Many people don’t feel safe either when they are at home or when they go out.
What are the reasons for this?
What can be done to solve this problem?
Fill in the blanks with a / an / the / Ø (no article)
I saw ___ dog in the street. ___ dog was barking loudly.
She is ___ engineer working in a big company.
I need ___ pen to write this down.
___ sun rises in ___ east.
He bought ___ umbrella because it was raining.
She is reading ___ book you recommended.
___ water in this bottle is cold.
I like ___ music.
He wants to become ___ doctor.
We stayed at ___ hotel near the beach.
I met ___ old friend yesterday. ___ friend lives abroad now.
She gave me ___ advice that changed my life.
___ information you provided is useful.
He is ___ honest man.
They are building ___ new mall in the city.
___ Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in India.
She plays ___ piano very well.
I go to work by ___ bus.
We had ___ dinner at 8 PM.
___ dinner we had yesterday was delicious.
___ people in this village are very friendly.
___ people should respect each other.
He is ___ only person who understands me.
I saw ___ one-eyed man on the street.
She has been waiting for ___ hour.
He studies at ___ university in Delhi.
She visited ___ university to meet her professor.
___ Ganges is considered sacred in India.
___ more you practice, ___ better you become.
___ education is important for success.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets:
The list of items ______ (is/are) on the table.
A bouquet of roses ______ (smell/smells) lovely.
The quality of these products ______ (has/have) improved significantly.
One of my friends ______ (live/lives) abroad.
Each of the participants ______ (was/were) given a certificate.
The rise in prices ______ (affect/affects) everyone.
A large number of students ______ (is/are) applying for the course.
More than one person ______ (has/have) complained about the issue.
Many a student ______ (struggle/struggles) with grammar.
The police ______ (is/are) investigating the case.
The committee ______ (has/have) made its decision.
The committee members ______ (has/have) different opinions.
Ten kilometers ______ (is/are) a long distance to walk.
Fifty dollars ______ (is/are) not enough for this product.
A series of events ______ (has/have) led to this outcome.
Either the teachers or the principal ______ (is/are) responsible.
Neither the students nor the teacher ______ (was/were) present.
Not only the manager but also the employees ______ (was/were) involved.
Along with his friends, he ______ (is/are) going to the party.
The CEO, along with the board members, ______ (has/have) approved the plan.
What he said ______ (make/makes) no sense.
What they need ______ (is/are) better facilities.
There ______ (seem/seems) to be a problem with the system.
A number of issues ______ (remain/remains) unresolved.
The majority of the population ______ (live/lives) in rural areas.
Practice Exercise: Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
1. Shh! Be quiet. The baby __________ (sleep) at the moment.
2. Every Monday, Sally __________ (drive) her kids to football practice.
3. I'm sorry, I can't talk now. I __________ (cook) dinner.
4. Water __________ (boil) at 100 degrees Celsius.
5. Look out the window! It __________ (snow) outside!
6. My father __________ (work) for a big bank in the city center.
7. I __________ (not/like) coffee; I prefer tea.
8. Why __________ you __________ (wear) a coat? It’s very warm today.
9. They usually __________ (spend) their holidays in France, but this year they __________ (go) to Italy.
10. The moon __________ (go) around the earth.
11. "Where is Mark?" — "He __________ (play) guitar in his bedroom."
12. She __________ (not/study) on Sundays; she usually relaxes.
13. Hurry up! The bus __________ (come) and we don't want to miss it.
14. How often __________ you __________ (visit) your grandparents?
15. Listen! Someone __________ (knock) on the front door.
Discussion Essay
Some people think that individuals today are more dependent on each other. Others believe people have become more independent. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Argumentative Essay
Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage-Disadvantage Essay
People these days watch TV, films and other programmes alone rather than with other people. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Two-Part Q Essay
In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Cause-Solution Essay
Childhood obesity has become a serious problem in recent years. What are the primary causes of this? What measures should be taken to reduce childhood obesity?
The chart shows data about the average weekly sales of two coffee shops in New York in 2015.
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter,
describe the complaints that have been made
say why the reception area is important
suggest how the reception area could be improved
The bar chart below shows the proportions of English men and women of different ages who were living alone in 2011. The pie chart compares the numbers of bedrooms in these one-person households.
