托福口语机经

托福口语机经 1 2009 年11 月07 日北美 Where do you want to go to the most and why? I really want to travel to New York for the following two reasons. First is because there are many famous historical sites and tourist attractions worth visiting, like the Statue of Liberty, thBroadway and the 5 Avenue, and places like that. Also, it can broaden my knowledge and horizon. You know, I’ve always been fascinated by American history, and have read lots of materials and documents about that since I was in primary school. I think it would be wonderful if I could visit New York and experience American culture in person. Do you prefer to have several short assignments for a class or one or two long assignments? Personally, I would like to take several short assignments for a class for the following two reasons. First, I think it is more secure to rely my final performance on different assignments, and only one long assignment seems to be too risky for me. Like I was supposed to submit 4 small essays during English literature course last semester, and I failed one, but for the rest I did a good job. So overall I still got 2 a B plus. Second, different small assignments help me to develop my academic ability better. Again, take the essays of English literature course as an example. I’ve refered to lots of conference books, joined different study groups, and also interviewed some experts and scholars. I did have learned a lot from the experience. 2010 年03 月12 日北美 How do you think the computers can benefit students? Personally, I think students will greatly benefit from the use of computers, and here are two reasons for that. First, computers can bring a lot of convenience into study. With access of internet, students can easily look for information for essays, and receive distance courses, take notes in class, and things like that. Second, computers also help students to relax mind and get refreshed from hard study at school. For example, I always go play computer games with my best friend lily on weekends. On week nights, every now and then, I would talk with my e-pal from England by MSN or facebook. It really spices up my life and I enjoy it very much. 3 你是否会一直表达你的真实意见，即便你知道这个意见可能 不被认同。 . Personally I would always be honest for the following two reasons. First, honesty, I believe, is one of the most precious qualities of a person, it helps to build up good reputations among friends, as everybody likes and respects an honest person. Like my parents are always sincere to each other. When they have disagreements, they still manage to speak out different opinions and try to solve or live with it. Second, being honest helps to relieve lots of unnecessary burdens, so people can lead a relaxing life. When there’s misunderstanding between me and my friends, I always try to talk to them frankly and never try to hide my feelings from them, so I maintain very good relationships with them. 2009 年09 月11 日北美 Describe one way of life in your country that has been changed and why it is beneficial? During the past few years, more and more Chinese people 4 have used mobile phones, and it’s a remarkable change in China for the following two reasons. First, it has brought a lot of convenience into people’s life. In China, people used to communicate face to face. Nowadays, all they have to do is to press numbers on the mobile phone, so they can talk to each other whenever or wherever they want. Second because it can entertain people and spice up their life. Now people can easily listen to music, watch movies, text messages or even transact emails with the help of mobile phone. I cannot imagine how awful people’s life would be if they had no mobile phones anymore. 你倾向于什么时候完成事情:是喜欢刚开始就准备还是到了 due day 才开始准备，原因 I prefer preparing in advance for the following two reasons. First, I am a well-organized person. If I have a plan, it takes time for me to think and organize all the details, especially when I’m busy with many assignments at the same time. Like when I make a big dinner for my family, I usually need many hours to buy materials, cut and cook them. If I didn’t have enough time, I would definitely mess it up. Second, if I prepare first, I can have time to cope with the 5 emergency. For example, I once storage my business paper in my hard drive, but the hard drive broke down later and couldn’t be fixed anymore. So I lost all my materials and had to start all over again. It was frustrating, and was also a big lesson for me. 2010 年02 月13 日北美 在学校里喜欢什么活动 Personally, I love to go to the tennis club for the following two reasons. First, it has enriched my life and helped me make a lot of friends. In the tennis group, I met Nancy, later she became my best partner and also best friend. We share some other common interests besides sports, such as rock music and horror films. Second, playing tennis helps me relax my mind and get distracted from hard study at school. I have been prepared for TOEFL test for over 6 months, and it’s a very challenging job. I have played tennis every the second day during the preparation. Thanks to that, I’ve always felt refreshed and can concentrate into English study again. 6 艺术家要天分吗, Personally, I think it doesn’t require any gifts to become an artist. First I believe hard work and practice can help those who are not very gifted to become more experienced, and they can still make very good artists. I didn’t like music at all when I was a little girl, but my mom insisted on me practicing piano. After years of practice, I become not only interested into classical music but also become a very good pianist. Second I think specialized education is the key point of a successful artist. The reason I’ve changed so much on playing piano is mainly because I entered one of the best piano training school in China. My teacher Miss Lee was very professional, and thanks to her, I’m very good at playing the piano now. 2010 年02 月27 描述一个你已经会的技能但还需要提高，用什么方法提高, Well basically, I can cook but my cooking skill is not at a high level. There are two ways that I can improve my cooking skill. First, I can register for some professional cooking courses, and I believe specialized education can help me to develop my cooking experience greatly. For example, I’ve already joined an 7 advanced western cuisine course for over two months, and now I think you can call me a cookie baking master. Second, I can search the step of cooking on the internet and do more practice in private. You know, I have downloaded lots of cooking videos from google and tried to learn Japanese cooking step by step. Now I’m able to make really delicious and nutritious Japanese sushi. 