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things.

Answers
Hometown
Can you tell me something about your hometown?
My hometown is a very rural one. It’s actually a valley, so the main part of the
land area is agricultural. At the same time, its soil is rich in minerals, like gold
and copper.
Are there tourist attractions in your hometown?
There are only few tourist spots in my place. As of now, I believe our tourism is
not really booming yet. But I hope local officials will explore more of our virgin
forests, as I believe they could be potential destinations for adventurous people.
What are the things you like about your hometown?
First of all, it’s very peaceful. It’s ideal for people like me who love to read and
observe nature. Another thing is the people’s warmth. We are known to be very
accommodating and generous.
Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown?
If I were to bring up a negative aspect of my place, it would be our transport
system. We only have one bus company. As a result, we do not have our
complaints addressed right away. Worse is the irregular schedule of trips. For
me, it’s really frustrating. So I hope one day, this kind of monopoly will
disappear.
Is your hometown big or small?
Based on the land area, it must be big. But because it’s mountainous, I think the

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inhabited part is really small. In fact, there are only few residents, and they are
mostly farmers.
Have you ever invited any friends to visit your hometown?
Oh, it’s something I have been planning to do. There have been a lot of times
when my friends would bother me about it. I guess I just have to keep refusing
because I know our transport system would ruin the entire trip.

Answers
Pets
Do you have a pet?
Yes, I have a puppy at home. Its name is Chekhovy. I got the name from Anton
Chekhov, who is the author of ‘The Lady with a Pet Dog’. Since it’s one of my
favorite short stories, I want Chekhovy to remind me of the very special feeling I
had after reading it.
What are the most common pets in your country?
Pet dogs are very popular in my country. In fact, in my city alone, almost all
families have more than one pet. In the afternoon, people get together in parks to
walk their pets.
What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of having pets are?
One great thing about having pets is the emotional satisfaction we get out of
loving and looking after them. Another is that they make good companions in
life. Unlike humans, they never contradict your ideas, nor do they argue with
you at all. On the downside, it’s really expensive to take care of pets. Even their
food costs a lot of money. That’s why I have decided to have only one.
Is it expensive to have a pet?
Yes, it’s very costly to have a pet. You need to spend money mainly on their food
and medicine. Sometimes, they need even more than we do. More importantly,
we are totally responsible for them. There are also rules for pet owners to follow.
Looking after them and making sure they don’t bother anyone, especially in
public places, are just some instances that we need to anticipate.

Do you think more people will have pets in the future?
That’s very possible. I believe more people will have reasons to adopt animals.

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At present, having a pet is becoming a trend not only among the rich but also the
ordinary people.

Answers
Food
Do you have a favorite food?
I love Italian food! Its distinct flavor makes me drool even just by the thought of
it. On very special occasions at home, I always make sure my mother prepares
some Italian delicacies.
What are some delicacies in your town?
My hometown is famous for rice cakes and cassava pies. We usually prepare
them for local celebrations like the town’s founding anniversary and birthdays.
It’s best to serve them with ripe mangoes or coffee, by the way.
Do you believe that food is generally expensive in big cities?
I think so. It’s a known fact that major cities have a high cost of living. Food,
being a basic need, is one of the first items that would increase in price if there
was demand for it.
Do you cook or buy ready-made food?
I wish I had the luxury of time to enjoy cooking. It’s something that I want to
master because it’s really advantageous to be a good cook. If I had the chance, I
would surely enroll in a culinary class. For the time being, I just have to be
satisfied with what those small restaurants in our neighborhood have to offer.
Are there certain kinds of food you don’t like?
I’m not really picky, but those with a strange smell put me off. I’m the kind of
person who smells first whatever I eat or drink. And I have a very sensitive nose.
For instance, the smell of durian fruit just gives me a headache no matter how
much I try to condition my mind that it’s delicious.
What was your favorite food when you were a child?
Let me think. I used to devour every piece of fried chicken my mom would
prepare. Being a child, I thought fried chicken was the best food there was.
Nowadays, I think I don’t really like chicken that much anymore. I prefer
vegetables and fruits most of the time.

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