Made by soongdora & acquired from

TOEFL SPEAKING: SECTION 1

1. What was the biggest challenge in your life and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my life was when I took a GRE exam. It was tough for numerous
reasons.
The first challenge was learning the GRE vocabulary. When I first opened a GRE
vocabulary book, ninety percent of the words were not familiar. So, I had to study the
vocabulary for ten hours everyday in order to prepare for the test. It was not easy.
Second, GRE performance is related to getting a scholarship. A high score can guarantee
that you receive a scholarship. But, average or low scores would not help me get financial aid.
During my preparation for the GRE, I was always under pressure to earn a scholarship. It was
so stressful.
For these reasons, the GRE exam was the biggest challenge I had ever faced.

2. Which is the best public place in your country?

The best public place in Korea is Jeju Island.
Jeju is regarded as the Hawaii of Asia. With a name like that, it is apparent that there are
lots of interesting and famous places to see. Thats why so many tourists visit Jeju island
throughout the year.
Jeju is a place where Oriental and Western cultures mix together. So, it attracts visitors
who wish to experience something unique. According to the Korea Tourist Association, most
tourists are attracted to Jejus unique features, which show the harmony of Oriental and Western
cultures.
For these reasons, I consider Jeju the best public place in my country.

3. Which is the best city you have visited? Why?

The best city Ive ever visited is Vancouver.
Vancouver was extremely beautiful. Its surrounded by mountains on one side and the
ocean on the other. I really enjoyed viewing the mountains while I was walking down the beach.

Made by soongdora & acquired from

In addition, Vancouver citizens were very polite. For example, people held the door for
me when I was behind them. Also, no one bumped into me while I was walking down the street,
although the sidewalk was very crowded.

4. Describe the country you would most like to visit and explain why. Include
details and examples to support your explanation.
I think the country Id most like to visit is Switzerland.
First, the scenery in Switzerland is extremely beautiful. In particular, I want to hike up the
mountains and enjoy the view from the top. Its sure to be spectacular.
Second, Id like to try some of Switzerlands unique foods. Id love to taste their worldfamous cheeses. In addition, I want to sample their many kinds of chocolate, which is one of my
favorite foods.

5. Describe the most important social or political event in your country. Why is it
important?
The most memorable social event in my country occurred in 2002, when the Korean National
football team made it to semi-finals of the World Cup.
First, I am a huge fan of soccer and I really enjoy watching my national football team. It
made me feel proud, watching the team from my country make it all the way to the final four.
Second, people all over the country wore the same red T-shirts and got together to root for
the national team. It was an impressive, exciting, and memorable experience for the Korean
people, including me.
For these reasons, the 2002 World Cup was one of the most unforgettable events in
Korean history.

6. What do you consider when you choose a restaurant?

There are many factors that I consider when choosing a restaurant.
On top of that, I always make sure that kindness is a top priority of staff. When a
restaurant host or hostess welcomes me warmly, I am happy. Regardless of the quality of food, I
dont want to go there unless the staff is polite.

Made by soongdora & acquired from

Food quality is also an important factor. I dont mind paying more money for food that
has been prepared with precision and care. These are my primary considerations when I select a
restaurant.

7. Describe the situation you heard the good news.

The last time I heard good news was when I was informed that that I would have an opportunity
to give a presentation at Harvard University.
It had taken me a year to finalize my paper. It wasnt easy. Having an opportunity to give
a presentation at Harvard was a big success after such a long effort. Thats why I felt proud of
myself.
In addition, I performed a huge experiment for the study. I individually met with fifty
participants. I recorded their voices. Following the meetings, I segmented each participants
voices to gain the information for my paper.
I consider the presentation it as my happiest recent memory.

8. Which was the most important decision in your life?

The most crucial decision in my life was my entering graduate school.
When I made the decision, I passed up a chance to become a teacher. Actually, my family
wanted me to be a teacher. However, I had insisted on being a graduate student. It was my own
choice. Thats why I felt proud of myself.
Second, the decision led me to a bigger dream of becoming a college professor, and it
also gave me passion for my major. So, whenever I think about the time when I was at a loss as
to which way to go, I remind myself that my decision was wonderful, because I am now very
happy.
For these reasons, entering graduate school was my most significant decision.

