你好呀, 欢迎收听: 英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Describe a movie you like that you watched recently You should say: * When and where you watched it * Who you watched it with * What it was about * And explain why you like this movie [图片] I watched the film Hillbilly Elegy recently at home by myself. First, I have to say, the movie left a strong impression on me. The film is based on JD Vance’s memoirs and tells the story of his turbulent childhood in a dysfunctional family in the Appalachia region of the United States, particularly focusing on his mother’s struggles with drug addiction. and his resilient grandmother, who played a pivotal role in shaping his life path. Despite all the hardships though, JD eventually managed to attend Yale Law School. One of the reasons I liked this movie is the central message it conveys: it’s not where you come from that matters, but what you do with your life. The performances of the leading roles are excellent, bringing the raw emotions of the characters to life. I especially loved the early scenes set in the beautiful landscape of rural Kentucky, where JD spent his childhood. The movie also touches on important social issues, such as drug abuse, broken families, and how one’s circumstances can rob them of their sense of worth. Yet, it’s ultimately a story of triumph. I found it inspiring to see how JD, despite growing up in such a backward place, refused to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he found purpose and success, proving that one can rise above their past and create a better future. And now, it looks like he’s going to be the next Vice President of the United States. So, from hillbilly to VP, not bad, and a great film to boot. * memoirs – 回忆录 * turbulent – 动荡的 * a dysfunctional family – 失能家庭 * drug addiction – 吸毒成瘾 * played a pivotal role in – 在……中起到了关键作用 * shaping his life path – 塑造他的人生道路 * managed to – 成功做到了 * the central message it conveys – 它传达的核心信息 * performances – 表演 * leading roles – 主要角色 * raw emotions – 原始的情绪 * scenes – 场景 * set in – 以……为背景 * landscape – 风景 * spent his childhood – 度过了他的童年 * touches on – 涉及 * social issues – 社会问题 * drug abuse – 药物滥用 / 毒品滥用 * broken families – 破裂的家庭 * circumstances – 处境 * rob them of their sense of worth – 剥夺了他们的价值感 * triumph – 胜利 / 成就 * a backward place – 落后的地方 * let his circumstances define him – 屈服于自己的处境 * rise above their past – 超越过去 * hillbilly – 乡下人（带有轻微的贬义） * and a great film to boot - 而且还是一部好电影

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Is fishing popular in your country? Yeah sure, in fact it’s incredibly popular in my country I think, particularly among middle-aged or older men. In fact, it almost feels like a shared national pastime. If you take a walk along the riverbanks in any town, you’ll often see groups of men sitting there for hours, waiting patiently for a fish to take the bait. It’s so ubiquitous that some of my friends joke that the easiest way to tell if someone is getting older is to see if they’ve joined the so-called "fishing club". Where I live though, I even see young couples just hanging out along the canal or riverbank, kind of like picnicking and fishing at the same time. * incredibly popular – 非常受欢迎 * middle-aged – 中年 * a shared national pastime – 国民爱好 * riverbanks – 河岸 * waiting patiently for – 耐心等待 * take the bait – 上钩 * ubiquitous – 随处可见 / 无处不在 * the so-called – 所谓的 * hanging out – 闲逛 * canal – 运河 * kind of like – 类似于 [图片] Do you like eating fish? Absolutely! I particularly enjoy fish when it’s prepared in a spicy soup with pickled vegetables, peppers, and tofu. The combination of flavors is simply divine—it’s one of those comfort dishes that I never tire of. There’s also a type of fried fish from my hometown that I’m especially fond of. When fried to perfection, the fish develops a golden, crispy exterior, making it crunchy. As a child, I used to devour these fried fish like candy. It’s definitely one of my favorite foods. * pickled vegetables – 腌菜 * the combination of flavors – 味道的组合 * simply divine – 美味至极 * comfort dishes – 让人感到温暖和满足的食物 * especially fond of – 特别钟爱 * perfection – 完美 * crunchy – 酥脆 * devour – 狼吞虎咽 [图片] Do you like fishing? To be honest, not really, I’ve never been a fan of fishing because I think it requires a great deal of patience, and sitting on a riverbank and waiting for hours isn’t really my cup of tea. However, perhaps I’m missing the point of what fishing is, as I guess it’s more about relaxing, but anyway, I certainly enjoy the end result of somebody fishing—mainly eating the fish! * never been a fan of – 一直不感兴趣 * a great deal of patience – 需要极大的耐心 * isn't really my cup of tea – 不太喜欢 * missing the point – 可能误解了 * the end result of – 最终的结果 [图片] Did you ever go fishing when you were a child? No, I didn’t. Fishing never really captured my interest as a child. I think I was far too restless to sit in one place for an extended period. That being said, I’ve always enjoyed eating fish, but fishing itself just wasn’t something I ever felt drawn to. In the area where I grew up, fish wasn’t as readily available, so we didn’t eat it as often. This probably made me appreciate the rare occasions when we did have fish even more, but still, not actually want to fish. * captured my interest – 吸引我的兴趣 * restless – 坐不住 * felt drawn to – 对……产生兴趣 * readily available – 轻易获得 * rare occasions – 罕见的场合 / 难得的机会

