Common IELTS Questions & Related Vocabulary (Speaking & Writing) - Part 5

Part 3. :
- How do people show politeness in your culture?
- In what situations is being polite extremely important? Why?
- Should a person be as polite to a stranger as they are to a family member? Why/why not?
- Is there any difference between being polite and being friendly?
- Do people always express what they feel or think? Why/why not?
- How can children learn not to say what they think in certain situations?
- Are there any situations when you think it is better not to say what you think or feel? If so, what are they?
- Is it possible to always be honest? Why/why not?
- Why are foreigners sometimes seen as impolite when visiting your country?
- Should visitors adapt to the place they are in? Why/why not?
- Is politeness generally important in your culture? Why/why not?
- Do you think some cultures see politeness as more important than others? What does it depend on?
- In what situations do people need to be friendly to someone they dislike?
- Do you think that sometimes people only seem friendly but aren’t? Why?
- What is the point of pretending to be friendly with someone?
- What are some main ways in which people can manipulate others into giving them what they don’t want to give?
- Do you think it is better to be direct about things we want? Why/why not?
- Can impatient people ever get what they want? Why/why not?
- Can a person come across as too nice? When? Is it good?
- How important is non-verbal communication in your country?
- What universal body language do people in your country use? Why?
- Is it possible to judge whether someone is lying by looking into the person’s eyes? Why/why not?
- How can people who do not speak a common language communicate effectively? Why?
- a time when you received good service from a company/shop/restaurant

Vocab :

1. impeccable /ɪmˈpekəb(ə)l/ (adj.) = perfect

2. sluggish /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/ (adj.) = rather slow

3. courteous /ˈkɜː(r)tiəs/ (adj.) = polite

4. overbearing /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈbeərɪŋ/ (adj.) = too confident

5. sullen /ˈsʌlən/ (adj.) = unwilling to smile

6. brusque /bruːsk/ (adj.) = quick and rude

7. off-putting /ˌɒf ˈpʊtɪŋ/ (adj.) = makes you feel you do not want to go there again

8. to go out of their way (phr.) = do everything possible

9. a prompt reply to any query /ˈkwɪəri/ (phr.) = a quick reply to a question or enquiry

10. to be responsive to complaints (phr.) = to listen, take sth seriously and then act

11. accommodating /əˈkɒməˌdeɪtɪŋ/ (adj.) = willing to understand and help

12. obliging /əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ/ (adj.) = willing and happy to do things for you

13. incompetent /ɪnˈkɒmpɪt(ə)nt/ (adj.) = failing through insufficient skill, knowledge or training

14. shoddy /ˈʃɒdi/ (adj.) = poor quality

15. substandard /ˌsʌbˈstændə(r)d/ (adj.) = below the standard expected

16. uncooperative /ˌʌnkəʊˈɒp(ə)rətɪv/ (adj.) = not supportive

17. a huge backlog of orders (phr.) /ˈbækˌlɒɡ/ = number of orders which are waiting to be dealt with

18. a sense of urgency /ˈɜː(r)dʒ(ə)nsi/ (phr.) = a feeling that your request is important or urgent

19. a helpline (n.) = a telephone number where you can get help if you have problems

20. to put sb on hold (phr.) = to make sb wait

21. under guarantee/warranty /ˌɡærənˈtiː/ˈwɒrənti/ (phr.) = having a written promise by a company to repair or replace a faulty product

Part 3. :
- What kinds of jobs need to deal with the public on a daily basis in your country? Why?
- What kind of a person can be good at a service job? Why?
- Do most companies offer training to their staff? Why/why not?
- Do you think people working at service jobs should be trained on a regular basis? Why/why not?
- How do companies in your country deal with problems?
- From your experience, do most companies respond quickly to a problem brought by a customer? Why?
- What should a company do if the product they sold is faulty?
- What are the best ways to avoid complaints and problems with their products?
- What factors contribute to the success of a company? Why?
- What are the biggest challenges most international companies face when doing business abroad? Why?
- Do you think happy staff is important to most companies in your country? Why/why not? Should they be?
- Would you say a successful company needs to be innovative? Why/why not?
- a situation when you helped someone/when someone helped you

Vocab :

1. One good turn deserves another. (phr.) = used for saying that you should be kind to sb who has been kind to you

2. to lend a helping hand (phr.) = to help sb

3. to be of service to sb /ˈsɜː(r)vɪs/ (phr.) = to help or be useful to someone

4. to do sb a favour (phr.) = used to ask for help

5. to give sb a leg-up (phr.) = to help sb to make progress, especially in their career

6. to get sb out of a tight spot (phr.) = to help sb out of a difficult situation

7. to save sb’s bacon (phr.) = to help sb to avoid a difficult or unpleasant situation

8. boosterish /ˈbuːstə(r)ɪʃ/ (adj.) = supporting sth enthusiastically and often uncritically

9. eager to please (phr.) = willing to do anything that other people want

10. appreciative /əˈpriːʃətɪv/ (adj.) = showing that you are grateful

11. indebted to /ɪnˈdetɪd/ (adj.) = grateful to sb for their help

12. to be in sb’s debt /det/ (phr.) = to owe gratitude to someone for a service or favour

13. beholden /bɪˈhəʊld(ə)n/ (adj.) = feeling an obligation to do sth for someone who has helped you in the past

Part 3. :
- What are main benefits of helping others?
- How do people in one community usually help each other? In what way?
- Do you think now people help others as much as in the past? Why?
- How can adults teach children that it’s good to help others?
- Can children be helpful to the elderly? How?
- What can boys and girls be helpful with? Why?
- Do many people in your country do some volunteering? Why/why not?
- What’s the most common way of volunteering in your country? Why?
- Can volunteers also benefit from helping others? How?
- Why do some people like to do unpaid jobs?
- What kinds of problems might they meet when they do unpaid work?
- What international aid organisations do you know of?
Do they work in your country? Why/why not?
- Are charity organizations always trustworthy? Why/why not?
- Are large charities always more efficient than local charities? Why/why not?
- Can international aid projects add to stable international relations between countries? How?
- Do you think colleagues should help each other at work? Why/why not?
- What are some main responsibilities that employers have towards their employees? Why?
- Is it important for a company to provide leisure facilities for its workers? Why/why not?
- Should one country send help to another in times of a natural disaster? Why/why not?
- Do countries need to share their innovations in science and medicine with others? Why/why not?
- Do you think different countries will cooperate more in the next couple of years? Why/why not?
- In what types of jobs do people always need to help others?
- What kind of a person would choose a job that requires helping others?
- Do you think people whose jobs require helping others should be paid more? Why/why not?
- How can an individual help in the community? In what ways?
- Do you think everyone should do some volunteering? Why/why not?
- Who usually makes decisions regarding communities in your country? Why?
- What can we do create a global community? Why?
- What makes people feel a part of a global community?
- Do you think we might have one language used everywhere in the world in the future? Why/why not?
- Do you think if everyone spoke the same language the world would be a better place? Why/why not?
- What would have to be changed to create an ideal world? Why?
- a sport event you watched/attended/your favourite sport/an exciting sport

Vocab :

1. to make you vigorous /ˈvɪɡ(ə)rəs/ (phr.) = to make you full of energy, enthusiasm or determination

2. to train people to have a quick response (phr.) = to train people to have a quick reaction

3. to cultivate team spirit /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (phr.) = to develop the ability to work in a team

4. to mould sb’s temperament /məʊld/ (phr.) = to shape sb’s character

5. to burn the fat (phr.) = to lose calories and get slimmer

6. blood pumping through my veins (phr.) = to make sb feel more energetic

7. adrenalin rush /əˈdrenəlɪn/ (phr.) = a surge of a hormone increasing rates of blood circulation

8. a gym membership /ˈmembə(r)ʃɪp/ (n.) = a member card to a gym

9. mental profits (phr.) = psychological benefits

10. a strenuous sport /ˈstrenjuəs/ (phr.) = a demanding sport

11. exhaustion /ɪɡˈzɔːstʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = a feeling of being extremely tired and without energy

12. to build up stamina /ˈstæmɪnə/ (phr.) = to develop the ability to work hard over a long period of time without getting tired

13. an outlet for one’s energy /ˈaʊtˌlet/ (phr.) = a wayof expressing one’s energy

14. to let off steam (phr.) = to express your feelings of anger or excitement without harming anyone

15. to qualify for /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/ (v.) = to reach a particular stage of a competition by competing successfully in an earlier stage

16. a knockout stage of the competition /ˈnɒkaʊt/ (phr.) = a competition in which the player or team that loses a game does not take part in later games

17. a runner-up (n.) = a person or team that does not win a competition or race but is second or close to winning

18. victory /ˈvɪkt(ə)ri/ (n.) = winning a competition, game, race etc.

19. to be in poor form (phr.) = to be out of shape

20. a good run (phr.) = a running time that energizes one

21. unbeaten /ʌnˈbiːt(ə)n/ (adj.) = if a team, player is unbeaten, they have never been defeated in a competition

22. to go to pieces (phr.) = to be so nervous or worried that you cannot behave in a sensible way

23. to dominate the game /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/ (phr.) = to play much better than your opponents in a game or sport

24. a means of therapy /ˈθerəpi/ (phr.) = a form of treatment for an illness or medical condition

25. a gymnasium /dʒɪmˈneɪziəm/ (n.) = a large hall or room with special equipment for doing physical exercises

26. to stimulate brain chemicals (phr.) = to make one think better

27. to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues (phr.)

28. sth helps your entire cardiovascular system /ˌkɑː(r)diəʊˈvæskjʊlə(r)/ (phr.) = sth helps your heart and blood vessels

29. upset sleep pattern (phr.) = abnormal sleep

30. to endorse fitness /ɪnˈdɔː(r)s/ (phr.) = to express support for being fit

Part 3. :
- Do you think non-competitive sports are real sports? Why/why not?
- Why do you think some people do sports while others don’t? What does it depend on?
- What are some favourite leisure activities of your generation? And of your parents’ generation? Why?
- What is your country’s national sport? Why?
- Does your country do well at the Olympics in any particular sport?
- Why are some sports popular in some countries but not in others?
- Do men do sports more than women? Why/why not?
- What physical exercise do primary school/secondary school children do?
- What are the benefits of children playing sports at school?
- Does playing sports at school have any negative sides?
- Is it better to watch sports live or on TV? Why?
- What changes have there been in your country over the past 20 years in children’s games and activities?
- In your country, do you think people are becoming less active these days? Why?
- If people are good at a particular sport, should they join the competition? Why/why not?
- What are the most popular sports to watch on TV in your country? Why?
- Are sports TV programmes a good chance for families to spend time together? Why/why not?
- Do you think we will see more sport on TV in the future? Why/why not?
- Who is the most admired sportsperson in your country? Why?
- What qualities does a person need to become a successful sportsperson? Why?
- Do you think some sport stars make too much money? Why/why not?
- Would it be good for a country to be a host of international sport event? Why/why not?
- Should commercial sponsors be allowed to finance international sport events? Why/why not?
- How can international sport events influence international relations between countries?
- Which sports are popular in your country? Why?
- Do you think as many people do sports today as in the past? Why/why not?
- Are PE classes important in your country? Why/why not?
- What sports do children practise in schools in your country?
- Is competition always healthy? Why/why not?
- Do children always need to be rewarded for schoolwork? Why/why not?
- How else can teachers encourage students to work hard if not through rewards?
- Is there a lot of competition in a contemporary society? What kind?
- Which jobs would benefit from competitive spirits? Why?
- How important is cooperation in society? Why?
- How can different countries cooperate?
- Should countries cooperate? Why/why not?
- Why do you think some people enjoy doing dangerous sports?
- What character traits does a person need to be good at dangerous sports?
- Do you think governments should impose laws controlling dangerous sports? Why/why not?
- Is there a lot of sport on TV in your country?
- Which sports do people like to watch most? Why?
- Do you think that sport television programmes can encourage people to take up sports? Why/why not?
- Is doing sport as a hobby comparable with doing it as a career? Why/why not?
- What is more important to be successful at sports, training or natural ability? Why?
- Why do you think some sportspeople are able to affect societies?
- a team project that you participated in/a project you did as a part of your studies

