雅思口语 - Part1
1 - Travelling（未练习）
Do you prefer to sit by the window when travelling?
Did you have a long journey with your family as a child?
2 - Rubbish and recycling
Did you recycle when you were a kid?
Yes, I did some recycling in my childhood with my parents. I usually folded my waste papers into paper planes and flied them around my house with my family. We made a lot of fun from recycling.
Is waste sorting common in your country?
Not very common , we do not sort our waste anymore. Due to technological advancements in my country, we can just throw everything into the same trash bin and handle it easily in the way of buring them into ashes.
How do you recycle things like paper and plastic?
paper-handcrafts.plastic bottles-vase for my sisiter's floweres(change water or fertelize them)
What do you do when you see rubbish on the street?
feel uncomfortable and awacaward. pick up and throw them into nearby trash bins. so as to keep the street tide and clean.
3 - Tiredness
What do you do when you feel tired?
getting rid of tiredness,it depends on the time. At noon, taking a refreshing bath can be the best to recharge myself. OR In the evening, i'd rather choose to have an eight-hour deep sleep.
When would you feel tired?
midnight
Do you often feel tired?
quite often. major in cs.plenties of homeworks and coding program will drain out my energy easlliy and leave endless tiredness tome.
When you feel tired, do you still go out with your friends?
no,rather stay at home so as to keep the tiredness in myself instead of sparing my tiredness to my friends.
4 - Shoes
Which do you prefer, fashionable shoes or comfortable shoes?
comfortable shoe definetely come to the top of my list. almost walk all day ,so proper support matters far more than eye-catching designs.
How much money do you usually spend on shoes?
500￥ per pair. i think it is quite a fair price for me. also i do not mind pay a little more for durable materials
Have you ever bought shoes online?
yes always. online shoping applications offer my a varities choice of cheap and comfortable shoes. spend whole day to fined my favourite sneekers
Do you like buying shoes? How often?
enjoy, but only change when really need a replacement. twice first in january.august.to fit in my seasonal requirements
5 - Politeness
What did you do to show your politeness as a child?
On what occasions should we be polite?
Do you think being polite is very important?
absolutely, polite manners are essential for smooth social interactions. being polite can help us prevent many unnecessary conflicts.what more it will demonstrate that we are considerate of others, rather than focused only on ourselves
How did you learn to be polite as a child?
in my childhood my parent taught me polite manners. they set a good example at home. Them taught me to say thank you and please and to show respect to older people. over time, those small habits became second nature to me.
6 - Fruit and vegetables
How often do you eat fruit and vegetables?
almost everyday. fat and overweight.so im on a diet.tomatos and watermelons for my supper ,instead of taking much more rice and noodles
Where do you usually buy fruit and vegetables?
street market around my community. they provide daily fresh organic fruit at a quite fair price.prepare--in good quality and low cost
What kind of fruits and vegetables do you dislike?
for fruits,lemon,sour taste is overwhalming; bitter melon is not my cup of tea,due to its bitterness.
Were there any kind of fruits and vegetables you disliked as a child?
refused to eat brocoli in my childhood.its deep green color and strange texture made me feel disgusting. but now ,i gradually get accustomed to it when i having salad.
Do people in your country like planting vegetables?
old people, yard,spare time
7 -Advertisement（未练习）
Do you often see advertisements when you are on your phone or computer?
i often get annoyed by the dvertisements on my personal computer ,especially on the application called baidu nestdisk. it contains tons of advertisements that can distract me from my hands-on work.
Do you like advertisements?
i have mixed feeling about them. creative adverts can introduce me to the product that are genuinely useful. while other endlees pop-ups only make me annoyed.
What kind of advertising do you like?
8 - Paper
Have you made any crafts with paper?
I used to fold my waste papers into paper planes and fly them around my house with my sister.we both enjoyed making paper crafts.
What did you like to do with paper as a child?
同上
Do you still write physical letters?
No i never write those physical letters. As an GEN z born in two thousand five，i only write emails instead of letters ,due to its efficiency and convenience.
