10. Аудирование: поиск запрашиваемой информации: все задания

Interviewer: First of all, I would like to thank you for agreeing to take part in our survey! It’s really very important for us. 
Respondent: My pleasure.
Interviewer: I see that you’ve just left the library. Do you often go there to borrow books? 
Respondent: In fact, I was in the library for a different reason. I work there. I’m a librarian.
Interviewer: So, you are a librarian, aren’t you? Okay. Have you ever worked in any other places?
Respondent: Of course! I’ve worked as a waitress, a secretary, an office manager and whatever. This is my twelfth job in fact.
Interviewer: You’ve already tried twelve different jobs! Fantastic!
Respondent: Yes! I enjoy trying new things and learning new skills!
Interviewer: Right! Can I ask you about the foreign languages you speak? 
Respondent: Of course! The language I learned in college was Chinese and I’m still learning it because you can never speak Chinese well enough. 
Interviewer: Oh, it’s so difficult! Why didn’t you choose Spanish or German? 
Respondent: I don’t know why! I just wanted to learn Chinese! 
Interviewer: What is your hobby? What do you do for pleasure? Do you like drawing or dancing? 
Respondent: Hmm… No, I like travelling. It’s my real hobby, and my favourite destination is China. I’ve been there several times and will go again! It’s an amazing country and you can see much more there if you speak their language. 
Interviewer: Right!
Respondent: Chinese culture, art and music are very different from ours. 
Interviewer: Can you play any traditional musical instruments?
Respondent: Do you mean the Chinese bamboo flute? No, but I play the piano — well enough. I took piano classes when I was at school and my teacher was very good. She taught me to feel and love music. 
Interviewer: And what about sports? What do you do to keep fit?
Respondent: Hmm… I go jogging. I would like to go swimming but there’s no swimming pool nearby, so I jog almost every evening. 
Interviewer: Evening?
Respondent: Yes, I prefer jogging in the evening, not in the morning like most people do. I hate getting up early, and evenings are better for me. 
Interviewer: I see. And one more question…

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey. I really appreciate it.
Respondent: It’s OK. I’m waiting for a friend, anyway. She’s keen on photography and is buying some accessories for her camera at the moment. It may take her a long time.
Interviewer: Right. And as we are talking at the entrance to a fine arts exhibition, I guess, you are interested in arts, aren’t you?
Respondent: Yes, I am. I love arts and I do some painting myself. Just as a hobby, not professionally.
Interviewer: You need to see Italy then. There are lots of places for art lovers there.
Respondent: Oh, yes! Italy is on my travel list. We were going to fly there last winter but I had to go to Finland instead, on a business trip.
Interviewer: Sorry to hear this.
Respondent: Never mind, it’s ok. I’m going to Rome this June anyway. I’m even planning to hire a private guide to show me the most interesting places in the city.
Interviewer: Good! I guess you are a very busy person, aren’t you? What do you do for a living?
Respondent: You mean what my job is, don’t you? I’m a scientist. I don’t think we should discuss it in detail. It’s a specific sphere.
Interviewer: Right. Of course. You are a very young scientist, I should say. 
Respondent: No, not really. I’m forty. To you, forty may sound like a very serious age.
Interviewer: But you look younger.
Respondent: Thank you.
Interviewer: Anyway, getting back to our survey… What’s your favourite dish? Is it pizza? Or any other Italian cuisine?
Respondent: Right. It’s Italian cuisine, but it’s not pizza. It’s pasta.
Interviewer: Pasta?
Respondent: Yes. With different sauces.
Interviewer: Right. And the last question is about recreation activities. Do you play any sports? Tennis, probably?
Respondent: Right, I find sports absolutely necessary to stay healthy. Physically and mentally. But it isn’t tennis. I prefer team sports. I play basketball with my colleagues at least twice a week.
Interviewer: Basketball?
Respondent: Yes. I may not be tall enough for the game but I’m a good player, actually.
Interviewer: I’m sure you are. Thank you for your time.

Interviewer: First of all, I would like to thank you for taking part in our survey. We’re doing it as a part of our university course. It won’t take you long, I promise.
Respondent: Oh, that’s fine. I’ve got time and I’m happy to help you with your project. Do you need my name and age?
Interviewer: Only your age. 
Respondent: OK. I’m sixty. 
Interviewer: Sixty? You don’t look it! 
Respondent: Thank you.
Interviewer: What do you do to keep so fit? Any special gymnastics? 
Respondent: No. But I’ve been playing tennis since childhood. And still do it once or twice a week. It helps me to be in shape.
Interviewer: Any special food? What is the basis of your diet?
Respondent: Vegetables. I eat lots of them. There’s no need to explain how good vegetables are for the body and mind. And of course, I try to avoid junk foods and meat. I’m from India and we have traditions of cooking vegetables there. My wife is a professional cook, by the way. She cooks very well!
Interviewer: Lucky you! So, you were born in India, weren’t you? Did you leave India long ago?
Respondent: Yes. I went to university in the United States to be an engineer and, since graduation, have been travelling a lot.
Interviewer: Because of your job?
Respondent: Yes. Companies from different countries still employ me. Good engineers are always needed.
Interviewer: That’s true. It’s one of the most important professions in the world. 
Respondent: There are lots of others, equally important, to be fair. Every person considers their job important. I’m sure you feel the same about your future career.
Interviewer: Sure. Yes, I really do. And getting back to the survey… one more question — what do you do in your free time?
Respondent: I used to play computer games when I was younger. But now I don’t. It’s not very good for my eyes, at least my doctor says so. Now I go fishing whenever I have an opportunity. But I don’t have much time for this hobby yet. I’ll be going fishing much more often when I’m retired. And I’ll probably join the Fishermen’s Club.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, but I’ve got a few more questions if you don’t mind…

