Summary of Part One Question Types

In Part One of the speaking test, most of the questions asked will be one of the seven types described in this section. There may be one or two questions that are not covered, but most candidates will find that all of their part one questions are covered by these seven types.

If the examiner asks a question that is not covered by these seven types, just remember the following rule:

Long response - Linking phrases - Complex sentence - Redundant language

One obvious question that has not been described in this section is the "Why" question. These questions are more common in Part Three but they occasionally appear in Part One. See the Part Three question types later in this book for ideas on how to answer these questions.

Part One Topics

In this section each Part One topic is presented with possible questions and example uncommon vocabulary and idiomatic language relevant to that topic. (Remember - one of the most important aspects of the marking system is uncommon and idiomatic vocabulary.)

Most of the idioms have been explained in simple English, but the vocabulary has not been translated into Chinese.
You should use these topic pages as a learning tool. Select one or two topics per day and use a good dictionary to translate the words yourself: in this way you will be actively learning the new vocabulary. You will find it easier to remember the words if you have translated them yourself.

Topic 1: Where you live

· Tell me about your hometown / street / apartment.

· What do you like about your hometown / street / house / apartment?

· Tell me the good things about your house.

· Is there anything you don’t like about it?

· Would you like to move to another city / street / house/ apartment?

· What would you change about your city?

· Would you recommend your area / street as a good place to live?

Nouns

winding street suburb architecture back alley

the locals (= people) local cuisine shopping district

residential area estate neighborhood municipality

apartment complex capital

Adjectives

sprawling regionally important commercial powerful

unique distinctive built-up affluent

industrial provincial

Idioms

run-down (= in bad condition)

Some areas are run-down.

up-market / chic (= fashionable)

Some neighborhoods are becoming very up-market / chic.

Topic 2a: What you do - your job

· Tell me about your job. / What job do you do?

· Why did you choose this job?

· What do you like about your job?

· How long have you been doing this job?

· Is there anything you don't like?

Nouns

profession line of business occupation line of work

Verbs

be involved in share responsibility for work within a team

Adjectives

hectic exhausting taxing intricate

undemanding

Idioms

work flat out (= work very hard)

Sometimes I have to work flat out.

on the go (= very busy)

I’m always on the go.

get to the bottom of (= solve)

I have to get to the bottom of problems related to...

pull out all the stops (= make a special effort)

When it’s busy I have to pull out all the stops.

take charge of (= manage)

I often have to take charge of the whole department.

pick up the pieces (= take responsibility)

When there's a problem I have to pick up the pieces.

Topic 2b: What you do - your studies

· What are you studying?

· Where are you studying?

· Why did you choose this college / university?

· What’s good about where you‘re studying?

· What would you like to do after your studies?

Nouns

schoolwork branch of learning field of study discipline

lecturer theory

Verbs

revise comprehend succeed in become skilled in

Adjectives

hands-on (= practical) job-related theoretical reputable

highly regarded compulsory optional

Idioms

pass with flying colors (=pass with a high score)

I passed my entrance exam with flying colors.

sail through (= finish sth. easily and quickly)

I can usually sail through all my assessments.

to flunk (= to fail / perform badly)

I always seem to flunk my compulsory maths tests.

cross that bridge when sb. come to it (=deal with a problem when it arrives)

I’m not worried about that now – I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Topic 3: Hobbies/ Free-time activities

· Do you have any hobbies?

· What do you do in your free time?

· What hobbies / free-time activities are popular in your country?

· Is it important to have a hobby?

· Why is it important for people to have free-time activities?

· Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby?

· What free-time activities would you like to try in the future?

Nouns

leisure pursuit spare time pastime

Verbs

amuse oneself by unwind by kill time by

Adjectives

fascinating captivating time-consuming appealing

Idioms

take up (= start)

I've recently taken up swimming.

take part in

I frequently take part in group activities like...

get into (= enjoy)

Recently I’ve been getting into fishing.

have a go at (= try)

I'd really like to have a go at scuba diving.

idle away the hours (= spend time)

In my time off I often idle away the hours by playing guitar.

Topic 4: Sports

· Do you like playing sports?

· How often do you play sports?

· What sports are most popular in your country?

· Do you think it is important to play a sport?

· What sports would you like to try in the future?

· Do you prefer watching or playing sports?

