IELTS Life Skills A1 Sample Topic Questions and Answers (UK Spouse Visa)
IELTS Life Skills A1
Introduction/Appearance
What is your name?
My full name is Muhammad Umar Khan
Can I have your name please?
Yes, it is Umar Khan
Could you tell me your full name please?
Well, my name is Muhammad Umar Khan
What shall I call you?
You can call me by my full name
How can I address you?
You can address me as Mr. Umar Khan
Does your name have a special meaning?
The meaning of my name is age. It is a very popular Arabic name.
Is your name important to you?
Yes, my name is very important to me because it is my identity. I believe my name suits me a lot ,and any other name would not have suited me at all.
Have you ever changed your name?
I have never changed my name, but there was a time when people started calling me with a nickname.
Why do so many people change their names?
There could be innumerable reasons for changing one’s name. Some people change their names when they are going through hard times. They start to believe that their lives have become miserable due to their names. Some people also change their names when they go to another country because people of the foreign country might find it difficult to pronounce their names. I have seen many people change their names to Ben or Mike just because their real names were hard to pronounce and remember for other people.
What’s your height?
My height is 5 feet 7 inches
How would you describe yourself?
I am an introvert by nature. I do not like to meet new people, but I am very strong advocate of mutual respect. I believe people should treat each other with respect. Whenever I do not see that happening, I show displeasure.
In which ways are you similar to your friends?
I am very different from my friends. I think a person is even a lot different from the family members. Ok, I will stick to the question. My friends love to watch movies in the cinema whereas I love to watch in the house. As far as the restaurants are concerned, my friends love to eat at midnight whereas I want to eat have an early dinner.
Are you similar or different to your brothers and sisters?
I have two sisters and they are not much like me. My sisters are brand-conscious whereas I do not have any alacrity to wear branded clothes. There is one thing common among us, and that is travelling. We all love to travel and explore the world.
Would you describe yourself as an optimist or a pessimist?
I would neither be optimist nor pessimist. I would call myself realist. Most people call me a pessimist as they believe that I am always anticipating something bad to happen.
Are you happier in the morning or the evening?
I have to wake up early in the morning which is something I do not like at all. My day starts at 7am and I am normally a bit agitated at this time. As the time passes, I get happier.
Work/Job
Do you work or study?
I am currently working. I have been running my own business since 2010.
What is your job?
I am a teacher by profession, but there are many other tasks which I have to complete for my work. I handle the marketing department of my business too.
Why did you choose that job?
I never thought that I would be doing this in my life. There were many other things which I did before becoming a teacher. I strongly believe that I was destined to become a teacher. It might not be a very lucrative job, but it is a job which is respectful.
Are there lots of English teachers in your city?
There are many English Teachers in my city. English is the official language of Pakistan due to which most people have the inclination to improve their English skills. This demand has actuated many people to become English Teachers.
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes, I love my job. There are some days when I get tired of the banal routine, but for most days I love my job. I get to learn a lot while teaching and I love to see people hone their skills.
Do you get on well with your co-workers?
I get along well with my employees. We share the same goal and I believe it is imperative for us to have an affable environment. We tend to show empathy towards the problems of each other.
What was your first day at work like?
My first day at work was not that intriguing. I just waited for my first student, but no one enrolled on the first day. I was so bored that I eventually started teaching the empty chairs.
What responsibilities do you have at your work?
I have to teach for 14 hours in a day, and I also have to handle marketing department of the business. I try to disassociate myself from the administrative duties because they are quite cumbersome and it would get impossible for me to teach if I indulge myself in administrative tasks.
Would you like to change your job in the future?
I would not like to change my job in the future. I would like to continue doing whatever I am doing right now.
What is your typical day like in work?
A typical day starts at 7am. My first class starts at 8am and last class ends at 10pm. I spend about 2 hours with my family and my day ends.
What would you change about your job?
I would like to change the working hours. I have started to feel very tired these days. I believe that I deserve at least a day off in a week. For the last 2 years, I have been working 7 days in a week and I believe it has made me a much more irritable person.
What are the advantages of having your own business rather than working for someone else?
There are manifold advantages of having a business. Firstly, one gets to keep the profit. Secondly, after a certain point, the business owner can reduce the working hours. Thirdly, the business owner has the liberty to make the decisions. Yes, it is true that sometimes making the decisions can be a very arduous task to do, but having the freedom to make your decisions is a blessing.
What do you see yourself doing in the next 10 years?
I see myself doing the same thing. I would really love to see business grow, but even if it does not grow, I would love to be in the same profession.
Education
What is your education?
I have completed my higher education in Marketing from Fanshawe College, Canada
Have you completed your education?
I have completed my education, and I absolutely have no intention of pursuing further education.
In which school you have completed primary education?
I got my primary education from International School of Choueifat, Lahore.
