IELTS Speaking Part 1 (January - August 2022). Mirrors

Video

Vocabulary

mirror = looking glass

admire yourself in the mirror

examine yourself in the mirror

look at yourself /your face in the mirror

catch sight of sb/sth in the mirror

to do something first thing in the morning

your own reflection in the mirror

family heirloom

self-conscious vs arrogant (full of themselves)

egotistic(al)

there's a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence

Mirrors are used:

as décor

to create ambiance

a compact mirror

magnifying mirror

gilt-framed mirror

dressing table

Do you enjoy looking at yourself in the mirror?

I do, although I'm not one of those people who are always searching for a mirror. In fact, having been born a man, I sometimes forget to look at the mirror which is quite understandable, especially if I wake up at the crack of dawn feeling drowsy and discombobulated. Having said that, when I'm in a good mood, giving myself a little grin when looking into the mirror can be self-motivating to keep going throughout the day.

Did you look into the mirror a lot as a child?

To be brutally honest, I did. When I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my Mom would often make a nice hairdo for me and I used to spend a while enjoying the way it looked by staring at the mirror. On top of that, as a child, I was really fond of having new clothes bought for me and I could spend some time standing in front of the mirror looking at my new outfit. I know it might sound a bit egotistical but I'm utterly convinced that there is a fine line between being arrogant and self-confident.

Do mirrors make good decorations in restaurants?

That's quite a tricky question. Isn't it? I reckon, if it is an old-style fancy bistro somewhere in the heart of New York or Paris, decorated with mahogany furniture or wallpapers with the images of privet-bushes, then yeah, it might be a nice idea. Having said that, other than that I wouldn't say it's something reasonable. For instance, I don't wanna watch myself eat. Or when being with another person I would rather be fully engaged in the conversation.

Is there a mirror that is important to you?

Yes, there is an antique mirror glass which is a family heirloom if you wish. Although it has some manufacturing imperfections, it looks absolutely round with gorgeous stunning bevelled edges around its perimetre. It means something to me because it has been passed from generation to generation for over a century in my family. As a matter of fact, it takes pride of place in our lounge.