Nouns

team game spectator sport physical activity squad

solo sport

Verbs

compete challenge get fit lose weight

stay healthy

Adjectives

strenuous physical energizing revitalizing

Idioms

have a crack at (= had a try at)

I had a crack at baseball but it was too strenuous for me

get into shape

I‘ve been trying to get into shape by going to the gym.

Topic 5: Television

· Do you like watching TV?

· How much time do you spend watching TV?

· When do you usually watch TV?

· What types of TV programme do you like watching?

· What types of TV programme are popular in your country?

· Why do children like watching TV?

Nouns

telly (= TV) episode series soap opera

documentary mainstream sitcom audience

viewer

Verbs

turn on / off / over tune in sit in from of the telly broadcast

repeat produce televise

Adjectives

witty enlightening mind-numbing (= boring)

televised live-broadcast attention-grabbing (= interesting)

pre-recorded

Idioms

watch the box (= watch TV)

I often watch the box at weekends.

channel surf (= change TV channels frequently)

I usually sit in front of the telly and channel surf.

Topic 6: Music

· Do you like listening to music?

· What types of music do you like listening to?

· Where do you usually listen to music?

· Can you play any musical instruments?

· Do you think it's important for children to learn to play a musical instrument?

· Do you prefer listening to live performances or recorded music?

Nouns

harmony melody lyric synthesizer

concert gig (= concert) album tune

portable CD player MP3 player a hit record

Verbs

download (MP3's) burn CD's put on a CD / piece of music

Adjectives

funky catchy soothing atmospheric

Idioms

blow one’s mind

The music was so amazing it blew my mind.

set sth. to music

The composer managed to set the lyrics to music.

chill out to (= relax)

I often chill out to atmospheric ambient music.

Topic 7: Reading

· Do you like reading?

· How often do you read?

· What do you like to read?

· Where do you usually read?

· Do you read for pleasure or to get information?

Nouns

a work of fiction biography novel novelist

poetry author literature best-seller

Verbs

scan skim browse flick through

flip through

Adjectives

fictional gripping contemporary classical

Idioms

read up on (= read about)

I often read up on modern literature.

have one’s nose in a book (= read a book)

I always have my nose in a book.

a coffee-table book (= a large book that one leaves on the table, often with photos etc.)

I sometimes flick through a coffee-table book.

Topic 8: Email

· What do most people in your country use email for?

· What do most people in your country use email for?

· What are the advantages of email?

· Are there any disadvantages?

· Do you think that email will replace letter-writing?

Nouns

email account electronic message attachment spam (= junk mail)

commercial correspondence (= business communication) cyberspace

Verbs

send out deliver delete

Adjectives

web-based prompt speedy virtual

time-consuming

Idioms

snail mail (= sending letters through the post)

Snail mail is extremely time-consuming.

lost in cyberspace (= lost somewhere on the Internet)

Sometimes emails get lost in cyberspace.

at the push of a button

With email you can send a message at the push of a button.

Topic 9: Learning English

· How long have you been learning English?

· What do you find difficult about learning English?

· What advice would you give to someone starting to learn English?

· Would you like to learn another language in the future?

Nouns

expression irregularity syntax learning

strategy

Verbs

become skilled at sth. make progress recall

Adjectives

tough (= difficult) effortless (= easy) intricate

Idioms

learn by heart (=remember)

It’s quite tough to learn expressions by heart.

swot up on (=learn)

I find it effortless to swot up on the irregular verbs.

block out (= ignore)

It’s a good idea to block out your first language.

Topic 10: Writing

· How often do you write something by hand?

· What types of things do you usually write by hand?

· Do you think it is important to have good handwriting?

· What are the advantages of writing something by hand?

Nouns

handwriting calligraphy correspondence script

diary journal

Verbs

scrawl scribble sth. down (=write sth. quickly) keep a diary

Adjectives

hand-written illegible sloppy (= untidy) clear (= tidy)

personal

Idioms

put pen to paper (= write by hand)

I don‘t put pen to paper very often.

put...in writing

A diary is a cool way to put your thoughts in writing

jot down (= write quickly)

I might jot down a new idea in my notebook.

Topic 11: Clothes

· What types of clothes do you like wearing?

· Where do you usually buy your clothes?

· Did you wear a school uniform when you were younger?

· What can we learn about a person from the clothes that they wear?

