Speaking Vocabulary: Charity Work / Quiz Show

Introduction

  1. My memory goes back ~ years /maɪ ˈmɛməri goʊz bæk ~ jɪərz/: This phrase is used to express that one can remember something from a certain number of years ago.

    “My memory goes back 20 years, to the first charity event I ever organized.”

  2. My memory goes back to my childhood /maɪ ˈmɛməri goʊz bæk tuː maɪ ˈʧaɪldhʊd/: This phrase is used when one is recalling events from their childhood.

    “My memory goes back to my childhood when I used to watch quiz shows with my family.”

  3. A show worth talking about is the show that I participated in ~ /ə ʃoʊ wɜːrθ ˈtɔːkɪŋ əˈbaʊt ɪz ðə ʃoʊ ðæt aɪ ˌpɑːrtɪˈsɪpeɪtɪd ɪn ~/: This phrase is used to express that a certain show in which one participated is noteworthy or memorable.

    “A show worth talking about is the quiz show that I participated in last year.”

  4. This was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Education /ðɪs wɒz ˈɔːɡənaɪzd ˈʌndər ðə ɔːˈspɪsɪs ɒv ðə ˈmɪnɪstri ɒv ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃən/: This phrase means that the event was organized with the support or patronage of the Ministry of Education.

    “The annual school quiz competition was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Education.”

Expressions

  1. It was a fund-raising project /ɪt wɒz ə ˈfʌndˌreɪzɪŋ ˈprɒʤɛkt/: This phrase indicates that the purpose of the project was to collect money for a specific cause.

    “The charity run was a fund-raising project to support local hospitals.”

  2. To raise funds for /tuː reɪz fʌndz fɔːr/: This phrase is used to explain the purpose of collecting money, usually for a specific cause or organization.

    “We are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for the children’s hospital.”

  3. ~ embarked upon a programme /~ ɪmˈbɑːrkt əˈpɒn ə ˈproʊgræm/: This phrase signifies that someone or some group initiated or began a specific program or plan.

    “The school embarked upon a programme to improve students’ health and fitness.”

  4. It was a unified approach /ɪt wɒz ə ˈjuːnɪˌfaɪd əˈproʊʧ/: This phrase implies that the approach or method used was agreed upon or shared by all parties involved.

    “To tackle the issue, it was a unified approach taken by all members of the committee.”

  5. The planning was tedious and time-consuming /ðə ˈplænɪŋ wɒz ˈtiːdiːəs ænd taɪm-kənˈsuːmɪŋ/: This phrase describes that the planning process was slow, meticulous, and took a lot of time.

    “The planning for the charity event was tedious and time-consuming, but ultimately worthwhile.”

  6. The day before the event /ðə deɪ bɪˈfɔːr ðə ɪˈvɛnt/: This phrase refers to the day immediately preceding a certain event.

    “The day before the event, we were busy with last-minute preparations.”

  7. The stage was meticulously prepared /ðə steɪdʒ wɒz mɪˈtɪkjʊləsli prɪˈpɛərd/: This phrase means that the stage was carefully and thoroughly set up or arranged.

    “The stage was meticulously prepared for the charity concert.”

  8. This event fostered the spirit of the community /ðɪs ɪˈvɛnt ˈfɒstərd ðə ˈspɪrɪt ɒv ðə kəˈmjuːnɪti/: This phrase indicates that the event helped to strengthen or encourage a sense of unity and cooperation within the community.

    “The charity run was more than just a race; this event fostered the spirit of the community.”

  9. It was a community project /ɪt wɒz ə kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈprɒʤɛkt/: This phrase shows that the project was planned, organized, and carried out by members of a certain community.

    “The community garden was not the work of one person; it was a community project.”

  10. The place was flamboyantly decorated /ðə pleɪs wɒz fləˈmɔɪəntli ˈdɛkəˌreɪtɪd/: This phrase means that the place or venue was decorated in a bright, showy, and extravagant manner.

    “For the charity gala, the hall was flamboyantly decorated.”

  11. There was a merrymaking atmosphere /ðɛr wɒz ə ˈmɛriˌmeɪkɪŋ ˈætməsˌfɪr/: This phrase describes a joyful, festive, and cheerful environment.

    “At the charity fair, there was a merrymaking atmosphere.”

  12. The show ended with a thunderous applause /ðə ʃoʊ ˈɛndɪd wɪð ə ˈθʌndərəs əˈplɔːz/: This phrase means that the show concluded and the audience clapped very loudly in appreciation.

    “The charity concert was so amazing that the show ended with a thunderous applause.”

