I’m going to talk about an English dessert called trifle. This is a dish that people usually eat in sum m er and it’s been very popular since the 1950s. It’s made from fruit, cake, custard and jelly and we often eat it with some cream. Trifle is really easy to make because it doesn’t actually need cooking. Um first of all, you cut up some cake into slices and then you put the slices of cake into a bowl. Some people like to cover the cake in sherry otherwise it can go a bit hard. Next you need to chop up some fruit but you can’t use just any fruit; it must be berries such as strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. After covering the cake with berries, you need to make some jelly and pour this over the fruit. When the jelly has cooled it’s time to add custard. You can use a tin of custard but it’s better to make your own – people can always tell the difference. Finally, add the cream. It’s best to only use a little cream because trifle is quite
rich. And then put a few raspberries on the top for decoration. I love it because of the mix of fruit and sweet custard
It’s a jungle climate, so it’s quite hot all year long. During wet season, it is extremely humid and sticky. For many, the climate is hard to take. For me, I’m used to it. I don’t even sweat profusely (sweat a lot).
2. How many seasons are there in your place?
Two seasons- wet and dry. They each last about half the year. In wet season, there are downpours (extreme, heavy rain) and it’s generally humid and sticky. In dry season, it is a dry heat. I find dry season to be a lot more comfortable although the flora in wet season is more impressive.
3. What is your favorite season?
I would say dry season. It’s difficult to get around during wet season during a downpour since our culture is to go around by motorbike, not to mention that the streets flood easily. All in all, it’s a hassle (annoying or difficult). So, I much prefer the dry season since it’s a dry, more bearable heat.
4. What kind of weather do you like most?
If I could choose, I would say about 28 degrees, dry, with a cool breeze. This would be ideal whether to go for a motorbike ride around the countryside or lie out on the beach. Since I don’t like extremes, this would be perfect for me.
5. Do you prefer dry or wet weather?
Dry! As I said before, heavy rain becomes a hassle in my city. Moreover, the dry heat feels a lot more comfortable, as the humidity is nearly unbearable in this part of the world at times.
I’m definitely more of a tea person. However, I need a cup or two of coffee to shift myself into gear (to get started) in the morning. After this, I always stick with (choose) tea. Coffee tends to make me feel a bit anxious, whereas tea gives me a natural, energized feeling. Moreover, tea has more health benefits for me, especially since I’m prone to(easily get) colds and coughs.
2. What do you usually prepare for your guests, tea or coffee?
Definitely tea. As I don’t have a coffee-maker or French press, I wouldn’t want to serve instant coffee, so I always heat up water in my kettle and serve some tea, either in bags or fresh. Since I have quite a collection of different teas, I feel prouder to share this with my guests.
3. When was the last time you drank coffee or tea?
Just before this exam actually! I drank 2 cups of green tea this morning with my breakfast. As I was a tad nervous, I decided not to drink coffee this morning, as it sometimes causes me to feel jittery (nervous and shaking).
1. Is there anything being polluted in your hometown?
Absolutely. As the industry and economy are on the rise (increasing), more and more factories are showing up, causing air pollution. Moreover, as people’s salaries have increased, more people can afford their own personal vehicles, which worsens this problem. Furthermore, there is waste dumped (thrown into) in the bodies of water, causing water pollution. Lastly, as there are many new construction projects and traffic jams, noise pollution is also on the rise.
2. What are the common types of pollutions in the countryside?
As many of the factories are built in rural areas, they are a cause of air pollution in the countryside. Moreover, the use of pesticides (chemicals to keep bugs and animals away from plants) and chemical fertilizers (chemicals added to make soil stronger) in farming does not help this problem. Furthermore, some people dispose of their personal waste into bodies of water, causing water pollution.
3. What are the causes of those pollutions?
Although there are many different factors to these complex (complicated with many parts) problems, I will talk about a few. I would say that the cause of these pollutions are due to industry, such as the factories. Moreover, farming contributes to this problem, as there is a high demand to have enough food for the increasing population. Lastly, water pollution stems from (starts from) poor waste management systems in rural areas, as well as ineffective operation of waste treatment facilities.
4. Have you ever done anything to help the environment?
I could definitely do more! However, I think that small actions do count. I always carry my trash home with me to throw away if there isn’t a public garbage bin available. I would feel so guilty blatantly littering! Moreover, I choose to ride my bicycle or walk when transportation isn’t needed. Lastly, I opt (choose) to not get a plastic bag when they are unnecessary in stores.
Describe a skill you need long time to learn
You should say:
What it is
Where you can learn it
How to learn it
And explain why you need long time to learn it
Model answer
I would like to talk about learning a language, which definitely requires a lot of time and patience. I think many people go into learning a language expecting to speak fluently after a few short months which can lead them to disappointment. I think to truly be fluent in a language, you need at least 3 years, preferably living and immersing yourself in that country. Language starts with the grammar and sentence structure, then being able to listen and respond, then onto reading and writing which is a whole different ball game (a different challenge). Even those who can communicate effectively would still struggle to read a novel or literature in that language.