同意不同意广告对人们的有影响 I agree with the statement that advertisement has effects on people’s decision making for the following two reasons. First, people tend to believe whatever they are told even though some advertisements are obviously misleading. For example, thousands of women would spend a fortune on cosmetics (skin care products) every year, because they do believe those cosmetics can help them become younger and prettier, no matter they are actually effective or just a waste of money. What’s more, the ad provides information that people need. For example, a lot of automobile advertisements do tell people how to take care of engines and provide other automobile maintaining knowledge. For automobile lovers, these 8 advertisements are definitely attractive. 出国读大学的好处. I believe studying abroad is a very beneficial experience for people for the following two reasons. First, it can help people to broaden their knowledge and horizon remarkably. Studying abroad somehow is a very adventurous and exciting experience. People will see new environment, meet new people, try new food and talk in new language. Second, an experience of studying abroad, especially in English speaking countries, may bring more opportunities to students in a job market after graduation. Like my cousin has got a master degree in business management in America and can speak fluent English, and he has got 3 job offers from very famous international companies back in China. 是自己开车好还是坐公交好. I would like to take a bus for the following two reasons. First it is environmentally friendly and won’t cause lots of pollution. I think public transport should be recommended because if everyone drives his/ her own car, too much exhaust 9 would be released and that will only worsen our current not satisfying environment. I take school bus every day, and I find it totally fine with me. Second, it can save me a lot of time and brought me a lot of convenience. When I drive my private car, I always have to go to gas station, or change the tire. Sometimes it takes me hours to go to the public parking garage and find my own car. It’s just a waste of time and not worth it. 2009 年10 月17 日北美 Describe a piece of news or a story that you are interested in recently. And explain why you think it was interesting. Include reasons and details in your response. I am interested in the new series movies recently. I am a big fan of novel series of and I never missed any of the series. But I never watched the movie before. I heard that those fantastic films are produced based on the story written in the novel < Harry Porter>. Therefore, I really want to watch the movie and find the differences between the films and the novels. 10 Besides, I heard that some part of the story in the novel were cut in order to make the film, So I am interested in reading the book and figure out what they are. Recently, the tales of the aliens got me, ufos, the conspiracy, the freemasons 2012… the story of thes mysterious events are quite interesting for me, because they seems true, according to the legend, in 2012, there will be mass disasters and the aliens are coming to rescue the people on earth, I love these because I always believe that life should be full of changes, adventures, and discovers, and these stories is what I want. Besides, when I’m read these, and can learn lots of thing, astronomy, physics, history, art, even religion. Some students prefer to take an essay question. Other students prefer to take a test with objective questions. Which type of exam question do you prefer? Give reasons and examples in your explanation. 11 Personally, I’d pick an essay, I think the quality of an essay can represent the student’s level of knowledge rather than taking a test, here are my reasons. First, writing an essay requires a long-term work, the researching, thinking, analyzing takes time to finish, it is easy to find whether the student take their time on studying. Second, writing an essay can broaden students’ knowledge. Writing an essay needs a huge amount of material, when student find information, they will not only receive the information about their topic, but also find the information related to their topic, so they can require more knowledge. 2009 年10 月31 日 Describe a person who always makes you laugh. Explain why the person is funny. Include details and examples in your explanation. I think Jim Carry is a great comedy actor, and every time I see him, I cannot help bursting into laughter for the following two reasons. First is he has a very vivid facial expression and he’s very good at imitation. I still remember when I first watched his movie “Mask”, his acting was so funny that I couldn’t help laughing for 12 the whole night. Second, all his lines are well designed, humorous and meaningful at the same time. I think he is a master to put his deep thoughts into a humorous way of expression, so people can always find something new and refreshing through his magic smile and witty lines in the movie. Some people prefer to live in a place most of their life. Other people prefer to move to different places. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your response. Personally, I’d like to live from place to place for the following two reasons First, I believe that through living in different places, I can meet different people, learning different culture, experience different lifestyles, and that will help me to broaden my knowledge and horizon. Also, living in different places makes life a great adventurous. I was born and grew up in a very comfortable seaside resort, but I spent 3 years in a small town in Marlasya. There I always went diving or hiking in the rain forest. It was great fun. So that’s why I prefer to live from place to place. 13 2009 年04 月03 日北美 What did you learn in your childhood? There is an experience which helps me understand that you cannot take the stuff which does not belong to you and if you do something wrong you should apologize. I still remember when I was in kindergarten, I really loved the toy we played every afternoon. One day, I took one of the toys back home. When my parents found it, they told me seriously that this toy did not belong to me and I could not take it. The next day, I gave the toy back to kindergarten and sincerely apologized to my classmates and teacher. It was really frustrating and required lots of encouragements, considering I was just a little girl back then. From then on, I realize clearly that I cannot take anything which does not belong to me without promise and if I do the wrong thing, I should apologize. 有人喜欢把时间排得很满，有人喜欢留很多free time。你呢, Personally, I’d prefer not to have a tight schedule for the following two reasons. First because tight schedule offers me a great sense of 14 accomplishment and satisfaction. For example, I was just selected to be the president of the student union of the coming two years. I have lots of things to handle at school, but I always have a fruitful time. Second because I get to broaden my knowledge and horizon, and also make lots of friends through the tight schedule. Like the presidentship has greatly improved my leadership and I get along quite well with the others in the student union. Many students do volunteer work. What kind of volunteer do you want to be? If possible, I would like to volunteer to be an English instructor to the kids in the local community for the following two reasons. First I’m an English majored student in college, and I would like to pass on the knowledge I’ve learned at school to others. I think I would teach the kids English songs, read English stories to them and also watch Disney movies with them. Second I enjoy interactions with kids, and teaching them English would give me a great sense of accomplishments and satisfactions. I think I would be very happy to see them speak 15 very simple English and communicate with native speakers. Do you agree or disagree with the statement: artists and musicians are useful nowadays. Personally, I believe artists and musicians are playing a very important role in society for the following two reasons. First, they help people to improve aesthetic appreciations. Lots of people, especially urban people, are crazy about concerts and exhibitions, and stuff like that. They take them as a great enjoyment in life. Second, they can entertain people and help them to get relaxed and refreshed from stressful work and study. For example, I, myself, am a big fan of rock music, and my favorite singer is Lady Gaga. I think she has a beautiful voice, and I always listen to her CDs at night after a long boring school day. It ‘s one of the best ways to help me relax. 2009 年10 月10 日 描述一下你的MODEL人物 Personally, I take my father as a role model for the following two reasons. First because he has read lots of books, and is one of the most 16 knowledgeable persons in the world. My father spends most of his leisure time reading, and he has a wide range of books on the shelf, from romans to science fictions, from mistery books to biographies. And he always recommands good books to me, and I have benefited a lot from them. Second because he is very responsible and reliable to family and friends. My father owns two small trading companies, and they have suffered a lot during the ecnomic crisis in the past few years, but he still keeps all the promises to his business partners despite his own loss. He has gained great reputation among his business partners. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should learn to draw or paint. Personally, I believe it is beneficial for children to learn to draw or paint. Here are my two reasons. First because it helps children to develop their aesthetic appreciation and sense of arts. For example, my best friend Lily has learned painting since she was in primary school, and she’s crazy about all kinds of arts. She goes to almost every concert and art exhibition in town, and she has a distinctive yet elegant sense of fashion. 17 Second because painting and drawing helps children to express themselves and communicate with other children or even adults. You know, children sometimes have problems express how they feel or think with language when they are small. However, every child loves to draw, through which they convey their thoughts and feelings. It’s a good way for them to interact with each other. 2010 年01 月30 日北美 Mistery, science fiction，biography 三类书中你最不喜1. 描述 欢哪类,why, Biography First because I think those stories in biography are already out-of-date, and have very limited connections with reality. For me it would be a waste of time to read it. Like I spent two weeks to finish the biography of William Shakspear last semester, yet I still got a B in my English literature exam. Second because biography is always too long and too boring, compared with mystery and science fiction. There are over 500 pages with the Shakespear biography, and I got so bored not long after I started it, and turned to video games in no time. 18 Do you prefer to travel alone or travel with family, and why, Personally I prefer to go travelling with my family for the following two reasons. First because I enjoy hanging out with my family. I go travelling abroad with my parents twice a year, and we always talk and laugh during the trip. Communication and sharing, for me, is essential for the trip. I think it would be really boring even frustrating if I went on a trip all by myself. Second, I think it is more secure to go to a new environment with family and travel alone for a teenage girl is quite risky. I have to admit I’m not a very brave girl and have no interests into adventures and stuff like that. For me, more important is when I’m in a new environment, I have someone I know standing next to me, when I go to the bathroom, my parents can watch my purse and luggages, or even when I’m sick, I get good taken care of by my family. 