Click the link in the redirect notice
The charts below show the percentage of time younger and older people spend on various Internet activities in their free time (excluding email).
The following chart illustrates the results of a British survey taken in 2005 related to Housing preferences of UK people.
I'd like to describe an important old thing my family has kept for a long time: a small, wooden writing box.
My family has had this box for over three generations, so that's probably around 80 to 90 years. It was originally owned by my great-grandfather, which is quite a significant period of time.
It came from a small, local carpenter in the village where my ancestors lived. It's a simple, rectangular box made of dark, aged teak wood, and the lid has a beautiful, slightly faded carving of a lotus flower. It doesn't look particularly expensive, but inside, it still holds a few of my great-grandfather's old letters and fountain pen nibs.
The box is incredibly important to my family because it's the only tangible item we have that connects us directly to a time before any of us were born. It represents the continuity of our family history and serves as a physical reminder of my great-grandfather, who was a respected scholar. We don't use it for writing now; it sits on a shelf as a family heirloom, reminding us of our roots and heritage, which is something we deeply value.
People keep old things because these objects are physical links to the past. They hold memories, tell a story about where the family came from, and often serve as symbols of love or survival. These items have sentimental value that far outweighs any monetary worth, providing comfort and a sense of rootedness to the owners.
Yes, it's critically important to preserve historical objects in museums. Museums ensure these items are protected from damage and decay, but more importantly, they make history accessible to the public. They allow an entire society to learn about its past, understand cultural evolution, and provide context for our present lives.
A valuable object is primarily defined by its monetary worth—how much it can be sold for on the market, such as a gold coin or a rare painting. An old object with sentimental value, however, is valuable because of the emotional and personal memories attached to it, like a grandmother’s recipe book or a worn-out childhood toy. Its worth is personal, not financial.
Generally, no, I don't think modern objects are designed to last as long as old ones. Many modern products are made with built-in obsolescence—they are meant to be replaced quickly, encouraging constant consumer spending. Older objects, often handmade with durable materials like solid wood or metal, were built with a mindset of longevity and repair, rather than disposal.
People’s attitudes toward possessions have shifted towards consumption and disposability. In the past, people valued quality and permanence; they owned fewer things but cared for them longer. Today, driven by advertising and lower prices, many people prioritize owning the newest model or the latest trend, viewing items as temporary rather than long-term investments.
Absolutely, it's a wonderful idea to pass on family heirlooms. It's one of the best ways to keep family traditions and narratives alive. When an object is handed down, it carries the story of the previous generation with it, teaching the younger generation about their ancestry, instilling a sense of belonging, and creating a powerful link across time.
You should say:
when and where this happened.
what you were doing at that time.
what you did when the power went off.
and explain how you felt about this experience.
I’d like to describe a time when the electricity suddenly went off a few months ago. This happened late one evening, around 9:00 PM, while I was at my apartment in the city.
At that specific moment, I was actually quite busy working on an important university assignment on my laptop. I hadn't saved my progress in a while, and I was deeply concentrated on writing the final paragraph. It was completely silent, and then everything just went dark.
The first thing I did was frantically check if the power cord was loose, but I quickly realized the outage was affecting the whole building. Since my laptop's battery was low and couldn't last long, I immediately saved my work, shut it down, and then went to find my phone's flashlight. My next step was simply to wait, so I lit a couple of candles and sat on my balcony to enjoy the unexpected quietness of the city.
I felt a mixture of frustration and peacefulness. The initial frustration was because I couldn’t finish my assignment, but that quickly turned into a feeling of calm. It was a strange but nice break from technology, and I actually enjoyed the quiet time illuminated only by candlelight.
Modern society is extremely reliant on a constant supply of electricity. Almost every aspect of our lives—from communication and finance to transportation and healthcare—requires power. Without it, computers shut down, hospitals struggle, and water supplies can even be affected. This dependence shows how essential electricity is to maintaining our quality of life and the functionality of our cities.
