1. What would the ideal holiday destination for you be like?
Sample answer
Speaker A: Now, I’d be very interested to hear your views on your ideal holiday destination. Have you ever thought about it?
Speaker B: As a matter of fact, I have. To start with, the ideal holiday destination for me would be somewhere hot and sunny near the sea. Although I like the snow, I cannot ski, so going somewhere cold would not be much fun.
Speaker A: My thoughts exactly. Ideally, I would like to visit a tropical island in the South Pacific such as Fiji or Vanuatu. This is because I have seen pictures of these places and their cultures look very interesting.
Speaker B: Really? I have been looking into it too. Actually, I found out that in Vanuatu they have an unusual bungee jumping ceremony that I would like to witness.
Speaker A: That sounds very interesting. What's more, I also enjoy swimming in the ocean, surfing and scuba diving. What about you?
Speaker B: That applies to me as well. For all these reasons a tropical island with crystal clear sea and sizeable waves would be perfect for us both. I can't imagine a better place to go on holiday.
Speaker A: I couldn't agree more. I am glad you had also given it some thought.
sizeable /ˈsaɪzəbəl/ adjective fairly large . E.g. sizeable amount/number a sizeable amount of money. sizeable proportion/portion/minority (of something) Part-time students make up a sizeable proportion of the college population.
2. Do you think it is important to take action to protect the oceans?
Sample answer:
Student B: Moving on to a different topic, I imagine you will have strong opinions on the protection of the oceans. How vital do you think it is to take some kind of action to protect them?
Student A: First and foremost, we should all save our seas. Personally, I believe that it is essential that we do everything we can to protect our oceans and all the creatures in them for many reasons.
Student B: That's very true. To begin with, we need the oceans to survive. Our oceans not only produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere, which is something that we cannot live without, but the air we breathe, the water we drink and a lot of food that we eat also come from them.
Student A: Definitely! Would you agree that the oceans are the lifeblood of our planet then ?
Student B: Indeed, on Earth, all life is interdependent, which means that the more biologically diverse Earth is, the better the chance all species will have for survival.
Student A: I see what you mean. To put it another way, losing species that live in our oceans would be disastrous. Therefore, we must do whatever we can in order to protect our oceans.
Student B: I couldn't agree more. If we don't start making positive changes now, we may soon lose our invaluable marine ecosystem forever!
Student A: I think you have hit the nail on the head there. Believe it or not I once had to do a school project for my marine biology class, which sparked my lifelong interest in the oceans.
Student B: That must have been really interesting. Good for you!
lifeblood /ˈlaɪfblʌd/ noun [uncountable] 1 the most important thing needed by an organization, relationship etc to continue to exist or develop successfully. E.g. lifeblood of Communication is the lifeblood of a good marriage.
spark: to cause something to start or develop, especially suddenly. Sp. desencadenar, provocar.
E.g.
spark something
The proposal would spark a storm of protest around the country.
Winds brought down power lines, sparking a fire.
good for you, somebody, them, etc. (informal) used to praise somebody for doing something well.
E.g.
‘I passed first time.’ ‘Good for you!’
3 What advice might you give to friends suffering from loneliness?
Sample answer:
Student A: Imagine you have friends suffering from loneliness. How could you help them?
Student B: In the first place, I would suggest that they join a club in their local community doing an activity they enjoy. As a matter of fact, meeting with people who share interests is a good way to make friends. You must have a view on this too.
Student A: That makes sense. Besides, I would also recommend that they take up a team sport or a hobby that involves other people since this is a good way to socialise with others. Don't you think?
Student B: That's very true. In this way, not only would they get some exercise, but they could also learn about team spirit and cooperation.
Student A: Exactly! Actually, these are forms of support that make everyone feel better.
Student B: Right! And last but not least, I would also advise them to get a dog, as pets are great company.
Student A: What a great idea! In actual fact, some pets, like dogs, need to be walked. This means that there is an opportunity to meet people this way.
Student B: Absolutely! I'm with you 100 % on that. Anyway, Have you ever had to help any of your friend in this regard?
Student A: As strange as it may seem, I have suffered from loneliness myself. Partly due to the pandemic. What has really helped me during this time has been social media. Especially messaging apps more than open social networks.
Student B: I see what you mean. I also feel that one-to-one messages seem to be more intimate and supportive. I hardly ever publish anything for everybody to see either.
4. How important is it for students to gain some work experience?
Sample answer
Student B: Do you think it is crucial for students to get some work experience?
Student A: Absolutely! I feel very strongly that work experience is vital to students.To begin with, I would like to mention that it has been said that all experience is valuable. In my opinion, work experience is extremely valuable to students for a number of different reasons.
Student B: I couldn't agree more. Firstly, you can put it on a CV and use it to help you get job interviews.
Student A: Undeniably, a graduate who has some work experience is far more likely to get a job after university than someone who has none.