你好呀！欢迎收听英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱，我是 Lauren。 今天我们来聊聊字母 “T” 在英语单词中的各种发音。 为什么我们要聊发音呢？因为在雅思口语考试中，发音是四大评分标准之一。这四个标准分别是：流利性与连贯性、词汇多样性、语法多样性，还有发音。 这期播客里出现的单词： top, that, take, bite, sweet, water, better, party Top, Two, Ten, Tide, Take water, later, excited, lighter, daughter, little, bottle, better, butter, bitter, pretty, city, getting, writing, whatever, alligator, meeting, greater but I, not at all, thought of, forget it, a lot of, wait a minute, get out of, what if party, turtle, sort of, hurting definitely, partner, exactly, footprint, must be, outside, next door, first class, just like, at least, out there, not really, What do you think? What does it mean? mountain don't, couldn't, shoudn't, wouldn't, won't, haven't I don't understand, went outside

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 What’s your favorite number? I actually don't have a favorite number because, for me, all numbers carry the same significance. I’ve never associated numbers with any particular meaning or luck, so I don’t consider any number to be more special than another. As a consequence, I’ve never developed a preference for a "favorite" or "lucky" number. In my view, they are all equally neutral, and I find it interesting how some people ascribe certain numbers with positive or negative connotations, but that’s just not something that resonates with me. * carry the same significance 意义相同 * associate...with... 将……与……联系起来 * a preference for 偏爱 * equally neutral 同样中立 * connotations 含义 * resonate with 引起共鸣 [Image] Are you good at remembering phone numbers? No, not at all. I used to be, but now, I can’t even recall my own phone number here in Singapore. It’s strange because, in the past, I’ve always been able to remember important numbers quite easily, birthday dates for instance. But for some reason, this particular number just doesn’t seem to stick in my mind. It’s the same with other numbers, particularly a friend’s recent number for example, but I guess this is because we simply don’t rely on calling people using a phone number any longer. * strange 奇怪 * stick in my mind 牢牢记住 * rely on 依赖 [Image] Do you usually use numbers? Yeah, sure, I use numbers quite frequently in my daily life for a variety of purposes. For instance, I need to remember my course codes, which are in numerical form, as well as flight numbers when I travel, classroom numbers for my classes, and bus numbers when commuting. Numbers play a crucial role in organizing and managing different aspects of my life as well, such as dates, and I find it interesting how numbers can be such a universal tool for keeping things in order. * for a variety of purposes 用于各种目的 * course codes 课程代码 * numerical form 数字形式 * flight numbers 航班号 * find it interesting 觉得有趣 * a universal tool 通用工具 * keep things in order 使事情井然有序 [Image] Are you good at math? No, absolutely not, my math has never been one of my strong points. In fact, it was a subject that I found particularly challenging throughout my school years. I remember it being a bit of a nightmare for me as I struggled to grasp many of the concepts. Math often felt like an insurmountable obstacle, and despite my best efforts, it never quite clicked for me. As a result, it’s definitely not a subject I look back on fondly. * one of my strong points 我的强项之一 * found particularly challenging 觉得特别有挑战性 * a bit of a nightmare 有点像噩梦 * struggled to grasp 努力理解 * concepts 概念 * an insurmountable obstacle 一个难以逾越的障碍 * never quite clicked for me 从未真正理解 * fondly 美好地