  13. It was one of a kind /ɪt wɒz wʌn ɒv ə kaɪnd/: This phrase describes something unique or unlike anything else.

    “The charity art auction was not an ordinary event; it was one of a kind.”

  14. The teamwork was effective and efficient /ðə ˈtiːmˌwɜːrk wɒz ɪˈfɛktɪv ænd ɪˈfɪʃənt/: This phrase indicates that the group worked well together and accomplished their tasks in a productive and timely manner.

    “The success of the charity event was largely due to the fact that the teamwork was effective and efficient.”

  15. The collection from the show will go towards /ðə kəˈlɛkʃən frɒm ðə ʃoʊ wɪl goʊ tɔːrdz/: This phrase clarifies that the money collected from the show will be used for a specific cause or purpose.

    “The collection from the show will go towards building a new community center.”

  16. Charitable organization for /ˈtʃærɪtəbəl ˌɔːrɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən fɔːr/: This phrase refers to a non-profit group that operates for the purpose of charitable activities. The word “for” indicates the specific cause or group that the organization serves.

    “She runs a charitable organization for underprivileged children.”

  17. The event was a resounding success /ðiː ɪˈvɛnt wɒz ə rɪˈzaʊndɪŋ səkˈsɛs/: This phrase means the event was extremely successful or well-received.

    “Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the event was a resounding success.”

  18. Ultimately, the determination and perseverance of the organizing committee paid off /ˈʌltɪmətli, ðə ˌdɪtərˈmeɪʃən ænd pɜːrsɪˈvɪərəns ɒv ðə ˈɔːrgənaɪzɪŋ kəˈmɪti peɪd ɒf/: This phrase means that in the end, the persistence and continuous efforts of the organizing committee led to the successful outcome of the event.

    “Despite the many challenges along the way, ultimately, the determination and perseverance of the organizing committee paid off.”

Speaking Part 2 (1 minute to prepare / 2 minutes to speak)

1. Describe a school project that you have participated in

When I think back to my school days, my memory goes back to a particular show worth talking about, which I participated in during my senior year. This was not just any school project. It was a fund-raising project organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, aimed to raise funds for a charitable organisation for underprivileged children.

The entire class embarked upon a programme of staging a quiz show. It was a unified approach where everyone had a role to play. The planning was tedious and time-consuming, as we wanted to ensure everything would go smoothly on the big day.

I vividly recall the day before the event, when the stage was meticulously prepared. We spent hours ensuring each prop was in its place, and the place was flamboyantly decorated, creating a merry-making atmosphere.

This event fostered the spirit of the community, as it was a community project that brought students, teachers, and parents together. The show itself was one of a kind, with interesting questions and enthusiastic participants. The teamwork was effective and efficient, and the show ended with a thunderous applause from the audience.

The collection from the show went towards the charitable organisation we were supporting. In the end, the event was a resounding success. Ultimately, the determination and perseverance of the organising committee paid off. It was a memorable experience that taught me the value of collaboration and working towards a noble cause.

2. Describe a stranger you have helped

My memory goes back to just a couple of years ago, when I embarked upon a programme of volunteering at a local soup kitchen. This was not a part of any school project or community event, but rather a personal initiative that I undertook in my free time.

One day, as I was serving meals, a stranger walked in. He was shabbily dressed and looked a bit lost. I could tell he was uncomfortable and probably hadn’t done something like this before. I approached him and offered him a warm meal. He was hesitant at first, but eventually accepted my offer.

The process of helping him was not as straightforward as I had expected. It was a unified approach, requiring the cooperation of several volunteers to ensure he was comfortable and well taken care of. The planning was tedious and time-consuming, as we had to cater to his specific needs and ensure that he felt welcomed and not judged.

Ultimately, the determination and perseverance of everyone involved paid off. We managed to provide him with a warm meal and some much-needed company. The event was a resounding success in my eyes. Even though it was a small act, it fostered the spirit of community within me.

This experience was a stark reminder that we all have the capacity to help others in need, and it reinforced my commitment to volunteering and helping those less fortunate. It was one of a kind experience that I will always remember.

3. Describe someone you have helped

Certainly, I’d be glad to share about a time when I was able to lend a helping hand. My memory goes back to my college years, when I embarked upon a programme to assist one of my classmates who was struggling academically.

This endeavour was not organised under the auspices of any official body, rather it was a unified approach among a group of us who saw a friend in need. The planning was tedious and time-consuming, as we had to juggle our own academic responsibilities along with this additional commitment. However, the day before the first tutoring session, we meticulously prepared our materials, ensuring we were as equipped as possible to assist our friend.

