Question 1: Is summer your favourite time of year? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a tough one. I wouldn't say summer is my *favourite* favourite, but it's definitely up there. I really enjoy the longer days – you get so much more daylight to do things, you know? And I love being able to go swimming and spend time outdoors more. The downside is the heat, though. Where I live, it gets incredibly hot and humid in summer, which can be really draining. So, while I love the activities associated with summer, the extreme heat makes it not quite my absolute favourite. Maybe spring would be a closer contender, actually. It's got that nice warmth without being unbearable.

Question 2: What do you do in summer when the weather's very hot? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Oh, when it's really hot, I usually try to stay indoors as much as possible! I'll spend a lot of time reading, maybe watch some movies or binge a TV series – anything to avoid the heat. Sometimes I'll go for a swim in the late evening when it cools down a bit, that's really refreshing. I also try to keep hydrated, drinking tons of water and iced tea. Basically, I just try to minimise exertion and stay cool, because honestly, the heat just completely drains my energy and makes me feel sluggish. So, it’s all about preserving my energy and enjoying some downtime.

Question 3: Do you go on holiday every summer? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Um, not every summer, no. It really depends on work, you know? Some years I'm really busy and just can't afford the time off, or even save enough money for a proper trip. Last summer, for example, I was working on a big project and didn't have any vacation time at all, which was a bit disappointing. But the summer before that, I went backpacking around Southeast Asia with some friends – that was amazing! So it's really quite unpredictable. Ideally, I'd love to go away every summer, maybe somewhere relaxing on a beach, but realistically it's not always possible.

Question 4: Did you enjoy the summer holidays when you were at school? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Yes, I really enjoyed summer holidays as a student. It was a long break, so I had time to relax, travel, or visit relatives. I also got to hang out with friends and try new things. It was a nice change from the busy school schedule. I always looked forward to that time of year.

Question 1: Describe a luxury item you would like to own in the future.

Sample Answer: Oh, that's a fun one! I've always dreamed of owning a really high-end espresso machine, something like a La Marzocco Linea Mini. I know, it's a bit extravagant for an espresso machine, but I'm a massive coffee addict and I'm obsessed with making the perfect cup. I've watched countless videos and read articles about different machines, and the Linea Mini just seems to be in a league of its own. The build quality looks incredible, it's so beautifully designed, and apparently the crema is just unbelievable. It's not just about the machine itself though; I envision it as part of a whole coffee ritual, a little corner in my kitchen dedicated to crafting the perfect espresso. I'd probably even take a barista course to really learn how to use it properly. It's more than just a luxury item to me; it's an investment in a daily ritual I really enjoy, something that would bring me a lot of pleasure and maybe even impress my friends!

Question 1: Which expensive items would many young people (in your country) like to buy?

Sample Answer: Well, in my country, a lot of young people really dream of owning the latest iPhones or other high-end smartphones. They're seen as a status symbol, and everyone's always talking about the new features. Then there are designer clothes and sneakers – brands like Nike and Adidas, but also more luxury brands like Gucci or Balenciaga, which are hugely popular, especially among students who want to impress their friends. Gaming consoles are also a big thing; the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are incredibly expensive but incredibly desirable. And finally, I think a lot of young people would love to have a nice, expensive car, maybe a sporty one, but realistically, that's usually something they can only aspire to for a long time after graduating.

Question 2: How do the expensive items that younger people want to buy differ from those that older people want to buy?

Sample Answer: Well, it's a really interesting question. I think the biggest difference is probably in the *type* of item. Younger people, like myself and my friends, tend to focus on things like the latest tech gadgets – phones, headphones, gaming consoles – stuff that's trendy and reflects their social circles. We also spend a lot on experiences, like concerts or travel, things that create memories and shareable content. Older people, on the other hand, seem to prioritize more practical things, maybe a new car, home renovations, or investments. They might still buy nice things, but it’s less about the trendiness and more about quality, comfort, and long-term value. I guess you could say younger people invest in experiences and fleeting trends, whereas older people tend towards investments in things that will last and improve their quality of life in a tangible way. It’s a pretty broad generalization, of course, but that's the impression I get.

Question 3: Do you think that people are more likely to buy expensive items for their friends or for themselves?

Sample Answer: That's a really interesting question. I think it probably depends on the person and the item, to be honest. Some people are really generous and might splash out on a really nice gift for a friend's birthday or something, like a high-end watch or piece of jewellery, even if they wouldn't buy it for themselves. They might prioritize making their friend happy. But then, I also know people who are much more likely to treat themselves to something expensive – a new gadget, a holiday, or even just a really nice meal – before they'd spend that kind of money on someone else. I guess it comes down to their personal values and priorities, whether they're more outwardly focused or prioritize their own needs and wants. For me personally, I'd probably lean towards buying something nice for myself first, but I wouldn't rule out a big purchase for a close friend if the occasion felt right.

Question 4: How difficult is it to become very rich in today's world?

Sample Answer: Oh, wow, that's a big question! I think it's incredibly difficult, honestly. There's so much competition, and it's not just about hard work anymore. You need a lot of luck, the right connections, maybe even a bit of a gamble that pays off. You see all these entrepreneurs on social media making it look easy, but I bet there's a whole lot of unseen struggle behind their success stories. Plus, the cost of living is so high these days, even if you're earning a good salary, it's hard to save and invest enough to accumulate significant wealth. So, yeah, I'd say it's extremely difficult, maybe even unrealistic for most people. It's definitely not something I personally see as easily achievable.

Question 5: Do you agree that money does not necessarily bring happiness?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's a really complex issue. On one hand, you definitely see people who are incredibly wealthy but seem unhappy, maybe stressed about maintaining their wealth or struggling with relationships. So in those cases, money clearly isn't the key to happiness. But on the other hand, it's hard to argue that money doesn't *reduce* stress. If you're constantly worried about paying bills or feeding your family, it's going to be really tough to feel happy, you know? So, I guess I wouldn't say money *brings* happiness directly, but it certainly removes a lot of obstacles that can prevent it. I think true happiness comes from other things – good relationships, personal fulfillment, a sense of purpose – but money can definitely contribute to a more comfortable and stable environment where those things are more likely to flourish.

Question 6: In what ways might rich people use their money to help society?

Sample Answer: Well, there are tons of ways, really. Obviously, philanthropy is a big one – donating to charities, funding research, setting up foundations for specific causes like fighting poverty or protecting the environment. You also see a lot of wealthy people investing in social enterprises – businesses that aim to make a profit while also tackling social or environmental problems. Think fair-trade initiatives or sustainable energy companies. They could also use their influence – lobbying for better policies, supporting social movements, or even just using their platform to raise awareness about important issues. And, of course, creating jobs through their businesses is a massive way they contribute, even if it's not always directly charitable. It's all about how they choose to use their resources, I guess.