Why did you choose this institute for study?
I think I was too young to make that decision at that time. It was the decision of my parents to put me in that school. The school had been operating since 1886 and was regarded as one of the most renowned schools in the world.
Are you a full-time or part-time student?
I am right now a part-time student. I have a very hectic job which does not allow me to study full-time, so I have decided to study part-time.
What subjects are you studying?
I am currently studying French in a local institute of my city.
Why did you choose these subjects?
I chose this subject because since my childhood, I had the propensity to learn this language. Apart from learning this language in an institute, I have been learning the language also at my own.
Which subject did you find the most difficult?
I find it very difficult to write an essay in French. I have been learning a lot of new words, but it is hard to use these words in the essay, and I sometimes find it very hard to express my ideas.
What was your favorite subject when you were at school?
In school, my favorite subject used to be Math. I used to love Math because my teacher used to teach the subject in a very elaborative and comprehensive manner.
Is your subject very challenging to study?
The subject which I am studying right now is quite challenging because it is a foreign language. I tend to find it difficult to learn it because very few people around me know it, so I cannot speak it that frequently. Whatever I learn in the classroom is what I learn in the entire day.
What do you do when you have a difficulty with your studies?
Whenever I have difficulties in my studies, I avoid taking help from others. I normally isolate myself and I try to figure out the problem. In this way, I get to understand the concept better and I can also remember it for a longer time.
How did you learn science at school?
My science teachers in school used to teach us science in the conventional way. They used to teach from the books and then give us exercises to help us understand the concepts well. We also used to have two days for lab. In the lab, we used to see how things were practically done.
What was your major and why did you choose it?
I chose marketing as a major because I also wanted to study which was creative, yet interesting.
I like the fact that there is nothing right or wrong in this subject as long as you are able to ethically persuade or convince the potential buyer to buy your product or service.
What’s more important when studying-the student or teacher?
I think both are equally important. It is the primary duty of the teacher to disseminate knowledge and it is the responsibility of the student to process that knowledge and increase his or her skills. The onus is on the student to remember the concepts and perform well on the exams.
What do you plan to do when you finish studying?
I plan to work for a company before I start my own thing. I have been searching a lot for jobs, and I think I have found many jobs which would be suitable for me.
Is there anything else you would like to study in the future?
I think I would like to study accounting in the future.
House/Home
Do you live in a house or an apartment?
I am currently living in a house.
Which rooms do you like the most in your house and why?
I love my own room. It is a room where I can get some isolation. I also like the living room as I normally watch TV over there.
Is there anything about your house that you would like to change?
I like to change the entrance of the house. There are actually two doors from where people can enter the house. I think I would like to close of the doors as it disturbs our privacy. Other than this, everything is quite good in my house.
Tell me something else about your house
The house is located in the suburbs of Lahore. The area of the house is 22,500 square feet. The house is quite spacious. There are many fruit trees in the house as my father is quite fond of keeping them.
Who do you like with?
I live with my family in the house.
How are the walls decorated?
The walls are decorated with wall paintings. Most of the walls have wall paintings, but there are some walls which also have photographs.
Do you plan to live there in the future?
Yes, I plan to live in this house in the future.
What facilities are there in your home?
My house has the facilities which most houses would have. It has electricity, internet service, sanitation facilities.
Do most people live in houses in your country?
Most people in my country live in the houses as the land in my country is not very expensive. There has been recent increase in the number of apartment building being built in the country, but they are still not very popular. People love to own a house.
Family
Could you tell me something about your family?
I have my parents and two sisters. I also have a wife and a son.
What changes have there been in the family structure in your country?
People have started living with their nuclear families. I think it was much better to live with the grandparents, as the grandparents can inculcate morals and principles in the minds of their grandchildren. By not letting children live with the grandparents, we deprive the children of love and affection.
What’s the women’s status in families?
Woman plays an indispensable role in a typical Pakistani family. She has the liberty to make important decisions pertaining to the family. She is also treated with reverence and gratitude. She nurtures her children and has the freedom to even pursue a professional career.
Do you think it is good to be the only child?
I think it is good in many ways. Firstly, the only child would be getting all the love and attention. Secondly, the only child would get to inherit a lot from both the father’s family and the mother’s family. There could also be some drawbacks of being the only child. Parents would be having many expectations from the child and the child might be unable to fulfill those expectations.
Is there any generation gap in your family?
No, we do not have a generation gap. My parents are quite adaptive. They tend to understand that the world is evolving and we have to change accordingly.
Do you like your family?
Yes I like my family. There are days when we have disagreements, and we do fight on certain things, but I think it happens in every relationship in this world.
Who is your closest family member?
I am close to my son. My parents are very friendly. I tend to share most of my stuff with them. We share a very cordial relationship
How should children be fostered?
I think children should be fostered with love and affection, but children should also be told the importance of being grateful and disciplined.
