【直击考场】雅思8分老师分享实战7分口语

I live in a residential area in the western part of my city. It’s a mix of residential buildings and small local shops, not too far from the city center but quiet enough.

Yeah, I really do. The best thing about it is the convenience—there are supermarkets, cafes, and parks within walking distance. Also, the neighbors are friendly, which makes it feel like a tight community. The only small downside is that it can get a bit busy during rush hour, but overall, it’s a great place to live.

Probably not forever, but I’ll stay for at least a few more years. Right now, it fits my needs perfectly because it’s close to my workplace and has everything I need. However, I might move to a bigger place in the suburbs with more space in the longer future.

The last time I went to a museum was about two months ago. I visited a local history museum with a friend—they had an exhibition about the city’s industrial history, which was really inspiring. We spent a couple of hours there, appreciating those old photos and artifacts.

Yes, actually. My hometown has a decent number of museums including main art museums, natural history museums, and several smaller ones focused on local culture or science. They’re located in different districts, but most are easy to reach by public transport.

Not quite often—maybe two or three times a year. I enjoy visiting museums when there’s a special exhibition that catches my attention, like a temporary art show or a historical display, but I don’t go regularly.

Absolutely. I used to borrow books a lot from my classmates when I was in university—especially textbooks, because they are always expensive, you know. 

Only once, actually. A few years ago, I forgot my wallet when I was out with a friend and needed to borrow some cash for a taxi home. I paid them back the next day, and it was just a small amount. I try to avoid borrowing money if I can, because I don’t like owing people things.

I do mind actually, because it’s pretty private with all of messages and photos. But if it’s an emergency for a quick call or to check something, I wouldn’t hesitate to lend it to others. 

Again, it depends on the situation. If it’s a small amount and the person is someone I trust (like a close friend or family member) who really needs it, I’m happy to help. But I’d be cautious about lending large sums of money, because it can sometimes cause tension if it’s not paid back on time.

In my country, it’s quite common for people to eat with colleagues, especially during weekdays. Many office workers have lunch together in company cafeterias or nearby restaurants—this isn’t just about satisfying hunger, but also a way to build rapport and discuss work or casual topics. For example, teams might grab a quick meal after a morning meeting to debrief informally.

While it’s less frequent on weekends or after work, since most people prefer to spend that time with family or friends. Some people also choose to eat alone if they need quiet time, but group meals with colleagues are still a regular part of workplace culture.

Absolutely—food culture is deeply prioritized in my country, and it’s tied closely to family and tradition. For instance, family gatherings almost always center on sharing a home-cooked meal with unique recipes, and festivals are celebrated by special dishes (like dumplings during Spring Festival or mooncakes at Mid-Autumn Festival). Meanwhile, people also take pride in regional cuisines—ranging from Sichuan’s spicy food to Cantonese dim sum. This shows that food culture isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s also a way to preserve heritage and connect with others.

How is cultural identity reflected in food, and how far can this go?

Oh, that’s quite a general question. I’d say cultural identity is mirrored in food in countless ways, especially in ingredients and cooking methods that all carry symbolic meanings. For example, in my culture, rice is a staple—not just because it’s abundant, but because it’s linked to ideas of “home”, reflecting our agricultural roots. When it comes to England, Fish and chips also carry this identity. By the way, food can act as a powerful “cultural ambassador”—it’s one of the most accessible ways for a culture to be understood globally. I mean, people can even tell where you are from based on what you order in the restaurant. After all, everyone eats, and every meal can tell a story about who we are.