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey! I promise it won’t take you long. 
Respondent: It’s okay, I’ve got time. I’m waiting for my truck to be loaded and then I will set off. 
Interviewer: Do you drive a truck? 
Respondent: Yes, I’m a professional driver. And I’ve driven different vehicles from taxies to trucks. 
Interviewer: It must be an interesting job, though a difficult one.
Respondent: Right! My parents wanted me to be an accountant but I chose driving and I have never regretted my choice. You’ll never believe how many countries I’ve seen. 
Interviewer: And how many countries have you been to? 
Respondent: Hmm… Let me count. Thirty. Yes, thirty. 
Interviewer: It’s impressive. 
Respondent: Yeah, I love being on the move, meeting new people, talking with them. 
Interviewer: As you work internationally, do you speak any foreign languages? Spanish, probably? Or German?
Respondent: Neither of them, only French. I learned it at school and now practise it when I’m in the French-speaking countries. Foreign languages are not as important for my job as they may seem. People speak English almost everywhere, so there’s no need to be a polyglot. 
Interviewer: I see. And did you go to school in Britain? 
Respondent: Yes, in Oxford. My native city. I was born there and went to school there. I enjoyed living in Oxford but when I finished school, we moved to Manchester. I’m a Manchester United fan, of course. 
Interviewer: I’m their fan too. And is it difficult to be on the move all the time? Do you always have proper meals?
Respondent: Yeah, sure. We need to eat proper food to be healthy. And we have medical check-ups very often. It’s believed that drivers drink lots of coffee. 
Interviewer: Isn’t that true?
Respondent: No, it isn’t. My favourite drink, for example, is juice. I’ve always got a few cartons of juice in the portable fridge.
Interviewer: And what about exercising? 
Respondent: Sure. I go swimming. I find it the most effective way to relax after a long drive. I used to play rugby but I was at school when I last played it. 
Interviewer: Right! And a few more questions if you do not mind.

Interviewer: Excuse me! Do you mind if I ask you a few questions. It’s for a survey which we’re doing for our university course. 
Respondent: Ah, go ahead! It’ll be fun because normally it’s me, who ask people questions whether they mind it or not. 
Interviewer: Pardon me?
Respondent: I’m a policeman and it’s part of my job to ask people questions. 
Interviewer: I’m sorry to have bothered you. 
Respondent: Chill out, I’m not on duty. It’s my day off and I’m going to the parking lot to see a friend. He’s a taxi driver. But that can wait. I really don’t mind answering your questions. What information do you need for your survey? What do I have for dinner?  
Interviewer: Yes! How did you know? There’s really a point about your favourite food in our survey.
Respondent: For me it’s chicken. I like chicken with rice or potatoes. My wife cooks it really well. She prefers vegetables herself and practically doesn’t eat any meat. 
Interviewer: I see, sir. And do you play any sports?
Respondent: Sure. I need to be in a good shape. Otherwise, I won’t meet my job requirements. Athletics. That’s what I do. It develops all the muscles. I used to play football when I was younger but now I don’t.
Interviewer: So, you do athletics? 
Respondent: Right. And I’m still very good at it. Better than some of my young colleagues in spite of my age. 
Interviewer: And what’s your age? 
Respondent: Fifty. Yeah, I was born fifty years ago. It’s difficult to believe that it was so long ago. 
Interviewer: And where were you born? 
Respondent: Can’t you see it, buddy? In Ireland, of course. Where else can you see people with hair as red as mine? My wife is from Poland, but when I retire we’re planning to settle down in Ireland. My wife doesn’t mind it. 
Interviewer: And what’s your hobby? 
Respondent: My hobby? You’ll never believe what I do when I have free time!
Interviewer: What is it?
Respondent: You probably expect some extreme hobby like hunting or horse-riding. Nothing of a kind. I love gardening and that’s what I’m going to do till the end of my life. No, I’m not kidding. You can see my garden if you’d like. It’s the best in our neighbourhood. 

