Speaking June 1

Describe a photo that you enjoy looking at

answer

Original version

One of my favorite photos is actually one that my father took a few years ago during a family trip to a small village in Yunnan Province, in the southwest of China. I was still in my final year of undergraduate study at that time, and it was one of the last proper family trips we had before I started my postgraduate program and got much busier.

The photo shows me, my parents, and my younger sister standing on a hilltop just after sunrise. The background is breathtaking — layers of mountains fading into the mist, golden light spilling over the landscape, and even some terraced fields in the distance. We all look genuinely happy, a little windblown, and completely relaxed. It was one of those rare moments when no one was thinking about work, school, or deadlines — we were just present.

I love looking at this photo because it instantly brings me a sense of peace. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed by academic work or research pressure, I often take a moment to look at it. It reminds me of what really matters — spending time with loved ones and appreciating simple, quiet moments.

It also serves as a reminder of balance — that no matter how ambitious I am in my academic or professional goals, I should always make time for the people and places that recharge me emotionally.

***-

One of my favorite photos is actually one that my father took a few years ago during a family trip to a small village in Yunnan Province, in the southwest of China. /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /maɪ/ /ˈfeɪ.vər.ɪt/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /ɪz/ /ˈæk.tʃu.əli/ /wʌn/ /ðæt/ /maɪ/ /ˈfɑː.ðə/ /tʊk/ /ə/ /fjuː/ /jɪəz/ /əˈɡəʊ/ /ˈdjʊə.rɪŋ/ /ə/ /ˈfæm.li/ /trɪp/ /tʊ/ /ə/ /smɔːl/ /ˈvɪ.lɪdʒ/ /ɪn/ /ˈjuː.næn/ /ˈprɒ.vɪns/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /ˌsaʊθˈwest/ /ɒv/ /ˈtʃaɪ.nə/

I was still in my final year of undergraduate study at that time, and it was one of the last proper family trips we had before I started my postgraduate program and got much busier. /aɪ/ /wɒz/ /stɪl/ /ɪn/ /maɪ/ /ˈfaɪ.nəl/ /jɪə/ /ɒv/ /ˌʌn.dəˈɡræd.jʊ.ət/ /ˈstʌd.i/ /æt/ /ðæt/ /taɪm/ /ænd/ /ɪt/ /wɒz/ /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /ðə/ /lɑːst/ /ˈprɒp.ə/ /ˈfæm.li/ /trɪps/ /wiː/ /hæd/ /bɪˈfɔː/ /aɪ/ /ˈstɑː.tɪd/ /maɪ/ /ˌpəʊstˈɡræd.jʊ.ət/ /ˈprəʊ.ɡræm/ /ænd/ /ɡɒt/ /mʌtʃ/ /ˈbɪz.i.ə/

The photo shows me, my parents, and my younger sister standing on a hilltop just after sunrise. /ðə/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊ/ /ʃəʊz/ /miː/ /maɪ/ /ˈpeə.rənts/ /ænd/ /maɪ/ /ˈjʌŋ.ɡə/ /ˈsɪs.tə/ /ˈstæn.dɪŋ/ /ɒn/ /ə/ /ˈhɪl.tɒp/ /dʒʌst/ /ˈɑːf.tə/ /ˈsʌn.raɪz/

The background is breathtaking — layers of mountains fading into the mist, golden light spilling over the landscape, and even some terraced fields in the distance. /ðə/ /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd/ /ɪz/ /ˈbreθˌteɪ.kɪŋ/ — /ˈleɪ.əz/ /ɒv/ /ˈmaʊn.tɪnz/ /ˈfeɪ.dɪŋ/ /ˈɪn.tʊ/ /ðə/ /mɪst/ /ˈɡəʊl.dən/ /laɪt/ /ˈspɪl.ɪŋ/ /ˈəʊ.və/ /ðə/ /ˈlænd.skeɪp/ /ænd/ /ˈiː.vən/ /sʌm/ /ˈter.əst/ /fiːldz/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /ˈdɪs.təns/

We all look genuinely happy, a little windblown, and completely relaxed. /wiː/ /ɔːl/ /lʊk/ /ˈdʒen.ju.ɪn.li/ /ˈhæp.i/ /ə/ /ˈlɪt.l̩/ /ˈwɪnd.bləʊn/ /ænd/ /kəmˈpliːt.li/ /rɪˈlækst/

