Speaking Part 1 Question Bank

I’m actually a bit of both. I am currently a research fellow pursuing my MPhil, but I also have a professional background, having worked in human resources and administration for a considerable time.

My MBA gave me a strong foundation in business, but I became deeply interested in HR management strategies and employee well-being. My current research actually focuses on how low-wage employment impacts mental health.

Lately, it has been quite intense. I spend most of my mornings drafting the initial chapters of my thesis. In the afternoons, I usually switch gears and work on a SaaS dashboard I’m developing for researchers.

It depends on the task. For deep academic writing, I need absolute isolation. However, for business or tech projects, I thrive on collaboration—for instance, I work closely with my co-founder on our software startup.

I rely heavily on web development tools. I use a lot of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build out user interfaces, and of course, standard word processors for my academic writing.

Not entirely, but I am certainly diversifying my skill set. While I love academic research, I’m pivoting slightly toward tech entrepreneurship by building digital tools for the academic community.

It can be quite demanding, especially when deadlines loom for my thesis chapters. However, my previous experience in fast-paced HR roles taught me how to manage stress effectively.

During my Bachelor’s in Business Studies, I was surprisingly drawn to quantitative subjects. I enjoyed working with mathematics, particularly concepts like number systems and logical problem-solving.

I am definitely a morning person. I find that my mind is sharpest right after breakfast, making it the ideal time to tackle complex research literature.

Ultimately, I want to bridge the gap between academia and technology. I hope to successfully launch my Research OS platform while continuing to contribute to academic literature.

I live in Chattogram, which is a major coastal city. It’s renowned for being the primary port and a massive commercial hub for the country.

I appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of the city. There’s a thriving business environment here—in fact, my own company, A & R Enterprise, operates in the local outdoor advertising sector.

Absolutely. Because it’s a rapidly developing economic zone, there are abundant opportunities in commerce, tech, and trade for young graduates to kickstart their careers.

It has undergone massive urbanization. We’ve seen a surge in high-rise buildings, modern infrastructure, and unfortunately, a significant increase in traffic congestion.

I currently reside in a modern apartment. It’s quite practical for city living and relatively close to the commercial districts where I conduct my business.

We usually gather in the living room in the evenings. It’s the central hub of the apartment where we catch up on the day’s events and unwind.

My favorite space is definitely my home office setup. I’ve optimized it for productivity, so it’s the perfect environment for coding WordPress sites or writing my MPhil thesis.

If I could, I would add a larger balcony. Having a bit more outdoor space to get some fresh air would be a great way to take a break from staring at computer screens.

Yes, the connectivity is fairly decent. We have access to major roads, which is crucial for me when I need to travel across Chattogram to check on my billboard advertising sites.

For the foreseeable future, I plan to stay put. The location is currently very convenient for my lifestyle, balancing my academic commitments and local business operations.

I like to keep a balance. I’m quite a sports person, so I enjoy staying physically active. When I’m relaxing at home, I treat app development as a fun, creative hobby.

It is absolutely vital for mental resilience. Engaging in activities outside of academic research helps me decompress and return to my work with a fresh perspective.

I actually enjoy a mix of both. I love the adrenaline rush of playing sports outdoors, but I also find immense satisfaction in sitting indoors and writing clean code for a new app idea.

Significantly. As a child, my activities were mostly just unstructured play. Now, my hobbies are much more constructive and skill-based, like managing an educational blog.

Yes, but my reading is mostly non-fiction or technical. I frequently read articles on HR management, new JavaScript frameworks, or strategies for IELTS preparation to help build content for my website.

Usually alone. Because my days are often filled with meetings or collaborative projects, I use my free time as a way to recharge in solitude.

I’d love to delve deeper into UI/UX design. Since I already know the coding aspect of web development, learning the aesthetic and psychological side of design would perfectly complement my current skill set.

To be honest, free time is quite scarce for me right now. Between running an enterprise, coding a SaaS platform, and writing an MPhil thesis, I have to schedule my downtime very strictly.

Generally, no. The modern work culture is incredibly fast-paced and demanding. Many people are constantly connected to their jobs via smartphones, which blurs the line between work and leisure.

Yes, immensely. Being a sports person helps me maintain my physical fitness and serves as an excellent stress-reliever after long hours of intense academic concentration.

I mostly rely on productivity and development tools. Aside from standard communication apps, I frequently use code editors and specialized dashboards to manage both my MPhil research and my web development projects.