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Do you keep plants at home? Yes, I do. My balcony is full of various types of plants, including cacti, aloe vera, some climbing plants, and even small trees. I’m not a plant expert, so I don’t know the names of all my plants, but I enjoy watching them thrive. Sometimes they grow so well that my balcony resembles a little forest, which is quite remarkable given the urban area I live in. I find that having this greenery around provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and adds a touch of nature to my home. * Balcony: 阳台 * Various types of: 各种类型的 * Cacti: 仙人掌 * Aloe vera: 芦荟 * Urban area: 城市区域 * Remarkable: 非常显著的 * The hustle and bustle of city life: 城市生活的喧嚣 * A touch of: 一丝 / 一点 [Image] What plants did you grow when you were young? When I was young, I remember planting rice with the adults of the house every year. Additionally, we often grew peach trees because kids and adults alike love the local peaches. Participating in these planting activities was enjoyable and educational since it gave me a hands-on understanding of planting, but more importantly, allowed me to play in the dirt. * Enjoyable: 愉快的 * Educational: 有教育意义的 * Hands-on understanding: 实践理解 / 动手学习 [Image] Do you know anything about growing plants? Honestly, all I know is that I need to water the plants regularly. In fact, I would say I have nothing akin to a green thumb so to speak. However, I’ve learned that different plants require varying amounts of water and attention. For example, some plants need frequent watering, while others thrive with less, such as cacti. I try to observe my plants closely to ensure they get the right care, but I still have a lot to learn about the ins and outs of gardening. * Regularly: 定期 / 经常 * Akin to: 类似于 * Green thumb: 园艺天赋（有种植植物的天赋） * Varying amounts of: 不同量的 * Frequent watering: 经常浇水 * The ins and outs of: 细节 / 门道 [Image] Do people in your country give plants as gifts? Yes, they do. In fact, I’d say It’s quite common to give plants as gifts for special occasions like birthdays. Succulents and money trees are popular choices as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Many young people seem to appreciate receiving plants as gifts as well, as they make for unique and thoughtful presents. Giving plants as gifts, actually, has become a trendy way, I think, to show appreciation and share the beauty of nature with others. * Succulents: 多肉植物 * Money tree: 发财树 * Prosperity: 繁荣；兴旺 * Unique: 独特 * Trendy: 流行 * The beauty of nature: 自然之美