It was one of those rare moments when no one was thinking about work, school, or deadlines — we were just present. /ɪt/ /wɒz/ /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /ðəʊz/ /reə/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/ /wen/ /nəʊ/ /wʌn/ /wɒz/ /ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ/ /əˈbaʊt/ /wɜːk/ /skuːl/ /ɔː/ /ˈded.laɪnz/ — /wiː/ /wɜː/ /dʒʌst/ /ˈprez.ənt/

I love looking at this photo because it instantly brings me a sense of peace. /aɪ/ /lʌv/ /ˈlʊk.ɪŋ/ /æt/ /ðɪs/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊ/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /ɪt/ /ˈɪn.stənt.li/ /brɪŋz/ /miː/ /ə/ /sens/ /ɒv/ /piːs/

Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed by academic work or research pressure, I often take a moment to look at it. /wenˈev.ə/ /aɪ/ /fiːl/ /strest/ /ɔː/ /ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/ /baɪ/ /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ /wɜːk/ /ɔː/ /rɪˈsɜːtʃ/ /ˈpreʃ.ə/ /aɪ/ /ˈɒf.n̩/ /teɪk/ /ə/ /ˈməʊ.mənt/ /tʊ/ /lʊk/ /æt/ /ɪt/

It reminds me of what really matters — spending time with loved ones and appreciating simple, quiet moments. /ɪt/ /rɪˈmaɪndz/ /miː/ /ɒv/ /wɒt/ /ˈrɪə.li/ /ˈmæt.əz/ — /ˈspend.ɪŋ/ /taɪm/ /wɪð/ /lʌvd/ /wʌnz/ /ænd/ /əˈpriː.ʃi.eɪ.tɪŋ/ /ˈsɪm.pəl/ /ˈkwaɪ.ət/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/

It also serves as a reminder of balance — that no matter how ambitious I am in my academic or professional goals, I should always make time for the people and places that recharge me emotionally. /ɪt/ /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /sɜːvz/ /æz/ /ə/ /rɪˈmaɪn.də/ /ɒv/ /ˈbæl.əns/ — /ðæt/ /nəʊ/ /ˈmæt.ə/ /haʊ/ /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/ /aɪ/ /æm/ /ɪn/ /maɪ/ /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ /ɔː/ /prəˈfeʃ.ən.l̩/ /ɡəʊlz/ /aɪ/ /ʃʊd/ /ˈɔːl.weɪz/ /meɪk/ /taɪm/ /fɔː/ /ðə/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /ənd/ /ˈpleɪ.sɪz/ /ðæt/ /ˈriː.tʃɑːdʒ/ /miː/ /ɪˈməʊ.ʃən.l̩.i/

revised version

增加逻辑性

You know, there's a photo I really love looking at, mainly because it brings me such a strong sense of peace and comfort every time I see it. I often look at it when I feel overwhelmed with school work or just mentally exhausted from research. It instantly takes me back to a moment when everything felt calm and simple.

So the photo was taken a few years ago during a family trip to a small village in Yunnan Province. My dad took it early in the morning, right after sunrise. At the time, I was in my final year of undergraduate study, and it was, well, probably our last proper family trip before I moved away for grad school.

In the photo, you can see me, my parents, and my younger sister standing on a hilltop. The background is absolutely stunning — layers of misty mountains, soft golden light, and some terraced fields stretching out into the distance. We were all smiling, looking a little sleepy and windblown, but genuinely happy.

What I love most about it is that it captures a moment of stillness. It reminds me that even during busy and stressful times, there’s always a need to pause, breathe, and reconnect — with nature, with family, and with myself. So yeah, it’s not just a nice picture — it’s kind of like a reminder of what really matters.

with phonetic version

One of my favorite photos is actually one that my father took a few years ago during a family trip to a small village in Yunnan Province, in the southwest of China. /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /maɪ/ /ˈfeɪ.vər.ɪt/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /ɪz/ /ˈæk.tʃu.əli/ /wʌn/ /ðæt/ /maɪ/ /ˈfɑː.ðə/ /tʊk/ /ə/ /fjuː/ /jɪəz/ /əˈɡəʊ/ /ˈdjʊə.rɪŋ/ /ə/ /ˈfæm.li/ /trɪp/ /tʊ/ /ə/ /smɔːl/ /ˈvɪ.lɪdʒ/ /ɪn/ /ˈjuː.næn/ /ˈprɒ.vɪns/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /ˌsaʊθˈwest/ /ɒv/ /ˈtʃaɪ.nə/

