Confirmation Questions
Good morning/afternoon. How are you?
Morning/afternoon. Fine, thank！
How do you do?
How do you do?
Hi, good to meet you.
Good to meet you too.
Hi, how are you doing?
Not too bad. And you?
1.Can I see your ID card please?
Sure, here you are.
2.Could you tell me your full name please?
My full name is ……. But you can call me ….
3. And what shall I call you?
Most people call me …...
Hometown Questions
4. Whereabouts is your hometown?
Xian is located in Shanxi province, which is in central China.
5. Let's talk about your hometown or village. What kind of place is it?
My hometown is a small place, just outside of Beijing. It takes about an hour to reach/get to there. The people there are mostly farmers, but a lot of the young people work in Beijing. It's a quiet place and I like it.
6. Could you tell me something about your hometown?
a. Well, it's quite big and it's the capital of Shanxi province. The population's about 6 million and it's famous for its historic sites, especially for the Terracotta Warriors. Xi' an used to be the capital of China, and it's the beginning of the famous Silk Road.
b. Okay. Well, my hometown is Beijing and I live just outside of it near the 4th ring road. As you probably know, Beijing's the political and cultural center of China, and it's quite a historical place as well. It's huge-about 12 or 13 million people live
in it now-and it seems to be getting bigger every year.
7. What kind of landscape surrounds your hometown?
a. Harbin's right near the Song Hua Jiang River and it's kind of in a flat area, with mountains in the distance.
b. Indio's a coastal city near the sea, so the main landscapes are the beaches and bays. There are also some nice hills nearby.
8. What are the main tourist attractions in your hometown?
There's the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. These are the two that are most well known. They are also symbols of China. They attract most visitors, but there are quite a lot of other famous sites as well.
9. What are the people like in your hometown?
They're usually very friendly, but a bit conservative. People still hold onto a lot of old customs and traditions, which is what I mean by conservative. But I think people there are very hospitable and kind. If you ask someone for directions, they'll always try to help you out, or find someone else who can.
10. What places in your hometown do you like best and tell me why?
I like the Temple of Heaven best because it's very beautiful. It has a lot of space
and there are lots of really nice and old trees there. In the early morning, it's very peaceful. The older people practice their Tai-ji, while the younger children just run around and play. I like it there a lot.
11. What places in your hometown might a visitor be interested to visit, and tell me why? I'd recommend the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City. Those are the most famous places in the city, and I think they best represent Beijing.
12. Do you like your hometown, and tell me why or why not? a. Yes. Although it may not have as many opportunities, I think my hometown is a warmhearted place and the people are not as selfish as they are in some of the bigger cities.
b. To be frank, I don't really like my hometown that much. I mean, perhaps there are many people who are happy to live there, but I find that the pollution problem is just too bad, and to me it doesn't seem like a good place to raise a family.
13. Do you think your hometown is a good place for a young person to live? a. Yes I do, because it's got a lot of opportunities and the entertainment
facilities are quite good. You can get a decent job here if you have some skills, and you can make a lot of good friends if you have a good personality.
b. No, I think if you're young you'd be better off going to a bigger city with more opportunities. I think my hometown is more suitable for an older crowd, who enjoy a more peaceful life. Younger people get bored with the way things are here.
14. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in your hometown?
I think the biggest advantage is that it's a place where you can find a good job with a good salary, if you try very hard. Also, the people are quite kind and generous. The main disadvantages are the traffic and pollution problems. If you stay in my hometown you will know that these are the two things that everyone here hates the most.
Weather Questions
15. What is the climate like in your hometown?
It's generally very hot in the summer, like about 40 degrees Celsius. In the winter, it's coldabout minus 14 degrees Celsius. The spring and autumn are both mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from around 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. Oh, and summertime is extremely humid as well..
There are four seasons. Winter is cold and snowy; spring is short and rainy; summer is hot and humid; and autumn is beautiful.
16. What is the weather like in Beijing?
In general, it's pretty dry. Winters are a bit cold. They are dry and windy, with a bit of snow. Spring is short and a bit windy. Summers are hot and a bit more humid, and temperatures can go as high as 30 degrees, so it can be kind of uncomfortable in the summer unless you have air conditioning. Fall is probably the best season-it's very comfortable-not windy, and not too cold or hot like the other seasons.
