SPEAKING PART 1 INTRO QUESTIONS

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SPEAKING PART 1 INTRO QUESTIONS

First set of questions, asked to almost all students

SPEAKING PART 1 INTRO QUESTIONS

• May I know your full name?

My full name is Kiranpreet Kaur Makkar.

(Note: Full name means given name + middle name if any + surname. Mostly students will speak the name given in the passport, which may not have the surname. So, you must speak your full name in answer to this question)

• How may I address you?

You may address me as Kiran.

(Note 1: Here you may even speak your nickname. It just means that while asking the next questions, the examiner will call you by that name.

Note 2: Many students start speaking their address here. Here, the word ‘address’ has been used as a verb, which means ‘call’. In other words, the question is – How may I call you?)

• May I see your ID?

Here is my passport. (Note: open the first page of the passport and show it to the examiner. You don’t need to say ‘Yes’)

• Where do you come from?

I come from Phagwara. It is a small town between Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

2.                  Work or Studies

(General Training students are likely to be asked questions related to their job experience which could be personal)

WORK

1. What work do you do? (personal answer)

• Why did you choose to do that type of work (or that job)? I chose that work, because I was interested in it.

• Do you like your job?

Yes, I like my job. It is very interesting.

• Is it very interesting? Yes, it is very interesting.

• Do you miss being a student?

Yes, I miss being a student. Now, when I look back I realize that they were the happiest days of my life.

STUDIES

1. What subject(s) are you studying?

I’ve just completed my senior secondary in commerce stream. Now I wish to go abroad for my higher education.

• Why did you choose to study that subject/those subjects? I chose these subjects because I was interested in them.

• Do you like your subject? Why/Why not?

Yes, I like my subjects. I think they’re very interesting.

• Is it very interesting?

Yes, my subjects are very interesting.

• Are you looking forward to working?

Yes, I’m looking forward to a part-time job when I go abroad to study.

• Do you prefer to study in the mornings or afternoons?

I prefer to study in the mornings because at that time I feel very fresh and I can concentrate on my studies.

3. Home_/Accommodation

1. Do you live in a house or flat? Or What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in? I live in a house. It is a two storey brick house.

• Please describe it a little.

It is a two storey brick house. There’re four bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a drawing room. There is a small lawn in the front and a kitchen garden in the backyard.

• What’s your favorite room in your home?

My favorite room is my own room, because I’ve decorated it according to my taste.

• What have you done to your room to make it look nice?

I keep my room spic and span. The walls are painted light pink because it is my favorite color. There are floral curtains.

• Who do you live with?

I live with my parents and brother.

• Which room does your family spend most of the time in?

My family spends most time in the living room. We have our meals there. We watch TV together and also entertain informal guests in that room.

• How long have you lived there? I have lived there since my birth.

• Do you plan to live there a long time?

Presently I plan to go abroad for my studies. But, but I love my home and would like to come back there.

• (If you answer you haven’t lived there long) What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?

1. What do you usually do in your house/flat/room?

I do many things in my house. I spend time with my parents, eat there, sleep there, Study there and entertaining guests in my house.

1. Are the transport facilities to your home very good?

Yes, the transport facilities to my house are very good. The bus service is ready frequent and the railway station is also very near.

1. Do you plan to move?

I plan to go abroad for higher education. Apart from that I do not plan to move.

1. Would you like to move to another place to live? (Why/why not?)

I plan to go abroad for my higher education. If I like it there, I might think of settling there.

1. Are you prepared to move? No, I am not prepared to move.

4.           Hometown

1. What’s (the name of) your hometown?

I am from Phagwara, which a small but beautiful town between Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

• Is it a big city or a small place?

It is a town with a population of about 1.5 lakhs. It is on the national highway.

• Please describe your hometown a little.

My hometown is very beautiful. All facilities are available here. There are good educational facilities, good hospitals, good job opportunities and already good shopping center.

• How long have you been living there? I have been living there since my birth.

• Do you like your hometown? Yes, I love my hometown.

• Do you like living there? Yes, I like living there.

• Would you say it’s an interesting place?

Yes, I would say it is an interesting place. The shopping center is very nice. In fact it is called a shoppers paradise. There are many historical places. There are three Sikh temples.

• What do you like (most) about your hometown?

I like everything about my hometown, but what I like the most is that it does on the main road and so it is well connected by roadways and railways

• What’s your favorite part of your hometown?

My favorite part of my hometown is a park, where I go every morning for my morning walk.

1. Is there anything you dislike about it?

As such there is nothing I dislike about my hometown, but yes, the drainage system could be improved. Whenever there is rainfall there is a lot of water logging on the roads.

1. Do you think you will continue living there for long time?

Yes, I think I would continue living there for a long time. I wish to go abroad for sometime for my higher education, but would definitely like to come back here.

1. Are there any tourist attractions in your hometown?

Yes, there are two Sikh temples, dedicated to the sixth guru of Sikhs. There is an ancient Shiva Temple and there is a famous hotel Haveli, which is very popular among the tourists.

1. Did your friends also grow up in the same place as you? Yes, most of my school friends grew up in the same place.

1. Would you like to live there in the future?

Yes, I would like to live there in the future because it’s a beautiful place.

5.  Text Messaging

1. Do you like texting?

Yes I like to chat with people using text messages because it is very convenient.

• Do you prefer sending or receiving messages?

I don’t have any specific preference, I send messages when it is necessary or if I want to talk to somene. Similary, I receive messages from others.

• Have you ever received a confusing text message?

Well I might have refused a confusing message but I am not able to recall it at this moment.

• In what circumstances is making a phone call better than sending a text messages?

In case of emergency its better to make a call than send a message because people do not read messages immediately after reading them whereas they attend the calls right away.

6.  Sports

1. Are you interested in sport?

Yes, I am interested in sports. I like watching cricket and hockey on TV. Sometimes I play badminton with my brother, on the terrace of our house.

(Similar to above) Do you like sport?

• What sports do you like? (Why?)

I like cricket, hockey, badminton and many other sports. I like watching these on TV. But I play only badminton.

• Do most people in your country like sport?

Yes most people in my country like sport. Cricket is the most popular sport. People also like hockey and football.

• (Similar to above) What sports do people in your country like to play?

India is a diverse country. People like to play all types of sports, but cricket is the most popular sport.

• What benefits do you think sport can bring us?

Playing sport and bring us many benefits. By playing competitive sports, we learn competition, and by paying team sports we learn cooperation

7.  Recycle

1. Do you recyle? Why?

Yes I do recycle because it is good for our environment.

• Did you recycle when you were a kid?

When I was a kid I was not aware about recyling. Also recycling was not so popular back then. So, I did not recyle during my childhood.

• Will you recycle in the future?

Yes, defintely I will recycle things in future as well. I think everyone should recycle whatever things they can

• What kind of things do you recyle?

I recycle things like plastic bottles, old newsapers and aluminum cans. I also gave my old phone for recycling when it stopped working.

8.  Picnic

1. Did you go on a picnic when you were a child?

Yes my parents used to take me to picnic during my childhood. We used to go on picnic during the winter or spring season.

• How often do you go on a picninc now?

Nowadays we are not going for picnic because of the pandemic but before it we used to go once in an year.

• Where do you go on a picnic?

I am from Chandigrah, the best picnic spots in my hometown are Sukhna Lake and Rose garden, so we generally go to these places.

• What is the difference between a picnic and cooking at home?

Well, when we go for picnic we take home cooked food only but eating the food while sitting in naure’s lap makes the food more delicious.

9.  List

1. Do you make a list when you shop?

Yes, I like to make a list when I shop. It helps me to remember the things I need and also prevents me from doing impulsive shopping.

• Do you make a list for your work or study? (Does it work?)

Well I don’t do it all the time but sometimes when my exams are near or if I am working on something important I like to create a list.

• Why don’t some people like making lists?

Some people are good at remembering things, so they consider writing lists as a waste of time.

• Do you prefer to make a list on paper or your phone?

I prefer to make a list on the notes app in my phone, as it is always with me, whereas I lose the paper bits easily.

10.              Meeting New People

1. Do you like meeting new people?

Yes I love meeting new people because I like to make friends and discuss new ideas.

• How do you feel when people welcome you?

I feel great and happy when people welcome me. I think it is a great way to show care and love for your guests.

• Do you often meet new people?

Yes I often meet new people but nowdays due to the pandemic I have been staying home, so I have not been able to meet anyone new.

• Can you tell if you like someone when you meet them for the first time? Why?

No, it takes me a lot of meetings to actually like someone. I take time to understand people.

11.        Discussion

1. What do you like to talk about?

I like to discuss news and recent events. Sometimes I like to talk about life in general.

• Have your discussion topics changed since you were a child?

Yes when I was a child I only used to talk about toys and games but now most of my discussions are related to my studies and currentevetns

• Do you change your opinion frequently?

Well, I form my opinions on the basis of facts. If I come to know that my facts are wrong then I do change my opinion.

• Do you prefer to talk or listen?

I am more of a listener. I like to hear what people have to say.

12.        Tidiness

1. Are you a tidy person?

Yes I like to keep things tidy and don’t like to create a mess around me.

• How do you keep things tidy?

I like to keep my surroundings tidy by putting the things in their right place.

• Do you think people should be tidy all the time?

Yes people should definitely keep things tidy, this helps them to stay organised

• Are you tidier at work(school) or home?

I think I am more tidier at work(school) as compared to home because I feel more relaxed at home and sometimes I tend to procrastinate about tidying up.

13.        Gift

1. What’s the best present or gift you have ever received?

The best present that I have ever received is my mobile phone. It was gifted to me by my father on my birthday.

• Do you give expensive gifts?

Well, I have not started earning money yet so I don’t give expensive gifts.

• What do you give others as gifts?

Generally, I gift chocolates and clothes to the young and for adults I prefer to gift an home décor product.

• What kind of gifts are popular in your country?

The most popular gift in our country is money. The elderly often gift it on occasions like weddings or birthdays.

14.        Jokes and Comedies

1. Are you good at telling jokes?

Well, I try but I don’t think I am good at it because my friends do not laugh at my jokes. May be my jokes are not witty enough.

• Do your friends like to tell jokes?

Yes my friends love to share jokes. In our free time we often search for jokes on the internet.

• Do you like to watch comedies?

Yes, I love to watch comedies. I feel they are a great way to relax and spend one’s time.

• Have you ever watched a live show?

No I have never watched a live stand up comedy show but I would definitely like to experience live comedy.

15.        Shopping

1. Do you like shopping?

Yes, I am a shopaholic. I absolutely love shopping. I normally do shopping, once or twice in a month.

• Do you compare prices when you shop?

Yes, whenever I go for shopping, I normally visit 2-3 shops to get the best price.

• Is it difficult for you to make choices when you shop?

Yes, this is the most difficult part for me when I shop and because of this I waste a lot of time. Because of so many brands and different varieties of products, it is very toguh to make a quick buying decision nowadays.

16.        Newspaper & Magazine

1. Do you prefer to read newspaper or magazine?

I prefer to read the newspaper. I have a habit of reading the newspaper every morning. Magazines come only after a week or once in a month so I find it to difficult to make a routine for reading magazines.

• Do you prefer to read the news online or on a printed newspaper

Nowadays I prefer to read the news online on my mobile as it is very convenient and I can read the news, no matter where I am.

17.        Insects

1. Do you like insects?

I do not like insects. I am scared of them.

• Are there many different insects where you live?

Yes there are many insects around my house because we have lot of greenery in area which attracts the insects.

• Do you think insects are useful?

Well, I read somewhere that insects are an important part of our foodchain so I think they are useful. For example they help in fertilizing the soil.

18.        Age

1. What do you think is the best age to learn driving?

In my country, one can learn to drive when they turn 18. I think this is the right age because at this age a person’s mind and body are fully developed to handle the complexties of driving a vehicle.

• How do you feel about getting older?

I think ageing is a natural process and one should embrace it gracefully.

• Should we treat people of different ages in the same way?

No, I don’t think how we treat others should depend on their age. Irrespective of the age, everyone should be treated with love and respect.

19.        Fish

1. Why do people go fishing?

Probably, because they enjoy it and humans have been doing it for ages. Earlier it was for gathering food but now it is a hobby for some.

• Do you like eating fish?

No, I am a vegeterain. I don’t eat fish or any other meat.

• Where can you see fish?

We have a lake in the city where I live. There are a lot of fishes in that lake. Otherwise fishes can be found in rivers and oceans.

20.        Perfume

1. Do you use perfume?

Yes, I use a perfume. I have got many perfume bottles at my home.

• What kind of perfume do you like?

I like perfumes with mild fragrance. Mostly I prefer flower based scents.

• What does perfume mean to you?

Well it doesn’t hold any special meaning in my life, I treat it as any other everyday item that I use.

• Do you give perfume as a gift?

Yes, I have gifted perfumes to many of my friends. They were not very expensive.

21.        Market

1. What do street markets sell?

Street markets sell all kinds of everyday use products like groceries.

• Are there many street markets in your country?

Yes, in Inda you will find street markets in almost every city.

• What are the differences between street markets and supermarkets?

I think the basic difference in the price and quality of the products. In street markets you get low quality and cheaper products.

• Do you often go to the supermarket?

No, I don’t often go the supermarket as I don’t like shopping.

22.        Pen or Pencil

1. Do you prefer to use pen or pencil?

I prefer to use pencil because it can be erased, and mistakes can be removed. Also, I love to draw, and pencils are much better for that. They are also cheaper than pens.

• When was the last time you bought pen or pencil?

I bought a pencil set for myself at the beginning of my college year along with other stationery items like notebooks, pens, erasers, sharpeners etc. I usually buy pencils when I run out or if I see a new kind that I don’t already have.

• How would you react if someone sent you a pen as a gift?

I would be very happy if someone sends me a pen as a gift because I love to write and for me pens are a sign of creativity. My mom gifted me a set of pens last year that I still use a lot and remember her whenever I write with them.

23.                  History

1. Have you ever been to museum to learn history?

Yes, I went to the Partition Museum in Amritsar last year. It opened in 2017 and is about a 5 minute walk from Golden Temple. It has a rich collection of stories, events, arts and artifacts related to partition of India in 1947. I was brought to tears listening and reading about the sufferings of millions of people.

• Do you think history is important?

Yes, history is important. They are a lot of events that changed the world and to know about these we need to delve deep into history. History also helps us understand other cultures. History repeats itself so it’s important to learn about mistakes made in the past so that we don’t make the same mistakes in the future.

• When was the last time you read a book about history?

Last time I read a book about history was in my summer break last year. The book I read was The Discovery of India. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru wrote this book during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar fort from 1942-1946.

