by Dávid Bíró; © Dávid Bíró, 2010 - ATW.huusers.atw.hu/jeriko/angol/General Conversation Topics for the...MODEL ANSWERS for the Medium-Level English Matura Examination (Views

MODEL ANSWERS for the Medium-Level English Matura Examination (Views expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the

author.) The questions come form Erika Besnyi’s Angol szóbeli gyakorlatok, középszint, pp.8-16

Written and revised by Dávid Bíró; © Dávid Bíró, 2010

1. oldal, összesen: 46

I. Personal Particulars and Your Family and Family Holidays

What sort of person are you?

I am a friendly person. I am quite energetic. I am hardworking. I am a sociable person. I am sometimes shy. I am

interested in languages and literature. I am interested in Maths and science. I have a good sense of humour. I am

a friendly and open person. I am intelligent. I am always reliable. I am a talkative girl. I am talkative guy.

If you want to get to the top, you are ambitious.1

If you regularly check the quality of your work, you are attentive to details.2

If you can produce new ideas, you are creative.3

If you can change people’s opinions, you are persuasive.4

If you don’t get tired, you are energetic.

If you don’t mind changing your habits, you are adaptive.5

If you are open and friendly, you are outgoing.6

If you can learn alone, you are independent.7

If you never get angry, you are patient.

If you think of other people’s feelings, you are sensitive8.

If you do not like to spend money, you are stingy9.

If you like working, you are hardworking.

If you study as much as Hermione Granger, you are very diligent.

If you don’t care about anything and allow everything, you are an easygoing10 person.

If you are like Wilma in Scooby Do-Be Do, you are very strict.

If you always worry about something, you are anxious about something.11

If you are like Shaggy in Scooby Do-Be Do, you are an easygoing and relaxed chap12.

How would you describe yourself?

Well, I am a pretty young girl. I have blue eyes and blonde / brown hair. I wear glasses. I am not tall. I am quite

tall. I am friendly with other people. I like talking to people. I have straight hair. I have wavy hair. I have curled

blonde hair.

Well, I am handsome young man. I am quite tall. My eyes are brown my hair is short brown.

I am strong and tall, but not a broad-shouldered guy.

I am not very tall. I am quite short. I have wavy/straight/curly/long/short/medium-length hair: I have

blue/grey/brown/dark eyes. I think I am the right weight. I am bit overweight/fat/plump. I am slim. I am too slim

for my weight.

What would you change in your personality?

I am perhaps too friendly with people. This makes people believe I am weak person. This is not true. I should

perhaps be more diligent. Well, I would not want to be as diligent as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter.

Sometimes I feel I could work and study harder.

1 ambitious=becsvágyó 2 attentive to details=részletekre odafigyelő 3 creative=kreatív 4 persuasive= meggyőző erővel rendelkező 5 adaptive=alkalmazkodó képességgel rendelkező 6 outgoing=nyitott és barátságos 7 independent = független 8 sensitive = érzékeny 9 stingy = fösvény, fukar 10 easygoing = lezser 11 to be anxious about something = aggódni valami miatt 12 chap = pasas





Well, actually, I do not want to change anything in my personality. I am happy with what I am. There is one

problem though. I wish I were richer. If I were richer, I would not have to worry so much about the future.

When and where were you born?

I was born in ……. on 3 March 1989 [on the third of March nineteen eighty-nine].

Are you married?

No, I am not. I am single. If I had a husband/wife, I would be married. Believe it or not, there are also widowers

and widows and divorced persons.

What do you weigh?

I weigh 65 kilos.

Where do you live?

I live in a small town called …… on the outskirts13 of Budapest. You can reach Budapest in 30 minutes by

taking a bus.

What do you do? /What is your job? /What are you?

I am a student. And I hope to remain one. I hope I will be admitted to university14 or college. / I do not want to

take a job yet. Maybe, later on, I would like to take a job. If I am not admitted to university or college, I would

like to continue my studies at this school. There are training courses for young adults at this school. At these

courses they train business assistants and assistants specialized in transport and logistics.

Where do you work?

I do not yet have a job. I am working for McDonalds.

What schools did you attend as a child?

I attended the local primary school and then the local secondary school. I went to local primary and then to local

secondary school.

Did you do well at school?

I think I did well at school. I am diligent, and I really like learning. And there are some subjects I am really

interested in. / I am afraid I didn’t do well at school. I preferred going out with my friends to studying. / I have to

work at McDonalds because we do not have enough money at home. My mother is divorced and she does not

make a lot of money.

Which year are you in?

I am in the fourth year (grade) of secondary school.

Did you enjoy school? (Why? Why not?)

I love school. You know, while you are young, there are few things to worry about. I like my class. Some of my

best friends are in my class. On the whole, we have a nice atmosphere at the school. / I don’t particularly enjoy

being a schoolgirl/ schoolboy. I don’t like studying, and I think we get too much homework.

13 outskirts= külváros, külső övezet, valaminek a környéke 14 to admit to university = felvenni valakit az egyetemre





What are your favourite school subjects?

My favourite subjects are languages and arts subjects, including History, Hungarian Literature, Hungarian

Grammar, Arts, Music etc. My favourite subjects are science subjects, such as Maths, Physics, Chemistry,

Geography, Biology etc.

What does your favourite type of girl/man look like?

My favourite type of girl is tall, has a good figure, blue eyes and blonde curly hair.

My favourite type of man is tall, intelligent and has a strong body. His eyes are brown and his hair is brown.

How do you celebrate your birthday?

I always invite my best friends to my birthday party which always starts at 7 o’clock. I always give a party and I

invite my class-mates to it. My mother prepares a cake with candles. We always have some relatives or friends

coming in the afternoon wishing me happy returns of the day. I usually buy a present for my father’s or mother’s

birthday.

What kind of present did you get on your last birthday?

Last year I got a lot of books for my birthday. This year I am going to get a computer and a printer. Nowadays

you cannot be a really good student without having your own computer.

Did you like the presents?

Yes, I did. I wish I had got more presents for my birthday, but I understand that my parents simply cannot afford

to buy everything that I want.

Describe your family

What are your parents like?

My mother is very careful of her appearance. She’s is 45 years old. She is still a very pretty woman. She is short

has a very good figure, long brown hair and blue eyes. She has an oval face, with a sharp nose. Her hair is brown

and curly. She can cook very well. / And she took care of me. She took care of me when I was a little girl, she'd

look after me when nobody else had the time. She always listens to me, when I have a problem. My mother is a

strong-willed woman. My mother is very careful of her appearance.

My father is 50 years old. He is a tall man. He is a very handsome man. He has square face with a sharp nose and

brown eyes. When I have a problem, he listens to me. He is a very wise man. I can always listen to his advice.

He is a driver.

Who do you take after?

I take after my mother and my grandmother.

Have you got a brother or sister?

I have two brothers./ I have no sisters or brothers I am an only child. I don’t mind.

Do you get on well with each other?

I get on well with members of my family. When we have a problem, we never quarrel.

Do you have separate bedrooms?

I have a room of my own.

How large is your family?





My family is small. I have four cousins.

How many people are in it altogether?

It depends on how you define my family. If I think of all my family members, this is a large family of at least 12

persons.

Who are they?

Members of my family are: my father, my mother, my four grandparents, my two uncles (they are the younger

brothers of my father) and my four cousins.

How often do you see your relatives?

I rarely/seldom/often/quite often see my relatives

Which one likes you the best?

My grandmother (my father’s mother) likes me the best.

What is your picture of an ideal husband?

The ideal husband loves his wife. He is hard-working.

What is your picture of an ideal wife?

The ideal wife is pretty and she can cook well.

When do you want to get married?

I don’t know. I have never thought about this question. I think the best time for getting married is the time when

you have already finished your studies.

How many children would you like to have?

I don’t know. I have never thought about this question. Maybe I want to have three children. For a woman this is

an important question. Maybe I would like to have two children.

Are you an only child?

I am an only child, but this is not a problem. I am not a spoilt child, even though I am an only child. I have a

younger brother and an elder sister. This is very good because I can also meet my brother’s and my sister’s

friends. I can see a lot of people, and I learn a lot about the world.

Do you think an only child is always spoilt?

No, I don’t. Maybe parents with only one child worry about their only child a lot more than parents with two or

even three children or even more children.

What are the advantages of having a brother or sister?

There are many advantages of having a brother or a sister. If you have brothers or sisters, you learn to live in a

group. You learn a lot more about conflicts. What is even more important, you learn a lot about how to solve

problems. If you have sisters and brothers you learn a lot about co-operation, negotiation and about reaching a

compromise

What is the greatest family festival for you?





The greatest family festival is when family members celebrate their birthday.

What do we celebrate at Christmas?

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, The Saviour of men. December 24th is Christmas Eve. If you

try to catch a train on the 23rd December, you may find it difficult to find a seat. This is the day when many

people are travelling home to be with their families on Christmas Eve. The Christmas tree, a fir tree, is decorated

and children are given presents. On the first and second day of Christmas families have big meals and visit each

other. There are a lot of traditions connected with Christmas but perhaps the most important one is the giving of

presents.

In England family members wrap up their gifts and leave them at the bottom of the Christmas tree to be found on

Christmas morning. Children leave a long sock or stocking at the end of their bed on Christmas Eve hoping that

Father Christmas will come down the chimney during the night and bring them small presents, fruit and nuts.

They are usually not disappointed! At some time on Christmas day the family will sit down to a big turkey

dinner followed by Christmas pudding.

What do we celebrate at Easter?

At Easter we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, which is the rising of Christ from his tomb after his Crucifixion.

Most Eastern traditions are connected with Easter Monday when boys set out to visit their female friends and

relatives and sprinkle them with perfume and water. Girls, in return, give them home-made cakes, and present

them with eggs painted mainly in red, green or yellow. Children get presents at Easter with chocolate eggs and a

chocolate Easter bunny.

How do we celebrate New Year’s Eve?

On New Year’s Eve people stay up till midnight to celebrate the New Year. At midnight people sing (or just

listen to) the national anthem and drink champagne. Some people go to parties and dances or watch comic shows

on TV. We usually stay up until dawn. In Great Britain people sing ‘Auld Lang Syne”.





II. Man and Society

How do you choose a friend?

If I see that someone understands my thoughts, I make friends with him.

What is important in a friend?

A friend should always listen to my problems. If I have a friend, he should always help me when I have a

problem. As the proverb says, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Have you got very close friends?

I used to have good friends, but most recently I have lost two of my friends. I started to quarrel with my friends

and soon my friendship was over.

What are they like?

My friends are very intelligent. We can go out together. We can go to the pub together. My best friend is

Shaggy. He is a tall and very intelligent guy. He never dresses up. He is like a hippie. Really, he never dresses up

even if he goes to the opera. He is an easy-going guy. He has nothing to worry about, and he gets on very well

with everyone. He is just a happy-go-luck boy. His dog is called Scooby Doo. My other friend is Wilma. She

wears specs and has a good figure. She is always very strict. She is very strict by nature. She is very serious

about her career and believes in dreams. She is also very intelligent.

Do they like the same things as you?

Yes, they do. They also like good books. Whenever there is a strange mystery, my friends always want to solve

it.

What do teenagers find most irritating in older people?

They worry too much. They worry about the weather. They worry about their own health. They worry about

their children’s health. Enough is enough. I am fed up with them.

Do parents sometimes find it difficult to get on with their teenage children?

Yes, they do. There are always debates on what the teenager should do in his or her free time. There are debates

about various problems. I think teenagers should have the right to decide who they should date. There are

debates about whether teenage girls can go or cannot go to a party. There are debates about the time. Parents

should do the following: 1. Parents should value their children’s opinion. 2. Parents should listen to their

children a lot. 3. Parents should make their kids understand that they are there to forgive when a mistake

happens. 4. Parents should give their kids a lot of affection and they should give them a lot of love. 5. Parents

should win their children’s confidence. They should make them realise that they expect confidence from them.