Do people still keep handwritten letters today?（！！！！！）
yes we always keep those old-fashioned letters. despite letters are becoming less useful in this digital era, but the relations that involved in the letters won't fade away
Do you carry paper and pens with you when you go out?
no, phone and my watch ,especially earphone
9 - Secondary School
Is there anything you miss about your secondary school?
Yeah, definitely. I really miss my old classmates and my old friends fromback then. We used to hang out every single day, and we did enjoy the time we spent in our school's library. We aimed for the same goal: to get a greater score in the senior high school entrance exam.
Do you remember your first day at your secondary school?
Yeah, I remember it pretty vividly. Actually, I was so nervous when I walked into the gates that morning. Everything about my secondary school felt overwhelming. My secondary school was much bigger than my elementary school, so I was too shy to say any words to anyone I met that morning
What's your favorite subject at your secondary school?
I would like to say history is my favorite subject.I really enjoyed reading Chinese history books, and I loved how my teacher would bring lessons to life with old photos and documentaries instead of sticking to the textbooks. The way she taught lessons really makes me a fan of history even now.
Were there any difficult subjects in your secondary school?
Yeah, mathematics was definitely my nightmare.I just couldn't get my head around the equations. No matter how much I practiced, maths was really a struggle for me
10 - Name
Do you often forget people's names?
Yeah, it happens quite often among Gen Z. A lot of parents use the same character to name their kids, such as Zi Han or any other else. So that makes me quite easily to mix their names up and end up forgetting who's who.
How do you feel when people don't remember your name?
Actually, my name's last character has often been misread by my friends and teachers since primary school. They often misread it as "bin" instead of "fu", so I have kind of gotten used to it by now.
How do you remember people's names?
Yeah, I have picked up a few tricks over the years. The main one is when I meet someone new, I will make a quick note on my phone about their name and phonenumber. The other thing I will do is repeat their name in the conversation a few times. That really helps me link the name to the face and make it stick.
11 - Opportunities
--分隔符，下为保留题--
1 - Music
Do you prefer sad or happy music?
Happy music for me, definitely without any doubt. I think music is a powerful mood regulator. I would rather use it to boost my energy instead of letting me down. And I do enjoy listening to some happy music when I working out or getting up in the morning. That really sets the tone for the day.
Does happy music make you feel more excited?
Yeah, definitely. I think upbeat music has a direct effect on my energy level. If I put on some happy pop songs, I will automatically feel more awake and motivated. I always enjoy playing some energetic music while I'm working out.
Have you taken any music classes?
Yeah, I took some piano lessons in my childhood. My parents signed me up in my elementary school when I was seven years old. I learned basic knowledge about piano and could play a few songs then.But I stopped practicing piano when I entered my secondary school
Do you listen to music while doing other things?
Yeah, it is pretty often. I always have something played in my earphones while I'm doing laundry, hanging out, and even cooking. I like the joy when I'm concentrating on one thing while listening to some music that I love.
2 - Teachers
Do you have a favourite teacher
Yeah, definitely. My favourite teacher is my physics teacher in my senior high school. He was passionate about teaching physics, and he can turn something dry and technical into something really interesting. I think he is the reason why I love learning physics
Do you want to be a teacher in the future
Not really. Also, I love learning things from my teachers, but I can't handle the communication issues while I am teaching my students. I can't efficiently teach the things I learned to my students. So, I don't like to be a teacher in the future
Do you have a teacher from your past that you still remember
My favorite teacher in my senior high school is the teacher I still remember. His first name is Wu, so we often called him Teacher Wu in the past few years. I still remember attending his last class when I was 17 years old. It was a precious memory for me.
Are you still in touch with your primary school teacher
No, I lost touch with my primary school teacher since I graduated. It has been almost 10 years since I attended the last class in my elementary school. I can't remember their name and their faces.
In what ways your favorite teacher helped you
. My favorite teacher taught me some ways to lose my weight. In 2023, to prepare for my college entrance exam,I gained almost 30 kilograms. To lose my weight, I started to take some walks like him and eating less, just the way he did.
3 - Social media
Have you ever posted anything on social media
Yeah, I like posting some life pictures on my WeChat Moments. I once posted some travel photos with my friends on there, and I shared some highlight moments while I was playing Overwatch.