Vocab :

1. to compromise /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ (v.) = to come to an understanding

2. a happy medium (n.) = a way of doing sth that is between extreme positions or is satisfactory to everyone

3. well-organized /ˈɔː(r)ɡənaɪzd/ (adj.) = well planned and executed

4. a social creature /ˈkriːtʃə(r)/ (phr.) = a social being

5. a common goal (n.) = a group goal

6. to boost morale /məˈrɑːl/ (phr.) = to increase the amount of enthusiasm that a group of people feel about their situation

7. to foster team spirit (phr.) = to promote team spirit

8. collaboration /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = working together

9. a mutual feedback/ˈmjuːtʃuəl/ (phr.) = a feedback given to each other

10. to pool diverse skills /puːl/ (phr.) = to share different skills in order to work more effectively together

11. to fit in (v.) = to belong to a group

12. to undermine the work of the team /ˌʌndə(r)ˈmaɪn/ (phr.) = to make the work of the team become gradually less effective or successful

13. to stifle individual enterprise and initiative /ˈstaɪf(ə)l/ (phr.) = to stop one’s project from developing normally

14. two heads are better than one (phr.) = it’s helpful to have the advice or opinion of a second person

15. to stimulate discussion /ˈstɪmjʊleɪt/ (phr.) = to encourage discussion

16. to use a clipboard /ˈklɪpˌbɔː(r)d/ (phr.) = to use a small board that you can attach papers to

17. a gigantic workload /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/ (phr.) = a very heavy workload

Part 3. :
- What kinds of activities should be done in a team rather than individually? Why?
- Can we learn anything from being a part of a team? If so, what?
- Are many tasks in your country done in a team? Why/why not?
- How can being a part of a team benefit children? Why?
- Does every team need a leader? Why/why not?
- What personality traits does a person need to have to be a good team member?
- What are some factors, apart from people, which make a team successful?
- What problems can team members meet? Why?
- Should creative people be a part of a team? Why/why not?
- Should creative people work alone to do their best work? Why/why not?
- What are some disadvantages of belonging to clubs?
- Do you think recent technology might reduce the need for group work in the future? Why/why not?
- How does belonging to a group benefit older people?
- Do you think people’s behaviour changes when they are in a group? Why?
- Why do teenagers have the need to belong to a group?
- Why some people prefer not to be a part of group?
- Should countries join others in trade? Why/why not?
- Do you think the biggest global problems can only be tackled by international organizations? Why/why not?
- Do you think it is possible to have just one universal government? Would that be good? Why?
- Do you think children in your country have too much homework? Why/why not?
- Can doing homework help students? Why/why not? If so, in what ways?
- Should very young children be given homework as well? Why/why not
- What things can students learn outside the classroom?
- Do we still need teachers?
- Why do you think some parents decide to home school their children?
- Can a subject be learnt well without classes?
- Do all university students in your country have a computer? Why/why not?
- How can studying be troublesome for a student who does not have a computer? Why?
- Do university students use the Internet too much? Why/why not?
- Can the Internet be a reliable source of information for university students? Why/why not?
- Is it possible for computer-based learning to replace class-based teaching in the future? Why/why not?
- a time when you lost something

Vocab :

1. to go down the drain (phr.) = completely lost or wasted

2. to be in vain (phr.) = without success

3. to be looking for a needle in a haystack (phr.) = to be looking for sth that is almost impossible to find

4. to misplace sth /ˌmɪsˈpleɪs/ (v.) = to put sth in the wrong place and lose it

5. to lose track of sth (phr.) = to no longer know where sth is

6. lackadaisical /ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪk(ə)l/ (adj.) = doing sth in a lazy or careless way that shows you are not really interested in it

7. slap-happy (adj.) = silly and not thinking about what you are doing

8. shambolic /ʃæmˈbɒlɪk/ (adj.) = very badly organized

9. disorganized /dɪsˈɔː(r)ɡənaɪzd/ (adj.) = sb who is disorganized does not deal with things in a clear or sensible way

10. to have a memory like a sieve (phr.) = an extremely bad memory

11. scatterbrained /ˈskætə(r)ˌbreɪnd/ (adj.) = not thinking in an organized way and often forgetting or losing things

12. tense /tens/ (adj.) = nervous and not relaxed

13. to mislay sth /mɪsˈleɪ/ (v.) = to lose sth for a time, especially because you cannot remember where you put it

14. to be in the hot seat (phr.) = to be in a difficult position

Part 3. :
- What things do people lose most often? Why?
- What things are easy to get lost? Why?
- How can one find what they lost?
- Is police helpful in looking for lost things? Why/why not?
- Should people offer a reward to a person who finds what they’ve lost? Why/why not?
- In what situation is it easy to lose focus? Why?
- How can people pay better attention to what they are doing?
- Why do you think some people always lose things? What does it depend on?
- Can technology be helpful in remembering things?
- How can we make sure we won’t lose something? Why?
- How does losing something make us feel? Why?
- Do you think people are too attached to their things these days? Why/why not?
- a time when you forgot to do something

Vocab :

1. to fail to remember (phr.) = to forget

2. to disremember (v.) = to forget

3. to neglect sth (v.) = to fail to do sth you should do

4. to overlook sth /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈlʊk/ (v.) = to fail to notice or remember sth

5. absent-minded (adj.) = likely to forget things

6. amnesiac (n.) = sb who has amnesia

7. sth slipped my mind (phr.) = I completely forgot about sth

8. to blank out (v.) = to try not to think about sth or try to forget it

9. to pay no heed to sth /hiːd/ (phr.) = to not consider sth at all

10. oblivion /əˈblɪviən/ (n.) = a situation in which sth has been completely forgotten

Part 3. :
- What things are usually hard to remember? Why?
- How can people remember things better? Why?
- What jobs require a great memory? Why?
- Is a good memory something we are born with or a skill we learn as we grow? Why?
- Can anyone practise their memory? How?
- Why do some people remember things better than others?
- Do you think that technology makes people lazy so that they don’t have to remember so many things? Why/why not?
- Why is it important to remember certain moments or things in life?
- Do our memories change over time or stay the same? Why?
- What do you think two people present at the same event might remember it completely differently? What does it depend on?
- Is our personal sense of identity connected with our memories? Why/why not?
- a time when you met a friend you haven’t seen for a long time/a school friend you remember well

Vocab :

1. come hell or high water (phr.) = even though there may be problems or difficulties

2. to lead a busy life (phr.) = to never have free time

3. for old times’ sake (phr.) = so that you can remember a happy time in the past

4. to be tied up at work (phr.) = to be very busy at work

5. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. (phr.) = you feel more attention for those you love when parted from them

6. to bump into sb /bʌmp/ (v.) = to meet sb unexpectedly

7. to get in touch with sb (phr.) = to speak or write to sb, especially after you have not spoken to them for a long time

8. to catch up with sb (v.) = to talk to sb whom you have not seen for some time in order to find out what he or she has been doing in the interim

9. sb looks a million dollars (phr.) = sb looks extremely good

10. to get hold of sb (phr.) = to manage to talk to sb, on the phone or directly

11. to hear from sb (v.) = if you hear from sb, they write to you, phone you, email you etc.

12. to drop sb a line (phr.) = to write a short letter to someone

Part 3. :
- How can we find our old friends?
- Is it easier to locate our old friends today than it was in the past? Why/why not?
- What are main advantages of finding old friends?
- What are main disadvantages of finding old friends?
- Are friends generally important? Why?
- Why do you think some friendships last while others break?
- What kind of friendship is able to survive for many years?
- Should people make friends with people who are similar to them or different? Why?
- Should people make friends with people of different ages? Why/why not?
- Is friendship between a man and a woman possible? Why/why not?
- How do social websites affect friendships today?
- Are friendships made online as strong as the ones made face to face? Why/why not?
- Do you think technology has brought people together or took them further apart? Why?
- What is the best way to maintain friendships? Why?
- Do you go to class reunions? Why/why not?
- Are class reunions common in your country? If so, how often do they happen?
- Why do you think some people choose not to join their class reunion?
- Is seeing your classmates again the same with staying in touch online? Why/why not?
- Can people from different countries become friends? How?
- What kinds of problems might occur between friends from different cultures?
- Should international leaders be friends? Why/why not?
- Do you think childhood friendships are the strongest? Why/why not?
- Is it better to have a just a few close friends or a lot of friends? Why?
- What’s the best way to meet new people in your country? Why?
- Is it easy to make friends today? Why/why not?
- Was it easier to make friends in the past? Why/why not?
- Do many people in your country make friends via the Internet? Why/why not?
- Is making friends online safe? Why/why not?
- How do friends influence us? Why?
- Should parents choose friends for their children? Why/why not?
- In what situations may friends become more important than person’s family? Why?
- What’s the most important factor in friendship? Why?
- Should friends be always honest with each other? Why/why not?
- a time when you moved to a new house/school

Vocab :

1. a standard of upright conduct /ˈʌpraɪt/ (phr.) = rules of appropriate behaviour

2. self-paced learning (phr.) = learning process in which you decide how fast to study

3. a penthouse /ˈpentˌhaʊs/ (n.) = a luxury flat at the top of the building

4. high-rise flat (n.) = a flat in a tall, modern building with a lot of floors

5. core curriculum (phr.) = the most important and basic subjects that all school students must study

6. extracurricular activities /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjʊlə(r)/ (phr.) = things that you do at school that aren’t part of your course

7. coeducation /ˌkəʊedjʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = the system of educating students of both sexes in the same class or college

8. a single sex school (n.) = a type of school where only one sex studies

9. a mixed-ability class (n.) = a class designed for students with different levels of educational ability

10. to feel out of one’s element /ˈelɪmənt/ (phr.) = to feel unhappy and uncomfortable in a situation

11. to be attuned to /əˈtjuːnd/ (adj.) = to be familiar with sth and able to deal with it in a sensitive way

12. to blend in with (v.) = to be similar to others

13. to fit in with (v.) = to belong

14. to stand out from (v.) = to be easy to notice because of being different

15. peer pressure (n.) = the influence that other people of your own age or social class have on the way you behave or dress

16. to feel out of place (phr.) = to feel uncomfortable in a particular situation or place

17. to find a niche for oneself /niːʃ/ (phr.) = to find sth that is suitable for you

Part 3. :
- Do people in your culture often move homes? Why/why not?
- What are some reasons for which people would move to a new home?
- Do people in your country often change jobs? Why/why not?
- What are main reasons for changing schools in your country?
- What problems do people face when they move homes?
- What are the biggest pros of living in the same place for many years? Why?
- Is it easy to accept change? Why/why not? What does it depend on?
- Do children handle changes better than adults? Why/why not?
- Can work changes influence one’s family life? Why/why not? If so, how?
- Which is better, a sudden change or a gradual one? Why?
- Should every society be mobile? Why/why not?
- How important is good education when it comes to social mobility? Why?
- What do you think people’s economic situation usually depend on?
- Has globalisation made it easier or harder for people to improve their lives? Why?
- a time when you were asked to give your opinion in a questionnaire/survey

Vocab :

1. to carry out a survey /ˈsɜː(r)veɪ/ (phr.) = to conduct a survey

2. to submit my opinion /səbˈmɪt/ (phr.) = to give your opinion

3. I suggested that… (phr.)

4. scrutiny /ˈskruːtɪni/ (n.) = careful examination of sb/sth

5. a poll /pəʊl/ (n.) = an occasion when a lot of people are asked what they feel about sth

6. to riposte /rɪˈpɒst/ (v.) = to reply in a quick and clever way

7. to put forward (v.) = to offer an opinion

8. to hint /hɪnt/ (v.) = to say what you are thinking or feeling in an indirect way

9. to imply /ɪmˈplaɪ/ (v.) = to suggest that you think sth without saying it directly

10. a query /ˈkwɪəri/ (n.) = a question that you ask because you want information

