[Q1]: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
[A]:
(a)I’m definitely more of a night owl. I just find that my energy levels go up in the evening, and I can focus better at night. For example, if I need to finish some work or study for an exam, I usually do it after 9 p.m. I’ve tried waking up early and being productive in the morning, but honestly, I just feel tired and slow. That being said, I do admire people who can wake up early and get a lot done—but it’s just not me.
(b)I’m definitely a morning person. I feel more focused and productive early in the day. I usually wake up around 6:30, have some coffee, and then start my work or study. I love how quiet the morning is—there are fewer distractions, and I can get a lot done before noon. By the evening, I’m usually too tired to do anything important, so mornings really work best for me.
[Q2]: Do you prefer traveling alone or with others?
[A]:
(a)I prefer traveling with others, especially close friends or family. It’s just more fun to share experiences with someone—whether it’s trying new food, getting lost in a new city, or taking photos together. Also, traveling with others makes things a bit easier, like splitting costs or helping each other with directions. That said, I do think traveling alone can be a great way to clear your mind and be independent, but for me, it’s more enjoyable with company.
(b)Actually, I prefer traveling alone. It gives me the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want, without having to worry about other people’s schedules or preferences. I can move at my own pace, explore places that interest me, and just enjoy some quiet time. I also think it helps me become more independent and confident. Of course, traveling with friends can be fun too, but I really enjoy the peace and flexibility of solo trips.
food /fud/; direction /dəˈrɛkʃn/, /daɪˈrɛkʃn/; schedule /ˈskɛdʒul/, /ˈskɛdʒəl/
[Q3]: What’s your typical day like?
[A]: On weekdays, my day usually starts around 7 a.m. I get up, take a shower, and have a quick breakfast—usually just coffee and toast. Then I either go to work or attend my online classes, depending on the day. Most of my afternoon is spent working on assignments or meetings. In the evening, I like to relax a bit—maybe watch a show, cook dinner, or go for a walk. I try to go to bed by 11, but I’m not always successful!
coffee: 在美国,/ˈkɑfi/(发音类似于“咖啡”中的“咖”)是最地道、最常听到的美式发音。
/ˈkɔfi/(像“caught”中的 /ɔ/ 音)在部分美东地区(如纽约、波士顿)或加拿大可能听到,但在大部分美国地区,这个 /ɔ/ 音已经并入了 /ɑ/,现象叫做:cot–caught merger,意思是很多美国人已经听不出 /ɑ/ 和 /ɔ/ 的区别了,所以他们说 “cot”和 “caught” 时是同一个音,也就把 “coffee” 说成 /ˈkɑfi/。
[Q4]: Are you more introverted or outgoing?
[A]:
(a)I’d say I’m more introverted. I enjoy spending time alone or with just a small group of close friends. I’m not really into big parties or loud social events—they can be a bit draining for me. I prefer quiet activities like reading, writing, or going for a walk. That doesn’t mean I don’t like people, but I usually need time to recharge after being around a lot of others.
(b)I think I’m more outgoing. I really enjoy meeting new people and being in social situations. Whether it’s chatting with strangers, going to parties, or working in a team, I feel pretty comfortable and energized. I like making people laugh and keeping conversations going. Of course, I need some alone time too, but I get most of my energy from being around others.
recharge /ˌriˈtʃɑrdʒ/;situation /ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃn/
[Q5]: What do you do in your free time?
[A]:
(a)In my free time, I like to keep things pretty simple. I often watch movies or listen to music—just things that help me relax. Sometimes I go out for a walk or grab a coffee with a friend. On weekends, if I have more time, I might read a book or try cooking something new. I don’t always plan it—it just depends on my mood.
(b)In my free time, I usually like to relax and recharge. I often watch shows on Netflix or listen to music, especially after a long day. Sometimes I go for a walk or read a bit, just to clear my head. On weekends, I hang out with friends or try out new places to eat. I wouldn’t say I do anything super exciting, but I enjoy keeping things simple and low-key.
常用地道短语
chill out / wind down = 放松
hang out with friends = 跟朋友聚
binge-watch shows = 连续追剧
go for a walk / run / swim = 去散步 / 跑步 / 游泳
mess around in the kitchen = 在厨房随便弄点吃的
scroll through social media = 刷社交媒体
[Q6]: Do you prefer small groups or large gatherings?