When did you start using social media
I began to use social media in my childhood. It was 2015 when WeChat first came online. I started using it to chat with my elementary classmates, and we often chatted about the homework we were assigned to finish.
Do you think you spend too much time on social media?
Not really. I don't have so many messages to reply to, so I only give feedback to essential messages. That won't take much time, only about five or ten minutes a day.
Do your friends use social media
? Of course, each of my friends will use WeChat to stay in contact with others. We often share our lives with each other, stay in touch, and have some small talk online with WeChat. So, it is quite often for my friends to use social media
. What do people often do on social media
? It depends on the sort of the social media. On WeChat, we communicate and stay in touch with our friends and families. On Small Red Book, we often share our lives with some videos and pictures. On TikTok, we often scroll through our phones and watch some short videos to relax.
4 - Tidiness
Do you like to keep things tidy?
Yes, of course. I really like to put my things in order so that I can easily find them when I use them. And I often clean up my dorm and my toilet in the morning so I will have a fresh place to live in whole day
Did you use to keep your home tidy as a child
Yes, of course. I think I have always been quite particular about my space. My parents encouraged me to clean up after myself from my childhood, and I inherited the habit of cleaning the room by myself. So, I was quite a tidy kid by seven or six years old
. How do you keep your work or study space tidy？
Honestly, I just put things back where they belong after I use them, and I also classify those books by their subjects. Some physics books in one place on the shelf, and some mathematics books in another place.
Do you think that is important to be tidy
Of course, keeping tidy really matters. Having an organized space can save a lot of time for me, and I found it easier to concentrate on one thing when my surroundings are in order.
5 - Websites
What kinds of websites do you often visit
I mostly visit video websites like bilibili.com for films and videos, and I usually visit my university's website quite a lot, mainly to check my homework, download materials, and find some information
What is your favorite website?
As for me, my favorite website is Bilibili.com. It contains tons of high-quality films and videos for me to relax, and it also contains a number of lecture recordings which help me prepare for final exam each term. It is really convenient and meaningful for me
Are there any changes on the website you often visit?
What kinds of websites are popular in your country?
6 - Watch
Do you wear a watch
? Yes, almost every day I wear my watch called HUAWEI Watch Buds. It contains two earphones that can help me listen to some music instead of taking an AirPods, and it also can help me record how many steps I take a day
Have you ever got a watch as a gift
Of course, the watch I'm wearing now is the gift my father gave me in 2023. He gave me this smartwatch as my gift after the college entrance exam in june 2023
Why do some people wear expensive watch
Some people may wear expensive watch to demonstrate their wealth, while other people may wear a luxury watch on their wrist to make them shiny and make them Look better
7 - Shopping
Do you like shopping
I really don't like going shopping in some shopping malls. I think it's very busy and crowded there. I often go to some department stores just to have lunch in their restaurants, instead of going to some clothes shops or any shops like that
How often do you go shopping
Almost twice a half year, I usually go shopping with my family, and I only buy things when I actually need something specific. I'm not the type who would like to hang out in the shopping mall whole day long
. Do you prefer online shopping or in store shopping
? It depends on situations. When I shop offline, I can indeed find out whether this shirt suits my shape, or whether the shoes are too big or too small. But for online shopping, there's a plenty of choice for me to choose from, and I can find out the best one and the cheapest one to save my money
. Have you ever returned anything you bought online
Of course, I returned a shirt I bought online last summer. It was a male shirt that was too tiny for me to wear.I just submitted the returning application online and sent it back to its seller.
8 - Cars
Did you enjoy traveling by car when you were a kid
Yeah, I really enjoyed it. I used to sit by the window and watch the landscape out there pass by, and sometimes my parents and I usually played some car games. It was a really precious memory for me in my childhood
What type of cars do you like
Super utility vehicles, of course. Due to my height and shape, I can't sit in other cars, but for super utility vehicles, there is plenty of room for passengers and luggage. It is very practical
Do you prefer be a driver or a passenger
I prefer being a passenger, definitely. I found it very stressful to be a driver when driving in a traffic jam, and I would rather choose someone else to take the wheel. It means I can just sit in back and watch the window
What do you usually do when there is a traffic jam
I usually put some music on and try to be patient about it. If the situation really goes wrong, I maybe scroll through my phone for a bit.Honestly, it is very frustrating, but the only thing I can do is to make the best of it.