Nouns

clothing garment trend clothes

boutique

Verbs

flaunt show off dress up

Adjectives

stylish chic well-made hard-wearing

Idioms

the in thing (= fashionable)

This summer, baggy jeans are the in thing.

at the height of fashion (= fashionable)

Sports clothing is at the height of fashion.

up-to-the-minute (= the most recent)

I don't really follow up-to-the-minute fashions.

dressed to the nines (= wearing very formal clothes)

If a person is dressed to the nines, then it usually means they want to impress someone.

Topic 12: School (that you went to when you were younger--NOT your current school)

· Tell me about a school that you went to when you were younger.

· What did you like about that school?

· What subject did you like best at that school?

· What would you like to change about that school?

Nouns

rules and regulations subject matter curriculum tutor

Verbs

cram (= remember a lot of information in a short time) clarify

punish reward assess

Adjectives

monotonous thought-provoking authoritarian easy-going

Idioms

off by heart (= remember l00%)

We had to learn all our lessons off by heart.

off the top of one's head (= without any help)

We had to recite famous stories off the top of our heads.

come down like a ton of bricks (= punish severely)

My maths teacher used to come down on us like a ton of bricks if we couldn't work out some problems.

Topic 13: Restaurants

· How often do you eat out in restaurants?

· What types of restaurants do you like best?

· What types of restaurants are common in your city?

· What are the advantages of eating out in restaurants?

· (See Topic 31: Cooking and Topic 36: Food.)

Nouns

eatery cuisine meal specialty dish

delicacy service décor selling

Verbs

eat out dine out feast on sample

Adjectives

regional swanky posh low-cost

unsophisticated

Idioms

not as good as it's / they’re cracked up to be (= not as good as people say)

Lots of the posh restaurants are not as good as they’re cracked up to be.

run of the mill (= average, typical)

In my neighborhood there are quite a few run of the mill eateries.

set sb. back (= cost sb. an amount of money)

The swanky restaurants will set you back quite a lot of money.

Topic 14: Friends

· How much time do you spend with your friends?

· What do you usually do with your friends?

· Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?

· Is friendship important to you?

Nouns

companion acquaintance best-buddy (US) best-mate (UK)

company sibling shared interests (= similar hobbies)

Verbs

get together hang out with socialize

Adjectives

sociable gregarious out-going chummy

extrovert introvert

Idioms

own flesh and blood (= family relative)

Obviously my siblings are my own flesh and blood so I love them very much.

soul mate (= best friend)

I usually hang out with my soul mate.

a sounding board (= a good person to talk to)

I can use my best male as a sounding board when I have problems.

Topic 15: Festivals

· Do you often celebrate festivals in your culture?

· What do people usually do during festivals?

· Which is your favorite festival?

· Do you think festivals are important?

Nouns

celebration festivity reunion family get-together

ceremony ritual legend folklore

Verbs

celebrate reunite revisit pay one‘s respects to

Adjectives

cheerful customary long-established time-honored

Idioms

push the boat out (= have a party)

We really push the boat out during spring festival celebrations.
make merry (= drink and cal)

People always make merry on New Year's Eve.

slap-up meal (= big meal)

There is usually a customary slap-up meal.

in high spirits (= happy)

Everyone is in high spirits just before midnight.

Topic 16: Meeting new people

· Do you often meet new people?

· In your country where can you meet new people?

· How easy is it to meet new people in your city?

· Is it possible to meet people from other countries where you live?

· (Sec vocabulary for Topic 14: Friends.)

Nouns

individual meeting point gathering place nightclub

Verbs

congregate flock to meet for the first time crowd together

get acquainted with befriend

Adjectives

approachable antisocial

Idioms

bump into (= meet)

It’s quite easy to bump into someone from another country.

make somebody’s acquaintance (= get to know somebody)

It's possible to make somebody's acquaintance online.

Topic 17: The sea

· Have you spent much time near the sea?

· What do people usually do when they visit the sea?

· Why do people like spending time near the sea?

· Would you like to live near the sea?

Nouns

coast shoreline seashore water’s edge

wave scuba diving marine wildlife sea breeze

beach resort

Verbs

sunbathe get a suntan paddle go for a swim

Adjectives

marine rocky sandy pebbly

tropical exotic coastal (water) crystal-clear

Idioms

go for a dip (= go swimming)

You can go for a dip in the crystal-clear water

get one’s sea legs (= get used to being on a ship / boat)

I went sailing but it took me a while to get my sea legs.

Topic 18: Computers

· How often do you use computers?

· In what ways do people use computers in your country?

· How did you learn to use a computer?

· How much have computers changed your life?

