Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Number of Questions: 4

1. Which social media websites do you use?

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Part 1 - Introduction and Interview

Question 1: Which social media websites do you use?

Sample Answer: Oh, I use a few! Mostly Instagram, I guess. I follow a lot of photographers and artists there, and I like sharing pictures of my travels and things I've baked. I also have a Facebook account, mainly to keep in touch with family and friends who aren't as active on other platforms. And then, for more professional stuff, I use LinkedIn – it’s helpful for networking and looking at job opportunities. I've tried TikTok a few times, but it's a bit overwhelming, so I haven't really got into it properly. I'm thinking about getting back into Twitter too, but haven't quite found the time yet.

Question 2: How much time do you spend on social media sites? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: On average, I spend about one or two hours a day on social media. I mainly use it to keep in touch with friends, follow news, and sometimes watch funny or educational videos. I try not to overuse it because it can be a distraction if I’m not careful.

Question 3: What kind of information about yourself have you put on social media? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Well, mostly pretty standard stuff, I guess. Photos with friends and family, maybe some travel pictures – nothing too crazy. I also share updates about things I’m interested in, like concerts I've been to or new books I've read. I don't really post anything too personal, you know, like my address or anything specific about my work. I’m a bit cautious about that kind of thing. I think it's important to maintain a bit of privacy online, and I just feel more comfortable keeping some things offline. Plus, I don't want employers or anyone else to be able to find out too much about me from a quick social media search. So, I'm quite selective about what I put up.

Question 4: Is there anything you don't like about social media? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Yes, there are a few things I don’t like. One of them is how addictive it can be — sometimes I find myself scrolling for too long without realizing it. Also, there’s a lot of fake or negative content, which can affect people’s mood and confidence. That’s why I try to limit my time on it.

Part 2 - Individual Long Turn

Question 1: Describe something you liked very much which you bought for your home.

Sample Answer: Oh, that's easy! I recently bought a really cool vintage record player for my apartment. I'd been wanting one for ages, you know, to add a bit of retro charm and actually listen to vinyl properly. I found this amazing one online – it's a beautiful dark wood, kind of mid-century modern style, with these really cool chrome accents. It wasn't cheap, I had to save up for a while, but it was totally worth it. The sound quality is incredible, so much richer and warmer than anything digital. I've started collecting records too, mostly classic rock and jazz, and just having it sitting in my living room, playing music, really makes the space feel more homely and personal. It’s become a real focal point, and I love showing it off to my friends. It's more than just a record player; it's a statement piece and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the music.

Part 3 - Discussion

Question 1: Why do some people buy lots of things for their home?

Sample Answer: Well, I think there are a few reasons. Some people just really enjoy decorating and making their home feel comfortable and stylish – it's a hobby for them, you know? They might love finding unique pieces or following the latest trends. Others might buy a lot of things because they’re trying to create a specific look or theme, maybe a minimalist aesthetic or a cozy farmhouse style. And then there’s the practical side; some people might have a large family or frequently host guests, so they need lots of furniture, kitchenware, and other things to accommodate everyone. Finally, I guess for some, it’s just a bit of an emotional thing. Buying things can be a way to cope with stress or feel a sense of accomplishment, although that's probably not the healthiest approach in the long run.

Question 2: Do you think it is very expensive to make a home look nice?

Sample Answer: Well, it really depends on what you consider "nice," I guess. You can definitely spend a fortune on designer furniture and high-end renovations, but you can also achieve a really lovely look with a bit of creativity and effort. I think it's more about making smart choices. Thrifting, repurposing old items, and DIY projects can be incredibly cost-effective ways to add personality and style to your home. Of course, things like major structural changes or completely refitting a kitchen are going to be expensive, but for smaller updates and improvements, I don't think it has to break the bank. It's all about prioritizing what's important to you and finding affordable solutions.

Question 3: Why don't some people care about how their home looks?

Sample Answer: Well, I think there are a few reasons. Some people are just naturally less concerned with aesthetics – they prioritize functionality over a perfectly styled space. Others might be incredibly busy with work or family, and keeping a tidy, stylish home just isn't a priority when they're juggling so much. Then there are those who might simply not have the resources – maybe they can't afford new furniture or decorations, or perhaps they're living in a rented space where they can't make major changes. And finally, some people just don't see the point! They might find the whole idea of interior design a bit frivolous, preferring to spend their time and energy on other things they find more meaningful.

Question 4: In what ways is living in a flat/apartment better than living in a house?

Sample Answer: Well, for me, the biggest advantage of apartment living is definitely convenience. Everything's usually much closer – shops, restaurants, public transport – so you're saving time and money on commuting. Plus, there's often less maintenance involved; you don't have to worry about mowing the lawn or fixing leaky pipes – that's all taken care of. And, depending on the building, you might have access to amenities like a gym or a swimming pool, which is a nice bonus. I guess the social aspect is better too, sometimes; you're more likely to meet your neighbours and build a community compared to a more isolated house. Although, I know some people prefer the privacy of a house.

Question 5: Do you think homes will look different in the future?

Sample Answer: Oh, absolutely! I think homes will change dramatically in the next few decades. For starters, I imagine they'll be much more energy-efficient, probably using solar power and smart technology to control everything from lighting to heating. We might see a move towards smaller, more sustainable homes, maybe even modular designs that are easier to build and adapt. And technology will definitely play a huge role – built-in smart assistants, automated systems for cleaning and security, maybe even virtual reality features for entertainment or working from home. I also think there'll be a greater emphasis on incorporating natural elements into the design, like green walls or rooftop gardens, to improve air quality and create a more relaxing atmosphere. It'll be interesting to see how things evolve, but I definitely think our homes will be a lot different than what we see today.

Question 6: Do you agree that the kinds of homes people prefer change as they get older?

Sample Answer: Yeah, absolutely. I think it's completely natural. When you're younger, maybe in your twenties, you're probably looking for something more… vibrant, you know? A small apartment in the city centre, close to the nightlife and your friends. Something easy to maintain and maybe even share with roommates to keep costs down. But as you get older, priorities shift. Suddenly, a big garden becomes more appealing than a trendy bar downstairs, and the noise of the city becomes less desirable. You might want more space for a family, or perhaps just the peace and quiet of the suburbs. Plus, accessibility becomes a bigger factor – you might need a home that's easier to navigate as you get older, maybe on one level, or without so many stairs. So yeah, I definitely think the ideal home changes drastically throughout life.