11. a viewpoint /ˈvjuːˌpɔɪnt/ (n.) = an opinion

12. a stance /stæns/ (n.) = an attitude or view about sth

13. to be of the opinion (phr.) = to think that

Part 3. :
- Where are people usually asked to fill a questionnaire in your country? Why?
- Do people like to answer survey questions? Why/why not?
- What are some common topics of surveys?
- Are TV surveys popular in your country? Why/why not?
- Can the results of public surveys be trusted? Why/why not?
- Do you think people always answer truthfully to the survey? Why/why not?
- Are most questionnaires anonymous? Why/why not?
- Do you think companies take survey results into account when launching a new product? Why/why not?
- Do you think in the future people will only fill online questionnaires? Why/why not?
- a time when you were late for something

Vocab :

1. punctuality is not my middle name /ˌpʌŋktʃuˈæləti/ (phr.) = being on time is not my strongest quality

2. on the dot (phr.) = at exactly the time you mention

3. an urgent matter /ˈɜː(r)dʒ(ə)nt/ (phr.) = sth that needs to be dealt with immediately

4. to schedule things accordingly /ˈʃedjuːl/ (phr.) = to plan things well

5. an oppressive deadline /əˈpresɪv/ (phr.) = a deadline that worries you

6. to prioritize sth ruthlessly /praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz ˈruːθləsli/ (phr.) = to decide in what order you should do things without compassion for others

7. to stick to your priorities (phr.) = to follow your plans according to their importance

8. to keep sb waiting (phr.) = to make sb stay in one pace or do nothing until you are ready to see or talk to them

9. right at the last minute (phr.) = when it is almost too late

10. to anticipate /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ (v.) = to think that sth will probably happen

11. a rigorous time limit /ˈrɪɡərəs/ (phr.) = a strict deadline

12. to procrastinate /prəʊˈkræstɪneɪt/ (v.) = to delay doing sth until later, usually sth that you do not want to do

13. better late than never (phr.) = used for telling sb you are happy that they did something, but wish they had done it earlier

Part 3. :
- Why are people usually late?
- Is being late in your country considered rude? Why/why not?
- What kinds of excuses do people usually give when they are late?
- How late is too late, according to your culture?
- Are students often late to class in your country? Why/why not?
- How do teachers usually punish late students in your country?
- Are workers often late to work in your country? Why/why not?
- What are some common punishments companies have for being late?
- Do you think punctuality is important? Why/why not?
- Can everyone learn punctuality? Why/why not?
- What can people do to help them remember to be on time?
- a traffic jam you experienced

Vocab :

1. poisonous fumes /ˈpɔɪz(ə)nəs fjuːmz/ (phr.) = harmful gases

2. to swallow the traffic jam /ˈswɒləʊ/ (phr.) = to put up with the traffic jam

3. to suffocate passengers /ˈsʌfəkeɪt ˈpæsɪndʒə(r)/ (phr.) = to not provide enough fresh air to breath for passengers (on a bus)

4. a traffic flow /fləʊ/ (phr.) = a traffic movement

5. a rush hour (n.) = the time of day when there are a lot of cars on the road because most people are travelling to or from work

6. a traffic bottleneck /ˈbɒt(ə)lˌnek/ (phr.) = a place where a road is blocked by heavy traffic

7. to inch along /ɪntʃ/ (v.) = to move very slowly

8. bumper-to-bumper (adj.) = in a long line of vehicles that are close together and moving very slowly

9. the volume of traffic /ˈvɒljuːm/ (phr.) = the number of vehicles on the road

10. traffic density /ˈdensəti/ (phr.) = the degree to which traffic is heavy

11. to be jam-packed (adj.) = completely full

12. a commuter /kəˈmjuːtə(r)/ (n.) = sb who travels regularly to and from work

13. at the intersection /ˈɪntə(r)ˌsekʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = at the place where roads cross each other

14. to jam on the brakes /dʒæm/ (phr.) = to brake with force (of a driver)

15. a chronic problem /ˈkrɒnɪk/ (phr.) = a problem that is always happening or returning and is very difficult to solve

16. a traffic warden (n.) = sb whose job is to check that vehicles are legally parked

17. to jump the lights (phr.) = to ignore a red traffic light and keep driving

18. a long tailback /ˈteɪlˌbæk/ (n.) = a line of slow or stopped traffic

19. road rage /reɪdʒ/ (n.) = anger or violence between drivers because of difficult driving conditions

20. a head-on collision /kəˈlɪʒ(ə)n/ (phr.) = two vehicles hitting each other directly in the front

Part 3. :
- Is traffic heavy in cities in your country? Why?
- What percentage of families own a car in your country?
- What percentage of families own more than one car?
- Do people in your country use skateboards, rollerblades or electric scooters to commute?
- How much has traffic increased since your grandparents’ time? Why?
- When is the traffic in your city the heaviest? Why?
- What can people do when they get stuck in a traffic jam? Why?
- Do you think traffic in big cities in your country might get heavier in the future? Why/why not?
- What are some ways traffic is managed in your country?
- What can the government do to improve traffic congestion problem? Why?
- Can building more motorways help improve traffic? Why/why not?
- In what ways is public transport useful to the improvement of traffic? Why?
- How does heavy traffic influence the environment? Why?
- Do you think governments should impose taxes on lorries? Why/why not?
- Is a decrease in travel a good solution to the problem of global warming? Why/why not?
- an occasion when visitors came to your home/when you visited someone’s home/someone who visited your home/an interesting person you met

Vocab :

1. offbeat /ˈɒfˌbiːt/ (adj.) = unusual, often in an interesting way

2. eccentric /ɪkˈsentrɪk/ (adj.) = often behaving in slightly strange or unusual ways

3. mannered /ˈmænə(r)d/ (adj.) = behaving in a way that is extremely formal and not natural

4. rounded /ˈraʊndɪd/ (adj.) = combining different aspects to produce a result that is complete or well developed

5. first impressions are more lasting (phr.) = the first feeling stays for long

6. an unexpected visit /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/ (phr.) = a surprising visit, because you did not expect it at all

7. to drop in on sb (v.) = to make a short visit somewhere

8. to come over (v.) = to visit sb

9. We’re expecting company this evening. (phr.) = We have invited guests for this evening.

10. Make yourself comfortable. (phr.) = used to make guests relaxed and feeling welcome

11. to return a visit (phr.) = to visit sb because they visited you in the past

12. vivacious /vɪˈveɪʃəs/ (adj.) = lively and attractive

13. enigmatic /ˌenɪɡˈmætɪk/ (adj.) = mysterious and difficult to understand

14. on the surface /ˈsɜː(r)fɪs/ (phr.) = on the outside

15. don’t judge a book by its cover (phr.) = used for saying that you should not form an opinion about sb/sth only from their appearance

16. misleading /mɪsˈliːdɪŋ/ (adj.) = intended or likely to make someone believe sth that is incorrect or not true

17. a virtue /ˈvɜː(r)tʃuː/ (n.) = a good quality or habit that a person has

18. cunning /ˈkʌnɪŋ/ (adj.) = sb who uses their intelligence to get what they want, especially be tricking or cheating people

19. to pop over (v.) = to pay someone a short visit

20. to get a warm welcome (phr.) = to be welcomed by hosts

21. a friend of a friend (phr.) = an acquaintance

22. a cliché conversation /ˈkliːʃeɪ/ (phr.) = a conversation that is boring because it’s not longer original

23. to joke around (v.) = to have fun

24. to show up empty-handed /ˌempti ˈhændɪd/ (phr.) = to visit sb without a gift

Part 3. :
- Do people often visit each other’s homes in your culture? Why/why not?
- When people in your country have visitors, how do they usually prepare for the visit?
- Is it polite to bring a gift if visiting sb’s home for the first time? If so, what kind of a gift would be appropriate?
- In the past, when people visited others in your culture, how was it different from now?
- Is it important to invite people to one’s home in your culture? Why/why not?
- Do you think people in your country are hospitable? Why/why not?
- When people in your country travel, would they prefer to stay at a hotel or at friends’? Why?
- What are some advantages of staying at your friends’ place when travelling?
- What kinds of services are people in your country looking for in a hotel? Why?
- Do you think hotel staff should be trained? Why/why not?
- What’s the worst hotel service you have ever heard of?
- How can foreign countries make visitors feel welcome? What can they do? Why?
- Do you think it’s important that foreigners adapt to your country’s local customs? Why/why not?
- How does tourism influence international relations between countries? Why?
- What in your opinion is the best way to get to know a person? Why?
- How do people in your country usually make friends? Why?
- Is it possible to really know someone when you first meet them? Why/why not?
- What qualities do you look for in a friend? Why?
- What kind of person could never be your friend? Why?
- How important is person’s family in developing one’s personality? Why?
- Are friends also important to help us form our character? How? Why/why not?
- When do you think is a child’s personality formed? At what age?
- Can a person change their personality? How?
- What personality traits are valued today? Was it the same in the past? Why/why not?
- When looking for a job, do you think one’s personality can make a difference? Or only their abilities matter? Why?
- Is it possible that most people will become more introverted in the future due to technological advancement? Why/why not?
- a walk you took

Vocab :

1. a relaxing stroll /strəʊl/ (phr.) = a walk that is not hurried, often just for pleasure

2. to keep up with sb (v.) = to go at the same speed with sb

3. to get out of breath (phr.) = to breathe fast and with difficulty, for example because you have been walking too fast

4. to take sb along (phr.) = to bring sb somewhere

5. to slow sb down (phr.) = to walk too slow for sb’s else

6. to set off (v.) = to begin a journey

7. to fall behind (v.) = to move more slowly than others so that you are behind them

8. Get a move on! (phr.) = used for telling someone to hurry

9. a military march /mɑː(r)tʃ/ (phr.) = a walk by a group of soldiers in which each person matches the speed and movements of the others

10. to saunter /ˈsɔːntə(r)/ (v.) = to walk in a slow and relaxed way

11. a promenade /ˌprɒməˈnɑːd/ (n.) = a place to walk, usually next to a beach

12. a ramble /ˈræmb(ə)l/ (n.) = a long walk in the countryside for enjoyment

Part 3. :
- Do people in your country enjoy taking walks? Why/why not?
- How often do people usually take a walk? Why?
- What are the most common places for people to take a walk? Why?
- Is it necessary to have good weather during a walk? Why/why not?
- How does the environment influence the number of people taking walks these days?
- Why do people like to have a walk?
- Why don’t some people ever take walks?
- What else do people in your country like to do to stay fit? Why?
- Who enjoys walking more, young people or older people? Why?
- Do you think people will walk more in the future? Why/why not?
- a wedding you attended/heard about

Vocab :

1. a wedding gown /ɡaʊn/ (n.) = a wedding dress

2. a tuxedo /tʌkˈsiːdəʊ/ (n.) = a man’s black or white jacket worn on formal occasions

3. to cry in delight /dɪˈlaɪt/ (phr.) = to cry out of happiness

4. to witness a joyful moment /ˈwɪtnəs/ (phr.) = to see something happy happen

5. a banquet /ˈbæŋkwɪt/ (n.) = a formal meal prepared for a large number of people on an important occasion

6. a ceremony /ˈserəməni/ (n.) = a formal public event with special traditions

7. to pronounce man and wife /prəˈnaʊns/ (phr.) = to formally state that a couple are now married to each other

8. newlyweds /ˈnjuːliˌwedz/ (n.) = a man and a woman who have not been married to each other for very long

9. a limo /ˈlɪməʊ/ (n.) = a large expensive comfortable car

10. to take a vow /vaʊ/ (phr.) = to commit to a marriage

11. a sedan chair /sɪˈdæn/ (n.) = a covered seat on two long poles that was used in the past for carrying an important person around

12. a red veil /veɪl/ (phr.) = a thin red piece of cloth worn over a woman’s head and often partly over her face

13. a priest /priːst/ (n.) = a man who performs religious duties in Christianity, such as a wedding

14. a pastor /ˈpɑːstə(r)/ (n.) = a priest or minister in some Christian churches

15. to exchange wedding rings (phr.)

