

Part 3. :
- Do you think it’s better to travel alone or with other people? Why?
- Is it dangerous to travel alone? Why?
- What are the most popular travel destinations among people in your country?
- What’s the best time of the year in your country to travel?
- Do you think in the future people will travel more or less?
- How has the way people travel changed over the years?
- Is backpacking a popular way of travelling in your country? Why/why not?
- Why more and more students want to have further education abroad?
- How do people usually travel? Why?
- What’s the most economical means of transport? Why?
- How will people travel in the future? Why?
- Why does travel industry grow in one country but does not in another? What does it depend on?
- How do international airports influence local people?
- In the future, do you think people will travel internationally less or more? Why?
- What kinds of problems do people making a long journey need to face?
- How can one make a long journey more comfortable? Why?
- Is it better to depart on a long journey alone or with companions? Why?
- Why do so many people want to travel to foreign countries today?
- What are some necessary preparations people need to make before going abroad?
- Which foreign countries are the most popular destinations today? Why?
- How do people decide which country to visit?
- Do you think people travel overseas more now than in the past? Why/why not?
- Do you think people will travel abroad more in the future? Why/why not?
- Can travel be educational? Why/why not? If so, how?
- What can travellers learn about a country they travel to?
- Can people learn anything about themselves while travelling abroad? If so, what?
- Is travelling the best way to expand intercultural understanding? Why/why not?
- a party you attended/held

Vocab :

1. a guest /ɡest/ (n.) = a person invited to a party

2. a housewarming party /ˈhaʊsˌwɔː(r)mɪŋ/ (n.) = a party to celebrate moving to a new house or flat

3. a fancy dress party (n.) = a party where everyone dresses up in costume as other people

4. to order sth /ˈɔː(r)də(r)/ (v.) = to ask for food or drink in a restaurant or hotel

5. a bash /bæʃ/ (n.) = a party or celebration

6. a booze-up /buːz/ (n.) = a party or social event where people drink a lot of alcohol

7. a party pooper /ˈpɑː(r)ti ˌpuːpə(r)/ (n.) = sb who is not willing to take part in an activity or who spoils other people’s enjoyment of it

8. to go clubbing /ˈklʌbɪŋ/ (v.) = to go out in the evening to dance and drink in clubs

9. to light the candles /laɪt/ (phr.) = to make the candles start burning

10. the party is in full swing (phr.) = at the highest level

11. to come to an end (phr.) = to finish

12. to run the risk of waking up the neighbours (phr.) = be so loud as to wake up the neighbours

13. to put up with noise (phr.) = to tolerate the noise

14. to create a warm atmosphere (phr.) = to make people feel welcome

15. to make a cake (phr.) = to bake a cake

16. life and soul of the party (phr.) = sb who is very lively at social events

17. a bouncy castle /ˈbaʊnsi/ (n.) = a large plastic structure filled with air, and often in the shape of a castle for children to play in

18. refreshments /rɪˈfreʃmənts/ (n.) = sth to eat or drink during a party

19. a host/hostess /həʊst/ˈhəʊstɪs/ (n.) = a person who invites sb to a party

20. to lay on food and drink /leɪ/ (phr.) = to provide food and drink

21. to make a contribution to sth /ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = sth that you do or bring to help make a party successful

22. a lot of clearing up (phr.) = a lot of things to clean after a party

23. disposable plates and cutlery /dɪˈspəʊzəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = plates and cutlery that will be thrown away after they are used

24. a gatecrasher /ˈɡeɪtˌkræʃə/ (n.) = a person that goes to a party without having been invited

25. deafening music (phr.) = very loud music

26. to drown out the conversation /draʊn/ (phr.) = to prevent a conversation from being heard by making a louder noise

27. to liven things out /ˈlaɪv(ə)n/ (phr.) = to make things more interesting or exciting

28. to get carried away (phr.) = to become so excited or involved in sth that you lose control of your feelings or behaviour

29. to socialize /ˈsəʊʃəlaɪz/ (v.) = to spend time with other people socially

30. the more the merrier (phr.) = used for saying that you will be happy if more people come or take party in what you are doing

31. a party animal (n.) = sb who enjoys going to lots of parties

32. to hang out (v.) = to spend time in a particular place or with particular people

Part 3. :
- How often do people throw family parties in your country? Why?
- What special occasions do people in your country celebrate as a family? Why?
- Are parties generally important to families? Why? In what way?
- Do people in your culture celebrate now in the same way they used to? If not, what changed?
- Where would most people typically throw a party? Why?
- Is there any traditional festival that only cities or villages would celebrate? What is it?
- What do people usually do at local celebrations? Why?
- Are young people still interested in local celebrations? Why/why not?
- Do old people enjoy taking part in local celebrations? Why/why not?
- Where do most national celebrations in your country come from? What’s their origin?
- Why do you think there are so many global festivals, e.g. International Women’s Day or New Year? Is it good for the local culture? Why/why not?
- What new celebrations can we expect in the future? Why?
- Do you think future generations will still hold on to traditional celebrations? Why/why not?
- Is tradition still important? Why/why not?
- a perfect day off