Interviewer: I would like to thank you for taking part in our survey. 
Respondent: Oh, it’s ok. We often carry out different surveys at school. 
Interviewer: Do you go to school? What year are you in?
Respondent: I’m in Year eleven, unfortunately. 
Interviewer: Why unfortunately? Is it because you don’t like the number ‘11’? Or because you have to take your exams this year?
Respondent: The latter. I have to take Science, a great problem for me.
Interviewer: When I was at school, I had problems with Maths and with PE. 
Respondent: PE? The best subject ever. We always play basketball in PE and I’m a captain of our basketball team. 
Interviewer: Impressive! Do you do any other sport?
Respondent: No. We’ve got different clubs at school. Football, tennis and others but to get results you need to focus on one thing. For me it’s basketball. I have no time for anything else. We practise five times a week, including Saturday and Sunday. I can only relax on Wednesdays when we do not train and don’t have classes at school either. 
Interviewer: What do you do on your day off? 
Respondent: Practically nothing. I plan my week to leave Wednesday free. Our coach says it’s important to change the type of activity. I just listen to music and hang around with friends. 
Interviewer: Who encourages you to take sport so seriously?
Respondent: My cousin. He’s always been a sort of a role model for me. He speaks two foreign languages by the way, Italian and Spanish. 
Interviewer: And you? What foreign languages do you speak?
Respondent: Only German. But I speak it almost fluently. 
Interviewer: OK. German is a difficult language but, getting back to your cousin, do you spend lots of time together? 
Respondent: Not really. We both are very busy. He goes to college and as a sport he goes mountain biking.
Interviewer: Do you go mountain biking with him? On holiday, for instance?
Respondent: No, it’s too extreme but we go fishing on holiday. We both enjoy it. 
Interviewer: Great! Any other holiday activities? Like sunbathing, for example? Or boating? 
Respondent: Boating? No. We only use a boat when we go fishing. 
Interviewer:  I see. And one more question if you don’t mind…

Interviewer: Do you mind taking part in our survey? We are doing it as a part of our university course. It won’t take you long.
Respondent: No, I don’t mind. It looks like I’ve got lots of time anyway.
Interviewer: Oh. What’s wrong with your bicycle? Do you need help?
Respondent: No, thanks. It’s just a flat tire and I’m waiting for my friend to bring a pump so that we can fix it. My sister took mine to pump the ball for their volleyball game and didn’t bring it back to me.
Interviewer: I understand you do cycling quite often?
Respondent: Yes, I like it. It helps me keep fit.
Interviewer: Do you think people should use bicycles as a means of transport more often? Instead of cars, buses and trains?
Respondent: I wouldn’t put it like that. The bicycle is ideal for a ride in the countryside, but you can’t use it when you travel long distances.
Interviewer: And what means of transport do you prefer for travelling?
Respondent: The plane, of course. It’s fast and comfortable. I always choose the plane for travelling.
Interviewer: Right. And you are still at school, aren’t you?
Respondent: Yes, I am.
Interviewer: What subject do you like most of all? Is it Mathematics or Languages?
Respondent: Neither of them. It’s History. It’s fascinating to learn about the past.
Interviewer: Yes?
Respondent: And… I was born in Scotland where history is in the air.
Interviewer: Oh, yeah! I’ve been to Scotland — it’s an amazing country. Do you play the… I don’t remember the name of their traditional musical instrument…
Respondent: The bagpipes? No. I play the guitar and that is all. I’d like to learn to play the piano too but cannot find time for it.
Interviewer: The guitar is great! What else do you do? I mean as a hobby. Some people of your age enjoy collecting magnets or assembling Lego.
Respondent: No, I’m not interested in that stuff. I do some blogging. It’s my latest hobby. My blog is about the legends of Scotland.
Interviewer: Have you got any followers as a blogger?
Respondent: Ninety at the moment. I hope there’ll be more.
Interviewer: Ninety followers is a very good start for a person who is new to blogging. I wish you success!