16. to be showered with a handful of rose petals (phr.) = when guests throw petals of roses at the newlyweds in front of a church after the ceremony

17. to throw the bouquet (phr.) = when a bride throws her flowers behind her and one of her unmarried female guests catch them, which means she will get married soon too

18. to propose a toast (phr.) = to raise a glass and wish all the best to the newlyweds

19. cake-cutting (n.) = the moment when newlyweds officially cut their wedding cake together

20. a hen party (n.) = a celebration for a woman who is about to get married, in which only her women friend take part

21. a stag night (n.) = an occasion when a group of men celebrate together because one of them is soon to be married

22. to go on honeymoon /ˈhʌniˌmuːn/ (phr.) = to go on a holiday that two people take after they get married

23. a dowry /ˈdaʊri/ (n.) = money and property that, in some cultures, a woman’s family gives to her husband when they get married

24. to tap one’ glass /tæp/ (phr.) = to pour liquid into a glass

25. to pop the question (phr.) = to ask someone to marry you

Part 3. :
- At what age do people in your country get married? Why?
- How is traditional wedding in your culture celebrated? Why?
- Does everyone enjoy going to weddings? Why/why not?
- How has the way weddings are conducted changed over the years? Why?
- How do you think people will celebrate weddings in the future? Why?
- Who usually pays for a wedding?
- Are weddings expensive in your country? Why/why not?
- What special activities do people like to have during their weddings? Why?
- Are there a lot of couples in your country who decide not to get married?
- Why do people get married in your culture?
- Why some people don’t want to get married?
- What are some common wedding gifts in your country?
- an event that changed your life in a good way/influenced you a lot

Vocab :

1. to amend sth /əˈmend/ (v.) = to make changes to improve sth

2. to get a new lease of life (phr.) = to become more energetic and active than before

3. to assimilate sth /əˈsɪmɪleɪt/ (v.) = to help sb feel that they are part of a community rather than feeling foreign

4. to resist change /rɪˈzɪst/ (phr.) = to oppose or fight change

5. to enforce change /ɪnˈfɔː(r)s/ (phr.) = to make sure that change is made

6. a sweeping change /ˈswiːpɪŋ/ (phr.) = a change that is wide in range or effect

7. a subtle change /ˈsʌt(ə)l/ (phr.) = a delicate and not obvious change

8. to facilitate change /fəˈsɪləteɪt/ (phr.) = to make change possible

9. an ongoing consultation process /ˌkɒns(ə)lˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = a continuous discussion between people before they make a decision

10. to implement sth /ˈɪmplɪˌment/ (v.) = to make sth work and be used

11. to be at the crossroads /ˈkrɒsˌrəʊdz/ (phr.) = to be at the point when you have to make an important decision about what to do next

Part 3. :
- Who do you think can adapt more easily to change, children or adults? Why?
- What are some benefits of change in people’s lives?
- Do you think it’s a good idea to change jobs often? Why/why not?
- What are some benefits of staying in one job for a long time?
- Do people in your country generally like changes? Why/why not?
- How often do people change jobs in your country? Why?
- What benefits does keeping the same job for many years have?
- Why do some people decide to change jobs more often than others?
- Why do you think more and more people decide to live and work abroad?
- What kinds of problems may a person face when living in a new country? Why?
- Is it easier for young people or older people to adapt to changes? Why?
- Do people need to make more changes now than in the past? Why/why not?
- How can society benefit from having adaptable citizens?
- What kind of threat does too quick of a change pose to society?
- What are some common celebrations in your culture?
- How do people in your culture usually celebrate? Why?
- Does everyone like to join family celebrations in your country? Why/why not?
- Do young people enjoy family celebrations today? Why/why not?
- What national celebrations do you have in your country?
- Do people in your country prefer national or family celebrations? Why?
- What does a traditional wedding look like in your culture?
- Are weddings important in your culture? Why/why not?
- Who is responsible for organising a wedding in your culture? Why?
- Who pays for a wedding in your culture? Why?
- Do you think people spend too much money on their weddings today? Why?
- Do many people in your country follow Western wedding trends? Why/why not?
- At what age do people in your country usually get married? Why?
- Why do you think some people decide to get married at a later age?
- What’s the most important factor in choosing a marriage partner? Why?
- Is it important to marry someone with the same education level? Why/why not?
- What are male roles in a typical marriage in your country?
- What are female roles in a typical marriage in your country?
- Do you think that spousal roles will change in the future? Why/why not?
- an experience that made you laugh/cry

Vocab :

1. to shed crocodile tears /ˈkrɒkədaɪl ˌtɪə(r)z/ (phr.) = to cry out of sadness that is not sincere

2. to be in stitches (phr.) = to be laughing a lot

3. to burst into tears (phr.) = to suddenly start crying

4. to pull sb’s leg (phr.) = to tell someone sth that is not true, as a joke

5. a practical joke (n.) = a trick that is intended to surprise sb or make them look silly

6. to laugh your head off (phr.) = to laugh heavily

7. to have a good laugh about sth (phr.) = to have fun

8. the joke fell flat (phr.) = the joke did not make anyone laugh

9. no laughing matter (phr.) = sth that should be treated seriously

10. to keep a straight face (phr.) = to look serious even though you are in a funny situation

Part 3. :
- What kinds of things make people laugh? Why?
- What kinds of things make people cry? Why?
- Are comedy programmes popular on TV in your country? Why/why not?
- Is there any difference between comedy on TV and comedy in books (e.g. comic books)? Why/why not?
- Is comedy often used in advertising? Why/why not?
- Why do people like to laugh?
- Why are some things funny to some people but not to others?
- Do you think men and women find the same things funny? Why/why not?
- Can laughter be beneficial to our health? If so, how?
- Is it important to laugh together in a relationship? Why/why not?
- Can humour be useful when learning a foreign language? How?
- Do you think jokes can be adequately translated from one language to another? Why/why not?
- Is it important to understand the humour of the country when learning a foreign language? Why/why not?
- Can humour be helpful in international relations? How?
- an important/difficult decision you made

Vocab :

1. to be between a rock and a hard place (phr.) = to be in a position in which you have to choose between two things that are not good

2. soul-searching (n.) = careful thought about your beliefs, attitudes, or actions because you think it is important to behave in an honest and moral way

3. in advance /ədˈvɑːns/ (phr.) = in preparation for a particular time or event in the future

4. beforehand /bɪˈfɔː(r)hænd/ (adv.) = before a particular event: used especially for talking about sth done in preparation for the event

5. to draw up a plan (phr.) = to make a plan

6. to intend to do sth /ɪnˈtend/ (v.) = to have a plan in your mind to do sth

7. to have mixed feelings about sth (phr.) = to not be certain how you feel about sb/sth

8. to be up in the air (phr.) = not yet decided

9. to be still wavering between A and B /ˈweɪvə(r)ɪŋ/ (phr.) = to not be certain about what to say or do

10. a train of thought (phr.) = a series of thoughts

11. to weigh sth up /weɪ/ (v.) = to consider the good and bad aspects of sth in order to reach a decision about it

12. to follow the gut feeling (phr.) = to follow the feeling that you are certain is right

13. to rush into a decision (phr.) = to make a decision without first thinking carefully about it

14. to go with the majority view (phr.) = to follow what most people think

15. to have a mind of your own (phr.) = to think for yourself

16. to lack the courage of your convictions (phr.) = to not be certain what one believes in

17. I always go for… (phr.) = I always choose

18. to be a toss-up (n.) = the act of throwing a coin into the air and making a decision based on which side the coin falls on

19. the lesser of two evils (phr.) = the less unpleasant or harmful of two possible choices

20. to be in two minds about sth (phr.) = to not be certain about sth or to have difficulty in making a decision

Part 3. :
- Do young people in your country usually make their own decisions or do they tend to listen to other’s advice? Whose? Why?
- What kind of a person can be a good advisor? Why?
- How do young people in your country get advice about what career to choose?
- What is the most important piece of advice you would give to today’s youth? Why?
- What kind of things should friends advise on? Why?
- What kind of things should family advise on? Why?
- Do schools in your country teach students problem solving skills?
- Should schools teach how to make decisions? Why/why not?
- What are the most important decisions in person’s life? Why?
- Do you think that contemporary decisions are more complex than those in the past? Why/why not?
- How do media influence our decisions?
- Should feelings be taken into consideration when making a decision? Why/why not?
- How do societies choose decision makers? Why?
- Can individuals affect decisions made by large companies? How?
- Should different countries cooperate when it comes to making decisions? Why/why not?
- What are some crucial decisions the world is waiting for today?
- an interesting event in history you would like to know more about

Vocab :

1. to be famous for (adj.) = to be known for

2. to be well-known for (adj.)

3. Gone are the days when…(phr.) = the past is over

4. remote ancestors /rɪˈməʊt ˈænsestə(r)z/ (phr.) = relatives from distant past

5. to vanish /ˈvænɪʃ/ (v.) = to disappear

6. to succeed sb to the throne /səkˈsiːd/ (phr.) = to replace sb in the line to the throne

7. to accede sb to the throne /əkˈsiːd/ (phr.) = to formally become a king, queen

8. to seize power /siːz/ (phr.) = to gain control

9. to usurp power /juːˈzɜː(r)p/ (phr.) = to take over sth without having rights to do so

10. to abuse power /əˈbjuːz/ (phr.) = to use power in a bad, dishonest way

11. a feudal period /ˈfjuːd(ə)l/ (phr.) = a time when ordinary people do not have many rights

12. a medieval period /ˌmediˈiːv(ə)l/ (phr.) = a time relating to the period of European history between about the year 1000 ad and the year 1500

13. the Renaissance /rɪˈneɪs(ə)ns/ (n.) = the period in Europe between the 14th and 16th centuries

14. a chariot /ˈtʃæriət/ (n.) = a vehicle with two wheels and no roof that was pulled by horses in races and battles in ancient times

15. a cart /kɑː(r)t/ (n.) = a vehicle with four wheels and no roof that is pulled by a horse and is used for carrying things

16. a stagecoach /ˈsteɪdʒˌkəʊtʃ/ (n.) = a vehicle pulled by horses, used in the past for carrying people, letters and goods

17. a historian /hɪˈstɔːriən/ (n.) = sb who studies or writes about events in history

18. a historical figure /hɪˈstɒrɪk(ə)l ˈfɪɡə(r)/ (n.) = an important person from the past

Part 3. :
- Do most people like to visit historical places? Why/why not?
- What historical sites are the most popular ones among tourists in your country? Why?
- Do people still like to go to museums? What for?
- Are museums useful when learning about history? How?
- Are historical buildings kept only for tourists? Why/why not?
- Should entrance be free to historical sites in your country? Why/why not?
- Do you study History in schools? Is it interesting? Why/why not?
- What topics do History lessons usually cover?
- Are most students interested in history or do they find it boring? Why?
- How can teachers kindle students’ interest in history? In what ways? Why?
- What can we learn from our history?
- How can our past benefit our present?
- Is it possible to understand the past? How?
- What do you think will our century be remembered for? Is it worth studying in the future? Why/why not?
- How can we learn about important historical figures?
- Why are some historical figures remembered by generations while others seem to be quickly forgotten?
- Could any important figures from the past serve as role models for today’s youth? Why/why not?
- Do you think people learn more from their successes in the past or their failures? Why?
- What lessons will future generations learn from our times?
 an interesting/boring/important (phone) conversation you had with someone you didn’t know

Vocab :

1. ad nauseam /ˌæd ˈnɔːziæm/ (adv.) = if you do or say sth ad nauseam, you repeat it so many times that it annoys other people

2. to get sth off one’s chest (phr.) = to talk to sb about sth that has been worrying you, so that you feel better about it

3. to pick the receiver (phr.) = to pick up a part of a phone you need to hear and speak, especially on an old-fashioned phone

4. chit-chat (n.) = a friendly conversation about things that are not very important

5. a tete-a-tete /ˌtet ə ˈtet/ (n.) = a private conversation between two people

6. to hang up on sb (v.) = to stop using a telephone at the end of a conversation

