Question 1: Did you learn to swim when you were a child? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Yeah, I did. I started taking lessons when I was about six, I think. My parents were really keen for me to learn, especially since we lived near a lake – it just seemed like a really important life skill to have. I remember it being quite hard at first; I was a bit scared of putting my face underwater, and I definitely swallowed a lot of water in those early lessons! But I gradually got better, and eventually I really enjoyed it. It was a great way to spend the summer holidays, and it gave me a lot of confidence, too.

Question 2: How often do you go swimming now? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Well, it's not as often as I'd like, to be honest. Maybe once a month, or even less sometimes. I used to go much more regularly, like twice a week when I was younger, but now with university and everything else going on, it’s hard to find the time. Plus, the university pool is a bit of a trek, and I tend to prioritise things like studying and seeing friends. I really miss it though, swimming's great exercise and a good way to de-stress, so I'm hoping to get back into it more regularly soon – maybe during the summer break.

Question 3: What places are there for swimming where you live? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Well, where I live, there aren't really any amazing, dedicated swimming spots like fancy pools or anything. We have a small, kinda old public pool, which is okay but it gets really crowded in the summer, especially with kids. Then there's the lake, about a 20-minute drive out of town. It's naturally beautiful, but I wouldn't say it's the cleanest – you know, lots of leaves and stuff. Plus, it’s not supervised, so it's a bit risky. Honestly, most people around here, including myself, tend to swim in their own backyards if they have a pool, which is quite common. So, yeah, limited options really, unless you're willing to travel a bit further afield.

Question 4: Do you think it would be more enjoyable to go swimming outdoors or at an indoor pool? [Why?]

Sample Answer: I prefer swimming outdoors, especially on a sunny day. It feels more refreshing and natural, especially if the pool has a nice view. But if the weather is bad or too cold, then an indoor pool is a better choice. It really depends on the season.

Question 1: Describe a famous business person that you know about.

Sample Answer: Okay, so, I guess the famous business person I know most about is Elon Musk. I mean, he's everywhere, right? He's not just one thing, he's involved in SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink – it's crazy! I find him fascinating because he's so ambitious and he's really pushing the boundaries of what's possible, especially with space exploration. I read an article recently about how he's aiming to colonize Mars, which sounds completely wild, but also incredibly inspiring. I know a lot of people have criticisms of him, some say he's controversial and maybe a bit eccentric, but I think his drive and vision are undeniable. He's definitely changed the landscape of electric cars and space travel, and that’s pretty impressive, regardless of your opinion on the man himself. He’s a bit of a polarizing figure, but you can't deny his impact.

Question 1: What kinds of people are most famous in your country today?

Sample Answer: Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag, really. You've got your big movie stars, of course, like that actor, what's his name... the one who was in that action film last year, everyone's talking about him. But alongside them, you see a lot of really successful entrepreneurs getting a lot of media attention – people who've built huge tech companies or launched innovative businesses. And interestingly, there’s also a growing number of social media influencers who are incredibly famous, especially amongst younger people. They're not necessarily doing anything groundbreaking, but they have massive followings and seem to be everywhere. I guess it depends on who you ask, though – different people will have very different ideas about who's famous.

Question 2: Why are there so many stories about famous people in the news?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's a combination of things, really. People are naturally curious about the lives of famous people – actors, musicians, athletes – they're often seen as aspirational figures, so we want to know what they're up to. Plus, the news media knows this, so they use stories about celebrities to attract a wider audience. It's easier to sell newspapers or get clicks online if you have a juicy story about a famous person's divorce or latest fashion disaster than, say, a detailed report on local politics. It's also probably down to the fact that famous people often live very public lives; they're constantly photographed, and their actions are more easily scrutinised than the average person's. And of course, sometimes those stories are actually important; if a celebrity is involved in a scandal or is using their platform to advocate for a cause, then it's news. It's a complex issue, but I think it boils down to a mix of public interest, media strategies and the inherent newsworthiness of some celebrity actions.

Question 3: Do you agree or disagree that many young people today want to be famous?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a really interesting question. I think it's a bit of a mixed bag, you know? Definitely, there's a huge pressure now, especially with social media, to be famous or at least, to have a large online following. You see influencers everywhere, and it seems like everyone wants a piece of that pie – the free products, the travel, the attention. So, yeah, I’d say a lot of young people *aspire* to fame, but whether they genuinely *want* it, in the truest sense, is another story. I think a lot of it is driven by what they see online, which isn't always a realistic portrayal. For some, it’s about validation, getting likes and comments, feeling important. But others, I think, are more focused on their passions and careers, and fame is just a bonus, if it happens. So, it's complicated, I guess. It’s not a simple yes or no answer.

Question 4: Do you think it is easy for famous people to earn a lot of money?

Sample Answer: Well, I guess it depends on what you mean by "easy." It's certainly easier for famous people to *potentially* earn a lot of money than it is for the average person, because they already have a built-in audience and recognition. They can leverage their fame for endorsements, acting roles, book deals, appearances – all sorts of high-paying opportunities that most people don't have access to. However, it's not like it’s just handed to them. Maintaining fame is a lot of hard work, and even then, many famous people struggle financially, maybe due to poor management or bad investments. Plus, the level of success is incredibly variable; some celebrities become incredibly wealthy, while others might only make a decent living. So, while the *potential* is definitely there, the path to actually making a lot of money is still challenging and requires talent, hard work, and often a bit of luck.

Question 5: Why might famous people enjoy having fans?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's a really complex thing, but a big part of it must be the validation. Having fans means people appreciate your work, your talent, whatever it is you do. It's a constant affirmation that you're doing something worthwhile, something that resonates with others. Then there's the excitement, you know? The energy of a crowd, the feeling of connection with so many people – it must be incredibly exhilarating. And I suppose there's also a certain level of power that comes with it, not in a negative way, but the ability to inspire, to influence people's opinions or even their lives. It's a powerful feeling to know you have that kind of impact. Of course, there are downsides, definitely, but the positive aspects, the sense of accomplishment and connection, those must be really appealing.

Question 6: In what ways could famous people use their influence to do good things in the world?

Sample Answer: Well, I think famous people have a massive platform, so they could really leverage that to raise awareness about important issues. Like, imagine a big movie star using their Instagram to campaign for climate action or to highlight the plight of refugees. They could also donate huge amounts of money to charity, obviously, but also use their influence to encourage others to donate too. It's not just about money though; they could use their fame to promote literacy programs or support smaller, lesser-known charities that might not get as much attention otherwise. And something I think is really powerful is using their voice to speak out against injustice or inequality – they could really help to shift public opinion on important social issues. Essentially, their influence could be a catalyst for positive change on a global scale.