17. How would you compare the climate in your hometown with other cities?
Well there are definitely places that have a milder climate. My hometown's weather is a little bit uncomfortable for some people in the summer and winter. There are places where the weather is quite stable all year round. On the other hand, there are some places where the weather's even worse, like in Daqing.
18. What're the advantages and disadvantages of the weather in your hometown?
Advantages and disadvantages? That's a difficult question to answer, let me think for a second. Well, I guess the main advantage is that its dry, so we don't
have to worry about too much rain, and the winters are not too cold like in some other places in northern China. The disadvantage is that it can get windy here, and when there is a sandstorm, well, that can be terrible to put up with.
19. What's your favorite weather in your hometown?
Actually, I've never thought about that. I guess it would have to be a sunny but not too hot day. It would be just a bit hot, like the kind of weather we get here in Beijing during autumn.
Food questions
20. What kind of food and dishes do people eat in your hometown?
Most people in Changsha like spicy dishes because it's quite hot and humid there, so we need to eat a lot of chilies to help us adapt to the weather. Many people say that in all of China people in Changsha eat the spiciest food.
21. What is the main food in China?
Well, I'd say it's rice, but I think there are areas where rice is not that important. Each major area in China might eat rice in different quantities, but I think its still the biggest food and probably will always be the top one.
22. In what ways has the diet of people in your country been changing?
Well, we tend to eat more convenience foods now, especially fast food from restaurants like McDonalds and Chinese fast food places. Also, I'd guess we are now eating a lot of dishes regularly that we thought were big luxuries about 20 years ago.
23. How has your diet changed?
I don't think it has changed that much. I still eat the same things as I ate when I was a child. I guess the main change is that I have more time and money to go out for dinner.
Festival Questions
24. Tell me what's the biggest traditional festival in your country.
Definitely the Spring Festival. I suppose it's somewhat like Christmas is in western countries. Spring Festival is the only time when all families gather together and stores and business are closed for several days.
25. What do you do during the Spring Festival?
I usually go back to my hometown and spend a week in my parents' home. We eat delicious food, visit family and friends, and watch TV. I also like to try and contact my high school friends and see how they're doing and what they're up to. We give each other presents and we buy ourselves new clothes to wear for the
New Year.
26. Can you describe one of the main festivals celebrated in your country?
National Day, which is on October 1st, is a big holiday. We get three days off and there are a lot of fireworks displays. There are large flower pictures and other types of flowers decorating the city, and some of the larger cities hold parades.
Changes Questions
27. What changes have taken place in your hometown in the last 20 years?
Well, I'm pretty young, but may parents always complain that my hometown's traffic is much worse, and they say that prices are a lot higher. But I think on the positive side, life is better, houses are in better condition and there are much better shops and cleaner conditions in the restaurants.
28. Has your life changed in the last 10 years, and if so, in what ways?
I think my life has changed. It's a bit more comfortable than it used to be, because my parents have more money than they used to have. I think I am a bit more responsible than I used to be, and am not quite as carefree.
29. Is there anything you'd like to change in your life?
Yes, my dependence upon my parents. Right now I'm quite dependent on
them for money, so I hope I can be more independent in the future and one day be able to support them instead of their always supporting me.
30. How different is your life from the lives of your parents?
It's very different. I have had many more opportunities and a much more comfortable life than they had. I remember my father telling me stories about having just one egg to eat each week, and that was the highlight of his week. I can't really imagine life like that, so I'm grateful that I have a better life than my parents dig. I appreciate their hard work to get us to this point in our lives.
31. Has tourism changed China very much?
Yes, very much in the last 10 years. Each year we are getting more tourists coming to China since the open door policy. People see more foreigners, and are used to the sight of them now. China is becoming more cosmopolitan, and people are getting to know more about the outside world.
32. Has the transport changed over the past 20 years in China?
Yes, a lot. We used to have very few bus lines years ago. Most people would use their bikes to get to and from places in the city. But now in big cities there are more bus lines, so it's a lot more convenient. Some cities also have subway lines, and that makes things faster. There are also more taxis in cities, and more people are using them as a mode of transportation.
Travels and Holiday Questions
33. Do you enjoy traveling?
Yes, very much. I've been to most of the major cities in China, and I've also traveled to Thailand and Singapore. I think the more I travel, the more I want to travel. I just like seeing how other people live, and it's really amazing to learn about different cu1tures-much more exciting than just reading about them in a textbook.
