Describe a famous person you would like to meet

Notes

You should say:

Who he/she is

How you knew him/her

How/where you would like to meet him/her

And explain why you would like to meet him/her

answer

You know, the person I’d really love to meet is Jack Ma, the co-founder of Alibaba. I first learned about him in an entrepreneurship module during my undergraduate studies—his story of going from English teacher to global tech tycoon was part of our case study. Actually, if I had the chance, I’d head straight to Zhejiang University or the Alibaba campus in Hangzhou during one of their startup summits, where he often gives keynote talks.

What fascinates me most is his resilience and visionary thinking—he kept going after dozens of rejections, and now Alibaba is this massive ecosystem. To be honest, I’d ask him how he balances risk and innovation, because as a grad student interested in setting up my own social enterprise someday, I think his insights could be invaluable.

part3

Notes
  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a famous child?

  2. What can today's children do to become famous?

  3. What can children do with their fame?

  4. Do people become famous because of their talent?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a famous child?

Well, I think one obvious advantage is that famous children often get access to top-notch resources early on — you know, professional coaching, exposure to media training, even invitations to high-profile events. That can really boost their confidence and open doors that most kids don’t even know exist.

But to be honest, the downside is the immense pressure and loss of a “normal” childhood. When you grow up under constant scrutiny — say, on TV shows or social media — you might start to doubt your self-worth if views or likes drop. And frankly, it can lead to anxiety or burnout way before adulthood.

What can today's children do to become famous?

A route is to excel in a specific talent — say, music, dance, or competitive sports — and participate in talent shows or national contests. A kid who can sing exceptionally well might audition for something like “China Voice Teenager Version,” or a young athlete could compete in youth championships. Success on these public stages not only showcases their skills but also attracts media attention and sponsorships. Plus, winning an award or even just getting far in a competition can fast-track their recognition.

What can children do with their fame?

Well, I guess one of the best things famous kids can do is leverage their platform for good causes. You know, if they’ve got a big social media following or TV exposure, they can raise awareness about issues like environmental protection or child literacy. For instance, a young YouTuber could partner with an NGO to promote recycling campaigns or fundraising drives. To be honest, that not only amplifies positive social impact but also helps them develop a sense of responsibility early on.

Do people become famous because of their talent?

Well, I’d say talent is certainly a major factor—people who have exceptional skills in music, acting, or sports often get noticed. You know, when someone sings really well or delivers an unforgettable performance, word spreads quickly, and they gain a fan base. But to be honest, raw talent alone isn’t always enough; it usually needs to be coupled with perseverance and the right opportunities, like a competition or a mentor, to really catapult someone into the spotlight.

Describe a time when someone gave you something that you really wanted

Notes

You should say:

What it was

When you received it

Who gave it to you

And explain how you felt when the person gave it to you

answer

Well, one of the most memorable gifts I’ve ever received was actually a brand-new MacBook Air from my dad, and it happened right before I headed off to university. You know, I’d been hinting for months that I needed a reliable laptop to handle all my coursework and research projects, but I honestly didn’t expect him to surprise me like that.

It was the weekend before I moved into my freshman dorm — we were packing up in our living room, boxes everywhere, and then my dad handed me this slim, neatly wrapped box with a big smile. At first I thought it might be something small, but as soon as I tore off the paper and saw the Apple logo, I felt this rush of excitement and disbelief.

To be honest, I was absolutely ecstatic. You know, it wasn’t just the MacBook itself, but what it symbolised: my dad’s confidence in my studies and his support for my independence. In that moment, I felt this warm sense of gratitude, and I even got a little bit teary-eyed — which, well, doesn’t happen often!

Ever since then, that laptop has been my constant companion, helping me write essays, run data analysis, and even sketch designs for group projects. Every time I open it, I’m reminded of that special send-off into university life and how fortunate I am to have such a thoughtful parent.

part3

Notes
  1. Should employees have their own goals?

  2. How should bosses reward employees?

  3. What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?

  4. How should children spend their allowance money?

  5. Why do people like shopping more now than in the past?

  6. Do you think shopping is good for a country's economy?

Should employees have their own goals?

Well, I definitely think employees should have their own goals, you know? Having clear, personal objectives—like mastering a new software or leading a small project—gives you tangible milestones to strive for. It fuels intrinsic motivation and helps with career growth, especially for someone just starting out. To be honest, setting your own goals also makes you more proactive; you’re not just waiting for instructions, but actively shaping your role and skills.

How should bosses reward employees?

Well, I think bosses should definitely consider performance-based bonuses or salary increases. You know, tying rewards directly to measurable outcomes—like hitting sales targets or completing projects ahead of schedulereinforces the behaviour they want. A clear, transparent bonus structure not only motivates hard work but also builds a sense of fairness. To be honest, when people see that extra effort leads to financial gain, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal.

What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?

Well, you know, most young people these days are pretty tech-savvy, so gadgets often top their wish list. Things like wireless earbuds, a sleek power bank, or even a phone gimbal really resonate because we spend so much time studying, socializing, and streaming online. To be honest, a gadget that enhances daily life—whether it’s a smart speaker or a portable SSD—feels both practical and a bit stylish, which is exactly the kind of reward that hits the sweet spot.

How should children spend their allowance money?

