你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱

Do you usually use a pen or a pencil?

Actually, I usually use a pen. I love reading paperbacks, and I often jot down my thoughts next to thought-provoking sentences or paragraphs with a ballpoint pen. It helps me engage with the material on a deeper level. When I teach, I also prefer taking notes with a pen and paper beside my laptop.

There’s something about writing things down with a pen that helps me organize my thoughts better and frees my mind to think more creatively. I find that the tactile experience of writing with a pen enhances my focus and memory retention.

• paperbacks 纸质书


• jot down 匆匆记下


• thought-provoking 发人深省；引人思考


• ballpoint pen 圆珠笔


• engage with 参与；互动


• frees my mind to think creatively 释放思维


• tactile 触觉的


• enhance 增强


• memory retention 保持记忆

Which do you use more often: pen or pencil?

I definitely use pens more often than pencils. In fact, I always carry a pen and a notebook in my handbag or backpack. You never know when you might need to jot something down or capture a fleeting idea.

Actually, the last time I used a pencil was probably during my last IELTS exam when I used it to take notes during the listening section. Pencils are great for situations where you need to erase or make changes, but for my daily tasks, I find pens to be more practical and durable. The permanence of ink encourages me to be more decisive in my writing plus the tip, unlike a pencil, doesn’t just suddenly snap.

• capture a fleeting idea 抓住稍纵即逝的想法


• practical 实用的


• durable 耐用的


• permanence 持久性


• decisive 果断的


• snap 断裂

When was the last time you bought a pen or pencil?

I think the last time I bought a pen was a few months ago. I don’t buy them very often these days because I don’t write much on paper, and one pen can last me a long time. I usually stock up on pens whenever I come across ones that are comfortable to use and write smoothly. I value quality over quantity, so I invest in pens that I enjoy using.

My reduced need for buying pens is partly due to the increasing digitalization of my work and personal life, but I still enjoy the feel of writing by hand.

• stock up 囤积


• digitalization 数字化


• the feel of 感觉

What do you think if someone gives you a pen or pencil as a present?

If someone gives me a pen or pencil as a gift, I would think that this person really knows me well, and I’d be pleasantly surprised. My friends know that I’m an avid reader and appreciate thoughtful, practical gifts. Receiving a pen as a gift would make me feel grateful because it shows that the giver understands my interests.

I would appreciate the gesture and the thoughtfulness behind it, especially if it were a high-quality pen or one with sentimental value. A pen can be a symbol of creativity and expression, so receiving one would inspire me to use it for writing or note-taking.

• pleasantly surprised 感到惊喜


• an avid reader 书迷；酷爱读书


• thoughtful 体贴的


• grateful 感激的


• giver 送礼者


• the gesture 姿态


• thoughtfulness 细心


• sentimental value 情感价值


• a symbol of ……的象征


• inspire 激励