Ready for C1 p 69. Getting on. Speaking. Sample Answer

Fill in the gaps with one word:

1. Who do you get on best _____________ in your family?

KEY

1. with

2. Is there a time when your whole family likes to get _____________?

KEY

2. together

3. Are you the ________________ of person who likes meeting new people?

KEY

3. kind/ type/ sort

4. Is it better to have a few ______________ friends or a wide circle of acquaintances?

KEY

4. close

5. How important do you think it is to meet ______________ with friends in person?

KEY

5. up

Discuss the questions with a partner:

1. Who do you get on best with in your family?

2. Is there a time when your whole family likes to get together?

3. Are you the kind of person who likes meeting new people?

4. Is it better to have a few close friends or a wide circle of acquaintances?

5. How important do you think it is to meet up with friends in person?

Monologue. Sample answer:

4. Is it better to have a few close friends or a wide circle of acquaintances?

5. How important do you think it is to meet up with friends in person?

Monologue on Friendship and Socialising

I’d like to get (1)__________ by addressing a question that has surely crossed everyone’s (2)__________ at some point: is it better to have a few close friends or a wide circle of acquaintances? Have you ever (3)____________ which of the two brings greater happiness and fulfilment? Well, in my (4)___________, having a few close friends is (5)___________ more valuable than knowing a large number of people superficially.

Nobody will (6)__________ that true friendship requires trust, loyalty, and a strong emotional connection. When you have a close friend, someone you get on (7)___________ a house on fire (8)____________, you always have someone to turn (9)___________ in difficult times. On the other (10)__________, a wide circle of acquaintances might offer a sense of social engagement. (11)_____________, when things get tough, many of them may turn their back (12)____________ you. An important (13)___________ to remember is that friendships require effort. If one person constantly (14)___________ the other down or, even worse, has it (15)___________ for them, it can put a great strain (16)___________ a relationship and eventually turn (17)___________ sour.

(18)___________ examining this point, let’s (19)_________ to the second question: how important is it to meet up with friends in person? To my (20)_____________, face-to-face interaction is crucial (21)___________ maintaining strong bonds. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to keep in touch with people through messages and social media, but nothing can replace real-life conversations and shared experiences. When it (22)_____________ to friendships, spending time together strengthens trust and understanding. I’m absolutely (23)______________ that without regular meet-ups, (24)______________ the strongest friendships can become distant.

In (25)____________ of social relationships, I reckon conflicts are inevitable. Even the closest of friends sometimes (26)___________ out, and if issues aren’t resolved, a once-great friendship can become a rocky relationship. However, if two people take (27)_____________ each other straightaway and genuinely care, they will (28)___________ the effort to repair the damage rather than look (29)_____________ on each other.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I would like to draw (30)____________ to the role of respect in friendship. We often look (31)_____________ to certain friends because of their kindness or wisdom, (32)____________ others might (33)______________ an instant dislike (34)___________ someone for no real reason. To be honest, I’ve always believed that a strong friendship should be built on mutual respect rather than one person feeling superior.

The obvious conclusion is that (35)_______________ having a large social circle might seem appealing, (36)_________ is deep and meaningful friendships (37)___________ truly enrich our lives. All things (38)_____________, meeting up in person plays a fundamental role in keeping these bonds alive. (39)__________, if you have a good friend, cherish them, make time for them, and never (40)__________ them for granted.

KEY

1. started

2. mind

3. wondered

4. view

5. far

6. deny

7. like

8. with

9. to

10. hand

11. However/ Nevertheless/ Nonetheless

12. on

13. point

14. puts

15. in

16. on

17. it

18. After

19. turn

20. knowledge

21. in

22. comes

23. convinced

24. even

25. terms

26. fall

27. to

28. make

29. down

30. attention

31. up

32. while

33. take

34. to

35. while

36. it

37. that/ which

38. considered

39. So/ Therefore/ Consequently

40. take 

Ready for C1 p 56. Comparing Two Holidays and Two Jobs. Monologue. Sample Answer. Cloze

 

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

Ready for C1 p 60. Work. Speaking Sample

 Discuss:

1. Going to university or starting work straight after school.

2. Working from home or working in a large office.

3. Having a well-paid but boring job or having a low paid interesting job.

Sample answer:

Anna: So, James, what’s your (1)__________ on going to university versus heading (2)___________ into work? Personally, I believe that getting a degree (3)_________ you at an advantage. What I mean is that it’s to your advantage to gain qualifications before entering the job market, as many careers require a degree.