9. What kind of job or career do you want to pursue?

Id like to be a professor for numerous reasons.
First, I like studying. When I study something about my major, I am very happy. Also,

Made by soongdora & acquired from

when I learn something that was unknown to me before, I feel exultant.

Second, I like teaching. I really like helping someone to find his dreams. Id like to be a
beacon for my students. Its going to be an honor to dedicate myself to helping my students
develop the best foundation for their future careers.

10. Describe the moment that you were disappointed the most.
My most disappointing moment was when I lost my dog, Mary.
First, she had always devoted herself to me. Even when I studied for my exams, she used
to try to be with me, even though I was not paying attention to her. She was a great pet.
Second, I cant put her out of my mind. Its terribly miserable not to see her. I dream that
we would meet each other again. But, this will never happen.
I always regret when I lost my dog.

11. Describe the most challenging moment in your life.

The biggest challenge in my life was when I took a GRE exam. It was tough for numerous
reasons.
The first challenge was learning the GRE vocabulary. When I first opened a GRE
vocabulary book, ninety percent of the words were not familiar. So, I had to study the
vocabulary for ten hours everyday in order to prepare for the test. It was not easy.
Second, GRE performance is related to getting a scholarship. A high score can guarantee
that you receive a scholarship. But, average or low scores would not help me get financial aid.
During my preparation for the GRE, I was always under pressure to earn a scholarship. It was
so stressful.
For these reasons, the GRE exam was the biggest challenge I had ever faced.

12. What was the most significant present in your life?

The most important present Ive ever received in my life was my puppy.
When I was at home, she always greeted me, wagging her tail. When I got tired, she made
me feel happy. She was my tonic.

Made by soongdora & acquired from

In addition, she was my best friend. She always tried to be only with me. Even when I
studied for my exams, she lied down beside me although I did nothing for her during the time I
was studying.
For these reasons, the best gift of my life was my puppy.

13. Describe the memorable person in your life.

The memorable person in my life is my homeroom teacher in high school.
First, he was always patient. I was a prankster at high school and gave him headaches
whenever I did bad things. However, he never abandoned me. He was a real teacher.
Second, he taught me how to study. Without him, I would have failed to get into a
university. However, with his continuous assistance, my grades were getting better and better. In
the end, I successfully passed the entrance exam for a university.
For these reasons, he became the most memorable person in my life.

14. Describe the person you admire most. Why?

The person I admire most is my professor.
First, hes a very good professor. He always gives his best effort. His principle is that
Many a genius is trained rather than born. So, he makes every effort to help us to find our
own dreams.
On top of that, hes a disabled man. However, he finished his Ph.D. despite his disability.
He struggled with prejudice because people still hold biased views against handicapped people.
But, he pushed on, undaunted by such difficulties.
For these reasons, I respect him very much.

15. Who was the most influencing person in your life? Why?
The person I admire most is my professor.
First, hes a very good professor. He always gives his best effort. His principle is that
Many a genius is trained rather than born. So, he makes every effort to help us to find our
own dreams.

Made by soongdora & acquired from

Second, hes a disabled man. However, he finished his Ph.D. despite his disability. He
struggled with prejudice because people still hold biased views against handicapped people. He
pushed on, undaunted by such difficulties.
For these reasons, I respect him very much.

16. Describe about the transportation in your country.

There are lots of forms of transportation in Korea. Of them, Id like to illustrate Seouls subway.
The subway is the most convenient form of transportation in Seoul. More than 3 million
people use subway every day. Strangers can easily find their destinations because the system is
well-developed and it goes most of the areas in Seoul.
More subway lines are now under construction to extend the lines to Seouls satellite
cities. So, we predict more commuters will be willing to use subway rather than other forms of
transportation.

17. Which is the most favored sport in your country?

The most popular sport in my country is soccer for numerous reasons.
First, the World Cup 2002 made Koreans be huge fans of soccer. Its because that Korean
national football team made it to final four. It made us feel proud, watching the team from our
country make it all the way to the final four.
Second, after the 2002 World Cup, most people all over the country wear same red Tshirts and piece together to root for the national team whenever it has a soccer game with other
teams.
For these reasons, soccer became the most popular sport in my country.