You can begin to learn a language in various ways. For one, you can learn it in school and a language center, which is a good base for grammar especially. Secondly, you can study it on your own, maybe even by watching youtube videos, series/ movies, listening to music, etc. which is becoming more of a trend nowadays due to the high costs of studying at a language center. Moreover, you can learn it by starting a relationship with someone and figuring out a way to communicate after some time – I think it usually happens fast when you catch feelings(to start feeling emotions for someone) for someone who doesn’t speak the same language! Lastly, you can move to that country and pick it up there. I would say this is the best way, although many don’t have this opportunity.
I think language learning is a tedious (long, detailed) process because it involves many different skills, such as memorization, pronunciation, grammar, etc., and requires you to think outside of the box, which doesn’t come easily for some. Moreover, I think it takes your brain a long time to accept another language when you’ve spent your whole life making memories in one. All in all, it is no easy task.
I grew up very far from most of my family so I only saw them once a year. Every summer I would go to stay with them, while my parents continued working. Although I missed my parents, I used to really enjoy spending time with my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. I spent all summer there, nearly two whole months, so from time to time my cousins and I would get bored. We would ask my grandparents if they had any ideas for interesting things we could do. Sometimes they suggested going for a bike ride, sometimes into town to do some shopping. At other times, they showed us a new game to play. Then we were happy again.
One day – it must be about 30 years ago (doesn’t time fly!) – all of us got really, really bored and we kept complaining to my grandparents. They were tearing their hair out, trying to think up ideas of where we could go and what we could do. Suddenly, my granddad came up with the idea of going to a new water park that had opened that summer. I hadn’t heard about it but my cousins had, and they told me all about it. It was a park with vast numbers of different pools, some inside, some outside. There were water slides as well. And, on top of there was not one, but two playgrounds with swings, a merry-go-round, see-saws. We were so excited.
We set off and on the way we were all singing songs and laughing. We couldn’t wait to get there. When we arrived, my cousins and I ran into the park and changed into our swimming costumes. Then we went looking for the most exciting-looking pool, and we found it, one with brightly coloured tiles and slides, we jumped straight in. We played all day in the park and had a lovely lunch, sat on some benches in the sunshine.
My granddad loved a pool that was filled with spa water. It was dark brown and stank of rotten eggs. I didn’t want to go in but he eventually convinced me. I’m pleased he did because the water was really warm. I’d never swam in water that warm. I didn’t want to get out, despite the terrible smell.
I consider it such a happy memory because we enjoyed ourselves so much and I remember so vividly how I felt that day. But there’s more to it than just that. When I look back now, I understand how caring my grandparents were and how much they wanted us all to be happy. They would have done anything to help us have a good time. I appreciate that more now that I’m older and have children of my own. I hope we thanked them; I can’t remember. But, anyway, they were content, I’m sure, to just watch us have an amazing time, playing and laughing in the water. So, as you can see, it was a wonderful day and is one of my favourite childhood memories.
What other activity did you use to enjoy when you were staying with your family?
I loved going for walks in the local park. There were people selling all kinds of delicious foods from carts, so my grandparents would invariably buy us some treat, like homemade ice-cream or cakes.
Almost everything in my city! However, I would say especially the streets. For one, people really like spending time eating and hanging out on the streets. Secondly, since the old streets are narrow, they tend to become overcrowded with vehicles. Moreover, markets and shopping malls are quite hectic (stressful), as people in my country enjoy shopping.
Do you like to go to crowded places?
Not one bit! I start to feel extremely overwhelmed and want to exit the area immediately. Moreover, it’s unpleasant to be pushed and shoved in overcrowded places. Furthermore, it’s even worse in the summer when people are sweating and have body odor (when your armpits sweat)!
Why do some people like to go to crowded places?
Hmm, well I guess they like the chaos (stress). For some, it’s exciting to watch madness(craziness) unfold around them. Furthermore, I think they like the lively feeling that crowded places carry. Perhaps it’s interesting to those who come from smaller places.
Are there many animals or birds where you live?
I am living in a big city so most of animals I see are pets and some wild birds in the park. My family is also raising a cat which is very adorable. In fact, she is like a friend to me.
How often do you watch programmes or read articles about wild animals?
Well, I have never watched any programmes about wildlife because I rarely have time for TV and also found those rather boring. However, I do know some popular channels like Discovery channel or Geographic Nation.
Have you ever been to a zoo or a wildlife park?
Of course, yes, it used to be my favourite weekend destination when I was a kid. I remember how I was so amused to see a peacock with its colourful feathers or a tiger with its sharp claws. Besides that, it is also the only place for city people like me to observe wild creatures
Would you like to have a job working with animals?
To be honest, .. I have never thought about it… working with animals sounds pretty interesting but it also requires certain skills and knowledge. I imagine I can be a vet in the future, who knows, what can happen
