Speaking June 10

Describe a time when someone gave you something that you really wanted

answer

Well, one of the most memorable gifts I’ve ever received was actually a brand-new MacBook Air from my dad, and it happened right before I headed off to university. You know, I’d been hinting for months that I needed a reliable laptop to handle all my coursework and research projects, but I honestly didn’t expect him to surprise me like that.

It was the weekend before I moved into my freshman dorm — we were packing up in our living room, boxes everywhere, and then my dad handed me this slim, neatly wrapped box with a big smile. At first I thought it might be something small, but as soon as I tore off the paper and saw the Apple logo, I felt this rush of excitement and disbelief.

To be honest, I was absolutely ecstatic. You know, it wasn’t just the MacBook itself, but what it symbolised: my dad’s confidence in my studies and his support for my independence. In that moment, I felt this warm sense of gratitude, and I even got a little bit teary-eyed — which, well, doesn’t happen often!

Ever since then, that laptop has been my constant companion, helping me write essays, run data analysis, and even sketch designs for group projects. Every time I open it, I’m reminded of that special send-off into university life and how fortunate I am to have such a thoughtful parent.

Well, one of the most memorable gifts I’ve ever received was actually a brand-new MacBook Air from my dad, and it happened right before I headed off to university. /wel/ /aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /ðə/ /ˈməʊst/ /ˈmem.ər.ə.bəl/ /ɡɪfts/ /aɪv/ /ˈev.ə/ /rɪˈsiːvd/ /wɒz/ /ˈæk.tʃu.əli/ /ə/ /ˌbrændˈnjuː/ /ˈmæk.bʊk/ /ˈeə/ /frɒm/ /maɪ/ /dæd/, /ænd/ /ɪt/ /ˈhæp.ənd/ /raɪt/ /bɪˈfɔː/ /aɪ/ /ˈhedɪd/ /ɒf/ /tə/ /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/.

well I’d been hinting for months that I needed a reliable laptop to handle all my coursework and research projects, but I honestly didn’t expect him to surprise me like that. /aɪd/ /bɪn/ /ˈhɪnt.ɪŋ/ /fə/ /mʌnθs/ /ðæt/ /aɪ/ /ˈniː.dɪd/ /ə/ /rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/ /ˈlæp.tɒp/ /tuː/ /ˈhæn.dəl/ /ɔːl/ /maɪ/ /ˈkɔːs.wɜːk/ /ænd/ /rɪˈsɜːtʃ/ /ˈprɒdʒ.ekts/, /bət/ /aɪ/ /ˈɒn.ɪst.li/ /ˈdɪd.ənt/ /ɪkˈspekt/ /hɪm/ /tə/ /səˈpraɪz/ /miː/ /laɪk/ /ðæt/.

It was the weekend before I moved into my freshman dorm — we were packing up in our living room, boxes everywhere, and then my dad handed me this slim, neatly wrapped box with a big smile. /ɪt/ /wɒz/ /ðə/ /ˌwiːkˈend/ /bɪˈfɔː/ /aɪ/ /muːvd/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /maɪ/ /ˈfreʃ.mən/ /dɔːm/ — /wiː/ /wɜː/ /ˈpæk.ɪŋ/ /ʌp/ /ɪn/ /aʊə/ /ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/ /ruːm/, /ˈbɒk.sɪz/ /ˈev.ri.weə/, /ænd/ /ðen/ /maɪ/ /dæd/ /ˈhæn.dɪd/ /miː/ /ðɪs/ /slɪm/, /ˈniːt.li/ /ræpt/ /bɒks/ /wɪð/ /ə/ /bɪɡ/ /smaɪl/.

At first I thought it might be something small, but as soon as I tore off the paper and saw the Apple logo, I felt this rush of excitement and disbelief. /æt/ /fɜːst/ /aɪ/ /θɔːt/ /ɪt/ /maɪt/ /biː/ /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/ /smɔːl/, /bət/ /əz/ /suːn/ /æz/ /aɪ/ /tɔː/ /ɒf/ /ðə/ /ˈpeɪ.pə/, /ænd/ /sɔː/ /ðə/ /ˈæp.əl/ /ˈləʊ.ɡəʊ/, /aɪ/ /felt/ /ðɪs/ /rʌʃ/ /ɒv/ /ɪkˈsaɪt.mənt/ /ænd/ /ˌdɪs.bɪˈliːf/.

To be honest, I was absolutely ecstatic. /tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /aɪ/ /wɒz/ /ˌæb.səˈluːt.li/ /ɪkˈstætɪk/.