24.                  Cake

1. Do you like dessert?

Yes, I love dessert. In fact, I love it so much that I can skip a meal and have two portions of dessert instead. I love all kinds of desserts like cakes, ice creams, pudding, Indian sweets etcetera

• Do you like eating cakes?

I love eating cake specially the ones with chocolate. My favorite is chocolate lava cake which has molten chocolate in the middle. I enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee

• What desserts do Indian people like?

Indian people usually like Indian sweets like Gulab jamun, barfi, ladoo etc and puddings like carrots pudding, rice pudding. The younger generation likes to eat cakes and ice cream.

• Have you ever made a cake?

Yes, I have made cakes in the past. Baking is both a hobby and a stress reliever for me. I like to search for cake recipes on the internet, make them from scratch and impress my friends and family with my yummy creations.

25.                  Running

1. How often do you go for a run?

I go for a run 2-3 times a week. I would like to run more often but sometimes it’s hard to keep up because of my busy schedule.

• Where do you usually go running?

I usually go to a park near my home for running. If the weather is bad, I run on a treadmill in the gym but I prefer to run outside where I can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

• Do you like running?

I love to run, I feel it’s the best form of exercise. Running makes me happy and also helps me maintain my weight.

• Do you think running is a good way to stay healthy?

Yes, running is a very good way to stay healthy. Running adds years to your life. It can reduce stress and also improve your heart health.

26.                  Mathematics

1. When did you start learning math?

I started learning numbers in the nursery classes, but the basic math of addition and subtraction, started when I was in the 1st standard.

• Do you like math?

I am not very good at math. However, I don’t dislike math. I think it is very useful in our everyday lives.

• Who taught you math?

I have had many math teachers throughout my school and college years, who taught me math.

• Who’s your favorite teacher so far?

My favorite math teacher is Ms. Roy, who taught me math when I was in the 7th grade.

• Is math difficult for you to learn?

I don’t consider myself very good at math. I find certain aspects of it very difficult to understand. I don’t do manual calculations; I use the calculator app on my phone most of the times.

• Do you like to use a calculator?

Yes, I use the calculator app on my phone whenever I have to calculate something. I think that it is very useful, accurate and saves our time.

27.                  Music

1. Do you often (like to) listen to music?

Yes, I often listen to music. I like listening to film songs and Punjabi folk songs.

• When do you listen to music?

Whenever I’m free I listen to music. I have downloaded a few songs in my cell phone. Listening to music relaxes me.

• How much time do you spend listening to music every day? I spend an hour or two listening to music every day.

• What kinds of music do you like to listen to?

I like Hindi film songs. I also love Punjabi folk music.

• What’s your favorite kind of music?

My favorite genre of music is folk music. I also like film music.

• Have you ever been to a concert?

Yes, I have been to a concert once. There is a village near my hometown where a famous Punjabi singer comes once a year to perform for charity. Last year I went with my friends. He performed live. He always has his tambourine in his hand. It was an electrifying performance.

• Do you like to listen to live music?

Yes, I do like to listen live music. It is a different experience. In many restaurants and also in marriage functions, they have live music going on, which is very enjoyable. Concerts are also live music.

• When did you start listening to this type of music?

I remember, I specially went for GurdasMaan’s live performance in a concert last year. Before that I had never been for a live music show.

• Where do you listen to it?

Concerts may be held in concert halls, which are built for the purpose, or they may be held in any other suitable large building such as a school hall, or a large house. Some concerts are given to very large audiences in the open air. They may take place in a field or in a stadium. The music for these “open-airs”, is usually amplified by loudspeakers, so that large audiences can hear it.

1. How do you feel when you listen to this music?

I feel very relaxed when I listen to music. I feel as if all my worries and tensions have flown out of my body. I forget everything for sometime.

1. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?

Yes, I tried learning the guitar. My cousin has a guitar, and once I stayed with them a few days in my vacations. But, I found it very difficult.

1. Is music an important subject at school in India?

Unfortunately, it is not. Music is an optional subject in some schools, but all schools don’t have it.

1. Did you often listen to music when you were a child? (If yes, give details.) Yes, I listened to music as a child. Mostly I listened to film music.

1. What kinds of music are (most) popular in India?

India is a diverse country. All kinds of music are popular. Some like folk music, some like classical, some like sufi music, some like film music and some like fusion music, which is a blend of Indian classical and western music. A.R.Rehman plays fusion music.

28.              Concentration

1. When do you concentrate?

There are lot of times when I have to concentrate like when I am studying or working on

something that is important.

• Do you find it difficult to concentrate?

Most of the times I can concentrate easily on my task but when there is lot of noise around I find it difficult to concentrate.

• Do you think you can do two things at the same time?

Yes, I do this all the time. For example, I listen to music while studying. Sometimes when I am cooking, I like to talk to people.

• How do you concentrate?

I don’t follow any specific method to concentrate, I just focus on the task that I am doing.

29.              Water Sport

1. Have you done water sports?

Yes, I have done swimming. There is a swimming pool near my home where I learnt how to swim.

Or No, I have never done water sports. I am afraid of water.

• What water sports you like doing?

Swimming is the only water sport I know, so I like to swim. Or

I would not like to try any water sport as I have a phobia that I will drown in the water.

• Are water sports popular in India?

In India, the water sports are popular in Coastal areas, llocated in the southern part of the country.

• What kind of water sports do you want to try? I would like to try rafting and Scuba Diving.

Or

I would not like to try any water sport as I have a phobia that I will drown in the water.

30.              Science Class

1. Do you like science?

Yes I love science. It is a very interesting subject.

• Did you have science class in primary school or high school? I started learning science in my primary school.

• What kind of science did you do at school?

In primary school, we learnt about body parts and our environment. In secondary school we studies science subjects like physics, chemistry and maths.

• Do you think science classes are important?

Yes, science is defintetly an important subject as it teaches us a lot of different things.

31.              Scenery

1. Is there good scenery in your hometown or does your hometown has a lot of scenic views?

I am from Chandigarh and it is a city located in the foothills of Shivalik Mountains. There are lot of beautiful views in our city, especially at the city lake.

• When you travel, do you like to live in hotels with good scenic views?

Yes, whenever I travel to I ask for rooms which have a good view of the hills or the beach depending upon the place I am travelling to.

• Do you like to take picture of good scenic views with your smartphone? Why?

Yes, I mostly keep scenic pictures as my wallpaper because I get inspiration from nature.

• Is there good scenery in cities?

Nowadays, cities have become concrete jungles and there are not many scenic views in the cities.

32.              Laugh

Do you like to watch movies or TV shows that make people laugh? Yes, I like to watch comedy shows. I think it is a good way to relax.

Do you usually make your friends laugh?

Well, I try to but I don’t think I have a good sense of humour.

Are you the kind of person who makes people laugh?

As I said earlier, I try my best to make people laugh but I don’t think my friends find my jokes funny.

Do you think it is important to laugh with friends?

Yes, it is very important to laugh with friends it helps in developing strong bonds.

33.              Spending time by yourself?

Do you usually spend time by yourself?

Yes, I believe it is very important for everyone to spend some good time alone, so I usually give time to myself.

What did you do last time you were by yourself?

Last time when I was alone, I did some drawing alongwith listening to my favourite music.

Do you like spending time by yourself?

Yes, I really enjoy being alone because it makes me feel relaxed.

How do you usually spend time by yourself?

Usually, when I feel like spending some time by myself, I prefer to read poetry or do sketching.

34.              Number

What is your favorite number?

My favourite number is seven. It is also my date of my birth.

Are you good at remembering phone numbers?

It’s difficult for me to memorise phone number because whenever I have to make a call I just look up the person’s name and call their number.

Are you good at math?

I would say that I am average in maths. For difficult calcualtions, I have to rely on the calculator.

Do you usually use numbers?

I use numbers everyday, mostly while doing any financial transactions.

35.              Break

Do you prefer a long break or several short breaks?

I prefer several short breaks because I can only concentrate for short durations.

What do you usually do during a break?

During a break I like to check news or social networking apps on my phone.

Why do you need to take a break?

As I said earlier, I find it difficult to concentrate for longer durations so I take breaks to relax myself.

How often do you take a break?

When I am studying or working, I normally take a break after every hour.

36.              Haircut

How often do you have a haircut?

I don’t go for a haircut very often, as I like long hair but yes I think it is good to have a haircut every 3-4 months.

How long have you had your current haircut?

It’s been 2 months since my last haircut. I think it still looks good.

Have you ever had an unhappy haircut experience?

No, I haven’t experienced anything like this but I will feel terrible if it happens.

Do you like to have your hair cut?

No I don’t like it much, because I don’t like anyone doing anything with my hair. So, I go for haircuts only when it is necessary.

37.              Area you live in

Do you like the area you live in?

Yes, I love my neighbourhood. It is clean, green and beautiful.

What are some changes in the area recently?

An open gym was recently inaugurated by the mayor in our area.

Do you know any famous people in your area? No, I do not know any famous people in my area.

Where do you like to go in that area?

I like to go the market and park in my neighbourhood.

38.              Tea and Coffee

1. Do Indian people like to drink tea or coffee?

Yes Indian people love to drink tea a lot. We drink tea almost 3-4 times in a day. Those who live in the city prefer coffee nowadays as compared to tea.

• Do you prepare tea or coffee for guests at home?

Yes I have prepared tea many times for the guests. I have a special recipe for making tea and all our guests always appreciate my tea.

• When was the last time you drank tea or coffee?

Last time I drank tea was yesterday evening with my friends. We went to an outlet called Chaayos and had Ginger tea and some sandwiches.

39.              Voice

1. Has your voice ever changed?

Yes, I rember the change in my voice happened I entered the teenage. Probably due to the hormonal changes, my voice became more deep.

• Is your voice similar to your parents?

No, but it is similar to my brother. People find it hard to distinguish between my brother’s and my voice over the phone.

• Do you like your voice?

Yes, I love my voice. I love to sing.

• Is your voice different from when you were young?

Yes, as I mentioned before, my voice changed when I became a teeenager.

• Do you like to record your voice?

My voice sounds a lot different after I hear the recording so I don’t like to record it much. But I did do a lot of recordings when I was preparig for the IELTS exam

• Does anyone in your family have similar voice? Yes, my brother’s voice is similar to mine.

40.              Language

1. What languages do you speak?

I speak Punjabi, Hindi and Englsih.

• When did you learn English?

I started learning englsih when I was in 1^st standard. Probaly I was around 5 years old at that time.

• Do you think English is difficult to learn?

I do not think any language is difficult to learn, it depends a lot on whether a person is giving enough time for practice or not.

• Would you like to learn other languages?

Yes I would like to learn French because the country where I am planning to do my higher studies, has French as the second language.

41.              Smile

1. Do you always smile?

Not always, but most of the times. I think it is a good thing to do.

• Do you like smiling?

Yes, it is a good thing to do and it brings positivity in me.

• Should people smile more?

Yes, absolutely. It will make the world a better place.

• Do you smile while taking photos?

I always smile for photos, I don’t like photos with a straight face.

• When do people smile at others?

People smile when they meet each other for the first time or when they are wishing each other like Good Morning.

• Can you recognise a fake smile?

I am not good at recognising fake smiles because sometimes I do not understand people.

42.              Jeans

1. Do your wear jeans?

Yes, it is one of my favourite items of clothing.

• How often do you wear jeans? I wear jeans almost everyday.

• Do you like wearning jeans, why?

Yes, I like wearing it because it is a piece of clothing with which you can combine anything like shirt, t-shirt etc.

• Why do you think jeans are popular?

Jeans are popular because of many reasons like comfort factor, you don’t have to wash them everyday. Moreover you can wear them for years and they still look new.

1. Do you walk a lot?

Yes, I like walking. It is probably the only exercise that I do.

• Do yu walk more than in the past?

Yes, I recently bought a fitness tracker which counts the number of steps I make everyday and since I bought it I have been trying to achieve a target of 10000 steps everyday.

• Where do you usually take a walk?

I normally walk in the park, near my house.

• Do you think people will walk more in the future?

Yes, I think the current generation understands the importance of staying healthy and since they have less time for exercise, they will prefer to walk more.

44.              Plan

1. Do you make plans everyday?

No, I am not a kind of person who is good at planning things. I sort of do things as they come.

• Are you good at managing your time?

Until now I have been good at managing my time since I did not have much to do as a student but I am not sure about how things would be once I start working.

• What is the latest plan you made?

My latest plan was for a trip to Delhi which I went for with my friends.

• What is the hardest part about making plans?

The hardest thing about making plans is the amount of time that goes into thinking and sometimes thinking too much stops you from doing actual work.

45.              Festival

1. What is is your favorite festival?

My favorite festival is Diwali. It is also known as the festival of lights and is celebrated during winters.

• How do you celebrate this festival?

I do a lot of things on Diwali. I buy new clothes, clean my house and decorate it with colorful festive lights. I also distribute sweets with my friends and exchange gifts. In the evening, I light the candles at the temple and burst firecrackers.

• What is the most popular Indian festival?

Diwali is the most popular festival in our country as people from all walks of life celebrate it with great enthusiasm.

• Do you like Western festivals?

Yes, I like to celebrate Christmas. It is a beautiful festival. I like to wear red clothes on Christmas day. I also go to the Church and enjoy Christmas cake with my friends.

46.              Island

1. Have you ever been to any island?

No, I have never been to an island but I have seen many islands on televeision and would love to vist one day.

• Are there any islands in your country?

Yes, in India we have Andaman and Nicobar islands.

• Do you want to live on an island?

Well, I would certainly love to try but whether I would want to stay their forever, will depend upon if I like the experience or not.

• What would you like to do if you go to any island?

I would love to explore the beaches on the island and stay in a tree house.

47.              Driving

1. Do you drive often?

Yes I drive everyday for my classes or work.

• Do you want your children to drive in future?

Yes, it is an important skill that everyone should know

• Do you have a driver’s licence?

Yes, I have a driver’s license. I got it when I turned 18.

• At what age are people allowed to drive in your country? At the age of 18.

• Do you think its difficult to drive a car?

No it is not a dificult thing, millions of people do it everyday.

48.              Sky

1. Do you like to see the sky?

Yes I love to see clear blue sky and appreciate the nature. Looking at the sky reminds me that there are no limits and boundaries in life and we can achieve anything we want.

• How about stars?

Yes i also like to see the stars sometimes. I read about constellations during my childhood and I like to find them in the sky. My favourite constellation is Orion.

• Which is a good place to see the stars?

I think mountains are the best place to see the stars. There is less pollution in the mountains so the stars are clearly visible and they also appear more closer.

• Do you know something about stars?

There are millions of stars in our galaxy and our nearest star is sun. It provides us the energy that makes life possible on our planet.

• How often do you look at the sky?

I do not often look at the sky during the daytime when it is sunny, but yes I love to see the sky during the night when there are lot of stars in the sky.