34. What do you usually do in your holidays?
During my holiday, I try to catch up with friends and go out together somewhere. That's the only time I can relax and do something I enjoy. Other than that, it's really difficult because I am always busy with my work, and sometimes I have to work overtime.
35. Is there anywhere you would particularly like to visit on your holidays? Where and why?
Yeah, I guess the best places to me are beaches. You see, I really like beaches because I just like watching the water come in and I love riding up and down the waves as they come into the shore. So places like Qingdao and Dalian are great places to me.
Yes, I'd love to visit Xinjiang if I have a chance. Xinjiang is in the western part of
China. The people there are mostly minorities, and I've seen the landscape in some pictures. It's incredible. If I travel to Xinjiang, I'll take a train so that I can see the landscape throughout the journey.
36. Let's talk a little about traveling and transport. For a long trip, how do you prefer to travel?
In my country, if it's a long trip, I prefer taking a train. Not only is it more economical, but also the time has shortened tremendously in the past few years. Air travel is more expensive, and I don't think its worth the extra cost.
Transportation Questions
37. Which type of transportation do you usually use in your hometown?
I use the bicycle. It's fast and cheap and I can always trust it to get me places in the same amount of time.
38. Which type of transportation do you prefer for traveling around?
Trains are better because they don't encounter any traffic jams, whereas sometimes in the bus, we get struck in traffic. Also, it is always difficult to get on buses during peak hours, whereas with a train you have a better chance of getting a seat during peak hours.
39. What's the traffic situation like in your hometown?
It's quite bad now, and I think it's getting more and more serious. The big problems are too many cars and not enough space. I think that building more roads sometimes just adds to the problem because people just buy more cars.
Accommodations Questions
40. Tell me about the kind of accommodations you live in?
In my country, I live in a two-bedroom apartment with my parents. The apartment's not big, but we've made it very comfortable to live in. We live on the third floor, and there's no lift in our apartment. The highest floor is the sixth floor, so whoever lives on the sixth floor has to climb up and down everyday.
41. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the kind of housing you live in?
Let me think. The biggest advantage? I guess it would be the convenience of it. I can do anything I want. As for the biggest disadvantage, some people might say the space, but I think the biggest disadvantage of living in a flat is that you never really get to know your neighbours.
42. Which do you prefer, a flat or a house?
Well, it depends on the condition that they are in. I'd probably have to say a flat, because you don't have to worry so much about maintaining it.
43. Which floor do you live on, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of living on that floor?
I live on the 1st floor. The advantage is that it's easier to get to, because you don't have to climb any steps. The bad thing is that it's a bit noisier, although we don't have to put up with too much noise from downstairs, since there is no downstairs!
Family Questions
44. Can you tell me something about your family?
I have 3 brothers and no sisters. Both of my parents are still alive, and are still working. My grandparents on my father's side are both alive too, though my mother's parents have already passed away. I am also married...I got married 2 years ago.
45. What do your family members do for a living?
My father's retired, and my mother's still working as a nurse at the Xie He hospital. My father used to be a city inspector. I have no brothers and sisters.
46. What do you and your family like to do together?
I guess we mainly just talk about a lot of things and then watch TV together. My parents and I like to visit people together. Sometimes we go shopping together, but to tell you the truth I prefer doing that by myself.
47. Do you prefer big families or small families? What do you think are the advantages of big families and small families?
Well, big families are probably good for the children, because there are so many people to play with. But I think that big families also create a big burden for the parents and it's difficult for each child to receive the attention he or she deserves.
Studies Questions (Academic Module Students)
48. What is your major?
I major in Accounting, which is part of the School of Business at my university. I mainly study the international accounting system as it relates to foreign trade.
49. Why did you choose your major?
Because I've always enjoyed working with computers, and I was always good at math and logic. I was fortunate to have a computer in my home when I was in high school, and I spent quite a lot of time just playing around on the computer.
My parents bought me all sorts of books on computer programming, and I just started to read them and pick up the ideas in them.
50. How do you like your major?
a. I enjoy it, actually. I didn't know that much about it before I studied it, but I'm glad I chose it because it suits me a lot. My father actually suggested that I major in Accounting, because he thought that I'd enjoy it, too.
b. I don't like it at all. I wish I could switch to a different one, but it's next to impossible to change majors. I just hope that when I get a job, I won't have to do a lot of work related to my major.
