Part 1

Topic 1: Work

1. Where do you work?

Currently I'm working fulltime as a research engineer at Singapore Management University. I've been working there for three months.

2. Do you think this is a good place to work?

Yes, I think SMU is really a good place to work. For salary, I can get 2k Singapore dollars every month. It's totally enough for a single man like me. And every staff will be equipped with a new laptop or desktop. Plus, there are great benefits.

3. What are your work plans for the future?

I have no work plans for the future. To be honest, it is my gap year currently. My job contract will end in April next year. After that, I hope I can get back to university to pursue the master degree or Ph.D. degree in the field of computer science.

4. What do you enjoy most about your work?

Oh, so many things. I am a research engineer, so I would say that the best part is doing research on cutting-edge technologies. This allows me to contribute to significant projects that have a real impact in my field.

5. Would you prefer to work from home or to go out to work?

That's a popular question these days, right? I prefer to work from home. That means no stress about being late, and I can focus on my work with fewer distractions.

6. Is there a job that you would like to do in the future?

That's a tough question. If I could choose, I would like to be a researcher at a major tech company. This would give me the opportunity to work on large-scale projects and collaborate with experts in the field. I believe being part of a big organization could significantly enhance my research capabilities and allow me to make a greater impact.

Topic 2: Home (The area you live in)

1. Where are you living at the moment? (Please describe the place where you live.)

I'm living in an apartment in the Novena area. It is located within the central region of Singapore. So it's very easy to take transit downtown.

2. What's the best thing about the place where you live now?

There is a shopping center named Zhongshan Mall close to my home. It's only a five-minute walk for me. I like eating there.

3. Have you met many of your neighbors?

Honestly, I've only met a few. I leave early for work and come back late, so it's hard to meet people because of my schedule.

4. Is the area where you live now a busy or a quiet place?

I would say it's a very busy place. There are so many malls and medical centers in the Novena area. Life there is incredibly convenient, with everything you need just a short walk away.

Topic 3: Bicycles

1. Did you ride a bike when you were a child?

Yes, I had a bike when I was young. I love riding around my neighborhood with my friends. Going down big hills was so exciting! I would lift my feet off the pedals and go fast.

2. Do you have a bicycle now?

No, I don't have a bike now. I would say Singapore is a good city for biking, but the weather here is too hot. I prefer to take the bus or MRT to work.

3. Are bicycles popular in…/your country?

Yes, biking is very popular in Singapore. There are lots of bike paths designed for bikers, both in the city center and outside the city. Many people bike in the parks on weekends, and some also bike to school or work.

4. Do you think bicycles will be more or less popular in the future?

I would say bikes will become popular. Traffic is getting worse, and it's hard to get anywhere on time during rush hour. But with a bike, you don't have to worry about traffic jams. It's a better way to travel, so more people will use bikes in the future.

Topic 4: Where you live now/Hometown

1. Do you live in a town, a city or the countryside?

I live in Singapore now. It is a beautiful city with lots of amazing attractions, and people are warm and friendly.

2. What do you like best about living in…/this place?

Oh, so many things. I love the parks and green spaces the best in Singapore. They are so beautiful and well-maintained. People can enjoy the outdoor time with their families.

3. Would you recommend living in…/ this place to other people?

Yes, I would. If someone is looking for a place to live, Singapore is a great choice. They can start a family or find a job. There are many opportunities and resources to help them. It's a good place for the future.

4. Is that a big city or a small place?

Singapore is a small city, but the facilities and services here are very advanced. It's a convenient place to live.

5. How long have you lived there?

I have lived in Singapore for two years. I moved here and started working after I graduated from university.

Topic 5: Coins

1. Do you like to have some coins with you when you go out?

No, I hardly ever have coins with me. You know, most places in Singapore take cards now. So I prefer to use my credit card or mobile payment apps like PayNow or Google Pay.

