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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 taking a GRE exam. It was really tough in my life for

numerous reasons.

First of all, it is attributed to GRE vocabulary. At first, when I opened a GRE vocabulary book,

ninety percent of the words were not familiar. In order to overcome it, I usually studied it for ten

hours everyday.

Second, GRE is strongly related to getting a scholarship. A high score can guarantee receiving

it, whereas average or low scores can not help me to get the financial aid. Thats why it was

backbreaking to overcome the pressure. However, I decided to enjoy it. That was my solution to

reducing the stress.

For these reasons, the GRE exam gave me a hard time in my life.

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

The best public place in Korea is Jeju Island. It is a really good place in Korea for numerous

reasons.

First of all, Jeju is regarded as Hawaii of Asia. As named like that, there are lots of interesting

and famous sightseeing places there. Thats why such things attract uncountable tourists to visit

Jeju island.

Second, Jeju is the place where oriental and western cultures are mixed together. So, it allows

many visitors to experience something unusual. It is said that almost all the people are satisfied

with its unique features.

For these reasons, I consider it as the best public place in my country.

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

The best city Ive ever visited was Vancouver.

First of all, the city was extremely beautiful. Vancouver is 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.

In addition, the people 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.

For these reasons, Vancouver was the best city I have ever been to.

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 of all, the scenery in Switzerland is extremely beautiful. In particular, I want to hike up the

mountains and enjoy the view from the top. It is sure to be spectacular.

Second, Id like to try some of Switzerlands unique foods. Id love to taste their world-famous

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 was when the Korean National football team

made it to semi-final during the World Cup 2002.

First of all, I am a huge fan of soccer and I really enjoy watching my national team. It made me

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feel proud of watching the team from my country make it all the way to the final 4.

Second, people all over the country wore same red T-shirts and got together to root for the

national team. It was sure to be very impressing, exciting, and memorable experience for

Korean people.

For these reasons, World Cup 2002 was one of the best unforgettable events in Korea.

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

There are many factors that I consider when going to a restaurant.

First of all, I make sure that kindness is the top quality. When a restaurant staff warm-welcomes

me with a smile, I will be happy. Even though a restaurant provides me top-notch foods, unless

the staff is polite, I dont want to go there.

Second, food quality is also an important factor. I dont mind paying much money for food that

has been prepared with precision and care.

These are the primary considerations when I select a restaurant.

7. Describe the situation you heard the good news.

The last time I heard the good news was that I got an opportunity to give a presentation at

Harvard University.

First of all, it took a year to finish my paper. Such an opportunity was the crop after I put

continuous effort for a year. Thats why I felt proud of myself.

In addition, I conducted a huge experiment for the study. I had to individually meet fifty

participants. I also had to record their voices. Then, I had to segment each participants voices to

get the answer for my paper. It was really backbreaking.

For these reasons, I consider it as my recent happy time.

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

The most crucial decision in my life was entering graduate school for several reasons.

First of all, I had to give up another choice to be a teacher. Actually, my family wanted me to be

a teacher. However, I had insisted on being a grad student. It was my first own choice not to rely

on others. Thats why I felt proud of myself.

For another reason, the decision gave me a big dream to be a professor. It also gave me passion.

I now really like my major. So, whenever I think about the time when I was at a loss which way

to go, I believe my decision was wonderful because I am now very happy.

For these reasons, being a grad school student was my significant judgment.

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

The dream I would like to pursue is to be a professor for numerous reasons.

First of all, I like studying. When I study something about my major, I am very happy. Also,

when I find something unknown before, I feel exultant about finding its secret.

For another reason, I like teaching. I really like helping someone to find his or her dreams. Also,

I would like to be a beacon for my students. I strongly believe this is the quality professors

should have.

For these reasons, I would like to be a professor.

10. Describe the moment that you were disappointed the most.

The moment I was disappointed the most was when I lost my dog named simi.

First of all, she always devoted herself to me. Even when I studied for my exams, she always

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tried to be with me although I did nothing for her. She was such a great dog.

For another reason, I cant put her out of my mind. It is backbreaking not to see her. I

sometimes dream that we would meet each other again. But, it will never happen.

For these reasons, I really regret the fact I lost my dog.

11. Describe the most challenging moment in your life.

The biggest challenge in my life was taking a GRE exam. It was really tough in my life for

numerous reasons.

First of all, it is attributed to GRE vocabulary. At first, when I opened a GRE vocabulary book,

ninety percent of the words were not familiar. In order to overcome it, I usually studied it for ten

hours everyday.

Second, GRE is strongly related to getting a scholarship. A high score can guarantee receiving

it, whereas average or low scores can not help me to get the financial aid. Thats why it was

backbreaking to overcome the pressure. However, I made up my mind to enjoy it. That was my

solution to reducing the stress.