7. to get through to sb (v.) = to make sb understand what you are

8. to mishear /mɪsˈhɪə(r)/ (v.) = to not hear sth correctly

9. a crank call /kræŋk/ (n.) = a telephone call made to disturb, annoy or trick sb, often anonymously

10. to slam down the phone /slæm/ (phr.) = to hit sth against or onto a surface with great force

11. out of the blue (phr.) = happening in a way that is sudden and unexpected

Part 3. :
- What kind of a person can be a good communicator?
- In which jobs are good communication skills essential? Why?
- Are people born with good spoken communication skills or can they learn them? Why?
- Can anyone be trained to communicate well? Why/why not?
- How do children learn to speak?
- Do you think adults talk to children the same way they talk to other adults? Why/why not?
- Who can learn a foreign language more easily: a child or an adult? Why?
- Can humans communicate with animals? If so, in what ways?
- Do you think in the future there will be robots able to speak like a human being? Why/why not?
- Why do we need to be able to speak?
- What problems would a person who can’t speak meet in her or his life?
- What kinds of people enjoy chatting with others? Why?
- What makes a person unwilling to chat? Why?
- Do you think women are generally more talkative than men? Why/why not?
- In what ways is talking face-to-face better than over the phone?
- Is it easy to discuss personal problems with others? Why/why not?
- Why is it sometimes easier to discuss a problem with a stranger rather than a family member?
- Do you think that talking about a problem can be helpful? How?
- Why do you think so many people are willing to go on national TV and discuss their personal problems?
- Is social networking important in your country? Why/why not?
- Are social networking websites popular? Why/why not?
- Who likes to be involved in social networking more: younger people or older people?
- Why are some older people not willing to join social networking circles?
- How does social networking influence human relations?
- Has the concept of friendship changed due to a widespread social networking? Why/why not?
- Do men and women talk about the same or different things? Why?
- Is a phone conversation the same as a face-to-face contact? Why/why not?
- In your culture, is it polite to argue or disagree with people? Why/why not? If so, in what situations?
- Do people often give presentations in your culture? Why/why not?
- When do people in your country need to give a presentation?
- Do people often give presentations in English? Why/why not?
- Are visual aids helpful to the presenter? How?
- What’s the hardest part of giving a presentation? Why?
- Should presenters tell jokes? Why/why not?
- Are you taught how to speak in public when you go to school? Why/why not?
- Do you think public speaking is a skill useful to everyone? Why/why not?
- When in life can public speaking come in handy?
- What qualities does an effective public speaker have?
- How do media affect public speaking?
 an occasion that made you angry/embarrassed/disappointed

Vocab :

1. a bitter pill to swallow (phr.) = an unpleasant fact or situation that is difficult to accept

2. to keep calm (phr.) = to not get anxious or nervous

3. to be indifferent to sth /ɪnˈdɪfrənt/ (adj.) = lacking interest in sth

4. awkward /ˈɔːkwə(r)d/ (adj.) = difficult to deal with and embarrassing

5. to be ill at ease (phr.) = to not be confident or relaxed

6. to be annoyed at/with sb for sth /əˈnɔɪd/ (adj.) = to feel slightly angry or impatient

7. to be irritated about/at/with/by sb/sth /ˈɪrɪˌteɪtɪd/ (adj.) = to be annoyed or impatient about sth

8. to be furious at/about sth /ˈfjʊəriəs/ (adj.) = extremely angry

9. to be enraged at/by sb/sth /ɪnˈreɪdʒd/ (adj.) = extremely angry

10. to lose one’s temper (phr.) = to suddenly become angry

11. to hit the roof (phr.) = to become very angry

12. to go berserk /bə(r)ˈzɜː(r)k/ (adj.) = to become violent and uncontrolled because you are very angry

13. to get on sb’s nerves (phr.) = to make sb feel annoyed or nervous

14. to infuriate sb /ɪnˈfjʊərieɪt/ (v.) = to make sb extremely angry

15. to be in tears (phr.) = to cry a lot

16. devastated (adj.) = feeling very shocked and upset

17. to be gutted /ˈɡʌtɪd/ (adj.) = to be extremely disappointed

18. hysterical /hɪˈsterɪk(ə)l/ (adj.) = behaving in an uncontrolled way because you are extremely excited, afraid or upset

19. appalled /əˈpɔːld/ (adj.) = offended or shocked very much by sth, because it is extremely unpleasant or bad

20. stunned /stʌnd/ (adj.) = very shocked or upset

21. no such luck (phr.) = used for saying that sth good that might have happened did not happen

22. to be sick and tired of sth (phr.) = to be very unhappy about sth

23. to be at the end of your tether /ˈteðə(r)/ (phr.) = to feel very upset because you are no longer able to deal with a difficult situation

24. to go off the deep end (phr.) = to unexpectedly become very angry, especially without a good reason

25. to scream your head off (phr.) = to laugh, shout etc. very loudly

26. to have egg on your face (phr.) = to be embarrassed or appear stupid because sth that you tried to do has gone wrong

27. all hell broke loose (phr.) = used for saying that sth happened that made people angry or upset and they started fighting or arguing

Part 3. :
- What makes people angry? Why?
- In what situations do people often feel embarrassed? Why?
- When do people feel most disappointed? Why?
- What can a person do to change negative feelings into positive ones? Why?
- Who gets angry more easily: young people or older people? Why?
- In your culture, how do people feel when they do something wrong? Why?
- What is the best way to deal with anger? Why?
- Do people in your culture show emotions? Why/why not?
- When is it not appropriate to show emotions in your culture? Why?
- Did people react emotionally to certain situations in the past? Why/why not?
- How can strong emotions affect one’s health?
- Where can a person emotionally unstable look for help in your country?
 an occasion/something/an event from your childhood that made you happy

Vocab :

1. a philosophical question /ˌfɪləˈsɒfɪk(ə)l/ (phr.) = a question related to philosophy

2. a meaningful life purpose /ˈmiːnɪŋf(ə)l/ (phr.) = an important goal in life

3. a new day is always a gift (phr.) = used to explain that every day should be cherished

4. happiness is contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (phr.) = happiness spreads quickly from one person to another

5. ‘Life is lie a box of chocolates ’(Forest Gump) (quote) = life is full of surprises, you never know what will happen next

6. count your blessings (phr.) = to realize that there are good things about your situation, as well as bad ones; used to tell sb they should not complain

7. in retrospect /ˈretrəʊˌspekt/ (phr.) = considering sth that happened in the past, using knowledge or information that you did not have at the time

8. a sleepover /ˈsliːpˌəʊvə(r)/ (n.) = a children’s party at which all the guests stay the night at one person’s house

9. When I look back, I appreciate… (phr.) = used to talk about the past

10. babyhood (n.) = the time of yourlife when you were a baby

11. springtime of life /ˈsprɪŋˌtaɪm/ (phr.) = first stage of life

12. salad days (n.) = the period when one is young and inexperienced

13. juvenescence /ˌdʒuːvəˈnes(ə)ns/ (n.) = the state of being young

14. nonage /ˈnəʊnɪdʒ/ (n.) = the period of immaturity or youth

15. an incident /ˈɪnsɪd(ə)nt/ (n.) = an event or occurrence

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

17. to recall /rɪˈkɔːl/ (v.) = to remember sth

18. to look back on (v.) = to think about a time or event in the past

Part 3. :
- How do people in your culture usually express their feelings?
- Do you think most people are happy? Why/why not?
- What is happiness?
- How can a person become happier?
- Between what people think you are and what you really are, which one is more important to you? Why?
- Can money make us happy? Why/why not?
- What usually makes us happy? Why?
- Can too much money make a person unhappy? Why/why not?
- Can work make people happy? Why/why not?
- Do you think people work better if they are happy? Why/why not?
- Is it common for people to rely on their work when it comes to their happiness?
- How can a person change their life if they feel unhappy?
- Is happiness understood today as the same concept as it was in the past? Why/why not?
- Do you think that people today focus too much on their own happiness neglecting everyone around them? Why/why not?
- Are individuals responsible for the happiness of others? Why/why not?
- Are we born happy or do we become happy as we grow?
- Is happiness a feeling or a state of mind?
- What kinds of things do people like to keep from their childhood? Why?
- Why are photographs from early years so important to some people?
- Can a song remind a person about something happy from their childhood?
- What makes a childhood a happy one? Why?
- Do you think that childhood that children experience today is the same or different from their parents’ childhood? Why?
- Is childhood an important stage in life? Why/why not?
- What contributes to children’s quick development? Why?
- Do you think that children grow up faster today? Why/why not?
- Who can deal with the modern world better, children or their parents? Why?
 an occasion when somebody lied to you/you lied to somebody

Vocab :

1. honesty is the best policy (phr.) = it’s always good to be honest

2. to be economical with the truth /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk(ə)l/ (phr.) = to say things that are not true or to not tell everything that you know

3. to talk sth up (v.) = to discuss sth in a way that makes them seem more interesting or attractive

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

5. to embellish sth /ɪmˈbelɪʃ/ (v.) = to make a story more interesting by adding details, especially ones that are not completely true

6. to gloss over sth (v.) = to ignore or avoid unpleasant facts

7. unpalatable truth /ʌnˈpælətəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = truth that is unpleasant to accept or think about

8. to detect sth /dɪˈtekt/ (v.) = to prove sth

9. an awful interrogation /ɪnˌterəˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = a terrible process of asking sb a lot of questions in an angry or threatening way

10. to catch sb out (v.) = to show that sb is not telling the truth

11. to feel utterly humiliated /ˈʌtə(r)li hjuːˈmɪlieɪt/ (phr.) = to feel completely ashamed

12. to distort sth /dɪˈstɔː(r)t/ (v.) = to change sth such as information as that it is no longer true or accurate

13. phoney /ˈfəʊni/ (adj.) = sb who is phoney pretends to be friendly, clever, kind etc.

14. to deceive sb /dɪˈsiːv/ (v.) = to trick sb by giving a false idea about sth

15. a white lie (n.) = a lie told to avoid making sb upset, not for your own advantage or in order to harm sb else

16. falsehood /ˈfɔːlshʊd/ (n.) = a statement that is not true

17. a half-truth (n.) = a statement that is only partly true or gives only some of the facts

18. a fib /fɪb/ (n.) = a lie about sth that is not important

19. to keep the truth from sb to spare their feelings (phr.) = to lie in order not to upset sb

20. to lose face (phr.) = to no longer impress people or be respected by them, especially by showing that you are not in control of a situation

21. to face up to the truth (phr.) = to accept the truth

22. to cover sth up /ˈkʌvə(r)/ (v.) = to hide sth

23. to prevent the facts from coming to light (phr.) = to keep the truth to yourself

24. to have sth on your conscience /ˈkɒnʃ(ə)ns/ (phr.) = used when sth is causing you to feel guilty

25. to pull the wool over sb’s eyes (phr.) = to try to trick or cheat sb by giving them wrong information

26. I wasn’t born yesterday. (phr.) = used to remind sb that one isn’t naïve

Part 3. :
- What do people usually lie about in your culture? Why?
- Is there any situation when a lie is told for good reasons? Why/why not?
- Do you think everyone lies sometimes? Why/why not?
- How can white lies escalate into bigger problems?
- How can one tell if someone’s not telling the truth?
- Do you think all lies eventually come out? Why/why not?
- How can technology help find out the truth about crimes?
- Why do you think witnesses do not always agree on what they saw?
- Do you think advanced methods of investigation might discourage people from committing crimes? Why/why not?
- What is the value of honesty?
- Is honesty generally important in your culture? Why/why not?
- Should parents teach their children to always be honest? Why/why not?
- Do you think that people generally expect public figures to be honest?
- Can a person expect honesty when they aren’t always honest? Why/why not?
- What other qualities are important in people? Why?
 an occasion when you got lost somewhere

Vocab :

1. all’s well that ends well (phr.) = used for saying that a situation that did not start in a good way has ended in a way that is satisfactory or pleasing

2. to lose your way (phr.) = to not know where you are or how to get to where you want to go

3. a landmark /ˈlæn(d)ˌmɑː(r)k/ (n.) = a famous building or object that you can see and recognize easily

