ALL STORIES➡

This one’s calm and cheerful!

Carlos rides through the park on his bike. He takes it slow and spots some kids playing around. He pulls over to drink some water and take a quick break. Then, he keeps going until he makes it home. He’s happy because he enjoys biking outside.

Carlos is back with those chill park vibes!

Carlos decides to head out for a bike ride in the park. He soaks up the fresh air while riding along the trails. He pulls over at a bench to take a break and have some water. Before heading home, he takes a moment to watch the lake and the ducks swimming around. He feels totally relaxed.

This one paints such a vivid picture. Carlos is living the dream!

Carlos makes the most of the sunny afternoon and heads out for a bike ride in the park. He follows a trail lined with trees and feels the breeze on his face. About halfway through, he pulls over to stretch out his legs and grab some water. Then, he keeps going until he gets to a viewpoint with an amazing view. Before heading back, he snaps a picture of the scenery.

Love this one. Carlos is getting a real workout!

Carlos gets in some cycling as part of his workout routine. He rides along trails that cut through wooded areas, taking in the peace and quiet. Along the way, he swerves around a few rocks and pushes himself to get up a steep hill. At the top, he soaks in the view and takes a deep breath. Before heading back, he checks over his bike and tightens up the brakes to make sure everything’s working just right.

Carlos is deep in his element now. This one’s reflective and intense!

Carlos sees cycling as a way to blow off steam and connect with the world around him. He heads down less-traveled paths, where his only company is birdsong. He takes on tough hills and gets a rush as he flies down the other side. During a break, he goes over his route and tweaks his plan to step up his performance. Before heading back, he takes a few quiet minutes to soak in the wide-open landscape.

This one is powerful. Carlos is not just cycling, he’s philosophizing on wheels!

Carlos takes on cycling as both a physical and mental challenge. He checks out tough routes with steep climbs, changing up his pace depending on the terrain. At the top of a hill, he thinks about how endurance and determination go hand in hand. He shifts his position to pick up speed on the way down. As he pedals back, he reflects on how the discipline of cycling carries over into other parts of life, from patience to resilience.

SPEAKING PRACTICE – PHOTO DESCRIPTION – Model answers (A1–C2)

🟢 A1
A boy is riding a bike.
There are trees and flowers.
The sky is blue.
I like it.
🟡 A2
The boy is on a bicycle.
He is riding on a path.
There are trees on both sides.
In the foreground, there are some flowers.
It looks sunny. I think he is happy.
🟠 B1
This picture shows a boy riding a bicycle along a forest path.
On the right, he is wearing a helmet and a backpack.
On the left, I can see many colorful flowers and trees.
In the background, there are more trees and a partly cloudy sky.
The weather looks warm and pleasant. I’d love to be there because it looks peaceful and healthy.
🔵 B2
The image captures a young boy cycling through a scenic natural trail.
He is on the right, riding uphill slightly, wearing a helmet and a backpack.
The left side of the image is full of wildflowers, plants, and trees.
In the foreground, there’s a curved dirt path surrounded by green bushes.
In the background, the forest becomes denser, and the sky is light blue with soft clouds.
It seems like a quiet and relaxing moment, ideal for enjoying nature.
🟣 C1
This picture shows a solitary cyclist riding along a winding path surrounded by lush vegetation.
The cyclist, positioned on the right, appears to be enjoying the ride, carrying a backpack and wearing a safety helmet.
The left side features a beautiful spread of wildflowers and forest plants.
In the background, the trail disappears into a dense woodland area beneath a gently clouded sky.
The atmosphere suggests freedom and tranquility, and I’d definitely enjoy spending time in a place like this to disconnect from daily stress.
🔴 C2
The scene offers a peaceful depiction of a solitary bike ride through nature.
The cyclist, shown on the right, glides along a winding trail, framed by a dense mix of wildflowers, trees, and undergrowth on the left.
In the foreground, the earthy path curves slightly, leading the eye toward the misty tree line in the background.
The light is soft, the sky partially veiled by clouds, and the overall mood evokes stillness, freedom, and introspection. This setting seems ideal for a meditative journey or a break from urban life.

SPEAKING PRACTICE – PHOTO COMPARISON – Model answers (A1–C2)

🟢 A1

Picture one: the boy is cycling in nature. Picture two: people are cycling in a city.
I like cycling in nature. It's nice.

🟡 A2

In the first picture, the boy rides on a path with trees. In the second picture, people ride in a city with many buildings.
I think the first picture is better because it’s quiet and beautiful.

🟠 B1

The main difference is the location. The first picture shows cycling in nature, on a path with trees and flowers. The second picture shows cycling in an urban setting with tall buildings and cars.
I think cycling in nature is more enjoyable because it's quieter. People might cycle in the city because it’s convenient or because they live there.

🔵 B2

The primary contrast between the images lies in the environment. In the first image, the cyclist is surrounded by natural beauty, trees, flowers, and a peaceful atmosphere. Conversely, the second image illustrates cycling in a busy urban environment, characterized by buildings, traffic, and crowds.
Personally, I find cycling in nature far more enjoyable, as it provides relaxation and fresh air. However, city cycling can be practical and efficient for everyday transport, despite being noisier and more stressful.

🟣 C1

These images depict two contrasting environments for cycling. The former image offers a serene, natural setting, featuring abundant greenery and tranquility, while the latter portrays an urban environment marked by bustling traffic, pedestrians, and high-rise buildings.
While the natural route likely provides greater pleasure and relaxation, city cycling appeals to those who prioritize practicality, speed, and accessibility. In terms of enjoyment, I'd choose the scenic route, given its inherent tranquility and potential health benefits.

🔴 C2

The juxtaposition of these two images clearly illustrates contrasting cycling experiences: one immersed in natural splendor and tranquility, the other situated within a bustling, urban context.
The rural path in the first picture is conducive to leisurely exploration, introspection, and relaxation. By contrast, the second picture highlights the pragmatic and dynamic nature of cycling in an urban landscape, with heavy traffic, structured routes, and the necessity of heightened alertness.
While personal preference may vary, the natural setting would likely offer a richer, more enjoyable cycling experience for those seeking escape from daily routines. Conversely, city cycling remains essential for commuting and everyday practicality, despite its more stressful nature.

A Bike Ride – Bilingual English Listening Practice (A1–C2)