Vocab :

1. to soothe your nerves /suːð/ (phr.) = to make you more calm and relaxed

2. to get refreshed from hard work /rɪˈfreʃt/ (phr.) = to feel more lively and comfortable after a long time of work

3. the tension melts away /ˈtenʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = the feeling of being nervous or worried that you cannot relax goes away

4. ideal (adj.) = as good as you can imagine

5. utopian /juːˈtəʊpiən/ (adj.) = based on the idea that life can be perfect

6. too good to be true (phr.) = so good that you cannot believe that such a situation is possible or can continue

7. to unbutton /ʌnˈbʌt(ə)n/ (v.) = to relax

8. to take a load off someone’s mind (phr.) = to bring someone relief from anxiety

9. in the back of beyond (phr.) = a remote or inaccessible place

10. in the sticks (phr.) = rural areas

11. in the middle of nowhere (phr.) = a place that is remote and isolated

12. impulsive /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/ (adj.) = done suddenly, without thinking what the result will be

13. spur-of-the-moment (adj.) = sudden and not planned or thought about carefully

Part 3. :
- How much free time do people in your country have?
- What do people in your country usually do in their spare time? Why?
- How many days off do people get? Is it enough?
- Do people plan their days off? Why/why not?
- What day of the week is the best for a day off? Why?
- How have leisure activities changed over the years? Why?
- Do you think people will have more free time in the future? Why/why not?
- How does the lack of spare time affect people’s well-being?
- How do people apply for a day off in your country?
- What are some common reasons people give for a personal day off?
- a picnic you went on/meal outdoors you enjoyed

Vocab :

1. a picnicker /ˈpɪknɪkə/ (n.) = a person having a picnic

2. an outdoor meal /ˌaʊtˈdɔː(r)/ (phr.) = a meal outdoors

3. an alfresco meal /ælˈfreskəʊ/ (phr.) = eaten outside, in the open air

4. a cookout /ˈkʊkˌaʊt/ (n.) = an informal meal eaten outside with food usually cooked over a fire or on a barbecue

5. a barbecue /ˈbɑː(r)bɪˌkjuː/ (n.) = a meal at which meat and other food is cooked and eaten outside

6. paper plates and cutlery /ˈkʌtləri/ (phr.) = plates made of paper and the knives, forks and spoons that you use for eating food

7. a picnic basket /ˈbɑːskɪt/ (n.) = a container for carrying things needed for a picnic

8. a blanket /ˈblæŋkɪt/ (n.) = a thick cover made of wool or another material that you use to sit on while having a picnic

9. a thermos flask /ˈθɜː(r)məs flɑːsk/ (n.) = a container that keeps liquids hot or cold

10. snacks (n.) = a small amount of food that you eat between meals

11. finger food (n.) = food served in such a form and style that it can conveniently be eaten with the fingers

12. a cooler /ˈkuːlə(r)/ (n.) = a machine uses for keeping liquids cold

13. an esky /ˈeski/ (n.) = a container for keeping food and drinks cold that you can carry around with you

14. refreshments /rɪˈfreʃmənts/ (n.) = sth to eat or drink during an event such as a meeting or party

15. Frisbee /ˈfrɪzbi/ (n.) = a round piece of plastic that you throw to another person in a game played outside

16. a picnic hamper /ˈhæmpə(r)/ (n.) = a picnic basket

17. a rug /rʌɡ/ (n.) = a small carpet that covers part of a floor

Part 3. :
- When do people eat outdoors in your culture? Why?
- Are picnics common in your country? Where? Why/why not?
- Who enjoys picnics more, young people or older people? Why?
- What are some advantages of eating outdoors?
- What are some disadvantages of having a meal outdoors?
- Do people prefer to eat at home or in a restaurant? Why?
- Can you provide some advantages of eating at home?
- What are some disadvantages of eating in a restaurant?
- Was people’s diet healthier in the past? Why/why not?
- How does unhealthy diet influence society?
- What can a government do to rise public’s awareness of healthy food?
- Can most people in your country cook? Why/why not?
- Should young people study traditional recipes from their countries? Why/why not?
- How can a country promote its cuisine globally?
- Is it good to promote a country’s cuisine in the world? Why/why not?
- Is there a lot of foreign food in your country? Why/why not?
- Do you think individual national cuisines will survive in the future?
- Is there any type of food that people all around the world enjoy eating?
- a school subject you liked/disliked/people ask you for information about/interests you now