The main problems caused by a large-scale power outage are widespread disruption and safety risks. Traffic lights stop working, which leads to chaos on the roads. Businesses can lose massive amounts of data and revenue. Crucially, essential services like security systems and clean water pumping stations fail, creating significant public safety hazards and making communication difficult during emergencies.
I don't think most people are adequately prepared for a long-term loss of electricity. While people usually have flashlights and maybe some emergency water, most households in cities lack the resources for anything lasting more than a day or two. Our strong reliance on electric heating, cooking, and refrigeration means a prolonged blackout would quickly become a major crisis for a vast number of families.
The way we generate and use electricity has changed significantly over the last 50 years. There has been a notable shift away from solely relying on coal towards cleaner energy sources like wind and solar power, driven by environmental concerns. We also use energy much more efficiently now due to smart technologies and energy-saving appliances, though overall demand has risen dramatically.
I believe governments are making efforts, but I don't think it's always enough. They are investing in grid upgrades and new power plants, but climate change and aging infrastructure pose constant challenges. More investment is needed in resilient smart grids and diversifying renewable energy sources to protect against extreme weather events and ensure a truly stable, long-term supply for rapidly growing populations.
Some key alternative sources of energy for the future include solar and wind power, which are already becoming mainstream. Another promising source is geothermal energy, which harnesses heat from the Earth's core. Finally, advancements in nuclear fusion research could offer a virtually limitless, clean, and safe power source, though this technology is still many years away from commercial viability.
Young people who commit crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Submission on Monday (06/11)
You should say:
what the book was.
when and where you read it.
what you learned from it.
and explain why you found it useful.
I'd like to describe a book that I found incredibly useful, titled "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. I read it about two years ago, mostly during my daily commute on the train to work. I also spent my evenings and weekends reading it at home in my living room.
The book is all about how habits are formed and how they can be changed. I learned so much from it, especially the concept of the "habit loop," which consists of a cue, a routine, and a reward. The author provides a clear framework for understanding why we do the things we do, from our daily routines to our financial habits. It explained the psychology behind how our brains automate certain behaviors, which I found fascinating and highly practical.
I found the book so useful because it gave me a concrete method to improve my life. By understanding the habit loop, I was able to identify some of my own negative habits, like procrastinating on projects or eating junk food, and consciously work to change them. The book provided real-world examples and scientific research that made its advice feel trustworthy and effective. It wasn't just a book of self-help clichés; it was a guide to behavioral change that helped me become more disciplined and productive.
How has technology changed the way people read books?
Technology has fundamentally changed the way people read. E-readers and tablets allow people to carry entire libraries in a single device, making books more accessible than ever. Audiobooks have also become very popular, allowing people to "read" while doing other tasks like commuting or exercising. This has made reading a more versatile activity, but it has also led to a decline in the reading of physical books for some.
Do you believe reading fiction is as useful as reading non-fiction?
Yes, I believe reading fiction is just as useful as non-fiction, though in different ways. Non-fiction provides factual knowledge and practical skills, which is a clear benefit. However, fiction enhances empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. It allows us to step into different worlds and perspectives, which broadens our understanding of human nature and society. This emotional and psychological growth is just as valuable as acquiring factual information.
Why do you think some people prefer to read physical books while others prefer e-books?
People's preferences for physical books versus e-books often come down to a matter of sensory experience and convenience. Those who prefer physical books enjoy the feeling of holding a tangible object, turning pages, and the distinct smell of paper. It's a more traditional and immersive experience. E-book lovers, on the other hand, prioritize convenience and portability. They can read anywhere, adjust font sizes, and carry many books without any extra weight.
How important is it for schools to encourage students to read for pleasure?
It's extremely important for schools to encourage reading for pleasure. Reading for enjoyment, not just for assignments, can significantly improve a student's vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. It can also foster a lifelong love of learning and curiosity. By making reading a fun activity rather than a chore, schools can help students develop a habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Do you think libraries are still relevant in the digital age?
Yes, I believe libraries are still very relevant in the digital age. While their role has evolved, they are more than just places to borrow books. Libraries are community hubs that provide free access to technology, Wi-Fi, and educational resources. They offer a quiet space for people to study and work, and they also host community events and workshops. They serve as a crucial resource for those who may not have access to digital resources at home.