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey. 
Respondent: My pleasure. But I don’t have more than ten minutes. My group is waiting for me. We’re having a brief stop here. 
Interviewer: Oh, you’re a tourist, aren’t you? 
Respondent: Yes, I’m on a bus excursion in your city and I do really like your city, cosmopolitan and friendly. I’ve been to many places and I can compare.
Interviewer: How many countries have you visited so far?
Respondent: Twenty. Yes… Right… Twenty! 
Interviewer: Oh, you are an experienced traveller. And where were you born?
Respondent: In Canada. In the north of Canada. Have you ever been there? 
Interviewer: No, I’ve been to Alaska and to the USA, but I hope to see your country one day. 
Respondent: You’d be welcomed. If you come, I’ll take you to the best pizzeria in the country. No! The best in the world! 
Interviewer: Looks like you like pizza! 
Respondent: Who doesn’t? It’s my favourite dish. You can make it with any topping and it will always taste different. Pizza with ham, mushrooms, peppers. You can even make it sweet with pineapples or berries. It’s healthy if you cook it properly. What I really hate is junk foods and all sorts of candies. They literally kill your teeth. 
Interviewer: You’re talking like my dentist. 
Respondent: Because I am a dentist. And I’ve seen so many times how people ruin their teeth because they just don’t care. Everyone should be educated on what to eat and how to cook. 
Interviewer: Can you cook, by the way? And how often do you do it if ever?      
Respondent: Of course, I can. Cooking is my hobby. I often invite friends and cook for them. They play ‘Bingo’ and enjoy my food, especially when I present an original national recipe from a country I’ve visited. 
Interviewer: Sounds great!
Respondent: Right! I have to tell you that our guide is waving to me, which means I need to board the bus.
Interviewer: OK. The last question. What transport do you usually use when travelling? 
Respondent: I love travelling by train. So relaxing! And I choose the train instead of the plane whenever it’s possible. I’m sorry, I need to go.
Interviewer: Good luck with your trip! 

Interviewer: Do you mind answering a few questions? It’s for a survey we are doing. 
Respondent: No problem. Ask your questions.
Interviewer: In fact, one of my questions is about pets, but it looks like there’s no need to ask it. The dog is your pet, isn’t it? 
Respondent: Yes. I adopted him when he was a small puppy. Now he’s a big dog. He’s friendly, don’t be afraid of him. 
Interviewer: I’m not afraid but still… You know, I’ve never had any pets except for goldfish. Anyway, my next question is whether you’ve already chosen your future career or not.
Respondent: Not yet. In fact, I’ve always wanted to be a pilot. It’s been my dream since childhood.
Interviewer: And?
Respondent: It’s very unlikely that it will ever come true. I’ve got a problem with my eyes. I’m short sighted and a pilot should have perfect health. Now, my parents want me to be a lawyer but I’m not sure I want to study law.
Interviewer: Oh, yes. I understand.
Respondent: I’ve probably got a health problem because I usually spend too much time on my computer and other gadgets.
Interviewer: How many hours, on average, do you spend online per week?
Respondent: Fifteen. Yes, I think fifteen on average. The doctor says I shouldn’t make it any more.
Interviewer: I see. And do you speak any foreign languages?
Respondent: I speak Russian but not very fluently yet.
Interviewer: Russian? But why? It’s a difficult language. Most people choose Spanish or Italian.
Respondent: Oh, yes, it’s not easy. I chose it because I’m interested in Russian literature and culture.
Interviewer: And Russian food? People say there are some very unusual dishes in Russian cuisine, like pelmeni or something.
Respondent: I’m not an expert in Russian food, but my favourite food is fish. I can even cook fish myself.
Interviewer: Oh, I see. And sports? Do you play any?
Respondent: Of course. I go skateboarding with friends. There are skateboarding facilities in front of our block and we’ve got plenty of opportunity to practise. My dad promised to teach me windsurfing next summer. But I need to learn to swim first.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time. But I have a few more questions if you don’t mind…

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey. I appreciate it. 
Respondent: Oh, I find it amusing. Sounds like a game. 
Interviewer: You are a school student, aren’t you? 
Respondent: Yes, but now we are on holidays. 
Interviewer: Anyway, there’s a question about your school. What subjects do you find the most difficult? 
Respondent: Well, our art and design are the easiest and most pleasant, of course.  And the most difficult one… I believe, is geography. 
Interviewer: Why geography? 
Respondent: Because I can never remember all those geographical names and where to look for them on the map. But when I travel and see places myself, I never forget their names afterwards. 
Interviewer: Indeed. And what do you like to do when you travel? 
Respondent: I like taking photos. Photography is my hobby, and I’m good at it. 
Interviewer: And do you like reading? 
Respondent: It’s not my favorite pastime to be honest, but I can read very fast. 
Interviewer: Really? How many books have you read this summer?
Respondent: Well, do we count all of them? Thick and thin ones? 
Interviewer: Yes. 
Respondent: And that, I guess, eighteen. 
Interviewer: Eighteen, unbelievable. And what languages do you speak? 
Respondent: I speak Spanish. It’s easy because my grandparents live in Spain, and I can practice when I visit them. I would like to enroll in a Japanese language course, but not now, sometime later. 
Interviewer: I see. And sports? Do you play any? 
Respondent: I play volleyball, if it counts. 
Interviewer: Volleyball, certainly counts. It’s an effective sports activity. I also played volleyball and football at school. 
Respondent: My dad is a football fan, but I’m not. I don’t support any club. 
Interviewer: And we are a family of football fans. I remember that when I played for our local team, my whole family, including our dog, came to the stadium to support me. 
Respondent: Did they? 
Interviewer: Yes, but let’s get back to our survey. Have you got any pets? 
Respondent: No, I haven’t. I would like to have a horse, but mom says it’s an absolutely unrealistic idea. Never mind. I’ll buy a horse myself when I grow up. 
Interviewer: Thank you. One more question.

