Japanese people say "delicious" far more often than native English speakers do. In Japan, where I lived for about 6 years, I was surprised by how often I heard the word. When I spoke to other native English speakers, everyone seemed to feel the same way. Why is that?
When students want to pronounce English like a native speaker, I always ask, "Native to where?"
English speakers like to use strong language, and one way is like this:
How long was that meeting!
Here are some other examples:
Interview tests like the G.B.C. are meant to measure a variety of English skills, including the ability to communicate with friends or colleagues.
Have you had this question on the G.B.C. before? Which city is the best city in the world to live?
I've often heard non-native English speakers say something like, "You had better do it." But to a native English speaker, this sounds like a threat!
If better is a positive word, why does the pattern you had better + verb seem scary?
In the G.B.C. test, there are often abstract questions that can cause difficulties, because you have to think very quickly about a topic you may never have considered before. In other words, expect the unexpected!
One very easy way to make your spoken English more effective is to use emphatic phrases. Apart from making your ideas and opinions stronger, they also impress GBC interviewers!
Actually, why not say that last sentence like this:
Keeping motivated is something that everyone struggles with from time to time. Whether it’s motivation to exercise, eat healthy, study, or learn a new language, we’ve all found ourselves lacking the drive and energy to work at whatever goals we’ve set for ourselves.
Let’s look at a personal question today. In the G.B.C. test, there are often questions about travel, and it’s a good idea to think about potential places you would like to visit (or places you have been) and the reasons why you are attracted to the place.
Here, we are going to look at a very common question which usually comes up at the start of a GBC interview. Of course, the answer to questions about Japanese cultural experiences is a very subjective one. I'm sure all of you will have his or her own answer.