I was still in my final year of undergraduate study at that time, and it was one of the last proper family trips we had before I started my postgraduate program and got much busier. /aɪ/ /wɒz/ /stɪl/ /ɪn/ /maɪ/ /ˈfaɪ.nəl/ /jɪə/ /ɒv/ /ˌʌn.dəˈɡræd.jʊ.ət/ /ˈstʌd.i/ /æt/ /ðæt/ /taɪm/ /ænd/ /ɪt/ /wɒz/ /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /ðə/ /lɑːst/ /ˈprɒp.ə/ /ˈfæm.li/ /trɪps/ /wiː/ /hæd/ /bɪˈfɔː/ /aɪ/ /ˈstɑː.tɪd/ /maɪ/ /ˌpəʊstˈɡræd.jʊ.ət/ /ˈprəʊ.ɡræm/ /ænd/ /ɡɒt/ /mʌtʃ/ /ˈbɪz.i.ə/

The photo shows me, my parents, and my younger sister standing on a hilltop just after sunrise. /ðə/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊ/ /ʃəʊz/ /miː/ /maɪ/ /ˈpeə.rənts/ /ænd/ /maɪ/ /ˈjʌŋ.ɡə/ /ˈsɪs.tə/ /ˈstæn.dɪŋ/ /ɒn/ /ə/ /ˈhɪl.tɒp/ /dʒʌst/ /ˈɑːf.tə/ /ˈsʌn.raɪz/

The background is breathtaking — layers of mountains fading into the mist, golden light spilling over the landscape, and even some terraced fields in the distance. /ðə/ /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd/ /ɪz/ /ˈbreθˌteɪ.kɪŋ/ — /ˈleɪ.əz/ /ɒv/ /ˈmaʊn.tɪnz/ /ˈfeɪ.dɪŋ/ /ˈɪn.tʊ/ /ðə/ /mɪst/ /ˈɡəʊl.dən/ /laɪt/ /ˈspɪl.ɪŋ/ /ˈəʊ.və/ /ðə/ /ˈlænd.skeɪp/ /ænd/ /ˈiː.vən/ /sʌm/ /ˈter.əst/ /fiːldz/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /ˈdɪs.təns/

We all look genuinely happy, a little windblown, and completely relaxed. /wiː/ /ɔːl/ /lʊk/ /ˈdʒen.ju.ɪn.li/ /ˈhæp.i/ /ə/ /ˈlɪt.l̩/ /ˈwɪnd.bləʊn/ /ænd/ /kəmˈpliːt.li/ /rɪˈlækst/

It was one of those rare moments when no one was thinking about work, school, or deadlines — we were just present. /ɪt/ /wɒz/ /wʌn/ /ɒv/ /ðəʊz/ /reə/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/ /wen/ /nəʊ/ /wʌn/ /wɒz/ /ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ/ /əˈbaʊt/ /wɜːk/ /skuːl/ /ɔː/ /ˈded.laɪnz/ — /wiː/ /wɜː/ /dʒʌst/ /ˈprez.ənt/

I love looking at this photo because it instantly brings me a sense of peace. /aɪ/ /lʌv/ /ˈlʊk.ɪŋ/ /æt/ /ðɪs/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊ/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /ɪt/ /ˈɪn.stənt.li/ /brɪŋz/ /miː/ /ə/ /sens/ /ɒv/ /piːs/

Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed by academic work or research pressure, I often take a moment to look at it. /wenˈev.ə/ /aɪ/ /fiːl/ /strest/ /ɔː/ /ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/ /baɪ/ /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ /wɜːk/ /ɔː/ /rɪˈsɜːtʃ/ /ˈpreʃ.ə/ /aɪ/ /ˈɒf.n̩/ /teɪk/ /ə/ /ˈməʊ.mənt/ /tʊ/ /lʊk/ /æt/ /ɪt/

It reminds me of what really matters — spending time with loved ones and appreciating simple, quiet moments. /ɪt/ /rɪˈmaɪndz/ /miː/ /ɒv/ /wɒt/ /ˈrɪə.li/ /ˈmæt.əz/ — /ˈspend.ɪŋ/ /taɪm/ /wɪð/ /lʌvd/ /wʌnz/ /ænd/ /əˈpriː.ʃi.eɪ.tɪŋ/ /ˈsɪm.pəl/ /ˈkwaɪ.ət/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/