• Do you prefer the sky in the morning or the sky at night?

As I mentioned earlier, I prefer watching the sky during the night because it is more comfortable.

• Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?

Yes I can see the moon and stars as I live on the top floor of my house and I have a beautiful view of the sky from the rooftop.

• Is there a good place to look at the sky where you live?

In our city, the best place to look at the sky is at the lake. There one can also see the reflection of stars and moon in the lake and it’s a beautiful view.

49.              Crowded place

1. What places do you think are often crowded?

There are lot of public places which are mostly crowded like shopping malls, sports stadiums etcetera.

• When was the last time you were in a crowded place?

Last time I went to a crowded place was a concert that I attended on New Years Eve. A famous singer had come to perform at a resort and thousands of people had come to attend the event.

• How do you feel when you are in a crowded place?

It depends on the place and the occasion. If I am at a shopping mall or a public place like airport then I tend to be very careful about my belongings. If I am at an event, I try to enjoy it as much as I can.

50.              Sharing

1. Did you share anything with others recently?

Yes I shared my bike with a friend. My friend’s bike had gone for repair and he was finding it difficult to commute to college so I lent him my bike for few days.

• Did your parents teach you to share when you were a child?

Yes my parents taught me that sharing is caring. They always told me to share my toys with my friends.

• What kind of things do you like to share with others?

I share a lot of things with my friends like food, my bike etc. When we are playing cricket I take along my cricket kit which everyone shares.

• What kind of things are not suitable for sharing?

Things that are personal like clothes are not suitable for sharing. The reason is that it is not hygenic to share such items.

51.              Patience

1. Were you patient when you were young?

Well I do not remember exactly but I guess I was patient. My parents never told me that

• How do you feel when other people are not patient?

It feel bad when other people are not patient because if we do something in hurry then there are chances that things can go bad.

• Are you less or more patient when you are angry?

I normally do not get angry, but whenever I do its momentary. I also go silent when I am angry and try to reason logically with people. So I am more patient when I am angry.

52.              Sunglasses

1. Do you have a pair of sunglasses

Yes, I have Rayban aviator sunglasses. I bought them from Sector 17 in Chandigarh. They look really nice on me.

• How often you wear them?

I wear them whenever I go out in the sun, sunglasses help in protecting your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun

• Have you ever lost sunglasses?

Yes, unfortunately, I have lost my sunglasses couple of times. It feels very bad when you lose an valuable item but now I try to be careful and always remember where I have kept them

• Do people in your country wear sunglasses?

Yes people in my country do wear sunglasses. Some people wear expensive sunglasses whereas some buy the lesser expensive one’s as a style accessory

53.              Drinking water

1. Do you think we should drink a lot of water?

Yes we should definitely drink a lot of water as it is good for our health. Drinking water has lot of health benefits, it keeps our skin and body hydrated. If we do not drink enough water, our body will suffer from dehydration.

• How often you drink water?

I try to drink at least 3-4 litres of water everyday, so I normally have water after every 2-3 hours during the day.

• Do you drink bottled water or water from machines?

I like to drink water from machines like water purifier because I believe water in machines is more pure and safe as compared to water that is packed in plastic bottles

• What kind of water do you like to drink

Well, I like to drink water at room temperature because when I drink cold water I get a sore throat

54.              Maps

1. Do you often use maps?

Yes, I use maps for navigation. Nowadays I use maps application on my mobile for directions while traveling. The app also tells me about the traffic and the time it would take to reach the destination.

• Who taught you how to use a map?

We learn to use maps in our school but nowadays mobile apps like google maps have made learning maps easier.

• Do you prefer electronic map or paper maps?

I prefer electronic maps on my mobile as it is more interactive and it tells me the directions, traffic information and time to reach my destination.

55.              Being Bored

1. What do you do when you feel bored

When I feel bored, I call my friends and talk to them in order to pass time or I see updates on social media. Sometimes I watch videos on youtube when I feel bored.

• What kind of things are boring to you ?

Well, there are lot of activities that I find boring like Reading a novel. I find it very boring to wait for someone.

• Do you think young people are more likely to get bored?

Yes younger generation gets bored easily when they have nothing to do, the primary reason behind this is that the younger generation is very impatient and wants immediate results without working hard.

56.              Foreign Food

1. Have you ever tried foreign food?

Yes, I have a tried a lot of different cuisines like Italian, Mexican, Japanese Chines, etc.

• Do you like to try new food?

Yes, I call myself a foodie, I absolutely love to try new food, especially the local food of any new place that I visit.

• What kind of new food you have tried recently?

Recently, I went on a holiday to Thailand and I tried the street food over there. I dont remember the name of the dish, but it had noodles, prawn and vegetables.

• What kind of foreign foods are popular in your country

In my country most popular cuisines are Italian and Chinese. Most of the people like to eat Pizzas and Noodles when they eat outside

57.              Saving Money

1. Did you save money when you were young

Yes, when i was young I saved some funds from my pocket money and I later used them for buying books.

• Have you ever given money to other children

No, I have never given money to other children. I believe only parents should give money to their children and they should teach them to use it wisely

• Do you think parents should teach children to save money.

Yes, as I already mentioned parents should teach children about money management as it is an important skill in life

• Do parents give pocket money to children in your country

Yes, parents in my country do give pocket money to their children.

58.              Physical Exercise

1. What kind of exercises you do?

I like to do all kinds of exercise like weight training at the gym, running for cardio exercise and yoga for stretching and meditation.

• Do you think children should play sports regularly?

Yes children should regularly play sports at it helps them in staying active and healthy. It is also a good break from their monotonous study routine.

• What was the favourite sport when you were young?

My favourite sport was cricket when I was young, it is also my favourite sport now. I remember I used to play cricket continuously for 5 to 6 hours during my holidays. Batting was my favorite part in cricket.

• Do you like extreme sports?

Yes I like extreme and adventure sports such as Formula 1 racing, sky diving and deep sea diving. It is thrilling to watch these sports on television. I would also like to try these sports one day

• What kind of exercises are popular in your country?

In my country yoga is the most popular exercise as it has originated from here. People nowadays also like to join gymnasiums for weight training.

59.              Travel (Space Travel)

1. Do you want to travel in outer space?

Yes, I would love to travel to moon or any other planet like Mars. I want to see how our planet, earth, looks from Space

• What would you do if you had the opportunity?

First of all, I will be really excited and inform all my friends and family. I will do a lot of planning for this trip so that I cherish it for lifetime.

• Do you think it’s necessary to see other planets?

Yes we can gain a lot of information from other planets. Some of this information might be helpful in solving existing challenges on earth or discovering how life started.

• When was the last time you went traveling? Personal answer

• Do you like to travel by air?

Yes I would like to travel by air, but unfortunately I have not got the opportunity to travel by air yet.

60.              Plants

1. Do you keep plants at home?

Yes there are lots of plants at my home. I keep them in the mud pots. They look very beautiful and are soothing to the eyes.

• What plant did you grow when you were young?

When I was young I grew a plant known as money plant. I grew it in a glass bottle. Since it is called as money plant I believed that if this plant grows, I will also become rich.

• Do you know anything about growing a plant?

Well I am not an expert but I know we have to regularly feed water and manure to the plant and we should keep it in sunlight for it to grow. Sometimes we also have to use insecticides to prevent it from insects.

• Do Indian people give plants as gifts?

Yes nowadays Indian people are gifting plants to each other and I believe it is a really good gift. People often gift a small variety of bamboo which can be kept inside homes and offices.

61.        Dream job

1. What was the dream job for you when you were young? When I was young I wanted to become a pilot

• Have you changed your mind on your dream job?

Yes I have changed my mind as it is very expensive to become a pilot and it involves lot of studies. But I still plan to take flying lessons.

• What do you plan to do in the future? Personal Answer

• What kinds of jobs are popular in your country?

In my country computer or IT related jobs are more popular these days because these are well paid jobs.

• Have you had full-time or part-time job before? Personal Answer

62.        Animals

1. Do you like animals?

Yes, I like animals. I think they are all unique and beautiful creations of nature and form an important part of our ecosystem.

• What’s your favourite animal? (Why?)

My favourite animal is dog because I think it is the most affectionate and the most loyal animal. Dogs make excellent companions for humans.

• What’s your favourite wild animal? (Why?)

My favourite wild animal is a tiger because I think tigers are beautiful creatures and they look very regal.

• Are people in your country fond of animals?

Yes, in my country many people are fond of animals. Many people keep pet animals.

• Do many people in your country keep animals at home (or, keep a pet)? OR Do people in your country like to raise animals?

Yes, people in my country like to keep pet animals. People keep dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, etc. as pets.

• What kinds of animals do people in in your county (or, hometown) keep? OR What kinds of pets do the people have in your hometown?

People in my hometown/country have different types of pets like dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, etc.

• Compared with the past, have there been any changes concerning pets in your country/hometown?

I think the only change I can think of is that the number of homes that have pets have increased. Also, there are many people who have started adopting the stray dogs and cats, instead of buying them from a breeder.

• Do you think pets are important?

Yes, definitely. Pets act as stress reliever and are also said to be therapeutic. They act as good companions and provide security. They also teach us about responsibility and unconditional love.

• Do you think cities are suitable places for keeping a pet?

Yes, cities are suitable to keep small pets like cats, smaller breeds of dogs, fish, etc.

Farm Animals

1. What farm animals do you have in your country?

There are many farm animals in my country, like cows, goats, sheep, buffalos, horses, hens, etc.

1. Do you think farm animals are important?

Yes, I think farm animals are important. They are a source of income for many people, especially in the rural areas. They provide us many products like milk, eggs, wool, meat and they can be used for farming, like to plough and till the land.

1.             How are these animals used? OR In what ways are animals used in agriculture in your country?

Farm animals are used for their products, like eggs, milk, meat etc. or in the fields to plough and to till the land for the crops.

1. Do you think raising farm animals is important?

Yes, it is important to raise farm animals, as it is a source of livelihood and income for many people living in the rural areas. Also, they provide us with many products.

Wild Animals

1. What’s the most famous wild animal from your country?

India is a diverse country and many wild animals are found in India. However, I believe that the Bengal Tiger is the most famous wild animal in my country and it is also our national animal.

1. What’s your favourite wild animal (from your country)? The Bengal Tiger is my favourite wild animal.

63.        Dictionary

1. Do you often use a dictionary?If yes, how often and what for? If no, why not? If not very often, say how often and why not very often?

Yes, I use a dictionary very often, in fact daily. I am a student and I read a lot of text related to my studies. I often come across words I don’t know the meaning of and I use the dictionary to look up the meaning and synonyms.

• Do you prefer to use an electronic dictionary or a dictionary made of paper?

I prefer to use the electronic dictionary now as it is very convenient and I can easily search for a meaning in a matter of a few seconds. I have a dictionary app downloaded on my phone.

• If someone gave you a dictionary as a gift, how would you feel?

I will feel happy, as it is a very useful gift for me or for anyone. We keep coming across new words everyday and everyone should have a dictionary.

• Do you think it would be interesting to write a dictionary? OR Do you think it would be interesting to be part of a team that is writing a dictionary?

Yes, I think so. It will be very interesting to understand the details of all the words, like which part of speech they form, what the origin of the word is, its synonyms and many more such details.

• What kind of person do you think writes a dictionary?

A person who writes a dictionary has to have an in-depth knowledge of the language and also needs to know the origin and history of the language. It requires a great deal of work and thoroughness, so the person has to be very patient and thorough.

64.                  Mobile Apps

1. Which mobile apps do you use?

I use a lot of mobile apps for different purposes like Whatsapp for sending messages to my friends and family members. For social networking I use facebook and for sharing my pictures I use Instagram. Apart from this I use apps to read news or do banking services on my phone

• Which ones do you want to use?

I would like to use apps to know more about jobs or studies related to my field. I believe there is a huge requirement for apps related to specific jobs or courses and these can help people in becoming good and what they do or study.

• Which ones are popular in your country?

In my country whatsapp, snapchat and instagram are the most popular apps as people in my country like to spend their time by chatting with each other and sharing their pictures.

• Do you want to make an app?

Yes, I would like to make an App. I would make an app for the IELTS exam which can help students in preparation of the exam and to score good band score.

65.                  Sleep

1. How many hours you sleep everyday

I sleep around 7-8 hours everyday. I think it is necessary to sleep for atleast 6 hours everyday.

• Is it necessary to take a nap everyday

Yes it is very important to take a nap everyday because it gives a much needed break to our body and we feel refreshed after sleep.

• Do old people sleep a lot? Why

Yes old people tend to sleep a lot because due to old age they get tired easily and they need more rest as compared to young people.

• What time you usually go to the bed?

I normally go to the bed around 11 PM but if I have important work or have to prepare for exams I sleep early so that I can study or work by getting up early in the morning.

• Do you always have a good sleep?

I am a happy person so I normally have a good sleep, but if I am disturbed about something or my health is not good I find it difficult to sleep.

66.                  Handwriting

1. Do you think handwriting is still important?

Yes, I think so. Handwriting skills will always be important. Formal letters are needed in business. Writing skills are also needed in writing resumes. We all know that we belong to a global village. Today we have to compete with children all over the world. We have to apply for jobs in multinational companies. So we need good writing skills.

• Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?

Even though technology has reduced the need of writing skills, still, I feel that it is very important in today’s world and will remain in future as well.

• Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?

Well it depends on the situation, if I am sending an email to my friends or texting them then it is usually by computer or mobile phone. When I am studying and making notes then I usually write by hand.

• When do children begin to write in your country?

Nowadays the children have started writing a lot earlier. They normally join the schools at the age of 4 and they begin to write at the age of five

• Do you think handwriting will die in the future?

No, definitely not. Handwriting will never die. Its need may decrease because of technology; still there will be many areas in which handwriting will be needed. I also feel that, that day is still very far when each and every person on earth will have access to technology.

• Do you write letters?

Yes, I do. I write e-mails to my friends and relatives.

• Do you think children should be taught to write like in the old days?

Yes, I think so. Writing is an art, which is going down because of modern technology. Computers automatically check the spelling and grammar because of which children are losing such skills.

Watch the Youtube videos of our essays on www.youtube.com/waytocrackielts

67.                  Weekends

1. How do you usually spend your weekends? What do you usually do on weekends?

I spend my weekends in different ways. Sometimes I just relax at home. Sometimes I go out with my friends for a movie. Sometimes I finish my pending work. Sometimes I help my mother in household chores.

• In your country, do men and women usually do the same kind of things on weekends (or in their free time)?

Gender differences are disappearing nowadays. Mostly men and women do the same kind of things on weekends.

• When do you spend time with your family?

I spend the evenings with my family. We watch TV together, have dinner together and go for walks together.

