地点

Place of work/study

Do you prefer to study at home or in a library?

Personally, I prefer studying at home. I find it

quieter than a library, which helps me stay calm

and focused on my work

What is your favourite place to study?

I choose to study at home, specifically in my study

room. It’s a distraction-free environment, which

helps me focus better on my work. I just need a

quiet space where I won’t be interrupted, and my

study room provides that."

What part of your school do you like the most?

I’d say the gym ! Back when I was in school, it was

one of my favorite spots. It was really well-

equipped, and I liked how there were different

machines for all parts of the body, whether you

wanted to focus on cardio or strength training. The

vibe was always energetic, which kept me

motivated.

Do you prefer to work at home or in the workplace?

I’d say I prefer working at home. It’s generally

quieter than the workplace, and that peaceful

environment helps me stay calm and focus better

on what I’m doing, without getting distracted by

the usual interruptions that happen in the

workplace.

Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?

I’d say I prefer working alone because it lets me

focus completely on my tasks and helps me deliver

higher quality work without any distractions 。 And

When I work alone, I can manage my time better

and make decisions quickly, which boosts my

productivity.
Roads and streets

Are the roads and streets in the area where you live

busy?

Yeah, for sure. I live in China, in Henan province,

which has a huge population. The streets are

always busy, and you’ve really got to be brave to

cross the road. If you hesitate, the cars won’t stop

for you!

How do people cross the road in the city where you

live?

Well, as I mentioned earlier, crossing the road can

be a bit of a challenge if you’re not brave, because

cars rarely stop for you. From what I see every day,

especially with people on electric bikes, they often

ignore traffic lights and just zoom across. cars often

have to slam on their brakes to avoid them.

Everyone seems to be in a rush!

What is the condition of the roads in your city like?

Well, The overall condition of the roads in my city is pretty

good. But if you like to drive around a lot, you might

notice that there are often roadworks going on. They’re

always fixing potholes, so you’ll see construction here and

there.

Do you think the roads in your city need

improvement?

Yeah, definitely. I think we need to keep a closer eye on

how roadwork is done. If the contractors don’t use good

materials, the roads can fall apart pretty quickly, which is

why we always seem to be fixing them. Also, bike lanes

should be wider. They’re used by both electric bikes and

regular bikes, so making them bigger would be safer for

everyone.
Schools and workplaces

Do you like your job?

Currently, I work as a civil servant, and to be honest, I’m

not really into it. Many of the meetings drag on for two

hours, filled with empty rhetoric and formalities. It’s quite

common for attendees to end up scrolling through their

phones because the discussions often feel unproductive.

On top of that, the work environment is noisy, and there’s

quite a bit of gossip among colleagues, which makes it

less enjoyable for me.

Do you currently have a good work environment?

Not really. The constant noise and the gossip among some

coworkers make the work environment less pleasant. I find

it challenging to concentrate and stay motivated under

these conditions.

What do you think could be improved at your

workplace?

One basic improvement could be upgrading the

infrastructure at the workplace. For instance, adding a

lounge area with better facilities, like a coffee machine,

where employees can relax or have informal discussions

could improve both productivity and job satisfaction.

Additionally, offering more flexibility in work hours could

help employees manage their time better.

Have you ever thought about changing jobs?

Of course, I’ve thought about changing jobs. I’m interested

in transitioning to a career in design, as I think it would be

more fulfilling and align better with my interests and skills.

What do you think would be challenging when you

start working in the future?

In the future, I think starting a new job might be

challenging, particularly when it comes to adapting to new

tools and techniques, as well as staying current with

industry-specific trends. However, I’m looking forward to

overcoming these challenges and growing in a field that

I’m passionate about.

Is there a place in your company that makes you

feel relaxed?

Yes, I really enjoy spending time on the company’s

rooftop. It’s a peaceful spot where I can escape the noise

a while and enjoy some quiet moments, which helps me

relax.

What are the advantages of a company having a

relaxation room?

A relaxation room can provide employees with a much-

needed break from their workstations. It helps reduce

stress, boosts productivity, and improves overall well-

being. Having a designated space to unwind can lead to a

more positive and balanced work environment.

How do you go to work?

Well I usually ride an electric bike to work. It’s convenient

and allows me to avoid traffic, which makes my daily

commute more manageable.

万年老题

The city you live in

What city do you live in?

I live in Zhengzhou, which is the capital of Henan Province

in central China. It’s a major transportation hub, and it’s

one of the most populous cities in China.

Do you like this city? Why?

Not really. I find it a bit overwhelming because the

population is over 10 million, and the city feels crowded.