2. Did you use coins more often in the past?/When you were a child, did you ever save coins in a money box?

Yes, I did. I used coins a lot when I was a child. Back then, people mostly used cash. I would save the coins in a piggy bank and use them to buy candy or toys.

3. Do you think that collecting unusual coins is an interesting hobby to have?

Yes! Collecting rare coins is fun. Some coins are hard to find, so they might be very valuable. Also, these coins often have interesting connections to different cultures and histories. You can learn a lot from them.

Topic 6: Laughing and things that are funny

1. Do you enjoy watching films/movies that are funny?

Yes! I think a movie that makes me laugh is a great form of entertainment. It can help me relax and forget my worries after a long day at work.

2. When was the last time something made you laugh?

Um... The last time I laughed really hard was when I watched a funny video that my friend farwarded to me. It was about screwing over passengers in a taxi. I couldn't stop laughing!

3. Are you good at making people laugh?

Yes, I think so. I can come up with many funny comments quickly. I make my friends laugh, and I enjoy that. It's fun to laugh with friends, and it feels even better to be the one who makes them laugh.

4. Do you think it's always good to make people laugh?

Yes! Laughter is the best medicine. It can help people relax and forget about stress. Also, it's a great way to connect with others and make friends. So, I think it's always good to make people laugh.

Topic 7: Roads

1. Are the roads and streets very busy near where you live?

Yes, I live in the Novena area, which is located within the central region of Singapore. Furthermore, I live near a main road, so there's a lot of traffic around my neighborhood. But I don't mind it because I can reach important places in the city easily.

2. How easy is it to cross the roads in…/your area?

I would say it's quite easy for people in Singapore to cross the roads. They can press the button at the traffic lights, use the pedestrian crossing, and wait for the green light. Also, there are pedestrian bridges and underpasses in some places to help people cross the roads safely.

3. Is there anything you would like to change about the roads in…/your area?

Yes, I think the roads need to be improved. The Singapore government should invest in fixing them. There's a lot of heavy traffic now, especially more big trucks, so the roads need to be stronger to handle it.

4. Is there a road or street in…/your country that is very famous?

Yes! In Singapore, Orchard Road is a famous street. It's a major shopping street in the city center. There are many shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels along the road. It's a popular place for tourists and locals to visit.

Topic 8: Feeling calm and relaxed

1. Have you visited a place recently where you felt calm and relaxed?

Yes, I visited the Fort Canning Park last weekend which is located near SMU. I took a walk there after dinner with my friends. There are many trees and flowers in the park, and the air is fresh. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

2. Do you find listening to music a relaxing thing to do?

Sometimes, yes. When I'm writing codes, I like to play music in the background to help me cut out distractions and focus on my work. Also, when I feel stressed, I listen to soft music to help me relax and calm down.

3. Would you ever do exercise, to help you feel calm and relaxed?

Yes, I would. For me, exercise is the best way to relax. It helps release the stress of the day. Besides, our bodies need to move, and many of us sit too much. So, exercise is important for staying healthy and also helps me relax.

4. Are you usually a calm and relaxed person?

No. I can be quite stressed sometimes and worry about uncertain things I can't control easily. But now I try to manage my stress better by doing meditation. It helps me stay calm and relaxed.

Topic 9: Perfume

1. Do you like to wear perfume/aftershave?

No, I'm not into wearing perfume; it's just too strong for me. I just stick to lightly scented detergent to keep my clothes smelling fresh.

2. Have you ever bought a bottle of perfume/aftershave as a present/gift?

Yes, I have. Once I bought a bottle of perfume for my best friend. She said she would have a job interview, so I thought it would be a good gift to help her feel more confident and make a good impression. She was really happy and thankful when she got it.

3. Do you have a favorite type of perfume/aftershave?

N.A.