Nouns

laptop worldwide web online shopping chat

room forum online gaming

Verbs

surf (the net) browse (website) sit in front of (the computer)

Adjectives

digital electronic virtual computer-literate

Idioms

technophobe (= someone who can’t use a computer)

I used to be a technophobe but now I am computer-literate.

call up (= find and read)

I can use the Internet to call up current news items.

conk out on (= break)

My old computer conked out on me.

do… by hand

Some tasks I prefer to do by hand, like writing letters.

Topic 19: Collecting things

· Have you ever collected anything?

· What things do people collect in your country?

· Why people like collecting things?

· Would you like to start collecting something new in the future?

Nouns

collection postage stamp autograph album

personal value

Verbs

hoard accumulate classify collecting

have an obsession for collecting have a fixation with

Adjectives

antique vintage rare valuable

high sought-after worthless

Idioms

a one-off (= only one of its kind)

I have a very rare stamp; in fact it’s a one-off.

here and there (= in different places)

I sometimes find valuable stamps here and there.

once in a blue moon (= not very often)

Once in a blue moon you can find a really rare example.

Topic 20: Dancing

· Do you like dancing?

· What kinds of dancing are popular in your country?

· Is traditional dancing popular among young people in your country?

· What kind of dancing do people like watching?

Nouns

ballet ballroom dancing salsa break-dancing

ethnic minority

Verbs

boogie twist twirl

Adjectives

rhythmic ritual ceremonial

Idioms

two left feet (describing someone who cannot dance)

I can’t dance at all, in fact I've got two left feet.

all the rage (= fashionable)

Nowadays break-dancing is all the rage.

Topic 21: Learning languages

· What languages do you speak?

· Do you think it's important to learn a foreign language?

· What languages are spoken in your country?

· Would you like to learn another language in the future?

Nouns

native tongue dialect verbal communication

Verbs

be fluent in converse chat

Adjectives

understandable unintelligible meaningless

Idioms

have a chinwag (= have a conversation)

When I travelled to France, I tried to have a chinwag with the locals.

all Greek (= a language that one doesn’t understand)

When I went to Korea, I tried to converse with some people but the native tongue was all Greek to me.

Topic 22: Weather

· What’s the weather like where you live?

· What do you do when the weather is bad?

· What type of weather do you like best?

· Would you like to have that type of weather all year round?

Nouns

climate average temperature shower spell

blizzard

Verbs

drizzle shift vary

Adjectives

(rain) torrential sun-drenched muggy (= humid)

clammy (= humid) balmy (= warm) sweltering (= hot)

chilly (=cold) nippy (=cold) sunny

Idioms

chuck it down (= rain heavily)

In spring it usually chucks it down for days on end.

rain or shine (= in all weather)

Rain or shine - I love to be outdoors.

like a sauna (= a hot and humid place)

My city is like a sauna in summer.

Topic 23: Happiness

· What kinds of things make you happy?

· What do you do if you feel unhappy?

· Is unhappiness always a bad thing?

Nouns

pleasure satisfaction depression frame of mind

Verbs

cheer up brighten up go through (a bad time)

Adjectives

contented gloomy overjoyed dejected

Idioms

in high spirits (= happy)

I am always in high spirits when I go out with my friends.

on cloud nine (= happy)

After I win at basketball I feel like I’m on cloud nine.

down in the dumps (= sad)

I usually feel down in the dumps if my football team loses.

Topic 24: Shopping

· Do you like shopping?

· How often do you go shopping?

· What kind of shops are there in the area where you live?

· What’s the worst thing about shopping?

Nouns

essential luxury independent retailer chain

store market stall

Verbs

purchase flog (slang for “sell”) haggle pick out

Adjectives

inexpensive low-priced pricey over-priced

fake genuine posh classy

Idioms

the real McCoy (= genuine, not fake)

Most chain stores only stock the Real McCoy goods.

going for a song (= offered at a low price)

If I see some classy products going for a song – I might be temped.

rip sb. off (= cheat sb.)

Some market stalls rip you off – they always flog fake stuff.

Topic 25: Films

· Do you like watching films?

· What types of film do you like watching?

· How often do you watch Elms?

· Do you prefer watching films at home or at the cinema?