Shopping
Are there many shops near your home?
The area near my house has become a commercial hub. It used to be residential area, but now there are many commercial shops near my house.
Do you like shopping?
I love shopping. Shopping alleviates my stress and it soothes me. I think most people might not know that shopping is actually a retail therapy.
Who usually does the shopping in your home?
My wife usually does the shopping at my home. She goes for shopping every single day.
How often do you buy something in a shop?
I buy stuff once in a week. I am usually busy, so I rarely find time to go for shopping, but I love to go for shopping.
What kinds of shops are there where you live in?
Most shops near my house are grocery shops from where people purchase everyday goods. A multi-story building was recently erected near my house, and all kinds of shops are opening over there.
What’s your favorite place for shopping?
There is premium outlet mall in Orlando which offers amazing discounts. I think that would be my favorite place for shopping as one can find things at more than 70% discount.
Have you ever bought something online?
Yes, I have bought many things online. I started buying things from Amazon about 10 years ago. In these years, I have bought many books.
Do you think men and women have different opinions for shopping?
I think men and women have different opinions for shopping. There is a common misconception that men normally buy things when they really need it and women buy things when they just feel like it. I think this a wrong belief, it depends on the person whether that person is a shopaholic or not.
Do you prefer shopping online or with others?
I like to shop with people because I always want to make sure that I am buying the right thing at the right place. You could say that I rely on another person’s opinion.
Health
Are you careful about what you eat?
Unfortunately, I am not careful about what I eat. I eat a lot of junk food during my working hours. I think that is one of the reasons I have gained a lot of weight recently.
Do you like to exercise regularly?
I do not like to exercise regularly as I have a very busy routine. I have a very hectic day which makes me very tired. I love to do exercise on the weekend. I go for a long walk on Friday.
How important is a healthy lifestyle for you?
I think healthy lifestyle used to be very important for me about 10 years ago, but now it is not very important. I am completely indulged in my work, and I believe that over the years, I have started showing less alacrity towards a healthy lifestyle.
Do you eat junk food?
Yes, I love junk food. I am usually unable to have good sleep and junk food provides me the quick energy which is fundamental for me to work.
Are there any sport or fitness facilities where you live?
There are many sport and fitness facilities near the place I live. I am also a member of a club, but I do not usually go there. There are gyms near my house because people are very much concerned about the fitness and health.
Books and Films
Do you like to read books?
Yes, you could say that I am a voracious reader. I read something for 30 minutes before I sleep. Sometimes, I read a novel and sometimes it is a magazine.
How often do you go to the cinema?
I rarely go to the cinema. I remember that 5 years ago I used to go to the cinema 2 times in a week, but now I just go to the cinema once a in a year because my son is about 2 years ago and he does not like to be in the cinema.
Do you prefer reading books or watching films?
I love to watch movies. I am a teacher by profession and my work entails me to a lot of reading, so whenever I get some free time, I utilize it to watch movies and seasons.
Do you read ebooks?
I have many e-books, but I find it very hard to read from the books. I usually print those pages so that I could have something tangible with me.
Have you read any books in English?
I have read most of the books in my life in English. English is the official language of my country and most books in my country are published in English.
What kind of films do you like to watch?
I love to watch movies which have a very strong story. I abhor movies which have a lot of action in them.
Chocolate
Do you like sweets or chocolate?
I love both. The traditional sweets of country are very scrumptious, and it very hard to resist oneself from eating them. I also like milk chocolate. I usually eat chocolate every single day.
What’s your favorite flavor?
My favorite flavor of chocolate is milk chocolate. I have tried dark chocolate many times, but I have never been able to develop a taste for it.
How often do you eat chocolate?
I eat chocolate every day. Sometimes, I skip it but it is something which is rarely happens. If I do not eat chocolate, I feel that something was missing in the day.
When was the first time you ate chocolate?
I do not exactly remember the first time I ate chocolate, but I remember that on my 7th birthday I ate a lot of chocolate.
Is chocolate popular in your country?
Chocolate is not very popular in my country. Traditional sweets are much more popular in the country. Chocolate is popular among the children and teens of the country.
Why do people like chocolate?
Most people consider chocolate to be a stress buster. People believe that by eating chocolate they can assuage their stress and feel better. There are many people who believe that chocolate can provide them the immediate energy.
Do you think people use chocolate differently now than in the past?
In the previous years, people used to eat chocolate bars only, but now people make different sweet dishes by putting chocolate in them. I have been eating chocolate dipped strawberries for years now.
Is chocolate good for our health?
I think consuming it in limited quantity would be beneficial for a person’s health as it would render immediate energy and also reduce stress level. If someone would consume it in higher quantity, the chances of getting obese would increase.
Have you ever given chocolate as a present to someone? Why?