The sessions fostered the spirit of community among us, transforming from mere academic aid into a community project. We’d often study together in the library, which we flamboyantly decorated with motivational quotes and posters. Our collective efforts created a merry-making atmosphere, where learning was enjoyable and rewarding.

Ultimately, the determination and perseverance of our small organising committee paid off. Our friend’s academic performance significantly improved, and the experience brought us all closer. The success of this endeavour was a resounding one, and I believe our effective and efficient teamwork played a huge role in this. It was truly one of a kind experience for all of us.

4. Describe someone who has helped you

A person who comes to mind when I think of someone who has significantly helped me is my high school teacher, Mrs. Johnson. My memory goes back to my high school years when I was struggling with mathematics.

Mrs. Johnson embarked upon a programme to provide extra assistance to students who were having difficulty in the subject. This was organised under the auspices of the school’s commitment to ensuring every student succeeded. Her approach to teaching was a unified one – she believed in connecting different topics to help students see the bigger picture.

The planning on her part was surely tedious and time-consuming. She’d stay after school hours and even come in early before the school day began to prepare lessons that were meticulously tailored to our needs. Her classroom was always flamboyantly decorated with educational posters and examples of student work, creating a warm, welcoming, and merry-making atmosphere that made learning enjoyable.

Her determination and perseverance paid off when I finally began to grasp the concepts that had previously eluded me. The help she provided was a resounding success, and I credit a large part of my academic improvement to her support. Her effective and efficient approach to teaching and her commitment to her students was one of a kind. Looking back, her help was instrumental in shaping my academic journey and fostering my love for learning.

5. Describe a team activity that you have done

A team activity that stands out in my memory goes back to my university years when I participated in a large-scale fund-raising project organized by our student council. This event was a community project and was carried out under the auspices of the university administration.

The aim was to raise funds for a local charitable organization that supported children with disabilities. The planning was tedious and time-consuming, with numerous meetings and brainstorming sessions. We embarked upon a programme to organize a quiz show, which involved meticulous preparation and coordination among various teams responsible for different tasks such as marketing, logistics, and content development.

The day before the event, we were all busy ensuring the stage was meticulously prepared and the place was flamboyantly decorated to create a merry-making atmosphere. It was a unified approach where everyone played their part effectively and efficiently.

On the day of the event, the teamwork paid off. The quiz show was a resounding success, ending with a thunderous applause from the audience. The collection from the show went towards helping the charitable organization in their commendable work.

This experience was one of a kind and it fostered the spirit of community and teamwork among us. Ultimately, the determination and perseverance of each team member led to the success of this event. Reflecting on this team activity, it was indeed a valuable and rewarding experience.

6. Describe a place full of colours

A place full of colours that I would like to describe is a vibrant street market that I visited during a cultural festival in my hometown. This market was flamboyantly decorated with multicoloured banners, lights, and decorations, making it a place full of life and colours.

Every corner of the market was filled with stalls selling a variety of goods. From colourful handmade crafts to a wide array of clothing in every colour imaginable, the market was a feast for the eyes. The food stalls were equally vibrant, with a rainbow of fruits, vegetables, and dishes on display.

The atmosphere was merry-making, with laughter and chatter filling the air, complemented by the lively tunes played by street musicians. This was not just a market; it was a community project that fostered the spirit of unity and celebration among the locals.

The market ended late into the night, and the sight of the colourful lights reflecting off the cobblestone streets is something I’ll never forget. The event was a resounding success, attracting a large crowd and receiving thunderous applause from visitors and participants alike.

This colourful place was indeed one of a kind, and it left a lasting impression on me. It reminded me of the importance of community, diversity, and the simple joy that colours can bring into our lives.

7. Describe a family activity that you have participated in

A family activity that has left a lasting impression on me and is worth talking about is the annual charity fun run that my family participates in. My memory goes back to the first time we got involved, several years ago.

This activity was organized under the auspices of a local charitable organization for disadvantaged children. It was a fund-raising project, and the aim was to raise funds for providing educational resources to these children. My entire family embarked upon a programme to train for the run, turning it into a unified effort.

The preparation for the event could sometimes be tedious and time-consuming, especially balancing work, school, and other commitments. However, the day before the event always brought a sense of excitement. We would diligently prepare our running gear and ensure our donation pledges were in order.

On the day of the event, the place was flamboyantly decorated, creating a merry-making atmosphere. Everyone participated with great enthusiasm, and the event fostered the spirit of community, with families, friends, and even pets joining in.

The run ended with a thunderous applause for all participants, and the sense of accomplishment was one of a kind. The teamwork within our family, supporting each other throughout the preparation and the run, was effective and efficient.