Vocab :

1. promising /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/ (adj.) = likely to be successful or very good

2. an elective class /ɪˈlektɪv/ (n.) = a class that you choose to do, rather than one that you must do

3. a curriculum /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ (n.) = the subjects that students study at a particular school

4. theoretical knowledge /ˌθɪəˈretɪk(ə)l/ (phr.) = knowledge based on theories or ideas instead of on practical experience

5. to be curious about /ˈkjʊəriəs/ (adj.) = eager to know

6. do not rely on linear thinking /ˈlɪniə(r)/ (phr.) = do not rely on thinking in one dimension only

7. academic performance /ˌækəˈdemɪk/ (n.) = results of studying at school

8. a standardised test /ˈstændə(r)daɪz/ (n.) = a test that is administered and scored in a consistent, standard manner

9. to be ingrained in you /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/ (adj.) = has been in your for a long time and cannot easily be changed

10. to soak sth in (v.) = to spend time experiencing and enjoying sth

11. to wade through sth (v.) = to read or deal with a lot of boring information

12. to crack the books /kræk/ (phr.) = to study

13. to not have the foggiest idea (phr.) = to know nothing about sth

14. a mature student /məˈtʃʊə(r)/ (phr.) = a sensible student

15. to play truant /ˈtruːənt/ (phr.) = to skip classes without permission

16. coursework /ˈkɔː(r)sˌwɜː(r)k/ (n.) = school work that a student must do as part of a course of study

Part 3. :
- Do primary school children study the same subjects when they are in secondary school? Why?
- How many years do students stay at school in your country?
- Is school generally important to us? Why/why not?
- Besides knowledge, what else do we get from going to school?
- Are there any activities held by schools in your country? What kind?
- Do you think it is good to have an equal number of boys and girls at school? Why/why not?
- Is general knowledge important? Why/why not?
- Can television contribute to increasing people’s general knowledge? Why/why not?
- How can we use general knowledge in everyday life?
- Are TV quizzes and shows popular in your country? Why/why not?
- What’s the best source of knowledge, in your opinion? Why?
- Do teachers in your country encourage students to ask questions during classes? Why/why not?
- Should teachers encourage students to ask questions in class? Why/why not?
- Is finding information quickly more important than finding the correct information? Why/why not?
- What are some disadvantages of the Internet as a source of information?
- What kind of person is suitable for conducting academic research? Why/why not?
- Should scientific discoveries be widely shared? Why/why not?
- Which areas of research are the most promising ones in your country at the moment? Why?
- Which areas of research will excel in the future? Why do you think so?
- What are the most popular subjects among high school students in your country? Why?
- What makes a subject interesting?
- How can a teacher make his or her subject more appealing to students?
- In your opinion, which subjects shouldn’t be taught at schools in the future?
- What new subjects should be taught at schools in the future? Why?
- How can teachers help struggling students?
- Is a lot of homework really necessary to comprehend a subject better? Why/why not?
- Do schools in your country teach practical subjects? (driving, cooking, doing housework) Should they?
- In your country, can you choose the subjects you’d like to study in high school? Why/why not?
- What is the age when students are allowed to leave school and finish their education in your country?
- Is it better to study in a single-sex school or in a co-educational school? Why?
- Is it important for children to enjoy what they study? Why/why not?
- Which classes are usually fun in your country? Why?
- Should children study many different subjects or just a few subjects? Why?
- Can television be a reliable source of knowledge?
- What’s the best source of knowledge? Why?
- Can older people be a good source of knowledge? Why/why not?
- What kind of a person can be good at researching things?
- In which academic fields is research extremely crucial? Why?
- Who should fund academic projects? Why?
- Do you think that too much time and money is being spent on research these days? Why/why not?
- a situation when you encountered a wild animal/an interesting animal/an animal you’d like to have

Vocab :

1. to be fascinated by /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪd/ (adj.) = to be very interested or attracted by

2. to live a carefree life /ˈkeə(r)ˌfriː/ (phr.) = to live happily without any worries, problems or responsibilities

3. to behave aggressively /əˈɡresɪvli/ (phr.) = to behave in an angry that shows you want to fight or attack sb

4. a divine animal /dɪˈvaɪn/ (phr.) = an animal treated like a god

5. to be on the verge of extinction /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = close to stop existing

6. cruel /ˈkruːəl/ (adj.) = sb who is cruel enjoys causing pain to other people or animals

7. outrageous /aʊtˈreɪdʒəs/ (adj.) = very shocking or unreasonable

8. a demise of /dɪˈmaɪz/ (n.) = the time when sth stops existing

9. affection /əˈfekʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = a feeling of liking and caring about sb/sth

