1. Do you like to take photographs?

　　I got into photography because of my friends, most of my friends are amateur photographers, they organize shooting sessions during the weekends, and these sessions really pulled me into it.

　　我走近摄影是因为我的一些朋友们，他们都是业余摄影爱好者，他们每周末组织摄影讨论，这让我也喜欢上了摄影。

　　2. What kind of photos do you like to take?

　　I prefer to take pictures of portrait, coz the moments involving people are usually quite hard to capture. So, every time a nice photo of persons can give me a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

　　我喜欢拍人像，因为有人的瞬间是最难捕捉的。所以一张不错的人像照片每次都能给我成就感和满足感。

　　3. How do you keep your photos?

　　People like to save tons of photos on the hard drive. I think it’s taking up too much space. I wouldn’t hassle burning them all onto CDs, that way I have a hard copy of them.

　　人们喜欢把大量的照片存到硬盘里。我觉得这占用了大量的硬盘空间。我不怕麻烦把照片刻录到CD上，这样我就能有一份备份了。

　　4. Why do some people do not like taking photographs?

　　Well, I guess some people believe that the best moments should be stored in mind rather than in photos. In some other cases, people don’t like being in a photo might because that they are camera-shy or they are not photogenic.

　　我估计一些人认为最好的瞬间不该存在照片里而应该存在脑海中。还有时候，人们不愿意照相是因为他们觉得不愿上镜或者自己不上相。

　　5. Why some people like taking photographs when they visit another place?

　　Photography gives people a chance to document every detail of the surroundings they are in during a trip. The small snapshot or photograph can enrich and refresh the memories of the travelling.

　　摄影给人们提供了一个记录旅途中身处环境的细节的机会。即便是一张快照或照片，都可以刷新或丰富人们对旅途的回忆。

transportation

1. Do you often use public transportation?

　　If I need to commute to and fro somewhere without the hassle of jam, I use the public transport. I bet you know how it feels to self-drive in jams.

　　如果我需要往返于某地又不想被交通堵塞困扰的话，我选择公共交通。我打赌你一定理解自驾时被堵住的感觉。

　　2. What kind(s) of transport do you usually use?

　　My hometown is too congested during the day. I get dropped off in the morning by either my mom or my sister so I don’t have to worry about being late. I walk home from school. Occasionally I get rides.

　　我的家乡白天时候特别拥堵。早上要么是我妈要么是我姐姐送我，这样我就不用担心迟到了。晚上我从学校走回家，偶尔搭个顺风车。

　　3. What do you think of the transport conditions in your hometown?

　　I used public transportation all the time to get to & from work. The transportation in big city is crap. So owning your own car or taking a taxi isn't such a good idea. You could be stuck in traffic forever plus the expenses for gas and parking garages.

　　我上下班一直搭乘公共交通。大城市的交通可恶心了，自己开车或者打车不是明智的选择。你可能被交通堵塞一直堵死而且还得考虑油费和停车费。

　　4. Do you think transportation costs are expensive in your hometown?

It depends on what you are looking to get to. Bus prices vary, but are mostly on a local basis, not for moving from city to city. Prices depend entirely on the distance, for long distance route, train might be the best cost.

　　这取决于你要去哪。公共汽车票价是浮动的，只要不是跨城市，多是根据当地标准定价的。价格主要依据距离而定，如果是长途旅行，火车性价比更高一些。

　　5. Can you suggest any ways to improve the transport system in your hometown?

Invest money in it. The problem is it's a vicious cycle. No one wants to use it because it sucks, and it sucks because no one uses it. The only way to break out of the cycle is to pour in some money and give it time. More bicycle friendly streets, solar powered vehicles, higher speed trains, incentives for public transportation, etc.

　　投钱!这个问题是恶性循环。因为交通系统烂，所以没人愿意用，因为没人用，所以它就烂。唯一打破这个恶性循环的方法就是投钱并且给它时间发展。方法很多：更多适合骑行的街道、太阳能汽车、更高速的列车、对使用公共交通给予奖励等。

NAME

1. Does your name have any special meaning?

　　I was named Eve. I don't like it. I can't stand it for religious reasons. I don't like being named after the woman who picked the apple in the Garden of Eden. The only thing I like about it is that it's short and easy to pronounce and spell.

　　我叫Eve,我不喜欢这个名字。我受不了的是宗教原因。我不喜欢以一个在伊甸园里摘了苹果的女人而命名。我唯一喜欢这个名字的是它够短，方便读，方便拼写。

　　2. Do you like your name?

　　I love my name and I don’t think I would change it because it’s a name my parents picked out for me and I’m proud to have it. I'm quite happy with my name now. I think it's pretty, fairly unique, and sort of formal.