Do you think car colors are important
Honestly, I don't think it makes that much difference as long as the car goes well and still comfortable. The color is pretty low on my list of priorities. I think most people will go the main choice like black, white, maybe some silver
9 - Public gardens and parks
Did you like going to parks as a child
Yeah, I absolutely love to go to parks. With my parents on the weekend, I would usually spend the whole time running around and playing on some equipments there until I was totally worn out. It was such precious memories for me
. Do you still like to go to parks now
? Of course, but the vibe is very different compared to my childhood. I often just take some walks or just sit somewhere quiet to clear my mind. I think this is the best way for me to recharge myself after a busy week
. Would you like to see some more parks in your city
? Of course, I think cities should build more parks for their citizens to take a rest there. With more parks in my city, we can have more places to run away from noise and return to nature. I think building more parks is really a good choice
. Are there any parks you want to go in the future
Of course. I attended my college in Beijing, and I want to explore some Beijing parks there. What I want to go to most is the park in the north of Beijing called Fragrant Hills Park. It was built in the 18th century. According to some guidelines online, October and this time is the best time to pay a visit to the Fragrant Hills Park
10 - Science
. Do you like science
? Of course, I really like some subjects that related to science, just like physics. They teach me how to look at the world in a different way and illustrate how everything works in my world. So I think it's pretty important for everyone to learn a little about science
. When did you start to learn about science
? It was my elementary school when I started to learn about science. In science class, me and my classmates did some experiments and learned something about space.
Which subject is interesting to you
? I would say physics is the most fascinating subject for me. It tells about gravity and electronics that exactly tell me how the world goes on, and it helped me look at the world around me in a different way.
What kinds of interesting things you have done with science
? The most interesting things I have done are the experiments I did in my senior high school, just doing things and watching the reactions. I also participated in some science museum at that time
. Do you like watching science TV programs
? Of course I like it. I think some science documentaries make it more fun and accessible for our children and for adults to give a glance at science rather than just reading from textbooks. I grew up watching an animal documentary with my family. It was called Animal World
11 - Mirrors
Do you like watching yourself in the mirror and how often
Of course, I like watching myself in the mirror every day. In everyday morning when I brush my teeth, I will look at myself in the mirror for about five minutes to check my hair and my face.
Have you ever brought mirrors
Not likely. I never brought any mirrors online. Every day morning, I just use the mirror that provided by my school in the bathroom of my dorm
Do you usually take a mirror with you
Not likely. I prefer to travel more lightly instead of carrying one more thing with me. My phone's camera will play the function well when I need to check something, just like my hair, my teeth, even my face
Would you use mirror to decorate your room
Not really. My room is just suit for me, and there's no more spare room for the mirror. And I think place a mirror for decoration is very impractical. I already have one mirror in the bathroom, so why should there be another mirror in my bedroom
12 - Outer space and stars
. Have you ever learned about outer space and stars
Yes, I have learned about some terms just like galaxy and solar system and even black holes and so on in my elementary science class.I think outer space is a very fascinating subject for me, and I want to learn more in the future
. What's your favorite star
? My favorite star is Polaris. It is glorious and very charming for me. I found that Polaris has been the navigation for people traveling around the seas for almost 2000 years, and the name Polaris has also been widely used as a nickname online in the modern internet
. Do you like science fiction or movies and why
? Of course, I'm a big fan of science movies. The best movie I think is The Martian, and the Mars is my favorite planet. In this movie, it talks about how Matt Damon planted some potatoes on Mars and waited for almost 400 days for someone to rescue him.Those movies take me into a different world about spaceships and many other aliens
. Do you want to know more about outer space
? Yeah, definitely.I think this topic of outer space is something the more you learn, the more questions you will have. It is a lifelong learning topic, so I'm really fascinated about it
Do you want to go into outer space in the future?