It also serves as a reminder of balance — that no matter how ambitious I am in my academic or professional goals, I should always make time for the people and places that recharge me emotionally. /ɪt/ /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /sɜːvz/ /æz/ /ə/ /rɪˈmaɪn.də/ /ɒv/ /ˈbæl.əns/ — /ðæt/ /nəʊ/ /ˈmæt.ə/ /haʊ/ /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/ /aɪ/ /æm/ /ɪn/ /maɪ/ /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ /ɔː/ /prəˈfeʃ.ən.l̩/ /ɡəʊlz/ /aɪ/ /ʃʊd/ /ˈɔːl.weɪz/ /meɪk/ /taɪm/ /fɔː/ /ðə/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /ənd/ /ˈpleɪ.sɪz/ /ðæt/ /ˈriː.tʃɑːdʒ/ /miː/ /ɪˈməʊ.ʃən.l̩.i/

answer

1. Why do many people like to share photos on social media platforms?

Well, I think there are a few reasons why people enjoy sharing photos online. First of all, social media is kind of like a personal diary — well but one that's public. People want to capture and share moments that are meaningful or visually appealing, whether it's a birthday, a vacation, or even just a nice meal.

Also, I guess it’s a way to feel connected to others. When you post a photo and people like it or comment on it, it gives you this little sense of validation or social interaction. For some, it’s also about self-expression — showing their personality, interests, or lifestyle through images.

And, to be honest, in today’s digital age, sharing photos has almost become second nature. It’s quick, easy, and, well, kind of addictive too.

1. Why do many people like to share photos on social media platforms? /waɪ/ /duː/ /ˈmen.i/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /laɪk/ /tə/ /ʃeə/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /ɒn/ /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl/ /ˈmiː.di.ə/ /ˈplæt.fɔːmz/

Well, I think there are a few reasons why people enjoy sharing photos online. /wel/ /aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /ðər/ /ə/ /fjuː/ /ˈriː.zənz/ /waɪ/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/ /ˈʃeə.rɪŋ/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /ɒnˈlaɪn/

First of all, social media is kind of like a personal diary — but one that's public. /fɜːst/ /ɒv/ /ɔːl/ /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl/ /ˈmiː.di.ə/ /ɪz/ /kaɪnd/ /ɒv/ /laɪk/ /ə/ /ˈpɜː.sən.l̩/ /ˈdaɪə.ri/ — /bət/ /wʌn/ /ðæts/ /ˈpʌb.lɪk/

People want to capture and share moments that are meaningful or visually appealing, whether it's a birthday, a vacation, or even just a nice meal. /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /wɒnt/ /tə/ /ˈkæp.tʃə/ /ænd/ /ʃeə/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/ /ðət/ /ə/ /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.fəl/ /ɔː/ /ˈvɪʒ.u.ə.li/ /əˈpiː.lɪŋ/ /ˈweð.ə/ /ɪts/ /ə/ /ˈbɜːθ.deɪ/ /ə/ /vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/ /ɔː/ /ˈiː.vən/ /dʒʌst/ /ə/ /naɪs/ /miːl/

Also, I guess it’s a way to feel connected to others. /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /aɪ/ /ɡes/ /ɪts/ /ə/ /weɪ/ /tə/ /fiːl/ /kəˈnek.tɪd/ /tuː/ /ˈʌð.əz/

When you post a photo and people like it or comment on it, it gives you this little sense of validation or social interaction. /wen/ /juː/ /pəʊst/ /ə/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊ/ /ænd/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /laɪk/ /ɪt/ /ɔː/ /ˈkɒm.ent/ /ɒn/ /ɪt/ /ɪt/ /ɡɪvz/ /juː/ /ðɪs/ /ˈlɪt.l̩/ /sens/ /ɒv/ /ˌvæ.lɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/ /ɔː/ /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl/ /ˌɪn.təˈræk.ʃən/

For some, it’s also about self-expression — showing their personality, interests, or lifestyle through images. /fɔː/ /sʌm/ /ɪts/ /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ /əˈbaʊt/ /self/ /ɪkˈspreʃ.ən/ — /ˈʃəʊ.ɪŋ/ /ðeə/ /ˌpɜː.səˈnæl.ə.ti/ /ˈɪn.trəsts/ /ɔː/ /ˈlaɪf.staɪl/ /θruː/ /ˈɪm.ɪ.dʒɪz/