　　我喜欢我的名字，我觉得我不会改名字，这是我父母为我挑选的，我为之自豪。我现在很喜欢我的名字，它很美，与众不同，还有些正式。

3. What name do people at home call you?

　　My full name is Liu Hong Ning, they call me “Hong Ning” for short. Sometimes my mom called me "babe", which is such a sweet sentiment.

　　我的全名叫刘洪宁，他们叫我洪宁作为简称。有时候我妈叫我宝贝，非常甜的感觉。

　　4. How are babies given their names in China?

　　People have always showed particular concern for the meaning, and sound when they name children. It is expected that a name given by parents carries their wish, hope, pursuit, aspiration, etc.

　　给孩子们起名的时候，人们经常尤为关注名字的含义及发音。人们希望父母起的名字可以承载他们的愿望、希望、追求、渴望等等。

　　5. Do people in China ever change their names?

　　There are many reasons someone would change their names, parents’ divorce, personal preference, fortune-telling, etc.

Gifts

1. Do you often give gifts to people?

　　Well, I guess that gift giving is a pretty disturbing thing. Well, for one thing, it’s hard for me to find valuable gifts for my friends or family. I’ve no idea on their preference and taste and I’m so afraid of that they don’t feel happy when they receive my present.

　　我觉得送礼是一件挺烦人的事情的。首先，对于我来讲为家人或朋友选择有价值的礼物并不容易，我对他们的个人喜好和品位一无所知，我很怕他们收到我的礼物后并不开心。

　　2. Do you and your friends or family members give each other gifts?

　　Well, yes, I often buy something unique form other countries to my friends and family members. It’s about my care and love. However, some people give expensive gifts in hopes of receiving an expensive one, which becomes a competition. It ruins the original purpose of sending gifts.

　　是的。我经常给我的朋友和家人从各个国家买回特殊的礼物。这是我对他们的关心和爱。但有些人送贵重的礼物就是希望也能从别人那收到贵重的礼物，这变成了一种竞争。这破坏了送礼的原本目的。

　　3. Do you think it’s easy to choose what to give other people?

　　No, it’s really a challenging task for me to select an excellent and much-appreciated gift, because people have different personality and people are fickle, just like my friends, you know, they change their taste easily and it’s really hard to find what they really want.

　　不容易。对于我来说，选择一个让人喜欢的好礼物确实是个挑战，因为人们性格各不相同而且变幻莫测，比如我的朋友们，他们很容易变换品味，找到他们喜欢的东西挺难的。

　　4. Do you think it’s important to give expensive gifts?

　　No, it’s totally unnecessary. Gifts don’t mean material object all the time and can be something special, including forgiveness and kindness.

　　完全没必要。礼物并不是一直意味着物质的东西，有时候是可以有一些特殊意义的，包括谅解或友善。

　　5. In China, is it necessary to bring a gift when you visit someone?

　　Well, I think it’s expected. It’s common etiquette to bring some gifts if someone invites you over for dinner, you know like, a box of chocolate, a bottle of wine or stuff like that. Well, on top of that, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper, especially red wrapping.

　　我觉得是应该的。比如受邀到别人家里赴宴，给别人带一盒巧克力或一瓶酒这样的礼物是一般礼节。而且，礼物一般都要用包装纸包好，尤其要用红色包装。

TIme

1. Do you usually wear a watch?

2.

　　I know some people say that with mobile phones, the wrist watch is out-dated. I disagree. A quick glimpse at your watch during a meeting or on the production line is a lot better than pulling out your cell phone. I find a watch to still be the most convenient method of time keeping.

　　我知道有一些人说，有了手机，手表就过时了。我不同意。开会时候或者在生产线上工作的时候迅速瞥一眼手表要比掏出手机看时间强多了。我觉得手表还是最方便的计时工具。

　　2. Do you think time is very important?

　　People say “Time is money”. Actually, time is more valuable than money. The money we have lost can be gained again, but the time we have wasted cannot be regained. Since time is an invisible thing, people often waste their time unconsciously.

　　人们说时间就是金钱。其实，时间比钱更贵重。钱没了我们还能再挣，可时间一去便不复返。由于时间是无形的，人们常常不知不觉地就浪费了时间。

　　3. How do you feel when you are late?

　　If you are the one who’s late, it is very ashamed to make an apology when you really have no intention to be late. I’ve always tried to be right on the dot for any appointment.

　　如果你是那个迟到的人，当你并非故意迟到的时候去道歉是很难为情的。我一直尝试着准时赴任何约会。

　　4. Do you think it's important to be on time?

　　Punctuality is a virtue, being late is RUDE. I always run on time and feel ashamed if I am late to anything. It just seems these days that nobody is on time and running late is the norm.