Why do teenagers often find it easier to get on with their grandparents?

I don’t know. Maybe the reason is that grandparents know that they may die at any time. This is why they want

to do good things for their grandchildren.

Can you think of any jobs traditionally done only be men or women?

Yes, I can. A woman is a better nurse than a man. Women are better teachers of children aged 6-12.

How have the roles changed in the last 20 years?

Roles have changed a great deal. Women’s role set has vastly expanded. Men’s role set has not changed. A

woman can play her traditional roles, but she can choose to have men’s roles.





Is it typical for a man to stay at home with the baby while his wife works?

No, it isn’t. But this is because men make more money than women.

Describe how you are dressed now.

Do you usually wear formal clothes? / Do you usually dress up?

I am casually dressed now. But I am not sloppily dressed. My clothes are clean and tidy. Both me and my clothes

are clean and tidy. I dress up only when I go to the theatre.

What kinds of clothes do you like wearing?

I wear normal clothes, that's to say trousers (mostly jeans), T-shirts, skirts and dresses. I try to look like any other

woman.

Do you dress up for parties or theatre performances?

Yes, I do. I like wearing an elegant suit with a white shirt and a nice tie. / I like wearing a classy dress with a tie.

/ I like wearing a classy costume. I am always careful not to overdress. When I go to school or to work it is

important not to overdress or under dress, either one could hurt your image. / I think women should follow my

advice. The secret of looking great is not to overdress. You should not look too perfect, too made-up. Men like to

be curious. When you are dressing up, don't opt for the see-through top or all revealing neckline. Leave

something to the imagination. Don't give everything away initially.

What do you wear then?

I don’t overdress, but I look elegant. I wear a suit with a blue shirt and a tie.

What do you and your friends like wearing at school?

I like casual clothing, but I avoid clothing that might be misunderstood. I wear jeans a T-shirt or a shirt and a

pullover. / A girl should not wear flashy jewellery at school. / Pupils at most secondary schools in Britain have to

wear a school uniform. This usually means a white blouse for girls (sometimes with a tie), with a dark-coloured

skirt and pullover. The colours may be grey, brown, navy blue, dark green or similar. Boys wear a shirt and a tie,

dark trousers and dark-coloured pullovers. Pupils of both sexes wear blazers (a kind of jacket). They often have

to wear some kind of hat on the way to and from school—caps for boys and some kind of hat for girls.

What does being fashionable mean to you?

The secret of looking great and fashionable is not to overdress. You should not look too perfect, too made-up. / If

a woman dresses up, she should not select a see-through top or a neckline that shows everything. A woman

should leave something to the imagination. Don't give everything away initially.

Does a wearing of fashionable clothes make you more confident?

Yes, it does. But what really makes me confident is to have somewhat more money in my pocket than I need.

Is it important for you to follow the latest fashion?

No, it isn’t. But I don’t want to look old-fashioned.

What clothes have you bought recently?

I bought a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I bought a pair of jeans and I like them well enough but I don’t know if

they are the perfect pair of jeans for me. Maybe they are.

Where do you generally do the shopping?





I go to second-hand shops. I cannot afford to buy new clothes. I never go to shopping malls to buy clothes

because the prices are not affordable. I like second-hand shops where you can buy really good things at very

reasonable prices. If you are lucky, you can even buy perfectly new clothes in these shops at very good prices.

Do you prefer supermarkets to small shops?

No, I don’t. I prefer small shops to supermarkets when I am buying clothes.

But I prefer supermarkets to small shop when I buy food.

Why?

This is a question of prices. I always do my shopping at the shop where I can buy cheaper and better. I know I

can buy cheaper from small shops when I buy clothes. I know I can buy cheaper from supermarkets when I buy

food.

What can you buy in a market?

When you want to buy fruit or vegetables the best place for your shopping is a market. You can walk around the

market and find the fruit or vegetables you like the best. If I want to buy a DVD-player, I do not go to the

Chinese market. / I can buy a nice baseball cap at the Chinese market.

Do you get cheaper and better quality products at a market than in a supermarket?

There is no general rule. A market is sometimes better than a supermarket. Sometimes though, it is just the other

way round.

What is the department store/ shopping mall like in your town?

It is huge. I can see such a variety of products that you cannot leave without having bought there something. You

have lots of criminals at the shopping malls. They walk around and they are very good pickpockets. I am careful

with my money, if I go to a supermarket.

What departments/shops are there in it?

Departments at a department store: home & garden; electrical appliances (home and kitchen); home

entertainment; computing and gaming; sports and leisure; men’s fashion; women’s fashion; children’s clothing.

At a shopping mall you have only smaller and sometimes bigger shops specialising only in one group of

products.

What does a big shopping centre/ shopping mall offer in addition to shopping?

It offers restaurants, fast-food restaurants, cafés, snack bars, cinemas, and even bodybuilding clubs.





III. Place of Residence, Problems of the Environment, Weather and the Seasons

Where do you live?

I live in …… a town very close to Budapest. It has a population of 20,000. It is a busy and lively town, but

sometimes a bit too noisy.

Do you live in a house or in a flat?

If you live in a house

Who owns the house?

Our family owns the house we live in.

Is it old or modern?

It is quite modern. It was built twenty years ago.

Has it got a garden?

Yes, it has. We have a small garden in front of the house and a big one behind it.

What’s in the garden?

In the front garden we have flowers, mainly roses and tulips. A part of the back garden is lawn and the other part

is full of fruit trees. We have apple trees and plum trees. We also have a dog. He is a handsome boy. He is a he-

dog. His name is Sumák.

If you live in flat

Do you live in a block of flats?

Well, to tell you the truth, we live in a huge block of flats. I wish we had our own house with a garden.

On which floor?

We live on the sixth floor. We are the owners of the flat. We have three bedrooms a living room, a kitchen and a

bathroom and a hall.

Is it on a housing estate?

Yes, it is. The housing estate is quite nice. It is big, but it is quite friendly.

Is it in park?

Yes, it is. You have lots of parks and lots of playgrounds in the neighbourhood. We have little traffic in the

streets. There is even a running track near my house. So it is not so bad.

What’s the view like?

We live on the sixth floor, which is a good thing because we have a wonderful view of the Buda hills. In the

evenings I can see the sunset from my window.

Describe the place you live in

What kind of house do you live in?





It is a nice house. We have eight rooms in the house. Two bedrooms, a living-room, a study, a hall, a bathroom

and a small pantry. The house is in Gyál. It overlooks a forest.

Would you like to live on a big housing estate?

I would never move to another place. Housing estates are for people who cannot afford to buy a house.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living there?

The advantages of living in a house of your own are many. You do not have neighbours you do not have to pay

the jointly-shared costs. The only disadvantage is distance. When you want to go shopping and buy something

special, you often have to travel a lot.

Is it more comfortable to live in the centre or on the outskirts of a city?

I think it is better to live in the suburbs than in the centre. The suburbs are less stressful. The only problem is

when you have your workplace in town. This means you have to travel a lot every day. Even if you have a car,

you have to sit in your car for a long time, while the air is terrible because of the other cars. Often there are

traffic jams. These make things even worse. Maybe it is better to live in the centre if your house is in a quiet

district of the town. Unfortunately, there are very few such districts.

Where do you think it is better to live? In a big town at a small village?

The answer is not simple.

Why?

There are advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside and of living in a city

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

What are the basic differences between life in the countryside and life in the city?

Advantages of living in the countryside:

you can live in a quiet place

the air is less polluted than in the towns and the streets are quieter

you know everybody (sometimes, this can also be disadvantage)

there is no noise and no people rushing about

you can take a walk, or you can bike in the countryside

the lucky ones can even bike to work

Disadvantages of living in the countryside:

you have to travel a lot

public transport is less available than in the cities

even the local shops are sometimes so far away that you cannot walk there

there are few cinemas

Advantages of living in a city:

the shops are close

you can disappear in the big crowd

wherever you go, few people know you

you can go to the cinema, the theatre, you can go to museums

everything is quite close

Disadvantages of living in a city:





the air is polluted and the streets are noisy

it may happen that not even your neighbours know you

there are lots of gangsters in the streets

some districts are not safe

buses, trams and the underground are very noisy and so crowded

there are not enough parks

Where would you prefer to live?

I would prefer to live in the city if the district I live in is safe, peaceful and there is not much pollution. If this is

not the case, it is much better living in the countryside. But maybe the best thing is to live in the countryside at a

village that is quite close to a town. Then you have the better of two worlds.

Have you got a pet?

I have got two dogs. We keep them in the garden.

If you haven’t got one, what would you like to have?

When I was younger I always wanted to have a dog, but Mum said she would not allow a new family member to

join the family. Now, I agree with her. Normal people do not keep a dog, unless they have a house with a big

garden.

Do you like animals?

Yes, I do. When I was a child Grandma always took me to the zoo. I like animals, but I do not have the time to

keep a pet.

What can you do to protect your environment?

I can do a lot. If I use less paper, this means that fewer trees are cut down. If I use a car less often, this means I

produce less carbon-dioxide. If I use less energy, this is good because I can save a lot of money and I can protect

the environment. There are lots of environmental problems.

Global warming is the worst one. The climate gets hotter and hotter. As a result the number of floods and also

the number of very dry and hot periods (droughts) increases. Some scientists speculate about the rise of sea level.

Clearly, we must do something before it is too late. If you are too worried about the environment, you can join

Greenpeace or you can work for this organisation on a voluntary basis.

You can also talk to politicians and you can try to get them to do something for the environment.

One of the most important environmental problems is global warming:

Information on global warming:

A layer of carbon dioxide and other gases traps the heat and keeps the earth at the right temperature. This is

called the greenhouse effect. By burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, petrol, natural gas, etc.) we are producing too

much carbon dioxide. This causes the temperatures to rise gradually. This global warming has already led to

dramatic changes in climate. We must act soon, otherwise our children will have to live in hell.

Do you buy things packed or recycled?

I would like to buy books on recycled paper, but very often I simply cannot choose between products that protect

the environment and products that do not.

How can you save energy and water?





I can save energy by using less electricity. I can use a car less often. I can use my bike instead of using the bus.

There are lots of ways. In winter you can save a lot of energy by checking your windows and by having them

fixed so that they really keep the heat in your room. I can save a lot of water by taking a shower instead of

having a bath.

What sorts of weather do you like the most?

I like all the four seasons.

In winter it is cold and wet. I like the snow, if there is any, and I like those winter days when there are no clouds

in the sky and the sun is shining brightly. The temperature falls below zero. I am often cold in such weather. In

winter you must be careful not to catch cold. In winter you have to wear warm clothes. In cold weather people

usually wear hats, gloves, scarves, warm sweaters, warm trousers, thick overcoats and winter boots.

Maybe I like spring better than winter. After the cold and wet days, nature awakens from its sleep, and the trees

and bushes are full of blossoms.

In summer the weather is very hot, and one must be careful with the sun. Doctors say you must stay under a

shadow or indoors. It is a good idea to wear a straw-hat on the beach. You can get very sick if you are out in the

sunshine in the morning and early afternoon hours. In summer when the sky is completely overcast, you know

that rain is coming soon.

In autumn the trees lose their leaves and the scenery looks wonderful with lots of colours ranging from green to

brown. In Hungary you have the grape harvest (vintage) at this time. If the weather is still very warm at the

beginning of autumn, this is called Indian summer. In American English, autumn is called fall. There are some

fruits (pears, plums, apples, grapes and nuts) that we harvest in autumn.

The weather in England is wet and rainy. It is usually very changeable. It is colder in summer and milder in

winter than in Hungary. In England it rains a lot more than in Hungary, but it rarely snows.

What sorts of weather do you like the least?