Yeah, I think it will be a fantastic memory for me. I really want to look down at Earth from space and take a glance at our planet above the sky. It will be a breathtaking opportunity for me. But for now, it's really never possible for most people to fly in outer space, but maybe in the future it will be more accessible
13 - Singing
Do you like singing
? Of course, I really enjoy singing. It can lift my mood and release myself from the busy work. And sometimes I go to KTV with my friends. It's just so much fun singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs
Have you ever learned how to sing
? No, I haven't attended any singing class. I only sing by the tone of the music and just follow my heart
Who do you want to sing for
Honestly, I maybe would sing for my mother. She has always been the biggest supporter for me, and I think it is really meaningful to sing for her. Maybe on Mother's Day, or maybe on her birthday, I will sing a happy birthday song or any other songs for her.
Do you think singing can bring happiness to people?
Of course, singing is one of those things that can instantly lift your mood up. Even if you have a really bad day, put some happy music and sing. The tone of it will make your mood fresh and lift up your energy.
Do you like listening to other singing
Of course, especially when someone has a really beautiful voice. I love going to concerts and listening to my favorite singer perform for me, and I also spend a bit of time finding some cover versions by ordinary people online. That is also quite a different feeling when the same person sings different singers' songs
14 - Clothing
What kinds of clothes do you like to wear
? I would say I'm quite into casual styles, something like jeans or oversized hoodies, even T-shirts. My style is quite relaxing, and I like those clothes with natural colors that can suit for me in any conditions
. Do you prefer wear comfort and casual clothes or smart clothes(正装)
I definitely prefer comfort clothes in my day to day life. Casual classes makes me feel I'm myself but for smart, smart clothes makes me a little bit uncomfortable and stiff, but as long as I am decent and put together, there's no need to dress up.
Do you like wearing T-shirts
? Of course, T-shirts are easy to wear and they are cool in hot summer. Some black or white T-shirts are suitable for any conditions, even function as smart clothes. Be honest, I have almost every color in T-shirts, from purple to blue, from green to red
. Do you spend a lot of time choosing clothes
? Not really. Due to my clothes style, I only choose clothes that are comfortable for me. I think spending ages on choosing clothes is a waste of time when there's much more important things to do
. Wear different styles of clothes on weekdays or weekends
? Not really. I pretty much dress the same way regardless. Weekdays or weekends, I always dress the same style, and I just stick to it. For me, I don't see the point in separate clothes styles on weekdays and weekends.
15 - Jokers and Comedies
Are you good at telling jokes
Of course, I'm really fond of making people laugh loudly. My friends around me always say I'm a good person with a good sense of humor. And I do think telling some jokes can make people around me feel more comfortable
Do Your friends like to tell you jokes
Yeah, most of my friends have the same sense of humor just like me. We both tell the jokes when we meet together. We almost joke about everything in spite of a bit out of line. That is how we interact with each other.
Do you like watching comedies
Honestly, they are not really my thing. Most comedies are predictable for me. You can usually see the jokes coming before they land. I would see something keeping me guessing about the storyline, like a movie or a drama
. Have you ever watched a live show
Honestly, no, I have never been to a live show in my life. I think the price of the tickets is a little bit too expensive for me, and I think their jokes can be predicted
16 - Headphones
Do you use headphones
? Not really. Instead of using around-ear headphones, I prefer using earbuds. My earphones are stored in my watch, which is called watch buds. My watch contains two earphones that function as normal headphones. My watch can also charge my earphones, so I can travel anywhere lightly.
When would you use your earphones
? I use them in a few situations, especially when I'm studying. I need an absolutely quiet atmosphere for me to concentrate on the words, and especially for exercising. Those headphones really help me to keep energetic throughout the whole workout. Basically, anytime I want to zone out from what around me.
Is when headphones comfort?
Yeah, I found it really comfort. I'm not very sensitive about what comes into my ear, so I don't really have much issues.And I can wear my earphones constantly for a few hours.
