All posts by weblio PH

Expert Conversation: Music

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Have you heard? The band, Red Earl, will have a concert here in January! Do you want to go?
Of course! I want to watch them live, too. I became a fan after you made me listen to their single “Welcome Reputation”.

Aren’t their songs fantastic? “Welcome Reputation” is my personal favorite so far. The lyrics are nothing short of poetry and the lead guitarist, Harry Summers, played their song in perfect harmony.
Indeed, considering how today’s music values entertainment over creativity. I hate those popular electronic dance songs with nonsensical lyrics. Who listens to them, anyway?

My sister does. I really don’t understand her taste in music.
Well, you can’t always please everyone. Anyway, you can come over at my place if you want to see all of my Red Earl albums.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What are your most and least favorite kinds of music?
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2. What is your favorite song?
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3. Who is your favorite singer?
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4. Do you like classical music?
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5. If you could play a musical instrument with a famous singer/musician, who would that be and what instrument would you two play?
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6. Do you like to listen to Broadway musicals?
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7. Can you concentrate on other things when you are listening to music?
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8. When was the last time you watched a concert?
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9. What kind of music do you listen to when you’re sad?
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10. Is entertainment value more important than creative value when it comes to music?
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Expert Conversation: Economy and Livelihood

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I’m worried about the economy. There isn’t anything but bad news lately.
The inflation rate is 5.1%. The highest from the past 30 years. I heard that the government is planning on removing tariffs on basic commodities to lower their prices.

I don’t think that’s a good idea. What about locally produced products? They wouldn’t be able to compete with the imported ones.
True that. The inflation is brought by many different factors, but I think the major cause is the tax reform.

Not to mention, the increase in oil prices in the international market. I just hope that these problems will be solved soon.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What do you think are the economic concerns your country should prioritize? Why?
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2. What do you think about globalization?
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3. Can you cite advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
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4. Do you think ruining the environment is a necessary sacrifice for industrialization?
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5. What kinds of businesses are mostly successful in your country?
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6. Do you think an average person in your country cares about the state of the economy? How so?
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7. What kinds of economic programs from other countries would you like to see in your country?
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8. In your country, is it easy for mothers to get employed?
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9. How are the working conditions in your country?
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10. How do you think we can solve unemployment and poverty?
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Expert Conversation: Education and Languages

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Alice and you will be Ron. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Can I borrow your car, brother? I’m taking French Language proficiency exams this Saturday.
No problem. I didn’t know you’re learning French. When did you start?

I started four months ago. I’m planning to take my master’s degree in France, so I figured learning French will be a great help.
That’s true. French is a beautiful language. I would love to learn another language, too. However, I don’t think I have the time and patience for it.

You can, if you will, brother. I remember you took Japanese language classes in high school.
Sure, I did. I might start relearning Japanese when I decide to work there.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What subjects were you good and bad at when you were a student?
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2. What do you like best about the education in your country?
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3. Is it easy to get a job for those who didn’t go to college?
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4. Is college education expensive in your country?
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5. What do you think are the things that should be improved in the education in your country?
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6. How many languages do you speak?
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7. How did you learn your second language?
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8. What’s the best way to learn a foreign language?
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9. Which do you think is the most difficult language to learn?
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10. What languages would you like to learn in the future?
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Expert Conversation: Environment and Natural Disasters

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

It has been raining nonstop. I don’t think it’s safe to drive to work in this weather.
I’m not going to work, either. My route was reported to be flooded last night. I can’t believe that we’ve had three storms this month already. Another storm is predicted to hit our country in two days.

I hate this weather. We can’t do anything about it but be prepared for the worst. We are still lucky that this area is not flood-prone. I hope that everyone’s safe, especially those who are living in low-lying areas.
I hope so, too. Anyway, my friends and I are volunteering to help those were affected by the flood. Do you want to come with us? We will go this weekend.

Count me in. I would be glad to help.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. How often is garbage collected in your neighborhood?
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2. What is the most important environmental issue we are facing today?
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3. Do you think most people in your country care about the environment? Why? Why not?
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4. Some people say that we can live without the use of plastic. Do you agree or disagree?
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5. Can you imagine what would happen when fossil fuel (coal and natural gas) runs out?
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6. Do you think newly discovered diseases are caused by environmental problems?
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7. Do you think nuclear power is a safe source of electricity? Why or why not?
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8. What roles can the government and businesses play in solving environmental problems?
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9. What is the best alternative source of energy? Is it solar energy, thermal, wind, etc.?
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10. How can we protect the environment and at the same time improve our standard of living?
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Expert Conversation: Sports

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Ron. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I bought us tickets to Leonardo and Gaspar’s championship fight on December 20.
Really? I’m so excited. Leonardo injured his right fist on his last bout with Elseman, right? This fight with Gaspar is going to be his first title defense since his recovery.

True. He’s one of my most favorite boxers of all time. Out of his 32 fights, 27 were knockouts and he only had two loses. Although, Gaspar is not one to be underestimated.
I know. I just think it’s a waste that he had to relinquish his super middleweight belts for this one fight. If I were him, I would do no such thing. What a big gamble! What if he loses? He’ll be back to square one.

