Part 1
Giám khảo
Did you have a bike when you were a child?
Thí sinh
Yes, I did have a bike when I was a child. I used it to travel in my neighborhood.
Giám khảo
Do you think bikes are popular in your country?
Thí sinh
Yes, I think they are popular in my country because I see them every day like everyone is using them.
Did you have a bike when you were a child?
Điểm: 82.0Gợi ý: Your answer is clear and directly answers the question. However, “did have” is slightly emphatic and unnecessary here; “I had a bike” sounds more natural. Also, “travel in my neighborhood” is understandable, but “get around my neighborhood” is more natural. Add one specific detail, such as where you rode it or what you used it for, to make the answer more developed.
Ví dụ: Yes, I had a bike when I was a child. I mainly used it to get around my neighborhood and visit my friends. I especially enjoyed riding it in the park near my home because it was quiet and safe.
Do you think bikes are popular in your country?
Điểm: 70.0Gợi ý: You answer the question directly and give a reason, but the final part is grammatically awkward. Replace “like everyone is using them” with “and it seems that many people use them.” Use a linking word such as “For example” to introduce a specific supporting detail, and explain who uses bikes or why they are popular. Avoid making an overly broad claim such as “everyone is using them.”
Ví dụ: Yes, I think bikes are quite popular in my country because I see people riding them every day. For example, many students cycle to school, while adults often use bicycles for short trips or exercise. They are especially common in crowded cities because they are convenient and inexpensive.
× Yes, I think they are popular in my country because I see them every day like everyone is using them.
✓ Yes, I think they are popular in my country because I see them every day, and it seems that everyone uses them.
The present simple is used for habitual actions and general facts. Therefore, uses is more appropriate than is using because the sentence describes a regular activity, not an action happening only at this moment. The original structure with like everyone is using them is also unclear; using and it seems that creates a clearer sentence connection.