For these reasons, the GRE exam gave me a hard time in my life.

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

The most important present in my life was my puppy for numerous reasons.

First of all, my puppy always gave me pleasure. When I was at home, she always greeted me

while waving her tail. When I sometimes got tired, she made me feel happy. She was my tonic.

Second, she was my best friend. When I was at home, she always tried to be only with me. Even

when I studied for my exams, she sat or lied down beside me although I did nothing for her

during the time I was studying.

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For these reasons, my best gift in 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 for numerous reasons.

First of all, he was always patient. I was such a prankster at high school. So, he had headache

whenever I committed bad things. However, he never abandoned me. He is a real teacher.

Second, he taught me how to study. Without him, I would have failed to enter the university.

However, with his continuous effort, my grades were getting better and better. In the end, I

successfully entered the university.

For these reasons, he became my memorable person in my life.

14. Describe the person you admire most. Why?

The person I admire most is my professor. He is a really good professor for numerous reasons.

First of all, he always put his continuous effort to us. His principle is that Many a genius is

trained rather than being born. So, he always tries to make us find our own dreams.

Not only but that, he is a disabled man. However, he finished his Ph.D. although his body is not

normal. Also, he struggled with prejudice even if people still hold a biased view against

handicapped people. He pushed on undaunted by such difficulties.

For these reasons I really respect him.

15. Who was the most influencing person in your life? Why?

The most influencing person in my life is my professor for numerous reasons.

First of all, he always put his continuous effort to me. His principle is that Many a genius is

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trained rather than being born. So, he always put the idea into my mind.

For another reason, he is a disabled man. However, he finished his Ph.D. even though his body

is not normal. Also, he struggled with prejudice although people still hold a biased view against

handicapped people. He pushed on undaunted by such difficulties. Thats why hes my role

model.

For these reasons, he is the most influencing person in my life.

16. Describe about the transportation in your country.

There are lots of transportations in Korea. At this time, I am going to illustrate subway.

First of all, it is the easiest and most convenient transportation in Seoul. More than 3 million

people use subway everyday. Because it goes most of the areas in Seoul, even strangers can

easily find their destinations.

Second, more subway lines in Seoul are now under construction to extend the lines to Seouls

satellite cities. Thus, it is predicted that more commuters will be willing to use subway rather

than other transportations because the fare is very reasonable.

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

The most popular sport in my country is soccer for numerous reasons.

First of all, World Cup 2002 made Korean people be huge fans of soccer. Its because that

Korean national football team made it to final 4. It made us be manias for soccer.

Whats more, people all over the country wear same red T-shirts and get 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.

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

The most effective transportation in my country is train for numerous reasons .

First of all, it is the easiest and most convenient transportation in Korea. More than 10 million

people use train everyday. Because it goes most of the areas in Korea, even strangers can easily

find their destinations.

Second, more train lines are now under construction to extend the lines to everywhere. Thus, it

is predicted that more commuters will be willing to use rather than other transportations because

the fare is very attractive.

For these reasons, I firmly believe that train is the most efficacious transportation in Korea.

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

The memorable class in my life is a phonology class for numerous reasons.

First of all, I was the only student in the class. So, the class became a man-to-man-based

approach. Because Ive never been tutored in my life, the class was 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, as time passed, I got accustomed to presentations. I strongly

believe that the class was my turning point to know how to conduct a long presentation.

For these reasons, it was my memorable class in my life.

20. Describe the memorable event from the school you had attended. Why?

The memorable event I attended at college was participating in a singing contest for numerous

reasons.

First of all, I acquired self-confidence by taking part in the contest. Before the event, I was such

a shy guy who had never made a public speech. However, it made me get out of such shyness.

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Second, the event functioned as my turning point. Actually although I couldnt get a prize in the

contest, I got a special prize which was that I felt 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 I live in. At this time, I am going to illustrate some of them.

First of all, 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 3 bucks for just a meal.

What a huge difference!

Second, most people are good-hearted in my city. One can see this fact in the restaurant. Most

restaurants offer us extra food without pay. 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.

On top of that, I look forward to typical winter activities. Not only do I like to make snowmen,

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.

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First of all, World Cup 2002 made me be a huge fan of soccer. Its because that Korean national

football team made it to final 4. It made me be a mania for soccer.

For another reason, people all over the country wore same red T-shirts and got together to root

for the national team. At that time I was extremely impressed. After that, I frequently visit a

football stadium in order to root for my team.

For these reasons, soccer is 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.

Furthermore, it is 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, he showed us an indomitable spirit. It is a well-known fact that 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.

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25. Choose one natural environment such as mountain or river that you want to live.