James: I see what you mean, but I’d argue that going straight into work is by (4)___________ the best option for gaining real-world experience. If employers prioritise skills over qualifications, then spending years at university seems a bit (5)____________.

Anna: That may be true (6)__________ some extent, yet (7)________ I been given the choice, never (8)________ I have skipped university. The critical thinking skills and connections you make come in (9)___________ later on. Besides, not having a degree often puts you at a (10)____________ when applying for jobs, doesn’t it?

James: Fair (11)_____________. Nevertheless, if one (12)__________ to start working immediately, they could gain financial independence (13)___________ earlier. In fact, had I (14)___________ how expensive university life would be, I might have reconsidered! I didn't make good use of my first year at uni—I was too busy enjoying myself. Looking (15)______________, I should have (16)___________ full advantage of the opportunities there.

Anna: That’s a valid concern! But let’s move on—what (17)___________ working from home versus working in a large office? I, for (18)_________, would much (19)___________ work remotely. The flexibility it provides is unparalleled, and you avoid commuting, (20)___________ is an absolute nightmare!

James: Oh, I couldn’t disagree more! If (21)_________ you knew how motivating it is to be surrounded by colleagues! The atmosphere of an office fosters collaboration and creativity. Working from home is nothing (22)__________ as productive as being in an office. Besides, doesn’t it get lonely?

Anna: To a certain extent, yes. However, with technology, staying connected has never been easier. And let’s not forget the luxury of working in your pyjamas—so much the (23)_________!

James: Ha! I must admit, that does sound tempting. Still, I’d rather have face-to-face interactions (24)_________ endless Zoom calls. But let’s tackle the final question—would you rather (25)____________ a high-paying yet boring job or an exciting job that barely pays the bills?

Anna: Ah, the age-old dilemma! There comes a point in life when money simply isn’t enough to keep you motivated. (26)____________ money no object, I’d unquestionably choose a fascinating job. After (27)___________, what’s the point of earning a fortune if you dread getting up in the morning?

James: That’s an idealistic view, but reality often dictates (28)_____________. (29)__________ one struggle to pay rent, passion alone won’t be enough to put food on the (30)__________. I don’t really see the (31)__________ of doing a job you love if it means constantly worrying about money. Financial stability is absolutely crucial.

Anna: True, but if forced to endure a dull job, how long before one loses all motivation? At the very least, an engaging job brings personal fulfilment. A boring job is (32)_____________ near as rewarding as one that excites you.

James: You do have a (33)____________. Perhaps the best option is to find a balance—something reasonably well-paid but still enjoyable. Easier said than (34)__________, though!

Anna: Absolutely! If only life (35)__________ that simple. But hey, great debate—we should do this more often!

James: Agreed! Let’s just (36)_________ we both find that perfect job one day!

KEY

1. view/ take

2. straight

3. puts

4. far

5. pointless/useless

6. to

7. had

8. would

9. useful/handy

10. disadvantage

11. enough

fair enough: used to say that an idea or suggestion seems reasonable.

E.g. ‘We'll meet at 8.’ ‘Fair enough.’ 

If you don't want to come, fair enough, but let Bill know.

12. were

13. much/ far/ considerably/ way/ 

significantly/ a lot/ a great deal

14. known

15. back

16. taken

17. about

18. one

for one: ​used to emphasize that a particular person does something and that you believe other people do too. 

Sp. por mi/tu/su parte

E.g.  

I, for one, would prefer to postpone the meeting

Well, I for one enjoy classical music, even if none of my friends do.

19. rather/ sooner

20. which

21. only

22. like

23. better

1. so much the better: that is even better.
2. E.g.

   "we want to hear what you have to say, but if you can make it short, so much the better"

24. than

25. have

26. Were

27. all

28. otherwise (Sp. otra cosa)/ differently 

29. Should

30. table

31. point/ use

32. nowhere

33. point

34. done

35. were/ was

36. hope ("wish" is not possible here)