Английский язык в жизни: отвечаем на простые и сложные вопросы

Радмила Шарифьянова

Книга «Английский язык в жизни: отвечаем на простые и сложные вопросы» с вопросами и ответами на английском – это идеальный выбор для тех, кто хочет улучшить свою разговорную практику на английском языке. В ней вы найдете список популярных и актуальных тем, которые помогут вам начать разговор на различные темы на английском языке. В книге содержатся множество разнообразных вопросов на каждую тему и ответы на них, что поможет вам лучше понимать лексику, используемую в повседневных разговорах.

Friends

What qualities do you look for in a friend?

Answer: For me, honesty, loyalty, trustworthiness, and a good sense of humor are some of the most important qualities in a friend. I also appreciate people who are open-minded and non-judgmental.

How do you usually make new friends?

Answer: Making new friends can be daunting, but I often join social clubs or groups that interest me to meet new people. I also try to attend events and parties where I know there will be opportunities to mingle.

What’s the longest friendship you’ve ever had?

Answer: I've been friends with my best friend since we were both in kindergarten, so our friendship has lasted over two decades now! We've been through a lot together, and I know we'll always have each other's backs.

Do you prefer having a few close friends or a lot of acquaintances?

Answer: Personally, I prefer having a few close friends rather than a lot of acquaintances. While I enjoy meeting new people, I find it more fulfilling to have deep, meaningful relationships with a select few people.

Is it important for your friends to share your interests?

Answer: While having similar interests can certainly make it easier to bond with someone, I don't think it's necessary for all of my friends to share the same hobbies or passions as I do. In fact, sometimes it's refreshing to have friends who introduce me to new things!

Do you have any childhood friends that you still keep in touch with?

Answer: Yes, I'm lucky enough to still be in contact with several friends from my childhood. Although we don't see each other as often as we used to, we still make a point to catch up over the phone or through social media.

What’s the most memorable thing a friend has ever done for you?

Answer: One time, I was going through a really tough time and a friend surprised me by showing up at my doorstep with a care package of my favorite snacks and a thoughtful note. It was such a small gesture, but it meant the world to me.

Do you find it easy to trust your friends?

Answer: Generally, yes. I've been lucky enough to surround myself with people who are trustworthy and reliable, so it's easy for me to trust them.

Have you ever had a falling out with a close friend? What happened?

Answer: Yes, unfortunately I have experienced having a falling out with a close friend in the past. It was a difficult situation, but ultimately we were able to talk things out and reconcile our differences.

What do you think makes a good listener in a friendship?

Answer: A good listener is someone who is attentive, non-judgmental, and empathetic. They allow their friend to speak without interrupting, and they offer support and encouragement when needed.

Do you have any long-distance friendships?

Answer: Yes, I have a few friends who live in different parts of the country (and even in different countries altogether!). While it can be difficult to stay in touch from afar, we make an effort to call or video chat regularly.

Have you ever introduced two of your friends who ended up dating each other?

Answer: Yes, I have! It was actually a bit of a surprise, but I'm happy that two of my friends found love through their friendship.

How do you deal with jealousy in a friendship?

Answer: Jealousy can be a difficult emotion to deal with, especially in a friendship. I try to remind myself that everyone's journey is different, and just because my friend may be experiencing success or happiness in one area of their life doesn't mean that I won't also find my own success and happiness in due time.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from a friendship?

Answer: One of the most important lessons I've learned from a friendship is the power of forgiveness. No one is perfect, and conflicts are bound to arise, but being able to forgive and move forward from those moments is crucial for maintaining a strong friendship.

Have you ever made a lifelong friend in a surprising way or place?

Answer: Yes, actually! One of my closest friends is someone I met while waiting in line at a coffee shop. We struck up a conversation and realized we had a lot in common, and now years later we're still great friends.

Are there any qualities or behaviors that you can’t tolerate in a friend?

Answer: Dishonesty and lack of loyalty are two qualities that I can’t tolerate in a friend. I also have little patience for people who are constantly negative or bring others down.

What’s the best way to support a friend going through a tough time?