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Describe another city you would like to stay in for a short time You should say: * Where the city is * Why you want to go there * Whom you will go there with * What you will do there * And explain why you will stay there just for a short time [Image] One city I’d love to visit and stay in for a short period of time is San Miguel de Allende. This town is located in central Mexico, about a three-and-a-half-hour journey by bus north of Mexico City. I’m eager to visit San Miguel de Allende because I hear it’s in a picturesque hillside location and has colorful, quaint and charming buildings. The structures are mostly two or three stories high, and reportedly, line narrow, cobblestone streets that create a tranquil ambiance, apparently making one feel like the person is stepping back in time. Also, I’ve heard the locals are warm-hearted, adding to the city’s allure and making it a welcoming place for travelers. I’d love to travel to San Miguel de Allende either by myself or with friends. While there, I plan to explore the city’s charming streets and admire its unique architecture. I’d also like to relax on a rooftop terrace with views of the impressive cathedral I’ve heard is located in the town center, a landmark apparently visible from almost every corner of the city. Additionally, I want to explore the nearby countryside on a quad or by bike, or ideally, by horse. I intend to stay in San Miguel de Allende only for a short time because it’s not a very large town, and most attractions are within walking distance. I’ve read that the climate is pleasantly dry but not too hot, making for a comfortable short visit. Lastly, the town’s slow pace would provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing for relaxation before returning to my regular routine. So, in conclusion, I think San Miguel de Allende offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a short stay filled with exploration and relaxation. * A short period of time: 短时间 * Is located in: 位于 * Picturesque: 风景如画 * Hillside: 山坡 * Quaint: 古色古香 * Three stories high: 三层高 * Cobblestone streets: 鹅卵石街道 * Tranquil ambiance: 宁静的氛围 * Apparently: 据说 * Stepping back in time: 仿佛回到了过去 * Rooftop terrace: 屋顶露台 * Impressive: 令人印象深刻 * Landmark: 地标 * Visible: 可见 * Every corner of the city: 城市的每个角落 * Quad: 四轮摩托 * Within walking distance: 步行可达 * Pleasantly dry: 舒适干爽的 * Slow pace: 缓慢的节奏 * The hustle and bustle of everyday life: 日常生活的喧嚣 * Before returning to my regular routine: 回到我正常的生活之前 * A perfect blend of: 完美结合 * Making it an ideal destination: 使其成为理想的目的地 * Exploration: 探索

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 What languages can you speak? I can speak Mandarin, English, some Spanish, and a bit of Japanese, oh, not to mention my own dialect of Mandarin. Although my mother tongue is the Sichuan dialect, I learned Mandarin at school since all subjects were taught in it, which is essential for communication in most parts of China. English was the primary foreign language offered in my area, and mastering it has opened up many personal, academic and professional opportunities for me. Additionally, I picked up some Spanish and Japanese from native-speaking friends, which has broadened my cultural understanding. * Dialect: 方言 * Mother tongue: 母语 * Essential for: 对于……是必不可少的 * Opened up: 打开了 * Master: 掌握 * Pick up: 学到 * Native-speaking: 母语者 * Cultural understanding: 文化理解 [Image] What languages would you like to learn in the future? In the future, I'd like to improve my Spanish skills because it's a beautiful language spoken in over 20 countries. Fluency in Spanish would allow me to communicate with a large portion of the global population, which is practical for travel and work. When I traveled to Mexico, I realized how useful Spanish could be, which motivated me to focus more on learning it. Improving my Spanish would enhance my travel experiences and open up new cultural opportunities. * A large portion of: 很大一部分 * Focus more on: 更加专注于 * Enhance: 增强 [Image] How do you learn a foreign language? Throughout my journey of learning English, I have adopted several effective strategies. Engaging in intensive and extensive reading has been crucial for building my vocabulary and comprehension skills. By reading a variety of materials, such as novels, articles, and essays, I have been exposed to different writing styles, which has enriched my understanding of the language. Additionally, I have practiced speaking English with my peers, and this has helped me improve my pronunciation and conversational skills. For listening practice, I have found that writing down the material I use reinforces my understanding and aids memory retention. This approach has allowed me to identify and address specific areas where I needed improvement, ultimately leading to significant progress in my English proficiency. * Adopt...strategies: 采用……策略 * Engage in: 进行 * Intensive: 密集的 * Exposed to: 接触到 * Reinforce: 加强 * Memory retention: 记忆保持 * Address specific areas: 解决具体领域 * Proficiency: 水平/熟练程度 [Image] How are languages taught and learned in your school? At my current school, language learning is approached comprehensively, with a particular focus on developing writing skills. For example, in my English course, the curriculum emphasizes essay writing, helping students structure their thoughts clearly and coherently. The course is taught entirely in English, creating an immersive learning environment that encourages active participation. Class discussions are frequent, with the lecturer urging everyone to speak and share their ideas, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere. This approach not only enhances our language skills but also boosts our confidence in using English in real-world situations. * Comprehensively: 全面地 * Curriculum: 课程大纲 * Emphasize: 强调 * Coherently: 连贯地 * Active participation: 积极参与 * Lecturer: 讲师 * Urge: 督促 * Foster a collaborative learning atmosphere: 培养协作的学习氛围 * Boost our confidence: 增强我们的信心