Yes, I have given chocolate as a present to many people. Giving chocolate as a gift is very convenient. There are very few people who would not like chocolate. It is a very safe gift to give.
Television
How much TV do you watch?
I watch TV for approximately 60 to 90 minutes. I get to find more time to watch TV over the weekend because my weekdays are quite busy.
What’s your favorite TV program?
My favorite TV program is Breaking Bad. I have watched it 4 times.
Did you watch much TV when you were a child?
I used to watch a lot of TV as a child. I was not allowed to watch violent movies as a child, but I used to watch cartoons a lot.
What types of programs did you watch when you were a child?
I was very fond of Power Rangers as a child. I used to follow all the characters of this program and I used to even memorize the dialogues of the program.
Do you think television has changed in the past few decades?
I think television has a changed a lot over the years. Most programs are now reality shows because people find these kinds of programs more intriguing. I believe the programs are moving towards more immoral and unethical content too.
Has television changed your life in any way?
I love to watch television, but I do not think television has influenced me in an overwhelming way.
Celebrities
Who is your favorite celebrity in your country?
My favorite celebrity in Pakistan is Mr. Akram Aziz. He is a famous cricketer.
How do celebrities influence their fans in your country?
Celebrities influence their fans in many ways. They can influence their buying patterns by making them by certain things. Celebrities can also influence the beliefs of their fans by making them aware of social issues.
Do you like any foreign celebrities?
Yes, I like foreign celebrities. I watch a lot of foreign movies, so there are many foreign actors I know of. I admire the acting of Tom Hanks a lot.
Would like to be a celebrity? Why?
I am not sure whether I would like to be a celebrity or not. There are many advantages of being a celebrity as one can influence the society in many ways, but I think disadvantages outweigh the advantages. A person would not be having any privacy and there is immense responsibility on celebrities in many ways.
Do you think we should protect famous people’s privacy?
I think we should protect the famous people’s privacy, but most people are very much interested in their lives which prompt the media to follow their lives.
Public Transport
What form of transport do you prefer to use? Why?
I have used different modes of transportation, but I have always preferred my own car. I think I prefer a car because I can have the liberty to travel whenever I want to travel and I can also save a lot of time when I am having my own car.
How often do you take buses?
I used to take the bus when I was in college; however, these days I do not take the buses at all.
Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?
Planes enable people to save time and reach to their destinations on time. Trains are economical, and they can transport heavy and big things.
How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?
I spend about 20 minutes in travelling. My house is very close to my workplace, so I do not have to travel much.
Would you ride bikes to work in the future?
I think we all should avoid using the cars as we all have contributed a lot towards global warming. Using the bikes would reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
What will become the most popular means of transport in your country?
I think cars would become the most popular means of transport in the future. Pakistan has a burgeoning economy, and I think in the coming years more people would possess a car.
I prefer private transport.
Bags
Do you like bags?
I love to use bags. I have to carry a laptop with me all the time, so I need to have a bag with me.
What types of bags do you like?
I like all sorts of bags. I like both backpacks and Duffel bags. I am thinking of buying a briefcase now.
Do you usually carry a bag?
I do not usually carry a bag when I go out. I see that women usually have to carry bags when they go out because they have to carry a lot of things.
Do you have different bags for different bags?
I wish I had that many bags. I have only one bag which I carry to my workplace.
What do you put in these bags?
I put laptop in my bag. Apart from the laptop, I keep my daily use items in the bag.
What sorts of bags do women like to buy?
Women usually like to buy branded bags.
Handwriting
Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?
I seldom write by hand. My work requires from me to do a lot of content writing, so I have to do most of it on the computer.
Nowadays, how do most people write things?
Most people do most of the writing on the computer. It is more convenient, economical and time-saving.
Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?
I think writing by hand has been the conventional way of writing, and it would be impossible to replace it.
When do children begin to write in your country?
Children begin to write down at the age of 3.
How did you learn to write?
I do not exactly remember the age at which I was taught to write down something.
Do you think handwriting is very important?
Handwriting has lost its significance over the time as people prefer to write on the computer now, but one cannot gainsay the importance of handwriting as still now people have to write with their hands for educational and professional tasks.
How can children today improve their handwriting?
Most people believe that the best way to improve the handwriting is to write on the lines. Some people also believe that a pragmatic approach to improve the handwriting would be to write in a slower manner, so that the handwriting becomes more understandable. Sometimes, people who apply a lot pressure on the pen or pencil end up writing in a bad way.
What impression does a person’s handwriting have on other people?
There used to be an impression that people who have bad handwriting are not very serious about their lives, but over the years it was found through research that people who think better and faster end up having bad handwriting. That is a reason doctors have very bad handwriting. I believe that handwriting cannot have any influence on people anymore.
Do you love writing?
Yes, I love to write. It is something I have been doing for years. Writing enables me to put my thoughts to words and it makes me feel liberated.