• What did you do last weekend?

Last weekend I went for a movie with my friends. We also had dinner at a restaurant. It was great fun.

• What do other people in your hometown (or in your country) usually do on weekends?

People do a lot of things on weekends. Some go for outings; some people spend time at home with family; some people visit relatives. So people do different things on weekends.

• What are you going to do next weekend?

I have not yet made any plan for the next weekend, but maybe I go out with my family for a movie.

• Is there anything new that you would like to do on weekends?

I would like to learn some new language on weekends. As a plan to go to Canada, so French would be a good option for me. My relatives live in Montréal and it is a Francophone area. So learning French would help me.

• Do you like working on weekends?

No, I don’t like working on weekends. I prefer to spend time with my family and friends on weekends.

• Do you think employees should have to work on weekends?

No, definitely not. I think there should be no compulsion on employees to work on weekends. It should be their choice. If they want to earn more, they should be allowed to work.

1. Do you think that weekends now are more important to you, than when you were a child? Yes, weekends now are more important to me than when I was a child. When I was a child, all days were like weekends. So I did not give importance to weekends. But today, I look forward to weekends.

68.                  Transportation (public/private)

1. What’s the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?

The most popular means of transportation in my hometown is the bus. My hometown is on the national highway, and there is bus service to different places every two minutes.

• How often do you take buses?

I take the bus pretty often, in fact three or four times a week.

• Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?

Trains are cheaper then planes, but planes are much faster than trains. In trains you can take as much luggage as you want to, but in planes there is a restriction. Railway stations are there in almost all towns and cities, where as airports are there in only a few places.

• Is driving to work popular in your country?

Yes, driving to work is popular in big cities, and in places where transport facilities are not so good.

• Do you think people will drive more in the future?

It is difficult to say about the future, but at the rate at which traffic congestion is increasing on the road, I think people will use public transport more.

• Would you ride bikes to work in the future?

No, I don’t think I would ride bikes to work, as I think they are not very safe.

• What will become the most popular means of transportation in India? I think road transportation will remain the most popular means.

• Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?

I prefer private transportation for short distances and public transportation for long distances.

• How did you come here(get here) today? I came here/got here by bus/car/bike today.

1. Why did you choose that form of transport?

I chose it because I think it is very convenient and comfortable. (You can add 1-2 advantages of the mode of transport you used that day)

1. What form of transport do you usually use?

I usually prefer private transport to public transport. I feel that the public transport is not very comfortable and leads to wastage of time.

OR

I normally use public transport/bus. It is very convenient, comfortable and easy on the pocket.

1. Is it convenient to take a bus/taxi in your city?

Yes, it is very convenient to take a bus or a taxi in my city. It is a small city and the bus stand and taxi stands are very approachable

69.                  Watch

1. How often do you wear a watch?

I don’t wear a watch very often. I check the time on my cellphone. I wear watches occasionally. OR I wear a watch every day, to check the time.

• What was your first watch like?

My first watch was a basic children’s watch. It was a gift from my parents on my 5th birthday. It was digital and was pink/black/blue in color.

• What kinds of watches do you like to wear?

I like to wear watches that match my outfit and also on which, it is easy to check the time.

• Do people still wear watches in your country?

Yes, people in my country still wear watches. There are many national and international brands available in my country.

70.                  Visitors

1. Do you often invite friends to visit your home?

Yes, I like to invite friends to visit my home. Sometimes we have get-togethers at home and sometimes when we have to study or make a project, I invite my friends over.

• Do you like visitors coming to your home?

Yes, I like visitors coming to my home. Its good to have relatives and friends come over and we can spend quality time with each other.

• Do people often visit you at your home?

Yes, people visit me at home quite often. We have an extended family system that we follow and a lot of my relatives live in the same city. Also, sometimes my friends and neighbors also visit us at home.

• How often do visitors come to your home?

Visitors come to my home very often, in fact twice or thrice a week.

• When do visitors come to your home?

When someone has to visit, they usually call ahead and come. There are no specific times when people visit us at home.

• Do you prefer to have friends visit you, or relatives?

I like having both my friends and relatives visit me. These days everyone is busy on their routines and so, when anyone visits me, it’s a good way to spend quality time with them.

• What do you usually do together with your visitors?

When we have visitors over, we usually sit and chat, discuss the day’s happenings or any social or national issues. Sometimes we share jokes and have a good laugh and all this happens usually over of a cup of tea or coffee and some snacks. Sometimes we also have visitors over for lunch or dinner.

• When someone visits you, how do you usually show hospitality (or, entertain them)? Hospitality towards visitors is in our culture. In India, guests are treated like God. We show our hospitality by making them feel comfortable and offering them drinks and snacks or food, depending on the time of the day.

71.                  Dream

1. Do you often have dreams at night?

Yes, I often have dreams at night. Sometimes I have very pleasant dreams, and sometimes I have bad dreams. But I’m not really superstitious about these dreams.

• Have you had a bad dream before?

Yes, many times I have bad dreams. But I have never seen them turn into reality.

• What was the strangest dream you have had?

The strangest dream I had was that I am going for my exam, and things are going wrong and I cant reach, and then I get up and feel so relieved that it was a dream.

• What do you usually dream about?

I dream about weird things. Sometimes I am in Canada in my dreams and sometimes in America. My relatives have told me a lot about Canada and USA, and I keep picturing them in my dreams.

72.                  .Colours

1. What colours do you like?

I like all colors but red is my favorite color.

• What is the most popular colour in India?

India is a vast country. It is difficult to generalize one color as the most popular color. I think all colors are equally popular, but the three colors off a national flag are the most popular. Green stands for prosperity, saffron stands for sacrifice and white stands for peace.

• Do you like to wear dark or bright colours?

I like to dark or bright colors in winters, but in summers I like to wear light shades.

• Do colours affect your mood?

Yes, colors affect my mood. When I see you bright colors I feel energetic, but light shades make me feel calm.

• Did color matter to you when you were a child?

Yes, colour mattered to me when I was a child. My mother tells me I always wanted things in red colour. My school bag was always red and my clothes also had shades of red.

• Does color matter when you buy things?

Yes, definitely. Colour is very important while shopping. I like my clothes in light pastel shades but household items like bed sheets and dinner sets in bright shades.

• Which color you don’t like to have in your home?

I like all colours but I wouldn’t like grey on the walls of my house because I find grey to be a dull colour.

• What is the difference between men’s and women’s preference on colours?

There are no gender differences nowadays. Both men and women wear on types of colors.

• Have you ever seen a rainbow?

Yes, I have seen a rainbow many times. It looks very beautiful. Generally, it is seen in the rainy season. There are seven colors in the rainbow – violet, indigo, Blue, Green, yellow, Orange and red. I feel really happy when I see a rainbow. In Hindu mythology, it is called Indradhanush, or the bow of the Lord indra, the Lord of thunder and lightning.

73.                  Family

1. How often do you meet with your family?

I stay with my family. I meet my family members every day.

1. How do you spend the time with your family?

I spend time with family in many ways. We eat together, cook together, watch TV together and do many things together.

1. Do you want to live with your family in the future?

Yes, definitely. My family is my life Even though I go to some foreign country temporarily, I finally want to be with my family.

1. Are you close to all of your family members? Yes, we are a very close-knit family.

1. How has your family influenced you?

My family has influenced me in many ways. We depend on each other for many things. We guide each other from time to time and we do many things together.

74.                  Friends

1. Do you have many friends?

Yes, I have many friends, but only a few close friends.

• How often do you talk to your friends?

I talk to my friends every day. By best friend is also my neighbour. We are together most of the time.

• How do you communicate with your friends?

I communicate face-to-face and also through cell phone and apps like Whatsapp.

• What do you think makes people have a long friendship?

Mutual understanding makes people have a long friendship. If people can tolerate each other’s shortcomings and be simple and straight forward, then friendships can be for a long time.

• Does it make things easier in a friendship if you have similar interests?

Yes, definitely. With similar interests friends can spend time together and not get bored. They will also have similar topics for discussion. In a lasting friendship it is very essential that your likes and dislikes are similar.

• How do people make friends now?

Now a days, people make friends through internet by joining social networking sites like face book, twitter and whatsapp.

• Do you think we meet new people differently now than in the past?

Yes, definitely. Nowadays, we meet new people through internet by joining social networking sites like face book, twitter and whatsapp. Earlier, people had lots of free time and they made friends by meeting personally.

• Is friendship (= are friends) important to you? (Why?/Why not?)

Yes, friends are very important for me. I can share all my feelings with them, and they understand me very well because they are mostly my age.

• Do you prefer to spend time with friends or spend time alone? (Why?)

I prefer to spend time with my friends. I love their company and I enjoy with them.

1. What kind of people do you like to have as friends?

I like my friends to be honest, trustworthy, helpful and intelligent. I also like friends with a good sense of humor.

1. Do you like to spend time with friends? (Why?)

Yes, I like to spend time with friends because I enjoy their company. I like to go out with them for movies, for shopping and for walks.

1. What do you and your friends do together?

We study together, go for walks together, watch movies together and sometimes eat out together.

1. What do your friends think of you? (Do your friends think that you are a good friend? Why?)

I think my friends like me. We spend a lot of time together and they never seem bored. I am honest and straightforward with them. So I think they like me.

1. Are friends more important than family? (Why?)

Friends and family both are important. But, I think Family is definitely more important than friends. Friends can turn out to be fair-weather friends but family is always with you in your good times and bad times. It has been rightly said that in prosperity your friends know you, but in adversity you know your friends.

1. How do Indian people make friends? (= where, in what situations, e.g. at school & at work.) Indian people make friends in schools, colleges, while travelling, during family get-togethers, during outings and in many other ways. Now a days making online friends has also become very popular.

1. Do adults and children make friends in the same way?

Adults and children do not make friends and the same way. Children are very innocent and make friends from the heart. They don’t judge a person before making friends. Adults, on the other hand, are very calculative. They make friends after judging whether that person could be helpful to them or not

75.                  Advertisement

1. Are there many advertisements in your country

Yes, there are too many advertisements in our daily lives. In fact advertising has become an industry. It has become the backbone of many economies of the world. Ads are ubiquitous nowadays. We see ads on TV, newspapers, hoardings and flyers. We also get ads through the radio, cell phone and the Internet.

• Why do you think there are so many advertisements now?

There are so many advertisements because there are many products, and the manufacturing companies are competing with each other. They have to advertise to stay in the race. So we have an advertisement for almost each and every product that is available.

• What are the various places where we see advertisements?

Advertisements are all around us. We have advertisements in newspapers, magazines, on TV, on radio and on the Internet.

• How do you feel about advertisements?

I feel that advertisements are a necessity. Apart from telling us about products they are also telling us about the working of these products. Ads also touch social issues. However, I also feel that ads are very disturbing at times.

• Do you like advertisements?

Yes, I like advertisements. I think they are very informative and keep us updated about the latest products and offers.

• What kind of advertisement do you like the most?

I like adverts that have a touch of humor. I also like advertisements that touch social issues.

76.                  Art

1. Do you like art?

Yes, I like art. Art gives meaning to life. Art is what differentiates us from animals. I like all sorts of art. I like drawing and painting. I also liked performing arts like music and dance.

• Do you think art classes are necessary? {Why?)

Yes, I think art classes are very necessary. Art brings out peoples creativity. Art preserves our culture and tradition.

• How do you think art classes affect children’s development?

Art classes affect children’s development in many ways. Art brings out the hidden creativity of children. Art is a form of communication. People can convay their feelings through their paintings and through their songs.

• What kind of paintings do Indian people like?

Indian people like different kinds of paintings. It is a matter of personal choice. Some people like portraits, some like paintings of landscapes, some like the traditional forms of painting and some like the modern art forms.

• What can you learn from western paintings?

We can learn many things from western paintings, in fact from any form of art from anywhere. Sometimes it is related to a culture, sometimes it maybe someone’s expression of their perspective, sometimes it’s a social message and we can also learn about the types of material (canvas, paints, etc.) used to create that work of art.

• What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?

Painting as a hobby can bring out your hidden talent. Painting can relax you. You can even sell your paintings and earn money. You can also gift your painting to someone you love.

77.                  Bags

1. Do you like bags?

Yes, I like bags. I have different bags for different occasions. I carry a backpack to my school/college/classes, as I can easily carry my books in it. I have special bags for formal occasions, shopping and everyday use.

• What types of bags do you like?

I like bags that are easy to carry, like backpacks, sling bags and totes, and I can use such bags to easily accommodate the things I need. I also like bags that have a few compartments, so that I can keep my things organized. m a kkar IELTS

• Do you usually carry a bag (when you go out)?

Yes, I usually carry a bag when I go out, however, the type of bags I use for different occasions vary.

• What types of bags do you use (in your everyday life)?

1. (Similar to above) Do you have different bags for different occasions (or, different purposes)?

Yes, I have different bags for different occasions. I use a backpack when I go for my classes, for formal occasions I have formal bags, for shopping I use totes and sometimes I use a sling bag when I don’t have to shop and the occasion is not formal.

• What do you put in these bags?

For my classes or when I go to school/college I usually carry books and stationary in my bag. When going for shopping I carry my wallet, cellphone, and a bottle of water and when travelling I also put medicines and a book or a magazine in my bag. On formal occasions I carry only my wallet and my cellphone.

• What sorts of bags do women like to buy?

I don’t think it can be generalized, as it depends on the individual choice of the women. Some women like big bags and some like smaller ones, some always use a sling bag and some like a particular color or material of bags. Some women also choose bags from a particular brand

78.                  Books

1. How often do you read?

I like to read quite often. I read magazines and newspapers and my textbooks. Apart from that I have read a few novels by Amrita Pritam. I have read her Pinjar, which means skeleton.

• Do you have many books at home?

No, I do not have any books at home. I only have my textbooks at home.

• Do Indian people do enough reading?

Yes, Indian people do a lot of reading. They read magazines, newspapers, fiction and nonfiction such as biographies and autobiographies.

• Do Indian people like to read? (similar to above)
• What kind of people like reading and what kind of people don’t like reading very much?

People who are literate like to read. Many people don’t like reading because they don’t have interest in reading.

• What type of books children read nowadays?

Nowadays, generally speaking, the reading habit of the children is on the decline. Whatever books they read are based on fantasy, fiction and supernatural characters like Barbie, superman and shaktiman.

50 years ago – Children read a lot. They read moral and spiritual books. They read animal stories. After 50 years – I do not think they will do any reading. All the time will be spent in front of computers.

• Do you think children have lost their interest in stories?

No, I don’t think that children have lost their interest in stories. However, the stories they read today are very different from the past.

8.