51. What do you like most about your studies?
I just like learning the principles, and I like solving problems successfully. I also like getting to know my classmates, and working with them.
52. Is there anything you don't like about your studies?
Generally I like my subjects, but I hate the examination system. There are too many examinations, and most of the time we have to memorize lots of things in books. I'm not very good at that and I find it's a waste of time and energy. Other than that, I quite enjoy my time at school.
53. How do you like your life in the People's University?
A． I don't like it very much. The dormitory's very crowded, the food is tasteless and my teachers aren't very inspiring. When I was a high school student, I was looking forward to university life so much. I'm quite disappointed, because it's really not what I expected.
B． I like it a lot. Sometimes it is a little hard to live in the university, but I have made many good friends and I enjoy my major. It was hard at first to live apart from my parents, but I think that it has been a good change for me. I am much more independent and more able to deal with troubles on my own. My courses are mostly interesting too, so I'm glad that I chose the major I did.
54. What do you think of the training you got in the university?
a. I think most of my courses will be helpful in the future. My university has tried very hard to keep up to date with the latest developments in our field. There were some compulsory classes that I didn't like, such as politics and history, but overall, I think I was provided with a pretty good education. I don't think it's possible to learn everything you need to know in a future career, but I'm satisfied my courses have given me a good start.
b. I don't think it was very good. There were some compulsory classes that I had no interest in. Also, our facilities were not very modern, so there were many things we couldn't do.
55. How was your high school experience?
I had a good high school experience because I was at a good school, and I made so many good friends there. I think I was lucky to have good teachers
I think my high school experience was not a happy one because I seemed to always be under a lot of pressure, and for some reason I always seemed to have bad luck. When I got to University my luck started to improve.
Work Questions
56. Where do you work?
I work in the main office of Motorola. It's near the Lufthansa Centre, by the third ring road and Liangmahe road in Beijing. I've been there since 1985.
57. When do you go to work everyday?
I am required to get to work at 9:00 o'clock, but sometimes I get there at 8:00 o'clock, or even earlier.
58. How do you get to work?
I drive a car. I own a Santana car, and each morning I have to fight through the traffic. Sometimes I wonder if having a car is really worth it.
59. What do you do for a living?
I'm an engineer. But my day-to-day work involves quite a lot of management. In fact, I'm in charge of the Beijing branch of Motorola, and have a dozen or so engineers working under me to handle the technical side of the work.
60. What are some of your responsibilities? I mean, what does your job involve?
I'm a sales manager. I'm in charge of overseeing sales operations for all of northern China, including Beijing. I have about 40 employees under me who are the regional sales representatives.
61. Tell me about a typical day at work. What do you do on a daily basis?
Most of the time, I sit behind a desk and answer phone calls. It's not a very active job, but I do enjoy it most of the time, except when I get a phone call from a very angry customer. Sometimes, they just want to shout at someone, and because I'm the first one to answer the phone, I get the full vent of their anger.
62. How do you like your job?
I enjoy it very much. It does have its ups and downs, but really it's quite a good job. I enjoy the people I work with too, which really can make or break a job. We work very well together and can trust each other to do our fair share.
63. What do you like most about your job?
A． My job is challenging and interesting, and I think that the best thing about it is the satisfaction I get from solving problems. Each time I manage to make things go smoothly, I get a great sense of satisfaction.
B． I guess I like the pay. I know that sounds cold, but in fact my job is very routine and so I just feel that at least the pay gives me some satisfaction.
64. What don't you like about your job?
a. I think the worst part of the job is all the unnecessary bureaucracy that exists to do everything. I jut wish that there could be simpler routines and not so many steps to everything.
b. I think the worst part of my job is the long hours that I'm sometimes required to work. I think it should be designed so that I can be allowed to go home on time every night.
65. Tell me something about your job?
Well, I'm a French teacher. I teach undergraduate students who are majoring in French. I've been working for about 10 years already, teaching a whole variety of courses over the past 10 years.
66. Which part of the day do you like best?
Going home from work! Well actually I should say stepping into my flat and
greeting my baby daughter who is now about 2 years old.
67. What made you decide to get into this field?
I didn't really plan to be a teacher at first, but my parents encouraged me to go into teaching. At first I really hated it, but after a while I got used to standing in front of a room full of students. I enjoyed my classes and the challenges of teaching, so that's when I knew that teaching was the right profession for me.