I hate winter weather, when it is cold. The snow is falling, and traffic slows down or even comes to a stop. I hate

the lack of sunshine, and the short days. In winter it gets dark so early.

Is it more difficult to study when it is cold or when it is hot?

This is a tricky question. I don’t think there are general answers to this question.

In what way do you think the climate has changed?

Hungary’s climate has changed a great deal. Summer comes suddenly, and winters have become milder.

Sometimes there are storms and showers that I have never seen in my life. Sometimes it is very hot and there is

no rain for four or five weeks. Terrible. I wish I had an air conditioning system at home. I cannot afford15 to buy

one, which, actually, is good for the environment because this means I use less energy. I saw the polar bears at

Budapest zoo last summer. They seemed to be in a very bad mood, and they seemed to be very worried. This

was during the very hot summer days. To tell you the truth, I could understand those polar bears.

Do you think that summers are hotter and winters colder than they used to be?

Yes, I do. You do not have to be very clever to notice this. This should be obvious to anyone.

When do you listen to the weather forecast?

I usually listen to the weather forecast in the evenings on TV.

15 to afford = anyagilag megenged magának





Do you listen to it before you go on a trip or holiday?

Yes, I do. When rain is forecast, I take an umbrella

Do you find they are usually accurate?

Most of the time the weather forecast is accurate. When it is not, they usually make a big mistake.

Does the weather affect your mood?

Yes, it does. I hate cloudy and rainy weather. And I like when the sun is shining and there are no clouds in the

sky. I like the deep blue colour of the sky very much indeed.

What is the weather like today?

It is sunny. / We have rainy weather. / The wind is blowing strongly. / It really looks like rain. / It is snowing. /

We are having a terrible shower. / I wish this rain stopped now. / It is so hot today. / I wish I had an air-

conditioning system in my home.

What was the forecast?

Today’s forecast was not so nice. The forecast indicated that the western part of Hungary would be rather cloudy

with occasional rains. Elsewhere in Hungary it would be dry with variable amounts of cloud. The forecast also

said that temperatures would probably be (range) between 20 to 25 °C /Celsius degrees/.





IV. School

Introduce your school.

My school used to be elementary school. My school used to be in the 13th district. Two years ago our school

moved into a new building. Our school is a secondary school. It is a grammar school and a secondary vocational

school where pedagogical assistants, helping the work of teachers are trained. I like my school because the

teachers are all very kind and well-qualified.

Who was it named after?

Our school was named after Jericho.

Jericho in the Old Testament: The Battle of Jericho is described in the Bible (Joshua 6:1-27) as the first battle of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. According to the narrative,

the walls of Jericho fell after Joshua's Israelite army marched around the city blowing their trumpets.

Jericho in the New Testament: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus 46And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar,

the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48And many

rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to

him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind

man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on

the way.

How old is the building?

Well, I don’t know exactly. But I think it is about 20 years old. The building is quite ugly when you look at it

from the outside. But inside there are lots of interesting classrooms. The staff room is small. There is a huge yard

around the building, but there are few trees there and there are hardly any benches where the pupils can sit down.

How many floors has it got?

The building has got one floor. On the ground floor you can find a big hall, some of the classrooms, the school

canteen and a large gymnasium. Most classrooms are on the first floor.

How many classrooms are there in it?

Let me think. I really don’t know. Maybe twenty or perhaps more. Now this is really strange. You know, I have

been learning at this school for twelve years, I don’t even know that.

Are the labs and classrooms well-equipped?

We have a chemistry lab. I regret to say that it is not really well-equipped.

What kind of labs are there?

There is only a chemistry lab.

What do you like most about your school?

What I like most about this school is the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Our teachers are not really strict16 with

us.

Why did you choose to study here?

I chose this school because it was promised to us that we could learn English in a special class. But this promise

could not be kept.17 Well, to be more exact, the school did not keep this promise. The other reason18 why I chose

16 strict=szigorú 17 promise could not be kept=az ígéretet nem lehetett tartani 18 the other reason=a másik indok

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bible

http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=%20Joshua&verse=6:1-27&src=HE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shofar#In_the_Bible_and_rabbinic_literature

http://bible.cc/mark/10-46.htm











this school is that it is not far from where I live. I can walk to school in five minutes. Really. It takes me only

five minutes to get here. If I had chosen a school in Budapest, I would have had to take the bus to Budapest,

which takes at least 35 minutes.

What are your favourite subjects?

My favourite subjects are Maths and History. I would like continue my studies. I would like to learn at the

Budapest College of Accounting19. A friend of mine, actually, my class-mate, would like to go to the Technical

University of Budapest. He is very good at math and he is mad about computers and IT. Actually, he is already

an IT20 expert21. Really. I am not kidding about this. I seriously believe he will make a career22 in IT. He is a cool

guy23 who is teaching me a lot about IT.

Have you specialized in any subjects?

No, I haven’t. I do not think I could sit for an advanced-level matura examination in any of the subjects. But I am

quite good at math, history and English.

What do you enjoy most about learning languages?

I do not think there is a lot to enjoy about learning languages. Learning a language means a lot of hard work.

When you already know quite a lot, you can start reading one those simplified readers of English. The series

published by Oxford University Press has six difficulty grades24, and you can read the simplified versions of

novels25. This is quite good.

Have you ever used English abroad?

Yes, I have. Last summer I went to London with my family. We stayed there for two weeks. When we went

shopping, I could use my English, and I understood a lot. / No, I haven’t used English yet. My English is quite

poor.

Where can you practise English now?

I can watch English language TV stations. I can watch the news on CNN. You also have the internet where you

can watch English language videos. You can tune in to VOA on the internet. (What does VOA stand for?) Well,

it is a radio station called The Voice of America. And this is a lovely station because they have the so-called

special English programmes. These are programmes where you can listen to programmes on various topics. You

can even listen to literature in English. And the good thing is that while you are listening, you can also read the

text on the screen of your computer. I can also practice my English at the English lesson. I can practice it by

writing my homework. Well, to tell you the truth, I think we got homework too often. I didn’t like that at all.

What is a language lab used for?

It is used for practising the language. But we do not have a language lab. We used to have a special classroom

with computers and this was the language lab. Last summer someone broke into the school and took away all the

computers. Isn’t this nasty?

Are there any special events at your school?

Yes, there are.

19 college of accounting=számviteli főiskola 20 IT (information technology) = informatika 21 expert= szakember 22 career=pályafutás 23 cool guy= jó fej 24 difficulty grade=nehézségi fok 25 novel=regény





How do you welcome new students and those who are about to leave the school?

You have the freshmen’s party26. This makes it easier for the new students to get to know each other. This party

takes place in October. Then there is a special ball for those who are in 12th grade and will soon leave the

school. There is also a summer camp for the new students. I think it is a very good idea to organise these camps.

How do you celebrate the national holidays?

On 15 March [the fifteenth of March] we celebrate the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-

1849 [eighteen forty-eight and forty-nine]. On 23 October [the twenty-third of October], we celebrate the

revolution of 1956. On these occasions our history teacher makes a speech and the best students recite poetry in

memory of these historical events.27 Students and the young pupils have to dress up for the occasion.28

Are there any sports events?

There is a basketball tournament at our school. We have a huge gymnasium, where students can play basketball

in the afternoons. / Sport has for long been a very important part of a child’s education in Britain. Team games

show students how to co-operate. Above all absolute fairness (no cheating!) and being able to lose without anger

(being a “good loser”) are considered important. You have to be a team player.

Do you go on trips with your class?

Thanks God, we have not gone on long trips during the past four years. It would not have made any sense. So

our class decided not to go on three-day trips.

Who decides about the trips?

We decide on the trips. We decided to go to Budapest. We visited the most important museums. Just think of it.

Many of the students have never yet been to the wonderful and really interesting museums of Budapest.

What was the best school trip you have ever been on?

The best school trip was when we went to Budapest, and visited the sights of Castle Hill. We saw the National

Gallery, Matthias Church and we also saw the National Széchényi Library. It is not lending library29. It is a

reference library where you can sit down and read all the books that have ever been printed in Hungary. We also

saw Sándor Palace. It is now the home of the president of Hungary. We saw Fisherman’s Bastion. It offers a

grand panorama of the whole city. The view from there is just great.

What is the difference between the full-time and the correspondent student?

A full-time student has to come to school every day. You are expected to come to school every day, and if you

cannot come to school, you must bring a medical certification, showing that you were really ill. / You are

expected to attend classes (lessons). / You must turn up for classes30. / A corresponding student has to take part

in consultations, and he has to pass an exam at the end of the first semester and the second semester.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning was first organised in the UK. Students get the best textbooks and they can consult with their

teachers and professors. They have to pass a written exam.

Is it effective?

26 freshman’s party=gólyabál 27 historical events= történelmi események 28 to dress up for the occasion=kiöltözni az alkalomra 29 lending library=kölcsönkönyvtár 30 to turn up for classes = megjelenni az órákon





I really don’t know. Why do you think I know everything? I am only 18 years old.

What about e-learning and e-learning (learning via the internet)?

Internet-based learning is a good thing, but I really do not like the idea of learning without teachers, without

meeting your teachers personally. Real learning takes place in a face-to-face way.

Do you think students need teachers?

Absolutely. You cannot learn without good teachers. This does not mean that you cannot learn alone later on.

Can you learn on your own or do you need some guidance?

I cannot learn alone. I need guidance. I need a teacher who shows me the tricks of language learning. When I

have learned the basics of a subject, I can start learning on my own (alone).

What makes a good teacher?

We have some pretty cool teachers. We are allowed to have an opinion on the going-ons in the school. A good

teacher allows you to have your opinion. A good teacher gives you the opportunity to learn, when you want to

learn. A great teacher smiles at his/her pupils even when they make him angry. A great teacher teaches not only

the textbook materials but also the truth that is happening outside school. A really good teacher should be a child

in his soul. A good teacher should be creative, imaginative and ready for exploration. A good teacher is someone

who teaches not only with his mind, but also with heart31.

A good teacher

has to be interested in his own subjects

has to be open-minded for others and other topics

has to be strict

has to be self-confident32

has to be the pupils' friend

has to be patient

is not a phoney33 person

What makes a good student?

You need to show up to class. You must be ready to learn. Don't just try to learn ONLY what is going to be on

the test.

Get curious. If it is chemistry, what does it have to do with you? Well. What about all the chemicals in your

shampoo? If it is history, think about what those changes meant to your grandparents? If it is English, just think

of how useful it is to know a language well.

I don’t think you have to be as diligent as Hermione Granger. But you have to learn. (You have to learn though.)

Students should get enough sleep. They should not party34 when they you should study. Good students select a

good subject when they go to university. / They select a subject that will get them a good job. / If you learn

journalism or communication, you will end up a secretary. Believe me.

Anyway, I can tell you that: A good student is nice. / A good student is someone who listens. / A good student

sits still. / A good student helps other students. / A good student works really hard. / A good student tries hard. /

He or she is kind to the teacher. /He or she finishes his/her work. /A good student sits down and is quiet. /A good

student behaves. / A good student doesn't play around.

31 only with his mind, but also with heart=nemcsak az eszével, hanem a szívével is 32 self-confident=önbizalommal rendelkező 33 phoney = álszent 34 to party = bulizni





How has the teacher-student relationship35 changed over the last one hundred years?

The relationship has changed. Teachers are not respected just because they are older and know much more.

Teachers must work for the pupils’ respect. This is really tough. I am really sorry36 for the teachers. This

relationship is nowadays more open. Students have got a lot of rights and, just because of this, they have really

become more responsible for their lives.

What do you think about corporal punishment?

I think it is good that it is prohibited. The other side of the coin is that if a student beats another student, he must

be strictly punished.37 If the same student beats another student again, he should be expelled from the school. If

he beats a teacher he should be immediately expelled38 from the school.

