Study
Do you work or are you a student?
I’m a Grade 10 student at TangShan No.1 High School, which is one of the best schools in my city.
What subject(s) are you studying?
Currently, I’m studying 4 subjects, including English, math, economics and Canadian history.
What is the most difficult part of your study?
I find math quite challenging. Many of those formulas and equations do not make much sense to me.
When I try to solve a math problem, I often have to rack my brain.
What do you like most about your school?
What I like most about my school is the campus. It’s like a botanical garden. There are lots of plants
and animals. The scenery is absolutely fantastic.
Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the afternoon?
Answer 1: I prefer to study in the morning. Unlike many of my friends, I’m a morning person. I find it
easier to concentrate at that time of day.
Answer 2: I prefer to study in the afternoon, because I’m not an early bird. I find it very hard to get up
early. I can’t even open my eyes, let alone study.
Are you looking forward to working?
Answer 1: Absolutely yes. It feels like stepping into the real world. I’m excited about the challenges,
meeting new people, and more importantly, pay.
Answer 2: Absolutely not. I’m not ready for the world of employment. I love being a student because
I have plenty of free time to hang out with friends and play video games.
Home
Do you live in a house or a flat/ apartment?
Answer 1: I live in a 3-bedroom flat with my family. We moved there about 4 years ago. Although it’s
not very spacious, it feels warm and cozy.
Answer 2: I live in a large house with my family. I’ve lived there my entire life, and what I love most is
how spacious it is. We even have a huge garden where we grow flowers and vegetables.
Who do you live with?
At present, I live with my family. Sometimes it feels like living in a mini zoo because everyone has
their own quirks and habits, but I can’t imagine life without them!
Do you plan to live there for a long time?
No, I don’t think so. Although I love living with my family, I’ll need to move into the university dorm
when I go abroad for my studies. I’ll miss them a lot.
Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
It’s probably the living room. That’s where we often spend time together—watching TV, playing board
games, or even discussing current affairs after dinner.
Are the transport facilities to your home very good?
Yes, the transportation system around my home is well-developed, so you have plenty of options if
you need to commute—such as taking a taxi, riding the bus or renting a city bike.
Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
I prefer living in a flat, because it’s usually more affordable. Plus, flats are often located in the
downtown area, which makes shopping more convenient for me.
Please describe the room you live in.
My bedroom isn’t very big, but it’s warm and cozy. There isn’t much furniture—just the essentials, like
a desk, a wardrobe for my clothes, and of course, a warm bed.
What part of your home do you like the most?
It’s definitely my bedroom—it’s where I feel most comfortable. After a long day at school, I don’t feel
like doing anything. I just want to lie in my bed.
Hometown
Where is your hometown and what is its name?
My hometown is Tangshan, a beautiful coastal city lying in the east of China.
Is that a big city or a small place?
It’s a medium-sized city with a big population. As a result, it gets very crowded wherever you go,
especially in the downtown area.
Have you learnt anything about the history of your hometown?
Just a little bit. Around 50 years ago, my city was destroyed by a terrible earthquake. It was later
rebuilt on the ruins. Because of this, it’s often compared to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
What is your hometown famous for?
My hometown is well known for an attraction called South Lake Park. It’s a huge botanical garden
with breathtaking natural scenery. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the
country, especially during holidays and festivals.
Do you like your hometown?
Yes, I do like my hometown. It’s got modern facilities, fantastic natural scenery and friendly people. I
feel safe there wherever I go.
Is there anything you dislike about it?
One thing I don’t like about my hometown is that sometimes it gets a bit too crowded. It’s annoying
when I get caught in traffic or have to wait in line to get into a restaurant.
Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
No, I don’t think so. Although my family and most of my friends live there, I don’t plan to stay there
forever. After graduation, I might move to a bigger city with better career opportunities.
Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
Yes, my hometown has changed a lot. There are new buildings, better infrastructure, and a much
livelier atmosphere. It’s amazing to see how much it has transformed over the years.
Are there any changes you would like to make in your hometown?
At present, there are too many concrete buildings. I would like to see more green spaces and parks
in the future. Apart from that, I hope some of the roads can be widened and have more lanes to
reduce traffic congestion.
