PART 1
LIST / MAKING A LIST
ANSWERS
Do you make a shopping list when you go shopping?
(Answer 1)
Yes, I always do because I don’t want to overspend. I’ve made a habit of not buying things that I don’t need, as you know when you’re in the supermarket or shopping mall, the temptation of splurging on some things that you don’t need is always there. So, making a list helps me discipline myself to spend thriftily.
(Answer 2)
Not at all because I rarely go shopping anyway. I mean if I get the chance to go to a mall or supermarket, I already know what I need to buy. As I’m living alone, I’ve become so familiar with the things that I need at home, especially the basic ones. I think that’s the good thing about living on your own – you don’t need so many things.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Make a habit [idiom] – doing something so often that it becomes a habit
Splurging [verb] – spend money extravagantly
Thriftily [adv.] – in a way that shows careful use of money
Get the chance [phrase] – to have; to get
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: The speaker provided a positive direct answer to the question and gave his main reason. Then, he expanded his answer by talking about the general tendency to buy unwanted things in shops if he didn’t make any list. He simply ended his answer by stating that making a list was a form of discipline. The last line served as his conclusive statement.
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker gave a negative answer at once and talked about the frequency of his visit to a shop. To extend his answer a bit longer, he simply talked about his situation which is also the main reason why he’s not into making a list. Direct to the point answer!
Do you make a to-do list at work?
(Answer 1)
Definitely, I always practice organizing things at work because it gives me peace of mind. By doing that, I’m able to work more efficiently and at the same time free myself from worrying about deadlines or forgetting some minor tasks that are most likely missed, especially when things get much busier.
(Answer 2)
Yes, of course, that’s actually one important part of our company’s self-development training program for us workers. Making a to-do list is very beneficial not only for working effectively but also for developing our personal lives better. Honestly, I’m really glad that our company introduced the idea of making a to-do list, it makes a huge difference in my life.
(Answer 3)
No, and honestly that has never crossed my mind. I think I should do that so I’ll be able to organize things at work. Oh, I’m so dumb for not realizing the importance of making a to-do list. I better start making one.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Peace of mind [expression] – the mental state of calmness
Cross one’s mind [idiom] – to be thought of; to suddenly occur on one’s mind
Dumb [adj.] – lacking intelligence
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: The speaker answered positively using an expression that expressed a yes. Then talked about the main benefit he got upon practicing listing. Brief answer but spontaneous!
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker naturally expressed a yes answer and connected his answer to the training program he underwent in his company. It’s a wise answer as he’s able to expound his answer by using the idea he got from the development training that his company had provided.
iii.) ANSWER 3: The speaker was very natural in answering the question especially since he used great expressions. The way he formulated his answer made him sound confident and realistic. Brief but easy to understand and relatable.
Why don’t some people like making lists?
(Answer 1)
I really dunno, perhaps, it’s bothersome for some people because they have other more important things to do, and making lists is not their priority. Or maybe some people are just lazy making one or some people don’t need that since they’ve already memorized the things that they have to do every single day of their lives.
(Answer 2)
I suppose that’s because some people are not seeing the value of listing or organizing things. They get used to being in a rush, being unorganized, seeing clutter, and the like, as a result, that’s become a habit that is hard to break. I may be wrong but that’s just my opinion, anyway.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Bothersome [adj.] – annoying
Clutter [noun as used in the answer] – the collections of things that are in an untidy state
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: The speaker gave a negative answer and expressed his different assumptions as he’s not indeed sure of the reason. He simply explained each assumption he had to speak at length. Do what the speaker was doing if you aren’t sure of your answer. That way will surely help you a lot!
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker simply gave his opinion stating that perhaps those kinds of people do not see the importance of organization. He described the tendencies of unorganized people as his answer. Simple but realistic.
Do you prefer to make a list on paper or on your phone?
(Answer 1)
I’ve remained old-fashioned, especially when it comes to making a to-do list and listing groceries. I really enjoy writing the things that I need to do in my journal or listing the food items that I need to buy on a piece of paper because that’s the only time that I can write using a pen.
(Answer 2)
I prefer the latter because it’s more convenient, I actually used an application that I can list all the things that I need to do for a day, a week, or even a month. That app has an alarm to remind me of the listed tasks that I need to complete, so there’s no reason for forgetting the task. It’s extremely handy!
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Old-fashioned [adj.] – not modern
Take something away [phrasal verb] – to remove
Latter [adj.] – the second-mentioned
Handy [adj.] – useful; convenient
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Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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