You know, it wasn’t just the MacBook itself, but what it symbolised: my dad’s confidence in my studies and his support for my independence. /juː/ /nəʊ/, /ɪt/ /ˈwɒz.ənt/ /dʒʌst/ /ðə/ /ˈmæk.bʊk/ /ɪtˈself/, /bət/ /wɒt/ /ɪt/ /ˈsɪm.bəl.aɪzd/ /maɪ/ /dædz/ /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/ /ɪn/ /maɪ/ /ˈstʌd.iz/ /ænd/ /hɪz/ /səˈpɔːt/ /fə/ /maɪ/ /ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dəns/.

In that moment, I felt this warm sense of gratitude, and I even got a little bit teary-eyed — which, well, doesn’t happen often! /ɪn/ /ðæt/ /ˈməʊ.mənt/, /aɪ/ /felt/ /ðɪs/ /wɔːm/ /sens/ /ɒv/ /ˈɡræt.ɪ.tjuːd/, /ænd/ /aɪ/ /ˈiː.vən/ /ɡɒt/ /ə/ /ˈlɪt.l̩/ /bɪt/ /ˈtɪə.ri.aɪd/ — /wɪtʃ/, /wel/, /ˈdʌz.ənt/ /ˈhæp.ən/ /ˈɒf.ən/!

Ever since then, that laptop has been my constant companion, helping me write essays, run data analysis, and even sketch designs for group projects. /ˈev.ə/ /sɪns/ /ðen/, /ðæt/ /ˈlæp.tɒp/ /hæz/ /bɪn/ /maɪ/ /ˈkɒn.stənt/ /kəmˈpæn.jən/, /ˈhelp.ɪŋ/ /miː/ /raɪt/ /ˈes.eɪz/, /rʌn/ /ˈdeɪ.tə/ /əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/, /ænd/ /ˈiː.vən/ /sketʃ/ /dɪˈzaɪnz/ /fə/ /ɡruːp/ /ˈprɒdʒ.ekts/.

Every time I open it, I’m reminded of that special send-off into university life and how fortunate I am to have such a thoughtful parent. /ˈev.ri/ /taɪm/ /aɪ/ /ˈəʊ.pən/ /ɪt/, /aɪm/ /rɪˈmaɪn.dɪd/ /ɒv/ /ðæt/ /ˈspeʃ.əl/ /ˈsend.ɒf/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ /laɪf/ /ænd/ /haʊ/ /ˈfɔː.tʃən.ət/ /aɪ/ /æm/ /tuː/ /hæv/ /sʌtʃ/ /ə/ /ˈθɔːt.fəl/ /ˈpeə.rənt/

part3

Should employees have their own goals?

Well, I definitely think employees should have their own goals, you know? Having clear, personal objectives—like mastering a new software or leading a small project—gives you tangible milestones to strive for. It fuels intrinsic motivation and helps with career growth, especially for someone just starting out. To be honest, setting your own goals also makes you more proactive; you’re not just waiting for instructions, but actively shaping your role and skills.

Well, I definitely think employees should have their own goals, you know? /wel/ /aɪ/ /ˈdɛf.ɪ.nɪt.li/ /θɪŋk/ /ɪmˈplɔɪ.iːz/ /ʃʊd/ /hæv/ /ðeə/ /əʊn/ /ɡəʊlz/ /juː/ /nəʊ/

Having clear, personal objectives — like mastering a new software or leading a small project — gives you tangible milestones to strive for. /ˈhæv.ɪŋ/ /klɪə/ /ˈpɜː.sən.əl/ /əbˈdʒek.tɪvz/ — /laɪk/ /ˈmɑː.stər.ɪŋ/ /ə/ /njuː/ /ˈsɒf.tweə/ /ɔː/ /ˈliː.dɪŋ/ /ə/ /smɔːl/ /ˈprɒdʒ.ekt/ — /ɡɪvz/ /juː/ /ˈtæn.dʒə.bəl/ /ˈmaɪl.stəʊnz/ /tuː/ /straɪv/ /fɔː/

It fuels intrinsic motivation and helps with career growth, especially for someone just starting out. /ɪt/ /ˈfjuː.əlz/ /ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/ /ˌməʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/ /ænd/ /helps/ /wɪð/ /kəˈrɪə/ /ɡrəʊθ/, /ɪˈspeʃ.əl.i/ /fə/ /ˈsʌm.wʌn/ /dʒʌst/ /ˈstɑː.tɪŋ/ /aʊt/

