Question 1: What do you like to drink with your dinner? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Oh, it really depends on what I'm having for dinner, to be honest. If it's something rich and heavy, like a steak or a curry, I'll usually go for a nice, crisp red wine – something like a Pinot Noir or a Rioja. The acidity cuts through the richness of the food really well, and it just feels like the right pairing. If it's something lighter, maybe pasta or fish, I might have a glass of white wine, something like Sauvignon Blanc – it's refreshing and complements those flavours nicely. And if I'm having something really spicy, then I definitely need something to cool things down, so maybe a cold beer or even just some water with lemon. I'm not a massive fan of sugary drinks with dinner, so I tend to stick to alcoholic beverages or water.

Question 2: Do you drink a lot of water every day? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Um, I try to! I know I should, you know, for my health and everything. I definitely drink more water on some days than others. If I'm really busy studying or working on an assignment, I sometimes forget and end up only having a couple of glasses. But on days when I’m feeling more relaxed, or if I’m going for a run or something, I’ll definitely make a conscious effort to drink at least two litres. I always keep a big water bottle with me to remind myself. I find that if I don’t drink enough, I get headaches and feel really sluggish, so it's definitely worth the effort even if it's a bit of a struggle sometimes!

Question 3: Do you prefer drinking tea or coffee? [Why?]

Sample Answer: Oh, definitely tea. I've just never really gotten into coffee, it's a bit too bitter for me, even with loads of sugar. I find tea much more comforting, especially a nice, strong cup of Earl Grey in the evening. It's just so relaxing, you know? Plus, there's such a huge variety of teas – you can have herbal teas, green teas, black teas… it’s never boring! Coffee seems a bit… one-note to me, if that makes sense. I guess I associate coffee more with rushing around in the mornings, whereas tea is more of a leisurely, calming drink.

Question 4: If people visit you in your home, what do you usually offer them to drink? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: I usually offer them tea or a cold drink like juice. It depends on the weather and what they prefer. In Vietnam, offering something to drink is a polite way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Question 1: Describe a monument (e.g., a statue or sculpture) that you like.

Sample Answer: Oh, that's easy! I really love the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. I saw it a few years ago when I was backpacking through Europe, and it completely charmed me. It's not huge, actually, it's quite small and sits on a rock in the harbour. But it's so incredibly detailed – you can see the texture of her hair and the little folds in her tail. And the setting is beautiful; the water's always sparkling around it, and there are usually lots of boats and seagulls nearby. I think what I like most is the story behind it – it's a symbol of the city, based on a famous fairytale, and it's just so... whimsical. It's not a grand, imposing monument, but it's incredibly evocative and really captured the atmosphere of Copenhagen for me. It's a tiny thing, but it’s left a big impression.

Question 1: What kinds of monuments do tourists in your country enjoy visiting?

Sample Answer: Well, it really depends on what kind of tourist you are, I guess. We have a huge range! For history buffs, there are tons of ancient castles – like Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, that's incredibly popular, or the Tower of London, obviously. Then you've got the more modern stuff, like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben – although Big Ben's under renovation at the moment, so it's a bit of a different sight! Lots of people are also fascinated by our industrial heritage, so places like the Ironbridge Gorge museums are really big draws. And then, of course, we have a lot of war memorials, particularly from the World Wars, that are quite moving and attract a lot of visitors. Finally, for a different kind of monument, you have things like the Angel of the North – a giant modern sculpture – which is becoming quite a popular landmark. So yeah, it's a pretty diverse mix!

Question 2: Why do you think there are often statues of famous people in public places?

Sample Answer: Well, I think it's mostly to remember and honour important figures, you know, people who've made significant contributions to society – scientists, politicians, artists. It's a way to keep their legacy alive, to inspire future generations, and maybe even to teach people a bit about history just by seeing them. Plus, they can become landmarks, something instantly recognisable about a city or town. I guess it's also a way to show pride in a particular achievement or era, a kind of public acknowledgment of their impact. And let's be honest, some of them are just really beautiful works of art in themselves, adding to the aesthetic of the area.

Question 3: Do you agree that old monuments and buildings should always be preserved?

Sample Answer: Well, it's a complex issue, isn't it? On the one hand, I definitely think preserving old monuments and buildings is incredibly important. They're a vital part of our history and heritage, telling stories and showing us how things used to be. Losing them would be like losing a piece of our collective memory. Plus, they can be huge tourist attractions, boosting local economies. However, it's not always practical or financially feasible to preserve everything. Sometimes, buildings are just too damaged to restore, or the cost of maintaining them is astronomical. And then you have to consider the needs of a growing population – sometimes redevelopment is necessary to accommodate new housing or infrastructure. So, I think it's about finding a balance – prioritizing the most historically significant structures and finding creative solutions for others, maybe repurposing them for modern use instead of just letting them fall into ruin.

Question 4: Why is architecture such a popular university subject?

Sample Answer: Well, I think there are a few reasons for that. For one, it's a really creative field, and it appeals to people who are artistic and visually-minded, but also have a strong grasp of maths and science – you need to understand structural integrity and things like that. Plus, it's not just about designing pretty buildings; it’s about solving problems. Architects consider things like sustainability, how a building will affect its surroundings, and how people will actually use the space. It's a practical subject with a real-world impact, and I think that's attractive to a lot of students. Finally, there’s the prestige factor, I guess. Famous architects get a lot of recognition, and there's a certain glamour associated with the profession. So, it’s a blend of creativity, problem-solving, real-world application, and a bit of professional aspiration, I think.

Question 5: In what ways has the design of homes changed in recent years?

Sample Answer: Well, I think the biggest change is definitely in how open-plan homes have become. It's less about separate rooms and more about connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas, creating a much more social space. Also, there’s a huge emphasis now on energy efficiency, so you see things like better insulation, double-glazing, and even solar panels becoming more common. The materials used are changing too; sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or bamboo are popping up more often. And finally, smart home technology is a massive factor. It's not just luxury anymore – things like smart thermostats and lighting systems are becoming increasingly affordable and integrated into new builds.

Question 6: To what extent does the design of buildings affect people’s moods?

Sample Answer: Well, I think building design massively impacts people's moods, actually. Think about it – a bright, airy office with lots of natural light is going to make people feel much more productive and positive than a cramped, dark basement office, right? Similarly, a hospital with calming colours and natural elements can help patients feel more relaxed and less anxious, whereas a stark, sterile environment could increase their stress levels. It's not just about the light and colours either; things like the layout, the use of space, even the materials used – all contribute. For example, a building with lots of open spaces and opportunities for social interaction might foster a sense of community and belonging, whereas a very compartmentalised building could make people feel isolated. So yeah, I'd say it's a really significant factor. I even read an article recently about how the architecture of schools can influence children's learning and behaviour, showing how important the design really is.