18. What is the most effective transportation in you country?

There are lots of forms of transportation in Korea. Of them, Subway is the most efficient
transportation.
The subway is the most convenient form of transportation in Seoul. More than 3 million
people use subway every day. Strangers can easily find their destinations because the system is

Made by soongdora & acquired from

well-developed and it goes most of the areas in Seoul.

More subway lines are now under construction to extend the lines to Seouls satellite
cities. So, we predict more commuters will be willing to use subway rather than other forms of
transportation.

19. Describe the memorable class in your life. Why is it memorable?

My memorable class was a phonology class at graduate school.
First, I was the only student in the class. Because Ive never been tutored in my life, the
class naturally became my first tutoring.
Second, I gave a presentation in every class. At first, it was really backbreaking to give a
presentation for 2 hours. But, over time, I got accustomed to giving presentations. I strongly
believe that the class served as a turning point to in my knowledge of how to conduct a long
presentation.

20. Describe the memorable event from the school you had attended. Why?
The most memorable event in which I took part was a singing contest at undergraduate school.
First, I acquired self-confidence by taking part in the contest. Before the event, I was such
a shy guy whod never made a public speech. However, the contest helped me overcome my
shyness.
Second, the event functioned as a turning point for me. Actually although I didnt win a
prize, I got my own reward, which was the feeling that nothing is impossible.
For these reasons, I can not forget the event in my life.

21. Describe the city attractions you live in. Explain with details and examples.
There are several attractions in the city where I live. Let me describe some of them.
First, prices are lower than other cities in Korea. When compared to those of Seoul, the
price of a meal in Seoul is usually 6 dollars, whereas we usually pay just 3 bucks for just a meal
in other areas. What a huge difference!
Second, most people are warm-hearted in my city. One can see this when they visit a

Made by soongdora & acquired from

restaurant. Most restaurants offer us extra food at no cost. They dont care that guests refill their
food twice, three times, on and on.

22. Describe the season you like the most.

Winter is my favorite season of the year.
What I like the most about winter is its holiday atmosphere. Some of the major holidays
are celebrated in winter, such as Christmas and New Years Day. I love how all of the stores,
houses, and streets are covered with bright and colorful decorations. They are so pleasant to
look at.
Second, I look forward to typical winter activities. Not only do I like to make snowmen
with my kids, but I also enjoy winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.

23. What is your favorite sport?/pastime?

My favorite sport is soccer for numerous reasons.
First, the World Cup 2002 made me be huge fans of soccer. Its because that Korean
national football team made it to final four. It made me feel proud, watching the team from my
country make it all the way to the final four.
Second, after the 2002 World Cup, most people all over the country wear same red Tshirts and piece together to root for the national team whenever it has a soccer game with other
teams.
For these reasons, soccer became my favorite sport.

24. What is favorite room in your house? / Choose the most important room in
your house and explain why its important to you. Include specific details and
examples in your explanation.
As far as Im concerned, the most important room in my house is the living room.
The rationale behind this is that its a place for my family to bond. At night, after every
member gets back from either work or school, we talk about our day and watch television
together.

Made by soongdora & acquired from

Furthermore, its the most comfortable area in my house. Not only does it provide a place
for me to relax and rest, but others also use it to take breaks from their hectic day-to-day lives.

25. Describe a famous person that you admire and explain why.
The famous person I admire most is Lance Armstrong for numerous reasons.
First of all, Lance Armstrong showed us an indomitable spirit. Its a well-known fact he
won the Tour de France seven consecutive times, from 1999 to 2005.
On top of that, he accomplished this after undergoing brain and testicular surgery and
extensive chemotherapy, in order to treat testicular cancer that metastasized to his brain and
lungs in 1996.
Thats why I admire him most.

25. Choose one natural environment such as mountain or river that you want to
live.
The environment Id most like to live in is the mountains, for numerous reasons.
First is the fresh air. Because there are many trees in the mountains, fresh oxygen is
abundant. So, its possible that the environment make us healthier than before.
Second, we can become more physically fit, because that slopes in the mountains are
steep. Thats why mountains function as a natural health club.
For these reasons, Id like to live in the mountains.