　　守时是一种美德，迟到是粗鲁的。我经常守时而且在任何事情上迟到我都觉得很羞愧。

　　5. When does time seem to move fast and when does it seem to move slowly?

　　Age makes a difference to whether time moves fast or slow. And that’s not a matter of perception. The older you are, the faster times moves. Time is slipping by faster than you can blink. Time is never in your favor.

　　年龄决定了时间过得快慢的差异，这不是感觉的问题。你岁数越大，越会觉得时光飞逝。时间比你一眨眼过得还快。时间从不受你掌控。

PARTY　

1. Do you like going to parties?

　　Sure, I’m crazy about parties, especially balls. Though I rarely have chance to participate in a charity ball, I usually take part in many school dances, which usually take place during weekends. It’s really exciting and romantic.

　　当然，我非常喜欢聚会，尤其是舞会。虽然我鲜有机会参加慈善舞会，我经常参加学校的舞会，经常在周末举行，非常让人兴奋，很浪漫。

　　2. Do most Chinese people like parties?

　　Well, I guess yes, we have different types of parties, such as birthday parties, baby showers as well as cocktail parties. However, activities, just like playing cards or singing karaoke, are always the essential parts of the party. 我想是的。我们有不同种的聚会，比如生日聚会，宝宝派对，还有鸡尾酒会。无论如何，打牌、唱歌这类活动是聚会不可缺少的部分。

　　3. Why do some people dislike parties?

　　Well, I don’t know, I guess, maybe, people don’t like noisy atmosphere, what I mean is, someone like talking with others but not in a crowded place with non-stop strong-beat music. They’d prefer choosing a place like coffee shop or teahouse to disco or night pub.

　　我也不知道。我估计可能是他们不喜欢吵闹的气氛。一些人喜欢和别人聊天但是不喜欢伴着永不停歇的重节奏音乐，在人头攒动的地方聊天。他们宁愿选择个咖啡厅或者茶楼也不去迪厅或夜店。

　　4. Do you prefer family parties or parties with friends?

　　Well, I like to have parties with friends, because we have more interesting things to do, or maybe to talk with, like exchanging gossips and playing pokers.

　　我喜欢和朋友们聚会，因为我们有更有意思的事情一起做或一起谈论，比如分享八卦，打扑克。

　　5. Who do you think enjoys parties more, old people or young people?

　　Well, young people are more fascinated with parties because they are more likely to enjoy the chance to escape from daily routine. Also, they can do some crazy things, like purchasing alcohol and tobacco as well as participating in gambling which are prohibited in the daily life.

　　年轻人更喜欢聚会，可能他们更享受远离日常琐事的机会。另外，他们还能做疯狂的事情，比如平时不允许的买酒、买烟、赌博。

Computer

1. Do you use computers very much?

　　Not regularly, I think, just to browse websites for the news everyday, actually sitting in front of the computer for a long time is harmful for my eyesight and physical health. Also, I feel headache when I look at the monitor over 30 minutes.

　　不经常，就是每天上网看看新闻，其实，坐在电脑前面太久对健康和视力都有害处。而且，每当我盯着显示器超过三十分钟，我就会觉得头疼。

　　2. Have computers changed your life in any way?

　　Yes, computers have made considerable changes in my life. In fact, it improves efficiency at work. I can type words, figures or data through the keyboard of my computer, which is more efficient compared with handwriting. Furthermore, computers enrich my recreation activities and I can play video games or go shopping online.

　　是的，电脑已经在我的生活中做出了一些重要的改变。电脑提高了我的工作效率，我可以通过键盘在电脑里输入文字、图形、数据，这和手写比起来方便多了。还有，电脑丰富了我的休闲生活，我可以玩电脑游戏或者在线购物。

　　3. Do you think computers are useful in everyday life?

　　Um…yes, it makes considerable changes to my life, like for example, I use it to connect to the Internet to communicate with friends through some instant messaging programmes, browse the web, download music and save them to my removable hard drive.

　　是的。电脑已经在我的生活中做出了一些重要的改变。比如，我用电脑上的一些即时聊天工具与朋友交流，浏览网站，下载音乐并把它们存到移动硬盘里。

　　4. Do you think there are any disadvantages to using computers?

　　Yes, sitting in front of the computer screen for a long time has a detrimental effect on people’s health. You know, a sedentary lifestyle can cause some chronic diseases, like backache or something like that.

　　是的。坐在电脑屏幕前很长时间对人们的健康是有害的。长期久坐的生活方式会引起像背痛这样的慢性疾病。

　　5. Computers are now used a lot in education. What do you think of this?

　　Computers may reduce efficiency and distract students’ attention. Without the supervision of parents and teachers, students may focus on playing computer games and getting addicted to it.

　　电脑会降低工作效率并且分散学生的注意力。没有老师和家长的监督，学生们可能会专注于玩电脑游戏并且沉迷于此。

Hometown　　

1. Where do you come from?

　　Well, I’m from HanDan, an inland city that is in the middle of China. It’s well known for its historical architecture. Also, many travellers like the traditional spicy food, which is a “must-eat” for visitors once they come to town.