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey. I really appreciate it.
Respondent: I’m glad to help! Are you doing it for a research project? 
Interviewer: Yes, it’s a part of our university course. 
Respondent: I understand. Go ahead! What would you like to ask about? 
Interviewer: First, I need to write down your age, if you don’t mind. 
Respondent: No, I don’t. I’m forty. 
Interviewer: Right. Forty. What’s your occupation? Do you work? 
Respondent: Yes, I’m a nurse. I work in a hospital. 
Interviewer: It’s a very important job and a difficult one. 
Respondent: Yes, it’s not easy but I like it. My father is a surgeon. A really good one. When I was at school, I often went to his hospital and I decided to be a nurse. It feels good to help people. 
Interviewer: Right! And the next question is about your eating habits. What food do you usually prefer? 
Respondent: Oh, I’m not very particular about food. I eat everything! The only thing I cannot do without is chocolate. I always have chocolate for dessert though there’s a wide choice of different desserts in our café from fruit salads to all sorts of cakes and pies. 
Interviewer: I see. You should have been born in Belgium where chocolate is very popular. 
Respondent: But I was born in Australia and, to tell you the truth, I’m missing my native country. It’s nature and people. I can’t go there often, it’s too far away! 
Interviewer: I understand. Australian people usually enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. Windsurfing is extremely popular, isn’t it? 
Respondent: Yes, it is. But I’ve never gone surfing. The best holiday activity for me is camping.
Interviewer: Is it?
Respondent: Yes, my colleagues and I often go camping. It’s fun and a great recreational activity. I feel like a new person after our camping trips. 
Interviewer: And what else do you do when you have free time? Do you enjoy cooking or assembling puzzles? 
Respondent: No, I don’t. As for my hobby, I’d say it’s painting. I don’t paint very often but I like it. I’ve just started to work with watercolours. The technique is new to me but it’s amazing!
Interviewer: OK. Thank you! One more question…

Interviewer: I’m glad you’ve found some time to talk to me. The survey won’t take you long, I promise. 
Respondent: Fine.
Interviewer: The first question is about your job, what do you do for a living?
Respondent: I’m a designer.
Interviewer: Designer. Sounds exciting! Do you use a computer for your work?
Respondent: Of course, I do, it is my, it’s my essential tool.
Interviewer: Do you work online or offline? And how many hours do you spend online per week?
Respondent: Well, we work mainly online, because we usually work on projects as a team: designers, IT-specialists, marketologists altogether. It is difficult to say the exact number of hours, but I think generally it’s thirty hours per week.   
Interviewer: I see, approximately thirty hours, right. And do you play any sport to keep fit?
Respondent: Yes, it’s absolutely necessary for me, an essential part of my daily routine. I like swimming but I can’t do it, because there is no swimming pool nearby. So, I play badminton. My neighbour likes badminton too. So, we play almost every day, either in the park or in the sports center, if the weather is not ok.  
Interviewer: Right, thank you. And a question about your origin, if you don’t mind. Where were you born?
Respondent: In Greece, I still have lots of relatives there. But my parents and two brothers live in Britain. We all often go to Greece, for holidays, of course.
Interviewer: Greece is a land of art, legends and music. Do you like Greek country music, by the way?
Respondent: No, not really. To tell you the truth, I prefer classical music to anything else. Mozart is my favorite composer. When I’m working, the music is playing softly in the background. It boosts my creativity.
Interviewer: Yeah, lots of creative people like classical music. And do you have any pets at home? The question may sound a bit out of line, but…
Respondent: No, no, that’s ok. I have got an unconventional pet. 
Interviewer: Which means it is neither a cat nor a dog.
Respondent:  Exactly, it’s a rabbit, a small white rabbit, very fluffy and cute. It sleeps in its cage but when it’s awake it takes walks all around the house.
Interviewer: Amazing! One more question if you don’t mind…