26. Which form of transportation such as bicycle, train, or car is the most
enjoyable?
In my opinion, the train is the most enjoyable form of transportation.
Most Koreans have happy memories of the train. Almost all Koreans remember a time
when they ate eggs and drank Coke on the train. This may be one of the most enjoyable
memories shared by Koreans.
Second, the train brought us to our hometown. When transportation had not been
developed like it has been today, most people still used train in order to visit their hometown.
So, its the vehicle that allowed families to bond.

Made by soongdora & acquired from

27. Among computer, TV, telephone, choose the best invention.

In my opinion, the computer is the best invention.
First, computer is the device through which one can make a phone call or watch TV.
However, TV, and telephone just offer us a unilateral function.
Second, computers offer us a virtual society in for learning and practicing English.
Because Internet users nowadays meet and talk freely in English, it also functions as a substitute
for interaction with native English speakers.

28. What is the most popular sport and game in your country?
The most popular sport in my country is soccer for numerous reasons.
First, the World Cup 2002 made Koreans be huge fans of soccer. Its because that Korean
national football team made it to final four. It made us feel proud, watching the team from our
country make it all the way to the final four.
Second, after the 2002 World Cup, most people all over the country wear same red Tshirts and piece together to root for the national team whenever it has a soccer game with other
teams.
For these reasons, soccer became the most popular sport in my country.

29. What do you consider your most important achievement? Explain why you are
proud of it. Use details and examples in your explanation.
I consider earning a scholarship at college to be my most important achievement.
First, it was a product of hard work. In order to meet the scholarship requirements, I spent
eight hours a day at the library, researching multiple projects and studying for exams.
Another reason for choosing this as my proudest accomplishment is that I was able to
help my parents financially for the first time. Tuition might have been a big burden for my
parents. Earning the scholarship has helped to ease my parents worries. Thats why I am very
proud of myself.

10

Made by soongdora & acquired from

30. Choose a place in your home country that you would recommend that a foreign
friend visit. Why is that place a must-see? Include details and examples to support
your explanation.
In my home country, South Korea, I recommend that my foreign friends visit Seoul.
First, Seoul is the capital, so it represents the entire country. This vibrant city is an ideal
place for foreigners to directly experience a variety of aspects of Korean culture.
Also, when it comes to entertainment, Seoul is the best place in Korea. It has many
activities to keep visitors busy and amused, like malls, theaters, and restaurants. Moreover, there
are national museums for those who want to learn about Korean traditions and history.

31. Describe your favorite food from your native country, and explain why its
favorite. Include details and examples to support your explanation.
My favorite Korean food is kim-chi fried rice.
As its name suggests, kim-chi fried rice is nothing more than fried rice with kim-chi.
However, its delicious. I like it so much because it uses traditional Korean spices.
Also, kim-chi fried rice is very easy to make. It doesnt require many ingredients. All you
need is kim-chi, rice, and some vegetables. In addition, if you wish to make it a little different,
just add whatever ingredients you like.
Thats why kim-chi fried rice is my all-time favorite dish.

32. Describe an important friend in your life. Why is this person significant to you?
Include details and examples to support your explanation.
Its difficult to choose just one friend, but there is someone that I can confidently say is a friend
for a lifetime. His name is Andrew.
The duration of our relationship shows how important this person is to me. He has been
my friend since I was young. So, we attended the same schools and did many activities together.
Another reason hes important to me is that, although we are the same age, I respect him
as a mentor. Whenever I have a problem, I can ask him for help. He is always there for me, both
to offer help and give advice.

11

Made by soongdora & acquired from

33. What is the most meaningful gift you have ever received? Why is that gift
special to you? Please include specific details and examples in your explanation.
One of the most meaningful gifts Ive ever received is a watch from my grandfather.
The first reason is that it has a lot of practical uses. Not only can I wear it anytime and
anywhere, but it also has many special features such as an alarm and stop-watch function.
Another reason I like this gift so much is because of its sentimental value. It means a lot
to me because my grandfather gave it to me for my graduation gift. Whenever I look at it, I
think of my grandfathers love towards me.