The collection from the run went towards the charitable organization, helping them continue their valuable work. The event was a resounding success, and ultimately, the determination and perseverance of all the participants, including my family, made a significant difference. This family activity is a highlight of our year and embodies the spirit of giving and community service.

8. Describe an ambition that you have not achieved

An ambition that I have yet to achieve is to write and publish my own novel. Ever since I was a child, I have been enamoured with the idea of crafting a world entirely of my own creation, filled with characters and stories that could captivate readers and transport them to another reality.

I have always admired the way authors can weave intricate narratives that hold the power to inspire, provoke thought, and stir emotions. I would often find myself lost in the pages of a book, completely absorbed in the unfolding drama, and it’s this magical quality of storytelling that I aspire to replicate.

To date, I have written numerous short stories and even completed a few drafts of what could eventually become my debut novel. However, the process of writing a full-length novel is a significant undertaking. It requires not just creativity and a way with words, but also a great deal of patience, dedication, and most importantly, time, which is often a scarce resource.

Despite this, I remain undeterred. I continually strive to improve my writing skills, seeking feedback from others and learning from my own mistakes. I take inspiration from the world around me, constantly jotting down ideas and observations that could be woven into my story.

Although I have not yet fulfilled this ambition, I believe that each day brings me one step closer to achieving it. The journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to the day when I can finally hold a copy of my published novel in my hands.

9. Describe a situation that you got up extremely early

One situation that required me to get up extremely early was when I decided to trek up Mount Fuji in Japan. Known for its majestic beauty and iconic status, Mount Fuji is a popular destination for both local and international tourists. One of the highlights of this trip is watching the sunrise from the summit, an event that requires trekkers to start their ascent in the middle of the night.

My alarm went off at 1:00 AM, jolting me awake from a light sleep. Despite the bone-deep fatigue and the disorienting darkness, the anticipation of the journey ahead was electrifying. My travel companions and I quickly prepared ourselves, checking our gear, filling our water bottles, and packing some light snacks.

The trek was challenging, to say the least. The steep incline, thin air, and biting cold tested our physical endurance and mental resilience. But we pressed on, guided by the beams of our flashlights and the distant twinkle of stars. We were surrounded by hundreds of other trekkers, their quiet determination adding to the surreal atmosphere.

Finally, after hours of strenuous hiking, we reached the summit just as the first light of dawn was breaking. The view was breathtaking — a vast expanse of sky slowly lit by the warm hues of the sunrise. The sight of the sun peeking over the horizon, bathing the world below in a soft, ethereal glow, made every moment of the grueling trek worth it.

Getting up so early was a challenge, but the reward was an unforgettable experience and a memory I will cherish forever.

10. Describe a plan that you have made

Several years ago, I embarked upon a program on the subject of Data Science, which was organized under the auspices of a renowned online learning platform. This was a comprehensive course designed to equip students with the necessary tools to make sense of the vast amount of data available in today’s digital age.

The planning of the course modules was meticulously prepared, ensuring that it was a unified approach to learning, seamlessly blending various aspects of data science including statistics, machine learning, and data visualization. It was a bit like a fund-raising project, where instead of money, we were raising our knowledge and skills.

The process of going through the course was tedious and time-consuming, given the complexity and breadth of the subject matter. However, the course was flamboyantly decorated with interactive assignments, real-world case studies, and engaging lectures, which made the learning experience enjoyable despite the challenges.

One particular project on predictive analytics fostered the spirit of community among us learners. We were divided into teams, and our teamwork was effective and efficient as we sought to apply the theoretical concepts learned in class to a real-world problem.

The day before the project submission, there was a merrymaking atmosphere as we were excited and nervous about presenting our findings. When we finally presented, the session ended with a thunderous applause from our peers and mentors, signifying the success of our project.

The knowledge I gained from this course has been instrumental in my professional life. The collection from the course, in terms of skills and insights, has significantly contributed to my understanding of how data-driven decisions can improve business outcomes. The course was, in the end, a resounding success for me, and the determination and perseverance I demonstrated paid off in the form of the valuable skills I acquired.

11. Describe a course that you have done

My memory goes back a couple of years to when I embarked upon a programme called “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI).” This was organised under the auspices of the Department of Computer Science at my university. It was a unified approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI, covering a broad spectrum of topics, from search algorithms to robotics.

The planning of the course was tedious and time-consuming, as it included lectures, hands-on sessions, and project work. The course structure was meticulously prepared, ensuring a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.