Additionally, the subway system is still being developed,

so getting around can be a bit challenging.

How long have you lived in this city?

I’ve lived in Zhengzhou for 30 years. Over the years, I’ve

seen the city grow and change quite a bit, but I’m still

evaluating whether it will be my permanent home.

How long have you lived in this city?

I’ve lived in Zhengzhou for almost 20 years. I moved here

when I was 13 from a nearby county to attend school, and

I’ve been here ever since.

Are there big changes in this city?

Over the years, I’ve seen some growth, but the changes

have been relatively small. It often seems like they’re

always working on road repairs and spending taxpayers’

money, which can be frustrating.

Is this city your permanent residence?

It’s not clear yet. I’m still considering whether this city will

be my permanent residence. Although there are some

shortcomings, my family is here, which is an important

factor for me.

Are there people of different ages living in this city?

Yes, Zhengzhou has people of all ages living here. but I’ve

noticed there are more elderly people around. It feels like

every time I head downstairs, whether it’s during the

morning rush or even on weekends, I always seem to run

into a lot of older folks. Well during rush hour it can

sometimes slow everyone down trying to get to work on

time.”

Are the people friendly in the city?

I find that many people here seem a bit impatient and

don’t always appear to enjoy life as much. I haven’t figure

out why is that yet.

Is the city friendly to children and old people?

Overall, it’s pretty friendly. The city’s still working on it,

though. There are some facilities for kids and seniors, but

there’s definitely room to make things better.

Do you often see your neighbors?

Not very often. Around here, neighbors don’t really talk to

each other much. It’s not like when I was a kid, and there

was a lot of interaction between neighbors. Maybe it’s the

stress of city life that’s caused this change.

What's the weather like where you live?

in the place where I live, the weather varies throughout

the year. Spring and summer tend to be quite rainy, while

winter often brings snow. Autumn, on the other hand, is

usually dry.

Library
Do you often go to the library?
No, well I don’t go to the library often now that I’m working. After
work, I usually feel too tired to go out, so I prefer staying home and
reading books there.

2. What do you usually do in the library?

Well When I was in school ，I usually spend my time studying

or reading. It was a valuable resource for finding detailed and

reliable sources. 。 It’s a great place to focus without

distractions.

3. Did you go to the library when you were a kid?

Yes, I often went to the library when I was a kid. The

library had an audio-visual room, and I loved going there

to watch movies. It was one of my favorite activities.

4. Do Chinese kids often go to the library?

Yes, many Chinese kids do go to the library, especially

when they need to study or do homework. But for me, it

was more about enjoying the movies in the audio-visual

room when I was younger

万年老题

住宿

What kind of house or apartment do you want to

live in in the future?

In the future, I would love to live in a detached house with

a garden. Having a private outdoor space would be

fantastic for relaxation and entertaining guests.

2. Are the transport facilities to your home very

good?

Yes, the transport facilities to my home are quite good.

The area has easy access to public transportation, which

makes commuting convenient. The metro system located

just downstairs is now fully operational, adding to the

convenience.

3. Do you prefer living in a house or an apartment?

I prefer living in a house because of the extra space and

the opportunity to have a garden. It offers more privacy

and flexibility compared to an apartment.

4. Please describe the room you live in.

live in a three-bedroom apartment of about 130 square

meters。The layout and decor of the apartment are fairly

conventional. The living room features a large floor-to-

ceiling window on the south side, which floods the space

with natural light. On the west side, we have a

comfortable sofa, and directly opposite it, there’s a flat-

screen TV along with a bookshelf.

5. What part of your home do you like the most?

I like the living room the most. It’s where I can relax, read,

or watch movies with my wife. It’s a comfortable space

that we’ve personalized to make it feel like home.

6. How long have you lived there?

We have been living in this apartment for a few years

now. 5-6 years

7. Do you plan to live there for a long time?

We’re considering to move abroad, looking for a larger

house with a garden, as houses tend to be more

affordable compared to those in China.

8. What’s the difference between where you are

living now and where you have lived in the past?

Previously, I lived in a smaller apartment with fewer

amenities. The current place is much more spacious and

comes with modern conveniences like an elevator, which

has significantly improved our living experience.

9. Can you describe the place where you live?

I live in a modern apartment building in a well-developed

area. The apartment itself is bright and airy with large

windows that let in plenty of natural light. The building has

good security, with CCTV monitoring and security guards

on duty, ensuring a safe environment.

10. What room does your family spend most of the

time in?

