Speaking test preparation part for First Certificate in English FCE - 01

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Tom and Jackie interview participants Anna and Ronald about their backgrounds, experiences, and preferences in living, studying, and dining. Anna, from Spain, appreciates Madrid's opportunities, while Ronald, from Italy, values practicality. They discuss their media consumption habits, travel experiences, and insights on cultural dining. The dialogue explores ideas for attracting customers to a local café, emphasizing the importance of music and comfort. Additionally, they reflect on generational differences in socializing and the value of leisure activities. This interaction provides a rich perspective on personal and cultural dynamics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anna and Ronald introduce themselves, sharing their origins from Spain and Italy, respectively.
• 🎵 Anna enjoys Madrid for its size and options for activities, while Ronald appreciates its practicality.
• 📚 Both students discuss their educational experiences, noting the challenges of studying in crowded university settings.
• 🏛️ Anna expresses a desire to explore northern Spain, particularly for its historical significance and cultural sites.
• 🌆 Ronald shares his experiences visiting London, emphasizing its size and appeal.
• 📺 The conversation touches on their media consumption, with both preferring the internet over traditional TV.
• 🎶 Anna compares two photographs of music-making, distinguishing between street performers and family gatherings.
• 🏛️ Ronald analyzes educational visits, noting the value of museum experiences over outdoor guided tours.
• ☕ They discuss ways to attract more customers to a local cafe, considering live music and comfortable seating.
• 🍝 Both speakers highlight the importance of traditional cuisine in their countries, with Anna citing Spain's food and Ronald emphasizing Italy's culinary reputation.

Q & A

What are the names of the individuals in the interview?

The individuals in the interview are Tom Bradbury, Jackie New Brooke, Anna, and Ronald.

Where is Anna from, and what does she think about living in Madrid?

Anna is from Spain, specifically from Madrid. She thinks Madrid is a very big city with many options for activities because it is the capital of Spain.

What is Ronald's hometown, and how does he feel about living in Madrid?

Ronald is from Perugia, Italy. He is not sure if he likes living in Madrid, but he appreciates the practicality of how things are organized.

What are the differences in studying environments mentioned by Ronald?

Ronald finds studying at university to be too crowded, while he felt it was okay in high school.

What place in Spain would Anna like to explore more, and why?

Anna would like to explore the north of Spain because it has interesting old buildings, even though she prefers warm weather.

What types of music do Anna and Ronald prefer?

Anna prefers heavy metal and rock music, while Ronald's preference is not explicitly mentioned.

What do Anna and Ronald think about the effectiveness of music in attracting people to a café?

They believe that having music in a café could be good for attracting people, making it a more appealing place.

Which suggestion do Anna and Ronald agree would attract the most customers to a café?

They agree that having a space to watch sports, like football matches, would attract the most customers.

What are some common complaints people have about cafés and restaurants, according to the conversation?

Common complaints include high prices, poor food quality, long wait times for service, and cleanliness issues.

Why do Anna and Ronald think young people and older people prefer different types of places to relax?

They attribute the differences to generational preferences, noting that older people tend to prefer quieter, homey environments while younger people enjoy noisier places.