2010 年03 月06 日北美 你的朋友想在课上提高成绩，你有何建议能够帮助她。 Personally I have the following two suggestions to my friends who would like to improve the grades at school. 19 The first and the most important, is to concentrate on class. I always try to focus as much as I can during lecture, and I don’t want to miss anything the teacher says. Try to maintain eye contacts is a very good way, and noting down the key points of the lecture is also recommendable. It is not a good idea to play with games, text friends, or even sleep. Second, I believe preview and review are significant for study, too. Preview gives students a brief idea of what will be taught in the class, and review and lots of exercise helps students to further understand and digest what have been taught. If the above mentioned method can be used into study, I’m sure my friends will get a satisfying grade at the end of the semester. 你是愿意买书，还是愿意去图书馆借书或去店里租书。 Personally, I prefer to buy books, and here are my two reasons. First, if I’ve bought the books, then I can read them repeatedly, or at least read it anytime and anywhere I want, and don’t have to get worried that the book will get expired, and stuff like that. You know, I never borrow any reference books, because I have to check them out every now and then, and library books will 20 bring lots of inconvenience to me. Second because I want the books to be at my disposal. For example, I’ve developed the habit since I was a little girl that I have to write down notes in the margin of the books. Once I did that on the book “Modern Art in Europe” from the library and paid high penalty in the end. That was so frustrating for me, and ever since then I never borrowed any books from the library anymore. 2010 年03 月20 日北美 描述一个参加过的活动，你是否认为每个人都have a good time, I remember I participated in a play when I was in junior high school, and that was very impressive for me for the following two reasons. First we have spent almost two months to rehearse it after school. The play was called “Robbin Hood”, and I was acting as Robbin Hood’s little sister. It was more like a gathering of friends for us, and we researched the script, rehearsed. Everybody was talking and laughing, and it was such a refreshment for us. Second, we charged a little money to the audience, because 21 we want to raise money for the local disabled children. Although none of us got paid, we still felt a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. We felt very proud that we could make some contributions to the society. 你是否认为sixteen-year-old people 还不够成熟，不能自己驾 车出去, Personally, I do believe sixteen-year-old people are not mature enough and should not be allowed to drive. My two reasons are as follows. First because people in puberty are very impulsive and reckless, and they tend to not to follow the regulations when they drive. Lots of my friends get addictted to alcohol when they are at the late teens. They always get very drunk in the party and then drive back home. I think it’s extremely dangerous, and should definitely be banned. Second because teenagers are not experienced enough to cope with emergencies. Most hit-and-run accidents have occurred among teenagers in China. I guess they just got too panic when accidents took place to stay calm and deal with the situation. Adults, on the other hand, would be more rational and responsible under similar circumstance. 22 2009 年08 月29 日北美 Describe your favorite subject when you were in primary school. Explain why you like it. Include reasons and examples to support your response. Well, I loved P.E. class when I was in primary school for the following two reasons. First because I couldn’t concentrate in the classroom for the whole day, and P.E. class was more like an entertainment for me. I was very happy to get a chance to stay out of the class and get refreshed. I usually went jogging on P.E. class, and sometimes I just simply hanged out with other girls to gossip. It was a great way for me to relax. Second because I can develop some physical skills. For example, Mr. Green, our P.E. teacher, taught us how to do high jump and long jump. I remember in the last year of primary school, he even taught us how to shoot the loop, although we were very short at that time. Later I found those skills were actually quite practical. Some students prefer to attend smaller classes with small group discussions. Others prefer to attend lager classes with 23 lectures. Which do you prefer and why? Include details and examples in your explanation. Personally, I prefer to attend smaller classes for the following two reasons. First, smaller classes help us to get teacher’s attention easily. For example, since we sit not very far from the teacher, we can actually catch his/her facial expressions, body movements and maintain eye contacts with him/ her. I believe that would help us to understand and digest what is taught on class easily. Second, it is easier to build up intimacy and discussion with classmates in small classes. For example, I attend seminars for history course but not big lecture, and there are only four students in the seminar. We know each other quite well, and always build up study groups to discuss or debate. I have a lot of fun with them and can gain knowledge better. 