4. Would you pay a lot for a bottle of perfume/aftershave?

I spend more money on perfume when I buy it as a gift for someone else. But for myself, I don't think I would pay a lot for a bottle of perfume. I prefer to spend money on other things like eletronic gadgets or shoes.

Topic 10: Teachers

1. Did you have a favorite teacher at school?

Well, I remember the math teacher I had in my high school. He was full of energy and always made the class interesting. He could make difficult concepts easy to understand. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed his class very much.

2. How have teachers helped you? Why?

My teachers taught me the basics I needed. Because of them, I've learned a lot. Besides, when I had trouble with something, they were always there to help me. I'm really grateful for their support and guidance.

3. Are you still in contact with any of your teachers from primary/elementary school?

No, I'm not. It has been almost ten years since I graduated from primary school. Back then, I didn't have a mobile phone or socail media and the relationship between teachers and students was different from today. So, I don't know how to find them now.

4. Would you like to be a teacher?

No, I would say no. I thinks being a teacher requires a lot of patience, and standing in front of so many students seems scray to me. So, it's not the best job for me. But teachers can enjoy long holidays, and they can help students grow and learn. It's a meaningful job.

Topic 11: Fish and fishing

1. Did you ever go fishing when you were a child?

Yes, I did. My father liked to go fishing, so he would like to take me with him. I remember we would get up early in the morning and go to the river. But I would say fishing has never interested me much because it took a lot of patience.

2. How popular is fishing as a hobby in.../your country?

Well, fishing has become more popular in China in recent years, especially with young people. It seems a good way to relax and enjoy nature. Instead of sitting at a desk all day, going fishing can help people get away from the city and enjoy the fresh air.

3. Do you like eating fish?

Yes, I do. I think fish is an important part of our diet. It's a good source of protein and other nutrients. I like to eat fish in different ways, such as steamed, fried, or grilled. It's delicious and healthy.

4. Have you ever been to a fish market?

Yes, I have. I went to a fish market in Qingdao when I was on vacation there two years ago. It was a big market with many kinds of fish and seafood. I still remember the smells and the noises as the sellers tried to get people's attention. It was a very interesting experience.

Topic 12: Childhood

1. Where did you like to play when you were a child?

As a kid, I was very active. I enjoyed riding my bike around the neighborhood with my friends. I also liked to play soccer in the park. It was a lot of fun.

2. Who did you spend most time with when you were a child?

When I was a child, I spent most of my time with my sister. Our parents were busy with work, so it was often just the two of us. We are close in age, so we had the same friends and did a lot of things together.

3. Is there anything you enjoyed doing as a child that you still enjoy now?

Yes. I still enjoy playing soccer, just like when I was younger. Although I don't have as much time to play now, I still try to get together with friends for a game whenever I can. It's a great way to stay active and have fun.

4. What do you think is the best thing about being a child?

Oh... The best thing about being a child is that you don't have to worry about anything. You can just play and have fun all day long. You don't have to think about work or bills or anything like that.

Topic 13: T-shirt

1. How often do you wear a T-shirt?

I wear T-shirts almost every day as the weather in Singapore is hot and humid all year round. They can go well with almost anything. You can wear them with jeans for a casual look or add a jacket to make it more formal. And they are very convenient to wash and dry.

2. Did you wear T-shirts when you were a child?

Yes, I did. They were very easy to match with my jeans and easy to wash, so my parents bought many for me. I liked them because they were comfortable and some have cool designs.

3. Would you ever give someone a T-shirt as a gift?

No, I don't think so. It's hard to know someone's size, and you don't want to get the wrong one. It could embarrass them. So I don't think it's a good choice for a gift.

4. Do you often look at the T-shirts that other people are wearing?

Not really. I usually look at my phone while walking, so I don't notice what others wear. But if I see someone wearing a T-shirt with a cool design, I might take a second look.

Topic 14: Meeting new people

1. Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Yes, I do. I think meeting new people is a great way to be open to possibilities and new ideas. It can help me see things from different perspectives. Besides, you never know when you might need to call on someone for help or advice in the future.