17 - Work or Study
What subjects are you studying
? I'm studying Computer Science at University of Posts and Telecommunications, so most of my courses are very technical, such as Operating System and Data Structure, plus tons of mathematics problems. Even my courses were very hard for me, but I still enjoy it
. Do you like your subject
? Yes, of course, I really enjoy my subjects, but I won't pretend it be easy. What is the most fascinating to me is that you can build something from scratch and see it actually run in the end, or sometimes I was stuck by some bugs for hours, but I finally run the program in the end. It feels very brilliant
. Why did you choose to study this subject
? I began to use computers since I was a child. I've cultivated the curiosity about how it works under the hood, and also I played a lot of computer games. Maybe that's why I started. So when it comes to choosing a major, computer science comes as a natural choice
. Do you think that your subject is popular in your country
? Definitely, it is one of the most popular majors in China right now, mainly because it leads to well-paid jobs and the tech industry in China is booming. So, as you can guess, it means this major is very competitive,you have to work hard to stand out
. Do you have any plans for your studies in the next five years
Well, actually, I have a fairly clear plan. After I finish my bachelor's in probably 2027, I'm hoping to do a master's at the University of Hong Kong for the next one year, and I'm applying for an exchange semester at their Shanghai campus. After I graduate, I'm probably applying for work in internet companies, maybe in Tianjin. So my next five years is about finishing my school and landing my first job.
What are the benefits of being your age
I'm 21 years old right now, so I think the biggest advantage of my age is energy. I can stay up late and still function well the next day, and my mind is sharp, so it takes a bit of effort for me to finish some math and program problems. On top of that, what I value most is that I do not have much responsibilities yet, so it gives me freedom to do whatever I want and make mistakes
Do you want to change your major
No, definitely not. Switching my major means I will throw away the three years of foundation and three years of efforts. So I would go deeper in my major rather than throwing it away.
Do you prefer to study in mornings or in afternoons?
Morning, without any doubts.In the morning, my head will be very clear and smart, and the campus usually is very quiet, so I always let my major jobs finished before noon
How much time do you spend on your subject each week
Quite a lot. Well, it's actually about 13 hours a week. I usually spend those hours on coding and my personal programs. On weekdays, I usually spend four or five hours a day, and I almost have my major longer sessions on weekends
Are you looking forward to working
I wouldn't say I'm in a rush, but I quite enjoy my student life. But I am not against it. I'm just waiting for my real projects in a long and low-key way
What technology do you use when you study
Mainly using my laptop and a few AI Coding assistants. I will use some AI tools when I'm debugging programs. With the help of artificial intelligence, I have built my own website. The domain is gigabin.top. It is my own website and I put my projects and my life on it, so it is basically my portfolio
What changes would you like to see in your school
If I could change one thing in my school, that would be the public bathroom. The bathroom and the facilities in there have been worn out. It really needs a renovation, and I think it will be renewed very soon.
18 - Home/accommodation
What kinds of house or apartment do you want to live in the future
Actually, I want to live in a loft apartment. As you know, it has two floors and some stairs. It's really good value for money, and I think it has more space for myself
Are the transport facilities to your home very good
Yes, it's really convenient for me actually. Tianjin Metro Line 3 is right next to my home, so I can hang around in the city very easily
Do you prefer living in a house or apartment
Apartment, definitely. If I have the choice, I would choose a loft apartment. It has better value and is easy to manage compared to a house. What's more, some loft apartments are really located in the center of my hometown, so I can easily use the transport facilities there
Please describe the room you live in
It's not very huge, but I get everything I need in it. It has a big desk with my computer on it, and my bed is right next to it, which is really convenient for me when I need a break. And also, my room faces east, so there's plenty of sunlight in the morning, and I really enjoy the sunlight
What part of your home do you like the most
It must be the kitchen, definitely. Without a doubt, cooking is a method for me to relax after a long day. It's not only about the food I make, it is also important how I cook the food and the procedures I make it. The procedure itself is really relaxing for me too
How long have you lived there
I have lived there my whole life. I'm 21 years old now, so I have lived there for almost 20 years, and I know my house inside out
Do you plan to live there for a long time
Yeah, I plan to. As long as my family stay there, I will stay there too. That is because being close to my family really means a lot to me. Even if I have to go to college, my home is still a home base for me during my holidays, like summer or winter holidays
What's the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past
I have lived there since I was born, so there's nothing very different compared in the past and now
Can you describe the place where you live
I live in Tianjin Nankai District, in a family apartment next to a park called Water Park. It is a quiet and green area, and there's a metro station right next to my home
What room does your family spend most of time in?
