English Lesson 50

History and special people

Learning about history, a person who means a lot to you, and families and friendships.

How to practise
  1. Listen to an answer two times. Read the text while you listen.
  2. Shadow it. Set the speed to 0.75×. Play it again and speak at the same time as the voice.
  3. Turn on practice mode. The answers are hidden. Read each question and answer it out loud.
  4. Make it yours. Use the same phrases, but say true things about your city, your job and your life.
  5. Practise with a partner. One person reads the questions. The other answers without looking.
Speed

Part 1 · Interview

History

Short answers. About 20 to 30 seconds each. Answer, give a reason, add one detail.

Do you like history?

Yes, I do, but I didn't like it at school. We just memorised dates and names. Now I enjoy learning about history from podcasts and documentaries, because they tell stories about real people.

  • I didn't like it at schooltalk about the past
  • memorised dates and nameslearned them by heart
  • they tell stories about real peoplegive a reason

How often do you watch historical films or documentaries?

Probably once or twice a month. I especially like documentaries about ancient civilisations, like Egypt and Persia. Historical films are fun too, but they often change the facts to make the story more dramatic.

  • once or twice a monthsay how often
  • ancient civilisationsvery old societies
  • more dramaticmore exciting and emotional

Which historical person would you like to learn more about? Why?

I'd like to learn more about Cyrus the Great. He was a Persian king about two and a half thousand years ago. People say he respected different religions and cultures, which was very unusual at that time.

  • I'd like to learn more about…say your interest
  • People say he…talk about what others believe
  • very unusual at that timerare in that period

Where are you from, and how long have you lived there?

I'm from Rasht, a city in the north of my country, near the Caspian Sea. I've lived there for twenty-seven years, so all my life. It's famous for its rain and its delicious food.

  • I've lived there for…present perfect
  • so all my lifesince I was born
  • It's famous for…say what people know it for

Part 2 · Cue card

A person who is special to you

You get 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1 to 2 minutes. Follow the four points on the card in order.

Candidate task card

Describe a person who is special or means a lot to you.

You should say:

  • how you met him or her
  • what this person is like
  • what you usually do together
  • and explain why this person is so special to you
Ready 1:00

Start

I'd like to talk about my older brother, Amir. He means a lot to me, maybe more than anyone else.

How you met

Well, of course, I've known him all my life. He's six years older than me, so when I was born, he was already at school. He used to carry me around and show me to his friends.

What he is like

He's tall and calm, and he has a very good sense of humour. He's a doctor now. He works very hard, but he always has time for his family.

What you do together

Every Friday, we go for a run in the park together, and then we have breakfast in a small café. We talk about everything: work, life and football. Sometimes he gives me advice about my career.

Why he is special

He's special because he's always supported me. When I failed my university entrance exam the first time, I felt terrible. He helped me study for a whole year, and the next time, I passed. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.

  • He means a lot to mehe is very important to me
  • I've known him all my lifesince I was born
  • a very good sense of humourhe is funny
  • he always has time for his familyhe makes time for us
  • He believed in mehe trusted that I could do it
  • when I didn't believe in myselfwhen I had no confidence

Part 3 · Discussion

Family and friends

Longer answers. About 30 to 45 seconds. Give your opinion, explain why, and give an example.

Why is our family special to us?

Our family is the first group we belong to. They know us better than anyone, and they love us without conditions. They support us in difficult times and celebrate our success. That's why family is so special.

  • the first group we belong tothe first people we are part of
  • without conditionsalways, no matter what
  • celebrate our successare happy when we do well

How has the average family size changed in your country in the last few decades?

Families have become much smaller. My grandparents had seven or eight children, which was normal at that time. Now, most families have one or two children, because life is expensive and both parents usually work.

  • decadesperiods of ten years
  • much smallerdescribe a change
  • which was normal at that timeit was usual then

How do you think families will change in the future?

I think families will continue to get smaller. Young people are getting married later, and some people may decide not to have children. Families may also live further apart, in different cities or countries, but technology will help them stay in contact.

  • continue to get smallerkeep becoming smaller
  • getting married latermarrying at an older age
  • live further apartlive at a bigger distance

How do people in your country usually make friends?

Most people make friends at school or university. Many people also make friends at work. Neighbours can become good friends too, especially in small towns. And these days, some people meet friends through hobbies or online groups.

  • make friendsstart friendships
  • especially in small townsmore in small places
  • through hobbiesby doing activities they like

Is it easier to make new friends now than in the past?

It's easier to meet new people, because of the internet. But I think it's harder to make deep friendships. People are busier, and they move more often. In the past, people lived in the same place their whole lives, so their friendships were very strong.

  • It's easier to meet new peoplethe first part of a balanced answer
  • deep friendshipsvery close friendships
  • their whole livesall their lives

What qualities are needed to be good friends?

Trust is the most important quality. Good friends are also honest and loyal. They listen to each other and respect each other's opinions, even when they disagree. And they're there for each other in good and bad times.

  • Trust is the most important qualitygive the main point
  • honest and loyaltruthful and always supportive
  • even when they disagreeeven with different opinions
  • in good and bad timesalways

Audio: Microsoft neural voices. A British voice reads the examiner's questions, and an American voice reads the model answers.