1. Can story books be an ideal gift for children?

Yes, definitely! Story books can be an ideal gift for children. They can help the child imagine the characters in the mind which is the first step to creativity. Another important benefit is that we can impart the knowledge of culture, tradition, moral values and religion in the mind of the child. This forms the basis of the child’s personality. Finally, story books enhance the curiosity of the child and enhance their mental growth.

• What can be done to encourage the habit of reading among children?

A lot can be done to encourage the habit of reading among children. The first and foremost step would be to make books available. There should be good libraries in the schools as well as in neighbourhoods. Story telling competitions could be organised. If children have to take part in these competitions, then naturally, they would be encouraged to read books. Finally, books could be made more interesting by adding graphics.

1. How does reading help a child?

Reading helps to improve concentration. It also helps to improve general knowledge. It also improves the language skills and satisfies the curiosity of children on various things.

1. What sort of books can be suggested to children to read?

Children should be encouraged to read religious and historical books. They should also read biographies and autobiographies of famous people so that they get motivation from them. They should also be encouraged to read books on science and technology. However, these books should be made very interesting by adding pictures. Ma kkar IELTS

1. How much should a child read every day?

A child should read half to one hour daily. I think that would be enough considering that they have to go to school and do their homework as well.

1. What is the difference between the books sold in the past and the books sold nowadays?

In the past, books related to culture, tradition, religion and history were sold. Nowadays, books are mostly based on fiction and fantasy.

79.                  Celebrity

1. Who is your favorite celebrity in India?

My favorite celebrity in India is Amir Khan. He’s an actor par excellence. Recently I saw his movie Dangal, which I liked very much.

• Do you like any foreign celebrities?

Yes, I like some cricketers of Australia and South Africa.

• Would you want to be a celebrity in the future?

No, I would not want to be a celebrity in the future. I am happy with the quiet and peaceful life of a commoner.

• Do you think we should respect famous people’s privacy?

Yes, we should respect famous people’s privacy. They have a right to their privacy. It can affect their performance if anyone invades their private life.Makkar IELTS

• How do celebrities influence their fans in India‘?

Celebrities are role models for their fans. People like to follow their celebrity, and do what they do.

80.                  Chocolate

1. How often do you eat chocolate?

I do not eat chocolate very often. I eat chocolate once or twice a month. Usually I like dark chocolate, which is not very sweet.

• What’s your favorite flavor?

My favorite flavor is Cadbury’s dark delight.

• ls chocolate expensive in India?

Yes chocolate is expensive in India, especially the chocolate of foreign brands, which is available here.

• When was the first time you ate chocolate?

I don’t remember exactly, but I have been eating chocolate since I was very small.

• ls chocolate popular in India?

Yes, chocolate is very popular in India. We can get all varieties of Indian and imported chocolate.

81.                  Outdoor activities

1. What do you do in your spare time?

I do many things in my spare time. I watch TV, listen music and do a little bit of gardening.

• Do you like outdoor activities?

Yes, I like outdoor activities. I go for walks in the morning. I play badminton at times and I also do some gardening.

• What outdoor activities do you (most) like to do? ( same as above)

• How often do you do that?

I do these activities almost everyday.

• What outdoor sports do you like? (Why?)

I like many outdoor sports such as cricket hockey and football, but I play only badminton.

• How much time do you spend outdoors every week? I spend about 30 to 40 hours outdoors every week.

• How often do you do outdoor activities?

I do these outdoor activities very often, almost everyday.

• What (types of) outdoor activities are popular in your country?

India is a diverse country. All types of outdoor activities are popular. But, I think cricket is the most popular outdoor sports.

82.                  Photography

1. Do you like to take photographs? (Why?)

Yes, I like taking photographs. Photographs are the memories of good times and special events. We can capture special moments, interesting things or beautiful sceneries through pictures. They are reminders of good times.

• Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take photos? (Why?)

I prefer taking photos myself, as everyone has a different way of looking at things. Another person may not like, what I find interesting.

• How long have you liked taking photographs?

I have liked taking photographs since I was a child. We used to take our camera to all our vacations and I used to be very fascinated with it. Now I mostly use my cellphone to take pictures.

• How (why) did you become interested in photography?

I became interested in photography because my father was very fond of taking pictures and he always had a good camera. We used to take a camera to all our vacations and take pictures.

• How often do you take photographs?

I take photographs very often, in fact almost everyday.

• In what situations do you take photographs?

I take photographs in many situations. Sometimes its during friends or family get-togethers, sometimes it is a beautiful scenery, like of the sky or the sunset or when I travel to another city, I take pictures and on many more such situations.

• What kind of photos do you like to take? (Why?)

I like to take photos of different things. Sometimes it is a beautiful scene, which can be of the clouds, sky, sunrise, sunset and so on. Sometimes I take pictures of plants and animals. I also like to capture the different expressions on people’s faces.

• Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery?

I do not prefer one to the other. I like taking pictures of various things, sometimes it’s scenery and sometimes I like capturing a person’s expressions.

• Who do you take photos of?

I take photos of family, relatives, friends, my dogs, other animals, etc.

1. How do you keep your photos?

I save pictures mostly in online albums, like Google photos. Sometimes, I get them printed also.

1. Do you keep your photographs on your computer?

Yes, I keep my photographs on the computer. I always backup my phone photos onto the computer.

1. Are there any photos on the walls of your home?

Yes, there are photos on the walls of my home. We have pictures of all special family events, like birthdays and weddings and also of all of us growing up and at different stages of our lives.

1. Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos? (If yes, which? & why?)

Yes, I have a family photo framed. It is from my sister’s wedding. All five members of my family are there in this picture together and everyone is looking cheerful and happy. It is one of my favorite photographs.

1. Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that you took yourself? (Why?)

I prefer to send photographs I took myself, as they are a way to share your experiences with your near and dear ones and letting them know that you are thinking of them.

83.        Television and Radio

1. What kind of entertainment do you prefer, TV or radio? (Why?)

I pay for TV to radio because TV is both audio as well as visual. I listen to radio only while traveling.

• How are radio programs and television programs different?

While listening to radio you can do other things such as cooking and driving. This is not possible while watching TV. Radio programs are cheaper as you do not have to subscribe to radio channels.

Watching television is costlier in comparison. Radio programs have only the audio component whereas TV is audio as well as visual.

• What programs do you like to watch/listen to?

I like to watch sitcoms like comedy night with Kapil. I also watch some daily soaps, some sports channels and news programs.

OR

I listen radio Mirchi and other such radio channels from where I can listen to the latest songs.

• When do you watch TV/listen to the radio?

I watch TV mostly in the evenings. At that time we all family members sit together and watch some sitcoms or news channels.

I listen to radio only when I’m traveling with my parents in our car.

• In India, has television/radio changed much in recent years?

Television has changed a lot in the recent years. Many new channels and programs have been added. High-definition TV has become very popular. You can also watch some TV shows of other countries almost at the same time.

In the radio also many new channels have been added. So there is an improvement in both TV and radio.

• How do you think TV/radio broadcasts in India could be improved?

Some new shows on education could be added. Otherwise I’m quite happy with the TV programs and the radio broadcasts.

• Do you prefer TV news or news on the radio? (Why?)

I prefer news on TV to news on radio. This is because TV has both the audio as well as a visual component.

84. Teacher (More questions with sample answers in the end)

1. What kind of teachers do you like best?

I like teachers who are friendly and have patience; who do not get mad at me when I don’t understand anything. I like teachers who have depth of knowledge of the subject, and who have good communication skills to teach well.

• Who was your favorite teacher when you were young?

When I was young Mrs. Promilla was my favorite teacher. She used to teach me maths. I remember I used to be very weak at Maths, but Mrs. Promilla taught us so well that Maths became my favorite subject.

• Would you want to be a teacher in the future?

Yes, I would definitely want to be a teacher in the future. I think I have the patience. Moreover, teaching is a very lucrative profession nowadays.

• Have you ever had bad teachers before?

No, I have never had bad teachers in my life. All my teachers have been very nice.

85.                  Newspapers

1. Do you often read newspapers?

Yes, I often read newspapers. I read the newspaper every day. I come to know what is happening around me and in the world.

• Which do you prefer reading, magazines or newspapers?

I prefer reading newspapers because I like to know what is happening around me.

• What kinds of (types of) newspapers (or magazines) do you usually read?

My father has subscribed to the Tribune. So I read that daily. It is a National newspaper, but has a maximum circulation in Punjab.

• How old were you when you first started to read newspapers?

I remember I was 10 years old when I started reading the newspaper. I started from the sports section.

• Do you think it’s important to read newspapers? (Why?/Why not?)

It is very important to read newspapers. We feel connected with the whole world.

• Why do (you think) people read newspapers?

People read newspapers to know what is happening around them. They also read newspapers for the international news. They also read newspapers for the employment advertisements and matrimonial.

• What different types of newspaper are there in India?

There are broadsheets and tabloids. There are newspapers in English, Hindi, Punjabi and other regional languages.

• Do you care about the news?

Yes, I care about the news. I think news is very important. We should be aware of what is happening around us and in the whole world.

• Is the news important (to you)? (same as above)

1. What kinds of news do Indian people read in newspapers?

Indian people like to read fall types of news. They read local news, National news, International news, Sports news and many other news.

1. Do you prefer to read about domestic (or local) news or international news? (Why?) I like to read domestic news as well as international news.

1. What are some methods that newspapers use to attract readers?

Some newspapers use colourful graphics. Some use very bold headlines. Some newspapers add puzzles like Sudoku and crossword puzzles to attractive readers.

1. What influence do you think newspapers have on society?

Newspapers have a lot of effect on society. They shape people’s opinions. Through letters to the editor they are a link between the government and people. They also entertain us.

1. Do you think the Internet is a good way to get news?

Yes, the Internet is a really good way to get the news nowadays. People subscribe to the e- newspapers. There are many apps off the TV News channels, which help the people to be updated all the time.

86.                  Mirrors

1. How often do you look at yourself in the mirror everyday

I look at the mirror at least once a day when I go out for my work. Apart from that whenever I get a chance I flatter myself by looking at the mirror. I think if you are a confident person, looking at the mirror always boosts your confidence

• Have you ever bought mirrors?

Yes, I bought a beautiful mirror when I went to Jodhpur last month, it has a nice wooden frame and a clear mirror to look at. It also has carving on the frame

• Would you use Mirrors to decorate rooms?

Yes I would like to use Mirrors to decorate the rooms. Mirrors add space to the room and also enhance the lighting effect. My interior decorator friend also recommended it for my study room recently.

• Do you check yourself when you decide to buy a mirror?

Yes, I check for any defects or flaws in the reflection, when buying a mirror. I also            check for any physical damage, like cracks or den

87. Robots

1. Do you like robots?

Yes I like robots as they can do so much for you these days. There are simple robots to clean the houses and sophisticated ones to perform surgeries.

• What kind of robot would you like to have

Recently I have heard about a robot that cleans your room I would like to process one. It is like an automatic vacuum cleaner that picks up the dirt from all the looks and corners

• Will robots change society significantly?

Yes, robots will changes in society. In fact they have already done so, most of the jobs that were done manually earlier are performed with the help of robotics and with more precision.

No I don’t think robot will change the society it will only changed the way we work

88.                  Gifts

1. What is the importance of gifts?

Gifts are gestures of love. They strengthen bonds of friendship. Gifts make the recipient feel special.

• Is there any pressure on us to buy presents?

As such, there is no pressure on us to buy presents. But sometimes when we receive costly presents then there is a pressure to reciprocate in the same way. Then it may cause pressure. I believe that gifts should be just gestures of love. Too costly gifts should not be there.

Nowadays, we belong to a consumerist society. There are so many choices of gifts. This may seem good to some, but I often get confused when it comes to selecting a gift.

• How often do you buy others gifts?

I buy gifts very often. I buy gifts for my friends and siblings, but I don’t buy expensive gifts. I am not earning yet. So, my budget is restricted to my pocket money only.

• Do you like to send expensive gifts?

No, I don’t buy expensive gifts. I am not earning yet. So, my budget is restricted to my pocket money only.

• What kinds of gifts are popular in your country?

All sorts of gifts are popular in my country. People buy gifts according to their choice and pocket.

• Why do people send gifts?

Gifts are tokens of love. They give happiness to the giver and receiv

89. Shoes

1. How often do you buy shoes?

For me comfort of shoes is more important than the looks, so whenever I find a pair of shoes that are very comfortable I don’t miss the chance to buy .As a matter of fact I end up buying a pair of shoes every month.

• Have you ever bought shoes online?

Yes, online shopping these days offers a wider range of products, than conventional shopping in the stores. So I prefer to buy shoes online these days. I just bought a pair yesterday.

• Do you know anyone who likes to buy a lot of shoes?

Yes I have come across many people who like to buy a lot of shoes. My sister, my aunt ,my mother all of them have a good collection of Shoes in all colours .

• What’s your favourite type of shoes?

As I just mentioned my favourite type of pair of shoe is the one that offers comfort rather than good looks only. I like shoes that are simple in design and polishable.

90.        Forget things

1. What kinds of things do you have to bring when you go out?

When you go out you should have your purse with some money, an ID card and your cell phone.

• Did you ever forget to bring something?

Yes, once I had to go to Ludhiana by bus. I forgot my wallet at home. Fortunately, I knew someone in the bus, who helped me. Otherwise, I would have had to get down midway.

• How do you remind yourself?

I have become very forgetful. I try to repeat things in my mind and sometimes I set reminders on my cell phone.

• Do you carry different things in the morning and in the evening?

It depends on where I have to go. In the morning, it is generally to school or college. So, I carry my bag and books. In the evening, I may have to go shopping. So, I carry my purse and shopping bag.

91.                  .Indoor games

1. Do you play any indoor games?

Yes, I play carom board and cards with my siblings and parents.

• Do you prefer to play indoor games or outdoor games?

It depends on the weather outside. In hot summer afternoons, I play indoor games. But, when the weather is good, I play cricket and badminton outside with my friends.

• What indoor games did you play when you were a child?

I played carom board, ludo and snakes and ladders as a child.

• Is there any particular indoor game that you liked (when you were a child)? I liked ludo and snakes and ladders.

• What sorts of indoor games do children play now?

Nowadays, children are of the digital era. They play electronic games on the computer.

• Do you play video games?

Yes, I play Mario and tetris sometimes on my phone.

• What kinds of video games do you like to play?

I play Mario and tetris only. Sometimes I feel I have wasted a lot of time on these two games.

• Is it good for young people to play video games?

Yes, video games are good, but only if played in a limit. These introduce children to computer technology, and teach strategy building skills.

92.                  City Life

1. Do you live in the city or the countryside? (countryside = village) I live in the countryside. (————– Then go about talking about your village)

I live in the city. ( Then go about talking about your city)

• Is it good for young people to grow up in the city?