2. Have you met anyone new recently?

Yes. Last month, I attended an AI security summit held in Singapore and made some new friends there. We talked about the latest trends in this reseach field and shared our ongoing projects. It's great to network with like-minded people and enrich my social circle.

3. Did you meet new people more often when you were younger?

Yes, I think so. When I was a kid, the school wasn't as tough, so I'd go to amusement parks, museums, and other places with my parents. Meeting new people just happend naturally. But now, I'm mostly going between work and home, so I don't have as many opportunities to meet new people.

4. What do you usually talk about when you meet new people for the first time?

I think it depends on the situation. If I meet someone at a party, I might ask about their job or hobbies. If I meet someone at a conference, I might ask about their research or projects. I try to find common ground and keep the conversation light and interesting.

Topic 15: Working in groups

1. Did you work in groups when you were a child at primary/elemnentary school?

Yes, I worked in teams when I was a child. Our teachers often asked us to get into groups and work on assignments together. Sometimes it got pretty chaotic, but it actually helped me gain some teamwork skills.

2. Do you often work or study in a group now?

Yes, I do. Currently I'm working on a fuzzing project with my colleagues. We are responsible for different parts of the project, so we need to work together to make sure everything is on track. It's a great way to share ideas and learn from each other.

3. How have you been benefited from working in a group?

I think working in a group has definitely been a big help. It teaches you really valuable skills like cooperation and communication. You have to coordinate with others to get things done, which improves your people skills and demands a lot of patience and organization. So, it's a great way to learn and grow.

4. If there anything you don't like about working in a group?

That's an interesting question. I think the biggest challenge of working in a group is dealing with different personalities. Everyone has their own ideas and opinions, so it can be hard to reach a consensus sometimes. But I think it's important to be open-minded and willing to compromise to make the group work.

Topic 16: Views people enjoy

1. Are there any places with a good view where you live?

Well, currently I live in Singapore, and there are many places with great views here. For example, the skypark observation deck at Marina Bay Sands offers a stunning view of the city skyline. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

2. What's the best view you have ever seen?

Last year, my friends and I went on a hiking trip to Mount Huang in Anhui Province, China. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. We could see the sea of clouds below us and the peaks of the mountains in the distance. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

3. Do you always take photos when you see a good view?

Yes, I love capturing beautiful views with my phone. On the one hand, it's nice to bask in the moment and enjoy what you see. But on the other hand, taking photos allows you to relive the experience later and share it with others. So, I think it's a great way to preserve memories.

4. Do you try to have a room with a good view when you're on holiday/vacation?

Acutally not. Usually, I spend most of my time outside exploring the sights and attractions of the place I'm visiting. So, I don't really care about having a room with a good view. As long as it's clean and comfortable, I'm happy.

Topic 17: Things you find exciting

1. What kind of things did you find exciting when you were a child?

When I was younger, I found anything related to technology exciting. I loved playing video games and reading books about robots and space. I was always curious about how things worked and wanted to learn more about the world around me.

2. Have you done anything that you found exciting recently?

No, I haven't tried exciting activities recently. I've been busy with work at SMU and preparing for my IELTS exam, so I haven't had much time to get out of my comfort zone and do some new exciting activities.

3. Would you prefer to have an exciting holiday/vacation or a relaxing holiday/vacation?

I would say I prefer a more relaxing holiday. To be honest, my life is already busy and stressful enough, so I really wish I could slow things down a bit and enjoy some peace and quiet of being alone. A day with no work or studies, just chilling on the beach, would be perfect.

4. Do you think spots like climbing or deep-sea diving are exciting?

Yes, I definitely think that activities like climbing and diving are exciting. There's a lot of stake with both activities and they can be quite dangerous, but that's what makes them so thrilling. They push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to overcome your fears. So, I think they're a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and have some fun.