4. a reference point (n.) = a fixed place that you use to help you to find your way or to see where other things are

5. to navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (v.) = to find and follow a path through a difficult place

6. to orientate /ˈɔːriənteɪt/ (v.) = to orient

7. an atlas /ˈætləs/ (n.) = a book of maps

8. a GPS /ˌdʒiː piː ˈes/ (n.) = global positioning system: a system for finding exactly where you are anywhere in the world using satellites

9. I’m not good at topography. /təˈpɒɡrəfi/ (phr.) = I don’t know much about maps and features of land.

10. to have a terrible sense of direction (phr.) = to have a bad ability to know without guidance the direction in which you are moving

Part 3. :
- What’s the best way to find our way? Why?
- Do you learn how to read a map at school? Why/why not?
- Do you think everyone should know how to read a map? Why/why not?
- Is being able to read a map a useful skill today? Why/why not?
- Why do you think some people are better at directions than others?
- Do you think people today rely too much on their phones to help them find the way? Why/why not?
- Why do people like to travel to new places?
- Is it important to learn about the place before going there? Why/why not?
- What preparations should people make before going to a new place? Why?
- What problems may people face when going to a new place? Why?
- Is everyone born with a need of exploration? Why/why not?
- How did people explore places in the past?
- What are the biggest challenges with exploring places today?
- Should certain places be explored internationally? Why/why not?
- Who should fund scientific explorations? Why?
 an outdoor activity you would like to try for the first time/you often do

Vocab :

1. to get in shape by (doing sth) (phr.) = to get in a good physical condition by doing sth

2. in the open air (phr.) = outside

3. outdoor clothing (n.) = clothes sutaible to wear outdoors

4. a windproof jacket /ˈwɪn(d)pruːf/ (n.) = a jacket that gives protection from the wind

5. a rainproof jacket /ˈreɪnpruːf/ (n.) = a jacket that gives protection from rain

6. a campsite /ˈkæmpˌsaɪt/ (n.) = a place where people on holiday can stay in tents or other temporary shelters, usually with toilets and a supply of water

7. a canyon /ˈkænjən/ (n.) = a long deep valley with very steep sides made of rock

8. a cliff /klɪf/ (n.) = the steep side of an area of high land

9. a desert /ˈdezə(r)t/ (n.) = a large area of land with few plants and little water and where the weather is always dry

10. a gorge /ɡɔː(r)dʒ/ (n.) = a deep valley with high straight sides where a river has cut through rock

11. a stream /striːm/ (n.) = a small narrow river

12. a trail /treɪl/ (n.) = a path in the countryside

13. to build a fire (phr.) = to make a bonfire

14. to leave no trace (phr.) = to leave no sign that sb was present somewhere

15. to abseil /ˈæbseɪl/ (v.) = to climb down the front of a large rock or a tall building while holding onto a rope

16. to traverse /trəˈvɜː(r)s/ (v.) = to move over or across an area

17. a bug spray (n.) = a chemical used to keep insects away from you

18. a cooking stove /stəʊv/ (n.) = a machine that provides heat for cooking

19. a first aid kit (n.) = a small box or bag with the things that you would need to treat sb if they were injured or suddenly became ill

20. a torch /tɔː(r)tʃ/ (n.) = a small electric light operated by batteries that you hold in your hand

21. a flashlight /ˈflæʃˌlaɪt/ (n.) = an American word for a torch

22. hiking shoes (n.) = shoes made specifically for hiking hills and mountains

23. matches /mætʃɪz/ (n.) = small sticks that produce a flame when rubbed against a rough surface

24. a tent (n.) = a shelter made of cloth and supported with poles and ropes

25. a sleeping bag (n.) = a warm bag that you sleep in, especially when camping

Part 3. :
- What are some benefits of outdoor activities?
- Do you think shopping is an outdoor activity? Why/why not?
- How can children benefit from outdoor activities?
- Do you think people have enough physical activity these days? Why/why not?
- What outdoor activities are popular among people of different ages in your country? Why?
- How can people find more chances to do some physical activity in their busy schedules?
- Are there any physical activities that you’d consider harmful?
- What can team sports teach people?
- Should children often take part in team competitions?
- What disadvantages do competitions have?
- Why do you think so many people like to watch team sports?
- Do most people like to do any extreme sports?
- Why do you think extreme sports’ popularity has risen lately?
- What risk factors do extreme sports have?
- Why would people do extreme sports despite their dangers?
- Does everyone like physical risk? Why/why not?
- Should everyone try a risky sport at least once? Why/why not?
 recent changes in your hometown

Vocab :

1. suitable for /ˈsuːtəb(ə)l/ (adj.) = right for a particular purpose, person or situation

2. scenery /ˈsiːnəri/ (n.) = natural things such as trees, hills and lakes that you can see in a particular place

3. to be born and bred (phr.) = used for saying where sb was born and grew up

4. sth takes your breath away (phr.) = sth is very amazing, beautiful or inspiring

5. it is getting better/worse (phr.) = things are becoming better/worse

6. no longer a place like home (phr.) = used when a place does not remind you of home, usually due to negative changes

7. sth sprouted like mushrooms /spraʊtɪd/ (phr.) = sth appeared suddenly in big numbers

8. relentless urbanization /rɪˈlentləsˌɜː(r)bənaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = a continual process by which cities grow bigger

9. the influx of /ˈɪnflʌks/ (n.) = a large number of people or things coming to a particular place

10. a car-free zone (n.) = space in the city where cars are not allowed

11. central business district (CBD) /ˌsiː biː ˈdiː/ = the area of a city where the most important businesses and shops are located

12. noisy and smoggy /smɒɡi/ (phr.) = loud and polluted

13. to be rendered obsolete by sb /ˈrendə(r)ˌɒbsəˈliːt/ (phr.) = to be announced as no longer used and replaced by sth newer

14. to be displaced by sth /dɪsˈpleɪst/ (phr.) = to be taken place by sth else

15. population ageing /ˈeɪdʒɪŋ/ (phr.) = the population is becoming old

16. a birth rate (n.) = the officially recorded number of births in a particular year or place

17. population density /ˈdensəti/ (phr.) = the number of people in a place

18. overcrowded /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈkraʊdɪd/ (adj.) = containing too many people

19. old-fashioned /ˌəʊld ˈfæʃ(ə)nd/ (adj.) = no longer modern or fashionable

20. avant-garde /ˌævɒŋˈɡɑː(r)d/ (adj.) = very modern and may shock people because it is so different from what has gone before

21. a critical juncture /ˈdʒʌŋktʃə(r)/ (phr.) = a very important stage in a process

22. A has fundamentally changed B /ˌfʌndəˈment(ə)li/ (phr.) = A has changed B in a very important or basic way

23. to be a milestone /ˈmaɪlˌstəʊn/ (n.) = an event or achievement that marks an important stage in a process

24. sth is no longer a necessity (phr.) = sth isn’t needed anymore

25. thriving economy /ˈθraɪvɪŋ/ (phr.) = very successful economy

26. sluggish economy /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/ (phr.) = not improving as quickly as necessary

27. to transform sth /trænsˈfɔː(r)m/ (v.) = to make sth completely different

28. to evolve /ɪˈvɒlv/ (v.) = to gradually change and develop over a period of time

Part 3. :
- Why do cities change?
- What affects changes in places?
- How have cities in your country changed over the years?
- How do you see the future change in cities?
- Does the countryside also evolve? How?
- Is it easy to keep up with the changes around us? Why/why not?
- Who adjusts more easily to a change, young people or older people? Why?
- How do technological advances influence places?
- Is the government controlling the extent of changes in your country? Why/why not?
- Can a change be bad? How?
- Do you think we will not be able to catch up with the changes around us in the future?
- How does a change make one feel? Why?
 something you did last weekend/last summer or winter holidays/perfect holidays away from home/a time when you stayed away form home

Vocab :

1. booked solid /ˈsɒlɪd/ (phr.) = completely booked (of a hotel)

2. to escape reality (phr.) = to avoid everyday life

3. a holidaymaker /ˈhɒlɪdeɪˌmeɪkə(r)/ (n.) = a person who is visiting a place for their holiday

4. to have the time of your life (phr.) = to have a wonderful time

5. to book a flight (phr.) = to reserve a flight

6. to flock to /flɒk/ (v.) = to gather together in a large group because there is sth interesting

7. a backpacker /ˈbækˌpækə(r)/ (n.) = sb who travels around an area on foot or public transport, often carrying a backpack

8. a souvenir /ˌsuːvəˈnɪə(r)/ (n.) = sth that you buy during a holiday or at a special event to remind you later of being there

9. a travel agency (n.) = a business that helps people plan holidays and make travel arrangements

10. to book a package tour (phr.) = to reserve a holiday arranged by a travel company for a fixed price that included the cost of your hotel and transport

11. peak season /piːk/ (phr.) = a time in the year when most tourists visit a place

12. slack season /slæk/ (phr.) = not busy season

13. jet lag (n.) = the feeling of being very tired and sometimes confused because you have travelled quickly on a plane across parts of the world where the time is different

14. commercialized /kəˈmɜː(r)ʃəlaɪzd/ (adj.) = changed from sth enjoyable or important into sth that exists to make a profit

15. a holiday resort /rɪˈzɔː(r)t/ (n.) = a place where a lot of people go on holiday, usually one with a lot of hotels, bars etc.

16. to go on your own (phr.) = to go alone

17. holiday snaps /snæps/ (phr.) = a photo taken without the use of professional equipment on holidays

18. vibrant /ˈvaɪbrənt/ (adj.) = lively and exciting

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

20. off the beaten track (phr.) = far away from the places that people usually visit

21. a trek /trek/ (n.) = a walk that seems long and difficult

22. to get away from it all (phr.) = to talk about sth different from what you should be talking about

23. remote /rɪˈməʊt/ (adj.) = far away from other cities or people

24. unspoiled /ʌnˈspɔɪld/ (adj.) = a place that has not been changed in ways that make it less beautiful or enjoyable

25. to recharge your batteries (phr.) = to regain energy

Part 3. :
- What are the most popular holiday destinations in your country? Why?
- Which are the main holiday times for people in your country?
- What sorts of holidays are popular among people in your country?
- Are holidays longer now than in the past? Why/why not?
- Do you think some professionals (e.g. doctors, teachers) should have longer holidays than others? Why/why not?
- What benefits can going away on holidays bring? Why?
- How is staying at home during holidays good? Why?
- What factors should people take into consideration when choosing their holiday destination? Why?
- What preparations need to be made before going on holidays? Why?
- Should people learn something about the culture of the place they want to visit? Why/why not?
- How can time-off be beneficial to workers? Why?
- What advantages do companies offering good holiday packages have? Why?
- Why do you think some people never go on holidays?
- Why is it so difficult for some people to go on holidays?
- Why do people like to travel away from home?
- How do people prefer to travel long-distance today? Why?
- How did people travel long-distance in the past? Why?
- Why do you think some people have the money, have the time but never travel anywhere?
- What can one learn from travelling? Why?
- Do young people experience travels the same way as older people? Why/why not?
- Isn’t it just enough to watch remote places on TV? Why do people need to go there in person?
- What’s the best way to remember person’s travel? Why?
- How does globalisation affect people’s travel? Why?
- Does the fact that more and more people travel make the world more similar? Why/why not?
- How does excessive travel influence the environment? Why?
- Should the number of world travellers be decreased? If so, how? Who should be responsible for that?
- When people travel, do they prefer to stay at hotels or with friends and relatives? Why?
- Do you think we should help around the house when we are guests? Why/who not?
- Do you think that staying at friend’s place can feel the same as being at home? Why/why not?
- What factors do people in your country take into consideration when choosing a hotel? Why?
- How important is it for service to be friendly towards hotel customers? Why?
- Are luxurious facilities really needed? Why?
- Is the hospitality industry well developed in your country? Why/why not?
- Do many people seek jobs in the hospitality industry? Why/why not?
- Are there any rules set for the restaurants and hotels in your country? If so, who sets them? Why?
- Do you think the hospitality industry is important to your country? Why/why not? If so, in what way?
 your favourite way of communicating with others