Yes, it is good for young people to grow up in the cities because cities provide many facilities. There are good education facilities, recreational (entertainment) facilities, and health facilities. There are also good job opportunities in cities.

• Is your city/village a good place for young people to grow up?

Yes, my village is a good place for young people to grow up. First, it is very near to the city. It is as good as being in the suburbs of the city. We can enjoy all the facilities of the city as well as the clean and pollution free atmosphere of the village.

OR

Yes, my city is a good place for young people to grow up. There are good education facilities, recreational (entertainment) facilities, and health facilities. There are also good job opportunities in my city.

• Have you ever been to the seaside?

No, I have never been to the seaside. My cousin went to Goa last year. He told me that beaches are fun places. I would like to go there whenever I get a chance.

OR

Yes, I have been to the seaside once. I went to visit relatives in Mumbai. They took us to the Juhu Beach

• Do you often eat out (go to restaurants)?

I eat out very often, in fact two or three times a month.

• What food do you like?

I like traditional Punjabi food, such as dal roti. I also like Chinese Manchurian and cheese chilly. I love eating Italian pizza and pasta.

93.                  Foreign language

1. Why do you think it is important to learn a foreign language?

It is important to learn a foreign language because it helps you connect with more people. As it is, today we do not belong to a big planet Earth; we belong to a small global village and to survive in this global village, it is necessary to be multilingual. For example, English is spoken in 86 countries. If you know English you can communicate with people of 86 countries.

• How is it helpful to you to speak a foreign language?

I know English which is a foreign language. It is very helpful for me. Knowledge of English makes me feel more confident as it increases my communication skills and also it helps me in surfing the net because most websites are written in English.

• What is the most difficult part of learning a foreign language for you?

I find some pronunciations very confusing at times. For example bough is pronounced ‘bo’ whereas tough is ‘tuff’.

Sometimes the spellings which have silent words also confuse me. For instance ‘b’ is silent in doubt and debt.

• What is the best way to memorize new words?

The best way is to start using them in daily life so that they become part of your natural spoken English.

• Is it better to learn a new word from translation or by definition?

I think both ways are equally good. Sometimes some words are learnt best by translation and some by definition.

• Why don’t some people know the language of the society they live in?

This is perhaps because they live in their own shell and don’t intermingle with those people.

• What do you think of children learning a foreign language?

I think children should learn a foreign language. It is very easy for children to learn a foreign language as they are very receptive and they are not hesitant about making mistakes. They also have a benefit of not knowing any other language too well, to make comparisons and assumptions about the difficulty of language learning. In this era of globalization, knowledge of a foreign language is very beneficial for a better career and a brighter future. It opens more avenues for the students for higher education and good jobs.

• Why are some language classes boring?

Some language classes are boring because of the teaching methods used. If there no interactive and fun activities involved in teaching a language and only textbook teaching methods are followed, students become bored easily. Incorporating technology in classrooms, keeps the students interested in learning and they learn it easily. For example, there should be audio-visual means used.

• Some students hate to learn foreign languages, what can teachers do to develop their interest? Some students hate to learn a foreign language mainly due to lack of interest and uninteresting teaching methods used. Teachers play an important in developing students’ interest. Interactive and fun activities should be included to keep the children involved and interested in learning. If students are taught only from text books and there is a pressure of examination, it leads to students becoming bored or disliking language classes. Teachers should also use contexts and examples to which the students can relate in their day-to-day life. If they understand how the language can help and benefit them, students would be motivated to learn that language.

1. Some people travel for learning a foreign language, what do you think?

I think that traveling is a very good way to learn a foreign language. It is true that the more we use a language, the better we get at it. So, if travel to a county/region where that language is used, we will interact more with the local people in that language and learn its nuances better. Also, language is related to the culture. If we travel, we learn more about the culture and can learn the language better.

1. What’s the best way to learn a foreign language?

I think the best way to learn a foreign language in a classroom environment, from a teacher who has in-depth knowledge of that language. The teacher should preferably be a native speaker of that language or should have a high proficiency level in that language. It is very important to incorporate technology and audio-visual methods to teach that language. Also, travelling to that country/region where the language is spoken is also a good way to learn it. These days learning a language through videos and online classes has become very popular, as the students get a chance to interact with the teachers and also with native speakers of that language, through the internet. There are many apps also available, which can be downloaded on smartphones, which help learning a foreign language in a fun and interactive way. For example, the Duolingo app.

1. Why can some people learn languages fast white others learn slowly?

Some people learn language faster than some others because of the teaching methods used to teach them. Interacting more with the native speakers also helps with learning a language better and faster. Also, there may be a motivating factor, like a job that requires them to learn that language, which makes people learn a language faster than others, who don’t have any motivation behind learning a language.

1. Does one’s age affect their language learning?

Yes, I think age affects language learning. I thing the learning curve goes down with increasing age. Also, at an older age, people try and compare the new language they are learning with the language they already know. That may cause a hindrance in the learning of a language. People also become more hesitant about making mistakes and feel more embarrassed, at a later age, as compared to young learners.

Advantages for children to learn languages – Why it is good to learn languages at younger age

1. When children learn multiple languages at a younger age, they develop a lifelong love of communicating with others.
2. It is much easier to learn foreign language when young. At a later age it becomes harder to become fluent
3. Learning a foreign language helps a child’s mind develop. Such children do better in other subjects. It helps their intellect to develop more
4. Learning a foreign language helps children to expand their knowledge of the world. They want to know about other people and other countries. They would want to understand them instead of being afraid of them.

Advantages for the adult learner of a foreign language

He has his own language to compare with the second language. So new terms or concepts are easily understood.

They have a strong motivation to learn a new language especially if it is connected to an employment opportunity.

Most adult learners have participated in study earlier, so they know what method of learning works best for them.

94.        Birds

1. How do you feel about birds? (Why do you feel that way?)

I feel that birds are very special. They are beautiful creations of God. They add diversity to nature.

• How do Indian people feel about birds?

India is a diverse country. Everyone has different feelings. Some love birds, and keep them as pets. Others just admire them flying in the sky. Some even eat birds.

• Are there many birds near your home?

Yes, there are birds near my home. I can see pigeons, crows, sparrows and even the cuckoo bird occasionally.

• Have you seen many different kinds of birds? (near your home)

Yes, I have seen many different birds. Apart from the birds I see routinely around my house, I have seen peacocks in my neighbouring village. I have also seen some rare birds, in the Chhattbir zoo. There were different varieties of parrots and the ostrich and emu over there.

1. Do any birds have any particular significance in India? For example, does India have a national bird?

Yes, peacock is our national bird. It is a beautiful bird. The male looks very beautiful with its plumes spread out.

1.   Do you think birds should be protected? (Why? / Why not? How can they be protected?) Yes, definitely. They are beautiful creations of nature. They add diversity to our environment. Apart from that, they are the best pollinators. Also, birds eat insects. That is why crops are protected. They are part of our ecological chain. We all know that if any link of our ecological chain is not there, then the whole ecology can collapse.

Birds can be protected by having strict laws against catching and selling birds. The NGOs like SPCA, which means Society for prevention of cruelty to animals, and the PFA, which means people for animals can also help in this matter.

• Do Indian people like raising (keeping) pet birds?

Yes, they do. Some people keep birds as pets. They keep colourful parrots and pigeons as pets.

• Have you ever raised (kept) a pet bird?

No, I have never raised a pet bird. There is a lot of work involved.

95.                  Boats

1. Do you often travel by boat?

No, I don’t often travel by boat. I don’t live in the coastal area and where I live people do not travel by boat. Boating is done only in places with water such as the Sukhna Lake.

• Would you like to go on a boat tour? (Why?/Why not?)

Yes, I would definitely like to go on a boat tour. I think it would be great fun. My relatives live in USA. They told me that there’s a cruise to Alaska. One day I would love to do that cruise.

• (Similar to above) Would you like to have a holiday on a boat?

• Where in your country do people most often use boats? (or, travel by boat)

India has a long coastline. The coastline is more than 7000 km. People living near the coast use boats very often.

• Do many people in your country own their own boat?

Maybe people living near the shores have their own boats, but people living off shore do not have their own boats.

• Would you like to buy a boat?

No, I would not like to buy a boat. I think it would be a waste of money.

1. If you had your own boat, what would you do with it?

If I had my own boat, I would buy a house near the beach and do boating everyday.

96.                  Relatives

1. Do you often visit your relatives?

No, I don’t often visit relatives. I visit them once or twice in six months.

• What do you do when visit them?

Whenever we visit relatives, we have lots of fun. We visit some historical places, eat out, watch movies and do lots of other activities.

• Do you prefer to spend time with your relatives, or your friends?

I prefer to spend time with my friends. I like the company very much. We have lots of fun together.

(Possibly the question above is this) Do you prefer visiting your relatives, or your friends?

97.                  Daily routine

1. Do you like to plan what you will do each day? (Why?/Why not?)

Yes, I like to plan what I do each day. If I do not plan I tend to procrastinate and then all my work piles up and I start getting stressed.

• Please describe your typical daily routine.

I get up at around six in the morning. Then I freshen up and go for a walk. I walk for around 5 km every day. If for some reason I do not go for a walk, then I feel something is missing from my life. After coming home I help my mother in household chores. Then I go to school/college. In the evening, I hang out with my friends for about an hour or so. Then I study for sometime. We are family members have dinner at around eight. We all watch TV together for about an hour. I go to bed at around 10.

• What’s your favourite time of the day? (Why? What do you do at that time?)

My favorite time of the day is evening time. We are family members have dinner together. We share our day’s happenings with each other. We watch TV together. Sometimes we go for walk after dinner. So this is my favorite time of the day.

• What do you usually do at this time of day? ( same as above)

• Do you usually do the same things at the same time each day?

No, my timetable is not that fixed. Dinner time is more or less fixed. Sometimes I go to bed late, if I have to complete an assignment or prepare for some test.

• How do you plan (organize) your study time?

I plan my study time very meticulously. I’m usually very diligent and try to study for 2-3 hours on school days, and 5 to 6 hours on weekends.

• Do you ever (or, do you often) change these plans?

Yes many times, I have to change my plans. Sometimes there are guests at home and I have to help my mother. Then my timetable gets disturbed, but I usually make it up the next day by studying more.

98.                  .Punctuality

1. Do you wear a watch?

(Similar to above) Do you think everyone should wear a watch?

Yes, I wear a watch and I think that everyone should wear one too, or keep a check on the time. These days please check time on their cell phones, however, the point is to be on time and not waste time.

• In your country is it important to be on time (= be punctual)? (e.g., for meetings, work, classes) Yes, it is very important to be on time to meetings, classes or for work. Time is valued a lot in India, as unlike money, time once gone doesn’t come back.

• Do you like to be on time?

(Similar to above) Is being on time important to you?

Yes, being on time is extremely important to me. I ensure that I am never late for my classes and other appointments and meetings. I understand that time is much more important than any other material thing or money.

• How do you feel when others are late?

When others are late occasionally, it maybe due to a genuine problem, however, if someone is late very often, then it’s definitely a habit that I do not appreciate or like.

• How do you remind yourself to be on time?

I usually remember the appointments and meetings, but sometimes I set reminders on my phone to be on time.

• Why are some people always late?

Some people are always late because they do not plan well and are not good at time management. They may also not value time.

• Do you think it’s important to be punctual?

I think it’s very important to be punctual. It saves our time and the other person’s time also. Time is the most precious commodity.

• What will you do if you are waiting for someone?

If I am waiting for someone, I’ll probably pass time by playing games on my phone or reading the news or chatting with my friends.

• Do you think people these days are as punctual as they were in the past?

I think people are as punctual these days, as they were in the past. However, sometimes due to the traffic situation of today, despite wanting to be punctual, people are sometimes not able to reach on time for their work, meetings, appointments etc

99.                  Names

1. Does your name have any special meaning?

Yes, my name has a special meaning. My name is Kiran. It means a ray of light. My name is very significant for me. It has been my identity for the last 56 years. It is a gift given to me by my parents. It brings out positive feelings from within me. I am proud of my name.

• Is your surname very common in India?

My surname is Makkar. I think it is very common. I know many people with this surname.

• Do you like your name?

Yes, I love my name. It is my identity. It is the meaningful name. It is my parents gift to me.

• Would you like to change your name?

No, I would never like to change my name. I love my name as it is.

• Do people in India ever change their names?

Yes, sometimes people change their name. Sometimes, when a girl gets married, her in-laws give her a new name and start calling her by that name. However, it is a very cumbersome process to change one’s name in papers.

• What name do people at home (your family members) call you? My nickname is Mohini. At home everyone calls me by that name.

100.                Birthdays

1. How do children celebrate birthdays in your country?

Children celebrate birthdays in different ways. Some children invite friends and cut the cake. Older children take their friends out for a party. Some people celebrate by donating for charity.

• How did you celebrate your last birthday?

I took my friends out for dinner at Rangla Punjab, a famous restaurant in the suburbs of my hometown.

• What kinds of birthday gifts do you like to receive?

I like to receive clothes, books, flowers as gifts. I take gifts as gestures of love. So I happily accept anything that anybody brings for me.

• Is there a difference between the way you celebrated your birthday in the past and the present?

When I was younger, my mother used to make snacks at home and bake a cake. I used to invite my friends, but now I prefer to take them out for lunch or dinner.

101.                Computer

1. Do you use computer very much?

Yes, I use computers a lot. I have a laptop I use for my studies, to stay connected to my friends and relatives living far away, to research on various topics, for entertainment I watch movies and play games.

• When do you use a computer?

I use the computer everyday at home, usually in the evenings and after dinner. I use it to research for my assignments and to check my emails, check Facebook updates and post messages and sometimes I use it to watch movies or play games.

• What do you use computer for?

I use it to research for my assignments and to check my emails, check Facebook updates and post messages and sometimes I use it to watch movies or play games.

• What was your impression when you used a computer the first time?

I remember the day when I used the computer the first time. I was in class 6 at that time. I vividly remember how fascinated I was with the computer.

• How did you learn to use a computer?

I learned to use a computer through school lessons. Later I got my own personal desktop at home and I learned a little more by using it more at home. Now I have a laptop that I use regularly.

• Have computers changed your life in anyway (if yes, How?)?

Yes, definitely. Computers have changed my life. I am well connected with all my friends and relatives, irrespective of which part of the world they are in. It has made the research work for my assignments very convenient. I think it’s a very good source of entertainment and with the Internet it is a boon for the humankind. Many everyday tasks can be done in a matter of a few clicks and in a few seconds, be it banking, shopping, etc.

• Are computers used much in your country?

Yes, the use of computers has increased greatly in my country. It is a common household electronic equipment and almost all the workplaces make use of a computer, like in a grocery store, bank, coffee shop, school, post office, etc.

