Names are a personal topic, so there is no need for a prepared answer: talk about what your name means, who chose it and what your family calls you. The model uses the name "Dilnoza"; replace it with your own.
What the examiner asks on this topic
Does your name have a special meaning?
Who chose your name?
Do you like your name?
Are there any popular names in your country?
Do people in your country have nicknames?
Would you ever change your name?
Model answers (aimed at band 7+)
Does your name have a special meaning?
It does. My name is Dilnoza, which roughly means "tender heart" in Uzbek. I'm not sure I always live up to it, but I like the idea behind it.
Who chose your name?
My grandmother, actually. In many Uzbek families, grandparents have a big say in naming a baby, and my parents were happy to let her choose, because she'd been hoping for a granddaughter for years.
Are there any popular names in your country?
Yes, names go in and out of fashion like anything else. A lot of boys my age are called Muhammad or Abdulla, and for girls, names like Mohinur and Sevinch were really popular when I was born. Now I hear more short, modern-sounding names.
Do people in your country have nicknames?
Very often, especially within families. Long names usually get shortened, so Abdulaziz becomes Aziz, and many people have a childhood nickname that only their family uses. Mine is Dilya, and only my grandmother still calls me that.
Useful words and phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| roughly means | roughly means |
| live up to | live up to |
| have a big say in | have a big say in |
| go in and out of fashion | go in and out of fashion |
| modern-sounding | modern-sounding |
| get shortened | get shortened |
| a nickname | a nickname |
| the idea behind it | the idea behind it |
How to answer
- Give the meaning with "roughly means...": an exact translation is not needed.
- Explain naming customs as a cultural detail: the role of grandparents.
- "Go in and out of fashion" is stronger than a plain "popular".
- Say who uses your nickname, and when.
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The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
Everything about Part 1: the Part 1 guide. More topics: all articles.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