2009 年06 月05 日北美 Who is the person you admire the most? Personally, I really admire my boss Jack Yu for the following two reasons. Firstly, he is a very confident person, and he always believes in himself and his team. He has never lost hope during the 24 economic crisis last year even when we didn’t get any order for months. We all got very encouraged by his confidence. Besides, he has a great sense of humor. Unlike other bosses, Jack Yu is never pulling a long face, and always makes jokes. Our office is full of laughs and refreshments all the time. University 是应该用fund 来提供more entertainment 还是来 academic program Personally, I think the university should put more fund into entertainment for the following two reasons. First because, extracurricular activities can help students to get distracted from hard study at school, so they can concentrate better on study later. I really enjoy hanging out at school with my classmates, because there are lots of entertainments available. For example, we can go to gym and work out, or simply just watch an English movie in the multifunction room in the library. Second because, more fund in entertainment helps people relax and make more friends. For example, I get exhausted from TOEFL study, and then go to stadium to play basketball every night, and their I met my best friend Lily, and we always talk and laugh together. For me it is always the highlight of the 25 day. 2009 年08 月22 日北美 spending time in 外国的优势 I think it is beneficial to spend some time abroad for the following two reasons. First it can help people to broaden the knowledge and horizon. For example, I’ve been very interested into American culture and history since I was a little girl. I’ve read lots of books about them, but only until I visited America in person did I realized how brilliant and exciting American culture and history are. Second it is a great experience to stay abroad, because people can try new things and meet new people. When I was in America, I stayed with a local family, had traditional American food with them and watch local TV channels every day. They were brand-new experiences, and it was also a lot of fun to talk with them in English. 空闲时间的活动喜欢一个人看书,写作...还是喜欢share with other people Personally I prefer to hang out with friends for the following two reasons. 26 First I work for an IT company and spend most of the working hours at home alone, so I really hate to be left alone in my leisure time again. It’s boring and frustrating for me. I would like to meet my friends, catch up with them, and share my happiness and problems with them. Friends are very important for me. I always have a great time when I can hang out with them. Second I’m not just a good listener, but also always ready to help others. My friends always come to me when they have problems with work or marriage, stuff like that. I will listen to them patiently, show sympathy, and offer suggestions. It is a great sense of accomplishments and satisfactions when I see I can do something for people I love. 2009 年03 月27 日北美 你小时候变化最大的personality，以及way和detail I used to be very shy when I was a little girl, and now I become very outgoing and popular. First, I have participated in lots of speech contests since primary school. I carefully picked up the topics with the help of my parents, wrote the drafts by myself, and practice in front of the mirror on and on. Gradually I became more and more 27 confident when I talked in front of public. Second, I have joined the school drama club, and have made lots of friends there. After rehearsal, we always stayed in the stadium, doing homework and talking. Slowly, I realized there was nothing to be feared when talking with people, and it was a great feeling to open heart and share with friends. 孩子应不应该去上一些practical courses，比如什么烹饪阿， 理财阿等等 Personally, I believe it is beneficial for children to participate in some practical courses. Here are my two reasons. First children will get more independent with the help of practical courses. For example, my mom was very busy with work when I was a little girl, so she sent me to a cooking course in a local training school. I’ve learnt lots of practical cooking skills like how to bake cookies or make Indian curry rice and Japanese sushi. Ever since then I cooked for my family every day. Second, school assignments are not everything for children and practical courses offer them a chance to get distracted from the stressful school work and also make some new friends. I had a great time in the cooking course because I would stay 28 away from school for a while and clear up my mind. I’d like to try different things and meet different people. 10.03.06 1. Describe your favorite movie star or singer. I’ve been a big fan of American comedy actor Jim Carry since I was 12 years old, and here are my two reasons. First is he has a very vivid facial expression and he’s very good at imitation. I still remember when I first watched his movie “Mask”, his acting was so funny that I couldn’t help laughing for the whole night. Second, all his lines are well designed, humorous and meaningful as well. I think he is a master to put his deep thoughts into a humorous way of expression, so people can always find something new and refreshing through his magic smile and witty lines at the movie. 