• Do you think computer are useful in everyday life (how)?

Yes, computers are very useful in everyday life. We can pay our bills, book tickets, shop for anything, set reminders, connect with relatives and friends, research, entertain ourselves, create new things and do umpteen other things by using a computer.

• Computers are now used a lot in education. What do you think of this?

I think it is the need of the day to make use of computers in education. It not only makes the lessons more interesting, it also helps make the children more techno-savvy, as technology is used in almost all fields.

1. Do you play computer games?

Yes, sometimes I play word games, puzzles or card games on my computer.

1. Do you think computers are perfect now or do they still need to be improved?

I think the computers technology, in terms of both hardware and software keeps changing and there is always something new that needs to be added as time passes. So, in the future I can foresee a lot of changes and improvements that are made to the computers.

102.                Being in a hurry

1. When was the last time you did something in a hurry?

The last time I did something in a hurry was two months ago. I remember my exams were going on. I slept really late because I was studying and in the morning I did not hear the alarm. So I got ready in a hurry, and forgot my wallet at home.

• Do you like to finish things quickly?

If I don’t like what I’m doing, then I like to finish things quickly. But, if I am enjoying what I’m doing then I take my time.

• What kind of things you would never do in a hurry? I would never drive in a hurry, or cross the road in a hurry.

• Why do people make mistakes more easily when they are in a hurry?

It is easy to make mistakes in a hurry, because the mind is preoccupied and so it is easy to forget certain things. That desire it has been rightly said that haste makes waste.

103.                Museums

1. Are there many (or any) museums in your hometown?

No, there are no museums in my hometown. That is on museum of our great martyr Bhagat Singh, which is 30 km away. There is an another Sikh museum in Amritsar in Golden Temple.

• Do you think museums are useful for visitors to your hometown/country?

Yes, museums are very useful for the visitors. Museums provide knowledge and information. They also provide entertainment. Museums preserve a collection. Museums inspire people to do things.

• Do you often visit a museum?

No, I don’t often visit museums. I visited a science museum about a year ago. This museum is also near my hometown.

• Did you go to any museums when you were a child?

Yes, I saw the Sikh museum in the Golden Temple when I was a child. I also saw the Bhagat Singh Museum during my school days. Our school organized an educational tour to this museum.

• When was the last time you visited a museum? The last time I visited the Museum was about a year ago.

• Do you think museums are important? Yes, museums are very important. (as answer 2)

• Do you think it’s suitable for museums to sell things to visitors?

No, I do not think museums should sell things to visitors. If museums start selling things then the whole purpose of museums would be lost.

104.                Dance

1. When was the last time you went to a place where people go to dance in your country?

I have never been to any such place where people specially go to dance. In my country people specially go to dance in discos, pubs and clubs. But there are no such places in my home town. I love to dance on family functions.

• When was the last occasion when you danced a lot?

The last occasion I danced a lot was last Sunday. It was my friend’s birthday. He invited us to his home. We danced a lot on that day.

• Do you like dancing?

Yes, I love dancing. I dance on all family functions like marriage parties and birthday parties.

• Have you ever learnt dancing? Why? / Why not?

No, I have never learnt dancing. Unfortunately, there are no places in my hometown where dance is taught. All the steps I know, I’ve learnt from TV programmes and movies.

OR

Yes, I’ve learnt dancing. There is a very nice centre in my village which teaches Punjabi folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra.

• Did you learn to dance? Why? / Why not?

No, I did not learn to dance. Unfortunately, there are no places in my hometown where dance is taught. All the steps I know, I’ve learnt from TV programmes and movies.

OR

Yes, I learnt dancing in my childhood. There is a very nice centre in my village which teaches Punjabi folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra.

• Why do you think people love to dance?

People love to dance because they can express their joy. Dance is a form of expression. Dance is a good way to relieve tensions and worries. It also keeps the body fit.

• Do you think children love to dance?

Yes, children love to dance because they can express their joy. Dance is a form of expression. Dance is a good way to relieve tensions and worries. It also keeps the body fit.

• Do you see dance on TV?

Yes, I see a lot of dance reality shows like Dance India Dance, NachhBaliye and Dancing Superstars.

105.                Hats

1. Do you like to wear hats?

No, I don’t like to wear hats. I find them very uncomfortable. OR

Yes, I wear hats when I go out in the sun, or when watching a match in the stadium.

• What kinds of hats do you have?

I have a baseball cap, woolen caps for winters, a beret and some fashion hats.

• Where do you like to buy hats?

I usually buy hats at a store where such accessories are available and some such stores are there in a nearby mall. I have also bought a couple of them online.

• Is wearing hats popular in your country? M a kk a r IE LTS

Yes wearing hats is popular in India. In different states of India there are different types of hats that are a part of the traditional attire. These days hats are very popular among the young generation. They wear them as a fashion accessory.

106.                Singing

1. Do you often (like to) sing?

Yes, I like to sing, but as my singing abilities are not pretty good so I sing only in the bathroom.

• When do you like to sing?

Whenever I’m alone I hum some songs to myself.

• How much time do you spend in singing every day? Not much, a few minutes perhaps.

• What kinds of music do you like to sing?

I mostly like to sing film songs. I like Punjabi folk songs also.

• Is it difficult to sing well?

Yes, it is difficult to sing well. I think only talented people can do it.

• Do you want to be a singer?

No, I would not want to be a singer. I know I don’t have the abilities.

107.      Noise

1. How is the noise level in your city?

My city is an industrial city and on top of that it is on the national highway. So, the noise levels are very high.

• Where does noise in urban areas come from?

The noise in urban areas comes from pressure horns of vehicles, industries and loud speakers.

• Do you think it is important to be alone sometimes?

It is very important to be alone sometimes. Everyone needs to introspect at times. One needs to know about ones likes and dislikes and everyone needs time for one’s personal work which can be best done in solitude.

• What is the importance of belonging to a certain group?

There is a lot of importance of belonging to a social group. Man is a social animal and cannot live alone for long. One needs to share one’s happiness and sorrows with others. That is why we join social groups and feel part of these groups. Social groups are a sort of support system. They give us support when we are low in life. It is mentally unhealthy to be alone for long.

• What are problem you could have if you go out together in big group?

There could be a lot of problems in a big group. It is difficult to organise a big group. Mismanagement can lead to conflicts. It could end up in a lot of wastage of time. It has been well said that “two is a company and three is a crowd”.

108.                Bus or Taxi

1. How often do you take the bus?

I take the bus everyday. I go to school/college by bus.

• When was the first time you took a taxi?

The last time I took a taxi was about two months ago. I went to Delhi to visit my relatives. I hired a cab from the railway station to their home.

• What are the advantages of taking a taxi compared with buses.

The advantages of taxi are that you don’t have to wait for the bus. You can start at anytime. A taxi takes you from one destination to the other whereas the bus will drop you at the bus stop.

• Is it convenient to take the bus/taxi in your city?

The bus service in my city is very good and frequent. The taxi service is also very good, but I normally take the bus as it is much cheaper.

109.                Mobile phones

1. How often do you use your mobile phone?

I use my mobile phone very often, in fact every day.

• Can you describe your mobile phone?

I have an iPhone 5s. It is in golden color. It is rectangular in shape. It has two cameras. It has a 8GB Space. It has many features. It is like a mini computer in my hands.

• What was your first mobile phone?

My first mobile phone was a Nokia phone. I don’t remember the model but it was a very basic phone.

• Would you buy a new one in the future?

I don’t have any plans to buy a new phone in the future. I’m quite happy with my iPhone.

• How has your mobile phone changed your life?

My basic mobile phone was it enough to change my life. It kept me connected with my family all the time, but my iPhone is a smart phone and is much more than a phone for mere connectivity. I can check my emails on my phone. I can surf the net on my phone. I can play games on my phone. I can do calculations on my phone. I can do so many other things on my phone.

110. HISTORY

1. Do you like (to learn about) history?

Yes, I like to learn about history. It is through history we come to know about the important events that gave way or shaped the way to progress or changes in any country. Also, history teaches us important lessons and we can learn from the achievements or mistakes of our ancestors. Everything in this world has its history. It’s through that we value what we have today. For example, we value our independence today because of the knowledge of the independence struggle.

• What historical event do you find most interesting?

The historical event I find the most interesting is the day India became an independent nation, on 15^th August 1947.

• Do you think history is important?

Yes, I think history is very important. We can learn a lot from history. We come to know about the way of life, culture and traditions of the past times. We can come to know about the important historical events that paved way for progress and development, like the Industrial revolution. We can get motivation by learning about the achievements of some people and we can also learn from the mistakes of our ancestors.

• Do you like to watch programmes on TV about history?

Yes I like to watch programmes on TV about history. In fact, the History channel is one of my favourite TV channels. It has some great shows about history of different parts of the world.

• Do you think you can really learn history from films and TV programmes?

Yes, definitely. TV programs and films make learning about history interesting and easy. Reading about history may become very boring after a while. Children also learn history better if an audiovisual medium is used.

• Do you think the Internet is a good place to learn about history?

Yes, Internet is a good way to learn about history. It is a vast source of knowledge. We can search about any topic related to history and get all the information we need. There are also videos, documentaries, podcasts, e-books etc. also available on the Internet.

• Can you name a person from history whom you would like to learn more about?

I would like to learn more about martyr Bhagat Singh, who was a freedom fighter in the struggle for Independent India.

• Why would you like to learn more about him/her?

I would like to learn more about him because he is a motivation for the youth of today. I do not know much about him, but I know that his role in India’s freedom struggle was integral and the British rulers hanged him at a very young age of 23 for the assassination of a British police officer.

111. Magazine

1. Do you read magazines?

Yes, I read magazines. Reader’s Digest is the one I usually read.

• Who prefers to read magazines – younger or older people?

I think it is a matter of personal choice and is not related to age.

• Have you ever read online magazines?

Yes, I have read online magazines. But I prefer traditional printed magazines to online ones.

• Did you read magazines when you were young?

No, I didn’t read magazines, but I read comic books and other children’s books when I was young. I started reading magazines in my late teenage years.

• What kind of magazines are popular in your country?

There are many types of magazines popular in my country, like fashion magazines, sports magazines, housekeeping magazines, automobiles magazines, art & craft magazines and many more.

112.                Internet

1. Do you use internet (very much)?

Yes, I use the internet a lot, especially for research for my studies. I also use the internet for chatting with my friends, watching movies and playing games.

• When was the first time you used the internet?

The first time I used the internet was when I was in around 10-11 years old. We got a computer and an internet connection set up at our home.

• Is the internet very important (or useful) to you?

Yes, the internet is very important/useful for me. I mostly use it for research purposes for my studies. It also helps me stay connected with my friends.

• Do you think you can (or could) live without the internet?

It is very hard to imagine a life without the internet. The communication and connectivity we have now because of the internet will suffer greatly. I would feel alienated/cut off from the world without the internet.

113.                Neighbor –

1. Do you know your neighbors?

Yes, I know my neighbors well. I meet them daily and we are like a family.

1. Do you like your neighbors?

Yes, I like my neighbors. They are very friendly and helpful. In fact, we are like a family.

1. Why are neighbors important?

Neighbours are very important because they are next to our family. In fact, in today’s era of nuclear families, neighbours are the only family we have in times of emergencies. Neighbours are the people with whom we share our walls. They are the first ones to help us in times of need.

1. When do you meet your neighbors?

I meet my neighbors in the evenings. We usually meet them in the park or outside my home. Sometimes we have some celebrations in our neighborhood or some community programs, where I get to meet my neighbors.

1. How often do you meet your neighbors?

I meet my neighbors very often, in fact almost daily.

114.      Pop star

1. Who’s your favorite pop star?

My favorite pop star is the famous Punjabi singer, DiljeetDosanjh. He is an excellent singer, performer and an actor.

• Do you want to be a pop star?

No, I don’t have the qualities or talent to be a pop star.

• Do you like to go to concerts?

Yes, I like to go to concerts. I think live performances are very enjoyable and much different from listening to recorded music. We get to meet like-minded people, with similar interests.

• Do you prefer live music or recorded music?

I don’t prefer one to the other. I enjoy both equally. Live music has its own charm and energy, whereas recorded music can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere

115.                Teenagers –

1. Do you like to spend time with teenagers?

I have a few cousins who are in their teenage years and I like to spend time with them. I get to know about what is the latest trend and what kinds of apps are popular among them.

• Do you know anything about the kind of fashion that teenagers like?

Yes, I know about the kind of fashion that teenagers like, through the TV shows and movies. I also see a lot of teenagers when I go out and get a sense of the kind of fashion they follow.

• What are the best things of being a teenager?

I think that the best part of being a teenager is the sense of responsibility that is developed in those years. It is also a stage of life, which brings a little more freedom, than the younger years.

• How do teenagers entertain themselves?

Teenagers usually entertain themselves by watching movies, listening to music, hanging out with friends, chatting online with friends, playing outdoor sports, and other such activities.

116.                Films

1. Do you like to watch films?

Yes, I love to watch films. I think it is a very good form of entertainment and gives us the much-needed break in our busy life. It is also a good way to spend quality time with friends and family.

• Do you prefer foreign films or Indian films?

I like watching both, Indian and foreign films. I think that the Indian films keep us connected to our culture and roots and through the foreign films, we get knowledge about other cultures. Both are an equally good source of entertainment.

• How often do you go to cinema to watch a movie?

I go to cinema to watch a movie quite often, at least once or twice a month.

• Do Indian people like to go to cinema to watch a film?

Yes, Indian people like to go to cinema to watch films. It is evident from the increasing number of multiplexes that are opening in every city and are almost always full of people.

• What kinds of movies do you like the best?

I like movies that have a good story, with some good lessons or a message and those with good acting and direction.

• What was the first film you watched?

I don’t remember exactly, but one of the first films I remember from my childhood is

                                             . (Add a couple of lines about the kind of movie and the story/what was it about).

117.      Social Network

1. What kind of social networking websites do you like to use?

I mostly use the Facebook website for social networking. These days all the social networking sites have an app that we can install and use on our phones, so I don’t usually visit the websites. I use my cellphone apps.

• Are you a social person?

I am not a very social person. However, I have a good social circle of friends. I like to meet them at least once in two-three months.

OR

I am a social person. I like to meet new people and make new friends. I have a big social circle of friends.

• What kinds of people do you like to be friends with on those websites?

On those websites, I only have friends whom I already know or whom I know through someone. I do not make new friends on such websites.

• Is it easy to find real friends on a social networking website?

No, it is not at all easy to find real friends on social networking websites. People make fake ids, with fake information and dupe people.

• What kind of chatting app or software do Indian people like to use?

Indian people like to use chatting apps like, Whatsapp, Snapchat, Hike, V-chat, Viber, etc.