It must be the living room in my home. On some holidays and weekends, me and my family, and maybe some guests, will sit around in the living room and play some cards, even play some mahjong. When we have our dinner, me and my family will sit in front of the TV, enjoying the same TV shows there.
What makes you feel pleasant in your home
There are a few things. First of all, being with my family really means a lot to me. And for another, I can have some personal space for myself. After all, everybody has their own room and does their own things. For the last one, I think I have some freedom to do whatever I want, cooking some own dishes that I like, or even just playing games.
Do you think it is important to live in a comfortable environment
Of course, you will have spent most of your time in your home, so if everything is comfortable, your things and your mood will go much fresher and easier. It has a really impact on your mental health, so it is really important to live in a comfortable environment
Who do you live with
I live with my parents, my grandmother and my little sister, so there are 5 of us.
19 - Hometown
Where is your hometown
My hometown is Tianjin, in the north of China. It's about half an hour from Beijing to take a high-speed train there, and I have lived there for my whole life, about 20 years in Nankai District
Is that a big city or small city
It's definitely a big city with a population of 13 million people. The size of Tianjin is a little smaller than Beijing, but it's quite big though
Please describe your hometown a little
Sure, it is a port city in the north of China and it's famous for its relaxed pace of life. People in city really take their time. What's more, it used to be a foreigner concession in the 19th century. You can see many European style buildings along the river
Do you like your hometown
Yes, I like it. On the whole, what I like most is the slow pace of life in Tianjin, which is really a far cry from somewhere like Beijing. Citizens in Beijing often rushing around, and I don't like it. So I really enjoy the pace of life in Tianjin, and I feel very relaxed there.
Is there anything you dislike about it
Actually, there is one thing I really hate. The roads around my house are being constantly repaired, as if they dig them up almost once a year. So it is pretty inconvenient for me to drive my car around my house
What's your hometown famous for
Absolutely, our dishes are the most famous things in my hometown. The citizens in Tianjin are quite serious about their food, and due to our history of being a foreign concession in the 19th century, our food and dishes are a mix of Chinese and European styles
Did you learn about the history of your hometown at school
Yes, I have learned some of that in my school. I learned that Tianjin used to be a foreign concession in the 19th century, so that's why you can see many European style buildings along the river. And I also pick up many things while I'm walking around the city. Those old buildings are just like history lessons in themselves.
Are there any young people in your hometown
Yes, in Tianjin, there are quite a lot of young people living and working there. Our hometown has many colleges and universities, so there is a large younger population there. What's more, some of the young people choose to live in Tianjin for the lower cost compared to that of Beijing.
Is your hometown a good place for young people to pursue their careers
? Not really. First of all, there are fewer job opportunities compared to that of Beijing, so people usually find it hard to find jobs. And what's more, the financial burden of Tianjin's government is much heavier, so it's really difficult for the government to pay for the company's debts
. Did you learn about culture of your hometown in your childhood
? Yes, definitely. It is actually very hard not to pick up something while I have been living there for 20 years. The core of the culture in Tianjin is to have an enjoyable and unhurried life.That means good food, time with my families, and not taking things very serious. I think those values have been part of myself and have a great impact on how I look on my life.
20 - The area you live in
. What are some changes in the area recently
Well, recently there are changes that I really hate. The road around my area is being constantly repaired. It feels like they dig it up almost once a year and treat it as an annual job for them. So it's very inconvenient for me to drive my car around my neighborhood and community
. Do you know any famous people in your area
? Yes, I know our China's first premier, Zhou Enlai. He has spent most of his youth studying in Tianjin, and mostly in Nankai University.His memorial hall is right next to my home. So I have picked a lot about him in the past few years. So I would say he is the most famous person associated with my area.