Student B: Secondly, working while at university allows you to explore career options. For instance, you can find out whether or not a particular line of work suits you.
Student A: This is very true. In addition, working while studying has financial benefits. Not only will you be able to have some pocket money, but you will also avoid being burdened with so many debts when you leave university.
Student B: I see your point. However, there is one disadvantage. It must be taken into account that working while studying reduces the time you have for your university work.
Student A: I fully agree with you. This is why you need to have good time management skills.
Student B: That's so true. We all seem to be so pressed for time these days. As for you personally, have you had any work experience so far?
Student A: Surprisingly enough, this summer I am planning to work in the hospitality sector. Wish me luck!
Student B: Don't worry! You will be a great asset to the company
Student A: You are too kind! Thank you for the encouraging words anyway. I really appreciate that.
burden somebody/yourself (with something) to give somebody a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work. Sp. cargar, agobiar.
E.g.
They have burdened themselves with a high mortgage.
I don't want to burden you with my worries.
to be burdened by high taxation
"You're too kind" is not meant to be taken literally. It is a hyperbole. Read literally, the person is saying "I do not deserve the amount of kindness you display to me." As an idiom, it means "Thank you for being kind.
5. What are the pros and cons of mobile devices?
A: Have you ever noticed a couple or group of friends who are together but are all looking at their phones instead of talking to each other? In my opinion they are unarguably phubbing one another. What I mean by this is that they're staring at their smartphones and they're altogether ignoring each other. If you ask me, I think it was better before all these devices were invented. How do you feel about it?
B: I see what you mean. It is evident that they are often too engrossed in their phones to pay attention to each other. However, we must also take into consideration all the benefits that mobile technology has brought about. For instance, nowadays with our smartphones we can access the internet, take care of the finances or contact the office, to name but a few. Admittedly, there is no way you could have done that in the past.
A: You may have a point there. But to my mind, nothing beats good old-fashioned face-to-face conversations. Nowadays, everyone is glued to their devices, even when they're with other people.
B: My thoughts exactly, yet the world is changing and so is the way that we communicate with each other. Evidently, new technologies are here to stay.
A: Well, frankly I still think that technology can have a detrimental effect on human relationships.
B: Maybe there's some truth in what you say. All the same, I think all this new technology is really amazing!
A: I guess so, but actually to be honest, it's not my cup of tea!
bring about: to make something happen. Cause.
E.g.
What brought about the change in his attitude?
detrimental harmful, damaging.
E.g.
the sun’s detrimental effect on skin.
Emissions from the factory are widely suspected of having a detrimental effect on health.
All the same: despite this. Nevertheless. Sp. de todas formas.
E.g.
All the same, there's some truth in what she says.
6. Have you ever experienced a bad problem while flying?
B: Have you ever experienced a bad problem while flying?
A: As a matter of fact, I have. Once I found myself in a situation of this kind.
B: Really? What happened? Was your flight delayed?
A: Not exactly, but it was overbooked so we were bumped to the next flight. Unfortunately, the service we received on board was far from impeccable!
B: Oh no! Why was that?
A: The flight attendants were quite rude and all the passengers were very frustrated. To make matters worse, it was a long-haul flight so by the end, we were feeling very weary of the situation.
B: I’m sorry to hear that. Luckily for me, I’ve never experienced a bad problem like that while flying.
A: That is lucky! Hopefully, you won’t ever have to!
7. Can you tell us what you and your friends do to wind down?
A: Can you tell us what you and your friends do to wind down?
B: After a busy week I like to unwind by spending quality time with my besties. We usually enjoy hanging out together by going to the cinema or to our favourite restaurant or café to catch up. How about you?
8. What is your taste in music?
B: What is your taste in music?
A: Honestly, I like every genre but my favourite will always be country because that is what I grew up listening to. Every time I hear a good old-time classic, it really reminds me of my childhood, the best years of my life. What about you?
9. What can you learn from travelling abroad?
A: What can you learn from travelling abroad?
B: For me, there is no greater enjoyment than packing up and leaving my comfort zone to experience unfamiliar places and customs. It helps me to learn and respect how others live in various regions. It can be a real eye-opener. Don't you agree?
10. What do you like most about where you're living?
B: What do you like most about where you're living?
A: Well, residing near the city centre is amazing because there are many shops and public transport options within walking distance of my flat. I also love living in a building where there are diverse people willing to strike up a friendly conversation. What are the best features of the place where you live?
11. What has been your best travel experience? How can travel benefit you as a person?
A: What has been your best travel experience? How can travel benefit you as a person?
B: I was born and raised in Palma, Spain and I am quite well travelled. I definitely think that the best travel experience that I have had was my trip to London last summer. I love the culture and the fashion in London! The music and nightlife is amazing too! I spent days marvelling at the sights such as Buckingham Palace and the Shard. I love the food in places like Borough Market also because there is such a diverse range of fresh produce. In my opinion exploring new places and meeting new people really improves you as a person and helps you grow.