118.                POLITENESS

1. 1. Who teaches you to be polite?

Our parents, teachers, relatives, friends and other acquaintances, teach us politeness. We also learn about the importance of politeness from stories we read and movies we watch.

• 2. How do Indian people show politeness?

Indian people show politeness in their actions, like talking softly, spending time with the elderly, helping people, greeting others with a smile and many other such small gestures reflect politeness.

• 3. Has the way people show politeness changed in India?

Yes, I think with the advancement in technology, the way we show politeness has changed. With the advent of the internet and social networking, it is very important to show respect to others in the way we write messages or emails, so as to not offend others. For example, when chatting with someone, it is not acceptable to type in capital letters. It is considered rude and impolite.

• Are you angry with people who are late?

Yes, definitely I am angry with people who are late. I am very punctual myself and I feel irritated when somebody keeps me waiting.

• Do you think that people have less free time today than in the past? Why?

Yes, I do feel that people have less free time today than in the past. Today, people have become workaholics. They run after money and in doing so they work longer hours. Moreover, today we belong to a materialistic society and to buy the luxuries we have to work more. In earlier times, life was slower and the needs of people were limited. So people had a lot of free time.

• Do you think that the quality of living is increasing? How?

I feel that the quality of life has increased in many ways and in many ways it has gone down. People today enjoy greater comforts and have more money to enjoy life but on the other hand we face many problems today such as pollution and global warming which make the quality of life bad.

• Today people use machinery to automate everything, is it good or bad?

It is both – good as well as bad. In many ways it is good. We have more time because of machines. We get good quality things because machines make uniform things. We do mass production because of automation and this boosts our economy as we can export things to other countries when we produce them in bulk.

On the other hand, many people have lost jobs because of automation. So, unemployment occurs and this leads to many other problems in society. Machines can also not give a personal touch to things.

• How does modern technology help to save time?

Modern technology has touched all aspects of life. In transport industry we have much faster means of travel. In communication, technology has given us tools to connect to others at the click of a mouse. In the homes, we have washing machines and microwave ovens, which save our time.

• Do you agree that people should let machinery do everything?

I do not agree that machines should do everything. In that way we shall become slaves of our own creation. We should know when, where and how much we have to use machines. We should know where to draw the line. When we need mass production, we should take the help of machines. In doing repetitive and boring work we can let the machines take over. But where creativity is needed, we should do with our own hands.

119.                TIME MANAGEMENT

1. Are you ever late for anything?

No, I am a very punctual person. I value time and am never late for anything, unless it is due to some unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances.

• What excuses do you use when you are late?

I am usually not late for any meetings or appointments. However, if at all I am getting late due to an unavoidable circumstance, then I inform the person I am meeting, beforehand. I don’t make excuses.

• What excuses do people have when they are late?

People give excuses like car or bike breakdown or that they were stuck in traffic, when they are late

• Are you good at organizing time?

Yes, I am good at organizing time. I set up reminders for important events and meetings. I am never late for an appointment.

• How do you usually organize time?

I sometimes set up reminders for important events or meetings, sometimes I make lists of tasks to complete, sometimes I set deadlines for myself, especially when working on an important assignment/project.

• Do you think planning is important for time management?

Yes, planning is essential for good time management. If we don’t plan ahead, we will tend to waste time doing tasks/things which are unimportant or unnecessary.

• Why do you think some people pay to learn time management?

Time management has become very important in today’s fast-paced world. Some people pay to take courses on time management so that they can succeed and excel at their work. Some people are not very good at organizing and managing time, so they need to take up courses on managing time well.

• Do you think children should learn to manage time?

Yes, definitely. We live in a fast paced world and children too need to manage their time well, so that they can deal with the competition and do well at their studies and later, at their jobs.

• Why do some people find it hard to follow their plans?

Some people find it hard to follow their plans because of other pressing commitments, like family commitments. Some people maybe too lazy to follow their plans.

1. 10.How would you teach your children time management?

Time management can be taught to children by helping them make a timetable and ensuring that they follow it. Also, children can learn easily from stories or movies, which teach them a lesson about the importance of time and managing it well. The parents are role models for children and they should set a good example for their children.

1. 11.Do old people and young people manage time in a similar way?

No, old and young people do not manage their time the same way. Old people have more life experience and they understand the importance of time management better than the young generation. The young people may be too impulsive or impatient and may not understand the importance of planning ahead. Another difference is the way the younger generation manages time. They make more use of technology and the old people may use the traditional methods, like a timetable or writing down a list of tasks.

120.                FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

1. Do you like fruits and vegetables? OR Do you like to eat fruit(s) and vegetables? Yes, I like fruits and vegetables. In fact they are a part of my daily diet.

• How often do you eat fruits and vegetables? OR Do you often eat fruit(s) and vegetables? I eat fruits and vegetables daily. In fact seasonal fruits and vegetables are part of my daily diet.

• Why do you think fruits and vegetables are important for us?

I think they are important because they have essential vitamins and minerals, which we must eat to be healthy.

• What kind of fruit do you prefer?

I prefer all kinds of fruit. But I prefer seasonal fruits because they are readily available and cheap.

• What fruit(s) (and /or vegetables) do you especially like to eat?

I like to eat allfruits and vegetables, but I especially like the okra and broccoli among the veggies and my favourite fruits are watermelon and mango.

• Do you like the same fruits and vegetables today as you did when you were a child?

As a child, my favourite fruit used to be grapes, but now I like mango and watermelon more. Also, I wasn’t very find of vegetables as a child. Now I love all kinds of vegetables and fruits.

• What fruit and vegetables did you like to eat when you were a child?

I liked all fruits as a child and my favourite fruit used to be grapes. I wasn’t very fond of vegetables when I was a child.

• Is it easy (or, convenient) to buy fruit and vegetables where you live?

Yes, it is very convenient to buy fruits and vegetables where I live. I live in a city and there are many fruit and vegetable sellers, who have stalls/standsset up in many parts of the city. In grocery stores also we have a fruits and vegetables section.

• Do you think people should eat more fruits and vegetables?

Yes, I think people should eat more fruits and vegetables, as they contain essential vitamins and nutrients needed for a healthy body and mind. Also, it has become all the more important now to eat healthy food as most of the people lead a sedentary life.

1.             Do you think it’s (really) necessary to eat fruits and vegetables? OR How important is it to eat fruit and vegetables? OR What are the benefits of eating fresh fruit (or, fresh fruits and vegetables)?

Yes, certainly. It is essential to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as they contain nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which our body needs to function properly and to remain healthy. Also, having a healthy diet makes us feel more energetic.

1. How much fruit and vegetables do you think a person needs to stay healthy?

I think fruits and vegetables are needed as a part of our everyday diet. Many dieticians suggest that we should eat fruits and vegetables of at least five different colors everyday.

121.                       High school

1. Are you still in contact with your friends from high school?

Yes, I am in contact with my friends from high school. Many of them are now in different cities and countries. But we stay in touch through social networking apps and we also have reunions sometimes.

• What is your high school like?

Give a brief description of your school – describe building(s), garden, playground and other facilities)

• What happened on the first day of high school?

I don’t remember exactly what happened. However, I do remember that all my classmates and I were feeling like we have entered an important stage in our lives and that we are grown ups now.

• Did your parents choose your secondary school (= high school) for you?

Yes, my parents chose my secondary school. My high school and primary school were the same.

• What subjects did you study in secondary school (= high school)?

I studied many subjects in secondary school like, social sciences, mathematics, the Hindi and English languages, science subjects like biology, chemistry, physics and geography, art and crafts, etc.

• What was your favourite subject ( = class) in secondary school? (= high school)

My favourite subject in secondary school was science. I liked science subjects because I learned about the basic principles of the way things work all around us.

• And which class (= subject) did you like the least? (Why?)

There wasn’t any subject I liked the least. I liked all the subjects in secondary school.

• Which secondary school subject do you think is most useful for people in adult life?

I think all the subjects that we study in secondary school are useful for people in adult life. A strong foundation is built in primary and high school years that helps us throughout our life.

• What part of your secondary school education did you enjoy most? OR Did (do) you like your secondary school life?

I enjoyed my secondary school education a lot. There is no one part that I liked more than the other. I liked the fact that our school had an equal focus on extra curricular and physical activities, and not just on the academics.

1. How do you feel about your high school (secondary school)?

I think that high school years were the wonder years and I miss those times.

1. Why did you choose to attend (= to go to) that particular school?

My parents chose my school for me. I think I was too young to decide on my own and my parents chose the best school for my siblings and me.

1. Which class did (do) you enjoy the most? (Why?)

I enjoyed all the school years a lot. However, there was a lot of excitement and a feeling of pride when I got promoted from the primary wing of the school to the high school wing

122.                       Emails

1. Do you often write (or, send) emails?

No, I don’t often write/send emails. I sometimes write official emails, like for sending in a job application through email and sometimes I write to my friends.

• What do you write about?

I sometimes I write official emails, like sending a job application. When I write to my friends or relatives, it is informal and I ask about their health and wellbeing and tell them about what’s going on in my life.

• Do you think emails are useful?

Yes, I think that emails are very useful. Emails are convenient, timesaving, cost-effective and easy to send and receive. These days, emails are a good way to communicate for both formal and informal purposes.

• What kinds of emails do you send and receive?

I mostly receive promotional or spam emails advertising various shopping websites or products. I sometimes receive emails from my friends who are living in another country and at times I receive official communication, e.g. emails from the bank or the Income Tax department.

• Do you think it is a good thing that some companies send out letters/spam emails for the purpose of advertising?

I think sending spam emails for the purpose of advertising is a good marketing strategy and promotes a product or a service. However, it sometimes becomes a nuisance when it is sent repeatedly.

• How often do you write letters?

I don’t write handwritten letters any more. If I need to, I send an email. All official and personal letters can be sent through emails now.

• What do you write about?

It depends whom I am writing to. When I’m writing to my friends and relatives, it’s usually about what’s happening in my life and to ask about their wellbeing. When writing an official letter, it is for a specific purpose and it is formal.

• On what occasions do you write letters?

I write letters very rarely and there are no specific occasions when I write them.

• Do you like writing letters to your relatives and friends? (why/why not?)

Yes, I like writing to my relatives and friends, but I write emails or messages to them. I don’t write handwritten letters now.

1. 10.Do you and your friend keep in touch by (handwritten) letter?

No, I don’t stay in touch with my friends through handwritten letters. I text them or chat with them or send them an email.

1.             11.How do you keep in touch with your friends and relatives (by email, letter, by phone or by any other way)?

I stay in touch with my friends mostly through the online social media apps and websites, like Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, etc.

123.                RAINY DAYS

1. Does it rain much in India? (Where? When?)

India is a diverse country with different climatic conditions in different regions. So there are some parts of India that receive a lot of rain, like Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, Amboli in Maharashtra, etc. Some places receive a lot of rainfall only during the monsoon season, like Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, etc.

• Does it rain much in your hometown? (Include how often)

It doesn’t rain much in my hometown. It is only during the monsoon season, that is in the months from June to August that we receive some rainfall.

• In what season does it rain the most? OR When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hometown?

It rains the most in my hometown in the monsoon season, that is in the months from June to August.

• What about the other parts of India? OR In which season does it rain most in other parts of India?

India has a varied terrain. In many parts of India, it mostly rains in the monsoon season. However, it also depends on the geographical location as it affects the rainfall in many regions.

• Would you prefer to have, more rain or less rain (in your hometown)?

I would prefer to have more rain in my hometown. In the last few years, there has been a drastic change in the seasons and the summers get very hot. If there is more rainfall in the summers, there will be respite from the heat.

• Do you like rainy days? OR How do you feel on rainy days? ORDo you feel sad on rainy days? I like rainy days in the summer season because the temperatures drop and we get respite from the summer heat. In winters I am not too happy when it rains, as it becomes very cold after it rains.

• How does rain affect different people’s moods? OR How does rain affect people’s lives?

I think rains affect people’s moods when it restricts their activities or leads to a loss in the work or business. Some people feel happy when it rains as the weather becomes pleasant and people can enjoy hot beverages and fried snacks.

• Do you prefer rainy days or sunny days?

I prefer rainy days in the summers and sunny days in the winter season. Rains give us respite from the heat in the summers and we can enjoy sitting out in the sun on a cold winter day.

• What do you do on rainy days (or, on a rainy day)?

I enjoy hot beverages, like coffee and fried snacks like fritters and samosas on rainy days. It gives us an opportunity to stay at home with family and spend quality time with them.

1. What do you usually do when it rains (or, when it starts to rain) and you are outside? If it rains when I am outside, I usually look for a café or a place where I can sit and enjoy coffee and some snacks.

1. Do you think rain is good? (Why?)

Yes, I think rains are good. Rains are important to maintain the ecosystem’s balance. Rains help with maintaining the groundwater levels. They make the dust settle down and help clean the environment. For agriculture-based economies, rains during the rainy season are very important for a good crop.

1. How does rain affect (life in) your country?

Agriculture is a major part of India’s economy and that is largely dependent on timely rains. So a lot of farmers depend on a good monsoon season for a good crop. Unseasonal rains can have an adverse affect on agriculture, as it can destroy crops. In places where there is water shortage, people depend on rains and save rain water in reservoirs.

1.             Is there any part of India where it doesn’t rain much? (Where?) OR Is there an even distribution of rain throughout India?

India is a diverse country with different climates in different parts. There are many parts in the east of India that experience a lot of rain throughout the year. In most parts of India, monsoon season is the time when most of the rainfall happens. In some western parts, like in the deserts of Rajasthan, there is very little rain. Sometimes some states experience droughts because of no rainfall for a very long period of time.

1. What effects can a shortage of rain (a drought) have on people’s lives? Droughts/Shortage of rain can have adverse effects on the livelihoods of many people, especially those who are dependent on agriculture. Sometimes people are forced to leave their hometowns due to water shortage and start afresh somewhere else and face hardships. Many people die each year in India and all over the world because of droughts.

1.             Can you remember any time when it rained particularly heavily in your hometown? (When?)

Yes, I remember that during my childhood it used to rain continuously for days and the roads and parks got filled with water. We used to enjoy a lot playing in the rain and in the pools of water. This used to happen during the monsoon season. Now the amount of rainfall has reduced drastically due to climate change.

1. Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?)

Yes, sometimes the rain affects the transportation. It is mostly on some roads where the drainage system is not good or when it is blocked. At such times the water logging happens on the roads and the movement of traffic is affected.

1.             Do you think the seasons have changed in recent years, compared to the past? (Why? How?)

Yes, I think seasons have changed in the recent years because of global warming and the consequent climate change. The summers last longer and the winters are shorter. Also, the amount of rainfall during the monsoon season has reduced. Sometimes we hardly get any rains during the monsoon season.

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