Nouns

big name star director current release

DVD release oldie (= old movie) soundtrack blockbuster

flick (slang for movie) the picture (= the cinema)

Verbs

produce direct start in act in

play the lead role

Adjectives

unforgettable avant-garde tear-jerking spellbinding

thrilling samey action-packed big-budget

Idioms

film buff (= someone who loves films)

I wouldn’t describe myself as a film buff.

box-office smash (= a very successful film)

I find most box-office smashes to be a bit samey.

Topic 26: Weekends

· What do you usually do at the weekends?

· What do people usually do at weekends in your country?

· Do you think your weekends are long enough?

· How important do you think it is to have free time?

· (Use the same vocabulary for Topic 3 Hobbies / Free-time activities.)

Nouns

leisure pursuit spare time pastime time off

Verbs

amuse by unwind by kill time by

Adjectives

soothing pleasing engaging

Idioms

let one’s hair down (= relax)

At weekends I usually let my hair down.

take it easy (= relax)

On Saturdays I take it easy.

slip by (= (time) passes quickly)

I feel like the weekend slips by too quickly).

Topic 27: Going out in the evening

· How often do you go out in the evening?

· Who do you usually spend your evenings with?

· When you go out in the evening what do you usually do?

· Do you think there is enough to do in the evening in your city?

Nouns

dusk nightlife nightspot discotheque

cafe

Verbs

go for a stroll wander around pay a visit to

Adjectives

invigorating happening (= fashionable) late-night

Idioms

regular haunt (= a place one regularly goes to)

My regular late-night haunt is a trendy little café.

drop in on (= visit)

I sometimes drop in on my neighbors.

the wee hours (= very early in the morning – after midnight)

I usually have to get home before the wee hours.

in the dead of night (= very late at night)

Occasionally I go for a stroll in the dead of night.

Topic 28: Animals

· Do you like animals?

· What types of animals do people keep as pets in your country?

· How do most people feel about animals in your country?

· What are animals used for in your country?

Nouns

wildlife species domestic animals mammal

reptile dairy farming

Verbs

protect conserve raise (farm animals)

Adjectives

endangered extinct domesticated

Idioms

flora and fauna (= all animals and plans)

People in cities don't really care about flora and fauna.

like one of the family

People treat their dogs like one of the family.

make a fuss over (= care very much for)

People often make a fuss over their pets.

Topic 29: Routines

· What time do you usually get up in the morning?

· Are your weekday and weekend routines different?

· What’s your favorite time of day?

· What’s the worst part of the day for you?

Nouns

habit fixed schedule agenda routine

Verbs

wake up get out of bed retire (= go to bed)

Adjectives

later than usual earlier than normal flexible inflexible

rigid habitual

Idioms

the daily grind (= everyday work routine)

At the weekend I can forget about the daily grind.

get away from it all (= get away from the daily work routine)

It’s a good idea to get away from it all at least once a month.

get into the swing of (= get used to)

I find it quite easy to get into the swing of my study routine.

early bird (= someone who gets up early)

I’m not much of an early bird.

Topic 30: Family

· Tell me about your family.

· What kind of things do you and your family do together?

· Who does the housework in your family?

· Would you prefer to have a larger or smaller family?

Nouns

family unit relative household chore (= housework)

family circle family connection

Verbs

adore admire enjoy the company of

Adjectives

affectionate intimate distant

Idioms

it's in the blood (= a natural Part of one’s character)

All my family are really fond of reading - I guess it’s in the blood.

run in the family (= be a shared family characteristic)

My brothers and I have big ears - it runs in the family.

born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth (= born into a rich family)

I wasn’t exactly burn with a silver spoon in my mouth - my family is quite normal.

Topic 31: Cooking

· Can you cook?

· Who usually does the cooking in your home?

· How do people usually learn to cook in your country?

· What are the advantages of being able to cook?

Nouns

cookery cuisine ingredient recipe

home economics bile to eat (= snack) oven

Verbs

become skilled at prepare entertain (=have guests)

Adjectives

yummy full of flavor nourishing hot from

home-cooked famished

Idioms

lip-smacking (= delicious)

When I entertain guests I try to prepare some lip-smacking recipes.

burn to a crisp (= burn food)

Once I tried to prepare steak for my friends but it came out burn to a crisp.

rustle up (= cook sth. quickly without a recipe)

It’s good to be able to rustle up a quick bite to eat when you‘re famished.

Topic 32: Weddings

· Have you ever been to a wedding?

· What do people usually do at weddings in your country?

· What clothes do people usually wear at weddings in your country?

· Which people are usually invited to weddings?