34. Describe one historical figure you would like to meet and explain why. Include
specific details and examples in your explanation.
If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Gwan-soon Yu.
She gave up everything she had in order to fight for Korean independence from the
Japanese. She died for her cause at the young age of seventeen.
The major reason why Id like to meet Gwan-soon is to show my appreciation and
respect. Her love and sacrifice for Korea taught me the true meaning of patriotism. So, Id like
to tell her that our country wouldnt exist if it hadnt been her sacrifice.

35. Describe a social or political event that your country commemorates

The social event Koreans should commemorate, for numerous reasons, is Korean Language
Day.
First of all, according to numerous linguists, Korean is considered as the easiest and most
convenient language to learn. It takes just one day to learn the sound system of Korean.
Second, it is the first language that the king invented for his people. In the past, our
ancestor had used Chinese characters in order to communicate one another. However, Chinese
was notoriously complex and most people were illiterate. King Sejong created the language for
his people for this reason.

12

Made by soongdora & acquired from

36. Describe a park you often go to.

At this time, let me describe my favorite park.
My favorite park is very close to my house. It takes just one minute to go there. So, when
I want to take a rest, I usually go there and have some breaks sitting down on a bench.
Second, the park is the place where my friends play basketball. My friends and I are huge
fans of basketball. We go there at least once a week to play basketball. Its so exciting.

37. What genre of movies do your prefer? Comedy or action?

My favorite movie genre is comedy.
First of all, my favorite movie star, Jim Carey is famous in the comedy industry. I really
enjoy watching his movies. They are so exciting.
My major reason is that comedy movies gave me my life-long dream to be a comedian. I
usually watch comedy movies in order to get an idea for pursuing my dream and push myself to
achieve my dream.

38. How do you relax yourself?

At this time, let me illustrate how I like to relax.
First of all, when I am tired or weary from my hectic life, I take a shower. While I am
taking a shower or bath, I feel exultant.
After taking a shower, I eat one of my favorite foods, such as steak, pizza, chocolate,
cheese, or a hamburger. Finally, I try to sleep well in order to alleviate my fatigue.
These are my ways to catch up on rest.

39. What do you try to learn these days?

At this time, let me tell you about what I try to learn.
First of all, I want to be an expert in speaking French. Because my undergraduate major
was French, I have always had the desire to speak French very well.

13

Made by soongdora & acquired from

Second, Id like to be proficient in Computer skills. I know how important computers are
these days.
So, if more time is given to me, Ill definitely use it to practice my French and to be adept
at using the computer.

40. When did you miss your parents or your country the most?
The time I missed my parents most was when I was in the army.
First of all, when I was in the army, for the first month, I couldnt keep in touch with my
parents because it wasnt allowed for a rookie to use a phone. So, I really missed my parents.
Second, my sentry duty in sub-zero temperatures automatically made me think about my
family. At that time, I really missed my family. I especially missed my mothers special food,
hamburger steak.

41. What was you special opportunity?

I think my special opportunity was that I was informed to give a presentation at Harvard
University.
First, it had taken me a year to finalize my paper. It wasnt easy. Having an opportunity to
give a presentation at Harvard was a big success after such a long effort. Thats why I felt proud
of myself.
In addition, I performed a huge experiment for the study. I individually met with fifty
participants. I recorded their voices. After the meetings, I segmented each participants voices to
gain the information for my paper.
I consider the presentation it as my happiest recent memory.

42. What are you good at? And why is it important?

I think my most special talent is playing the piano.
When I was in elementary school, people told me, You have an aptitude for playing the
piano. After that, I made up my mind to enter the music college.
Second, my ability to play the piano makes people very happy. When my mom is sad or

14

Made by soongdora & acquired from

gloomy, I host a mini concert for her. Shes always satisfied with my performance. I am grateful
for this talent, which I can use to give pleasure to others.