2. Do you prefer to plan every detail of the vacation or leave every detail flexible to change? Personally, I’d like to leave some details open for a change for the following two reasons. First, I believe vacation should be a pure enjoyment and relaxation, and too much plans would get me anxious. I’ve tried to plan everything on a trip before, but then I got stuck with the 29 long list of do’s and don’ts, That was no fun at all. Second, I believe people can never plan thoroughly for a trip because it’s not predictable, and there would always be changes and emergencies. I mean, I might miss the flight or lose my purse, and stuff like that. You never know. So I never bother to plan anything ahead of time. 10.03.13 1. How do you think the Internet has a significant impact on society? I do believe Internet has a magnificent impact on society, and here are two reasons for that. First, computers can bring a lot of convenience into people’s life and study. Thanks to the Internet techonology, we can easily look for information for essays, listen to music, watch movies, and do things like that online. Second, computers also help us to relax mind and get refreshed from hard work and study. For example, I always go play computer games with my best friend Jack on weekends. On week nights, every now and then, I would post photos on Facebook to share with my friends. It is one of my favorite entertainments and I enjoy it very much. 2. Many students enjoy attending university in a place away 30 from their hometown. Do you agree? Personally, I believe it would be a great experience to go to university in another city or even another country. Here are my two reasons. First, a brand new environment helps people to broad knowledge and horizon, because people will normally make new friends and gain new perspectives when they enter to an unfamiliar environment. When I studied in the U.S. as an exchange student last year, I visited lost of museums with the company of local friends, and got fascinated by American art and history. Second, studying and living far away from hometown helps build up people’s independency, which will absolutely benefit them in the future. Again, when I studied in the U.S., for the first time in my life I had to learn to cook and do the laundry, and it didn’t turn out to be that difficult and was actually a lot of fun. 10.02.27 1. Describe the benefit of spending time abroad. Personally, I believe working or studying abroad is definitely a beneficial experience for people, and I have the following two reasons. 31 First a brand new environment helps people to broad knowledge and horizon, because people would normally make new friends and gain new perspectives when they enter an unfamiliar environment. When I studied in the U.S. as an exchange student last year, I visited lost of museums with the company of local friends, and got fascinated by American art and history. Second, studying and living far away from hometown helps build up people’s independency, which will absolutely benefit them in the future. Again, when I studied in the U.S., for the first time in my life I had to learn to cook and do the laundry, and it didn’t turn out to be that difficult and was actually a lot of fun. 2. Do you prefer to take a bus or drive yourself? I would like to take a bus for the following two reasons. First it is environmentally friendly to use public transportation and won’t cause lots of pollution. If everyone drives his/ her own car, too much exhaust would be released and that would only deteriorate our current environment. I take school bus every day, and I find it totally fine with me. Second, it can save me a lot of time and brought me a lot of convenience to take a bus. When I drive my own car, I always 32 have to go to gas station, or change the tire. Sometimes it takes me ages to find a parking space downtown. It’s just a waste of time and not worth it. 10.02.27 1. Describe a gift that you gave to somebody. What was the gift? Whom was it to. Last year I gave a watch to my best friend Jack on his farewell party to America, and he seemed to like it a lot. Jack and I have known each other for more than 10 years, and I take him as one of my best friends. He’s very optimistic and never loses hope. Besides he has a great sense of humor and can always make people laugh. We share lots of interests, like pop music and horror films, and it is a lot of fun to hang out with him. But I have to say Jack is a little bit too relaxed, ‘coz he is always late for appointments, late for classes, and late for everything. Thus, I picked up the watch for him as a gift. I wished him all the best in the U.S., and he got really excited and touched. 2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is easier to be a teacher than to be a student. Well, I agree with the above-mentioned statement for the following two reasons. 33 First I think students have to handle lots of different subjects, so they have more workload and have to take more pressure than teachers. As students, we have to take 8-hour class every day at least, plus tons of homework and exams, and sometimes we can be really exhausted and stressed out. Second, teaching is repetition while studying means always gaining something new, which requires more efforts and contribution. For example, we have at least 6 compulsory subjects and many other selective subjects, which means tons of homework and practice. As for teachers, their preparation can be used many times for different classes and students, and I believe it’s easier. 10.02.07 1. Describe a subject that you think is very important, but you are not interested in. Please provide details to why it is important and difficult. Well, I believe P.E. class is very important for students, but it’s just too difficult for me and I hate it. On one hand, I believe P.E. class can definitely help build up muscles and get rid of extra calories, especially when we have so much study at school every day. It can also entertain us and get us distracted from homework, 34 exams and stuff like that. On the other hand, it requires too many physical skills and they are very difficult for me. I guess I was just not born to be an athlete, no matter how hard I try to practice. Last semester we had swimming class, and whenever I entered the swimming pool, I felt like sinking. It was so frustrating for me. 2. Do you prefer to watch movies in the cinema or at home, why? I would definitely choose to watch movies in the cinema for the following two reasons. First I enjoy the excellent video and audio effect in the cinema. For lots of disaster movies or horror movies, I would really like to go