10. faithfulness /ˈfeɪθf(ə)lnes/ (n.) = used about a dog who behaves like a friend

11. loyal /ˈlɔɪəl/ (adj.) = willing to support or to be a friend

12. a companion /kəmˈpænjən/ (n.) = sb who is with you

13. a cage /keɪdʒ/ (n.) = a container made of wire or metal bars and used for keeping birds or animals in

14. inhumane /ˌɪnhjuːˈmeɪn/ (adj.) = treating people or animals in a very cruel way

15. to be held in captivity /kæpˈtɪvəti/ (phr.) = when animals are kept in a place such as a park or zoo instead of living in their natural environment

16. a sanctuary /ˈsæŋktʃuəri/ (n.) = a special area where animals live in a natural environment protected from people

17. a safari park (n.) = a large area of land where wild animals are kept so that people can drive through and watch them

18. biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜː(r)səti/ (n.) = the variety of different types of plant and animal life in a particular region

19. to maltreat /mælˈtriːt/ (v.) = to be violent or cruel to an animal

20. an aquarium /əˈkweəriəm/ (n.) = a glass or plastic container that fish and other water animals are kept in

21. animal rights (n.) = a belief that animals should be treated well by people and not killed or used for scientific experiments

22. animal exploitation /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = unfair treatment of animals

23. a food chain (n.) = the natural process in which one living thing is eaten by another

24. a bird of prey /preɪ/ (n.) = a bird that hunts and eats other animals

25. animal testing (n.) = tests done on animals

26. a habitat /ˈhæbɪtæt/ (n.) = the type of place that a particular animal usually lives in

27. wildlife /ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf/ (n.) = animals, birds and plants that live in natural conditions

28. flora /ˈflɔːrə/ (n.) = all the plants that grow in a particular region

29. fauna /ˈfɔːnə/ (n.) = all the animals that live in a particular area

30. to make good companions (phr.) = to be good friends

31. to crave companionship /kreɪv/ (phr.) = to want company desperately

32. stray animals /streɪ/ (phr.) = animals lost or without a home

Part 3. :
- Are zoos popular in your country? Why/why not?
- Can zoos educate children? How?
- Who likes to visit zoos more, younger people or older people? Why?
- Is it right to keep animals in cages? Why/why not?
- What wild animals are common in your country?
- Why do some people like to keep pets?
- How do people use animals for their own benefit? (e.g. furs, cooking)
- Do you think animals need to be killed?
- Do you think science can provide alternative products so that animals could be saved? How?
- How are endangered species protected in your country?
- How does an increase in population influence the wildlife? Why?
- Are safari parks good for animals? Or only for people? Why?
- Do you think countries should work together to save endangered species these days? If so, how?
- What’s the best way to learn about animals? Why?
- Do you have biology classes in schools? Why/why not?
- Are TV programmes about wildlife a good way to learn about animals? Why/why not?
- Is it beneficial for children to have pets? Why/why not?
- Can a child learn anything from having a pet? If so, what? Why/why not?
- How can rare animals be saved?
- Do you think keeping rare animals in zoos is the best way to keep them safe? Why/why not?
- Is it possible for governments to protect rare animals in the wild? Why/why not?
- What can you and me do to help save rare animals? Why?
- How would you describe a relationship between humans and animals?
- Is it morally right to use animals for scientific research? Why/why not?
- Should people generally care about animal extinction? Why/why not?
- How do you see the relationship between humans and animals in the future? Why?
- a situation when you had to be polite/friendly with someone you didn’t like

Vocab :

1. impeccable manners /ɪmˈpekəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = perfect ways of behaving that show a polite respect for others

2. exemplary behaviour /ɪɡˈzempləri/ (phr.) = excellent so that others should try to copy it

3. cheeky /ˈtʃiːki/ (adj.) = behaving in a way that does not show respect

4. insolent /ˈɪnsələnt/ (adj.) = rude, especially when you should be showing respect

5. downright rude /ˈdaʊnˌraɪt/ (phr.) = extremely rude

6. disgraceful /dɪsˈɡreɪsf(ə)l/ (adj.) = extremely bad or shocking

7. to return the favour /ˈfeɪvə(r)/ (phr.) = sth that you do for someone because they have helped you in some way

8. to be politically correct (phr.) = not offensive

9. conventions /kənˈvenʃ(ə)nz/ (n.) = ways of behaving that are generally accepted as being normal and right

10. conduct /ˈkɒndʌkt/ (n.) = the way sb behaves

11. etiquette /ˈetɪket/ (n.) = a set of rules for behaving correctly in social situations

12. social graces /ɡreɪsɪz/ (phr.) = social behaviour

13. propriety /prəˈpraɪəti/ (n.) = behaviour that follows accepted social or moral standards