43. Describe the most important quality of a good teacher.

At this time, let me illustrate the qualities that a good teacher should have.
First of all, they should like students. If they enjoy their work, they can put their
continuous effort and love toward educating students. The relationship between a teacher and
his or her students is one of the most important factors in the field of education.
Second, they should have a passion for teaching. They should always try their best to
teach valuable lessons. In my opinion, their role is to function as a platform by which students
can improve themselves.

44. Describe the most important characteristic of a good friend?

Let me illustrate what I feel are the most significant characteristics of a good friend.
They should have a personality that allows them to understand me well. When I have
problems or when I am at a loss as to which way to go, I hope they will give me adequate
suggestions.
Second, they have to be honest. As the popular saying, Honesty is the best policy, goes,
I think that they have to always treat me with sincerity.
I think these are the factors that a good friend should possess.

45. What is you favorite place to study? Why do you like that place?
My favorite place to study is library.
First, its very close to my house. It just takes 2 minutes to get there. Its location is very
convenient. So, I go there almost every day.
Second, it has a lot of books. When I have homework to do or when I research multiple
projects, I use the library to find a wide range of sources. Until now, it has provided me with all
the information I have needed.

15

Made by soongdora & acquired from

46. Describe the moment when you asked for help to someone. What happened?
What was the reaction you had?
I want to talk about a time when I was asked for help. Actually, I have had several experiences
with this.
First of all, I was very surprised because I hadnt met the person before. But, after a short
while, I relaxed and then I listened to what they were asking for.
If their request was unrealistic, or if it was a hectic time, I politely turned them down.
But, if it was not a big burden and I was available, I tried to give them a hand.

47. What is the best way to stay healthy?

Let me illustrate my best method for my healthy.
First of all, I on purpose, go to a mountain. Its because there are many trees in the
mountains, fresh oxygen is abundant. So, its possible that the environment make us healthier
than before.
Second, I can become more physically fit, because that slopes in the mountains are steep.
Thats why mountains function as a natural health club. For these reasons, mountains are my
favorite places to stay healthy.

48. Describe the type of food that you think is most representative of your country.
In my opinion, the most representative Korean food is kim-chi fried rice.
First of all, as its name suggests, kim-chi fried rice has two ingredients: kim-chi and rice.
These are the ones what Korean people like most.
Second, I heard that when numerous tourists visit Korea, most of them would like to eat
kimchi fried rice because its extremely delicious. For example, my Canadian friend, Tom, really
likes this food.

49. What is a good quality for school and why?

16

Made by soongdora & acquired from

Let me illustrate good qualities schools should possess.

First of all, schools should have a good library. As you know, the library is the place
where students study for their exams, research multiple projects, or find numerous sources for
their homework. So, if the library doesnt offer them a wide range of information, they will have
difficulty researching what they want.
Second, all the top-notch universities, such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, and others, have good
library systems. Above all, this is the top quality that the school must possess.

50. Among many skills or fields of studies that you havent learned, choose one that
you want to learn. Explain why?
If I have an opportunity to study other areas, I would study linguistics.
First of all, language functions as the core around which this world operates. Without an
understanding of languages, we will face major difficulties.
Second, I would like to examine how babies acquire language. Actually, my nephew is
now two years old. I am frequently surprised at his marvelous words. Its so amazing.
For these reasons, it is a great honor to be able to study language.

51. What is the most impressive book you have read?

The most impressive book I have read is The Old Man and the Sea
First of all, it means a lot to me because my grandfather gave it to me for my graduation.
Whenever I look at the book, I can feel my grandfathers love towards me.
Second, it gave me another dream, someday write a novel. After getting the book from
my grandfather, I used to read it almost every day.

52. Describe the most memorable song, poetry, or painting you have seen.
The most important song in my life is Without you by Mariah Carey, because of its
sentimental value.
First of all, my best friend gave a copy of the song to me for my graduation. Whenever I
look at it, I feel his love towards me.

17

Made by soongdora & acquired from

Second, it triggered in me a dream to be a singer and gave me an interest in pop music. I

used to listen to the song all the time. I was later able to enter the music college.