Nouns

marriage ceremony bride groom honeymoon

bridal gown banquet best man bride’s maid

Verbs

get married give presents drink a toast

Adjectives

conventional customary ceremonial

Idioms

tie the knot (= get married)

When people decide to tie the knot, they usually want to lead a steady life.

get hitched (= get married)

My cousin got hitched when she was 21 years old.

raise a glass (= drink a toast)

The bride and groom have to raise a glass with all the guests.

give (the bride) away (part of a traditional wedding ceremony)

The bride is given away by her father or mother.

Topic 33: Public transport

· What types of public transport can be found in your city?

· What type of public transport do you use most?

· Are there any public transport problems in your city?

· How would you improve the public transport system in your city?

Nouns

transport network bus system minicab traffic

congestion delay fare commuter

journey rush hour

Verbs

commute catch (a bus / train)

Adjectives

old-fashioned inefficient well-organized government subsidized

Idioms

packed like sardines / jam-packed (= very crowded)

During rush hour the buses are always jam-packed - actually the passengers are packed like sardines.

pile-up (= traffic accident)

Sometimes there are serious pile-ups on the main roads.

get stuck in traffic (= get stuck in a traffic jam)

Buses always get stuck in traffic during rush hour.

Topic 34: Travelling

· How much travelling have you done?

· Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?

· When you visit new places, what do you like to do?

· What places would you like to visit in the future?

Nouns

package tour independent travel tourism tourist

tourist trap sightseeing holiday-maker travel agent

Verbs

go backpacking go sightseeing

Adjectives

touristy tacky overdeveloped exclusive

luxurious

Idioms

off the beaten track (= to a place not usually visited by tourists)

When I go backpacking I prefer to go off the beaten track.

rough it (= live in uncomfortable conditions. cg. camping)

When we went camping we had to rough it for two days on the mountain.

see the sights (= visit the famous places)

I always try to see the sights.

Topic 35: Names

· Do you like your name?

· Does your name have any special meaning?

· Who usually chooses babies' names in your country?

· Would you ever change your name?

Nouns

surname last name middle name nickname

meaning

Verbs

christen settle on signify pick out

Adjectives

conventional insignificant auspicious

Idioms

be named after (= have the same name as someone else)

My father named me after my great-grandfather.

nothing out of the ordinary (= common, ordinary)

My name is nothing out of the ordinary – it’s quite common.

run of the mill (= typical. ordinary)

My name is actually very run of the mill.

Topic 36: Food

· What foods do you like eating?

· Is there any food that you don‘t like?

· What food is popular where you live?

· Is fast food popular in your country?

· (See Topic 13: Restaurants and Topic 31: Cooking.)

Nouns

cuisine regional dish calorie flavor

Verbs

eat out dine out eat at home

Adjectives

scrumptious appetizing revolting fattening

wholesome peppery sugary vinegary

Idioms

wolf down (= eat very quickly)

When I’m in a hurry I wolf down some fat food.

sink one's teeth into (= eat (some special food))

I love to sink my teeth into a juicy steak.

something about it (= something strange or special)

I can‘t stand seafood. There’s just something about it not sure about.

Topic 37: Birthdays

· How are birthdays usually celebrated in your country?

· What gifts do people receive on their birthdays in your country?

· Do people eat special food on their birthdays in your country?

· Which birthday is most important in your culture?

Nouns

get-together shindig greeting card surprise

Verbs

get older grow older crack open a bottle of wine

Adjectives

unexpected customary

Idioms

throw a party (= have a party)

Most people throw a party on their 21st birthday.

let one’s hair down (= enjoy oneself)

People can really let their hair down on their birthday.

push the boat out / paint the town red (= have a big celebration)

On their 21st birthday most people really push the boar out / paint the town red.

Topic 38: Seasons

· Tell me about the seasons in your country.

· What is your favorite season?

· Do the seasons affect people’s behavior?

· Do you wear different clothes in different seasons?

Nouns

time of year climate average temperature variability

Verbs

vary fluctuate differ

Adjectives

seasonal unpredictable erratic constant

Idioms

in blossom (= many flowers opening)

When you see the cherry trees in blossom you know spring is on its way.

down south (= in the southern part of a country)

Down south the winters are much milder.

up north (= in the northern part of a country)

Up north the winters can be quite harsh.

Topic 39: Birds

· Are there many birds where you live?

· How do people in China feel about birds?

· Do birds have any special meaning in your culture?

