Part 1
Part 1 Questions
- Is there anything that has made you feel happy lately?
- What made you happy when you were little?
- What do you think will make you feel happy in the future?
- When do you feel happy at work? Why?
- Do you feel happy when buying new things?
- Do you think people are happy when buying new things?
Sample Response
Is there anything that has made you feel happy lately?
Actually, just yesterday I got a message out of the blue from an old university friend. It really made my day because we'd completely lost touch after graduation. We're planning to catch up properly next month.
Essential Vocabulary
Recent happiness
- made my day - something that made you very happy
- put a smile on my face - caused happiness
- cheered me up - made me feel better when I was down
- pleasant surprise - unexpected happy event
- little victory - small achievement that brings joy
- lifted my spirits - made me feel better emotionally
- bright spot in my week - best thing that happened recently
Childhood happiness
- simple pleasures - basic things that made children happy
- couldn't contain my excitement - was extremely happy
- the highlight of my day/week - best part of a period
- pure joy - complete, uncomplicated happiness
- treasured memories - special happy memories from the past
- carefree times - period without worries
- jumping for joy - extremely happy (physical expression)
Future happiness
- fulfilling my potential - achieving what I'm capable of
- milestone moments - important life achievements
- peace of mind - mental calmness and contentment
- living comfortably - having enough money/resources
- making a difference - contributing positively to society
- personal growth - self-improvement and development
- achieving work-life balance - having time for both career and personal life
Workplace happiness
- job satisfaction - contentment from work
- in my element - doing what I'm naturally good at
- productive day - getting a lot done successfully
- great team dynamic - good relationships with colleagues
- recognition for hard work - being appreciated for efforts
- hitting targets - achieving work goals
- positive feedback - good comments about your work
Consumer happiness
- retail therapy - shopping to improve mood
- treat myself - buy something nice as a reward
- short-lived excitement - happiness that doesn't last long
- impulse purchase - buying without planning
- value for money - good quality for the price
- buyer's remorse - regret after purchasing
- material possessions - physical things you own
- instant gratification - immediate satisfaction from buying
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "Actually, just last week..." starting recent stories
- "I still remember..." introducing childhood memories
- "I suppose what would really make me happy is..." discussing future
- "There's nothing quite like..." emphasizing a feeling
- "To be honest, I do get a buzz from..." admitting something
- "I've noticed that some people..." observing others