Question 1: Did you have a favourite book when you were a child? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Yes, I did. I used to love reading fairy tales when I was a kid. My favorite was probably Cinderella because it had a magical story and a happy ending. I liked books with colorful pictures and simple stories. Reading made my childhood more fun and imaginative.

Question 2: How much reading do you do for your work/studies? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: I do a fair amount of reading for my studies. I often need to go through textbooks, online articles, and research papers. Reading is essential for understanding the subjects better. Sometimes it takes a lot of time, but it helps me prepare for exams and assignments.

Question 3: What kinds of books do you read for pleasure? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Well, I'm a bit of a bookworm, so I read quite a lot! I really enjoy historical fiction – I love getting lost in different eras and learning about different cultures through the stories. Recently I finished a book about the French Revolution, it was fascinating! I also like thrillers sometimes, especially psychological ones. They’re great for when I need a bit of a page-turner and something to keep me on the edge of my seat. I don't tend to read much contemporary fiction, though. I find it a bit too…real sometimes, if that makes sense? I prefer the escape that historical fiction and thrillers offer. I guess I just like a good story with a bit of drama or mystery; something that takes me away from everyday life for a while.

Question 4: Do you prefer to read a newspaper or a magazine online, or to buy a copy? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Um, I definitely prefer reading online. Mostly because it's so much more convenient. I can just quickly pull up a news website or magazine app on my phone whenever I have a few spare minutes, whether I'm on the commute or waiting for an appointment. Plus, I like having access to so much more content online – with a physical newspaper or magazine, you’re limited to what they’ve printed that day, but online, you have archives, different sections, and it's constantly updated. I also find it easier to search for specific articles online, which is a huge time saver. Buying physical copies is just… less practical for me, personally.

Question 1: Describe a big city you would like to visit.

Sample Answer: Oh, definitely Tokyo! I've always been fascinated by Japanese culture, and Tokyo seems like the ultimate blend of the traditional and the ultra-modern. I’ve seen pictures of the incredibly vibrant Shibuya crossing, and the idea of being surrounded by that sheer energy is really exciting. Beyond that though, I’d love to explore the quieter, more traditional neighbourhoods, maybe visit some beautiful temples and gardens – I've read about some stunning ones in Kyoto, but I imagine Tokyo has equally amazing places. I'm also a huge foodie, and I’ve heard the food scene in Tokyo is just incredible, from Michelin-starred restaurants to tiny ramen shops tucked away down side streets. I'd love to try all sorts of things, sample different cuisines and maybe even take a cooking class. It’s just a city that feels so alive and full of amazing things to see and do; it’s definitely top of my list.

Question 1: What are the most interesting things to do while visiting cities on holiday?

Sample Answer: Oh, that's a great question! It really depends on the city, of course, but I generally love exploring historical sites – old castles, cathedrals, that kind of thing. I find the architecture and history fascinating. I also really enjoy just wandering around the city centre, getting a bit lost actually, and discovering hidden cafes or quirky little shops. Food is a big part of it for me too; I try to sample local delicacies and visit bustling markets – it's a great way to experience the local culture. And then, depending on the city, I might try to catch a show, maybe a concert or a play, or visit a museum if it's something I'm interested in. I think the best thing about city breaks is the sheer variety of things you can do, you're never really bored!

Question 2: Why can it be expensive to visit cities on holiday?

Sample Answer: Well, there are loads of reasons, really. Firstly, accommodation can be a killer – hotels, especially in popular tourist spots, are often ridiculously priced. Then you've got flights or train fares, which can be unbelievably expensive depending on the time of year and how far you're travelling. And of course, once you're there, eating out, going to museums or attractions, even just getting around on public transport – it all adds up quickly. I mean, you're often paying a premium for things just because it's a tourist area. You could easily blow your budget on a couple of nice dinners or a single concert ticket! It's easy to underestimate how much things cost when you're planning a trip, and then you end up spending way more than you intended.

Question 3: Do you think it is better to visit cities alone or in a group with friends?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a tough one. I think it really depends on what you're looking for in a trip, you know? Going alone definitely offers more freedom – you can completely dictate your itinerary, spend as long as you want at places you love, and really just go with the flow. You’re also forced to be more independent and resourceful, which can be a great learning experience. But then, travelling with friends is amazing for sharing experiences, having someone to laugh with, and splitting costs – hotels and food can get expensive! Plus, having friends around can make you feel safer, especially in unfamiliar places. I guess I’d say it depends on my mood and what I’m hoping to get out of the city break. Sometimes, I crave that solitary exploration; other times, the camaraderie of a group trip is more appealing.

Question 4: Why have cities increased in size in recent years?

Sample Answer: Well, I think there are a few key reasons for that. Firstly, job opportunities are usually much more concentrated in cities, so people move there looking for work, especially younger generations. Then there's the availability of services and amenities – you have better healthcare, education, and entertainment options in cities, making them more attractive places to live. Also, with globalization and technological advancements, cities have become hubs for international business and innovation, drawing in skilled workers and entrepreneurs. And finally, I'd say improved infrastructure, like better transport links and housing developments, has allowed cities to expand and accommodate larger populations. It's a combination of all these factors, really.

Question 5: What are the challenges created by ever-growing cities?

Sample Answer: Well, I think one of the biggest challenges is overcrowding, obviously. You get more traffic congestion, longer commutes, and just less personal space in general. Then there's the strain on resources – water supply, electricity, even things like food distribution become more difficult to manage with so many people packed into a smaller area. And that leads to increased pollution, both air and water pollution, which impacts everyone's health. Plus, there’s the issue of affordable housing – it just becomes increasingly harder to find decent, affordable accommodation in growing cities, which creates social inequalities. And finally, I think the infrastructure struggles to keep up. Roads, public transport, schools, hospitals – everything gets stretched thin, and it's hard to improve these things quickly enough to meet the growing demands.

Question 6: In what ways do you think cities of the future will be different to cities today?

Sample Answer: I believe cities in the future will be more high-tech and environmentally friendly. We might see smart systems managing traffic, energy, and waste more efficiently. Public transport could be electric or even autonomous, and buildings will likely be designed to save energy. There might also be more green spaces and cleaner air as cities aim to improve quality of life.