To be honest, I think a portion of allowance could go towards experiences or helping others. Kids could pool funds for a museum visit, a weekend workshop, or even buy a small gift for a sick classmate. In China, many schools have charity drives — contributing 10 RMB to a class fund helps children understand empathy and community spirit. Plus, investing in experiences rather than only material items often brings more lasting satisfaction.

Why do people like shopping more now than in the past?

Well, you know, one of the biggest reasons is the rise of e-commerce and fast logistics. Back in the day, if you wanted something, you had to physically go to a store, which took time and effort. Now with apps like Taobao or JD.com, you can browse thousands of products on your phone, place an order in seconds, and get it delivered the next day. To be honest, that level of convenience makes shopping feel almost effortless, so people naturally do it more often.

Describe a place you visited and enjoyed in the countryside

Notes

You should say:

Where it was in the countryside

What you did there

And explain how you felt about the visit

Answer

Well, one of the most memorable countryside trips I’ve ever taken was to Meijiawu, a little tea village about twenty kilometres west of Hangzhou. Actually, a few classmates and I decided to escape the city over a long weekend, so we booked a rustic homestay right on a working tea farm.

When we arrived, I mean, the first thing that struck me was the sight of those perfect, emerald-green terraces stretching up the hillsides. We spent the afternoon learning how to pluck the tender tea buds—farmers showed us the proper technique, which is trickier than it looks. Come to think of it, I’d never appreciated how much skill goes into each leaf. Later, we gathered in a wooden pavilion to sample freshly brewed Longjing tea, chatting about everything from our coursework to future travel plans.

The next morning, we got up before sunrise and hiked to the top terrace. Believe it or not, watching the mist weave through the rows of tea bushes as the sun rose was utterly enchanting. Frankly, it felt like stepping into another world—so peaceful and timeless. At the end of the day, that trip left me feeling completely recharged and more balanced, and I’ve found it much easier to dive back into my studies with renewed energy.

part3

Note
  1. Where do people like to visit in the countryside?

  2. What are the consequences of the decrease of population in the countryside?

Where do people like to visit in the countryside?

Well, I guess most folks head straight for the classic scenic spots—like rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, or lush rice terraces. For example, in many regions people flock to view sunrise over misty mountains or rent a small boat on a quiet lake. Come to think of it, these natural landscapes offer that instant sense of escape from city noise that everyone’s craving.

What are the consequences of the decrease of population in the countryside?

Well, when people leave rural areas, there aren’t enough residents to keep local businesses afloat. Shops, cafés, even small clinics often shut down because there simply aren’t enough customers. I guess that forces the remaining villagers to travel farther for basic services, which is both time-consuming and expensive. Over time, local governments may cut funding for schools or public transport, creating a downward spiral that makes the countryside even less livable.

Describe an impressive talk you had

Note

You should say:

Who you talked to

When and where you had the talk

What you talked about

And explain why you think it was impressive

Answer

A truly impressive conversation took place in my supervisor’s office last semester. We were hashing out my thesis framework, and I walked in feeling completely stuck. Well, she looked at my notes and challenged me to summarise my core research question in just one sentence. Come to think of it, that simple exercise forced me to clarify my thoughts instantly. She then posed a series of probing questions—“What evidence will you collect?” or “Why does this matter?”—which helped me reframe my entire proposal. Frankly, it was less about her giving answers and more about guiding me to discover them myself. I left that meeting feeling not only relieved but also inspired by her teaching style.

part3

Notes
  1. What topics do young people like to talk about?

  2. ls it important to have good communication skills at work?

  3. What are the differences between talking with friends online and face-to-face?

  4. What are the differences between online and onsite meetings in a company?

What topics do young people like to talk about?

Well, a lot of young people love to chat about the latest music, movies, or TV series. I mean, they’ll swap recommendations for new playlists on Douyin or debate which K-pop group is hottest right now. Actually, trends on social media—like viral challenges or memes—often dominate their conversations. At the end of the day, talking about shared pop-culture interests helps them bond and keeps the mood light.

ls it important to have good communication skills at work?

Well, you know, having strong communication skills at work really speeds things up and cuts down on mistakes. Clear emails or quick chats ensure everyone understands their tasks, which means fewer errors and less rework. I guess when instructions are vague, projects stall or deadlines slip. At the end of the day, being able to explain ideas concisely and confirm understanding keeps workflows smooth and boosts overall productivity.

What are the differences between talking with friends online and face-to-face?

I guess online chatting wins hands-down for convenience. You can ping a friend across time zones at midnight or share a funny meme while waiting for the bus. To be honest, that asynchronous flexibility means you’re not bound by schedules or location. Face-to-face meetups, on the other hand, require planning—finding a café, synchronising free time, maybe even commuting. So online talk feels more spontaneous but sometimes less committed.

What are the differences between online and onsite meetings in a company /ˈkʌmpəni/?

Well, online meetings often miss out on subtle nonverbal signals—tone of voice, posture shifts, even quick facial expressions. To be honest, in a conference room you can instantly sense if someone’s confused or excited, and adjust your presentation accordingly. Actually, that immediate feedback really boosts engagement and reduces misunderstandings, whereas behind a screen it’s all too easy for attendees to multitask or lose focus.