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 [Image] 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 [Image] 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 [Image] 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

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Are you often busy? Yes, I'm often busy because I'm a university student, and a student's life can be quite hectic. With all the classes to attend, assignments to finish before deadlines, events to participate in, and exams to prepare for, it sometimes feels overwhelming. Balancing all these responsibilities requires good time management, and even then, it's challenging to stay on top of everything. Despite the busyness, I find that staying organized and prioritizing tasks help me manage my time better and stay focused on my goals. * attend: 参加 * assignments: 作业 * deadlines: 截止日期 * overwhelming: 不堪重负 * time management: 时间管理 * challenging: 具有挑战性 * stay on top of everything: 应对一切 * busyness: 忙碌 * prioritizing tasks: 优先处理任务 [图片] What are the advantages and disadvantages when people keep busy? On the positive side, having things to do can keep the mind active and engaged, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. However, the downsides are that constant busyness might lead to one ignoring one's health, causing anxiety, stress, and insomnia and the like. Additionally, always being busy means less time spent with family and friends, which can strain relationships. It's crucial to find a balance to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being while staying productive and fulfilled. Balancing work and personal life are essential for long-term success and happiness, I think. * keep the mind active: 保持大脑活跃 * engaged: 投入 * a sense of purpose: 目标感 / 使命感 * downsides: 缺点 * ignore: 忽视 * anxiety: 焦虑 * insomnia: 失眠 * and the like: 诸如此类 * strain relationships: 使关系紧张 * crucial: 至关重要 * find a balance: 找到平衡 * burnout: 过度疲劳 * overall well-being: 整体健康 * productive: 有成效 * long-term success: 长期成功 [图片] Do you think children should learn through playing games or being under pressure? It really depends on the individual child, but generally, I believe that learning through playing games is more beneficial for children. Games make learning fun and engaging, which can enhance their motivation and interest. When children are happy and enjoying themselves, they are more likely to absorb and retain information. On the other hand, learning under pressure can be stressful and may negatively affect a child's mental health and attitude towards learning. Therefore, I think a playful and supportive learning environment is usually more effective for young learners. * beneficial: 有益 * enhance: 增强 * negatively affect: 负面影响 * mental health: 心理健康 * supportive learning environment: 支持性的学习环境 [图片] What kind of pressure do people experience at work? People can experience various types of pressure at work. One common type is the pressure to meet their KPI, or Key Performance Indicators, which can be stressful as they strive to achieve specific targets. Time pressure is another significant factor as deadlines can create a sense of urgency and stress. Additionally, mental pressure due to interpersonal relations among coworkers can be challenging. Navigating office politics and maintaining good relationships with colleagues requires emotional intelligence and this can also add to the overall stress of the job. * key performance indicators: 关键绩效指标 * stressful: 压力大 * strive: 努力 * specific targets: 具体目标 * a sense of urgency: 紧迫感 * interpersonal relations: 人际关系 * coworkers: 同事 * navigating office politics: 处理办公室政治 * emotional intelligence: 情商 [图片]