In what ways can reading a book be more beneficial than watching a film?
Reading a book can be more beneficial than watching a film in several ways. Reading requires more active engagement from the brain. It forces you to use your imagination to visualize characters and settings, which can improve creativity. Books also often contain more detailed plots, complex character developments, and deeper insights into a character's thoughts and motivations. This can lead to a more nuanced and thorough understanding of a story than a film can provide in a limited time.
You should say:
what you saw.
when and where this happened.
who you were with.
and explain how you felt about it.
I'd like to describe a beautiful sunset I saw from the rooftop of my apartment building about a month ago. It was a Saturday evening, and I was feeling a bit tired after a long week of work. I decided to go to the rooftop with a cup of tea to get some fresh air. I wasn't with anyone else; I just wanted some time alone.
As I sat there, the sun began to set. The sky was filled with the most incredible colors—vibrant shades of orange, deep reds, and soft pinks that blended together seamlessly. The clouds were illuminated from beneath, looking like giant streaks of fire. It was a truly breathtaking sight. I was so captivated that I just sat there, mesmerized, and didn't even touch my phone.
The entire experience was very calming and peaceful. Watching the sun go down, and the colors change so slowly, made me feel incredibly small in a good way. It was a reminder of the simple beauty of nature that we often forget about in our busy daily lives. The sight made me feel a sense of tranquility and a deep appreciation for the natural world. It was a moment of quiet awe that really helped me de-stress.
I believe people's relationship with nature has become more distant over time. In the past, people were more directly connected to the natural world through agriculture and a lack of technology. Today, many live in urban areas and spend most of their time indoors, relying on technology for entertainment. This has led to a disconnect, but there's also a growing movement for environmental awareness and a desire to reconnect with nature through things like hiking and gardening.
People find sunsets and constellations beautiful because of their sheer scale and aesthetic appeal. Sunsets display a stunning, ever-changing palette of colors, which is visually captivating. Similarly, constellations are both beautiful and mysterious. Looking at them makes people feel a sense of wonder and connection to something much larger than themselves, which is a very powerful human emotion.
Yes, absolutely. Observing the sky can be a fantastic way to relax and reduce stress. It forces you to pause and be in the moment. Activities like stargazing or watching clouds move can shift your focus away from your daily worries and onto something immense and beautiful. This kind of mindful observation can have a very calming effect on the mind and body.
Pollution has significantly affected the visibility of the sky in urban areas. Particulate matter and smog create a haze that scatters and absorbs light, which makes stars much harder to see. This is known as light pollution, and it makes the night sky appear washed out. It also reduces the vibrancy of sunsets, as the colors are dulled by the pollutants in the air.
I believe it's very important for people to be more aware of the natural world. A greater awareness can lead to a deeper appreciation for nature, which can, in turn, foster a sense of responsibility to protect it. It also has benefits for mental and physical health. Spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a much-needed break from the digital world.
Activities like stargazing and birdwatching offer numerous benefits. They encourage you to get outdoors and can be a form of mindfulness. Stargazing, for instance, can inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe. Birdwatching connects you directly to local wildlife and helps you develop patience and observation skills. Both activities can also be very social, providing a shared interest for friends or family.
You should say:
when this happened.
who apologized to you.
what they apologized for.
and explain how you felt about their apology.
I'd like to describe a time when a former colleague of mine, named Mark, apologized to me. This happened about two years ago, when we were working on a major project together at a marketing firm. We were both quite stressed, and the deadlines were very tight.
One afternoon, during a team meeting, Mark made a mistake in a presentation he was giving. He got flustered and, in a moment of panic, he unfairly blamed the error on me, saying I had given him the wrong data. I was completely taken aback and felt really embarrassed in front of the whole team. The project manager, however, quickly realized the data was correct and that the mistake was Mark's.
A few hours later, after the meeting had ended, Mark came to my desk. He seemed genuinely remorseful. He apologized profusely for what he had said, admitting he had panicked under pressure and unfairly put the blame on me. He explained that he was really worried about how the project was going and that his reaction was not a reflection of how he actually felt about my work.