Answer: The best way to support a friend going through a tough time is to simply be there for them. Offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, and practical help if needed. It's also important to not judge or criticize your friend's feelings or actions, but rather offer empathy and understanding.

Do you think it’s possible to have too many friends?

Answer: While it's certainly possible to have a large circle of acquaintances, I do think that having too many close friends can be overwhelming at times. It's important to invest time and energy into our friendships, and that can be difficult if we have too many people vying for our attention.

Have you ever had to end a friendship? What happened?

Answer: Yes, unfortunately there have been times when I've had to end a friendship due to toxic behavior or fundamental differences in values. It's never an easy decision, but sometimes it's necessary in order to protect our own emotional well-being.

How do you maintain long-distance friendships?

Answer: Maintaining long-distance friendships can be challenging, but staying in regular contact through phone calls, text messages, and video chats can help bridge the gap. It's also important to make an effort to see each other in person when possible, whether that means visiting each other or meeting up somewhere in between.

Do you think it’s necessary for friends to have similar political beliefs?

Answer: While it can certainly make for more agreeable conversations, I don't think it's necessary for friends to share the exact same political beliefs. In fact, having respectful and open-minded discussions about politics with friends who have different views can be a great opportunity to learn and grow from each other.

What’s a fun outing or activity you’ve done with your friends recently?

Answer: Recently, my friends and I went on a hiking and camping trip in the mountains. It was a great way to disconnect from technology and spend quality time together in nature.

How do you celebrate special occasions with your friends?

Answer: Depending on the occasion, celebrating with friends might entail anything from a small dinner party to a weekend getaway. Regardless of the size or scope of the celebration, it’s important to make your friend feel loved and appreciated on their special day.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done with a friend?

Answer: One time, my friend and I decided on a whim to take a road trip across the country. We didn't have much of a plan, but we had an amazing time exploring new places and making memories together.

Have you ever traveled with friends? What was the experience like?

Answer: Yes, I've traveled with friends before and it can be a really fun and rewarding experience! There's something special about exploring a new place with people you care about, and it often leads to bonding and inside jokes that last long after the trip is over.

How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with your friends?

Answer: When conflicts or disagreements arise with friends, I try to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. It's important to listen to each other's perspectives and feelings, and work towards finding a resolution that everyone can agree on.

Have you ever had a friend who let you down? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, unfortunately there have been times when a friend has let me down in some way. Depending on the severity of the situation, I might express my feelings to them directly or choose to distance myself from the friendship altogether.

What’s an activity or hobby you enjoy doing with your friends?

Answer: I love going to concerts or music festivals with my friends! We all share a passion for music, and it’s always a great time singing and dancing along to our favorite artists.

Have you ever volunteered or done charity work with friends? What was the experience like?

Answer: Yes, I've had the opportunity to volunteer and do charity work with friends in the past. It can be a really rewarding experience to give back to the community together, and it often leads to deeper conversations about the world and our place in it.

How do you deal with a friend who constantly flakes on plans?

Answer: If a friend is constantly flaking on plans, it's important to have an honest conversation with them about how their behavior makes you feel. Depending on their response, you might choose to give them another chance or distance yourself from the friendship.

Do you think it’s important for your friends to get along with each other?

Answer: While it's not necessary for all of my friends to be best buddies with each other, I do think it's important for them to at least be respectful and friendly towards one another. After all, they're all important people in my life and I want them to feel comfortable around each other.

Have you ever taken a class or learned a new skill with a friend?

Answer: Yes, I've taken several classes and learned new skills with friends before! In fact, it can be a great way to bond over a shared interest and challenge ourselves to try something new.

Do you prefer hanging out with friends one-on-one or in groups?

Answer: I enjoy both hanging out with friends one-on-one and in groups, depending on the situation and the people involved. One-on-one time can be great for deep conversations and individual bonding, while group hangs are often more lively and fun.

How do you balance spending time with friends and other commitments (work, family, etc.)?

Answer: Balancing time with friends and other commitments can be challenging, but I try to prioritize my relationships as much as possible. This might mean scheduling regular hangouts or making plans in advance, so that I can work around other obligations.

Have you ever had a friend who was going through a difficult time and needed your support? How did you help them?