To be honest, setting your own goals also makes you more proactive; you’re not just waiting for instructions, but actively shaping your role and skills. /tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /ˈset.ɪŋ/ /jɔː/ /əʊn/ /ɡəʊlz/ /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /meɪks/ /juː/ /mɔː/ /prəʊˈæk.tɪv/; /jɔː/ /nɒt/ /dʒʌst/ /ˈweɪ.tɪŋ/ /fə/ /ɪnˈstrʌk.ʃənz/, /bət/ /ˈæk.tɪv.li/ /ˈʃeɪ.pɪŋ/ /jɔː/ /rəʊl/ /ænd/ /skɪlz/

How should bosses reward employees？

Well, I think bosses should definitely consider performance-based bonuses or salary increases. You know, tying rewards directly to measurable outcomes—like hitting sales targets or completing projects ahead of schedule—reinforces the behaviour they want. A clear, transparent bonus structure not only motivates hard work but also builds a sense of fairness. To be honest, when people see that extra effort leads to financial gain, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal.

Well, I think bosses should definitely consider performance-based bonuses or salary increases. /wel/ /aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /ˈbɒs.ɪz/ /ʃʊd/ /ˈdɛf.ɪ.nɪt.li/ /kənˈsɪd.ər/ /pəˈfɔː.məns-beɪst/ /ˈbəʊ.nə.sɪz/ /ɔː/ /ˈsæl.ə.ri/ /ˈɪn.kriːs.ɪz/

You know, tying rewards directly to measurable outcomes — like hitting sales targets or completing projects ahead of schedule — reinforces the behaviour they want. /juː/ /nəʊ/ /ˈtaɪ.ɪŋ/ /rɪˈwɔːdz/ /dəˈrektli/ /tə/ /ˈmeʒ.ər.ə.bəl/ /ˈaʊt.kʌmz/ — /laɪk/ /ˈhɪt.ɪŋ/ /seɪlz/ /ˈtɑː.ɡɪts/ /ɔː/ /kəmˈpliː.tɪŋ/ /ˈprɒdʒ.ekts/ /əˈhɛd/ /ɒv/ /ˈʃɛd.juːl/ — /ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔː.sɪz/ /ðə/ /bɪˈheɪ.vjər/ /ðeɪ/ /wɒnt/

A clear, transparent bonus structure not only motivates hard work but also builds a sense of fairness. /ə/ /klɪə/ /trænsˈpær.ənt/ /ˈbəʊ.nəs/ /ˈstrʌk.tʃə/ /nɒt/ /ˈəʊn.li/ /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪts/ /hɑːd/ /wɜːk/ /bət/ /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /bɪldz/ /ə/ /sens/ /ɒv/ /ˈfeə.nəs/

To be honest, when people see that extra effort leads to financial gain, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal. /tə/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/ /wen/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /siː/ /ðæt/ /ˈek.strə/ /ˈef.ət/ /liːdz/ /tə/ /faɪˈnæn.ʃəl/ /ɡeɪn/ /ðeə/ /mɔː/ /ˈlaɪ.kli/ /tə/ /steɪ/ /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/ /ænd/ /ˈlɔɪ.əl/

What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?

Well, you know, most young people these days are pretty tech-savvy, so gadgets often top their wish list. Things like wireless earbuds, a sleek power bank, or even a phone gimbal really resonate because we spend so much time studying, socializing, and streaming online. To be honest, a gadget that enhances daily life—whether it’s a smart speaker or a portable SSD—feels both practical and a bit stylish, which is exactly the kind of reward that hits the sweet spot.

Well, you know, most young people these days are pretty tech-savvy, so gadgets often top their wish list. /wel/ /juː/ /nəʊ/ /məʊst/ /jʌŋ/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /ðiːz/ /deɪz/ /ɑː/ /ˈprɪt.i/ /ˌtekˈsæ.vi/ /səʊ/ /ˈɡædʒ.ɪts/ /ˈɒf.ən/ /tɒp/ /ðeə/ /wɪʃ/ /lɪst/

Things like wireless earbuds, a sleek power bank, or even a phone gimbal really resonate because we spend so much time studying, socializing, and streaming online. /θɪŋz/ /laɪk/ /ˈwaɪə.ləs/ /ˈɪə.bʌdz/ /ə/ /sliːk/ /ˈpaʊə/ /bæŋk/ /ɔː/ /ˈiː.vən/ /ə/ /fəʊn/ /ˈdʒɪm.bəl/ /ˈrɪə.li/ /ˈrez.ə.neɪt/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /wiː/ /spɛnd/ /səʊ/ /mʌʧ/ /taɪm/ /ˈstʌd.i.ɪŋ/, /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl.aɪ.zɪŋ/, /ænd/ /ˈstriː.mɪŋ/ /ɒnˈlaɪn/

