Question 1: Describe a person you know who loves to grow plants (e.g.vegetables/fruits/flowers etc.)

Sample Answer: Oh, that's easy! My grandma, she's amazing. She's got this tiny little balcony, but she's turned it into a veritable jungle! It's crammed with everything – tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, even these gorgeous purple petunias that spill over the edges. She's not just growing them for show, either; she uses everything she grows. We get the freshest tomatoes in our salads all summer, and she makes the most incredible strawberry jam. She's always experimenting, too – last year she tried growing chillies, and they were ridiculously hot! It's really fascinating to watch her, she's so knowledgeable about soil types and watering schedules and all that. She’s always reading gardening magazines and chatting with other gardeners in the community. It's more than a hobby for her, it’s a real passion, and it’s so lovely to see how much joy it brings her. Plus, the produce is incredible!

Question 1: What happened to the farmers’ income during the pandemic?

Sample Answer: Oh, that's a really interesting question. From what I understand, it was a pretty mixed bag, actually. Some farmers, especially those dealing with produce that was in high demand – like things used in home cooking, you know, potatoes, flour, maybe certain fruits and vegetables – they actually saw a boost in income. Demand went up because people were eating at home more. But others, particularly those focused on things like restaurant supplies or exporting goods, really struggled. Lockdowns and travel restrictions caused massive disruptions to supply chains and a huge drop in demand. I remember reading about dairy farmers in particular who had to dump milk because they couldn’t get it to market, which is just heartbreaking. So yeah, it wasn't a uniform experience at all; it really depended on what they were producing and their access to markets.

Question 2: How do people grow plants in cities?

Sample Answer: Well, it depends on the city and the space available, really. You see a lot of rooftop gardens now, especially in apartment buildings – people use containers, raised beds, even repurposed things like pallets to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Then there are community gardens, often run by volunteers or local councils, where people can rent plots and share resources. Balconies are another popular spot, though obviously the scale is smaller. Some cities have vertical farms, which are quite impressive, using hydroponics or aeroponics to maximize space and grow food indoors. And of course, there are still window boxes and even some people manage to cultivate plants in repurposed bottles or jars indoors. It's amazing the creativity people show when they want to grow something!

Question 3: Are there many people growing their own vegetables now?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's becoming more popular, definitely. You see a lot more people talking about it online and in magazines, and there are loads of gardening groups popping up everywhere. I wouldn't say it's *everyone*, though. It still takes quite a bit of time and effort, and you need space, which is a problem for people living in apartments or smaller houses. But I know a lot of my friends are doing it, especially younger people who are maybe more interested in where their food comes from and want something a bit more sustainable. Plus, homegrown tomatoes are just so much tastier!

Question 4: Do you think it’s good to let kids learn how to plant?

Sample Answer: Oh, absolutely! I think it's incredibly beneficial for kids to learn about planting and gardening. It teaches them responsibility, you know, looking after something from a tiny seed to a fully grown plant. Plus, it's a great way to connect with nature and understand where their food comes from – it's way more meaningful than just seeing it on a supermarket shelf. It can also be really rewarding, seeing something you've nurtured grow and flourish. And even if they don't become expert gardeners, they'll learn patience and perseverance, because things don't always go perfectly with plants. It's a really valuable life lesson, I think.

Question 5: What do you think of the job of a farmer?

Sample Answer: Well, I think being a farmer is incredibly hard work, but also really rewarding. It's not just about planting and harvesting; there's so much more to it. You need to understand the land, the weather, and the market, and you're constantly dealing with unpredictable factors like pests and diseases. It's a job that demands a lot of physical stamina and resilience, and long hours are definitely the norm. But, at the same time, there's something incredibly satisfying about producing food, being connected to nature, and having a direct impact on people's lives. I think it requires a certain kind of dedication and passion, and for the right person, it must be incredibly fulfilling, even if it's tough. I admire people who choose that career path.

Question 6: What are the differences between traditional and modern agriculture?

Sample Answer: Well, the biggest difference is probably scale and technology. Traditional farming is usually smaller-scale, often family-run, and relies heavily on manual labour and natural processes. You know, things like crop rotation and using natural fertilisers. Modern agriculture, on the other hand, is much more intensive. It uses huge machinery, like tractors and harvesters, and relies on things like chemical pesticides and fertilisers to boost yields. There's also a lot more focus on monoculture – growing just one crop over large areas – which is quite different from the diverse range of crops you'd often see in traditional farming. I think the environmental impact is another key difference too. Modern farming methods, while efficient, can lead to soil degradation, water pollution and biodiversity loss, whereas traditional methods are generally more sustainable, although they might produce less overall.