One particular project that stood out was when we had to develop a simple chatbot. This project fostered the spirit of community among us students. It was a team project, where all of us had to work together, and the teamwork was effective and efficient. The place where we had our brainstorming sessions was flamboyantly decorated with whiteboards full of ideas, colorful sticky notes, and diagrams.

The day before the final presentation of our project, there was a merrymaking atmosphere as we were excited and nervous at the same time. We presented our work in front of the entire department and the show ended with thunderous applause. It was one of a kind experience that demonstrated how AI can be used to create intelligent systems.

The knowledge gained from the course will go towards my future career in the field of technology. It was like a fund-raising project, where instead of money, we were raising knowledge and skills for our future.

The event, I mean the course, was a resounding success. It sparked a keen interest in me to further explore this field and has directly influenced my career path in technology. Ultimately, the determination and perseverance of every student and professor in the department paid off, making this course an enriching and unforgettable experience.

12. Describe an interesting experience that you have had

An interesting experience that I had was participating in a national quiz show a couple of years ago. This was organized under the auspices of a well-known television network in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. The show was a fund-raising project aiming to raise funds for a notable charitable organization dedicated to providing quality education to underprivileged children.

The planning of the show was tedious and time-consuming, involving multiple rounds of auditions and screening. However, the day before the event, I felt a sense of exhilaration as the stage was meticulously prepared and the place was flamboyantly decorated, creating a merrymaking atmosphere.

The quiz show embarked upon a program that tested participants on a variety of subjects including history, science, arts, and current affairs. It was a unified approach to showcasing the intellectual prowess of participants from different walks of life. The experience fostered a spirit of community among us contestants, despite the competitive nature of the show.

The event was a community project, with numerous volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure its smooth operation. The teamwork was effective and efficient, creating an environment that was both competitive and cooperative.

I still remember the thunderous applause when I correctly answered a particularly tricky question about quantum physics. It was one of a kind experience, feeling a rush of adrenaline and the satisfaction of knowing that my hard work and preparation had paid off.

The show ended on a high note, having successfully raised a significant amount of money for the charitable organization. The collection from the show was set to go towards building new schools in impoverished regions. It was a resounding success, and ultimately, the determination and perseverance of everyone involved in the organizing committee paid off. This experience was indeed interesting and rewarding, leaving an indelible mark on me.

13. Describe a piece of good news that you have recently heard

A piece of good news that I recently heard that is worth talking about is the announcement of a friend’s newly established non-profit organization. This was organized under the auspices of multiple local businesses and aimed at a fund-raising project for underprivileged children’s education.

My friend embarked upon a programme to create an inclusive and accessible educational platform for children who lack adequate resources. It was a unified approach to bridge the education gap in our community, and hearing about this initiative was indeed a piece of good news.

The planning for this noble cause was tedious and time-consuming but the determination and perseverance of my friend and his team paid off. The day before the official announcement, he shared this news with me. The joy and excitement in his voice fostered the spirit of community in me and I felt elated at his achievement.

The news was flamboyantly decorated with positive responses from our friends and the community. It was akin to a merrymaking atmosphere, with everyone celebrating this initiative. The announcement ended with a thunderous applause from all the well-wishers, signifying a resounding success and a step towards a brighter future for many children.

This piece of good news was one of a kind, not just for me, but for our whole community. The efforts put forth by my friend and his team were effective and efficient, and the fruits of their labor will go towards a charitable cause for the betterment of our society. It was indeed a piece of good news that brought a lot of positivity and hope.

14. Describe a busy moment in your life

Certainly, one of the busiest moments in my life goes back to the final year of my university studies. On top of my course requirements, I had also embarked upon a programme to organise a charity quiz show, a fund-raising project to raise funds for a local children’s hospital.

The planning for this event was tedious and time-consuming. I had to juggle between my studies, coordinating with various teams, sourcing sponsors, and making logistical arrangements. The day before the event was particularly hectic. The stage had to be meticulously prepared, the place flamboyantly decorated, and we had to conduct final rehearsals to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Despite the chaotic schedule, this event fostered the spirit of unity and togetherness, as all of us worked hand-in-hand for a noble cause. It was a unified approach towards the community project, and the teamwork was effective and efficient. The merrymaking atmosphere on the day of the event was a testament to our hard work.

The show ended with a thunderous applause and was a resounding success. The collection from the show went towards the charitable organisation, and ultimately, the determination and perseverance of the organising committee paid off.

This period was undoubtedly one of the busiest times in my life, but it was also one of the most rewarding. It demonstrated the power of collaboration, perseverance, and the profound impact of charity work. It was an experience that was truly one of a kind.