PART 1: The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other familiar topics.
Your friends
•	Do you prefer to have one particular friend or a group of friends? [Why?]
Personally, I value having a bunch of friends rather than just one best friend. This is because a group provides a diverse range of perspectives and personalities that can enrich interactions and experiences. Each friend brings their own unique insights, humor, and support to the table, which means that I can enjoy a variety of activities and conversations. With a group, there’s also a higher chance that someone is available when I need company or assistance. Moreover, social dynamics in a group can be more dynamic and engaging. It’s the difference in character and backgrounds that makes spending time with a group of friends so rewarding for me.

•	What do you like doing most with your friends?
My friends and I have a wide array of interests. For instance, We’re all movie enthusiasts, so hitting the cinema for the latest release is a frequent joy. When we crave activity, we’ll play sports like soccer or basketball, or when we seek adventure, we head out for outdoor excursions like hiking or camping. If we’re indoors, competitive spirits emerge during board game nights or video game marathons. For a change of pace, we sometimes plan trips together, embarking on road trips or traveling to new destinations, which is a thrilling way to create shared experiences. Lastly, we enjoy cultural outings such as visiting museums and historical landmarks to immerse our minds in culture, history or art. These activities foster our camaraderie and provide a great balance between excitement and learning.

•	Do you think it's important to keep in contact with friends you knew as a child? [Why?/Why not?]
childhood friendships are built on a foundation of deep trust, because we’ve known these individuals from an early age. We’ve grown up together, and that shared history means we have a profound understanding of each other’s personalities, quirks, and character. This understanding often results in a unique level of trust that can be hard to find in friendships formed later in life. Moreover, the longer the friendship lasts, the more this common understanding and mutual trust deepen, allowing for a very special bond to develop. This bond can often lead to a sense of security and acceptance which is truly invaluable. There’s a comfort in knowing you have people in your life who’ve seen all sides of you and who remain committed friends.

•	What makes a friend into a good friend?
A good friend, I believe, is someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate. Reliability is crucial because you need to know that your friend will be there for you through your highs and lows. Trustworthiness is another essential trait because a good friend keeps your confidences and acts with your best interests at heart. Compassion is also important, as a good friend empathizes with your struggles and offers support without judgment. Additionally, good friends communicate openly and can enjoy each other’s company while also respecting each other’s need for space when necessary. This blend of reliability, trust, compassion, and communication is what truly makes a friend a good friend.
PART 2: Describe an important choice you had to make in your life. 
You should say:
•	When you had to make this choice?
•	what you had to choose between?
•	whether you made a good choice?
•	And explain how you felt when you were making this choice.

One of the most critical choices I had to make in my life came after high school when I was presented with an opportunity to study abroad. It happened several years ago, and it presented quite a dilemma, as on one hand, there was the chance to study in a reputed foreign institution, and on the other, I had the option to enroll in a respected university within my own country, Iran.
The choice was really between embracing an entirely new culture and educational system, or staying within the comfort of my homeland, surrounded by family and friends. After much contemplation, I decided to stay in Iran.
Looking back, I believe I made the right decision. Although the prospect of studying abroad was exciting, the value of staying close to my support network and the quality education I could receive at home weighed heavier.
During the decision-making process, I was quite anxious. It felt like standing at a crossroads, with each path leading to vastly different futures. There was a fear of missing out on the international experience, but also a strong pull towards what was familiar. Ultimately, the choice came down to where I saw myself in the long term, and that vision was clearer in my home country.

PART 3 
Discussion topics: Important choices 
•	What are the typical choices people make at different stages of their lives? 
At different stages of life, individuals are faced with a variety of important choices. In adolescence, one might decide on a field of study or whether to pursue higher education. As young adults, the choices often revolve around career paths and personal relationships, such as committing to a long-term partnership or deciding where to live. Mid-life might bring decisions about family life, such as determining the right time to have children and figuring out how to maintain a work-life balance. Moving into the senior phase of life, choices often concern retirement planning and lifestyle adjustments. Each decision can significantly alter the course of one’s life journey, shaping future opportunities and personal fulfillment.

•	Should important choices be made by parents rather than by young adults? 
I believe that while parents should provide guidance and support, important choices should ultimately be made by young adults. This is crucial for their personal development and independence. The concept of ‘helicopter parenting,’ where parents hover over their children and make decisions for them, can actually be detrimental. It can prevent young adults from learning essential life skills and from taking responsibility for their actions. By making their own choices, they learn from both their successes and their mistakes, thereby becoming more resilient and self-reliant individuals. So, while parental advice is valuable, the act of decision-making should rest with the young adults themselves.

•	Why do some people like to discuss choices with other people? 
Some people prefer to discuss choices with others because it provides them with different perspectives and insights that they might not have considered themselves. Discussing options with friends, family, or colleagues can reveal new information, offer emotional support, and help clarify thoughts. It’s a bit like sounding boards - by vocalizing their thoughts and hearing feedback, individuals can better understand their own preferences and the potential consequences of their decisions. Moreover, involving others can be reassuring, especially when faced with significant life choices, as it helps to validate a person’s thought process and sometimes leads to more confident decision-making.

Discussion topics: Choices in everyday life 
•	What kind of choices do people have to make in their everyday life? 
In everyday life, people face a myriad of choices, ranging from the mundane to the profound. Upon waking, we decide what to wear based on the weather, our activities, or personal style. We choose what to eat, balancing taste preferences with health considerations. Commuting options like driving, public transport, or cycling depend on distance, cost, and convenience. Work or school present choices about task prioritization or study focus. Social interactions demand decisions about how to spend time or respond to others. Even leisure activities involve selection, such as which book to read or TV show to watch. These choices, small and large, collectively shape our daily experiences and ultimately, our lives.

•	Why do some people choose to do the same things every day? are there any disadvantages in this?
 Some people opt for routine because it provides a sense of stability and predictability, reducing the stress of constant decision-making. Routine can increase efficiency, as repeating tasks often leads to quicker and more proficient execution. Additionally, habits can be comforting and give a feeling of control over one’s environment. However, the downside of this consistency is that it can lead to a lack of spontaneity and possibly a resistance to change. It may also prevent people from trying new experiences that could lead to personal growth or unexpected enjoyment. Ultimately, the sameness can become monotonous, potentially making life feel less vibrant.

•	Do you think that people today have more choices to make today than in the past?
Certainly, in today’s world, people tend to encounter more choices than in the past due to technological advances and interconnected nature the world. The internet provides access to a vast array of information and options in almost every aspect of life, from education to employment, shopping to entertainment. Globalization has brought diverse cultural influences and lifestyles to our doorsteps, enriching our possibilities. However, with this increase in choices comes the potential for decision fatigue, where the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. While the abundance of choice generally allows for greater personal freedom and tailor-made experiences, it does demand more time and energy to navigate effectively.


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