I would like to start (1)_______ talking about two places I have visited on holiday. The first was Santorini, a Greek island famous for (2)__________ whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets. The second was Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, which is a great (3)__________ more cosmopolitan than Santorini. While Santorini is easily the (4)___________ breathtaking destination I have ever been to, Bangkok is considerably (5)___________ bustling and vibrant. The Greek island is known not so (6)_________ for its sights as for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, whereas Bangkok offers a chaotic mix of history, culture, and nightlife.
That (7)_________ said, Bangkok is not (8)____________ as unspoilt as Santorini, but it is by (9)__________ the most captivating city I have visited. (10)_________ this were not enough, the food in Bangkok is absolutely incredible, making it a paradise for food lovers. On the (11)__________, I would say that while Santorini is significantly more picturesque, Bangkok came a (12)___________ second in terms of excitement and cultural richness.
Let’s now move (13)__________ to the jobs I have done. The first was working as a customer service assistant in a busy shopping centre, and the second was teaching English to children. The retail job was nothing (14)___________ as rewarding as teaching, as it often involved dealing with difficult customers, (15)__________ could be quite frustrating. However, it wasn’t quite (16)___________ a demanding job as teaching, (17)_____________ I didn’t have to prepare lessons or worry about keeping children engaged.
Teaching, on the other hand, was the most challenging by a (18)_________ way, but at the same time, it was much more fulfilling. Nothing gives (19)___________ bad an impression as a teacher who lacks enthusiasm, (20)__________ I had to be constantly energetic and creative. Personally (21)______________, I found that teaching was nowhere (22)____________ as mind-numbing as retail work, because every day was different, and I could see my students improving.
All things (23)_____________, I enjoyed both experiences, but teaching was (24)___________ far the most rewarding. On (25)__________ of all this, it gave me valuable skills in communication and leadership, which have been useful in other areas of my life.
(26)_____________ a final point, I’d like to add that both holidays and both jobs taught me something different, and comparing them helps me appreciate the variety of experiences I’ve had. (27)___________ conclusion, I would like to say that while Bangkok was perhaps the most stunning in terms of cultural diversity, Santorini was the most picturesque. Similarly, while teaching was the most demanding, it was also the most fulfilling.
Well, this brings me to the end of (28)__________ I wanted to say about my holidays and jobs. All (29)__________ all, both experiences have shaped me, and I wouldn’t trade them (30)___________ anything.
KEY
1. by
2. its
3. deal
4. most
5. more
6. much
7. being
8. nearly
9. far
10. If
11. whole
12. close
13. on
14. like
15. which
16. such
17. since
18. long
19. so
20. so
21. speaking
22. near
23. considered
24. by
25. top
26. As
27. In
28. what
29. in
30. for