It has completely revolutionized it. Back when I worked purely in HR and admin, we relied heavily on manual filing. Now, everything is streamlined. I can literally build a SaaS platform from my living room using cloud-based tools.

For serious work, I definitely prefer a computer. You simply cannot write complex HTML, CSS, or JavaScript on a tiny screen. However, for quick emails or staying in touch with my co-founder, a smartphone is indispensable.

It was a very basic feature phone with a tiny monochrome screen. It’s actually quite amusing to look back on it now, considering the powerful smartphones we carry in our pockets today.

Absolutely. I am currently in the process of designing a Research OS dashboard. It’s meant to be a comprehensive SaaS tool specifically tailored to help academic researchers organize their workflows.

Yes, there has been a rapid rate of adoption recently. Even the older generation is now quite comfortable using mobile banking apps and video calling software to keep in touch with relatives.

I think it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, there are fantastic educational resources available, like language-learning blogs. On the other hand, excessive screen time can definitely hinder their social development.

I use it daily, but primarily for professional networking and marketing. For instance, it’s a vital tool for driving traffic to educational websites like learndaily.xyz or promoting local business ventures.

I’ve got my eye on a high-resolution secondary monitor. Having a dual-screen setup drastically improves efficiency when you need to have academic literature open on one side and a word processor on the other.

I believe it will shift the job market rather than entirely replace it. While AI can automate administrative tasks, fields requiring human empathy—like advanced HR management—will always need a human touch.

I generally drive or take a ride-sharing service. Since I need to move around Chattogram frequently to inspect outdoor advertising and billboard sites for my enterprise, having flexible personal transport is crucial.

Because it’s a major port city, the traffic can be notoriously heavy. There are specific commercial bottlenecks that get incredibly congested during peak rush hours.

It’s not my preferred method if I’m rushing to a meeting, as it can be quite crowded. However, I acknowledge that it is a highly cost-effective and eco-friendly option for daily commuters.

I took a short domestic getaway to a quieter coastal area. It was a much-needed retreat to decompress from the rigorous demands of writing my thesis chapters.

I definitely prefer traveling with companions. Whether it’s friends or my co-founder Zar Chi Hlaing, having someone to bounce ideas off and share the experience makes the trip far more memorable.

I try to make the most of that idle time. I usually listen to educational podcasts or mentally map out the wireframes for the WordPress sites I’m currently designing.

Not particularly for commuting. The heavy presence of commercial trucks makes it a bit hazardous on the main roads, though people do cycle in the local parks for fitness.

Fortunately, no. My background in administration instilled a very strict sense of time management in me, so I always make sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

While international travel is fantastic for broadening one’s horizons, domestic travel is much more feasible at the moment, given the time constraints of managing a startup and academic studies.

I would love to visit major global tech hubs, like Silicon Valley. Seeing the epicenter of software innovation and entrepreneurship firsthand would be incredibly inspiring for my own projects.

I do, actually. I find the process of chopping ingredients and preparing a meal to be a surprisingly therapeutic break after spending hours analyzing academic literature.

It’s generally a shared responsibility, though when I am deep into a coding sprint or finalizing a thesis chapter, I tend to manage my own quick, high-protein meals.

Living in a coastal region, I have a deep appreciation for spicy seafood curries. The blend of local spices and fresh ingredients is absolutely mouth-watering.

I prefer home-cooked meals for everyday health, but dining out is sometimes unavoidable. I frequently have business lunches when negotiating with clients for A & R Enterprise.

Drastically. I am much more health-conscious now. Because I am a sports person, I actively monitor my intake to ensure I have enough energy for physical activities.

Like most kids, I couldn’t stand bitter leafy greens. However, as my palate has matured, I’ve come to realize how essential they are for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Absolutely. I view it as a fundamental life skill. Understanding basic nutrition and food preparation fosters independence and prevents an over-reliance on unhealthy fast food later in life.

Yes, I’m quite adventurous. Trying a completely foreign cuisine is almost like learning a new programming language—it’s a refreshing challenge that broadens your perspective.

I stick to a hearty, high-energy breakfast, like eggs and whole-grain toast. It’s crucial for maintaining my focus during my early morning writing sessions.

I try to steer clear of excessively heavy or greasy meals during the workday. They tend to cause an afternoon slump, which is disastrous when I need sharp mental clarity for app development.