Answer: Yes, I've had several friends who have gone through difficult times and needed my support. Depending on the situation, this might have involved simply being a listening ear or offering practical help like running errands or providing meals.

Have you ever gone through a difficult time and leaned on your friends for support? How did they help you?

Answer: Yes, I've definitely gone through difficult times in the past and my friends have been a huge source of support and comfort. They offered words of encouragement, helped me process my feelings, and were there for me every step of the way.

How do you handle it when your friend is going through a tough time but doesn’t want to talk about it?

Answer: If a friend is going through a tough time but doesn't want to talk about it, it's important to respect their boundaries while also letting them know that you're there for them if they ever need to open up.

Have you ever had a friend who you initially didn’t like, but eventually became close with? What changed?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had a few instances where I didn’t necessarily click with someone right away, but as we got to know each other better we became great friends. Usually, it just takes some time and effort to find common ground and build a rapport with someone.

How do you deal with a friend who constantly talks about themselves and never listens to you?

Answer: If a friend is constantly talking about themselves and not allowing you to share your own thoughts and feelings, it’s important to communicate your needs to them in a respectful way. Let them know that you value their friendship but would appreciate more balance in your conversations.

Have you ever had a falling out with a friend that was caused by miscommunication? What happened?

Answer: Yes, I’ve definitely experienced situations where miscommunication led to a falling out with a friend. It can be a frustrating and hurtful experience, but I try to approach conflicts with empathy and understanding so that we can work towards a resolution.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar values?

Answer: While it’s not necessary for all of my friends to share the exact same values as me, I do think it’s important for us to be aligned on some level.

Have you ever had a friend who you felt was toxic or draining to be around? How did you handle the situation?

Answer: Yes, unfortunately I’ve had experiences with friends who were toxic or draining to be around. In those situations, I typically try to distance myself from the friendship while still being respectful and compassionate towards the other person.

Have you ever had a friend group that dissolved over time? Why do you think that happened?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had a few friend groups that dissolved over time. Sometimes it’s due to people moving away or drifting apart naturally, while other times it might be because of conflicts or changing dynamics within the group.

How do you feel about introducing your friends to each other?

Answer: I love introducing my friends to each other! It’s always fun to bring different people from different parts of my life together and see how they get along.

Have you ever had a friend who wasn’t supportive of your goals or dreams? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve definitely had experiences with friends who didn’t support my goals or dreams. In those situations, I try to communicate my needs and boundaries clearly while also being understanding of their perspective.

What’s the most meaningful gift a friend has ever given you?

Answer: One of my friends made me a scrapbook filled with memories and inside jokes from our time together. It was such a thoughtful and personal gift that I’ll cherish forever.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar lifestyles (i.e. similar schedules, living arrangements, etc.)?

Answer: While it can certainly make coordinating hangouts easier, I don’t think it’s necessary for friends to have identical lifestyles. In fact, having friends with different experiences and perspectives can be a great way to broaden our own horizons.

Have you ever had a friend who you initially thought was a bad influence on you? How did you handle the situation?

Answer: Yes, I’ve definitely had experiences with friends who I felt were a bad influence on me. In those situations, I try to be mindful of my own boundaries and values while also communicating my concerns to the other person. If necessary, I might distance myself from the friendship altogether.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar senses of humor?

Answer: While it can certainly make for more enjoyable hangouts, I don’t think it’s necessary for friends to have identical senses of humor. In fact, sometimes it can be fun to introduce each other to new types of comedy or find ways to appreciate each other’s unique humor styles.

Have you ever had a friend who you felt was too critical or judgmental of you? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who were overly critical or judgmental of me. In those situations, I try to communicate my feelings to them in a respectful way, while also being open to feedback and willing to work on any areas where I might need to grow.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done with a friend?

Answer: My friend and I once went skydiving together! It was definitely an adrenaline rush and a great bonding experience.

How do you feel about sharing personal details or secrets with friends?

Answer: I believe that sharing personal details or secrets with friends can be a great way to strengthen our bonds and build trust. However, it’s important to consider the level of trust and openness in the friendship before divulging sensitive information.