Topic 18: Mornings

1. Is a breakfast an important meal for you?

Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day for me. It gives me the eneygy I need to start my day and helps me stay focused. I usually have a youtiao and an egg with a cup of soy milk for breakfast. It's a simple meal, but it keeps me full and satisfied until lunchtime.

2. Do you like to have the same routine every morning?

Yes, I prefer having the same routine every morning. I think having a routine helps me stay organized and get things done more efficiently. It also gives me a sense of stability and control over my day. If I switch up my routine too much, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the changes.

3. Was your morning routine very different when you were younger?

Yes, it was a bit different. When I was younger, I had a lot more energy in the mornings. I could play with my toys until it was time to get ready for school. Now, I'm more focused on getting things done and being productive in the mornings.

4. Is there anything you would like to change about your morning now?

I'd like to wake up early enough to work out in the mornings before I head out for the day. I think it's a great way to start the day with something positive.

Topic 19: Internet

1. How often do you use the Internet?

Well, every day! Internet is an essential part of my life. I use the internet for tons of things, whether it's catching up with people over social media or staying up to date with the news. It's hard to imagine life without the Internet now.

2. Do you think you spend too much time on the Internet?

Definitely yes. I do waste a lot of time watching videos on YouTube and scrolling over social media. I know it's not good for me, but it's hard to put my phone or computer away sometimes.

3. Can you remember a time when you are not allowed to use the Internet?

Yes. When I was in middle school, my mom was working from home one day. I was playing video games, but the Internet was being really slow and my mom needed it more than I did for her work. So she asked me to disconnect from the Internet until she was done with her work.

4. What would you do if you had no access to the Internet for a day?

I have no idea what I would do without the Internet for a day. I would feel pretty anxious without it, as I'm online all the time. Without Internet access, I guess I would take a walk in the park, read a book, or maybe do some cleaning around the house.

Topic 20: Studying language

1. Which language did you study at school?

English is the only foreign language I have learned in school. And I have been learning it since the first grade. Luckily, it has come in very handy while traveling as it seems most people know at least a little bit of English.

2. Was there anything you didn't enjoy about studying languages at school?

What I found most chanllenging about studying languages in school was lack of practice. You know, we spent a lot of time on grammar and vocabulary, but we didn't get many chances have conversaionts with native speakers. I think that would have improved my learning experience a lot.

3. Do you think it's important for all students in your country to learn a foreign language?

Honestly, I don't think it's necessary for all students to learn a second language. It can pretty hard for someone because not everyone has a natural talent for it. Plus, a lot of people wont' use a foreign language in their future jobs or daily lives. So, I think it should be optional.

4. Would you like to do a course to study a new language now?

Yes. I have the plan to pursue a master degree in Germany next year. Although it is an English-taught program, I think it would be helpful to learn some German before I go. It would make my life easier and help me better understand the culture.

Topic 21: Numbers

1. Which numbers are most important to you?

I would say 8 because it's my lucky number. The last digit of my phone number is also 8. And I was born on the 18th of September. So, I think it's a special number for me.

2. Are you good at remember numbers, for example, phone numbers?

Yes. I think I'm sensitive to numbers. I can remember my friends' phone numbers and my credit card number without writing them down. It's a useful skill to have.

3. Did you enjoy studying maths when you were at school?

Yes! I loved math when I was in school. Although it was challenging, I found it very interesting. I enjoyed solving problems and learning new concepts. I think math is a very important subject that helps develop critical thinking skills.

4. Do you think you'll have to use numbers in your future job?

Yes, I think so. I'm a research engineer now , so I have to work with data and numbers every day. I need to analyze data, run experiments, and write reports. So, numbers are an essential part of my job. I think I'll have to use them in my future job as well.

Topic 22: Spending time at home

1. Do you usually spend a lot of time at home?

Yes, absolutely. I enjoy staying at home. If I don't have to go out, I can easily spend the entire day inside. There's plenty time to kill. I might play my favorite video games, catch up on movies, or just sleep in.