The natural environment I would like to live is mountain for numerous reasons.

First of all, it offers us fresh air. Because there are many trees in the mountain, they produce

fresh oxygen. So, it is certain that we can be healthier than before.

Second, one can automatically work out. Its because that slopes in the mountains are not flat

but steep. Thats why its predicted that mountain functions as a health club.

For these reasons, I would like to live in the mountain.

26. Which form of transportation such as bicycle, train, or car is the most

enjoyable?

In my opinion, train is the most enjoyable transportation for numerous reasons.

First of all, it is what Korean people, including me, remember as a happy memory. Almost all

Koreans would have such a memory when they ate eggs and drank coke in the train. This may

be one of the most enjoyable memories in Korea.

Second, train led us to our hometown. When transportations had not been developed like today,

most people had used and still use train in order to visit their hometown. So, it is the vehicle to

let family meet each other.

For these reasons, train is the most enjoyable vehicle.

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

In my opinion, computer is the best invention among them for numerous reasons.

First of all, it is the device where one can give a phone or one can watch TV. However, TV, and

telephone just offer us a unilateral function. So, they can not be likened with computer.

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Second, computer offers us a virtual society in the aspect of English education. Because the

Internet users nowadays meet and talk freely in English, it also functions as a substitute of

English native speakers.

For these reasons, I think computer is the best device among them.

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 of all, World Cup 2002 made Korean people be huge fans of soccer. Its because that

Korean national football team made it to final 4. It made us be manias for soccer.

For another reason, people all over the country wore same red T-shirts and got together to root

for the national team. This suggests that soccer is the most favored sport in Korea.

For these reasons, soccer is the most famous sport in Korea.

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 getting a scholarship for college to be my most important achievement.

First of all, 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, for the first time, I was

able to help my parents financially for the first time. I knew very well tuition would must a big

burden for my parents. Earning the scholarship has helped to ease my parents worries. Thats

why I am very proud of it.

30. Choose a place in your home country that you would recommend that a foreign

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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 Korean cultures.

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.

First, the duration of our relationship show 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

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mentor. Whenever I have a problem, I can ask him for help. He is always there for me, to help

and give advice.

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 was 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 big 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 against the Japanese.

And, she died for her cause at the young age of seventeen.

The major reason why I would 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, I would like to

tell her our country would not exist if it werent for her sacrifice.

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

The social event we Koreans commemorate is Korean language day for numerous reasons.

First of all, it is said that it is the easiest and most convenient language to learn. It takes a day to

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learn the sound system of Korean.

Second, it is the first language King invented for his people. In the past, our ancestor had used

Chinese characters in order to communicate one another. However, the Chinese was notoriously

complex, most people were illiterate. For this reason, King Sejong made it in order for his

people.

For this reason, it is one of the most important holidays to commemorate.

36. Describe a park you often go to.

At this time, I am going to illustrate my favorite park.

First, the park I frequently visit is very close to my house. It takes just one minute to go there.

So, in order to take a rest, I usually go there and have some breaks sitting down a beach.

Second, it is the place where my friends play basketball. My friends and I enjoy basketball. At

least we go there once a week in order to play basketball. It is so exciting.

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

My favorite movie genre is comedy for numerous reasons.

First of all, my favorite movie star named Jim Carey is so famous in the comedy industry. So, I

really enjoy watching his movies. Its so fantastic.

Not only that, comedy movie gave me my life-long dream to be a comedian. I usually watch

comedy movies in order to get an idea for realizing my dream as well as push myself not to be

indolent.

38. How do you relax yourself?

At this time, I am going to illustrate how I take a rest.

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First of all, when I am tired or weary from my hectic life, I firstly take a shower. When I take a

shower, I feel exultant

Second, after taking a shower, I eat my favorite foods, such as steak, pizza, chocolate, cheese,

hamburger, and so on. Finally, I try to sleep tight in order to alleviate my fatigue.

These are my ways to catch up my rest.

39. What do you try to learn these days?

At this time, I am going to tell you about what I try to learn.

First of all, I want to be an expert of speaking French. Because my undergraduate major was

French, I have always had desire for speaking French well.

Second, I would like to be proficient in Computer. I very much know how important computer

is these days. So, if more time is given to me, I will definitely spend my most time on studying

computer.

40. When did you miss your parents or your country the most?

The time I missed my parent 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 was not allowed for a rookie to give a phone. So, I really missed my parents.

Second, my sentry duty in sub-zero temperature automatically made me think about my family.

At that time, I really missed my family. Especially I would like to have my mothers special

food, hamburger steak.

41. What was you special opportunity?

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I think my special opportunity was that I got an opportunity to give a presentation at Harvard

University.

First of all, it took a year to finish my paper. Such an opportunity was the crop after I put

continuous effort for a year. Thats why I felt proud of myself.