Interviewer: First of all, I’ d like to thank you for taking part in our survey.
Respondent: Oh, it’s ok. It’s the third survey I’ve taken part in this month. 
Interviewer: Really? 
Respondent: Yes, I was interviewed by your colleagues from TV. They asked me about travelling and my favourite cities.
Interviewer: And what’s your favourite city?
Respondent: Rome. It’s my native city. I was born there but then my parents left Rome for New York. The second interview was about music and music styles like classical rock, pop, you know?
Interviewer: Yes, sure. And for my survey I have to ask you about your age, if you don’t mind, of course. 
Respondent: No, I don’t. I’m thirty, I turned thirty last month and haven’t got used to this number yet. 
Interviewer: I see. As you start talking about music, what’s your favourite style?
Respondent: It’s not easy to choose, I like everything, but when I have a choice, I always choose classical jazz. 
Interviewer: Jazz? It’s my favourite, too. Is your job related to music? Are you a musician, a costume designer, a music band manager? 
Respondent: You’ve hit it! A manager! But my job has nothing to do with music, unfortunately. I’m a manager and I work in a large business centre, which is not very exciting. 
Interviewer: It’s an important job and it may be stressful. You definitely need some relaxation after your working day. Do you do aerobics, go jogging or anything else? 
Respondent: I used to do aerobics when I was at school. Now I prefer swimming to anything. There’s a pool close to the office and it’s very convenient. 
Interviewer: Right. It’s very good for the body, as far as I know. Do you do anything else to keep fit? Some sort of a diet? 
Respondent: No, I don’t stick to any diet though I try to avoid unhealthy food like chips, crisps and hamburgers.
Interviewer: Right. 
Respondent: I like rice. I cook it with vegetables, fish and meat. In fact, rice is the basis of my daily menu. And even for dessert I often have rice pudding. 
Interviewer: Well, to stay on this theme, the desserts are delicious food, I would like to ask you one more question. 

Interviewer: Excuse me! Could you give me a few minutes of your time?
Respondent: Pardon? 
Interviewer: We’re doing a survey and interviewing people randomly in the street.
Respondent Oh, yeah! We also did that when we were in France on an exchange programme. It was a part of our course project. 
Interviewer: You know then.
Respondent: Of course, I do. Go ahead, ask your questions. 
Interviewer: You said you’d been to France. Do you speak French as a foreign language? 
Respondent: Yes, I do. I speak it fluently, but still make some grammar mistakes. 
Interviewer: Right, French is difficult. That’s why I chose Spanish when I was at school. Are you still at school or have you finished it?
Respondent: It’s my last year at school. I’m eighteen already. 
Interviewer: Eighteen? Right. Anyway, as you’re still at school, I’ll ask you a question about your school life. What’s your favourite subject? I believe you like Art and Computer Design. 
Respondent: Neither. I love science. I’ve always loved it. And our science teacher is great. 
Interviewer: Lucky you. Is this subject somehow related to your future career? 
Respondent: I don’t know yet because I haven’t made my career choice yet. 
Interviewer: Don’t you know what you would like to do as a career?
Respondent: Well, I’ve always dreamt of being an actress and starring in films but…
Interviewer: Yes?
Respondent: I don’t have a gift for the stage. To put it frankly, I feel terrified when I have to act or even speak in public, which means acting is not for me. 
Interviewer: I do understand your feelings. I feel the same. 
Respondent: Everyone says I’ve got a nice voice. That’s true. And I love singing but only do it as a hobby. 
Interviewer: Yeah, your hobby is singing. It’s not a common one. Most people of your age say they like reading or watching films. And what about sports? I would be surprised if you did karate or yoga. 
Respondent: No, I do aerobics. Not very exciting, but I don’t have time for anything else at the moment.
Interviewer: To me aerobics sounds great. It is very useful for the body as far as I know. And it can be great fun if you choose the right instructor. 

Interviewer: Excuse me, can I ask you a few questions? We are doing a survey.
Respondent: Yes, you can. My name’s Alice and I’m from…
Interviewer: No, Alice, I don’t need your name. The survey is supposed to be anonymous.
Respondent: OK.
Interviewer: But I need to write down your age if you don’t mind.
Respondent: No, I don’t. I’m thirteen.
Interviewer: Fine. Thirteen. You are on your bike and your friends are too. Does this mean you do cycling as a sport?
Respondent: Yes. We train a lot and we often take part in cycling races. 
Interviewer: It’s not easy, I understand.
Respondent: No, it isn’t. But sport is sport. My sister plays tennis and that’s also very demanding.
Interviewer: Right. Do you stick to any diet? I think all athletes should eat eggs, meat and milk products. Is this correct?
Respondent: Not exactly. The coach gives us some advice, of course, on what to eat but I usually eat whatever I like.
Interviewer: And your favourite food is …?
Respondent: Hamburgers. I know that it’s not ideal food for me but I can’t help it. Hamburgers are what I really like.
Interviewer: OK. And you go to the local school, right? Are you a native of this town? I mean were you born here?
Respondent: No. I was born in France, but then my parents moved to Britain. It was because of my father’s job. He is a scientist. A biologist, to be exact.
Interviewer: Are you missing France?
Respondent: No. Not at all. I was very small when we left and I don’t remember it much. I like it here. I’ve got lots of friends.
Interviewer: That’s fine. What do you want to be in the future? Have you thought about a career yet?
Respondent: Yes. My dream is to be a coach. I love sports and I love being with people. My parents want me to study biology, but I think a career as a coach is ideal for me.
Interviewer: Very reasonable. And you’ve got some pets, haven’t you?
Respondent: Well, I would like to have a dog, of course, but my parents won’t let me. All they agreed on was a goldfish. 
Interviewer: Where does your goldfish live?
Respondent: In the aquarium on my writing desk. I enjoy watching it. And I feed it every morning.
Interviewer: I see. One more question if you don’t mind…