2. What's your favorite part of your home?

My favorite part of my home is definitely my bedroom. It's my personal space where I can do whatever I want without interruptions. Whether I'm reading in peace or watching a movie, I know I won't be disturbed.

3. What things did you enjoy doing at home when you were child?

Since I was an only child, I didn't have siblings to play with at home when I was young. So, I spent a lot of time playing toys and watching cartoons. I also liked to draw and read books. I think these activities helped me develop my creativity and imagination.

4. Would you like to spend more time at home in the future?

Yes, I think I would. I'm not really into outdoor activities unless I'm hanging out with friends. Staying at home is more relaxing and comfortable for me. After a long day at work, all I want is to do something mindless like chilling on my bed.

Topic 23: Reading online

1. How much time do you spend reading online every day?

Well, not that much, about an hour. Every morning on my commute to work, I would like to catch up on the news on my phone to see what's happening in the world. But other than that, I don't spend a lot of time reading online.

2. What kind of things do you like to read online?

I really like reading celebrity gossip online. I know it's trash, it's really entertaining. Also, I like reading reviews of movies and books by people that I trust. That way I know it's worth checking them out.

3. How is reading online different from reading something on paper?

I think reading online makes it more difficult to remember compared to reading something on paper. It has something to do with the way our brains process information. Also, it's easier to spend more time reading online. When you're scrolling on a screen instead of flipping through pages, you can lose track of how much progress you're making.

4. Do you think you will spend more time reading online in the future?

Yes, I think so. Reading e-books and articles online is more convenient. You don't have to buy physical books that take up space in your home. Plus, you can access a wide range of reading materials online, so you can always find something that interests you.

Topic 24: Films/Movies

1. How often do you watch films/movies?

I watch movies two or three times a month. Whenever I have some down time, I like kicking back and relaxing by putting on a comedy or action movie. It's a great way to set my mind at ease and help me get away from the pressures of work for a while.

2. What sorts of films/movies do you usually like to watch?

I love watching comedies. They are funny and they always have an really interesting story. When I watch a comedy, I can forget about my worries and just enjoy the moment. It's a great way to relax and have a good time.

3. Do you prefer to watch films/movies at home or in a cinema?

Well, I prefer watching movies in a cinema. It's way more entertaining. You can enjoy the benefits of a huge screen and a great sound system. Plus, the atmosphere in a cinema is really exciting. I can watch a movie with a group of friends and share the experience together.

4. Do you think it's useful to watch films/movies in other languages?

Yes! My English teacher in high school always encouraged us to watch movies in English to improve our listening skills and broden our vocabulary. It truly made a difference. So I think no matter what language you're learning, watching movies in that language can be a great way to boost your skills.

Topic 25: Studying science

1. Did you enjoy studying science when you were at school?

Yes! I loved studying science when I was in school. I found it really interesting to learn about how the world works and why things happen the way they do. I was always curious about the natural world and wanted to know more about it.

2. Do you ever use your knowledge of science in your everyday life?

Yes, I do. I think having a basic understanding of science is reaally helpful in daily life. For example, I know that I should wash my hands with soap to kill germs and prevent illness. So science has definitely influenced my daily habits and decisions.

3. Is there a science subject that you would like to learn more about in the future?

Yes! I'm really interested in learning more about artificial intelligence. I think it's a fascinating field that has the potential to change the world. I would love to learn more about how AI works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.

4. Do you think it's important for everyone to study science?

Yes, I think it's important for everyone to study sclence. They don't need to major in it or get degrees in it. But they definitely need to have a foundational knowledge. For example, we need to know how to protect the environment and prevent climate change. So, I think science education is essential for everyone.