What is the education system like in Hungary?

In Hungary most schools are owned by the government, although39 since the 1990s there are also church-

owned40 and private schools.

When do children start school?

At the age of six or seven. Primary education can last for 4, 6 or 8 years. 8-year education is the most

widespread; the other two options41 were introduced in the early 1990s.

What types of school can students choose after primary school?

After finishing primary school, pupils can choose from the following three types of education:

Gimnázium (The English for “gimnázium” is grammar school. It is a non-vocational secondary school42. It

prepares students for higher education. Two foreign languages are taught at this school. When studies are

finished, students have to pass the final examinations.)

Szakközépiskola (The English for “szakközépiskola” is vocational secondary school or, this is a better

translation, secondary technical school.) Pupils finish vocational secondary school by sitting the final

examinations. This school prepares for college or university or vocational training.

Szakmunkásképző (At vocational schools pupils learn a trade for two or three years without taking the

matura examination.)

Many of the grammar schools have begun to teach a foreign language intensively (usually 12-14 lessons a week)

and IT (usually 3-4 lessons a week) in the first year. This is called "Language training class", or simply zero

year. After this “zero year” students have fewer foreign language and IT lessons (classes).

Subjects include Literature, Grammar, Mathematics, Music, Art, Physical Education, Environmental Studies

(from 1st to 5th grade), Biology (from 6th grade), Geography (from 6th grade), History (from 5th grade), History

of Art, Physics (from 6th grade), Chemistry (from 7th grade), one or two foreign languages (usually English,

German or French). Before 1990 Russian was compulsory.

Higher education is divided between colleges and universities. College education generally lasts for 2-3 years,

while university education lasts for 4 to 6 years depending on the course undertaken. University PhD courses

usually take 3 years to complete.

35 teacher-student relationship=a tanár-diák kacsolat 36 to be sorry for someone = sajnálni valakit 37 to be strictly punished= szigorúan megbüntetni 38 to expel=kizár valakit egy szervezetből, 39 although=habár 40 church-owned=egyházi tulajdonban lévő 41 option=lehetőség 42 non-vocational secondary school= szaképzést nem adó középiskola

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990s

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drawing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_education

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_studies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_art

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_art

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemistry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhD





Before students get their degree43, they must pass an intermediate-level44 language exam in the foreign language

of their choice. English and German are the most popular.

Education in Britain

Primary education takes place in infant schools (pupils aged from 5 to 7 years) and junior schools (pupils aged

from 8 to 11 years).

Secondary education (pupils aged from 11 to 16 or 18 years): Free secondary education is available to all

children in Britain. Children must go to school until the age of 16, and pupils may stay on for one or two years if

they wish. Secondary schools are usually much larger than primary schools and most children go to

comprehensive45 secondary schools. Comprehensive schools were introduced to offer suitable46 courses for

pupils of all abilities. At the age of 16, pupils sit for their ordinary level exams. In the last two years of secondary

school, pupils study for their “A” level (advanced-level) exams.

Leaving secondary school at sixteen

Many people decide to leave school at the age of 16 and go to a Further Education (FE) College47, Here most of

the courses are linked to some kind of vocational training (e.g. typing, cooking, engineering, hairdressing).

Universities

Good ‘A” level results in at least two subjects are necessary for getting a place at a university. However, good

exam passes are not enough. It is really hard. Universities choose their students after interviews. For all British

citizens a place at a university brings with it a grant from their Local Educational Authority. These grants cover

the tuition expenses and some of the living expenses. After three or four years of study, students take their finals,

and get a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) degree.

When do they have to decide what career to take up?

Pupils decide either at the age of 14 or 18.

For how long is education compulsory in Hungary?

Education is compulsory until the age of 18.

Do you find Hungarian education practical enough?

I really cannot answer this question. The Hungarian education system is quite practical (practice-oriented)

because you can learn IT skills at schools and you can learn typing. The big problem is that the standard of

education and the knowledge of students get worse year by year (from year to year). The other big problem is

that there are huge differences between schools.

What should you change in the system?

I think students should learn from the same books all over the country. Teachers do not get enough respect48 and

they have too many lessons. This leads to bad results.

What are the main differences between the education system in England and in Hungary?

43 degree=egyetemi diploma 44 intermediate-level exam= középszintű vizsga 45 comprehensive = átfogó 46 suitable = megfelelő 47 Further Education (FE) College= továbbképző iskola (GB) 48 respect=tisztelet





*starting age; *wearing of uniforms; * lengths of lessons; *marks

In the UK the starting age is five. In Hungary it is the age of six or seven. / In the UK pupils wear a uniform; in

Hungary pupils do not wear uniforms. / In Hungary the best mark is five and 1 is the worst mark which means

that you failed in the given subject. The UK system of marks is more complicated. In the UK pupils must pass

their ordinary level examinations (O levels) at the age of 16. / After that they can specialise in two or three

subjects, and they can sit for an exam at the advanced level (A level). (Or: They can take the A-level test. Or:

They can sit the A-level exam.) If you want to go university, you must have A-levels at least in two subjects and

two or three O-levels. At some universities you have to sit an entrance examination, too.

What is your opinion about spending a school year abroad?

I do not like this idea. A teenage boy or girl should not be separated from his or her family for a year. If a family

is rich and can really afford it, it is good for the daughters or the sons of the family to go to a foreign university.





V. The World of Work

What is the ideal part-time job/summer job for a teenager?

Well, the ideal part-time job should be a simple job that can be done easily. And, you know, everybody likes to

make a lot of money. So, this means, that if I take a part-time49 job or a summer job, I want to earn good money

for my work. Oh, and before I forget, the workplace should be as close to my home as possible. The problem is

that employers50 often look only for full-time employees. But the fact is that many employees would like to work

flexible hours.

Have you ever taken a job outside your home?

Oh, yes, I have. I took a job last summer. I liked it very much indeed. I worked for McDonalds. The job was easy

to do, you know. And I met a lot of pretty girls at my workplace. / I met a lot of handsome boys at my

workplace.

What did you have to do?

First I had to clean the floor of the restaurant. Later I could prepare the sandwiches. And at the end of my time at

McDonalds I could serve the customers at the counter.

How many hours did you work day?

I worked only in the morning hours from 8 to 12 a.m. I didn’t have to work on Saturdays and Sundays.

What would you like to try?

I would like to take a job in a library. This could be a good summer job. You know I love books, and it is a funny

job. There are various types of readers. You can watch them. I like meeting people, you know. To tell you the

truth, I am a friendly and open person. I like talking to people, answering their questions. I would like to go to

university.

Would you like to do a physical or intellectual job?

I would not accept a job offer51 if this means I have to do hard physical work. On the whole, I would rather do

intellectual work. But you have to see that the difference between blue-collar jobs and white-collar jobs52 is not

as big as it used to be, let’s say, 50 years ago. Do you agree with me? There are still differences. For example

blue-collar workers53 in the U.K. are paid by the week and they get wages54, and white-collar workers get a

salary55 and they are paid by the month. But on the whole the difference between blue-collar and white jobs

tends to become smaller. If I had to do physical work, I would like to be a gardener. I like nature and flowers and

fresh air.

What are the advantages/benefits of taking a job and studying?

Well, this is a difficult question. But I have strong views on it. First, I believe it is a very bad thing to study and

to work if you have enough money. But if you have to work because you do not have enough money, it is good

idea to take a job.56 The best thing is when the job you do helps you to learn better. If you learn economics, it is a

49 to take a job= állást vállalni 50 employer=alkalmazó---employee--alkalmazott 51 to accept a job offer=elfogadni egy állásajánlatot 52 white-collar job=szellemi munka 53 blue-collar workers=fizikai munkások 54 wage=fizikai dolgozó fiztesése 55 salary=szellemi dolgozó fizetése 56 to take a job=állást vállalni





good thing to work for a trading company57. But there are no rules here, you know. If you want to know the

truth, everybody has to decide alone. Sometimes it is good to take a job, sometimes it isn’t. No one can decide58

for you. This is a thing for you to decide.

Can you tell me about the job you would like to have in the future?

Well, my Mum says I have a big mouth and I like to fight for the rights of the poor. She is right. I would like to

be a lawyer helping the poor to fight for their rights. When I was younger I thought I wanted to become an

engineer. Well, I know now that I am not good at Maths. I don’t want to do an advanced-level59 Maths exam. /

My friend does not even want to go to university. He likes working with wood and he would like to become a

carpenter. He would like to learn a trade, which is a good idea. / Nowadays there are not enough bricklayers60,

plumbers61, and car mechanics. If you learn a trade, you can make a lot of money. A friend of mine is an

electrician. He went to Australia. He can make good money now. I would like to make a lot of money, too. But

money is not everything. I do not like people who want to stay on their jobs. They want to keep their jobs, even

if this makes them sick. Crazy people! Really!

What is important for you about a job?

My job should be interesting. I would like to have a good boss. Money is also important but, you know, it is not

the most important thing. My job should be interesting and an activity that I can easily do.

Describe your ideal boss?

I haven’t worked yet. This is why I cannot answer your question. If I had an office job, I would want to have a

boss who allows me to work flexitime, you know, which means I can go to the office and leave whenever I want.

The only important thing is to do the work, and no one cares when you arrive or leave. But your work should be

done. I have heard about bosses who are bad guys who say nasty things or even terrorise their colleagues. I

would not like to have a boss who terrorises me. Maybe the best thing for me would be to work from home62

with a good computer and internet connection. Have you heard that nowadays millions of people work from

home? This is interesting, isn’t it?

How important is money for you?

Money is important but not the most important thing in life. Money allows you to do a lot of things. Money is

not happiness. This does not mean that I would like to be poor. Many people say: you cannot make good money

if you just have a job. Having a job is a good thing but it is not enough for becoming rich. Maybe this opinion is

correct. Maybe not. Who knows? Nobody knows.

How important are benefits63 (mobile phone, company car, laptop etc.)?

Benefits are very important for me. If I get work at an office, the most important workplace benefit for me would

be a good canteen, where I can have a good lunch every day. Many people cannot have a hot meal at their

workplaces. I have read somewhere that it is not really healthy to have the only hot meal of the day in the

evening.

Would you choose your future job because of its interest, opportunities for travel, salary or for other reasons?

The most important thing is that I can work easily and I do not get bored. Money is only of secondary

significance64. Travel opportunities do not attract me very much. I like travelling. But if I travel, I want to travel

57 trading company=kereskedelmi vállalat 58 to decide=dönteni 59 advanced-level=emelt színtű 60 bricklayer=kőműves 61 plumber = vízvezetékszerelő 62 to work from home= távmunkát végezni (szó szerint otthonról dolgozni) 63 benefits=juttatások 64 secondary significance = másodlagos fontosságú





with my family or with my friends. The main reason65 why I would like to be a lawyer is that I want to protect

the poor from injustice.

Which are the most fashionable jobs in today’s Hungary?

The problem with Hungarians is that they all want to become white-collar workers. They all want to be doctors,

lawyers, and teachers. Few people are interested in science or engineering or in simpler jobs, like being a driver,

plumber, electrician or carpenter. In recent years, too many people wanted to study law. Unemployment is up in

Hungary. Half of the population does not even have a job in this country. (No one is concerned about this.)

Secondary-school leavers have become cleverer (more clever). They start to see that it is a good thing to learn a

trade or to just take part in secondary vocational training. The qualifications received after these training courses

are often good enough to get a job.

Are they fashionable because they are well-paid?

Now this is the big problem. People believe some jobs are well-paid. They are often wrong. If you choose your

career, money should not be the only thing that counts. Few people think about whether they can really get a job

after their training is over.

Which do you think are the best paid jobs?

If you are a doctor, a lawyer, an economist or a banker your salary is very high.

Which do you think are the most respected jobs66?