Hobbies and Spare Time
68. What kind of hobbies do you have?
I'm a big basketball fan, even though I'm not very good at playing basketball myself. I love to watch the NBA on TV whenever I get a chance. I also play ping-pong and volleyball whenever I can.
69. How did you become interested in your hobby?
Since I was young, my father has always involved me in different activities. My father is a ping-pong coach in a high school. So I always have a chance to follow him when he coached. When I was in the school, I got a chance to play with other students in other sports. So that's how I developed an interest in different sports.
70. What do you do in your spare time?
I like to play on the computer and surf the Internet. Once I get on the Internet, I find that time really passes very quickly. Before I know it, several hours have passed and my back and neck are aching. I also like to go for walks and read novels on ancient Chinese history.
71. Do you like to be with a group of people or alone when you're free?
I like being with a group of people. It's livelier and I feel more at ease, especially when I feel that my friends are also having a good time.
72. How do you spend your weekends?
I usually sleep in on Saturday morning if I can, study in the afternoon in the library, and go out with friends in the evening. On Sundays, I like to go shopping and just spend time walking around outside if the weather is nice. If I don't have much money, I still like to go window-shopping, and I get almost as much pleasure out of that!
73. How do you spend your free time?
I attend training courses in the evenings. However, as a mother, I also take my son somewhere at the weekend. For example, I may drive to the suburbs or the countryside around Beijing and go fishing, swimming and mountain climbing. I enjoy family life very much.
74. What kinds of things do you like doing when you're not working?
I'm kind of an indoor type of person, so I guess I like reading most. I'm interested in reading all kinds of books and newspaper or magazine articles, especially those on current issues. I just want to be informed of what's going on in the world.
75. Do you like doing these things with a group of friends or by yourself?
I prefer being with my friends and family. I'm kind of an outdoor type. I like to go swimming or play badminton with my family or friends during weekends or holidays. If I have a longer vacation, I usually travel to further away places all over the country.
Reading
76. What kinds of books do you like to read in your spare time?
I like reading biographies of interesting people. I like these because they teach me something and also I find that other people's lives are sometimes even stranger than the lives of people in fictional stories
77. Do you like reading books and newspaper?
Yes, I like to read the 21st Century and the China Daily. I usually read as much as I have time for, which is sometimes quite a lot. Both of these newspapers are in
English, and I find that it really is a good way for me to practice my English.
78. Where do you like to read books?
I suppose it depends on the book. If it's just a normal novel, then I guess I'd rather read it at home in my room. But if it's a non-fiction, informational book I guess I'd rather read it in a library.
79.Do you discuss the books you read with friends?
Yeah, if there's something interesting in them. For example some of the things people say in the biographies make good quotes and I like talking about these people to others.
80. Is reading popular in your country with young people?
No, I'd say that it's getting less popular. There are just so many other things to do that we don't really have to rely on books that much for entertainment. I think TV is the main reason. Is just more efficient and easier on the brain to watch a show than read a book.
Sports
81. What is your favourite sport?
My favourite sport is basketball. I've been playing it regularly for about a year,
and I'm quite crazy about it now.
82. Why do you like it so much?
Basketball is fast and it's a bit more exciting than playing other sports like football. I love the NBA, so that also makes me more interested in the sport as well.
83. What sports are played in your country?
Ping-pong and football are probably the most popular sports. China has a very large following of football fans. Especially now that China has qualified for the World Cup, we've become quite crazy about football.
84. What is the most popular sport in your country?
I'd have to say that football's really the most popular sport in China. There are literally millions of crazy football fans. Whenever there's a match on TV between China and another country, you can hear loud cheers and shouts all around the city whenever China scores a goal, and loud groans and moans when the other country scores.
85. What are the sports facilities like in your hometown?
Beijing has a lot of modem indoor facilities offering bowling, tennis, swimming, and other things. But, it's too expensive for most Chinese, and you have to belong to the club in order to use the facilities. There aren't very many sporting facilities
that are free and open to the public. Most of the indoor facilities require you to be a member. The outdoor fields are open for anyone to use.
Films and TV
86. Do you often go to the cinema/theatre?
a. Yes. On Friday nights, I usually go and watch whatever's playing. It's kind of a family tradition that I started when my son was young.
b. No. I'm not really interested in the theatre. I'd much rather read newspapers and watch TV than pay for the theatre.