We spend most of our time in the living room. It’s where

we gather to hang out like relax, watching TV, and spend

quality time together.

11. What’s your favorite room in your apartment or

house?

My favorite room is the living room because it’s the center

of our home life. It’s where we have our most relaxing

moments and enjoy each other’s company.

12. What makes you feel pleasant in your home?

The warmth and comfort of our living room, combined with

the personalized decor and the presence of my wife, make

our home a pleasant place to be.

Do you think it is important to live in a comfortable

environment?

Yes, living in a comfortable environment is very important.

It enhances our well-being, reduces stress, and makes

home life more enjoyable.

Do you live in an apartment or a house?

I currently live in an apartment on the 19th floor.

Who do you live with?

Who do you live with?I live with my wife; we don’t have

any children yet.

16. What do you usually do in your apartment?

We usually spend time relaxing, cooking, and enjoying

each other’s company in the apartment.

17. What kinds of accommodation do you live in?

I live in a three-bedroom apartment that’s about 130

square meters. The layout and decor are fairly

conventional, with a large floor-to-ceiling window on the

south side of the living room, allowing plenty of natural

light in. The overall design is simple and practical,

focusing on what we really need without too much

decoration.

Hometown

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Zhengzhou, a city in central China.

Is that a big city or a small place?

Zhengzhou is a big city with a population of over 10

million people.

Please describe your hometown a little.

Zhengzhou is a rapidly developing city with a mix of

modern infrastructure and historical sites. It has a well-

developed transportation system, including one of the

busiest railway stations in China. The city is also known for

its connection to transportation hub and the famous

Yellow River.

How long have you been living there?

I’ve been living in Zhengzhou for almost 20 years, ever

since I moved here for school at the age of 13.

Do you think you will continue living there for a

long time?

I’m not sure if I’ll stay here for a long time. Although it’s a

convenient place to live, I’m considering moving abroad

for further studies or new career opportunities.

Do you like your hometown?

I have mixed feelings about Zhengzhou. While it has a lot

to offer, the large population and the fast-paced lifestyle

can be overwhelming.

Do you like living there?

Living here has its advantages, like the convenience of

public transportation and access to various amenities, but

sometimes I miss the slower pace of smaller towns.

What do you like most about your hometown?

What I like most about my hometown, Zhengzhou, is the

convenience it offers. The local food scene is fantastic,

and the availability of convenient food delivery services

adds to the comfort of living here. And I have my family

here, which makes it even more special.

Is there anything you dislike about it?

one thing I dislike about Zhengzhou is the overcrowding.

With so many people, especially during peak hours, it can

feel quite chaotic. The traffic congestion is a major issue,

not just with cars but also with the abundance of electric

scooters, which adds to the sense of suffocation.

What’s your hometown famous for?

Zhengzhou is famous for being a major transportation

hub in China, and it’s also well-known for its local

specialty, yáng ròu huì miàn (羊肉烩面), a flavorful lamb

noodle soup that’s popular in the region.

Did you learn about the history of your hometown

at school?

Yes, I learned about the history of Zhengzhou in school.

We covered its significance as an ancient capital during

the Shang Dynasty, around 1600 BCE, This period is

particularly notable for its production of bronze artifacts。

Are there many young people in your hometown?

Zhengzhou offers good opportunities for young people,

especially in industries like logistics, manufacturing, and

IT, but the competition can be tough due to the large

population.

The area you live in

Do you like the area that you live in?

Yes, I do. Despite some challenges like overcrowding and

traffic congestion, I appreciate the convenience and the

vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Where do you like to go in that area?

I enjoy visiting the newly built shopping centers and

exploring the city using the new metro system, which has

really improved my ability to get around easily. I m

particularly into the local food, especially the famous lamb

noodle dishes.

Do you know any famous people in your area?

While I don’t personally know any famous people,

Zhengzhou has been associated with several notable

figures. For example, former Chinese Premier Li Peng was

from Zhengzhou.

What are some changes in the area recently?

Recently, Zhengzhou has seen significant development,

including the completion of the metro system and the

opening of new shopping centers. These changes have

improved accessibility and the overall quality of life in the

city.

Do you know any of your neighbors?

Not very well. Although we live quite close to each other,

we don’t interact much.

Are the people in your neighborhood nice and

friendly?

Generally, yes. Most people are polite and friendly, but

like in any busy city, interactions can be brief and

impersonal.冷淡的

Do you live in a noisy or a quiet area?

The area can be quite noisy, especially during peak hours,

due to heavy traffic。also, since there’s a metro station

right downstairs, the constant flow of commuters adds to

the noise.