Vocab :

1. preferable /ˈpref(ə)rəb(ə)l/ (adj.) = more suitable or useful than sth else

2. sth caters to the demand and economic situation /ˈkeɪtə(r)z/ (phr.) = sth provides what is necessary

3. economical /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk(ə)l/ (adj.) = not costing or spending much money

4. time-saving (adj.) = designed to help you to do sth more quickly

5. information highway /ˈhaɪˌweɪ/ (phr.) = the fastest way to provide information

6. to stay in touch (phr.) = to stay in communication

7. across the miles (phr.) = between long distances

8. to go door to door (phr.) = to take sb directly from one place to the place they need to go to

9. to put pen to paper (phr.) = to start writing sth

10. freedom of expression (phr.) = the right to say and do whatever you want

11. to protect whistleblowers (phr.) = to protect sb who reports dishonest or illegal activities within an organization to sb in authority

12. to break down barriers /ˈbæriə(r)z/ (phr.) = to remove problems

13. to get your wires crossed (phr.) = if two people get their wires crossed, they become confused because they each think that the other one is talking about sth else

14. government snooping (phr.) = to secretely try to get private information

15. to be hooked on social networking (phr.) = to be very attracted by social networking

16. to be glued to a screen (phr.) = to be looking at the screen and not paying attention to anything else

17. automation /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ (n.) = a system that uses machines to do work instead of people

Part 3. :
- What is the most common way to communicate with others in your culture? Why?
- What kinds of problems do people need to face when using phones?
- Is talking to a person face to face just like talking to someone on the phone? Why/why not?
- Do people in your culture still write letters? If so, when?
- Some people prefer to write a letter than an email. Why do you think that is?
- What are some disadvantages of letters?
- What are some disadvantages of emails?
- Were letters important to people in the past? Why/why not?
- Do you think in the future people will only write emails and traditional letters will disappear? Why/why not?
- How do modern means of communication affect people’s work?
- Is it good to be able to be contacted 27/4? Why/why not?
- How does modern technology influence the quality of relationships between people?
 how you learnt about science when you were at school

Vocab :

1. to analyse /ˈænəlaɪz/ (v.) = to study or examine sth in detail

2. a genius /ˈdʒiːniəs/ (n.) = sb who is much more intelligent or skilful than other people

3. to learn sth by heart (phr.) = to memorize sth

4. students’ autonomy /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ (phr.) = the power to make their own decisions by students in their learning process

5. a scientific breakthrough /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪkˈbreɪkθruː/ (phr.) = a discovery in science

6. the advent of sth /ˈædvent/ (n.) = the introduction of a new idea etc.

7. to supersede sth/supplant sth /ˌsuːpə(r)ˈsiːd/səˈplɑːnt/ (v.) = to replace sth because it’s more useful or more modern

8. genetic engineering (n.) = the practice or science of adding genes to a living thing

9. to experiment with sth /ɪkˈsperɪˌment/ (v.) = to try ne ideas, methods or activities in order to find out what results they will have

10. to satisfy human curiosity /ˈsætɪsfaɪ/ (phr.) = to give one’s curiosity what it needs

11. a hard-won discovery (phr.) = a discovery achieved only after a lot of effort

12. artificial intelligence (n.) = the use of computer technology to make computers and other machines think and do things in the way that people can

13. to propose a hypothesis /haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/ (phr.) = to suggest an idea that attempts to explain sth but has not yet been tested or proved

14. a phenomenon /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ (n.) = an event or situation that can be seen to happen or exist

15. empirical evidence /ɪmˈpɪrɪk(ə)l/ (phr.) = evidence based on real experience or scientific experiments rather than on theory

16. repeatable procedures /prəˈsiːdʒə(r)z/ (phr.) = a way of doing sth that is often repeated

17. a facet of sth /ˈfæsɪt/ (n.) = an aspect of sth

18. a biased interpretation of the results /ˈbaɪəst/ (phr.) = an unfair interpretation of the results

19. to come under close scrutiny /ˈskruːtɪni/ (phr.) = to be carefully examined

20. to verify the results /ˈverɪfaɪ/ (phr.) = to check the results

21. to replicate sth /ˈreplɪkeɪt/ (v.) = to make sth again in the same way as before

Part 3. :
- When do students in your country start learning science? Is it too early? Why/why not?
- Do you think young children should learn science? Why/why not?
- Who is usually more into science, boys or girls? Why?
- How can children learn about science outside school?
- Can learning science influence children’s development process? In what way?
- What are some of the most important areas of science today?
- Who should fund scientific research? Why?
- Should scientists from different countries share their discoveries with others? Why/why not?
- Do you think a scientist should be responsible for how their discovery is used? Why/why not?
- What’s the main purpose of science?
- Can scientists be trusted? Do they always work bearing in mind the well-being of the ordinary people? Why/why not?
- Should there be rules controlling scientific research? Why/why not? If so, who should set them? Why?
 the process of getting a driving license in your country

Vocab :

1. reckless driving /ˈrekləs/ (n.) = driving without thinking about the possible bad effects of your actions

2. drink-driving (n.) = driving after you have drunk too much alcohol

3. to impair a person’s driving ability /ɪmˈpeə(r)/ (phr.) = to make a person’s ability to drive less effective

4. to get somewhere safe and sound (phr.) = to get somewhere without problems

5. to go over the speed limit (phr.) = to drive faster than the law allows

6. to block sb/sth in (v.) = to stop sb from moving their car out of a place

7. to flag sb down (v.) = to wave at the driver of a car so that they stop

8. to pull over (v.) = to stop by the side of the road

9. at a snail’s pace (phr.) = very slowly

10. to fill up the car (phr.) = to deliver petrol to the car

11. a driving school (n.) = a school where you can study how to drive a car

12. a theoretical test /ˌθɪəˈretɪk(ə)l/ (phr.) = a test asking questions about driving rules one needs to take to be able to get a driver’s licence

13. a road test (phr.) = a practical test where one needs to show they can drive a car

14. a penalty point (n.) = an official note made on your driving licence because you have done sth wrong while driving

Part 3. :
- At what age do people in your country start driving? Why?
- Do you think people in your country are good drivers? Why/why not?
- Who makes a better driver, a man or a woman? Why?
- Is it easy to pass a driving test in your country? Why/why not?
- Are cars expensive in your country?
- What makes of cars are the most popular in your country? Why?
- What is the system of penalties for bad driving?
- Do road accidents happen often in your country? Why/why not?
- What are some common reasons for road accidents?
- Do you think we will drive different types of vehicles in the future? If so, what kind?
- How does a large number of cars affect environment? Why?
 something you do to stay healthy

Vocab :

1. a wholesome diet /ˈhəʊls(ə)m/ (phr.) = a diet consisting of food that is good for you

2. an unhealthy diet (phr.) = a diet consisting of food that is bad for you

3. greasy /ˈɡriːsi/ (adj.) = prepared with a lot of oil or fat

4. beauty sleep (n.) = sleep considered to be sufficient to keep one looking young and beautiful

5. to cut down on sth (v.) = to reduce the amount of sth

6. an intake of /ˈɪnteɪk/ (n.) = the amount of sth that you eat or drink

7. a fast food junkie (phr.) = a person who is addicted to eating fast food

8. a carbonated drink /ˈkɑː(r)bəˌneɪtɪd/ (phr.) = with small bubbles of air in it

9. dietary habits /ˈdaɪət(ə)ri/ (phr.) = habits related to the foods that sb eats

10. protein-rich food /ˈprəʊtiːn/ (phr.) = food such as meat, eggs, milk that people need in order to grow and be healthy

11. genetically-modified food /dʒəˌnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/ (phr.) = food that has its genetic structure changed in order to make it look or taste better

12. to minimise the risk of sth /ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/ (phr.) = to reduce the risk of sth

13. to keep one’s figure (phr.) = to stay in shape

14. to be health-conscious (adj.) = concerned about how healthy one’s diet and lifestyle are

15. an exercise regimen /ˈredʒɪmən/ (phr.) = a programme of exercise for improving your health

16. self-discipline (n.) = the ability to control your behaviour so that you do what you should do

17. an immune system (n.) = the system in your body that protects you against diseases

18. sth has taken its toll on one’s health (phr.) = sth has harmed or damaged one’s health

19. a chronic disease /ˈkrɒnɪk/ (n.) = a serious disease which lasts for a long time

20. to contract a disease /kənˈtrækt/ (phr.) = to become infected with a disease

21. to feel under the weather (phr.) = to not feel too well

22. high cholesterol /kəˈlestərɒl/ (phr.) = too much of a substance found in the blood and the cells of the body

23. high blood pressure (phr.) = a medical condition when blood flows from your heart around your body in an abnormal way

24. a workout /ˈwɜː(r)kaʊt/ (n.) = an occasion when you do physical exercise

25. agile /ˈædʒaɪl/ (adj.) = able to move quickly and easily

26. stiff /stɪf/ (adj.) = with pain in muscles and unable to move easily

27. sluggish /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/ (adj.) = not moving as quickly as usual

28. a splitting headache /ˈsplɪtɪŋ/ (phr.) = a very bad pain in your head

29. to put sb at their ease (phr.) = to make sb relaxed

30. an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (phr.) = it is easier to stop sth from happening in the first place than to repair the damage after it has happened

31. your body heals and repairs itself (phr.) = used to tell someone that their ailing can be healed on its own

32. vitamin supplementation /ˈvɪtəmɪntˌsʌplɪmenˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = the process of adding all necessary vitamins to food in order to keep your body healthy

33. to cut down on sugar and caffeine /ˈkæfiːn/ (phr.) = to reduce sugar and a substance in coffee and tea that makes you feel awake

34. a breakfast skipper (phr.) = a person who never eats breakfast

35. a toxin /ˈtɒksɪn/ (n.) = a poisonous substance that causes disease

36. isometric exercises /ˌaɪsəʊˈmetrɪk/ (phr.) = exercises involving isometrics

37. to make a conscious effort to eat healthily (phr.) = to decide to eat healthily

38. quantifiable health benefits /ˈkwɒntɪˌfaɪəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = benefits to health that can be measured or seen

Part 3. :
- What are the most common ways for people in your country to stay fit?
- Do people of all ages care about their health in your country? How?
- Do men and women do the same things to stay fit? Why/why not?
- Do you think doing sports or exercises is the best way to stay fit? Why/why not? What is?
- Why do you think some people don’t do anything to help them stay healthy today?
- Do you have Physical Education at school in your country? Do students like it? Why/why not?
- What can schools do to inspire students to stay fit?
- What’s the best way to reduce stress, either from work or school? Why?
- Do you think that old people care more about their health than young people? Why?
- Whose responsibility is it to keep people healthy? Why?
- Are there any government campaigns to raise public health awareness? Why/why not? Do you think there should be?
- What could governments do to protect citizens’ health?
- Do you think it is easy to relax for most people? Why/why not?
- What lifestyle changes could people make to improve their health?
- Do schools in your country teach children about the importance of health? Why/why not? Should they?
- How can media affect people’s understanding of health?
- Do you think doctors should explain the importance of health to people or only treat their health problems? Why?
- How do employers in your country look after their workers’ health? Why?
- Are there any governmental laws protecting employees’ health in your country? Why/why not?
- How important is the general health of the society?
PLACES
 a beautiful house/apartment/you visited (and liked)/you room/your favourite room in your home/an ideal home you would like to have in the future

Vocab :

1. decent decoration /ˈdiːs(ə)nt/ (phr.) = good decoration

2. fancy furniture /ˈfænsi/ (phr.) = expensive and fashionable furniture

3. Feng Shui /ˌfʌŋ ˈʃweɪ/ (n.) = a Chinese philosophy which states that the position of buildings and the arrangement of objects in the home affects the health and well-being of people living there

4. minimalism /ˈmɪnɪm(ə)lˌɪz(ə)m/ (n.) = using the smallest possible range of materials, colours, decorations etc.