Doctors and lawyers get the most respect. The problem is that teachers are not really respected. To tell you the

truth, there are teachers who are not really hard-working. But most teachers are good and they really want their

pupils to have good results in the subjects they learn. The problem is that they are not respected. Everybody

wants to be respected in their job.

Which do you think are the most wanted jobs in Hungary?

Professionals with good language skills are badly wanted. The key to success in Hungary and all over the world

is a good profession, good language skills and good IT skills. If someone is not clever enough, he or she should

learn a trade or take part in secondary vocational training.

In what kind of jobs is it essential to know foreign languages?

Well, the knowledge of English is good for everybody. A friend of mine (one of my friends) is a bricklayer and

he nearly got a job in Ireland. But there was a problem. He did not know English. He could not get the job. He

had to come back to Hungary. English is absolutely important for lawyers, teachers, economists, and people

working in foreign trade. It is also important for soldiers and policemen. Everybody speaks about the importance

of knowing languages. But no one speaks about the fact that it is fun learning a language. While learning the

language, you learn about a culture and about countries that are different from your own country.

Where do you find job advertisements?

I find job ads (adverts) everywhere. I see them even in the underground stations. These ads make me so sad.

Why? Because they make you believe it is easy to find a job. It is not easy to find a good job. It is hard to find a

job. It really is. In Hungary, you have to be well-connected to get a really good job. If you are well-connected

and have learnt something, you can get a job.

Would you use the internet to find a job?

65 main reason= legfontosabb ok, indok 66 the most respected job=a leginkább tiszteletben tartott





I think it is a good idea to use the internet. There are lots of websites. The best one is called profession.hu. But,

to tell you the truth, I have never met any person who found a job by looking for it on the internet. You should

build up new contacts. This way, you might get a job.

Who can help you find the job you are looking for?

If you have good connections, a lot of friends or if your parents know people with good connections, it is easy to

find a job. If you are well-connected person, it is easy to find a job. One of the ways to find a good job is to build

contacts. I would tell you to go to parties, to meet a lot of people, to talk to lots of people. That is the best way to

get a good job. You simply must know the people who can get you a job. Or am I wrong? Who knows? And

before I forget, social skills are important. If you can communicate well, then you can get a job.

Do you have to pay a registration fee?

I have never seen a job agency that charges a fee. I am not a human resources (HR) specialist. I do not like

agencies that ask for payment for getting you a job abroad. / This is a question I really cannot answer. Could you

ask me a simpler question?

What do you have to take into consideration when you write your CV?

When I write my CV, I have to be very careful. I have to pay attention to the format and the structure of the

curriculum vitae which the Americans call resume. It is a good idea to write the resume on your computer and to

be very careful with the spelling.

What do you have to include in your CV?

Do you mean the information I have to write about? Well, this is quite difficult. Let me think. The best way to

structure your CV is this: First you have to indicate your name (Name: Caroline Campbell). In the following line

you have to write your address (Address: 32 Kangaroo Road, London, UK). Then you should write both your

fixed line and mobile phone numbers. (These are called contact details.) This should be followed by the personal

details, such as the date and place of birth, marital status (married, single, and divorced). The next part should

give information on your qualifications. This part should be divided into the following parts: professional

qualifications67, language skills and education. Then you should list the companies for which you have worked

so far. (Finally, you may list your references. These are the people who have a good opinion of you.)

What is the right order of events?

You have to write down the events in a chronological order. Nowadays, some people say that it is a good idea to

write them in reverse chronological order. So, I have to speak first about the most recent events in my life.

What kind of personal information should you give?

Well, as you have heard, I have already spoken about the personal information. Some people also indicate their

citizenship right after indicating their names.

Where do you have to send your CV?

I have to send it to the Human Resources department of the company for which I wish to work.

What does the cover letter68 contain?

I knew you would ask me this question. This is quite important. You must never send your resume or CV

without writing a cover letter. A cover letter is a letter of application69 that explains why you are sending your

CV, how you got to know about the company (how you learnt about the company). For example, you should

67 professional qualification=szakmai képesítés 68 cover letter=kísérő levél, motivációs levél 69 letter of application = jelentkező levél





write in it „I wish to apply for70 the position of the personal assistant71 which you advertised. Enclosed with this

letter72, I am sending you my CV.” Cover letters are also called motivation letters. These letters explain to the

reader of the letter why you apply for the job. They also explain why you feel you can do the job, why you think

you are suitable for the job73. Is this clear? Shall I speak more about this? Do you want me to speak about this?

(Anyway, this should be clear enough.)

What do you have to pay attention to if you go for a job interview?

It is a good thing when one can go to a job interview. This means you have been selected from the many

applicants as one of the possible candidates. Before you go to the job interview, you should find out74 as much as

possible about the company and about the job. It is a good idea to go online and to try to find the needed

information. It is also a good idea to prepare a list of questions that you want to ask at the interview.

What kind of clothes should you wear?

Well, to tell you the truth, you should dress properly for the occasion. Don’t wear jeans, trainers and T-shirts. So,

you should dress up75, but it is a bad idea to overdress.

What is advisable to do and what not?

When you are asked a question your answer should always be precise. Don’t forget a very important rule. Do not

say anything negative against your former employer. You must not forget that you have to show that you are the

best candidate for the job76. You should never be late for77 the interview. You should be in time for the

interview. Don’t be late for the interview.

It is advisable to accept any drinks or snacks?

I really do not know. But if you are offered a cup of coffee, I think you should not say no.

What if you are late?

If I am late, I apologise for being late. I say, “Sorry, I am late.”

What would you like to be?

I would like to be a lawyer. I would like to learn law at the university. If I am not admitted to university, I would

like to attend secondary vocational training in logistics and forwarding at this school. / I do not know yet. My

father keeps telling me I should become a lorry driver. I already have a driving licence, and I love driving. I

wonder if I could make a good driver.

What are my strengths?

I am good at History and Hungarian Literature. I am quite good at English. / The only trouble is that my English

teacher wants me to learn so much. He doesn’t understand that there are other subjects, too. / I am outgoing

person. I am open and friendly. I like meeting people and I also like to talk to them. I am outgoing and that

means I am friendly and open. I have good writing skills. I have a good memory. I am also very diligent. The

only problem for me is math. I learn so much, but my marks in math are never really good enough.

Which of your characteristics do you need to improve?

70 to apply for a position (job) =jelentkezni állásra 71 personal assistant (PA)=személyi asszisztens 72 enclosed with this letter=jelen levélhez csatolva 73 suitable for the job=alkalmas az állsára 74 to find out= megtud 75 to dress up=kiöltözni 76 candidate for the job=jelölt az állsára 77 to be late for=elkésni valahonnan (Don’t be late for the lesson.)





Sometimes I have the feeling I am too friendly with people. And this is why they believe that they can trick me.

But this is not true. Anyway78, I can fight for my rights if this is needed. / Well, I have told you that I could be

better at Maths. Sometimes I leave my room in a mess. Then my mother is so angry with me. When my room is

in a terrible mess I have to tidy it and clean it. But I hate this. I often watch TV for too long. I should really

reduce the time I spend in front of the TV.

78 anyway=szóval…





VI. Way of Life /Daily Routine

Describe your average day

When do you usually get up?

On weekdays I usually get up at half past six because school starts at eight o’clock. On Saturday and Sundays I

get up much later. It is never difficult for me to get up. (I get up and go to the toilet and take a pee.) Then I wash,

clean my teeth, comb my hair and get dressed. Sometimes I take a shower. I dry myself with a towel. Sometimes

I have a bath.

What do you have for breakfast?

I usually have sandwich/buttered toast with jam or honey/bread and some salami. Sometimes I have scrambled

eggs or hard or soft boiled eggs. I like to drink milk /hot chocolate/tea with milk or tea with lemon.

How do you get to school?

I go to school on foot. It takes me just (only) five minutes to get to school. I am lucky because I can walk to

school. I usually go by tram. I get on tram number 42 and get off at the school. There is also a bus stop79 very

close to my school. Some of my friends come by underground, get off at Határ út, and change for to tram 42. I

am sorry for them because it takes them such a long time to get to school.

How many lessons do you have a day?

On an average day there are six lessons with ten-minute breaks in between. Lessons start at half past eight.

Where do you have lunch?

On weekdays I always have lunch at the school canteen. Meals at the canteen are quite good. As far as portions

are concerned80, they are big enough. / Portions are not big enough. I usually start with soup, and then I have

some kind of meat with rice or potatoes. I can have snack at the snack bar. There is also a vending machine81 on

the ground floor in the big hall. / When I insert a coin into the vending machine, I can have cup of coffee or hot

chocolate. At the weekends I have lunch with my family.

Do you have many activities outside school?

I have basketball training on Wednesday. At the weekends I often go out with my boyfriend/ girlfriend. / I used

to go out with my boyfriend/girlfriend, but I don’t go out with him/her anymore because I am so busy now. I

have to learn a lot nowadays.

Are you happy with82 your way of life?

Right now, I am happy with the way I live.

How would you change your lifestyle?

If I were a rich person, I would certainly change my lifestyle. If I were rich, I would buy a Mercedes. If I were

rich I would learn at an American university. I would work less. I would do more sports. I would try to go

swimming every day.

In what way is your lifestyle different from your parents’?

79 bus stop=buszmegálló 80 as far as portions are concerned=ami az adagokat illeti 81 vending machine=pénzbedobós automata 82 to be happy with=elégedettnek lenni valamivel





My father is an engineer. He gets up earlier than me because he has to go to work every day, and work starts at 8

o’clock in the morning. My mother is a shop-assistant. She works in two shifts.

Do you go out together?

We seldom83 go out together. / When we go out, we usually go to town to see a film. But most often my parents

are too busy to go anywhere. You see, we have a garden around the house, and my parents do a lot of gardening.

What films have you seen most recently?

Last month we saw two films. The first one was a film on DVD called An Inconvenient Truth84. It was directed

by Davis Guggenheim. It is a documentary film presented by Al Gore, the former vice president of the USA. It is

on global warming. The world seems to be out of control. The other film I saw is also a documentary. Its title is

Sicko by the American filmmaker Michael Moore about the American health-care system. By the way.85 My

favourite film is The Matrix.

What do you do at the weekend?

At the weekends I often go out with my boyfriend/girlfriend. We go to the cinema or sometimes to the disco. In

the last few months I could not go out as often as I used to because I had to learn a lot. But maybe in summer I

will have a lot more free time. I like weekends because on Saturday and Sunday mornings I don’t need to get up

early.

How do you share the housework in the family?

Most of the housework is done by my mother in our family. I often help her with the cleaning, cooking and

shopping. I often do the washing up. But most recently we bought a dishwasher. I help with putting the dirty

dishes into the dishwasher and I take them out. / I always clean my own room. I dust the furniture, clean the

carpets. / When the kitchen is a mess after lunch, I feel I must help my mother and I clean it. I don't like seeing

dirty dishes around. I always make sure they are all put in the dishwasher. / My father works a lot in the garden,

and he can fix almost everything. But when the washing machine went wrong, we had to call a repairman.

Who gets breakfast ready?

I prepare my own breakfast.

Who does the washing?

My mother does the washing.

Who does the shopping?

Mum does most of the shopping, but Dad also goes shopping when mother sends him to the shops.

What kind of housework would you enjoy doing?

I do not like housework, but when my room is a mess, I don’t let anyone else to tidy it. I wish someone told me

how to tidy up in just 15 minutes.

Have you been ill recently?

I was ill about a month ago.

What was the matter with you?

83 seldom = ritkán 84 inconvenient truth=kellemetlen igazság 85 by the way = erről jut eszembe





I had a bad flu/bad cold.

What were the symptoms?

I didn’t feel well. I had a headache and a sore throat. My nose was running and I was coughing and sneezing. I

had a temperature of 37.5 [thirty-seven point five degrees]

What did the doctor advise you to do?