· Should we protect birds?

Nouns

poultry domestic fowl (= farm birds) species

habitat migratory bird resident bird pest

Verbs

symbolize offer protection provide food for

Adjectives

rare endangered widespread commonplace

mythical fairy-tale symbolic

Idioms

on the wing (= flying)

In my city you can often see pigeons on the wing.

dart in and out (= move quickly between two things, e.g. trees)

Almost every day I catch a glimpse of a woodpecker darting in and out of the pine trees near my house.

in one’s own backyard (= near where one lives)

You never really see rare birds like owls in your own backyard.

ten a penny / dime a dozen (= very common)

Sparrows are ten a penny in my city - you can see them everywhere.

Topic 40: Photography

· Do you like taking photographs of new places?

· Is photography popular in your country?

· What kinds of photographs do you like looking at?

· Would you prefer to buy a postcard or take a photograph of a new place?

Nouns

snapshot likeness landscape shot studio print

Verbs

get (photos) developed pose for the camera

Adjectives

photogenic camera-friendly picturesque photographable

Idioms

do justice to... (= represent or illustrate... accurately)

Photographs don't do justice to the beauty of natural places.

touch...up (= repair... on the surface)

The good thing about digital photos is that you can much them up afterwards.

strike a pose (= position oneself in a certain way)

I never strike a pose in from of the camera - I'm not really photogenic.

zoom in on (= use a zoom lens to get a closer view on a camera)

My camera has a zoom lens so I can really zoom in on things and get fine detail in my shots

Topic 41: Flowers

· Do you like flowers?

· On what occasions do people give flowers in your culture?

· Do any flowers have a special meaning in your culture?

Nouns

flora petal lotus flower a bunch of (roses etc.)

florist hay fever a bouquet of flowers

artificial flower (= silk flower)

Verbs

cultivate sneeze

Adjectives

fragrant sweet-scented

Idioms

in bloom (= when flowers are opening)

Roses give off a sweet fragrance when they are in bloom

reminiscent of (= reminding sb. of)

The fragrance of flowers in blossom is reminiscent of spring.

Topic 42: Buildings

· What types of buildings are there in your city?

· Do you prefer old or new buildings?

· Are historical buildings important?

· Would you like to live in an old building?

Nouns

architecture structural design skyscraper office

block residence

Verbs

construct erect renovate demolish

Adjectives

elegant well-designed unsightly contemporary

old-fashioned

Idioms

put up (= build)

They are putting up loads of unsightly office blocks.

do up (= repair)

They should do up some of the old-fashioned residences.

pull down (= demolish)

They are pulling down older neighborhoods to make way for the new skyscrapers.

Topic 43: Rain

· Do you like rain?

· What do you usually do when it rains?

· How do people feel about rain where you live?

· What do you think is worse, too much rain or not enough rain?

Nouns

drizzle shower torrential rain downpour

Verbs

pour down spit (=rain lightly)

Adjectives

showery damp waterlogged (clothing) waterproof

soaked

Idioms

chuck it down (=rain heavily)

In spring it often chucks it down.

get wet

I really hate getting wet.

put off (= cancel a planned activity)

clear up (= stop raining)

If it’s pouring down with rain I will usually put off any outdoor activities until it clears up.

Topic 44: Museums

· Do you like museums?

· How often do you visit museums?

· What types of museum can be found in your country?

Nouns

Natural History Museum antique artifact fossil

Verbs

put on display put on show exhibit

Adjectives

rare antique

Idioms

take sth. in (= look at sth.)

It takes about a full day to take in all the museum.

make a day of sth. (= spend a whole day doing sth.)

I’m quite into making a day of walking around the science museum

on view / on display

There are loads of prehistoric fossils on view.

Topic 45: Relaxation

· What do you usually do to relax?

· How much time do you usually have to relax?

· What do people usually do to relax in your country?

· Do you think it’s important for people to relax?

· (Note: Most sporting activities are not "relaxing", so do not talk about sport for this topic.)

Nouns

break rest

Verbs

unwind recuperate

Adjectives

soothing comforting calming

Idioms

take a breather (= relax)

I’ve moved the front lawn, and I’m just taking a breather before taking the back lawn.

chill out (= relax)

Stop working; take it easy.

take it easy (= relax)

Don‘t worry: take it easy.

put one’s feet up (= relax)

On weekends, we always put our feet up.

Topic 46: Cycling

· Do you like cycling?