Interviewer: Excuse me! We’re doing a survey. It’s a part of our university course and I would like to ask you a few questions if you don’t mind. 
Respondent: No, I don’t mind. I used to do that sort of research myself when I was in high school.
Interviewer: You are saying you are not studying school any longer?
Respondent: No, I’m 19. I’ve already finished school. Now I’m a university student.
Interviewer: Okay, you are 19. And I can register your occupation as a student, can’t I?
Respondent: Yes, you can. I study full time, and I’m going to be an economist.
Interviewer: My cousin wanted to be an economist too, but then changed his mind and became a lawyer. He was not really good at mathematics, actually.
Respondent: Economics is not only about mathematics. To tell the truth, Maths has never been my favorite subject. Not even at school.
Interviewer: What was your favorite one then?
Respondent: I’ve always liked biology, but it has nothing to do with my future job, unfortunately.
Interviewer: Did you study biology at school?
Respondent: Yes. And we had a wonderful teacher.
Interviewer: Right. Okay. And what do you do in your free time?
Respondent: It depends. I like skiing, and I go to the swimming pool from time to time. And I play in a band.
Interviewer: Play in a band? Drums or keyboard?
Respondent: No, the guitar. And I perform as a vocalist sometimes, especially when we play Spanish songs.
Interviewer: Do you know Spanish?
Respondent: Yes, I speak it fluently. I learned it at school. And now I go on with my studies at university too.
Interviewer: Would you like to learn any other foreign languages?
Respondent: I’ve been thinking about Chinese. It’s very useful for business in the modern world. Lots of people speak it but…
Interviewer: It’s too difficult to learn, isn’t it?
Respondent: Yes. I don’t think I would have managed to combine learning Chinese with my current studies and other commitments. Probably some other time in another life.
Interviewer: I do understand you. My days are very busy too. And it’s difficult to find any extra time to do things you like. One more question if it’s okay with you.
Respondent: Yeah, no problem.

Interviewer: Well, first of all, I would like to thank you for agreeing to take part in our survey. 
Respondent: Oh, that’s fine. I don’t mind. I’m fourteen in case you need my age for your survey. 
Interviewer: You look even younger than fourteen. And where were you born?
Respondent: In London. 
Interviewer: Right. And have you ever lived in any other places? 
Respondent: No, I’ve spent all my life here. I go to visit my grandparents in Oxford sometimes but that doesn’t count. 
Interviewer: No, it doesn’t. 
Respondent: Come on. Ask your questions! I like answering questions!
Interviewer:  You must be good at school. What’s your favourite subject?
Respondent: I love literature most of all and I’m good at it. History is not bad but it’s not as interesting as literature. 
Interviewer: I see. Well, let’s get the basic things like your daily routine. What’s your usual breakfast like?
Respondent: Pardon?
Interviewer: I mean what do you usually eat in the morning before school? 
Respondent: A sandwich. 
Interviewer: Just that? 
Respondent: Yeah, every morning mum makes a big sandwich for me. It may be with ham, cheese, tuna fish, whatever. But it’s always a sandwich because I like it. And I don’t feel hungry for a long time. And for lunch…
Interviewer: Stop, stop! You really enjoy talking about food. I wouldn’t be surprised if you want to be a cook in the future. I mean to choose cooking as a career. 
Respondent: Oh no! No way! I enjoy eating, not cooking. And as for my career, I want to be a journalist. Like you. Because I like talking to people asking all sorts of questions. 
Interviewer:  Being a journalist is not only about talking. 
Respondent: Just kidding. I know. Of course, it’s not only about talking. 
Interviewer: Hmm… One more question. What about your hobby? It’s not cooking, I understand.
Respondent:  No, it’s definitely not. It’s painting. 
Interviewer:  Painting? Do you mean with oils and brushes?
Respondent: Exactly! And also with watercolours and pencils.
Interviewer:  Amazing! One more question if you don’t mind. 