To be honest, a gadget that enhances daily life—whether it’s a smart speaker or a portable SSD—feels both practical and a bit stylish, which is exactly the kind of reward that hits the sweet spot. /tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /ə/ /ˈɡædʒ.ɪt/ /ðət/ /ɪnˈhɑːn.sɪz/ /ˈdeɪ.li/ /laɪf/ — /ˈweð.ə/ /ɪts/ /ə/ /smɑːt/ /ˈspiː.kə/ /ɔː/ /ə/ /ˈpɔː.tə.bəl/ /ˌes.esˈdiː/ — /fiːlz/ /bəʊθ/ /ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl/ /ænd/ /ə/ /bɪt/ /ˈstaɪ.lɪʃ/, /wɪtʃ/ /ɪz/ /ɪɡˈzækt.li/ /ðə/ /kaɪnd/ /ɒv/ /rɪˈwɔːd/ /ðət/ /hɪts/ /ðə/ /swiːt/ /spɒt/

How should children spend their allowance money?

To be honest, I think a portion of allowance could go towards experiences or helping others. Kids could pool funds for a museum visit, a weekend workshop, or even buy a small gift for a sick classmate. In China, many schools have charity drives — contributing 10 RMB to a class fund helps children understand empathy and community spirit. Plus, investing in experiences rather than only material items often brings more lasting satisfaction.

To be honest, I think a portion of allowance could go towards experiences or helping others. /tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /ə/ /ˈpɔː.ʃən/ /ɒv/ /əˈlaʊ.əns/ /kʊd/ /ɡəʊ/ /təˈwɔːdz/ /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.ənsɪz/ /ɔː/ /ˈhelp.ɪŋ/ /ˈʌð.əz/

Kids could pool funds for a museum visit, a weekend workshop, or even buy a small gift for a sick classmate. /kɪdz/ /kʊd/ /puːl/ /fʌndz/ /fə/ /ə/ /mjuːˈziː.əm/ /ˈvɪz.ɪt/, /ə/ /ˈwiːk.end/ /ˈwɜːk.ʃɒp/, /ɔː/ /ˈiː.vən/ /baɪ/ /ə/ /smɔːl/ /ɡɪft/ /fə/ /ə/ /sɪk/ /ˈklɑːs.meɪt/

In China, many schools have charity drives — contributing ten RMB to a class fund helps children understand empathy and community spirit. /ɪn/ /ˈtʃaɪ.nə/, /ˈmɛ.ni/ /skuːlz/ /hæv/ /ˈʧær.ɪ.ti/ /draɪvz/ — /kənˈtrɪb.jʊ.tɪŋ/ /tɛn/ /ɑːr.emˈbiː/ /tə/ /ə/ /klɑːs/ /fʌnd/ /helps/ /ˈtʃɪl.drən/ /ˌʌn.dəˈstænd/ /ˈem.pə.θi/ /ænd/ /kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/ /ˈspɪr.ɪt/

Plus, investing in experiences rather than only material items often brings more lasting satisfaction. /plʌs/, /ɪnˈvɛs.tɪŋ/ /ɪn/ /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.ənsɪz/ /ˈrɑː.ðə/ /ðæn/ /ˈəʊn.li/ /məˈtɪə.ri.əl/ /ˈaɪ.təmz/ /ˈɒf.ən/ /brɪŋz/ /mɔː/ /ˈlɑː.stɪŋ/ /ˌsæt.ɪsˈfæk.ʃən/

Why do people like shopping more now than in the past?

Well, you know, one of the biggest reasons is the rise of e-commerce and fast logistics. Back in the day, if you wanted something, you had to physically go to a store, which took time and effort. Now with apps like Taobao or JD.com, you can browse thousands of products on your phone, place an order in seconds, and get it delivered the next day. To be honest, that level of convenience makes shopping feel almost effortless, so people naturally do it more often.