He has made his name and is already regarded as one of the greatest boxers of our generation. So technically, he wouldn’t have to start from the beginning if he loses. Anyway, I’m rooting for Leonardo.
Want to bet? I’m for Gaspar.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Why do you think many people like sports?
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2. What is the most common sport in your country?
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3. Do you prefer playing or watching sports?
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4. What do you think is the most popular sport in the world?
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5. What do you think is the most dangerous sport?
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6. What do you think is the most boring sport?
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7. What do you think is the most expensive sport?
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8. Do you think hosting the Olympics in one’s country is worth it despite its costs?
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9. If you were to be a professional athlete, which sport would you play?
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10. Does it bother you that people gamble on sporting events?
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Expert Conversation: Movies and Television

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I can’t believe you made me see that horrible movie. I should’ve watched “The Stallions”, instead.
It’s not that bad. The story just happened to be predictable. Still, the fight scenes were good. Also, Alexander Zala played a supporting role.

As expected, he was amazing. He was the only reason why I was able to finish the movie we watched. The only sad part is I think his acting skills were underestimated this time.
True. He is my favorite actor, you know. I’ve been a big fan of his movies ever since and he has received lots of awards from his acting skills. He also met his wife Emilia Turner on one of his movies.

Emilia Turner is his wife? Wow! I didn’t know that. They were always such a great pair in their movies. Anyway, do you want to watch their movies with my friends after our family dinner?
Sure. I’ll buy snacks for our movie night later.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What local and Hollywood movies are popular in your country?
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2. Who is your favorite actor/actress?
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3. Which movie and tv series genre do you like and dislike most? Why?
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4. What are the best and worst movies and/or tv series you have ever seen?
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5. Do you often watch movies at cinemas, on services like Netflix and Hulu, or on DVDs?
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6. Have you watched movies or TV series adaptations of popular books and comics? What do you think about them?
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7. What kinds of plots/stories do you hate seeing in movies and tv series?
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8. Some people say that it’s alright for historical movies to be historically inaccurate to look more creative. Do you agree or disagree?
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9. If you were a film director, what kind of movie would you like to make?
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10. If you were to portray a movie or tv character, who would it be?
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Intermediate Conversation: Jobs and Employment

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I just realized how hard it is to look for a job. I had a job interview yesterday.
It is really hard to look for a job nowadays. How did the interview go?

I think the interview went well. They said they would inform me of their decision by tomorrow.
Wow. That is quite fast. I guess they need to hire people as soon as possible.

I think so. I hope the manager will consider my concern about the work schedule if ever I get hired.
I think the manager would consider your concern about work schedule especially if you are really fit for the position. Anyway, best of luck!
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What do you think is the most common job in your country?
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2. Is it difficult to find a job in your country? Why? Why not?
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3. If given a choice, would you like to have an easy low-paying job or a difficult high-paying job?
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4. In a job, which one is more important for you, being productive or being friendly?
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5. What is the best job you’ve had? Why?
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6. What job did you want to have when you were a child?
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7. If given a chance, would you like to work as a boss or as a follower/member?
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8. What is your dream position in a company?
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9. Do you think it is necessary to take overtime at the office? Why? Why not?
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10. How do you feel when you have job interviews?
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Intermediate Conversation: Traffic and Transportation

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

My car broke down this afternoon. I don’t think I can use it by tomorrow. I am supposed to have a meeting with clients.
I’m sorry to hear that. I think you can ride a bus or a taxi instead.

I’m going to the Italian restaurant downtown. I would prefer taking a taxi since it is more convenient.
I guess so. I always take the bus going downtown because the fare is cheaper. The Italian restaurant is also near the bus stop so it is hassle-free.

You have a point there. Let me decide tomorrow. I think it depends on the traffic situation. Thanks for your help.
Sure thing. I hope there won’t be any traffic jams tomorrow.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What is your preferred mode of transportation when going to work/school? Why?
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2. What can you say about the public transportation in your country?
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3. What modes of transportation are available around your country?
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4. How much time do you spend travelling to work/school?
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5. Do you like walking? Why or why not?
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6. Have you ever ridden an airplane? Where did you go?
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7. Is riding a bus difficult in your country? Why? Why not?
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8. Have you ever ridden a boat or a ship? Where did you go?
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9. Do you fear riding certain types of transportation?
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10. Is it necessary to have your own vehicle? Why? Why not?
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Intermediate Conversation: Health

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

You do not seem energetic today. How are you feeling right now?
I have the flu. I will take a day off from work today to have some rest.

You seem really busy these past few weeks. You should also take good care of your health. Have you already been to the clinic?
Yes, I have. The doctor advised me to have some rest and take medicines for the flu.

I see. If you need help, just call me. Have some rest now. I hope you will feel better as soon as possible.
Thank you. I appreciate your concern.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Do you think you are a healthy person? Why? Why not?
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2. What was the worst illness you have ever experienced?
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3. How often do you get sick? /When was the last time?
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4. When was the last time you had a medical check-up?
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5. What common illnesses do you sometimes experience?
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6. What do you do to stay healthy and fit?
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7. Do you like taking medications? Why? Why not?
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8. What health programs does your country have for its people?
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9. Health is wealth. What do you think does it mean?
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10. Do you think the food in your country is healthy? Why? Why not?
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