to the cinema to feel the atmosphere in person. I watched 2012 for the first time in the local cinema, and it was a fantastic experience. However I watched the DVD version later, the screen was so small and music was dull, and I had a quite frustrating time. Second I can hang out with my friends in the cinema, and it is a lot of fun. I always go watch movies with my best friend Jack in the cinema, and after that we would go to the ice cream shop around the corner and talk about the movies. It’s always the highlight of my day. 35 10.02.21 1. Describe a person whom you would like to spend time with. Explain why you would like to spend time with this person. Personally, I would really like to hang out with my Uncle Peter in my leisure time for the following two reasons. Firstly, Uncle Peter is always confident, and he never loses hope when facing with difficulties and hardships. His trading company hasn’t got any order for months during the economic crisis last year, but he still remained positive and finally encouraged his family to get through it Besides, he has a great sense of humor and always makes me laugh. Unlike other middle-aged men, Uncle Peter is never pulling a long face, and always makes jokes. Wherever he is, the room is always full of laughs and refreshment 2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students should always study in quiet places. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. Well, I don’t think quiet atmosphere would always be beneficial to students, and here are my two reasons. First studying alone is too boring, while group study helps students to discuss and gain more efficiency. I rarely study alone, ‘coz it never lasts long, and after a while I would just fall 36 asleep. I would like to join group studies, ‘coz I can always share my opinions with other students, and that makes studying a lot more fun, plus I can also gain different perspectives on the topic. Second, with other students studying around me, I can always ask for help when I have difficulties. Like in the English reading class, when I have new words and expressions, I can always ask my neighbor Jack or Miss Lee to explain them for me. 10.02.21 1. Describe an activity that you enjoy doing together with your family. Personally, I really enjoy going on a trip with my family for the following two reasons. First, travelling with family helps me to broaden my knowledge and horizon. My parents are very knowledgeable, and whenever we are on a trip, they always take me to visit museums and exhibitions. They would explain every painting or handcraft work to me patiently and vividly. Thanks to them, now I’m also fascinated by history and culture. Second, it’s very relaxing to communicate with my family and that helps me get distracted from the hard study. My parents take me on a vacation every summer, we always joke around on 37 the way, and we also go shopping, do outdoor sports or try new restaurants. All of them help me to get rid of the pressure from school. 2. Do you prefer to shop at a large department store or a small specialty store? Why? Personally, I prefer to shop at a large department store, and here are my two reasons. First , there are more professional shopping assistants in a large department store and it’s more likely for me to get better services there. Like last time I wanted to buy a digital cinema, I tried many small stores, and none of the shopping assistants there could help answer my questions. Eventually, I ended up in a big shopping mall, and I was very satisfied with the service they offered. Second, big department stores tend to offer more assortments of goods, which can bring me a lot of convenience. I always make a long shopping list before I go to Walmat on Sunday, and then get all I need in an hour. It does save me lots of time and energy. 10.05.22 1. Describe a special friend in your childhood, why he or she is special to you. 38 I first met Jack in the kindergarten, and we then have become very close friends. First because he is very reliable. I can totally trust him and tell him all my secrets. Like when I failed the exam, or when I had arguments with my boyfriend/ girlfriend, I would always call him, and let the negative feelings out of my chest. He would always listen patiently, offered my comforts and suggestions. Second because he has a great sense of humor, and can always make me laugh. He’s very relaxed and always joke around. Sometimes he would just mimic some comedy stars on TV, and I would always laugh till I burst into tears. He has offered me so much help and happiness, and he’s truly special for me. 2. Some People prefer to be a leader in a group project, while others prefer to be a supporting member in a group project. Which do you prefer and why? Personally, I would prefer to be a leader in a group project, and here are my two reasons. First, leading a group project offers me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. You know, I’m the president of the student union at present, and last semester I took charge of the preparation of the graduation ceremony. I planned every 39 details, allocated the assignments, and supervised the process. It was a really successful event, and also a pleasant time for me. Second being a team leader helps me to improve my leadership and management skills. Again, for the organization of the graduation ceremony, I feel I’ve gained a lot that I cannot get from the textbook. I’m sure this experience will help me in the future. 10.04.24 1. Describe a teacher that you like, and why do you like the teacher. Personally, I will always remember my English teacher Miss Lee for the following two reasons. First because, she always has a vivid ways to pass on the knowledge, and her class is a lot of fun. Like last time when she tried to teach us countries’ names, she drew a global map on the blackboard, and let us to mark the countries’ names. It was a really funny game, and we all not just memorized everything on the spot, but also had a great time. Second because she’s very patient, and is always ready to help us when we have difficulties at study. Whenever I see new words and expressions in English literature class, she would always try to explain everything to me, and never get annoyed. 