Do you prefer to write letters or e-mails?
I like to write e-mail because I can send it without any hassle. E-mails are now the most acceptable means of communication, and most people perceive it to be the best mode of imparting messages.
Do you think some people are still addicted to writing letters?
There are very few people who would are addicted to writing letters. They take a lot of time to reach. Apart from e-mail people having many other electronic modes to send messages.
What are the main differences between handwriting and writing on a computer?
Writing on the computer is perceived to be easier for most people from this generation because they get to write things quickly, and they do not have to focus on improving their handwriting skills.
Art
Do you like art?
I love art. I have an inclination to buy paintings.
Do you think art classes are necessary?
I think that it is imperative for children to have art classes at school. It could give them the opportunity to explore new avenues and have a better imagination. It has also been proven that through art children can alleviate their stress levels.
How do you think art classes affect children’s development?
Art classes can help children to develop their imagination and creativity.
What kind of paintings do you like?
I am fond of abstract art. My sister has been doing abstract art for years, and I think that I have developed an inclination towards abstract art.
What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?
By doing painting, a person can develop imagination and pacify oneself.
How often do you visit museums and art galleries?
I rarely visit museums, but I visited a Science Museum 4 weeks ago. It was a very popular museum in Orlando, and I was able to know about the recent developments in the area of science.
Do you think going to museums and art galleries is beneficial for children?
Yes, they are very beneficial for the children. Children would be able to develop their minds and imagination. Schools in my city rarely have field trips. Most of the knowledge in my country’s schools is theoretical. Practical knowledge is rarely given and that is very unfortunate.
What kinds of things do you like to draw?
I love to draw animals. I would agree that I am terrible at drawing, but I still love to draw.
Is it easy to learn how to draw?
I don’t think it is easy to draw. A person would have to go through rigorous training before learning how to draw. This is the reason more people advocate the idea of introducing art classes to children.
Dreams
Do you remember your dreams when you wake up?
I rarely remember my dreams. Sometimes, I think that I remember the dream, but when I try to recall what really happened, it is very hard for me to remember what really happened in the dream.
Do you like hearing others’ dream?
I don’t like to hear the dreams of other people. I find it scary to hear what other people saw as it could be something quite disturbing.
Do you believe that dreams have meanings?
Every religion interprets a dream in a different way.
Do you think dream will affect life?
I am not sure what the connection is, but I do believe that there is strong connection between the dreams and the real world.
Do you want to learn more about dreams?
I do not think I would like to know more about dreams. As I was saying earlier, every culture has a different way of interpreting dreams and if one needs to learn everything about the interpretation of the dream, one will be required to learn about all the different teachings.
What’s the goal life for you? Why is it important?
It is my goal to become a successful entrepreneur. It is important to me because this is what I have desired for many years.
Do you think that goals are different for people of different ages?
People of different ages have different goals. I think every person’s life is divided in segment. In every segment of life, a person has different goals and once one goal has been achieved a person goes the next goal. There are both short-term and long-term goals and every person in this world would be required to set them to live a practical life.
Holidays
What do you in your holidays?
I mostly watch TV in my holidays.
Do you think holidays are becoming more and more important?
Yes, our lives are getting busier, and most people get very less time to spend with their families.
What kind of places do you want to travel to?
I love to travel to places which are not very popular tourist spots. Places which are very popular spots have many people.
Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
I like to travel in a group because in that I would get to have more interaction with the people and have share great experiences.
Flowers
Do you love flowers? Why?
I love flowers. Since I was a child, I have loved flowers.
What is your favorite flower?
My favorite flower is rose. I even love the name rose. Rose is a very beautiful flower and its smell is overwhelming.
Do you think flowers are important?
I think flowers are very important. They are important part of every occasion in my culture. Important occasions are incomplete if we do not have flowers.
Are flowers important in your culture?
Flowers are very important in my culture. Flowers are used a lot on marriages and birthdays. Flowers are also used when a person dies.
Do people in your country ever use flowers for special occasions?
Yes, people in my country use flowers for most special occasions. Flowers are used a lot on marriages, anniversaries and birthdays. Flowers are also used when someone dies or when someone is born. Flowers are given on anniversaries and birthdays. Flowers are also given when people achieve something is substantial.
What are the occasions when people give or receive flowers?
Yes, flowers are given as gifts. Flowers are considered safe gifts. There are very few people who would be allergic to flowers, so they are quite popular gifts.
When was the last time you gave flowers to someone?
I remember that the last I gave flowers to my mother-in-law on her birthday.
Photography
Do you like to take photographs?
I like to take photographs. Even though I do not have any proper training to take photographs, I believe I am quite good at taking photographs.
Do you prefer to take photos alone or with other people?
I do not want people to take my photos, but if I am to be photographed, I would like to be in a group. I am more comfortable in group photos. It seems quite awkward to me to be standing alone for a photo to be taken.