53. Describe the most memorable photograph, drawing, or painting.

My most valued possession is the photo album that includes photos of Michael Jordan.
First of all, it has sentimental value. It means a lot to me because my best friend gave it to
me for my birthday.
Second, it made me dream of becoming a basketball player and gave me an interest in the
NBA. I have always dreamed being such a good player like Michael Jordan.
For these reasons, the album is my most important possession.

54. Describe the most important quality a good leader must have?
Let me illustrate the crucial qualities a good leader should possess.
First of all, they should have skills for leadership. Lets suppose that a captain in a ship
doesnt have an ability to lead his crew. The boat will lose its way and will likely sink.
The second quality they have to possess is patience. It is evident that there might be some
disagreements in a group. At that time, leaders should be tolerant of others, and they should take
their time in order to resolve the problem properly.

55. Describe a famous person you admire the most.

This time, I am going to illustrate a famous person I respect.
His name is Lance Armstrong. As you may know, he won the Tour de France seven
consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. But, the long and short of it is that he accomplished this
after undergoing testicular surgery, if I'm not mistaken, in 1996.
In addition to this, he underwent extensive chemotherapy in order to treat his lungs and
brain, metastasized from his testicular cancer. Even though I have never seen him in person,
every time I think about him, I gain self-confidence. Then I believe that I can persevere through
most challenges although I might muddle through some bitter experiences.

18

Made by soongdora & acquired from

56. Describe a song you like

The song I like most is "Without You" by Mariah Carey. My best friend, whose name is Youngsoon, gave it to me as a birthday gift. When I received it, I felt joyful. I have two reasons why I
like it so much.
The first is that it was the first English song that I learned. It made me interested in
English. At first, it was not easy to listen to the song without lyrics. As time passed, I got
accustomed to it. The second reason is that whenever I listen to the song, it makes me think
about my friend, Yong-soon, who is now living in Vancouver, Canada.
The second reason is that whenever I listen to the song, it makes me automatically think
about my friend, Yong-soon who is now living in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, I can feel his
love toward me.

57. Describe your best friend

This time, I am going to illustrate my friend whose name is Andrew.
The first time I met him traced back to when I was six years old. We had lived in a same
apartment complex. For this reason, we did a lot of activities together and we attended same
schools until we graduated from middle school.
These days, unfortunately, I can't meet him in person. This is because he is living in Canada.
But, we frequently talk to each other over the Internet phone.
The reason why I like him is because I respect her as my mentor even though we have the same
age. Thus, every time I face problems, whether they are trivial or not, he's always there for me
in order to give me a hand. Although he's in Canada, he has helped me a lot to improve my
English abilities. For example, while I was preparing for this test, TOEFL, he has significantly
assisted in enhancing my speaking skills without any slight hesitation.
For this reason, I really like him from the bottom of my heart.

19

Made by soongdora & acquired from

58. Describe an important festival in your country.

Id like to talk about a festival that plays an important role in Korean society.
Its New Year's Day. But, it isn't celebrated on January 1st. This is because we follow a
lunar calendar system. Thus, the date we celebrate varies from year to year. On New Year's Day,
we usually visit our ancestors graves in order to express our deep gratitude.
Furthermore, we give a formal bow of respect to elderly people. Following this, we
receive money as a gift. The most enjoyable aspect of the holiday is that we can receive a lot of
money from adults.

The 2nd answer:

Id like to talk about a festival that plays an important role in Korean society.
The rationale for why New Year's Day is important to us is that it is conducive to family
unity. For example, in the case of my family, my eldest sister is now living in Pusan, my other
brother is now living in Seoul, and my parents and I are living in Daejeon. So, except for the big
holidays, such as New Year's Day, it's very difficult for us to see one another. So, New Year's
Day motivates us to solidify our family's harmony and unification.
New Year's Day is conducive to family unity. In the case of my family, my eldest sister is now
living in Pusan, my brother is now living in Seoul, and my parents and I are living in Daejeon.
So, except for the big holidays, such as New Year's Day, it's very difficult for us to see one
another. So, New Year's Day motivates us to solidify our family's harmony and unification.
Furthermore, we give a formal bow of respect to elderly people. Following this, we
receive money as a gift. The most enjoyable aspect of the holiday is that we can receive a lot of
money from adults.

20