87. Which cinema do you often go to?
There's a cinema just around the corner from my home. It's called the Poly Plaza Cinema. It's probably one of the largest cinemas in Beijing, so they always play the most modem films. And, the ticket price is still fairly reasonable.
88. What kind of films do you like?
I definitely like comedies best. I don't see why I should pay money to be sad or scared, so I really don't like sad films or horror films at all. I just like to laugh, and I like movies that can put me in a good mood.
89. Who's your favorite film star? Can you describe him/her to me?
I like Leonardo di Caprio. I first saw him when he starred in Titanic. He's very handsome...blonde hair, blue eyes. He has this look about him that makes him seem very sad, but at the same time hopeful. I have his posters all over my room at home.
90. Do you often watch TV? What's your favorite program?
a. No, I hardly watch TV at all. I don't find most programs interesting. I think it's just a waste of time to watch TV.
b. Yes, I like watching the news and I enjoy watching some of the serial TV shows that come on. But I have to keep up with them, which is a bit hard since I don't have a lot of time to watch them these days.
Music
91. How often do you listen to music?
Everyday. As soon as I get home I usually play something. I've also got a Walkman that I use, and so I often put it on while traveling on the bus because I can't stand all the noise of the traffic.
92. What kind of music do you like?
Definitely classical music. I have nearly every famous classical work ever recorded. I could sit for hours in a room with my stereo turned up, just listening to
classical music. I've also attended several concerts here in Beijing, where world famous orchestras have come to play the great works of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin or other composers.
Clothing Questions 93. What kinds of clothing do you like best?
My favorite kind of clothing is very shiny, dark clothing. I like wearing very interesting designer clothing, and I like wearing clothes that are suitable for nightclubs.
94. What kind of clothing is popular in China?
Right now a lot of people are wearing the Zhong Shan Zhuang. It's a style of clothing that is actually quite old, and was worn by Sun Yatsen. I've seen quite a few people wearing it these days. Young people are wearing more and more brand-name clothing.
95. What kind of clothing do children usually wear?
Most of them have to wear school uniforms while at school. When they get home they change into all kinds of clothing. It's hard to say what particular style they like. Every child is different.
96. What does traditional clothing in China look like?
Well, if you're talking about ladies, the traditional clothing for wealthy ladies was always the Qi Pao. It is long and is decorated with simple designs and made of silk. The men usually wore long shirts with big buttons.
97. How do older people feel about younger people's clothing?
I think most of them don't really like the clothes. They think they're too revealing or just too flashy. I think they believe the girls are dressing too boldly these days.
Future Plan Questions
98. What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in when you get to England?
I think I will try to live in an apartment shared with other studentssomething like a one-bedroom or a two-bedroom apartment. I was told living in room and board is more expensive than living in an apartment. Besides, I prefer to cook my own meals, so living in a dormitory or room and board is out of the question for me.
99.What problems or difficulties do you think you may have in Britain/Canada/Australia?
I will probably have some trouble with English at first. I heard that once you
get used to using English all the time, it gets a lot easier to pick it up. I suppose I'll also need to learn how to do things in Canada. For example, I won't know how to buy a subway ticket and use the transportation system, mail a letter, open a bank account, and other things. I think that it's pretty normal to face these troubles when one first arrives.
100. Can you imagine what life in Britain / Canada / Australia will be like?
I have seen many pictures of Canada. I'm looking forward to the fresh air and beautiful scenery. In some ways I can just picture myself there. But, I've never been to Canada before, so what I picture now, I'm sure, is not even close to what it will actually be like. Even though some of my friends have already immigrated to Canada or are there studying, I can only get a partial glimpse of what it will be like. I'm looking forward to the adventure!
101. What do you want/intend to study?
I plan to study Business. Hopefully at the master's degree level. I've heard that if I can get an MBA from a university in the West, my chances of getting a good job in a joint-venture company are very good. If I can't get into Business, then I hope to study Computers. Business is really my first choice, though.
102. Which university are you going to study at?
It's a small university in eastern Canada called Mount Allison University. It has
a very beautiful campus, but it's quite remote. The nearest town is at least an hour's drive away. It'll be quite a change from living in a big city, but I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet.
103. Why did you choose this university? Could you tell me why you chose to study at (name of university)?
The London School of Economics is especially famous for Business and Economics. I think it's the best place for me to specialize in Finance and Banking, and the University has a good reputation among employers here in China.