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey! I really appreciate it! We are doing it as a part of our course, so it’s really important for us!
Respondent: It’s okay! I’m glad to help. Do you need my name for the survey?
Interviewer: No, I don’t! It’s anonymous. All I need is your age.
Respondent: I’m thirty.
Interviewer: Right! Thirty! Do you work or study?
Respondent: I work, of course.
Interviewer: And what’s your job?
Respondent: I’m a firefighter. 
Interviewer: Really? A firefighter who extinguishes flames? 
Respondent: Yes, my job is to stop fire from burning. 
Interviewer: You must be very brave!
Respondent: You know we often work with doctors and police officers, they are the real heroes. 
Interviewer: Do you exercise a lot to be in shape?
Respondent: Yes, it’s part of my job!
Interviewer: And what sport do you like playing?
Respondent: Most of my colleagues enjoy football but I don’t like it very much. My favourite sport is skiing and I go skiing quite regularly, that’s why I usually have vacations in winter, not in summer.
Interviewer: I see.
Respondent: Skiing is a very popular sport in my native country. 
Interviewer: And you are from…?
Respondent: From Canada. Children start going skiing at a very early age there. There’s lots of snow in winter and they’re out having fun.
Interviewer: Right! When did you leave Canada?
Respondent: When I was sixteen. First, we moved to Austria and then to America. It was not easy to get used to new places and new people. I missed my old friends a lot. 
Interviewer: I see. And what about music? Have you got any preferences? How do you feel about modern pop-music?
Respondent: I hate pop-music and never listen to it. I listen to rock. There’s something in rock music which makes me feel very alive.
Interviewer: And a hobby?
Respondent: I don’t know. When I was small, I assembled Lego and drew a lot and now… Reading, probably. You may not believe it, but when I start reading a good book, I can’t stop and I keep it reading up to the end. Sometimes the whole night through.
Interviewer: Okay. I’ll write it as reading.

Interviewer: Thank you for taking part in our survey. It won’t take us long.
Respondent: It’s OK. I’ve got time at the moment.
Interviewer: Are you on holiday?
Respondent: No. I work as a waitress in a café over there. But my shift starts in an hour.
Interviewer: Do you like your job?
Respondent: I don’t mind it. It’s nice to communicate with people. And I like it very much when children come to our cafe. Anyway, it’s only a temporary job before I decide what career to choose.
Interviewer: I see.
Respondent: My mum wants me to be a doctor, and dad insists on studying law. Anyway, I still have time to consider all the opportunities and choose the best one.
Interviewer: And how old are you?
Respondent: Nineteen.
Interviewer: Ok. Nineteen. It means you finished school not long ago. What was your favourite subject there?
Respondent: Literature. I’ve always liked it and I’ve always been good at it. Our teacher once told me that my essays were very good and that I should probably do some writing professionally.
Interviewer: Sounds interesting. And what subject did you like least?
Respondent: Computer Studies. I never understood how to program and code.
Interviewer: And what about foreign languages? Do you speak any?
Respondent: Yes. I speak Italian. I also wanted to learn French but there wasn’t a French group in our school. And as for Italian, I speak it fluently.
Interviewer: I like Italian too. It sounds beautiful, like music.
Respondent: Right.
Interviewer: In the context of music, do you play any musical instruments?
Respondent: Yes, I play the violin.
Interviewer: Violin?
Respondent: Yes. It was my mother’s choice, actually. But I liked it eventually. Now my sister and I often take part in our local community concerts. She plays the flute and I play the violin. 
Interviewer: Fantastic!
Respondent: Yeah. And our parrot likes it when we play at home. He even tries to imitate the tunes.
Interviewer: Your pet? Oh, a parrot is such an amusing pet bird! Is it the only pet in your family?
Respondent: Yes. My sister has always wanted to adopt a guinea pig but she’s allergic to them.
Interviewer: I see. And one more question if you don’t mind…

Interviewer: Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? We’re doing a survey.
Respondent: No, I don’t mind. We do surveys at school too. In Social Studies and in other classes as well.
Interviewer: And what’s your favourite subject?
Respondent: Science. I like learning new things about the world around me.
Interviewer: Science. Right. If you like exploring the world, you probably like travelling, don’t you?
Respondent: Oh yes, I do.
Interviewer: Where would you like to go if you had a choice? What would be your dream destination?
Respondent: For holidays? And can I go wherever I want?
Interviewer: Yes. Anywhere — from Hanoi to Paris.
Respondent: Well … to Moscow. Neither me nor any one of my friends has ever been there. I’m curious about that city.
Interviewer: Right. Now a question from another area. What do you usually eat?
Respondent: I eat neither meat nor fish. I’m a vegetarian. That’s why vegetables are my essential food. Fresh, fried, boiled — I like them cooked in different ways.
Interviewer: I see. I tried to be a vegetarian a year ago but it didn’t last long. 
Respondent: It may be difficult at the beginning, but then it feels ok. Our neighbour, who is a mountain biker, finds a vegetarian diet appropriate for himself.
Interviewer: A mountain biker? Amazing! And do you play sports? You look very fit. What do you do to exercise?
Respondent: Nothing special. We play volleyball a lot — in the school ground, in the yard and on the beach. It’s a great game.
Interviewer: I agree. I like volleyball too. Would you like to be a coach or a PE teacher in the future? Do you think your career may be related to sports?
Respondent: I doubt it. I would like to be an artist. I like creating things and I often design gifts for my friends. Mum says my pictures are good. She even helped me to make a webpage where my works are displayed.
Interviewer: Do people get interested?
Respondent: Yes. I have eighty followers there. We’ve got a closed group where we can display our works, discuss painting techniques and share opinions.
Interviewer: It looks like a very professional approach. Eighty followers is a good start.