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Describe a time you were very busy You should say: When it happened Where you were What you did And explain why you were busy [Image] **Standard Phrase **Words showing Cohesion (C&C) A busy time I experienced was last month when I had a particularly busy time as I was preparing for a long trip to North America. I was at home, and there was a lot to do before I could leave. Firstly, I had to clean the house thoroughly. I wanted everything to be in order before I left so that I wouldn’t return to a messy home. Next, I had to pack for the trip, which was a significant task. I needed to ensure I had all the necessary clothes and essentials for my journey. Packing took a lot of time because I wanted to be well-prepared for different weather conditions and activities I planned to do in North America. Additionally, I needed to prepare long-term food and cat litter for my cats. This was important to ensure that my cats would be well taken care of in my absence. I bought enough supplies to last the entire duration of my trip and made sure everything was easily accessible for my friend, who would be cat-sitting. Lastly, I had to give final instructions to my friend, who kindly agreed to take care of my cats while I was away. I explained the dos and don’ts in detail, such as feeding schedules, litter box cleaning, and other specific needs. This was crucial to ensure my cats’ comfort and my peace of mind while traveling. So, I was very busy because there was so much to do, from cleaning and packing to preparing cat supplies and instructing my friend, every task was essential to ensure a smooth trip and the well-being of my cats. Despite the hectic schedule, it was all worth it to make sure everything was organized before I left. * thoroughly: 彻底地 * in order: 井井有条 * messy home: 凌乱的家 * essentials: 必需品 * weather conditions: 天气状况 * absence: 缺席 * the entire duration: 整个期间 * accessible: 易获取 * cat-sitting: 照看猫 * take care of: 照顾 * dos and don'ts: 注意事项 * crucial: 至关重要 * peace of mind: 心安 * instructing: 指导 * essential: 必要 * hectic schedule: 繁忙的日程 * worth it: 值得 * organized: 有条理

你好呀，欢迎收听：英语考试Cat 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Did you enjoy sweet things when you were a child? Yes, absolutely, I did. In fact, I was quite passionate about sweet treats as a child. Every time my parents took me to the local market on 'market day,' I would always demand jello or candy. It was something I looked forward to immensely. Additionally, special occasions like Chinese New Year and weddings were especially exciting for me because they were the times when sweet treats seemed to be in endless supply. I remember the thrill of spotting colorful candies mixed with peanuts and sunflower seeds; it felt like a real feast for a kid. * passionate about 热衷于 * sweet treats 甜点 * local market 当地市场 * jello 果冻 * look forward to 期待 * immensely 非常 * in endless supply 供应源源不断 * the thrill of 兴奋 * spot colorful candies 发现彩色糖果 * feast 盛宴 [Image] When do people in your country eat special cakes or sweet things? I think people typically enjoy special cakes and sweet treats on various significant occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, and festivals like the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. For example, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s customary to find mooncakes on the dinner table at family reunions. These mooncakes come in a variety of flavors, adding to the festive atmosphere. On birthdays, people either make or buy a birthday cake to celebrate the occasion with the birthday girl or boy. These occasions provide a perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy delicious sweets. But to be honest, most Chinese don’t have a sweet tooth, so eating sweets is sort of considered an indulgence. * various significant occasions 各种重要场合 * customary 习惯性的 * come in a variety of flavors 有各种口味 * festive atmosphere 节日气氛 * a perfect opportunity for 绝佳的机会 * come together 欢聚一堂 * sweet tooth 喜爱甜食 * is sort of considered 被视为 * indulgence 放纵 [Image] Have you ever made a cake yourself? No, I haven't. The process seems quite complicated, involving flour, sugar, and a multitude of other ingredients. I simply lack both the patience and motivation for it as I find it challenging to, for instance, make the perfect dough or combine ingredients, which seem to have the need to be exactly measured, let alone manage all the steps involved. * complicated 复杂的 * a multitude of other ingredients 许多其他的配料 * patience 耐心 * motivation 动力 * dough 面团 * measured 精确测量 [Image] How often do you eat something sweet after a meal? To be honest, these days only occasionally, though sometimes I do crave something sweet after a meal. I guess the sweetest craving I have at times is for a mochaccino, but sometimes I opt for a dessert, or I might get a cup of hot chocolate from the convenience store near the campus canteen. Other times, I buy bubble tea after lunch. However, I know it's not very healthy, so I try to limit these sweet treats. * crave 渴望 * opt for 选择 * convenience store 便利店 * canteen 食堂 [Image]

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