For how long have you been taking photographs?
I started taking photographs after my son was born.
How and why did you become interested in photographs?
I became interested in photography after my son was born. I used to take about 2 or 3 photographs of him, and as the time passed, I got better at taking photographs.
Terrorism
Have you ever heard of terrorism?
Terrorism is a global phenomenon now. Most people know of it and use it regularly.
Do you think it is the biggest problem in the world today?
Yes, I think it is the biggest problem in the world. People are in a state of constant fear due to terrorism. Innocent lives have been lost due to terrorism and countries have suffered hefty losses due to terrorism.
Outdoor Activities
How often do you go outside every week?
I go for my work for 4 days in a week and I go out for 3 days for my recreational activities.
I usually go for a walk when I go out. Apart from going for a walk, I also like to watch movies in the cinema.
What activities do you usually do when you go outside?
When I am free, I prefer to stay at home. I have my eyes glued to the TV in my free time, so I spend limited time on outdoor activities. I would say that I spend roughly 2 hours a day on my weekend. People these days spend approximately 60 minutes on doing exercise.
What kind of outdoor activity do you often do?
I often go for a walk. I have a park which is 10 minutes away from house. I get to spend a lot of time over there because most of my family members also love to spend time over there.
What are the advantages of outdoor activities?
There are innumerable advantages of indulging in outdoor activities. Firstly, a person would be able to have physical activity. Secondly, outdoor mostly give people the chance to have some social interaction with people.
How should children balance outdoor activities and indoor activities?
I think it would be unfair to expect children to balance these two different kinds of activities. It should be the responsibility of the parents and schools to help them have a balance.
Mirror
Do you often look in the mirror?
I have a cousin who has this obsession to look at the mirror. After observing him, I have started looking at the mirror less. I find it peculiar to look at the mirror. I certainly do look at the mirror when I have to use the bathroom, but other than that I am not that into looking at the mirror.
Do you often buy mirror?
I don’t remember the time when I bought a mirror for myself. I think it must have been years ago when I bought a very small mirror and even that was for someone else.
Where do you think mirrors are a necessary decoration?
Mirrors are very important for decoration in a house. Framed mirrors can make a place very beautiful.
Robot
Are you interested in robots? Why?
Robots have never intrigued me. I think it could be due to the reason that I have never studied anything about them.
Do you like robots to work at your home?
I do not feel comfortable with robots. I think that could be due to the fact that a lot of movies have shown robots going against humans through artificial intelligence. It could be due to this that I feel uncomfortable with robots.
Do you want to sit in a car which is being driven by a robot?
Most can manufacturers are working on this idea, but I do not think that I would be comfortable with this notion.
Will robots replace human beings in the workplace completely?
Robots would never be able to replace humans completely.
Swimming
Do you like swimming?
I like swimming a lot. I have been doing swimming since my childhood. My school used to have a very big swimming pool and I used to swim there 3 times in a week.
How often do you swim?
I go for swimming 3 days in a week. There is club near my house, which I often visit.
Do you like to go swimming on holiday?
Yes, I love to go for swimming on a holiday. I do not find much time on the weekdays as I have to work for 14 hours in a day.
Should everyone learn swimming? Why?
I think everyone should learn how to swim. It is something which would be very useful in case of some emergency, and it is also a very productive activity. Swimming is perhaps the only activity through which a person can keep every part of his or her body active.
Visit Homes
Do you often invite friends to visit your home?
I do not invite them often. I seldom invite them to my house. I think if a person will invite someone, one will have to do a lot of things to entertain that person. Thus, I try to avoid inviting people.
Do you like visitors coming to your home?
I like it when they are my family members. I also like it because when people come to my course, good food is cooked.
Do people often visit you at your home?
Visitors normally visit my house on the weekend.
Do you prefer to have friends with you, or relatives?
I like it when relatives come to my house. I don’t exactly remember that I ever invited my friends to my home at my school was done.
What do you usually do together with your visitors?
When visitors visit my home, I usually talk with them about the prevailing matters of the country. I also eat with them.
When someone visits you, how do you usually show hospitality?
I usually offer my visitors food. This is something which is considered the custom of my country. When I used to be younger, I used to offer them to play video game, but as the time passed, I got less indulged in video games.
Toy
What was your favorite toy in childhood?
I used to be obsessed with wrestlers. My favorite toys were mostly WWE wrestlers, and my favorite toy was Bret Heart.
Should parents buy many toys for their children?
I do not think that parents should buy a lot of toys for their children. This is something which will spoil their children. When children would have many toys, they would not value them a lot.
What are the benefits of children playing with toys?
Children having toys have a sense of ownership. Most children feel happy after playing with the toys as they are very much attached to those toys. Some toys can also educate children.
