Topic: Describe a person who has an influence on you.
You should say:
– Who this person is
– How/ When you met him/her
– How he/she has made an impact on you/ your life/ your study…
So far, I always consider myself lucky to meet lots of wonderful teachers throughout the academic years, one of them is my English teacher, Mr. Bill. Indeed, meeting him is an essential turning point in my path of conquering English. I had the opportunity to work with him when I was a freshman at the university. At first sight, I was truly impressed by his well-mannered eloquence and behavior. His unique way of teaching, in fact, provoked my passion for this language. To be more specific, Mr. Bill altered my perspective on learning English. Before I met him, for me, English is just the matter of reading, grammars or writing and I barely paid any attention to the other factors. However, he showed me the vital role of sounds and intonation. Since then, under his guidance, I concentrated more on the way native speakers create their sounds and exerted myself to imitate that. Over a few months, my speaking and listening were upgraded a lot and I became addicted to immersing myself in English. It is my teacher that lighted up my study journey and inspired me to continuously practice for a better me.
QUESTIONS FOR PART 3
1. How do people make friends?
Well, I guess not much different from other countries. Usually, we meet new friends at either school, in classes or at the workplace. Sometimes, we can also befriend our friends’ friends. I think that’s how people make friends most of the time.
2. Who is more important to you, friends or family?
Ah this is such a difficult question to answer. I have always thought of my close friends as family too so they are just as important to me as my family members. But then I guess my family is still everything to me. Friends can turn their back on you but the family would never do that, you know. At least in my case, I can always trust my family members to support and be there for me in difficult times, but I cannot say the same thing about all of my friends, except for those whom I’m close with.
3. Do you like to be friends with someone who is different from you?
I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be friends with someone who is different from me. Of course, there will be some disadvantages; for example, since it is more likely that we will have opposing opinions about a situation, we might get into altercations more often. Especially if one of us is the stubborn type, then it would be hard for us to get along and our relationship might not end too well. Yet, I believe there are still people with contrasting personalities, who are compatible with and complement each other. Plus, I find it very interesting to get to know people whose personalities are different from mine, as I feel like it would help me open my eyes to new ways of thinking as well as change my perspective about many things.
4. Do you have any foreign friends?
Yes, I do. While living in Australia for the last two years, I have been able to make many new foreign friends, some of whom I am very close to and still stay in touch with.
5. Why is it easier to make friends on the Internet than in reality?
I think it’s mainly because it’s always much easier for people to hide behind a computer screen and express themselves than having to do so face-to-face or in front of a lot of people. On the Internet, people don’t really know who you are. They might know you through your profile pictures and the self-description that you put up on your personal page but they can’t know everything about you. They know neither your past nor your face unless you choose to show them and I think that’s what gives most people the courage to be their real selves without the fear of others’ judgment. Also, making friends on the Internet usually requires less time and money, as usually people would only talk or chat online without having to physically meet each other.
6. What social values should parents teach children?
I think if one day I have children, I would love to teach them about honesty, respect for other people, responsibility for their family and also about giving back to the community they are growing up in. It would be great if I could instill a mind-set of gratitude in them, as I personally believe that only those who know how to appreciate what they have, even the little things, will have the potential to go far in life.
7. Many children misbehave at school what are the reasons?
There can be many causes behind such misbehaviors. One reason could be that kids can be influenced by the friends they hang out with, so if your kids are befriended by some delinquents, there’s a higher chance that they will get up to no good. Also, this might have something to do with children’s low self-esteem. You know when kids are young, they tend to be more insecure and reckless so they might act up and disobey rules on purpose while trying to cover up their vulnerability and self-doubt.
8. Do you think mass media have a great impact on the young generation?
Yes definitely. Especially with television and the Internet becoming readily accessible at both school and home nowadays, the impact that the media is having on the youth is greater than ever before. Such influence can be both positive and negative. For example, watching/viewing violent media content often enough can make it more likely that children will behave in an aggressive way and be less understanding of other people’s needs and feelings. On the other hand, teenagers who are exposed to and take an interest in the news are more likely to be interested in major social and political issues. This can help educate them and encourage them to become more involved as citizens in their communities.
9. Why is it hard for adults to change?
There can be numerous reasons why some grownups resist change. I think the primary reason lies with people’s fear of excessive uncertainty that is usually associated with change. Imagine yourself walking off a cliff blindfolded. Scary, isn’t it? Doing things for the first time or stepping into the unknown can be pretty frightening too. Most of the time, people only seek change when they get frustrated with their current situation and the only way out is to look for a positive way forward. It would be a lot harder for people to change if they couldn’t find such motivation or courage to take those first steps to move out of their comfort zone.
10. How to help young people to develop good habits?
In my opinion, adults, first and foremost, must lead by setting a good example for children. As children grow and learn mostly from watching the people around them, the way adults handle the ups and downs of life can teach the young a lot about how to behave and get along with others. It’s also important to show respect for children and refrain from using the word “don’t” whenever possible. Furthermore, encouraging the kids with praise and giving them positive attention for good behaviors can motivate them to build and maintain more good habits.
VOCABULARY
Befriend (verb): to be friendly towards someone
It is not advisable to befriend your boss or your teacher.
To turn one’s back on sb: deny, reject; also abandon, forsake
I can’t turn my back on my own daughter, no matter what she’s done.
Altercation (noun): verbal fight
According to witnesses, the altercation between the two men started inside the restaurant.
Stubborn (adj): having or showing a dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something
They have huge arguments because they’re both so stubborn.
To get along: have a harmonious or friendly relationship
Those two just don’t get along.
Compatible (adj): able to have a harmonious relationship
It was when we started living together that we found we just weren’t compatible.
Complement (verb): add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves it
The music complements her voice perfectly.
To open one’s eyes: become or make someone aware of the truth of a situation
The trip to Zimbabwe opened her eyes to the difficulties faced by developing nations.
Perspective (noun): a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view
You’re approaching the problem from a completely different perspective.
To stay/keep in touch: to maintain communications with someone
After my neighbor moved, we still kept in touch.
Instill (verb): gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude, especially a desirable one) in a person’s mind
It is part of a teacher’s job to instill confidence in/into his or her students.
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Mindset (noun): the established set of attitudes held by someone
It’s extraordinary how hard it is to change the mindset of the public and the press.
Gratitude (noun): the quality of being thankful
She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude.
Potential (noun): the possibility of something happening or of someone doing something in the future
I don’t feel I’m achieving my full potential in my present job.
To go far in life: be successful
Children should be encouraged to go far in life and to set their goals high and reach for them.
Delinquent (noun): a person, usually young, who behaves in a way that is illegal or not acceptable to most people
There are many ways that parents can do to help juvenile delinquents change.
To be/get up to no good: doing something bad
I could tell from the look on Tom’s face that he was up to no good.
Self-esteem (noun): confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
She suffers from low self-esteem and it prevents her from pursuing her goals.
Reckless (adj): without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action
These punks have a reckless disregard for the law.
To act up: misbehave
Sometimes kids act up because they just want attention.
Disobey (verb): fail to obey
He was punished for disobeying orders.
Vulnerability (noun): the quality of being weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally
He was intensely aware of his own vulnerability.
Aggressive (adj): ready or likely to attack or confront
He gets aggressive when he’s drunk.
Blindfolded (adj): to cover someone’s eyes with a blindfold
She is challenged to solve the Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.
Frightening (adj): making someone afraid or anxious; terrifying
It is frightening to think what might happen if she left him.
Comfort zone (noun): a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
Praise (noun): the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something
They deserve praise for all their hard work.