Have you ever had a long-term friendship end abruptly without explanation? How did you handle it?

Answer: Fortunately, I haven’t had any long-term friendships end abruptly without explanation. However, if it were to happen, I would try to reach out to the other person and respectfully ask for clarity on what happened.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar hobbies or interests?

Answer: While it can be helpful for coordinating hangouts and finding common ground, I don’t think it’s necessary for friends to have identical hobbies or interests. In fact, having friends with diverse passions and talents can be a great way to learn and grow from each other.

Have you ever had a friend who constantly gossiped or talked negatively about others? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who were overly negative or gossipy. In those situations, I try to steer the conversation towards more positive topics or encourage my friend to focus on their own personal growth rather than criticizing others.

What’s an important lesson you’ve learned from a friendship?

Answer: One important lesson I’ve learned from friendships is the value of open and honest communication. It’s so important to express our feelings and needs clearly in order to build strong and healthy relationships.

Have you ever had a friend who moved away? How did you stay in touch?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had several friends move away over the years. Staying in touch might involve regular phone calls or video chats, as well as planning visits to see each other in person whenever possible.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar career aspirations?

Answer: While it can be helpful for networking and support, I don’t think it’s necessary for friends to have identical career aspirations. In fact, having friends with diverse professional paths can be a great way to learn and gain insight into different industries and fields.

What’s the most exciting adventure you’ve been on with a friend?

Answer: One of the most exciting adventures I’ve been on with a friend was a backpacking trip through the mountains. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and we made some unforgettable memories together.

Do you believe in having a «best friend»? Why or why not?

Answer: While I don’t necessarily believe in having a single «best friend,» I do think it’s important to have close, meaningful relationships with people who understand and support us. These friendships might look different for everyone, but the key is finding people we can rely on and trust.

Have you ever had a friend who you felt was taking advantage of your kindness? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who I felt were taking advantage of my kindness or generosity. In those situations, I try to set clear boundaries and communicate my needs to them in a respectful way while still maintaining our friendship.

How do you feel about social media and its impact on friendships?

Answer: While social media can be a great way to stay connected and share experiences, I do think it’s important to be mindful of its potential impact on our mental health and relationships. It’s important to prioritize real-life interactions and quality time with friends over virtual connections.

Have you ever had a friend who was going through a difficult time and you didn’t know how to help them? What did you do?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who were going through difficult times and I wasn’t sure how to help them. In those situations, I try to be a listening ear and provide emotional support while also encouraging them to seek out additional resources if necessary.

How do you feel about making new friends as an adult?

Answer: While it can be challenging to make new friends as an adult, I believe it’s important to continue expanding our social circles and seeking out meaningful connections. This might involve joining groups or clubs related to our interests, attending networking events, or simply being open to meeting new people in our everyday lives.

Have you ever had a friend who you felt was unreliable or flaky? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who were unreliable or flaky. In those situations, I try to communicate my expectations and needs clearly while also being understanding of any potential challenges or obstacles they might be facing. If necessary, I might adjust my own expectations or distance myself from the friendship.

What’s the most meaningful conversation you’ve had with a friend?

Answer: One of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had with a friend was when we talked about our fears and vulnerabilities. It was a really powerful moment of connection and trust, and it deepened our friendship in a significant way.

How do you feel about maintaining long-distance friendships?

Answer: While it can be challenging to maintain long-distance friendships, I believe it’s important to prioritize these relationships and put in the effort to stay connected. This might involve regular phone calls or video chats, as well as planning visits to see each other in person whenever possible.

Have you ever had a friend who you felt was holding you back from pursuing your goals or dreams? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who didn’t support my goals or dreams or even held me back from pursuing them. In those situations, I tried to communicate my needs and boundaries clearly while also staying true to my own vision for my life.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done with a friend?

Answer: One of the most spontaneous things I’ve ever done with a friend was driving to the beach in the middle of the night. It was completely unplanned but ended up being a really fun and memorable adventure.

How do you feel about reconnecting with old friends from your past?

Answer: I think it can be wonderful to reconnect with old friends from the past, as it provides an opportunity for reflection and growth and can also reignite meaningful connections from earlier stages in our lives.