And, to be honest, in today’s digital age, sharing photos has almost become second nature. /ænd/ /tə/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/ /ɪn/ /təˈdeɪz/ /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl/ /eɪdʒ/ /ˈʃeə.rɪŋ/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /hæz/ /ˈɔːl.məʊst/ /bɪˈkʌm/ /ˈsek.ənd/ /ˈneɪ.tʃə/

It’s quick, easy, and, well, kind of addictive too. /ɪts/ /kwɪk/ /ˈiː.zi/ /ænd/ /wel/ /kaɪnd/ /ɒv/ /əˈdɪk.tɪv/ /tuː/

2. On what occasions do most people like to take photos?

Hmm, I’d say people usually take photos during special or memorable occasions — like birthdays, weddings, graduations, or while traveling. You know, moments that people don’t want to forget.

But nowadays, with smartphones being so convenient, people take photos all the time, even in daily life — like snapping a nice sunset, a cute pet, or even what they had for lunch. I guess it’s become a habit, and in some cases, a way to document and reflect on everyday life.

Personally, I tend to take photos when I travel or spend time with family and friends. Those are the moments I want to remember and revisit later, especially when things get stressful in academic life.

On what occasions do most people like to take photos? /ɒn/ /wɒt/ /əˈkeɪ.ʒənz/ /duː/ /məʊst/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /laɪk/ /tuː/ /teɪk/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/

Hmm, I’d say people usually take photos during special or memorable occasions — like birthdays, weddings, graduations, or while traveling. /hm/ /aɪd/ /seɪ/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li/ /teɪk/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /ˈdjʊə.rɪŋ/ /ˈspeʃ.l̩/ /ɔː/ /ˈmem.ər.ə.bəl/ /əˈkeɪ.ʒənz/ — /laɪk/ /ˈbɜːθ.deɪz/ /ˈwed.ɪŋz/ /ˌɡrædʒ.uˈeɪ.ʃənz/ /ɔː/ /waɪl/ /ˈtræv.l̩.ɪŋ/

You know, moments that people don’t want to forget. /juː/ /nəʊ/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/ /ðət/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /dəʊnt/ /wɒnt/ /tə/ /fəˈɡet/

But nowadays, with smartphones being so convenient, people take photos all the time, even in daily life — like snapping a nice sunset, a cute pet, or even what they had for lunch. /bət/ /ˈnaʊ.ə.deɪz/ /wɪð/ /ˈsmɑːt.fəʊnz/ /ˈbiː.ɪŋ/ /səʊ/ /kənˈviː.ni.ənt/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /teɪk/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /ɔːl/ /ðə/ /taɪm/ /ˈiː.vən/ /ɪn/ /ˈdeɪ.li/ /laɪf/ — /laɪk/ /ˈsnæp.ɪŋ/ /ə/ /naɪs/ /ˈsʌn.set/ /ə/ /kjuːt/ /pet/ /ɔː/ /ˈiː.vən/ /wɒt/ /ðeɪ/ /hæd/ /fɔː/ /lʌntʃ/

I guess it’s become a habit, and in some cases, a way to document and reflect on everyday life. /aɪ/ /ɡes/ /ɪts/ /bɪˈkʌm/ /ə/ /ˈhæb.ɪt/ /ænd/ /ɪn/ /sʌm/ /ˈkeɪ.sɪz/ /ə/ /weɪ/ /tə/ /ˈdɒk.jʊ.ment/ /ənd/ /rɪˈflekt/ /ɒn/ /ˈev.ri.deɪ/ /laɪf/

Personally, I tend to take photos when I travel or spend time with family and friends. /ˈpɜː.sən.əl.i/ /aɪ/ /tend/ /tə/ /teɪk/ /ˈfəʊ.təʊz/ /wen/ /aɪ/ /ˈtræv.l̩/ /ɔː/ /spend/ /taɪm/ /wɪð/ /ˈfæm.li/ /ənd/ /frendz/

Those are the moments I want to remember and revisit later, especially when things get stressful in academic life. /ðəʊz/ /ɑː/ /ðə/ /ˈməʊ.mənts/ /aɪ/ /wɒnt/ /tə/ /rɪˈmem.bə/ /ənd/ /ˌriːˈvɪz.ɪt/ /ˈleɪ.tə/ /ɪˈspeʃ.əl.i/ /wen/ /θɪŋz/ /ɡet/ /ˈstres.fəl/ /ɪn/ /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ /laɪf/