· Is cycling popular in your country?

· What are the advantages of cycling?

· How often do you walk to places?

Nouns

pushbike mountain bike biking bike-riding

Verbs

peddle slow down speed up

Adjectives

invigorating energetic environmentally-friendly

Idioms

had it (= broken)

My old pushbike has had it so I’m saving up to buy a new mountain bike.

run the risk of

If you leave your bike in public place, you run the risk of having it stolen.

Topic 47: Healthy eating

· Do you like eating healthy food?

· Do you think it is important to eat healthy food?

· Is fast food popular in your country?

· Do you think people eat healthier food nowadays compared with people in the past?

Nouns

calorie cholesterol vitamin mineral

Verbs

munch (= eat) lose weight put weight on

Adjectives

nutritious nourishing wholesome harmful (to one’s health)

Idioms

in good shape / in good condition (= having a healthy body)

She's in good shape after months of training.

pig out (= eat a large amount of food, usually unhealthy food)

We pigged out on pizza last night.

a Big Mac Attack (modern slang for eating Macdonald’s fast food)

The Child is having a Big Mac Attack.

junk food (= unhealthy fast food)

Junk food has little or no nutrition.

a fast-food joint (=a restaurant which serves fast food)

There's a fast-food join in the street corner.

Topic 48: Hotels

· Do you like staying in hotels?

· How often do you stay in hotels?

· What types of hotels can be found in your city I country?

· What are the advantages of staying in a hotel?

Nouns

hostel hotel-chain (= Holiday Inn) room service

Verbs

In English we do not usually say "live in a hotel". The common verbs are:

reside in a hotel stay in a hotel be a hotel guest or resident

Adjectives

spartan (=basic and simple) luxurious exclusive

Idioms

get the royal treatment (= be treated as if one is a king or queen)

If you stay in an exclusive hotel, you usually get the royal treatment.

at one’s beck and call (= read to serve sb.)

In most luxury hotels there are loads of staff at your beck and call.

creature comforts (= things that make people comfortable)

In 5-star hotels there are usually loads of creature comforts.

Topic 49: Outdoor activities

· Do you like doing outdoor activities?

· How often do you do outdoor activities?

· What outdoor activities are popular in your country?

· Do you think it's important for people to spend time outdoors?

Nouns

outdoor interest leisure pursuit

Verbs

breathe fresh air feel the wind in one’s face

Adjectives

bracing refreshing revitalizing

Idioms

out in the open air

We always have a picnic out in the open air.

Topic 50: Memories of the past

· Do you like to think about the past?

· How do you feel when other people talk about their memories?

· Do you keep photographs to remind you of past events?

· What can people learn from the past?

Nouns

recollection childhood early years

Verbs

reminisce muse over recall

Adjectives

reminiscent (memories) amusing

Idioms

hang on to old memories (= remember sth. for a long time)

I'm not really the sort of person who likes to hang on to old memories - I prefer to look to the future.

hark back to (= remember sth. in the past)

Some of my friends often hark back to our childhood memories.

the here and now (= the present day)

I think that the past is history; I prefer to live for the here and now.

rake up old memories (= remember past events, usually bad memories)

Some people often rake up old memories.

Topic 51: Childhood

· Did you have a happy childhood?

· What part of your childhood do you remember most?

· What makes a happy childhood?

· What would you like to change about your childhood?

· (Use the same vocabulary as Topic 50: Memories of the past.)

Nouns

early years infancy formative years adolescence

Verbs

grow up develop

Adjectives

childish adolescent

Idioms

in the prime of one’s life (= in one’s early years)

In the prime of my life, I gained lots of prizes.

vim and vigor (= energy)

During my adolescence I used to always have so much vim and vigor.

Topic 52: Colors

• What’s your favorite color?
• What can we learn about a person from the colors they wear?
• Do any colors have a special meaning in your culture?

Nouns

vibrant colors (=vivid colors) dull colors hue (= shade of a certain color)

Verbs

signify symbolize

Idioms

give sb. the red carpet treatment (= treat sb. like a VIP)

Last night, we were given the red carpet treatment at the banquet

red tape (= official rules)

He hated red tape.

see red (= become angry)

Her criticisms were enough to make anyone see red.

in the red (= owing money)

My bank account is 50 dollars in the red.

in the black (= not owing money to anyone)

A business must stay in the black to keep on.

green with envy (= jealous)

The other boys were green with envy when Joe bought a car

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1645