Part 1
In this part, the examiner asks you about yourself, your home, work or studies and other familiar topics.
What do people usually buy at the street market?
Well, a lot. Fast food, snacks, fruits, vegetables, sometimes we can also buy some cheap clothes, or toys.
Do you prefer to go shopping in the shopping mall or on the street market?
To be honest, I prefer to go to the shopping malls for daily use. Comparing to the street markets, the quality are guaranteed in bigger markets, and quality is the key for purchasing. It’s better to spend more money for a better using experience.
When was the last time you went to a street market?
Last Sunday, I often go to the street market on weekends, and usually go there for fresh vegetables and tasty food that I can’t have on weekdays. I went to the market with my colleagues last weekend for a less-known breakfast that invented by the vendor himself.
Are there many street markets in China?
Yes, street markets are widespread in my country, even one to two street markets are in every local community. Most of the people prefer to buy products from street markets because, in that way, they not only save their money but fulfill their all needs. OR: Yes, absolutely. There are many different kinds of street markets all around China, we can buy anything we need or like in the markets. And in some provinces in China, the governments arranged some specific places for vendors to set their business done.
What does the street market sell?
Well, a street market is usually a group of vendors that sell different items independently. They sell some retailed items, or they sell their products.
Do you go to the street market?
Yes, I do, I visit the street market twice a month. I never miss any opportunity to check a new collection of that market. The street market contains various materials, like clothes, kitchen accessories, decorative stuff and many more things at a low price.
Why do you think people go to the street market?
Everyone wants to fulfill all their desires, but many people cannot afford it because they do not have enough money for it, so they buy things from the street market as this market provide different material at very affordable prices. On the other hand, some people buy items/ products from the street market because, in that way, they can save a lot.
When you travel abroad, do you go to street markets?
I do not get the opportunity to travel abroad, but in the future, if I had the chance to go to a foreign country, I will surely visit the street market to get new experience.
What is the difference between a street market and a supermarket?
Well, a street market is usually a group of vendors that sell different items independently. They sell some retailed items, or they sell their products. On the other hand, the supermarket sells different kinds of products, but it contains branded products that are more expensive than those in street markets.
Do you enjoy going to street markets?
Yes, I like going to the street market. I go to the market with my mother to buy home accessories and sometimes go with my friends to eat street food and enjoy a lot.
Do you often go to the supermarket?
Yes, I go to the supermarket, but not too often. When I have a special occasion like wedding parties, the official function, I visit the supermarket to buy some branded clothes and other accessories.
Part 2 In this part, you will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.
Describe an occasion when you were not allowed to use your mobile phone
You should say:
When it was
Where it was
Why you were not allowed to use your mobile phone
And explain how you felt about it
Well, several weeks ago, I happened to have a free Friday afternoon. My friend Lisa invited me to listen to a lecture about novels at her college.
When we were at the gate of the auditorium, the teacher there required us to seal our cellphone in a bag. Lisa told me smartphones are banned at her college. You know, I wouldn’t have gone there if I’d known that. To make matters worse, the theme of the lecture was sci-fi novels. I’m not that into sci-fi, so I wasn’t interested in the talk right from the start. But Lisa is crazy about sci-fi novels, so she was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. I thought it would make her embarrassed if I left right away. So, I said nothing but kept listening to it.
During the whole lecture, the teacher’s words just went in one ear and out the other. I was so bored out of my mind without my cellphone, I yawned and almost fell asleep.
Honestly, if I my cellphone, I might have read some interesting online novels secretly. I know that, but it was at least better than closing my eyes.
Since then, whenever I go to listen to a lecture, I make sure I’m really interested in the topic, otherwise it’ll be a waste of time. Plus, I’ve never gone to Lisa’s college for a lecture again because I really don’t like their no-cellphone rule in class.
Part 3 In this part, the examiner asks you a few more detailed questions about the same topic.
How do young and old people use mobile phones differently?
I think old people usually use their mobile phones for support. You know, if they need an answer about something, they’ll look it up on their phone. If they use it for social purposes, they tend to prefer phone calls. I don’t know many old people who text often. But young people use their phones mostly for socializing. They text or they use social media. They also use it as their main way of taking photos.
What positive and negative impacts do mobile phones have on friendship?
Well, the first positive impact I can think of is that it keeps people connected. Even if they’re separated by distance, or if they’re in different time zones, friends can still talk to each other by chatting on their mobile phones. They can text or use different kinds of social media. A negative impact is that they might depend too much on online interaction and forget to prioritize seeing each other in person. I think that hanging out together in person is still important and shouldn’t be neglected.
Is it a waste of time to take pictures with mobile phones?
No, I don’t think it’s a waste of time at all. Most people take photos with their mobile phones. They don’t use traditional cameras as often. A lot of people at my age don’t even own these kinds of cameras. I guess that the down side is that. When you take photos on your mobile phone, they’re not of the highest quality. Unless you have a fancy phone, the pictures might not be good to save or print.
Do you think it is necessary to have laws on the use of mobile phones?
No, I don’t think that’s necessary. I get that some laws could be useful in preventing illegal activities. But I don’t think that regulating the use of mobile phones is necessarily going to solve that. That’s a huge invasion of people’s privacy, and I think it’s better to just make the punishment for cyber crimes more severe in order to prevent those kinds of activities. I just don’t think that laws on the use of mobile phones would go over very well.
On what occasion do you think a cellphone is necessary?
Well, a cellphone is most useful when you need to get in touch with someone. So, if you have to make a call or send a message, a cellphone is definitely a muse. Cell phones are especially helpful if you’re out and about but you still want to talk to someone. Like when you are shopping for groceries but want to check with your family if they want you to pick up something for them, you need a cellphone, right? You can’t exactly bring a land line phone with you while you’re shopping. I’m glad we have cell phones available to us.
What do you think about people talking loudly on their phones?
Well, it’s really rude when people talk loudly on their phones. It always happens in small, crowded spaces, like on the subway. I think it’s really inconsiderate to the other passengers. No one likes noise pollution. I understand that sometimes you might get into a heated conversation while you’re out in public, and you might raise your voice because of it. But you need to be respectful of the people around you and try to keep it down.
Is there anyone who can live without cell phones?
I think it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t have a cellphone. But it’s definitely possible to live without one. There are a lot of people who don’t have a need for them. They tend to be older people who don’t need to stay in contact with others all the time, especially when they’re retired and their kids are around. They’re happy to just focus on their own lives and they don’t feel the need to have a cellphone with them at all times. Honestly, that sounds pretty peaceful.