***-

Well, you know, one of the biggest reasons is the rise of e-commerce and fast logistics. /wel/ /juː/ /nəʊ/ /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /ðə/ /ˈbɪg.ɪst/ /ˈriː.zənz/ /ɪz/ /ðə/ /ˈiːˌkɒm.ɜːs/ /ænd/ /fɑːst/ /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/

Back in the day, if you wanted something, you had to physically go to a store, which took time and effort. /bæk/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /deɪ/ /ɪf/ /juː/ /ˈwɒn.tɪd/ /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/ /juː/ /hæd/ /tuː/ /ˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl.i/ /ɡəʊ/ /tuː/ /ə/ /stɔː/ /wɪʧ/ /tʊk/ /taɪm/ /ænd/ /ˈef.ət/

Now with apps like Taobao or JD.com, you can browse thousands of products on your phone, place an order in seconds, and get it delivered the next day. /naʊ/ /wɪð/ /æps/ /laɪk/ /ˌtaʊˈbaʊ/ /ɔː/ /ˌdʒeɪdiːˈkɒm/ /juː/ /kæn/ /braʊz/ /ˈθaʊ.zəndz/ /ɒv/ /ˈprɒd.ʌkts/ /ɒn/ /jɔː/ /fəʊn/ /pleɪs/ /ən/ /ˈɔː.dər/ /ɪn/ /ˈsek.əndz/ /ænd/ /ɡet/ /ɪt/ /dɪˈlɪ.vəd/ /ðə/ /nekst/ /deɪ/

To be honest, that level of convenience makes shopping feel almost effortless, so people naturally do it more often. /tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/ /ðæt/ /ˈlɛv.əl/ /ɒv/ /kənˈviː.ni.əns/ /meɪks/ /ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ/ /fiːl/ /ˈɔːl.məʊst/ /ˈef.ət.ləs/ /səʊ/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /ˈnætʃ.ər.əl.i/ /duː/ /ɪt/ /mɔː/ /ˈɒf.ən/

Do you think shopping is good for a country's economy?

Well, you know, shopping is a major driver of economic growth because consumer spending typically accounts for a large chunk of GDP. When people buy goods and services, retailers see higher revenues, which allows them to hire more staff and expand their operations. In China, for instance, the Singles’ Day shopping festival generates billions in sales, boosting not only e-commerce platforms but also logistics, marketing, and manufacturing sectors. So to be honest, healthy consumer activity can really stimulate job creation and overall economic vitality.

Well, you know, shopping is a major driver of economic growth because consumer spending typically accounts for a large chunk of GDP. /wel/ /juː/ /nəʊ/ /ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ/ /ɪz/ /ə/ /ˈmeɪ.dʒə/ /ˈdraɪ.və/ /ɒv/ /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk/ /ɡrəʊθ/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /kənˈsjuː.mər/ /ˈspen.dɪŋ/ /ˈtɪp.ɪ.kəl.i/ /əˈkaʊnts/ /fɔː/ /ə/ /lɑːʤ/ /tʃʌŋk/ /ɒv/ /ˌdʒiː/ /diːˈpiː/

When people buy goods and services, retailers see higher revenues, which allows them to hire more staff and expand their operations. /wɛn/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /baɪ/ /ɡʊdz/ /ænd/ /ˈsɜː.vɪs.ɪz/, /rɪˈteɪ.ləz/ /siː/ /ˈhaɪ.ə/ /ˈrev.ə.njuːz/, /wɪʧ/ /əˈlaʊz/ /ðəm/ /tuː/ /ˈhaɪə/ /mɔː/ /stɑːf/ /ænd/ /ɪkˈspænd/ /ðeə/ /ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃənz/

In China, for instance, the Singles’ Day shopping festival generates billions in sales, boosting not only e-commerce platforms but also logistics, marketing, and manufacturing sectors. /ɪn/ /ˈtʃaɪ.nə/, /fɔː/ /ˈɪn.stəns/, /ðə/ /ˌsɪŋ.ɡəlz/ /deɪ/ /ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ/ /ˈfestəvəl/ /ˈdʒen.ə.reɪts/ /ˈbɪl.jənz/ /ɪn/ /seɪlz/, /ˈbuː.stɪŋ/ /nɒt/ /ˈəʊn.li/ /iːˌkɒmˈɜːs/ /ˈplæt.fɔːmz/ /bət/ /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /ləˈdʒɪs.tɪks/, /ˈmɑː.kɪ.tɪŋ/, /ænd/ /ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ/ /ˈsek.təz/

So to be honest, healthy consumer activity can really stimulate job creation and overall economic vitality. /səʊ/ /tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /ˈhel.θi/ /kənˈsjuː.mər/ /ækˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ /kæn/ /ˈrɪə.li/ /ˈstɪm.jʊ.leɪt/ /ʤɒb/ /kriːˈeɪ.ʃən/ /ænd/ /ˌəʊ.vəˈrɔːl/ /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk/ /vaɪˈtæl.ə.ti/