What are the disadvantages of children playing with toys?
Children who play a lot with toys end up having secluded lives. They have very less social interaction, and they start to live in the imaginary world. I have also observed that children who play with toys a lot have a never ending urge of possessing more toys.
Watches/Time
Do you usually wear a watch?
There were many years when I did not wear a watch, but for the last 3 years, I have been wearing a watch.
Do you think time is very important?
Yes, I think time is very important. We all should value time and try to manage our time, so that we end up having a balanced life.
Where did you get your watch?
I recently got a watch from Orlando.
What do you use your watch for?
I use the watch to check the time. I know there are many other ways to find what the time is, but I believe that I have become habitual of checking the time on my watch.
Do you often look at your watch?
I am a teacher by profession and I have to check the time again and again. Sometimes, I check the wall clock, but most of the time I prefer to look at my watch.
Are you ever late for anything?
I try not to be late, but there are times when I do get late and I think it leaves a very bad impression on the other person. Hence, I do everything possible to reach on time, and I believe my watch helps me a lot to stay punctual.
How do you feel when you are late for an appointment?
I feel embarrassed. I feel that I have wasted the time of other people, and now I do not deserve to stay at the place.
How do you feel when others are late?
Being late is something very common in my country. I have been working as a teacher for the last 8 years now. I know how important it is to be on time because even if one person gets late, the entire class suffers.
If you could go back in time, what would you do?
If I could go back in time, I would have taken life much more seriously in my high school. I think that I was not very serious about my life in my teens and that is something I would change for sure.
Friends
Do you think friends are important in your life?
Yes, I think friends are important in life. There are certain stages of life when one would need friends a lot and if one does not have friends, he or she would feel alone.
What does friendship mean to you?
To me, friendship is a relationship which only works in good times. It is not something very strong, and one has to make many sacrifices to keep the friendship alive.
How can you be a good friend to others?
The best way to be a good friend is to be truthful to your friend without being rude. It is better to have an honest friend than to have a sycophant.
What are the qualities you value in your best friend?
I would like my friend to be respectful. I would also like my friend to be not that much interfering in my life. I hate people who judge people without knowing the stories of other people.
How do people make friends with others?
I think circumstances enable friendships to be formed. No matter how much you may want to form a friendship with the person, it would never be formed if the circumstances are not suitable. If I have to make a new friend, I would certainly start by finding a common friend.
What are the differences between adults and children in making friends?
Adults usually keep friendships for ulterior motives. However, children make friends without having any personal agendas. Friendships formed in childhood tend to be much stronger and original than the friendships formed later in their lives.
Where do young people meet in your city?
Young people in my city usually meet in the cafes and restaurant. They also meet in the parks.
Do you usually meet new people?
I get to meet new people every day. I meet about 20 to 25 new people every day. My work requires me to know about 20 to 25 people every day.
Have you made any friends on the internet?
I have been able to keep my friendship because of internet, but I have never made friends on the internet. To me, it is not something safe and doable.
How can you keep in touch with your friends if you two are not seeing each other frequently?
I think internet can enable to keep in touch even if they are living far away from each other.
Shoes
How many shoes do you have?
I have 11 pairs of shoes, but I wear the same pair every day.
Do you like shopping for shoes?
I love to shop for shoes. Nonetheless, I am never certain about which shoe I should buy and which shoe I should not buy.
How often do you buy shoes?
I buy shoes once in a year. I recently went for a vacation and I bought 3 pair of shoes from there.
What kinds of shoes do you usually buy?
I like to buy shoes which are comfortable. I am not a person obsessed with brands, but there is a brand which makes really good shoes, so I tend to buy my shoes from there.
Do you prefer comfortable shoes or good-looking shoes?
I always prefer comfortable shoes because I have to stay on my feet for a long time, and if I would only go for good-looking shoes, my feet would hurt.
Are people willing to buy expensive shoes?
Yes, people are willing to buy expensive shoes as it is considered a status symbol. People tend to be impressed by those who wear expensive shoes.
Activities near water
Why do so many people like going to places with water such as lakes, rivers or the oceans?
People like to go to places near water because water can have a pacifying effect on people.
What kind of leisure activities do people like to in places such as on the ocean, or at the beach?
People like to do swimming near the beach. Children like to make sand castles. Teenagers usually like to play games like volleyball near the beach.
As a place to spend some leisure time, do you believe beach is a safe place for children?
I think it is suitable for children as they would be able indulge in many outdoor activities over there. I believe safety of the children should be taken into account when they are around the beach. Old people would only be able to do sunbathing as their older age might not allow them to indulge in strenuous physical activities.
Do you think children and old people for the same types of things when they go to the beach?
Children normally play with the sand. Older people usually relax by lying down on the beach.
What activities would you do if you were spending some leisure time on the beach?
I think I might play volleyball on the beach. I might also go for a walk.