Have you ever had a friend who constantly needed validation or attention? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who constantly needed validation or attention. In those situations, I tried to provide support and encouragement while also setting clear boundaries and communicating my own needs and limits.

How do you handle conflicts with friends? Do you confront them directly or avoid confrontation?

Answer: I try to handle conflicts with friends in a direct and respectful way, by communicating my feelings and needs clearly and trying to find a mutually beneficial resolution. While confrontation can be uncomfortable, I believe it’s important to address conflicts head-on rather than avoiding them and potentially causing more harm in the long run.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar dietary restrictions or preferences?

Answer: While it can certainly make meal planning and dining out easier, I don’t necessarily think it’s important for friends to have identical dietary restrictions or preferences. In fact, having friends with different food preferences can be a great way to try new cuisines and broaden our own culinary horizons.

What’s the most creative thing you’ve ever done with a friend?

Answer: One of the most creative things I’ve ever done with a friend was organizing a DIY art festival in our community. It took a lot of planning and coordination, but seeing all the different artists and performers come together was incredibly rewarding.

Have you ever had a friend who constantly canceled plans last minute? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who constantly canceled plans last minute. In those situations, I tried to communicate my expectations and needs clearly while also being understanding of any potential challenges or obstacles they might be facing. If necessary, I might adjust my own expectations or distance myself from the friendship.

What’s the most meaningful experience you’ve shared with a friend?

Answer: One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve shared with a friend was hiking through the mountains and having deep conversations about our hopes, fears, and dreams. It was such a beautiful and transformative moment of connection and vulnerability.

Do you believe in «friendship at first sight»?

Answer: While I think it’s possible to feel an instant connection or chemistry with someone, I believe that real friendship requires time, effort, and mutual respect. Building meaningful relationships takes work, and it’s important to be patient and open-minded as we get to know new people.

Have you ever had a friend who made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe. In those situations, I tried to communicate my boundaries clearly while also being mindful of my own safety and well-being. If necessary, I might distance myself from the friendship or seek outside support.

What’s the most unique hobby or interest you’ve shared with a friend?

Answer: One of the most unique hobbies I’ve shared with a friend was learning how to play the ukulele. Neither of us had any prior musical experience, but we had a lot of fun practicing together and performing for our friends.

Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar communication styles (i.e. texting vs. phone calls vs. in-person conversations)?

Answer: While it can certainly help with staying connected and keeping in touch, I don’t necessarily think it’s important for friends to have identical communication styles. In fact, having friends with different communication preferences can be a great way to learn and adapt to different modes of interaction.

How do you feel about maintaining friendships with people from different age groups?

Answer: I think maintaining friendships with people from different age groups can be incredibly valuable and rewarding. It provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives and can lead to new insights and growth.

What’s the most interesting cultural experience you’ve shared with a friend?

Answer: One of the most interesting cultural experiences I’ve shared with a friend was attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It was such a beautiful and intricate practice, and we both learned so much about Japanese culture and history.

Have you ever had a friend who was going through a tough time and needed practical help (i.e. moving, cooking meals, etc.)? How did you handle it?

Answer: Yes, I’ve had experiences with friends who were going through a tough time and needed practical help. In those situations, I tried to provide whatever support and assistance they needed while also being mindful of my own limitations and boundaries.

How do you feel about maintaining friendships with people who have vastly different lifestyles or values?

Answer: While it can certainly present some challenges, I think maintaining friendships with people who have vastly different lifestyles or values can be a great way to expand our understanding and empathy for others. It’s important to approach these relationships with an open mind and heart and be willing to learn and grow from each other.

What’s the most adventurous food you’ve ever tried with a friend?

Answer: One of the most adventurous foods I’ve ever tried with a friend was durian fruit — it has a pretty unique and strong flavor! We both ended up liking it, though.

Do you believe in having a «friend group» or keeping your friendships separate from each other?

Answer: I think it depends on the individual and their preferences. Some people might enjoy having a tight-knit friend group that does everything together, while others might prefer to keep their friendships more separate and compartmentalized. Ultimately, it’s important to prioritize what feels authentic and fulfilling for us as individuals.