I decided to see a doctor. He looked at my tongue and my throat. He felt my pulse and listened to my lungs. He

diagnosed my illness. He told me I had a nasty flu. He told me to stay in bed, and drink a lot. He advised me to

sleep a lot. I got some prescription pills86 and went to bed as soon as I got home.

Do you go to the doctor right away when you feel ill?

It depends. If I am not well, I go to a doctor.

Do you catch illnesses easily?

No, I don’t. But there is one problem. I am always having problems with my teeth.

Have you ever been to a hospital?

Thanks God, I have never been to a hospital. / Yes, I have.

What was the matter with you?

Last year I had to go to the hospital because I had an accident. I fell off from my bike. I was lucky. It was a nasty

fall. I only broke my left arm. I had to go to hospital.

Do you do live a healthy life?

No, I don’t.

What does it mean for you?

I am a lazy person. I smoke 10 cigarettes a day. I am heavy smoker. I go to the local pub on a regular basis, and I

often get drunk. / Yes, I do. I try to do my best. I don’t drink and don’t smoke. I pay attention to my diet. I eat a

lot of fibres, fruits and vegetables. I pay attention to my diet. I take regular exercise. / I go jogging twice a week.

In summer I go swimming.

Do you have enough time for sleeping?

No, I don’t. I often have to stay up late. But at the weekend I get up late. I catch up on lost sleep87. (But

researchers found: while the body compensates for occasional sleep loss by sleeping both longer and more

deeply the following night, it seems unable to repeat the same trick when sleep deprivation is chronic.)

How do you keep fit?

I like walking and jogging. In summer I often go swimming. / I should do sports regularly. But I am afraid I

don’t do any sports regularly. I occasionally go swimming or I take a walk.

Can you prevent illnesses this way?

86 Prescription pills (drugs)= receptre kapható gyógyszer 87 to catch up on lost sleep=behozni az elmaradt alvásidőt





Well, I think you can do a lot for your health. You should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and drinking too

much coffee. You should do some sports regularly. We have three P.E. lessons a week. I like playing basket ball

very much. In grades 9 and 10, I was on the school’s basketball team and I was on it again as 12th grader.

Have you ever been on a diet?

No, I haven’t. / Yes, I have. Last summer, I decided to stop eating chocolates. I decided to eat a lot of vegetables.

I don’t put on weight even if I eat a lot.

What should a healthy diet contain?

A healthy diet should contain a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit. One should avoid eating too much bread, sugar.

One should avoid junk food. Junk food is the food you get at McDonalds. Junk food is food that tastes good but

is high in calories and it has little nutritional value. If you eat only junk food, you get sick.

What do you think of vegetarianism?

I haven’t thought about this. There are advantages and disadvantages of not eating any meat at all. Some people

give up eating meat because they feel sorry for animals. Some people believe that meat and fat are dangerous for

your health. But I have also met people who think you cannot really work well if you have not eaten meat. If you

do not eat enough, you cannot concentrate.

How many times do you eat a day?

Normally I eat three times a day. These meals are breakfast, lunch and supper. In most houses the meals are

breakfast, lunch and supper or dinner if you eat something hot. Supper is usually a cold meal. In an English

home the meals are breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. Dinner is the most important meal of the day and they serve

hot dishes for it. An English breakfast is a substantial meal. It consists of cornflakes88, porridge89, bacon and

eggs or ham and eggs, buttered toast or bread and butter. Some orange juice is drunk before breakfast and white

or black coffee after it. I usually have breakfast at home. I eat very little for breakfast.

What do you usually have for breakfast?

I usually have the simpler, continental type of breakfast. I have a cup of coffee with bread and butter. Sometimes

I eat scrambled eggs. I do not eat much for breakfast. I usually take a sandwich to school. Sometimes I eat some

buttered rolls with butter and honey. There are people who just drink a cup of tea and eat a banana or an apple.

What do you usually have for lunch?

Lunch usually consists of four courses. The first course is a simple soup. The second is some meat with potatoes

or rice. The second course may also be some noodles with cottage cheese or grated cheese. The third course is

some dessert or some cake or some fruit.

Do you get a lunch at the school canteen?

Yes, I do. But I cannot always eat it. But once a week they cook something really good. Often there is not

enough time for having the lunch, and this makes me really nervous. If I have my lunch, I am late for the lessons.

So what shall I do? No one knows the answer to this question./ Anyway, prices are up at the canteen. Service is

down. Prices are up and the service is down. I hate this.

Are you happy with the lunch you get there?

Naturally, a lunch at the canteen is less delicious than what I get at home. On the whole, it is worth eating at the

canteen. Most recently, prices at the canteen have gone up. What really makes me nervous is that we have to

queue up for lunch. / I am not satisfied with what we get. We pay a lot of money. And we don’t get good value

88 cornflakes = kukoricapehely 89 porridge= zabkása





for our money. So last year I decided to stop using the canteen. My Mum usually cooks a hot meal in the

evening, and it is really enough to eat a sandwich at noon.

Do you often eat out?

No, I don’t often eat out. Sometimes I go to McDonalds with my friends. But this is not because of the food we

get there. I don’t like junk food. But we can sit down and chat for a long time, and no one tells us to go. We can

sit there and chat as long as we want. No one disturbs us.

Describe one of your most enjoyable meals in a restaurant?

My uncle invited me to a Hungarian restaurant. The food was excellent. The portions were big. I mean really big.

The service was also very good. All the waiters were very polite and even friendly.





VII. Leisure Time and Entertainment

What are the most popular hobbies in Hungary?

The most popular hobbies in Hungary are gardening and do-it-yourself activities.

Can you name some typical English hobbies?

A typical idiotic English hobby is train spotting.90 A train spotter is person who is strongly interested in railways.

/ Take train spotting, for example. In this hobby, people go to railway stations or just a railway track and write

down the numbers of the trains they see. But to tell you the truth, rail fans can be found all over the world.

Another typical hobby is playing golf. But I guess this is only for rich people.

Which are typical for women and which for men?

Hobbies can be divided into two groups: hobbies for men and hobbies for women. Men like gardening, fixing

cars, or they spend their time with do-it-yourself activities. They go fishing or angling. Women like sewing,

knitting and even cooking can be a hobby. There are hobbies that suit both sexes. Collecting stamps, collecting

works of art, drawing, painting, and making photos. Keeping pets also suits both sexes.

What are your hobbies?

My hobby is gardening. My Mom and Dad tell me what to do in the garden. I am a good gardener. And I look

after my trees properly. I have two dogs. They are in the garden. This means I don’t have to take the dogs out for

a walk. My other hobby is walking. While I am walking, I am listening to music. / In my spare time I like

listening to music. I like listening to modern music. I am fond of the pop music of the 1960’s. My favourite band

is…… My favourite singer is………..

Do you play music?

No, I don’t. When I was a child I had to go to piano lessons. I hated it a great deal. I can play the guitar quite

well. And all what I learned is quite useful. I can play about twenty songs on my guitar.

Do you do any sports?

Yes, I do. I go swimming twice a week. I occasionally play football. I also like playing football very much.

Many of my friends do sports on regular basis. We have a very good gym at our school. We used to have only

two P. E. lessons a week. I liked these lessons very much. When we behaved well, we were allowed to play

basket ball. I also like jogging and biking.

Which hobby seems to be the most popular with young people today?

Maybe (perhaps) biking. One day I saw a neighbour biking at my old country house. Anyway91, my hobby is

biking. I first started biking when I was about three.

Why?

There are many roads in ……. There are so many places to go to in this region. This is why I like biking.

If you could choose, would you rather play in a volley ball team or do karate?

I would choose the volleyball game. Last summer I played volleyball with five German guys. I stayed at Lake

Balaton and there was a volleyball pitch92 with a net and good balls. I liked playing in the late afternoons when it

was not so hot anymore.

90 to spot = felismer valamit 91 anyway = szóval 92 pitch = pálya





Why?

I like ball games. I think team games are much better than other games. I mean individual sports.

Do you prefer individual sports or team sports?

Team sports are much better. They teach you to co-operate with the others. You learn to observe the others.

What winter sports and what summer sports do you know?

Winter sport is a sport commonly played during winter. As a formal term, it refers to a sport played on snow or

ice, but informally can refer to sports played in winter that could be played at any time of the year. The main

winter sports are ice hockey and figure skating, sledding and skiing and snowboarding.

There are lots of sports that we play in the summer. I would like to mention skate-boarding and roller blading.

Are there any dangerous types of sport?

Yes, there are. These are often called extreme sports. They are always individual sports. These sports often focus

on performing a trick or a stunt.

Extreme sports include the following sports. Skydiving is performing acrobatics in free fall before pulling the

ripcord93 of a parachute94. Scuba diving is when you dive with an underwater breathing apparatus that allows you

to stay under water for a long time. / Surfing, rock climbing, water skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking

are known all over the world. / The most idiotic extreme sport is bungee jumping (or bungy jumping). If you are

really mad, you can jump from a tall building or a tall TV tower while connected to a large rubber band.

Which dangerous sports have you tried?

I have tried mountain biking. I stopped quite soon because I fell off my bike and nearly broke my leg. Luckily

enough, I am still here and talking to you. I have tried this sport and I am still alive.

Have you ever tried any extreme sports such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting?

No, I haven’t. And I don’t think I ever will.

Why did you try it?

I have never tried any of these sports.

How did you feel doing it?

The people who do these sports do it because they want to get excited.

Were you afraid of being injured?

If I tried any of these sports, I would feel afraid of being injured. And, just because of this, I could make a

mistake that would cost me my life. I would rather be a normal man than a bungy jumping man.

Would you like to try one of these sports? (Give your reasons)

I would never try any of these sports. Why? Because I am a normal person. And to tell you the truth, I would like

to stay that way.

93 ripcord = kézi kioldó 94 parachute = ejtőernyő

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_skating

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sledding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skiing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowboarding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skydiving





Are you a theatre goer?

No, I am not.

If yes:

What plays have you seen recently?

I saw Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. But that was three years ago. This year I saw a Hungarian play by Sándor

Weöres titled Boatman in the Moon. I also liked a comedy written by Long-Sing-Borgeson titled The Complete

Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). And before I forget I saw Richard III, too.

Where?

I saw all the four plays at the Hungarian National Theatre.

How did you like them?

I liked them all. The play titled Boatman in the Moon is a good play for both kids and adults. Maybe Richard III

contains too many references to present-day Hungarian life and politics.

What do you prefer to theatres?

I prefer the cinema to the theatre. But most recently I have stopped going to the cinema. I go to a video rental

shop (video shop/store) and I get all the films I want. A video store is a good place to get out a film. The staff

there is the most knowledgeable about films and friendly too! /I used to go to secondary school down the road

and I have found their advice and recommendations invaluable. The most friendly and helpful staff I have ever

come across. / Great choice in films, new or old. Fantastic knowledge of all films. / Their service is excellent.

Always friendly. As a regular you'll find the staff suggesting films that you will enjoy because they remember

you. / They have an unparalleled selection and in-depth knowledge of all their films. They have everything, not

only the blockbusters but all the older films, foreign films, endless comedies and the list goes on. It really is a

great video store!

What do you do in your free time?

I like to take walks. During my walks I listen to music. I sometimes download radio programmes from the

internet and listen to them.

Which is the best film you have seen this year?

Maybe the best film I saw last year is Apocalypse Now. The film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Why did you like it?

It shows you how easy it is to identify with wicked violence.

What was the plot in a nutshell?

It is an American film set during the Vietnam War. It tells the story of Army Captain Benjamin L. Willard who

is sent into the jungle to kill (to assassinate95) a United States Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E. Kurtz,

who went crazy (mad). The film has been viewed as a journey into the darkness of the human soul.

Did you see it at the cinema or at home on video or DVD?

I saw it at home on DVD.