104. What are your plans in Britain /Canada /Australia/ New Zealand?
a. I plan to study at Monash University, and get my Masters in International Trade. That should take me about 4 to 5 years to complete.
b. I plan to immigrate to Canada. I have a few friends who can help me there. I am a petroleum engineer, so I think it should be easy to find work in Calgary.
105. What are you going to major in?
I want to major in Mass Media Communications. I am interested in this area and I think it is something I can do quite well at.
106. What kind of differences in the cultures are you expecting between China and the New Zealand?
That's a good question. To be frank, I'm not sure, but perhaps I think: the way of life there may be more formal. The pace of life I've heard is a bit slower, so I'll have to try and keep myself from getting bored.
107. What do you intend to do after you graduate?
I plan to return to China and get a good job or if I have further opportunity, I hope to do some further study in my field once I complete this degree. It's hard to really say what I'll be doing after my studies, because I think that many doors will be open to me once I complete a degree in Canada.
108. Are there any special places you want to see in Canada? What are they?
I want to see the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, and I also want to visit Quebec. I have heard so much about the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Also, I heard that Quebec is quite different than the rest of Canada. Some of my mends told me that it's like visiting Europe. Even though I don't speak French, I think it will be a very interesting place to visit. Eventually, I h()pe that I can drive all across Canada and really spend time getting to see all the famous sites.
109. What kind of things do you want to do in Canada that you can't do here?
I want to buy a car. In China it is so hard to buy a car. There are all kinds of
restrictions. Even though I've had my driver's license for more than a year, I still haven't had much opportunity to drive. Many of my mends bought a car once they arrived in Canada. It's quite funny actually, because many Chinese are eager to buy their own car. Another thing I want to do is visit my former English teacher who lives in Vancouver now. I met her in 1992 when she taught me English at my university. We've kept in touch until now, so I hope I get a chance to meet up with her again.
110. What are your goals in life?
My short-term goal is to improve my English and go abroad to study. My long-term goals include adjusting to a new country, getting a good job, having a family, and eventually owning my own business. I have a lot of goals in life, but some of them are really just dreams. I mean, I don't think I'll ever be able to attain them all.
Foreign Language Studies
111. How long have you been studying English?
Hmm...let's see... that's hard to say. I started in middle school and so I guess you could say about 9 years in total. But it's been kind of \"off and on.\"
112. Do you think English is important for China?
Well, I think it will help us become better at business and diplomacy. For the nation, it will just make us easier to deal with, and I think we will have fewer problems, when we engage other nations. You know, I believe that language problems are often the main cause of misunderstandings.
113. What do you think of English?
I think it's a tough language, frankly. Maybe not the toughest language, but I think there are lots of things that make it confusing. It seems to be a language that's easier to pick up if you're just listening and using it regularly.
114. What is most rewarding about learning a foreign language?
Communicating. When you can communicate successfully, it makes all that hard work worthwhile. I love just talking with my foreign friends, and if they understand me I feel quite proud.
115. What do you think is the best way to study English?
I don't know. I mean, I've tried all kinds of ways. I suppose the best way is to use it regularly and to try and memorize a lot of different words and expressions, but I guess you need a lot of persistence for that.
116. What aspect of English do you find the most difficult?
Well, that's difficult to say. I guess it's the grammar. I mean, it's simple enough
to study the rules, but when I try to produce it I always seem to make mistakes. If I write the sentences I'm ok, but whenever I try to say them I seem to make mistakes.
Buildings
117. Does your hometown have a lot of modern buildings or are they mostly traditional? Well, that's an interesting question, because it depends where in my hometown. The downtown area has mostly modem buildings, and you'll see a number of skyscrapers. Outside the city center you'll see a lot of older 1950s-style buildings and brick houses. As for traditional buildings, there are a few of those spread out throughout the town, but there aren't too many nowadays.
118. Which buildings do you prefer to look at?
Well, I love the old-style buildings with the steep roofs and balanced style. I like all the symbol designs on them too. But to be frank, I think we need to concentrate on replacing those older buildings that were built 20 or 30 years ago, because, in my view, they are just eyesores.
119. Could you describe the traditional architecture of your country?
Firstly, the buildings are made of wood or bamboo instead of stone or metal.
Secondly, they are very high and always have curved eaves. Thirdly, the traditional buildings have doors and windows that are adorned with paintings.
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