Question 1: Who do you spend most time studying/working with? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Mostly I study with my friend, Anya. We're both doing the IELTS, actually, so we help each other out a lot. She's really good at writing essays, which is my weak point, and I'm better at the speaking part, so we kind of balance each other out. It's more fun studying together too; we can quiz each other, take breaks more easily and generally just keep each other motivated. Studying alone can get pretty lonely and isolating, so having someone to bounce ideas off of and share the struggle with makes a big difference.

Question 2: What kinds of things do you study/work on with other people? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Well, mostly group projects at university. We've done a lot of collaborative research papers, where we'd each focus on a different aspect of the topic and then combine our findings. It's really helpful because you get different perspectives and can learn from others' strengths – some people are great at research, others at writing, and some are amazing at presenting. Outside of that, I sometimes collaborate on creative writing projects with a friend; we bounce ideas off each other and critique each other's work, which is really useful for improving. I find collaborating really boosts my productivity and also just makes the work more enjoyable. It’s much less lonely than working on your own!

Question 3: Are there times when you study/work better by yourself? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Definitely! I find I focus much better when I'm studying alone. It's easier to avoid distractions, you know, like chatting with friends or getting sidetracked by social media. When I'm working on something really complex, like an essay for my IELTS course or a particularly tricky maths problem, I really need that quiet time to concentrate and get into the zone. Working with others is great for brainstorming and bouncing ideas around, but for the actual deep thinking and writing, I prefer my own company. I think I'm just a bit of an introvert when it comes to studying!

Question 4: Is it important to like the people you study/work with? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Um, I think it's definitely beneficial to like the people you study or work with, but it's not strictly *essential*. I mean, you can still achieve great things even if you don't click with everyone. But, if you get along with your colleagues or classmates, it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. It's easier to collaborate, you're more motivated to participate, and you feel more supported. Like, if you're struggling with a project, having friendly people around makes it less stressful because you can ask for help or just bounce ideas off each other. On the other hand, if you're constantly surrounded by people you clash with, it creates a negative atmosphere, and that can really affect your productivity and overall well-being. So, while it's not a deal-breaker, liking the people you work with definitely makes a huge difference to how smoothly things go.

Question 1: Describe a tourist attraction you enjoyed visiting.

Sample Answer: Oh, that's easy! I absolutely loved visiting the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It was even more breathtaking than the pictures I'd seen online. I went with my family last summer, and we spent the whole day exploring the palace and gardens. The architecture is just incredible – all that intricate detail in the tilework and the stunning arches and fountains. I especially remember this one courtyard, the Court of the Lions, it was so peaceful and serene, even though it was really busy. The whole place felt like stepping back in time, you could almost imagine the sultans and their families living there. We even managed to catch a flamenco show in the evening, which was a fantastic bonus. It was a really hot day, so we grabbed some delicious iced horchata afterwards, which was the perfect way to cool down. The whole experience was just magical – a perfect blend of history, beauty, and culture. I'd love to go back someday.

Question 1: What are the most popular tourist attractions in your country?

Sample Answer: Well, it really depends on what kind of tourist you are! For history buffs, definitely the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap are a must-see. They're absolutely breathtaking, and you could spend days exploring the temples and learning about the Khmer Empire. Then, if you're more into beaches and nature, Sihanoukville on the coast is hugely popular, although it's getting quite developed now. Lots of people go there for diving and relaxing on the sand. And for something completely different, the Tonle Sap Lake is fascinating – it's a massive freshwater lake, and you can take boat trips to see the floating villages and experience a totally unique way of life. So yeah, it really depends on what you're interested in, but those are probably the most well-known.

Question 2: How do the types of tourist attractions that younger people like to visit compare with those that older people like to visit?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's a pretty big difference, actually. Younger people, like my friends and me, we're much more into adventurous activities, you know? Think hiking, maybe something a bit extreme like bungee jumping or white-water rafting. We also love exploring quirky independent cafes and street art, stuff like that. Older people, from what I've seen with my grandparents, they prefer things that are a bit more relaxed. They like historical sites, museums, maybe beautiful gardens or scenic viewpoints where they can just sit and enjoy the view. They're less interested in the adrenaline rush and more interested in the cultural and historical aspects, I guess. So yeah, pretty contrasting preferences overall. I mean, my grandma would never go white-water rafting!

Question 3: Do you agree that some tourist attractions (e.g. national museums/galleries) should be free to visit?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a really interesting question. On the one hand, I definitely think free access to places like national museums and art galleries would be amazing for everyone. It would make culture and history so much more accessible, especially for people with lower incomes or families who might struggle to afford entry fees. Imagine how much more people would learn and appreciate art and history if it wasn't a financial barrier. On the other hand, these institutions need funding to maintain the buildings, the collections, and employ staff, so free entry would probably mean a need for more government subsidies or maybe even reduced services. It’s a tough balance, I think. Maybe a compromise like free entry on certain days or for certain groups would be a good solution. It's complicated, but I definitely lean towards making them more accessible.

Question 4: Why is tourism important to a country?

Sample Answer: Well, tourism's a huge deal for a country's economy, obviously. It brings in loads of foreign currency, which helps boost the GDP and creates jobs, not just in hotels and restaurants, but also in transportation, souvenir shops, and all sorts of related businesses. Beyond that, it can really help preserve cultural heritage. Think about places that become popular tourist spots – often, the government invests in preserving historical sites and traditions to attract visitors, which benefits everyone in the long run. Plus, tourism can help improve infrastructure, like roads and airports, which improves the quality of life for locals as well. And finally, it exposes a country to the wider world, leading to cultural exchange and understanding, which is always a good thing, I think.

Question 5: What are the benefits to individuals of visiting another country as tourists?

Sample Answer: Well, I think the biggest benefit is broadening your horizons, you know? Seeing different cultures firsthand, trying new foods, experiencing different ways of life – it really opens your mind. You learn to appreciate different perspectives and challenge your own assumptions. Plus, it's amazing for personal growth. You become more independent, more resourceful, and you develop problem-solving skills you wouldn't necessarily use at home. And obviously, it’s a fantastic way to relax and have fun! Getting away from your routine, exploring new places, and creating amazing memories – it's a great way to de-stress and recharge. I think it can also boost your confidence, knowing you can navigate a completely new environment and handle unexpected situations. So yeah, lots of benefits!

Question 6: How necessary is it for tourists to learn the language of the country they're visiting?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it really depends on the trip, you know? For a short holiday to a popular tourist destination like Spain or Italy, you could probably get by with just English, especially in touristy areas. But even then, knowing a few basic phrases – like "hello," "thank you," and "please" – goes a long way in showing respect and making interactions smoother. However, if you're backpacking through a less-visited country or staying for a longer period, learning at least some of the local language is definitely more crucial. It opens up so many more opportunities to connect with locals, experience the culture more authentically, and even get better deals. Plus, it just makes the whole experience so much richer and more rewarding. So, I'd say it's not strictly *necessary* in every situation, but it definitely enhances the trip significantly, especially the longer and more immersive the travel plans are.