　　我来自邯郸，是个中国中部的内陆城市。邯郸以历史建筑而闻名。而且，很多游客都喜欢邯郸传统的辣食，这是游客们一到邯郸必吃的东西。

　　2. What tourist attractions are there in your hometown?

　　Actually, there’re several must-see spots here, like the national museums, international shopping malls and other historical heritages. Well, I’d like to mention a place called Sai Kung, which is a famous fishing village. What’s more, there’re many roadside vendors selling different kinds of trinkets along the sea front.

　　其实，这有很多必看的景点，比如国家博物馆，国际购物中心和其他历史遗产。我要提一下有个叫西贡的地方，是个有名的渔村。海岸前面有很多路边商贩卖各种小玩意儿。

　　3. What do you think needs to change in your hometown?

　　Um…traffic! Driving here can be a nightmare. I get stuck in the middle of the bumper-to-bumper traffic every day when I’m on my way to work. It drives me crazy and sometimes I’ve even thought of jumping out of the car and run! Well, fortunately, the newly built subway will be in service this year and I hope it really can help release the pressure on the road.

　　交通!在这开车简直就是噩梦。每天上班的路上我都被堵在保险杆相互碰撞的交通中。太让人抓狂了，有时候我甚至想跳出去跑着算了。幸运的是，新修的地铁明年就投入使用了，希望它能够缓解道路压力。

　　4. What do you like about your hometown?

　　I think you’ve probably heard of the vibrant nightlife in Beijing. In fact, I love enjoying my time with my friends here. And I think you should jump in the rush and experience the dynamic charm of this city too.

　　我想你应该听说过北京丰富的夜生活。其实，我喜欢和朋友们在这里享受时光，我觉得你也应该跳入人潮感受这所城市的充满动力的魅力。

　　5. For you, what benefits are there to living in a big city?

　　Well, obviously, living in a large city brings me lots of convenience, well I mean, there’s a well-developed public transport network, like the subway, bus or even taxi. What’s more, I’m a shopaholic, I like shopping in fancy boutiques at shopping arcades and I’m quite sure that small grocery stores in a village can’t satisfy me.

　　当然，住在大城市带给我很多便利，这里有发达的公共交通，地铁公交出租齐全。还有，我是个购物狂。我喜欢在购物中心的精品店里购物，可以肯定的是小城镇的杂货店没法满足我。

COOKING做饭

1. Do you know how to cook?

　　My mom does the cooking at home. I never had an interest in learning, and she never pushed me to. However, my brother is a great cook. He learned just by observing and practicing, because he’s keen on cooking cuisines.

在家，我妈负责做饭。我对学做饭从没有兴趣，她也从没逼过我。但我哥是个不错的厨子。他仅通过观察和自己练习就学会做饭了，他热衷于烹饪美食。

　　2. Have you thought about learning how to cook?

　　NO, NO. I don’t think I have the talent for this. Also, I am still not the one for elaborate sit down dinners. Just a quick meal in front of the TV works for me. So fast food has always been my favourite.

　　没有。我觉得我对做饭没天赋。而且，我也不是那种喜欢坐下来吃精心烹饪的饭的人。看电视的时候吃个快餐对我就够了。所以快餐一直是我的最爱。

　　3. What do you like to cook?

　　Anything and everything. Usually the more time consuming, chopping and dicing, and messed up my kitchen is, the happier I am. I also like to bake: from cookies, cup cakes, to lasagna and meat loaf.

　　任何以及所有。越耗费时间，需要剁和切，厨房越乱，我就越高兴。我喜欢烤东西，从曲奇、妙芙到千层饼及肉馅饼。

　　4. Do you think everyone should learn how to cook?

　　Sure, everyone should cook because everyone eats, it is a life skill. Eating food that you cooked yourself is healthier than eating processed food. You don't have to cook to top chef level but cooking is a good way to relax and have fun with your family.

　　当然了，每个人都得学做饭因为每个人都吃饭，这是个生活技能。吃自己亲手做的饭比吃加工食物更健康。你不用把饭做到顶级厨师水平，但烹饪是个不错的放松及与家人共享快乐的方式。

　　5. Do you eat at home or do you usually eat outside?

　　My mom doesn't cook every night, maybe 3-4 nights a week for dinner. Most of the time we all just fend for ourselves and eat what we want: sandwiches, grilled cheese, microwave meals, whatever. I am 27 now and I still eat that way.

　　我妈不是每天都做饭，大概一周3-4天吧。所以多数时间我们都是自己照顾自己吃点自己想吃的：三明治，烤奶酪，微波炉食品等等。我都27了，每天还是这么吃。