95 to assassinate = merényletet elkövetni

http://www.nemzetiszinhaz.hu/repertoar.php?play_id=32

http://www.nemzetiszinhaz.hu/repertoar.php?play_id=32

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ford_Coppola

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Armed_Forces

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Special_Forces

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insanity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyche_%28psychology%29





Do you think people would rather stay at home to watch films or go to the cinema?

There is no general rule.

Which are your favourite programmes on TV?

I like CNN. I regularly watch HírTV and MTV 1. It is so interesting to compare what they say about the news and

how they comment on the news.

How do TV and video influence your lifestyle?

Forget TV. I do not let myself be influenced by TV. It is all shit. TV is not a good source of information. It is

only good for relaxation.

Do you listen to the radio?

Yes, I do. I like listening to the radio, when I am doing some routine and easy work. I also like to tune in to radio

stations on the internet.

What kind of stations do you listen to?

Sometimes to music stations, but most often to talk radio stations.

Which is your favourite one?

My favourite radio stations are Voice of America and the National Public Radio. Voice of America broadcasts a

lot of programmes that can be downloaded and used for language learning. I like the talk shows on National

Public Radio because there are no commercial breaks at all, and when they talk about a problem they go into

details. Reporters are relaxed and balanced. This is in sharp contrast to Hungarian radio stations.

When do you listen to them?

Usually in the evenings.

Do you like request programmes?

No, I don’t. (Not my cup of tea.)

Which are the most popular stations in Hungary?

The most-listened to radio stations are the MR-1 Kossuth (a state-owned radio), Hír Rádió and Klubrádió. And

music radio stations are also very popular. I don’t know which one is the most popular and which one is the least

popular.

What kind of newspapers and magazines do you know?

I know a lot of them. I regularly read both Magyar Nemzet and Népszabadság. They are the two most popular

serious daily newspapers of Hungary. I hate Hungarian and English tabloids. I do not read them. Only lower-

class people read such rubbish.

What is the difference between newspapers and magazines?

Magazines appear weekly. They are published weekly. Newspapers tend to be daily newspapers. There are two

groups of daily newspaper: quality newspapers and tabloids.

Can you name some newspapers, magazines and periodicals?





Hungarian dailies: Magyar Nemzet and Népszabadság. Hungarian weekly periodicals: Élet és Irodalom, Heti

Válasz, HVG and Magyar Narancs. These are all quality papers and periodicals.

Do you read any regularly?

Yes, I do.

Can you name any American or British papers?

American daily papers: The New York Times, The Washington Post. American weeklies: Newsweek and Time

Magazine.

British daily papers: The London Times, The Financial Times. British weeklies: The Economist and the New

Statesman.

Which do we call tabloids and which quality papers?

A quality paper aims to cover the important news, while a tabloid is full of gossip, sex and dirty stories.

When do you have time to read books?

Usually in the evenings. I like falling asleep while reading a book. I read a lot during my holidays.

What kind of books do you read? (Science fiction, crime stories, love novels, series novels, poetry)

I like horror stories and crime stories. / I like romantic love stories, you know. The story ends with a young

pretty girl marrying a rich man. The young girl is usually the secretary of the rich man. (Then the rich man

married the poor and very intelligent and very pretty young girl.) / I read poetry. My favourite poet is……./ I

read novels and short stories. My favourite writer is……

Do you borrow books from libraries or friends?

Yes, I do. I borrow books from the school library. The trouble is that it is very small. I often go to the city

library.

What sort of books have you bought recently?

I bought J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. My friend told me to buy and to read this

book.

Who is your favourite author?

My favourite author is J.K. Rowling.

Why?

Her books are exciting. I like the Harry Potter books. At the beginning of the story we can read about the

following: Shortly before Harry's 11th birthday, he receives a mysterious letter addressed specifically to him. His

outraged uncle reads and burns the letter before Harry can see it. The sender does not capitulate, and the

Dursleys receive increasingly greater numbers of the same correspondence over the next few days.





VIII. Travelling, Tourism

How did you come to school this morning?

I came on foot. About half way to school I met my best friend. Many of the teachers come by car. / I came by

bus. It took me five minutes to get to school. Does it take you 20 or 30 minutes to get to school? How long does

it take you to get here? It takes me ….. minutes to get to school.

Did your parents bring you?

Yes, my father did. Dad (Daddy) drove me to school this morning.

Or did you come by public transport?

My parents didn’t bring me to school. I used public transport.

Do you prefer to travel by bus or by tram/underground / train?

I prefer bus to the underground. When it is possible I travel by underground. If I want to avoid traffic jams, I

travel by underground.

Why?

I told you why. /I told you why, so there's no reason to repeat it.

Do you have a monthly ticket?

Yes, I do. But it costs so much. It is so expensive.

How long does it take you to get home from school?

I get home in about 15 minutes. I always walk. / I take the bus and I can get home in 30 minutes.

Can you think of problems with modern traffic in a big town?

Yes, I can. / Surely, I can. There is always heavy traffic on the road. Cars create a heavy traffic on the roads.

There is always a traffic jam. I am not sorry for the drivers sitting in their cars.

How would you improve public traffic in Hungary?

I would spend more money on it. I would give more help to public transport. This way, tickets could be cheaper.

Would you have more underground lines built?

Don’t ask me this question. A new underground is being built just now.

Would you have more traffic free zones built in the cities?

Yes, I would. If you are not crazy, you will agree with this idea. I agree with this idea because it is good.

Are there streets in your town where cars and buses are prohibited?

There are streets in Budapest where cars are prohibited (banned).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a car?

Advantages:

You can go anywhere anytime.





It is comfortable.

Driving is fun

It is relaxing to drive.

Disadvantages:

Petrol costs very much.

You make the environment dirty.

You get into a traffic jam.

Your car can be stolen.

Can you drive?

Yes, I can. / I got my driving licence last year. I am not a good driver yet.

If not, would you like to?

No, I can’t. Not yet. I would like to get a driving licence next year.

What are different parts of a driving course?

Traffic code training

Driving theory

Traffic code test

Driving theory test

Driving lessons

Driving exam

During the basic driving exam, you will be graded on the following skills:

Start the vehicle. Check your vehicle controls, such as parking brake and mirrors. Make all

adjustments to seats, safety belts, mirrors and other equipment before you move your vehicle.

Back the vehicle. You will back the vehicle about 50 feet at a slow speed, straight and smoothly.

Turn your head to the right and watch to the rear as you back.

Turn about. You will turn around by using an alley on the left side of the street. Turn your left

signal on before turning into the alley. Back the car out of the alley and stay on your side of the

street.

Park uphill. Turn on the signal for the side of the road on which you are going to park. Stop your

vehicle parallel to the side of the road.

If there is no curb96 or a low curb, turn your wheels toward the side of the road on which you are

parked. Set your parking brake or put the gear selector in “Park.” If your vehicle rolls, it should

not roll into traffic.

Start uphill. Release97 the parking brake, give the correct signal and look back. When it is safe,

pull slowly out onto the street.

Park downhill. Signal to the side of the road where you wish to park. Stop the vehicle parallel to

the road. Whether there is a curb or not, always turn the wheels toward the side of the road where

you are parked. When there is a curb, let your vehicle roll against the curb. Set the parking brake

or place the gear selector in "Park". If your vehicle rolls, it should not roll into traffic.

Start downhill. Release your parking brake and relieve pressure on your tires by backing a little.

Turn your wheels from the side of the road and use your turn signal. Look for oncoming traffic.

When it is safe, pull slowly onto the street.

Control your vehicle. You must obey all signs, controls and rights-of-way. Care must be taken to

observe lane markings and give turn signals correctly.

96 curb=járdaszegély 97 to release=szabadon bocsát, kienged





Which are the most important parts of a car?

Front view and back view of a car

Bonnet98, boot99, bumper100, door, exhaust pipe101, headlight102, indicator light103, number plate104, rear light105,

rear window, registration number106, roof-rack107, sidelight108, tyre, windscreen109, windscreen wiper110, wing

mirror111, brake light112.

Interior of a car

Accelerator pedal113, brake pedal114, clutch pedal115, dashboard116, driver’s seat117, door handle118, gear-lever119,

glove compartment120, handbrake121, horn122, ignition switch123, passenger seat124, rear-view mirror125, seat

belt126, speedometer127, steering wheel128.

How would you like to spend your holidays: alone, with your parents and friends?

I would like to spend two weeks with my friends. Then I would like to stay at home, just hanging around doing

nothing special. Everybody loves spending their time relaxing and just hanging around doing nothing much at

all. Some people are just better at it than others. Sometimes it is not boring just hanging around, and doing

nothing special.

If you go on a holiday with your friends where do you stay?

If I go with my friends, I stay at Lake Balaton.

98 bonnet=motorháztető 99 boot=csomagtartó 100 bumper=lökhárító 101 exhaust pipe=kipufogó cső 102 headlight=első lámpa 103 indicator light=irányjelző 104 number plate=rendszámtábla 105 rear light=hátsó lámpa 106 registration number=rendszám, nyilvántartász szám 107 roof rack=tetőcsomagtartó 108 sidelight=oldalfény, pozíciólámpa 109 windscreen=szélvédő 110 windscreen wiper=ablaktörlő 111 wing mirror=külső visszapillantó tükör 112 brake light=féklámpa 113 accelerator pedal=gázpedál 114 brake pedal=fék 115 clutch pedal=kuplung 116 dashboard=műszerfal 117 driver’s seat=vezetői ülés 118 door handle=ajtófogantyú 119 gear lever=sebességváltó 120 glove compartment=kesztyűtartó 121 handbreak = kézifék 122 horn=duda 123 ignition switch=indító kulcs 124 passenger seat = utasülés 125 rear-view mirror=visszapillantó tükör 126 seat belt= ülésszíj, biztonsági öv 127 speedometer=sebességmérő 128 steering wheel = kormámykerék





Do you like camping rough?

No, I don’t. Camping rough is illegal and punishable with a fine. It is for idiots. And it can also be quite

dangerous.

How do you prepare for a journey?

First I put everything I might need for the journey next to my suitcase. When I have nice piles of my things, I

start packing my suitcase.

What do you pack for a short trip?

When I travel in the summer. I pack a pair of jeans, sandals, my swimsuit, (my bathing trunks), T-shirts, just two

pullovers, a raincoat, and trainers.

What do you pack for a longer one?

For a longer trip I pack a lot more things, but I do not like taking too many things.

Would you prefer a holiday in Hungary or abroad?

Right now, I would prefer a holiday in Hungary to one spent abroad.

Why?

I cannot afford to go abroad now. Maybe next year I will have more money.

Where would you go in Hungary?

I don’t know yet. Maybe I would like to go to Lake Balaton. The other possibility is a mountain resort.

Do you know what Budapest is famous for?

There are number of interesting sights in Budapest.

Parliament---The monumental building of the Parliament is one of the biggest attractions of Budapest. It hosts

the crown jewels. Guided tours are organized 4 times a day.

St. Stephen’s Basilica--The largest Catholic Church in Budapest, where the most important relic of Hungarian

Catholicism, St. Stephen's Holy Right (Hand) is kept. The panorama terrace offers a great view of the city.

Heroes’ Square--The monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue sums up the history of Hungary. The

millennium memorial commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the Hungarians in the Carpathian

Basin.

Budapest State Opera--The neo-renaissance building is a pearl of architecture, and the rich inner decoration

reflects elegance and splendour. Guided tours are organised every afternoon. A performance is an unforgettable

experience too.

Castle District--With its narrow streets, old citizen houses the Castle District of Budapest reflects a medieval

atmosphere. The Royal Palace houses different museums and exhibitions.

Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church--The emblems of Budapest, no tour can be complete without visiting

them. Rebuilt several times, the Matthias Church is a mixture of architectural styles. Organ concerts are held

regularly.

http://www.budapestinfo.org/basilica.html

http://www.budapestinfo.org/castledistrict.html





City Park––The largest green area of Budapest. You can find there the Castle of Vajdahunyad, the Széchenyi

thermal bath, the Zoo and the Amusement Park. It is a beloved place of the city for walking and relaxing.

Váci Street and the Danube Promenade--The busy walking areas of the downtown offer famous cafés, terraces,

elegant shops, boutiques and theatres. Not to mention the view of the Castle from the Danube Promenade.

Sights of London

The Queen has her London home at Buckingham Palace. At half past seven most mornings the soldiers

at Buckingham Palace “change the guard”.

The Tower of London is now a museum, and one of London’s most famous buildings. You can see the

Crown Jewels and visit the Bloody Tower and the White Tower.

The Tower Bridge is near the Tower of London. The middle of the bridge can be opened to allow ships

to pass through.

St Paul’s Cathedral was built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Fire of London in 1666. The cathedral

was built between 1675 and 1711.

Westminster Abbey is more than nine hundred years old. After William the Conqueror, every King or

Queen of England was crowned king or queen here.

The Houses of Parliament are called houses of parliament because parliament consists of two chambers

known as the House of Commons and House of Lords.

The clock high up on parliament building is called Big Ben.

The prime minister lives at Downing Street 10.

The British Museum in Great Russell Street is the biggest museum of London. Tickets are free.

Madame Tussaud’s is famous for its people made from wax. You can see famous people from the past

and famous people of today. In the “Chamber of Horrors” you can see some really bad people.

Which foreign country would you visit?

I would like to visit Germany. I am particularly interested in Berlin.

Why?

I have heard a lot about Berlin and about its friendly and easygoing atmosphere.

Do you prefer northern or southern countries?

Well, this is not a question for me. I cannot afford travelling too much. I don’t want to go south in summer.

Give your reasons.

It can well happen that it is very hot. If it is very hot, it is not good for your health. Sunbathing is impossible if it

is very hot and the sun is shining too strongly. / When the sun is shining too strongly we should go to a place

with a shade. The most important rule is to stay out of the sun at the hottest time of the day. We should use high-

factor sun creams, water resistant sunscreens129, floppy hats130 and keep in the shade. We should apply

sunscreens frequently and carefully, and take special care with children. / A sudden blast of rays on the first day

will leave us burnt. / One last tip: I always have a pocket-sized tube of sunscreen wherever I go during the

summer. Why? We don't have to be on a beach to get burnt.

Why do you like travelling?

Because it makes me forget my worries, if I don’t think of my worries for a long time, I can rest more and I can

be more relaxed. This is good for my health.

Do you like getting to know131 people?

129 water-resistant sunscreens=víznek ellenálló napozókrém 130 floppy hat=hajlítható karimájú kalap 131 to get to know = megismerni valakit





No, I don’t.

Do you like sightseeing?

Three years ago I was in Vienna and I enjoyed sightseeing very much indeed. If you want to know more about a

town, then it is not enough to have a good guide book. What you must do is to take part in a guided tour. A

professional guide can tell you a lot more about the sights than what you find in your guidebook.

How do you prepare for a holiday?

Before I go on holiday I must make some plans. I must select the destination of my travel. I must know how

much money I have to spend.

What documents do you need if you go abroad?

I need my passport. I need medical insurance. I need a good diary with all the important information including

phone numbers and addresses.

Since Hungary joined the EU has it become easier to go abroad?

Yes, it has.

How?

Since Hungary joined the EU travelling to EU countries has become simpler. You have to show your ID or your

passport at the border. Border controls between Austria and Hungary do not exist any more. (Border controls are

ended). / There are no border controls between Austria and Hungary.

Where do you have to go if you need a visa?

If I need a visa, I have to go to the embassy of the country that I want to go to.

Can you tell me some of the countries where you need a visa?

I think a visa is needed if I want to go to the Ukraine. A visa is needed for travel to the USA.





IX. Science and Technology

What appliances do you have in your home?

We have a washing machine, a dishwasher, an electric iron, a microwave oven, a coffee machine, a vacuum

cleaner, a personal computer, a scanner, a printer, a CD player, a TV, a laptop computer.

What do you use them for?

washing machine is used to wash clothes

a dishwasher is used to wash dishes

an electric iron is used to iron the clothes

a microwave oven is used to cook meals

a coffee machine is used to prepare coffee

a vacuum cleaner is used to clean carpets and the floor

a personal computer is used for preparing texts, sending emails or surfing the net

a scanner is used to scan documents

a printer is used to print off documents and photos

a DVD player is used to play DVD versions of films

a TV is used to watch programmes

a laptop computer is used to prepare documents at any place you want

How do they work?

They work quickly and efficiently, but they use too much electricity.

How have new household gadgets changed our life?

They have made our lives more comfortable. We have to work less in the household. A dishwasher or a washing

machine helps a lot. But there are lots of household gadgets that do not help much but consume a lot of energy

(electric toaster, clothes dryers).

What can go wrong around the house?

Everything. My refrigerator can break down. My radio or TV can break down. The washing machine and the

dishwasher can break down.

Where can you take your car/ refrigerator / CD player to have them mended or repaired?

I can take them to a service station. Cars are repaired by car mechanics. Refrigerators are repaired. A technician

will fix your washing machine or your CD player.

What do you need in order to have them exchanged for new ones?

If a device breaks down many times in a short time, it must be replaced by a new machine in the shop I bought it.

Sometimes I can take back the old device to the shop and buy a new one for a reduced price.

How did life change during the 20th century?

Change has been so rapid in the 20th century that in 100 years our life has changed. Transport has changed

dramatically over the 20th century. At the beginning of the century, people walked, or rode on horses. Now we

can fly in airplanes. We can travel by fast trains or drive cars. The world is ‘shrinking’ rapidly. We are able to

visit places around the world in hours, rather than months or years.

New communications technology such as telephones and electronic mail enable us to contact people around the

world almost instantly. We don’t have to wait for days, months or longer, for a letter or messenger to deliver a

message.





The production of energy has also changed. We no longer use coal to produce steam to power things. We use oil

and gas. We have nuclear power stations to produce electricity. But this is dangerous. This is why we have

started to use new energy sources, such as solar power. Refrigerators and powerful computers were all invented

in the 20th century.

Medical science has improved. People can live now much longer than 100 years ago.

What aspects of life have changed for the better or the worse?

Information technology has made our lives more comfortable. But the environment is under threat.

Environmental problems such as global warming, climate change, desertification, droughts, floods,

overpopulation can lead to problems. These problems are very serious. They pose a major threat.

How has IT and mobile communication changed our lives?

Information technology (IT) has changed the world. If you don’t already use the internet, all you need to get

started is a computer, a modem and phone line.

Has the computer changed our lives?

Yes, it has. Personal computers and the internet have resulted in a communications revolution. The internet is

without doubt one of the most important inventions of modern history. The World Wide Web was created in

1990. Since then, it has completely changed the world. The internet is a network of millions of computers around

the world connected by phone lines, satellite and cable. All the computers can exchange information with each

other. Some people say that young people use computers only for games and don’t really learn anything. They

say that young people read much less than they used to. And all this happens because of computers. / The arrival

of computers has brought a number of new words into the English language such as word processor, hardware,

laptop computer, email, loading, monitor, etc.)

Has the mobile phone changed our lives?

Yes, it has. We have become more efficient. Mobile phones can also mean that people are stressed more. Fewer

and fewer people can switch off their mobiles. People have to be available all the time. This is rather stressful, I

think.

Do you use the internet?

Yes, I do.

If yes, what for?

You can make information available on the internet and you can download information from the internet. The

internet or the net is a big network that covers the world. If you want to show information on the internet, you

can pay for your own space on the net. This is called website hosting. The World Wide Web (www) is the

system which lets you download (look at) information from the internet. You can look for a subject and find all

the websites that have information about it. This is called surfing the net. Online services are services that are

available on the net internet.

When you visit a website looking for information, some words on the page may be underlined, showing that

there is more information on the subject in another document. The underlined word indicates that there is a link

leading to another website. If you click on this underlined word, the Web automatically connects your computer

to a new document or web site

What are the advantages of using the net?

Using the internet offers many advantages. (1) For example, all of the latest information is available to you in

your home, or wherever you are 24 hours a day. (2) On-line shopping makes it possible to search catalogues.

You can easily find the cheapest offer. (3) You can join a news group or a chat group, and you can share your





hobbies and special interests. But the most useful side of the internet is the e-mail. (4) E-mails are faster and

cheaper than sending letters. And they are also cheaper than a phone conversation. (5) For many people it gives

the opportunity for work. Working from home means that you work with the help of a PC and a broadband

internet connection.

You can use the internet to

find information for schoolwork;

find information on jobs;

read newspapers or magazines;

send e-mails;

chat with people.

What are the dangers of it?

There are many dangers. You have to be careful to make sure that your computer is safe against attacks from

hackers.

Do you use chat rooms?

No, I don’t. Please take my advice. If you want to listen to me, don’t use them. It can also be dangerous making

friends on the internet.

Would you rather have the internet censored?

There are certain types of content that should be banned from the internet.

Have you done shopping via the internet?

Yes, I have. Last year I ordered some books via the internet.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of using this kind of shopping?

You can often get big discounts from the shop prices.

Have you got a mobile phone?

Yes, I have.

When do you use it?

I seldom use it. This is because using a mobile phone costs so much.

What conveniences does it offer?

I can call my parents wherever I am. But the problem is that my boyfriend/girlfriend can also call me anytime

and anywhere.

What functions does it have?

I can make a phone call. I can send messages. I can take photos. I can make audio records. I can make video

records. Students should know that the making of video or audio records (footage) during the school lessons is

prohibited.

Why are mobile phones getting more and more popular?

I don’t understand the question. By now, practically everyone has a mobile phone. So we simply just can’t talk

of mobile phones becoming more popular. Everyone has a mobile phone.





In what situations are mobile phones really important?

In cases of emergency a mobile phone can be very useful.

What is your opinion about palmistry, astrology and UFO-researching?

This is rubbish. I know it, you know and everybody knows it.

Palmistry is a method of observing the characteristics of a person's hand to understand their personality.

Some palmists also claim that future events can be predicted by hand-reading.

UFO is the abbreviation of unidentified flying objects.

Astrology is a group beliefs. It supposes that the positions of the stars can help us understand your

personality and your fate.

Do you believe in UFOs or any other paranormal phenomena?

No, I don’t. This is rubbish and I know it, you know and everybody knows it. I do not believe in paranormal

phenomena. By the way, UFO is the abbreviation of unidentified flying objects. What does UFO stand for? It is

a short form for “unidentified flying object”. Some people believe in UFOs. I don’t believe in them. I don’t

believe in ghosts either.

What about the mystery of Loch Ness?

Loch Ness is a lake located in the Scottish Highlands. Some people believe that a monster named Nessie lives in

the lake. Actually, it is a female monster (she monster). There is a big a tourist industry built around Lady

Nessie. Unfortunately, the Nessie business has slowed down in recent years. (In 2007, it was estimated that

Nessie tourism brought in an estimated £6 million to the Highlands.) Some think this is because the monster does

not exist132. Some say that there were only two sightings of Nessie in the first nine months of 2007.

Can you name any natural phenomena which we can’t explain?

No, I can’t. The real mysteries are the ones that nature produces and our own scientists have no explanation for.

The fata morgana133 is actually a natural phenomenon134 for which scientists have a good explanation.

132 exist=létezik 133 fata morgana= délibáb 134 natural phenomenon=természeti jelenség

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by Dávid Bíró; © Dávid Bíró, 2010 - ATW.huusers.atw.hu/jeriko/angol/General Conversation Topics for the...MODEL ANSWERS for the Medium-Level English Matura Examination (Views