Preparing for School Admissions/Interviews
Parents are discussing and actively preparing their child for school admissions processes, including application forms, standardized tests, and interview techniques for both parents and child.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
admissions packet
A set of documents or materials sent by a school about the process of applying and getting accepted; useful when talking about school enrollment.
comprehensive
Complete and including many details; use this word to describe something that covers all necessary information, like a guide or report.
emphasize
To give special importance or attention to something; in conversations, say 'they emphasize' to highlight what is most important in a process.
mock interviews
Practice interviews that simulate real ones; great for preparing for job or school interviews by practicing responses.
standardized test scores
Results from uniform exams taken by many students; commonly discussed in education to show academic performance.
application form
A document you fill out to apply for something like school; essential vocabulary for formal applications.
role-play
Acting out a situation to practice; useful for learning skills like interviews by pretending to be in the scenario.
genuine
Real and honest, not fake; use it to describe sincere answers or feelings in interviews or personal statements.
initiative
The ability to act independently and take the first step; positive trait to mention in resumes or interviews to show proactivity.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Have you had a chance to look at the interview tips they sent?
This is a polite way to ask if someone has reviewed something; useful for checking progress in group preparations. It uses present perfect 'have had a chance' to imply opportunity up to now.
We need to be prepared to talk about why we think it's a good fit for Emily.
Expresses the need for readiness in discussions; practical for planning talks like interviews. 'Good fit' idiom means suitable match; use in contexts like choosing schools or jobs.
Her standardized test scores are strong, but the interview is key.
Contrasts strengths with what's most important; helpful for emphasizing priorities. 'Is key' means crucial; simple present tense for general truths in advice.
Let's block out some time this weekend for that.
Suggests scheduling time; 'block out' means to reserve in a calendar. Useful for making plans; imperative 'let's' invites agreement in casual talks.
We should review that together tonight and make sure it really highlights her strengths and personality.
Proposes collaborative checking; 'make sure' followed by clause for ensuring something. Good for teamwork in writing or editing, like essays; modal 'should' for suggestions.
What do you think about bringing up her passion for robotics?
Asks for opinion on including a topic; 'bringing up' means mentioning. Useful in discussions about what to say in interviews; question form seeks input politely.
It needs to sound genuine and well-researched.
Describes required qualities for answers; 'well-researched' means thoroughly investigated. Practical for advice on presentations; passive-like structure with 'needs to' for necessities.
We just need to stay organized and keep her confidence up.
Advises maintaining order and morale; 'keep up' phrasal verb means to maintain. Useful for motivation in preparations; simple present for ongoing actions.