Number of Questions: 4
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Question 1: Where do you usually watch TV programmes/shows? [Why/why not?]
Sample Answer: Mostly on my laptop, actually. I find it really convenient because I can watch whatever I want, whenever I want, and I can easily pause it if I need to do something else. Sometimes I'll watch things on my phone if I'm out and about, but the screen's a bit small so it's not ideal for longer shows. I don't really watch much TV on a traditional TV set anymore, to be honest; we only have one in the living room and everyone fights over the remote! Plus, using my laptop gives me more control over what I watch, and I can easily access streaming services much more easily than navigating the channels on our old TV.
Question 2: What's your favorite TV programme/show? [Why?]
Sample Answer: Oh, that's a tough one, I have so many! But if I had to pick just one, I'd say "The Good Doctor." I really love the medical dramas, the whole procedural aspect of it is fascinating, but what really gets me is the character of Shaun Murphy. He's autistic, and the show portrays his struggles and triumphs in such a realistic and nuanced way, it's really moving. Plus, the cases they tackle are often pretty complex, so it keeps you thinking. And it's not just all doom and gloom, there are plenty of heartwarming moments too, which I appreciate after a long day of studying. It's just a really well-made show, both engaging and thought-provoking.
Question 3: Are there any programmes/shows you don't like watching? [Why/why not?]
Sample Answer: Yes, I’m not a big fan of reality TV shows. I find them a bit too dramatic and sometimes fake. I prefer watching shows that are more meaningful or educational. Also, I don’t enjoy horror movies because they make me feel uncomfortable. I’d rather watch something relaxing.
Question 4: Do you think you will watch more TV or fewer TV programmes/shows in the future? [Why/why not?]
Sample Answer: Oh, definitely fewer. I'm trying to cut back on screen time in general, you know? I find I get way more engrossed in a good book or podcast nowadays. Plus, I'm really trying to get out more and do things, spend more time with friends, and generally be more active. I feel like I waste so much time passively watching TV when I could be doing something more productive or fulfilling. It's not that I don't enjoy TV – I still watch a few specific shows I really like – but I'm consciously trying to limit it. I think I'll probably replace a lot of my TV watching with hobbies, actually. I've been meaning to learn how to knit!
Question 1: Describe an occasion when you had to wait a long time for someone or something to arrive.
Sample Answer: Oh, that reminds me of a time I had to wait ages for a flight to Bali. It was supposed to leave at 8 am, a really early flight, and I’d been up since 4 am to get to the airport on time. Everything was going smoothly, I’d checked in, gone through security, and even managed to grab a decent breakfast. But then, they started making announcements about delays, first a minor one, then another, and another. Each time they said it was because of a technical issue with the plane. I ended up sitting at the gate for over four hours! I was incredibly frustrated, especially because I was already exhausted from getting up so early. I read all the magazines I could find, charged my phone about five times, and even managed to strike up a conversation with a lovely old lady who was equally annoyed. By the time we finally boarded, I was practically falling asleep on my feet. It was a long, tiring wait but thankfully the flight itself was pleasant and the holiday was amazing, so it made up for it in the end.
Question 1: What kinds of jobs do young people not want to do in your country?
Sample Answer: Well, in my country, a lot of young people steer clear of jobs they see as low-paying and offering little opportunity for advancement. Things like factory work, especially those with repetitive tasks on assembly lines – nobody really wants to do that anymore. Similarly, jobs that are seen as physically demanding, like working in construction or agriculture, are less popular. Many young people are aiming for careers that are more intellectually stimulating or creative. There's also a growing reluctance towards jobs with long, irregular hours, or those involving lots of customer service, especially if it involves dealing with difficult people – I think that's pretty common globally, actually. So basically, anything that seems dead-end, poorly paid or stressful tends to be avoided.
Question 2: Who is best at advising young people about choosing a job: teachers or parents?
Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a tough one. I think it really depends. Teachers definitely have a broader perspective, you know, they see so many students go through the process and they're aware of different career paths and opportunities you might not even know exist. My teachers were great at pointing out skills I had that I could leverage in certain fields, which I hadn't even considered. But parents... well, they know you best, right? They understand your strengths and weaknesses, your personality, and what makes you tick. They might be able to give more practical advice based on their own experiences and what they see you're good at. I guess the ideal situation would be having both involved – teachers for the broader career landscape and parents for the personal insight. Ultimately, I think the best advice comes from a combination of both, and maybe even some career counselling on top of that!
Question 3: Is money always the most important thing when choosing a job?
Sample Answer: Well, definitely not! I mean, money's important, obviously, you need to be able to pay your bills and live comfortably. But for me, there are so many other things to consider. For example, I'd really want a job that's interesting and challenging, something where I can learn and grow professionally. Job satisfaction is huge; I couldn't imagine spending eight hours a day doing something I hated, even if it paid really well. Then there's the work-life balance – I’d want a job with reasonable hours and the opportunity to have a life outside of work. A good company culture is also important to me – a supportive and collaborative environment makes a massive difference. So, while a good salary is definitely a factor, it’s definitely not the *only* thing, and it wouldn't be the deciding factor for me, personally.
Question 4: Do you agree that many people nowadays are under pressure to work longer hours and take less holiday?
Sample Answer: Yeah, I definitely think that's true for a lot of people. I mean, especially in competitive industries like tech or finance, there's this real expectation to be constantly available and put in extra hours. And even in jobs that aren't quite so demanding, it often feels like you need to go the extra mile just to keep up and not fall behind. Plus, with the cost of living going up, people often feel pressured to work more to make ends meet, so taking time off feels like a luxury they can't afford. I've heard friends talking about feeling guilty taking their full holiday allowance, which is pretty sad, really. It seems like the whole work-life balance thing is getting harder and harder for a lot of people.
Question 5: What is the impact on society of people having a poor working-life balance?
Sample Answer: Well, I think a poor work-life balance has a really knock-on effect on loads of different aspects of society. For one, it can lead to decreased productivity and a less efficient workforce overall. If people are constantly stressed and burnt out, they're not going to be performing at their best. Then there's the health implications – more stress-related illnesses, which puts a strain on the healthcare system. You also see a rise in things like absenteeism and presenteeism, where people are physically at work but not contributing effectively, costing businesses money. On a more personal level, it can affect family life, leading to relationship problems and potentially impacting children's wellbeing. And finally, I think it contributes to a generally less happy and less engaged population, which isn't good for anyone, really. It's a bit of a vicious cycle, I guess.
Question 6: Could you recommend some effective strategies for governments and employers to ensure people have a good work-life balance?
Sample Answer: Well, I think governments could definitely play a bigger role in promoting flexible working arrangements. Things like subsidized childcare, generous parental leave policies – making it easier for parents to juggle work and family life is key. Also, maybe promoting a stronger culture around taking breaks and holidays. I've heard of some countries mandating minimum holiday time, which I think is a good start. Employers, on the other hand, need to be more proactive. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or even compressed workweeks could really help. Encouraging open communication about workload and stress levels is vital too – maybe regular check-ins with employees to see how they're coping. Ultimately, it's about creating a workplace culture where work-life balance isn't just a buzzword, but an actual priority. And maybe, promoting better mental health support in the workplace could also make a huge difference because stress is a big factor in work-life imbalance.