I really appreciated his honesty. I felt a sense of relief and respect for him because it takes a lot of maturity to admit you're wrong, especially after making a mistake in front of a senior team member. His apology made me feel that my feelings were acknowledged and that our professional relationship was still intact. It showed that he valued our teamwork, and it completely diffused the tension between us.
Some people find it difficult to apologize because it often involves admitting fault, which can feel like a blow to their ego. For them, saying "I'm sorry" might be seen as a sign of weakness or an admission of failure. They might also be afraid of the consequences of their actions or feel shame, which can make them defensive and unwilling to take responsibility.
A sincere apology has several key elements. First, it should be direct and clear, stating what the person is sorry for without making excuses. Second, it needs to be an admission of responsibility, showing that the person understands the hurt they caused. It also often includes a promise to do better or a plan to make amends, demonstrating a commitment to change.
I firmly believe that apologizing is a sign of strength. It takes courage and self-awareness to admit you've made a mistake and hurt someone. A person who can apologize sincerely demonstrates maturity, humility, and respect for others. It shows they value the relationship more than their own ego, which is a powerful sign of character.
Forgiving someone who has hurt you is very important, not just for the other person but for your own well-being. Holding onto anger and resentment can be emotionally and physically draining. Forgiveness allows you to let go of that negative energy and move forward with your life. It doesn't mean you have to forget what happened, but it frees you from the emotional burden.
While a sincere apology is a crucial first step, it can't always completely fix a problem. Some actions cause a lot of pain and break trust that can take a very long time to rebuild. While an apology can pave the way for healing and reconciliation, the actual mending of a relationship often requires more than just words—it requires consistent actions and effort over time.
Cultural differences significantly influence how people apologize. In some cultures, an apology might be very direct and verbal, while in others, it could be communicated through non-verbal gestures, like bowing, or by offering a gift. The concept of "saving face" in some cultures might also make a direct apology less common, with people instead focusing on restoring harmony in the relationship rather than admitting personal fault.
Why is it sometimes difficult for people to develop good habits?
It's difficult for people to develop good habits mainly due to our brain's natural inclination towards instant gratification. We're wired to seek immediate rewards, and good habits, like exercising or saving money, often only show benefits over the long term. This lack of an immediate payoff makes it much harder to stick with them, as opposed to giving in to the quick pleasure of a bad habit. It simply requires a lot of initial willpower to overcome this.
Do you think friends influence each other’s habits?
Yes, absolutely. Friends have a huge influence on each other's habits through a concept called social contagion. We are heavily influenced by our environment and the people we spend time with. If your friends are all health-conscious, you’re more likely to adopt a similar lifestyle. Conversely, if your friends have bad habits, it's very easy to fall into the same patterns. We often subconsciously mirror the behaviors of those closest to us to fit in.
Are good habits easier to develop when you are young or when you are older?
I believe it's much easier to develop good habits when you are young. Children's brains are more adaptable, and they are like sponges, soaking up routines and behaviors from their parents and teachers. A habit formed in childhood often becomes deeply ingrained and lasts a lifetime. In contrast, as we get older, our habits become more fixed, making it much more challenging to introduce new behaviors or change existing ones.
How can schools encourage children to build good habits?
Schools can encourage good habits by integrating them into the daily curriculum. For example, they can include daily physical activity, like a morning warm-up, or offer a variety of healthy food options in the cafeteria. They can also teach practical habits like organization and time management through things like using a planner. Positive reinforcement and rewarding children for their efforts can also be a powerful motivator.
Do you think bad habits are harder to break than good habits are to form?
Yes, I think bad habits are significantly harder to break. This is because bad habits often provide a quick, immediate reward, which creates very strong neural pathways in the brain. Breaking them requires a conscious effort to overcome this ingrained reward system. While forming a good habit requires discipline, it's often more about building a new routine rather than fighting a deeply conditioned one, which is why it can feel less challenging.
Can habits truly define a person’s character?
Habits can strongly reflect a person's character, but they don't define it entirely. Our repeated actions show our values and priorities. For example, someone who exercises regularly shows discipline. However, a person's character is more complex; it also includes their intentions, beliefs, and how they handle unexpected situations. So while habits are a powerful indicator of who we are, they are just one piece of a much larger picture.