Why do some people like water sports?
People like indulge water sports because they make people the opportunity to have some physical activity.
Do you think the government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports?
I think government should spend money on investing money in developing water sports. This will provide people the opportunity to do physical activity.
Do you think that human activity is posing a threat to the oceans of the world?
Yes, we human beings are showing apathy towards the problem we are creating. We are destroying the marine life by dumping everything in the oceans. We are also responsible for the contamination of water.
How important is water in people’s everyday lives?
Water is very important in everyone’s life. People have to drink water and use water for cleaning purposes. I would go to the extent of saying that water is perhaps the most important thing on earth.
DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS
How often do you visit art galleries?
I do not visit the art galleries that often. I went to an art gallery last month which was exhibiting abstract art.
What kinds of things do you like to draw?
No, I do not think it is easy to draw. Some people may believe that it is something which could be done without any effort, but one has to do a lot of effort to learn on how to draw.
Is it easy to learn how to draw?
For most people, it is quite a cumbersome task to learn on how to draw. However, if one is given the proper guidance, the person would be able to learn the skill.
Do you like painting/ drawing? Why?
I am not very fond of painting. Although I was provided art classes till Grade 10, I never developed an inclination towards it. I think I did not like it because I have never been an art lover. Moreover, whenever I tried to draw something beautiful, I failed in my endeavor.
Do you think children should learn drawing?
Yes, I think children should learn drawing because it can be a means of catharsis for them. What is more, some children can even explore their inner talents and innate skills, which could lead them to adopting drawing as a profession.
Why do primary schools have painting class?
Primary schools tend to provide painting classes because most children are fascinated by colors, and that is how primary schools actuate them to start their journeys towards learning.
Why do people display art work (painting) at their homes?
Since art is loved by most people, people display it at their homes. Furthermore, paintings can make a place beautiful. Even a dull area, can be made beautiful if there is a painting there. I recall that there was an area in my house which was quite boring, but after I hung a painting there, the area now looks quite attractive.
Have you ever bought any painting?
Last month, I bought two paintings from a local gallery. They were providing a discount of 50%, and I did not want to lose the opportunity to avail it.
Do you think painting (or drawing) is important for adults?
Without a doubt, painting is very important for adults. I know so many adults who claim that they can alleviate their worries by painting. Moreover, painting is a hobby which can even enable people to earn money.
Do you still draw those pictures that you did in your childhood?
I used to draw pictures of dinosaurs and houses when I was younger. Now, I no longer draw those pictures. However, I am quite fond of drawing pictures of cars these days. Initially, it was quite exacting to draw it, but with time, I have improved a lot.
Hanging out with friends
How often do you like to hang out with friends?
I seldom hang out with my friends because I have a very busy routine. Even if I want to hang out more, my workload and professional obligations do not allow me meet my friends more than once in a week.
Who do you usually like to hang out with?
I have some schools friends with whom I have remained in contact.
Where do you like to go when you hang out with your friends?
Although most people meet at restaurants, I love to meet my friends at my home. The good thing about meeting at home is that one can talk in whatever manner he or she pleases. Also, all of my friends love the food which is cooked at my home.
Do you like to go out with a big group or juts few friends?
I do not like to meet a big group of friends since I am an introvert by nature. I just love to hang out with the friends who have been in my life for years.
TEACHERS
Do you have a favourite teacher?
I have had many good teachers in my educational journey, but there was one teacher who has had a great impact on my life. In my Grade 5, my math teacher, Mr. Smith, left the school in the second term and the school had to find a replacement. The replacement was Mr. Amir. He taught me Math. He was a very strict teacher, yet very helpful.
What kinds of teachers do you like?
I do not like polite and friendly teacher because they normally do not end up fulfilling their duties. If a teacher would be too accommodating, students would be able to take advantage of the teacher. As far as I remember, there was an English teacher in my school who was very friendly, but students always mistreated him, and never allowed him to deliver the lectures.
What are the qualities of a good teacher?
There are 2 core qualities which should be present in every good teacher. Firstly, the teacher should be able to impart the knowledge which he or she possesses. Secondly, a good teacher should be able to motivate the students whenever they are feeling demotivated or disheartened.
Do you think teachers should be angry at students or not?
It depends on what the purpose of anger is. Teachers should never try to ridicule the students just for the sake it. I have seen many teachers who just get angry at students because they believe that a teacher is supposed to behave in that manner. This is something which is not justified. However, if a student is not doing what he or she is supposed to do, the anger would be warranted.
Do you like strict teachers?
Personally, I love strict teachers because they are able maintain the decorum of the class.
What’s the difference between young and old teachers?
Young teachers are more practical and friendly. On the other hand, old teachers are more pedantic and inflexible. I would always love to study from a young teacher as he would be able to teach with enthusiasm and interest.