40 2. Do you prefer to respond to changes immediately or after careful planning and consideration. Personally, I’d like to respond to changes immediately. Here are my two reasons. First, swift response will help me to get adapted to the new environment as soon as possible, and careful planning might be too late. When seasons change, many people tend to add or decrease clothes after a while, and they always catch a cold. Second, I’m afraid I might lose precious opportunities with too much consideration. Last year, the school was selecting top students to go on a trip in the U.S. in summer, my friends all registered immediately, however I lost the chance only because I was hesitating if I should stay in my hometown to do some part-time job. That was a once-in-a-life-time chance, and it would never come back. I deeply regret it. 10.06.26 1. Describe a skill you are good at or you would like to learn. Personally, I am very good at cooking, and I believe it is a very beneficial skill for me. Here are two reasons. First I believe I get more independent since I knew how to cook. My mom used to be very busy with work when I was a little girl, so she sent me to a cooking course in a local training 41 school. I’ve learnt lots of practical cooking skills like how to bake cookies or make Indian curry rice and Japanese sushi. Ever since then I cooked for my family every day. Second, cooking helps me get distracted from the stressful school work and also make some new friends. I had a great time in the cooking course because I would stay away from school for a while and get cleared up. I’d like to try different things and meet different people. 2. Some people prefer to play team sports, other prefer to play individual sport, which do you prefer and why? I’d like to play team sports, compared with individual sport. And my reasons are as follows. First, I believe team sports help me develop communication skills, which will benefit me in the future. You know, I have joined the school tennis club for 2 years, and I practice tennis with the club members every weekend. In order perform better, I always need to communicate with my coach, partners or even my rivals. Thanks to it, I feel I’m now a lot more outgoing and confident than before. Second, team sports help me to relax my mind and get distracted from the hard study at work. Swimming or doing yoga alone would be too boring for me, and I’m sure I would 42 give them up in no time. I love playing tennis. I’ve made a lot of friends in the club and they’ve had really spiced up my life. 09.12.12 1. Describe a special job you had or would like to have. I’d really like to become an English teacher after graduation for the following two reasons. First because, I’m crazy about English and I think it’s a very beautiful language. So I’d really like to pass on the knowledge to the kids. I would take them to listen to English music, watch English movies, and read English literature. Second because, as a teacher, I have two long vacations in China, so I can deliberately plan them, to develop my interests and skills. I’m a big fan of travelling, so I think I could make used of the time to travel around, or just write a novel at home. 2. Some people believe that only students that do well can attend college, while others believe that every should have the opportunity to attend college. What do you think? I believe not everyone should attend college, and my reasons are as follows. First, generally speaking, colleges emphasize on advanced 43 academic study, and not everyone needs that. If you want to become a scientists, doctors or lawyers, higher education is with no doubts necessary. However, if you just want to be a driver or cook, it must be a waste of time. Second, social resources are limited, and it should be into better use. Apparently, universities cannot afford so many professors and libraries and lab equipments for everyone. It makes more sense to let only students with better academic ability to have access to them. For other, they can go to more practical training courses, or simply get a job. 10.07.10 1. Describe a time you are trying to do something that you have never done before. I’m planning a trip to Germany for the first time right now, and hopefully my dream will come true this winter. First, I’ve by now studied German in a local training school for five months. I’ve made lots of German friends on facebook and talk with them every now and then. Now I can in general express myself in German in daily life. Aside from that, I am arranging everything all by myself, like booking the return tickets, making hotel reservation, setting up city tour route and stuff like that. It’s been a great experience, 44 and I’m sure I will have a great time there. 2. Do you prefer to concentrate on one project at a time or to handle many works or projects at once? Personally, I’d prefer having different works or projects on at the same time for the following two reasons. First because tight schedule offers me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For example, now I’ve joined the school basketball team and also was just selected to be the president of the student union of the coming two years. I have lots of things to handle at school, but I always have a fruitful time. Second because tight schedule helps me to develop my time management skills, which will benefit me in the future. Thanks to the basketball team and student union presidentship, now I can always handle many different things well, so they won’t conflict with each other. Sometimes, I can even have some leisure time to hang out with my family and friends.