5. cramped /kræmpt/ (adj.) = small and crowded

6. to raise the social status (phr.) = to increase your position in society

7. newly bought (adj.) = just bought

8. south-facing (adj.) = a place facing the south

9. spacious /ˈspeɪʃəs/ (adj.) = having a lot of space inside

10. a bungalow /ˈbʌŋɡəˌləʊ/ (n.) = a house that is all on one level

11. a villa/ˈvɪlə/ (n.) = a large house with a big garden in a warm country or region

12. cosy /ˈkəʊzi/ (adj.) = warm and comfortable

13. wide window-sill with lilies in full bloom (phr.)

14. an apartment complex (phr.) = a block of flats

15. a landlord/landlady /ˈlæn(d)ˌlɔː(r)d/ˈlæn(d)ˌleɪdi/ (n.) = a man/woman who owns a house, flat or room that people can rent

16. a tenant /ˈtenənt/ (n.) = sb who rents a flat from a person who owns it

17. a lease /liːs/ (n.) = a legal contract in which you agree to pay to use sb else’s building for a specific period of time

18. a mortgage /ˈmɔː(r)ɡɪdʒ/ (n.) = a legal agreement in which you borrow money from a bank in order to buy a house

19. to flip a house (phr.) = the act of purchasing a home with the intention of selling it in the near future for a profit

20. a wooded lot (phr.) = a lot with many trees

21. a floor plan (phr.) = how the inside of the house is set up

22. a ritzy area /ˈrɪtsi/ (phr.) = neighbourhood where homes are expensive and fancy

23. student digs /dɪɡz/ (phr.) = a room or flat that you rent to live in as a student

24. with all the mod cons /ˌmɒd ˈkɒnz/ (phr.) = with all the equipment in your house that make life easy and comfortable

Part 3. :
- What type of housing is most common in your country? Why?
- Are houses in urban areas the same or different from houses in the countryside? Why?
- Do people in your country usually own their houses or rent them? Why?
- Do people of different ages prefer to live in different types of houses? Why?
- What materials are often used in modern housing? Why?
- What materials were used in traditional housing in your country? Why?
- Do cities in your country have many homeless people? Does anyone help them? If so, how?
- What are most common housing problems in your country?
- Do more people prefer small or large rooms? Why?
- Do you think everyone likes to have at least one room to themselves? Why/why not?
- How can a person make their room more pleasant?
- Do you think that the looks of a given business site’s reception area contribute to the success of that business? Why/why not? How?
- Can a workplace’s layout influence the way workers do their jobs? Why/why not?
- Should workers be allowed to personalize their desks? Why/why not?
- Are buildings in different countries designed in the same or different way? Why?
- How are modern buildings different from buildings in the past?
- Should environment be taken into consideration when planning buildings in the future? Why/why not?
- Do most people prefer to live in the countryside or city? Why?
- Do you think most youngsters prefer to live in a house? Why/why not?
- Where do older people like to live? Why?
- Do many people design their own homes? Why/why not?
- Are traditional types of houses still important to build? Why/why not?
- Can global warming influence the style of houses we will have in the future? Why/why not?
- Should modern houses only be built in the city? Why/why not?
- Who controls building construction in your country?
- Is it government’s responsibility to provide housing for its citizens? Why/why not?
- What are the biggest drawbacks of living in a high-rise building?
- What are the main advantages of living in the countryside?
- What factors should be taken into account when designing a house? Why?
- Is it important for urban buildings to look beautiful? Why/why not?
- Are there any regulations regarding urban housing? If so, who sets them?
- Should historic buildings be kept?
- Do historic buildings waste public’s money? Why/why not?
- Are outdoor spaces needed in towns? Why/why not?
- Do you think town centres should be mainly commercial areas or residential ones? Why?
- What are the most common types of homes in your country?
- What were some common types of homes in the past?
- What is the best type of home for a family? Why?
- What are some advantages of living in an old house?
- What are some disadvantages of living in an old house?
- How do people in your country choose a place to live in?
- Is it important to live close to family members? Why/why not?
- How can small homes be better than big homes?
- What makes an area a popular one for living in your country?
- What makes a house a home?
- Why would people choose to live in the countryside?
- How can governments encourage more people to live in rural areas?
- Can people in your country build a house wherever they want in the countryside? Why/why not?
- Do you think that life in the countryside is peaceful and harmonious? Why/why not?
- How can people living in the countryside benefit from the harmony in rural areas?
 a café/a restaurant you love going to

Vocab :

1. grotesque /ɡrəʊˈtesk/ (adj.)

2. to be a regular at (place) (phr.) = to go to a place often to eat

3. to dine /daɪn/ (v.) = to eat dinner

4. to specialize in (what kind of food) /ˈspeʃəlaɪz/ (phr.) = to be an expert in a particular part of a subject or profession

5. a chef /ʃef/ (n.) = sb who cooks food in a restaurant as their job

6. a fussy eater /ˈfʌsi/ (phr.) = a person who has very particular demands when eating

7. dietary requirements /ˈdaɪət(ə)ri/ (phr.) = special things sb can’t eat

8. teetotal /tiːˈtəʊt(ə)l/ (adj.) = sb who never drinks alcohol

9. to be wined and dined (phr.) = to be invited out to restaurants

10. attentive service (phr.) = kind service

11. takes my mind off work (phr.) = allows me not to think about work

12. to hang around (v.) = to spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing

13. food hygiene /ˈhaɪdʒiːn/ (phr.) = food cleanliness

14. food supplies (phr.) = the amount of food available to eat

15. it’s down a small street (phr.) = it’s not on the main road

16. a real best kept secret (phr.) = a treasure

17. on the outskirts /ˈaʊtˌskɜː(r)ts/ (phr.) = not downtown

18. to dip sth in vinegar /dɪp/ (phr.) = to put a piece of food into vinegar for better flavour before eating it

19. picturesque /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ (adj.) = attractive

20. to enjoy your meal without feeling rushed (phr.) = to eat slowly for pleasure

21. to make a mess on my clothes (phr.) = to spill some food or drinks over your clothes

22. alcoholic beverages /ˌælkəˈhɒlɪk/ (phr.) = drinks containing alcohol

23. filling /ˈfɪlɪŋ/ (adj.) = makes you feel full quickly

24. good/bad digestion /daɪˈdʒestʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = good/bad ability to digest food

25. café latte /ˈkæfeɪ ˈlɑːteɪ/ (n.) = a drink made by mixing espresso (strong coffee) with ot milk with lots of bubbles of air in it

26. jasmine tea /ˈdʒæzmɪn/ (n.) = tea made of a climbing plant with white, yello or pink flowers that have a strong smell

27. a bite to eat /baɪt/ (n.) = a small piece of food

28. leftovers /ˈleftˌəʊvə(r)z/ (n.) = the food that remains at the end of a meal after you have finished eating

29. a doggy bag (n.) = a bag or box that you take home from a restaurant, containing the food that you did not finish eating

Part 3. :
- Why do you think people go to a restaurant when they want to celebrate?
- Do people in your country often eat in restaurants? Why/why not?
- Why would people in your country choose to dine in a restaurant?
- What are main disadvantages of eating in restaurants in your country?
- Are fast food restaurants popular in your country? Why/why not?
- What place would you call a good restaurant? Why?
- Which one is better, a small local restaurant or a large international chain? Why?
- Apart from food, what else can make a restaurant successful? Why?
- Are the most expensive restaurants always the best ones? Why/why not?
- Do people look at diets differently now than in the past? Why/why not?
- Should governments provide advice on healthy food to the public? Why/why not?
- How will food production change in the future? Will science change what we eat? Why/why not?
 a colourful place you have been to/an unforgettable place/an unusual place you have been to/you visited for a short time but would like to go back to

Vocab :

1. visual tiredness /ˈvɪʒʊəl/ (phr.) = tired of the things you see

2. eye-catching (adj.) = attractive or unusual and therefore noticed

3. a theme park /θiːm/ (n.) = a large park where people pay to play games and have fun and where all the entertainment is designed according to one theme

4. to gaze at sth /ɡeɪz/ (v.) = to look at sb or sth for a long time

5. breathtaking /ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ/ (adj.) = extremely impressive or beautiful

6. out of the ordinary (phr.) = unusual or different

7. pastel colours /ˈpæst(ə)l/ (phr.) = pale soft colours

8. a tinge of green /tɪndʒ/ (phr.) = a bit of green

9. scintillating /ˈsɪntɪˌleɪtɪŋ/ (adj.) = very impressive, interesting or clever

10. jazzy /ˈdʒæzi/ (adj.) = bright, colourful and attractive

11. buzzworthy /ˈbʌzˌwɜː(r)ði/ (adj.) = likely to create interest and attention

Part 3. :
- What are the most common types of landscapes in your country? Why?
- Why do you think people enjoy looking at natural landscapes?
- How can large numbers of tourists damage natural areas?
- What kinds of people enjoy exploring new areas?
- Why do people have the need to explore remote parts of the world?
- What kind of a person could be a good explorer? Why?
- How can explorers finance their journeys?
- Do you think our way of life is affected by our area of living?
- Is it important for cultures to vary? Why/why not?
- Would it be good to have just one universal culture across the world? Why/why not?
- Why are some phenomena so widespread in the world?
- What colours do people in your country choose when it comes to decorating their homes? Why?
- Do you think men and women would choose the same colours to paint their walls in? Why/why not?
- How can colours of our surroundings affect the way we feel?
- Is colour usually important in things you buy? Why/why not?
- Can certain colours make people buy more? Why/why not?
- Why do you think business people always wear dark colours?
- What role does colour play in advertising? Why?
- Are colours and pictures important for a course book? Why/why not?
- How can pictures help students study?
- Do think bright adverts add to the cityscape? Why/why not?
- Would you say people pay too much attention to appearance nowadays?
- What places are suitable for a short visit in your country? Why?
- Do you think one can really know a place after a short stay? Why/why not?
- What are the biggest advantages of a short trip over a long journey?
- Why do you think some people like to go back to the place they visited before?
- Do you think a second visit to the same place feels the same as the first one? Why/why not?
- Do many people in your country choose to go to the same holiday spot every year? Why/why not?
- Is tourism developing in your country?
- Do you think people should first get to know their own country before they travel abroad? Why/why not?
- Is it important for tourists to be aware of cultural differences when they travel? Why/why not?
- Do you think tourism industry might change in the future? Why/why not? If so, how?
 a country you would like to visit/you visited and would like to visit again/you think is interesting

Vocab :

1. to adapt to /əˈdæpt/ (v.) = to change your ideas or behaviour so that you can deal with a new situation

2. to deal with the sense of loss (phr.) = to handle the loss of sth well

3. to get used to patterns of learning (phr.) = to become familiar with ways of learning

4. to go abroad /əˈbrɔːd/ (phr.) = to go to a foreign country

5. to go overseas /ˈəʊvə(r)siːz/ (phr.) = to go to a country across the sea from your country

6. affordable accommodation /əˈfɔː(r)dəb(ə)l/ (phr.) = cheap enough for ordinary people to afford

7. allure /əˈlʊə(r)/ (n.) = a special, exciting and attractive quality that sb or sth has

8. a national anthem /ˈænθəm/ (n.) = the official song of a particular country that people sing on special occasions

9. currency /ˈkʌrənsi/ (n.) = money that is used in a particular country

10. a native language /ˈneɪtɪv/ (n.) = the first language that we learn in the country where we were born

11. a flag /flæɡ/ (n.) = a piece of cloth decorated with the pattern and colours that represent a country

12. a landmark /ˈlæn(d)ˌmɑː(r)k/ (n.) = a famous building or object that you can see and recognize easily

13. a culture shock (n.) = the nervous and confused feeling that people sometimes get when they arrive in a place that has a very different culture from their own

14. a cross-cultural experience (phr.) = an experience involving different cultures

15. heritage /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (n.) = the art, buildings, traditions and beliefs that a society considers important to its history and culture

16. bizarre gestures /bɪˈzɑː(r) ˈdʒestʃə(r)/ (phr.) = strange movements that communicate feelings

17. to make a false assumption /əˈsʌmpʃ(ə)n/ (phr.) = to have the wrong idea about sth