[A]:
(a)I definitely prefer small groups. I feel more comfortable and relaxed when I’m with just a few close friends. It’s easier to have real conversations and actually connect with people. In big gatherings, like parties or events, I often feel overwhelmed or left out. I do go to large events sometimes, but if I had to choose, I’d pick a quiet dinner with two or three friends any day.
(b)Actually, I prefer large gatherings. I enjoy being around lots of people—it feels lively and exciting. Big events like parties or festivals give me a chance to meet new people and try different things. I’m quite social, so I like the energy and variety that come with a big crowd. Small groups are nice too, but I think large gatherings are more fun and memorable.
[Q7]: What’s your hometown like?
[A]: I’m from a small city in the south of my country. It’s not very big, but it’s peaceful and the people are really friendly. There’s a nice mix of old and new—you can see modern shopping malls, but also traditional markets and temples. One thing I really like is the food—it’s cheap and super tasty. The weather is hot most of the year, so people tend to go out at night. It’s not a touristy place, but it has a lot of local charm.
实用词汇与短语:
local charm 地方特色 / 魅力
a good mix of… ……的良好结合
not very big, but… 经典让步句式
peaceful / laid-back 安静 / 悠闲
touristy / not touristy 适合 / 不适合游客
[Q8]: Can you live without your phone?
[A]: Honestly, it would be really hard. I use my phone for almost everything—messaging, checking the news, taking notes, even paying for things. It’s like my whole life is in there. Of course, I could survive without it if I had to, but I’d definitely feel disconnected and maybe a little lost. I’ve tried going without my phone for a day or two, and it actually made me more anxious than relaxed. So yeah, I’d say it’s pretty essential for me.
常用表达推荐:
go offline 离线 / 不用手机
stay connected 保持联系
scroll through social media 刷社交媒体
feel anxious / feel cut off 感到焦虑 / 与外界断开联系
digital detox 数字排毒(暂时不用电子设备)
[Q9]: Do you like the place where you live?
[A]: Yeah, I do. I live in a quiet neighborhood, and it’s really comfortable. There are plenty of shops and cafes nearby, and it’s not too far from the city center, which is super convenient. What I like most is that it feels safe, even at night. The only downside is the traffic during rush hour, but overall, I enjoy living there.
常用表达推荐:
a quiet / busy neighborhood 安静 / 繁忙的街区
within walking distance 步行就能到
super convenient 非常方便(口语中非常地道)
a nice place to unwind 适合放松的好地方
the downside is… 唯一的缺点是……
[Q10]: What do you usually use your phone for?
[A]: I use my phone for all kinds of things, to be honest. Mostly, I use it to stay in touch with friends and family through messaging apps. I also check the news, watch videos, and scroll through social media when I have free time. Sometimes I use it for practical stuff too, like setting reminders, checking the weather, or using maps. It’s basically my all-in-one tool for both work and entertainment.
常用表达推荐:
stay in touch with… 与……保持联系
scroll through social media 刷社交媒体
check the news / weather 看新闻 / 查天气
use navigation / GPS / maps 用导航
set reminders / alarms 设提醒 / 闹钟
[Q11]: How do you usually plan for the future?
[A]: To be honest, I’m not someone who makes super detailed long-term plans, but I do like to set general goals. For example, I often think about where I want to be in the next few years, like in terms of my career or personal growth. I usually write down my main goals and then break them into smaller steps. I also use my phone to keep track of deadlines or reminders. That way, I stay flexible, but I still have a clear direction.
常用相关表达:
set goals = 设定目标
map out a plan = 制定计划
stay on track = 按计划进行
adjust along the way = 途中调整
not set in stone = 不是一成不变的
have a general direction = 有大方向
[Q12]: Do you think goals are important in life?
[A]: Yes, I think goals are really important. They give us direction and motivation, especially when things get tough. Without goals, I feel like life can become kind of aimless—you might just go through the motions without knowing what you’re working toward. Even small goals, like learning a new skill or saving money, can give you a sense of progress. Personally, I like having short-term and long-term goals to keep myself focused.
常用地道词汇/表达:
give me direction / motivation = 给我方向 / 动力
go through the motions = 毫无目标地做事
feel a sense of progress = 有进步的感觉
stay focused = 保持专注
set goals / reach goals / work toward goals = 常见搭配
