Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Number of Questions: 4

1. Do you have a favorite cafe? [Why/ Why not?])

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Part 1 - Introduction and Interview

Question 1: Do you have a favorite cafe? [Why/ Why not?])

Sample Answer: Yes, there’s a small café near my house that I really like. It’s quiet, has great coffee, and the staff are always friendly. I often go there to study or read. The atmosphere is cozy and makes me feel relaxed.

Question 2: Do you often go to cafes by yourself? [Why/ Why not?]

Sample Answer: Not really, actually. I find it a bit awkward to sit in a cafe alone, especially if it’s busy. I much prefer going with friends or family. It’s more fun, you can chat and share things, and the time passes so much quicker. Plus, I often use cafes as a place to study or work on assignments, and it’s easier to concentrate if I’m with people who understand that and won’t distract me. I might pop into a cafe for a quick coffee on my own if I’m out running errands, but usually I prefer the company.

Question 3: What do you think helps to make a cafe very popular? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Well, I think a few things contribute to a cafe's popularity. Firstly, the quality of the coffee is crucial – it needs to be consistently good, freshly roasted, and ideally ethically sourced, that kind of thing. Then, the atmosphere is massive; a comfy, inviting space with maybe a nice view or some interesting decor really makes a difference. Good service is also key – friendly, efficient staff who get your order right and are attentive without being intrusive. And finally, I think location plays a huge role. A central, easily accessible spot with good foot traffic is obviously a big advantage. Basically, it's a combination of great coffee, a pleasant environment, good service and a convenient location, I think.

Question 4: Why do some people prefer cafes that are part of large chains, rather than small, local cafes?

Sample Answer: I think it’s because large chains are more familiar and consistent. People know what to expect in terms of menu, quality, and service. It also feels more convenient and sometimes cheaper. But local cafes can be more unique and personal. It depends on what the person values more — comfort or experience.

Part 2 - Individual Long Turn

Question 1: Describe a place you visited that has beautiful views

Sample Answer: Oh, that's easy! I'd have to say the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I went there last summer with my family, and it was just breathtaking. We were staying in a little town called Positano, which is built right into the cliffs overlooking the sea. Every single turn you took, there was another incredible view – these vibrant, colourful houses clinging to the hillside, with the turquoise water sparkling below and little fishing boats bobbing around. We took a boat trip along the coast one day, and that was amazing; you get a completely different perspective, seeing the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. And the sunsets! Oh my gosh, the sunsets were incredible. The sky would turn all these amazing shades of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting on the water. It was so peaceful and romantic, and honestly, it’s a place I’ll never forget. I took loads of photos, but they don’t really do it justice. You just have to see it for yourself.

Part 3 - Discussion

Question 1: Do you agree that most beauty products are a waste of money?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a tough one. I think it really depends on what you consider "beauty products" and what your expectations are. Like, basic skincare – cleanser, moisturiser – I think that's a worthwhile investment for most people. Healthy skin is important, and those products can help with that. But then you get into things like expensive serums promising miracle results… I'm a bit more skeptical about those. I've tried a few, and honestly, I haven't noticed a huge difference compared to cheaper alternatives. So I guess for me, it's not a complete waste, but there's definitely a lot of marketing hype involved, and you need to be discerning about what you buy. And then makeup… well, that's entirely subjective. Some people love it and it makes them feel good, so for them, it's worth the money. For others, it's unnecessary. So, overall, I wouldn't say *most* are a waste, but a lot of them are definitely overpriced and don't deliver on their promises.

Question 2: How does the beauty industry advertise its products so successfully?

Sample Answer: Well, I think the beauty industry's success in advertising boils down to a few key things. Firstly, they’re masters of aspirational marketing – they show you a perfect, flawless version of yourself, often using incredibly attractive models and flawless editing. It's all about creating a desire, a want, rather than just a need. Then, there's the celebrity endorsements; seeing your favourite actress using a certain serum makes you think, "If it works for her, it might work for me!" And it's not just celebrities, it's influencers too, all over social media, creating this constant stream of seemingly authentic product reviews and tutorials. They also use really clever techniques like before-and-after photos, often a bit misleading, but incredibly effective. Plus, they're incredibly good at targeting their advertising. They know exactly which platforms to use to reach the right demographic – whether it's TikTok for younger audiences or glossy magazines for a more mature customer. Ultimately, it's a combination of clever visuals, persuasive messaging, and highly targeted marketing campaigns that makes them so effective.

Question 3: What do you think of the view that beauty products should not be advertised to children?

Sample Answer: Well, it's a complicated issue, isn't it? On the one hand, I can see why people think that. Kids are so vulnerable to advertising, and being constantly bombarded with images of flawless skin and perfect hair can really impact their self-esteem. It can create unrealistic expectations and lead to body image issues, especially at a young and impressionable age. Plus, it can also push kids to pressure their parents to buy things they don't need, which isn't fair on families. However, on the other hand, a complete ban might be a bit extreme. Some beauty products are actually about hygiene, like soap or shampoo, and those ads might be informative and helpful. Maybe the focus should be on regulating the content of these ads, making sure they promote healthy habits and realistic body images, rather than a total ban. It's a tricky balance to find, I think.

Question 4: Why do many people equate youth with beauty?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's a combination of things, really. Socially, we're constantly bombarded with images of young, beautiful people in advertising and media. It's almost inescapable. Then there's the biological aspect – younger skin tends to be smoother, firmer, and more vibrant, which we naturally associate with attractiveness. Plus, youth is often linked to vitality and energy, which are also considered desirable qualities. I guess it's a bit of a cultural bias too, because different cultures have varying ideas of beauty, but in many Western societies, youthfulness is heavily emphasized. It's a bit sad, actually, because it puts unnecessary pressure on people to look younger than they are, and ignores the beauty that can come with age and experience.

Question 5: Do you think that being beautiful could affect a person’s success in life?

Sample Answer: Well, it's a complicated question, isn't it? I think it definitely *can* have an impact, but it's not the whole story. In some areas, like acting or modelling, being considered conventionally attractive is probably a massive advantage, it can open doors and get you noticed more easily. But in other professions, like say, engineering or accounting, I don't think it matters nearly as much. Your skills and qualifications are way more important. Plus, "success" itself is subjective – it’s not just about money or fame, is it? Some people find success in having strong relationships or contributing to their community, and beauty has nothing to do with that. I guess what I’m saying is, it can be a helpful factor in certain situations, but it's definitely not a guarantee of success, and it certainly shouldn't be the only thing someone focuses on.

Question 6: Why might society’s ideas about beauty change over time?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's a combination of things, really. Fashion plays a huge role, obviously – what's considered "in" one decade can look completely dated the next. Then there's the influence of media, you know, films, magazines, social media – they constantly bombard us with images of what's supposedly beautiful, and those ideals shift depending on what's trending. Also, I think societal values change, too. For example, in the past, a fuller figure might have been seen as more desirable, representing wealth and prosperity, whereas now, there's a lot more emphasis on thinness in many parts of the world. And finally, I guess technological advancements also have an impact. Things like cosmetic surgery and photo editing mean people can alter their appearance more easily, so the definition of beauty itself might become more fluid and less naturally defined.