Topic 26: Sharing things

1. What things do you often share with your friends?

Well, I loving sharing books and movies with my friends, especially the novels and films that I like. I like sharing those things not only because it's bonding process, but also because that way we have more to talk about and enjoy together.

2. Did you parents encourage you to share things when you were a child?

Yes, my parents teach me to share when I was little. They always told me that sharing is a way of being polite and kind to thers. So they encouraged me to share my toys and snacks with other kids and to make sure I was always being generous.

3. Is there anything you prefer not to share with others?

I don't really like sharing any hygiene products with other people. You know, stuff like toothbrushes and razors aren't really great to share with others. You can end up sharing all kinds of germs and get other people sick in the process. So I think you should keep those things to yourself.

4. Do you think more people will share things like cars in the future?

Yes, I think more people will share things like cars in the future. Nowadays, the cost of owning a car in Singapore is really high, not to mention the additional costs of gas and parking. It's so hard to manage. Sharing cars and other expensive items can help people make life more affordable and sustainable.

Topic 27: The news

1. How do you usually find out about the news?

I usually get news on my social media. I follow people who comment on the news. So when they post their opinions on some world events, I see it right way in my feed. It's a great way to stay informed and get different perspectives on the news.

2. Did you check the new this morning?

No! I didn't check the news this morning. To be honest, I was preparing to take this oral exam, so I didn't have time to check the news. But I'll definitely catch up on the latest events later today.

3. Do you often talk about news with other people?

Well, yes. My friends and I talk about the news on a regular basis. We like to discuss what's happening in the world and share our opinions on current events. Actually, we've had some really great talks based on the news lately.

4. Would you like to be a journalist and write news stories for newspapers?

No! Although it would be really interesting to be a journalist and write news stories for newspapers, I don't think it's the right job for me. It's a very demanding job that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. I think I would prefer to work in a different field.

Topic 28: Pen and pencils

1. At school, did you learn to write with a pen or a pencil?

If I remember correctly, my first Chinese teacher in primary school taught us to write with a pencil. She said that it was easier to correct mistakes with a pencil. I didn't start using a pen until later.

2. Which do you prefer using, a pen or a pencil?

Well, I prefer using a pen. I'll admit that pencils are nice because you can erase what you write just in case you make a mistake. But it feels more professional to write with a pen. Plus, I like the way the ink flows smoothly across the page.

3. When was your last time you bought a pen or pencil?

It was about two weeks ago. I bought a new pen for daily use because I lost my old one. It cost me about 35 dollars, but it was worth it. It writes really smoothly and feels comfortable in my hand.

4. How would you feel if someone gave you a pen or a pencil as a gift?

Well, I would be grateful..but it depends on the situation. If a close friend was giving me a pen or a pencil as a gift, I would be a little let down. After all, firiends are supposed to give you more personal gifts. Bu if it was from my boss or a teacher, I would really appreciate it.

Topic 29: Things that are challenging

1. At school, what subject did/do you find most challenging?

Well, it must be Physics. It was so abstract that I often struggled to connect the concepts to real world situations. Besides, doing physics problems usually give me a headache. I had to spend a lot of time studying and practicing to get a good grade.

2. If you are doing something challenging, would you ask for help?

Yeah, but not right away. When I run into difficult problems, I try to figure them out myself first. But if I'm stuck too long and can't make any progress, I'll turn to other people for help.

3. Do you usually enjoy doing things that are challenging?

Yes! I love mixing things up with new challenges because they can keep my daily routine from getting boring. I think it's important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. For example, I started learning to swim recently. It' a bit difficult at first, but I'm enjoying the challenge.

4. What challenges might you have in your future job?

Well, I think I might encounter the challenge of finding a balance between work and life. I'm a workaholic, so I tend to spend a lot of time on my job. But I know it's important to have a life outside of work. So, I think finding that balance will be a challenge for me in the future.

Part 2

Topic 1: MacRitchie Reservoir

Describe a place in your town that you enjoy going to with your family or friends.