In addition, I conducted a huge experiment for the study. I had to individually meet fifty

participants. I also had to record their voices. Then, I had to segment each participants voices to

get the answer for my paper. It was really backbreaking.

For these reasons, I consider it as my extraordinary opportunity in my life.

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

I think my special talent is playing the piano for numerous reasons.

I found myself when I was in elementary school because people told, 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

gloomy, I host a mini concert for her. At that time, shes always satisfied with my performance.

For these reasons, I think I am proficient in piano and its important because it give pleasure to

others.

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

At this time, I am going to illustrate the qualities that a good teacher should have.

First of all, they should like students. If they have such mind, they can put their continuous

effort and love towards students. The relationship between a teacher and students is one of the

most important factors.

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Second, they should have passion for their teaching. They always try their best in order to give

good lessons. In my opinion, their role is to function as a scaffolder where students can improve

themselves.

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

I am going to illustrate the most significant characteristic of a good friend.

First of all, they should have a personality to understand me well. So, when I have problems or

when I am a loss 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 sincere words.

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 for numerous reasons.

First of all, its very close to my house. It just takes 2 minutes to go there. Its very convenient.

So, I go there almost every day.

Second, it has a lot of books. So, when I have homework to do or when I research multiple

projects, I also use the library to find a wide range of sources. Until now, it has provided me

with all the information I wanted.

46. Describe the moment when you asked for help to someone. What happened?

What was the reaction you had?

At this time, I am going to illustrate the moment when I was asked for help. Actually, I had

some experiences about this.

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First of all, I was very surprised because I didnt meet them before. But, after a short while, I

tried to relax myself and then I listened to what they want.

If their asking was too pressed or I was hectic at that time, I politely turned down them. But, if

it was not a big burden or I was free, I tried to give them a hand.

47. What is the best way to stay healthy?

I am going to illustrate my best method to be healthy.

First of all, I on purpose go to a mountain. Its because that the slopes in the mountain are not

flat but steep. So, it naturally functions as a health club.

Second, mountain offers me fresh air. Since there are so many trees in the mountain, trees

release fresh oxygen. Therefore, it is certain that we can be much healthier than before if we go

to a mountain.

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?

At this time, I am going to illustrate good qualities school should possess.

First of all, school should have a good library. As you know, library is the place where students

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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 so on, have a good

library system. So, above all, this is the top priority that school has to pursue.

50. Among many skills or fields of studies that you havent learned, choose one

that you want to learn. Explain why?

If I could have an opportunity to study other areas, I would like to study linguistics.

First of all, language functions as the core where this world runs or works properly. Unless we

have languages, we must face major difficulties.

Second, I would like to examine how babies acquire language. Actually, my son named John is

now two years old. I am frequently surprised at his marvelous words. It is so amazing.

For this reason, it's my great honor to study language.

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

The most impressive book in my life is The Old Man and the Sea for numerous reasons.

First of all, its because of its sentimental value. It means a lot to me because my grandfather

gave it to me for my graduation. So, whenever I look at it, I can feel my grandfathers big love

towards me.

Second, it gave me my life-long dream to be a novelist and interest in American novels. After

getting the book from my grandfather, I used to read it almost everyday. In the end, I was able

to enter the literature department.

For these reasons, the book was the most impressive book in my life.

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52. Describe the most memorable song, poetry, or painting you have seen.

The most impressive song in my life is Without you sung by Mariah Carey for numerous

reasons.

First of all, its because of its sentimental value. It means a lot to me because my best friend

gave it to me for my graduation. So, whenever I look at it, I can feel my his big love towards

me.

Second, it gave me my life-long dream to be a singer and interest in pop music. After getting the

album, I used to listen to it every moment. In the end, I was able to enter the music college.

For these reasons, the book was the most impressive book in my life.

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

The most impressive thing in my life is the photo album including Michael Jordan for numerous

reasons.

First of all, its because of its sentimental value. It means a lot to me because my best friend

gave it to me for my birthday. So, whenever I look at it, I can feel my friends big love towards

me.

Second, it gave me my life-long dream to be a basketball player and interest in NBA. After

getting the album from him, I have always dreamed being such a good player like Michael

Jordan every moment.

For these reasons, the book was the most impressive stuff in my life.

54. Describe the most important quality a good leader must have?

I am going to illustrate the crucial qualities a good leader should possess.

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First of all, they should have skills for leadership. Lets suppose that a captain in a ship doesnt

have an ability to lead crews, the boat will lose its way and will be wrecked.

The second quality they have to pursue is patience. It is evident that there might be some

cacophonies in one 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.

56. Describe a song you like

This time I am going to illustrate a song that I like.

The song I like is "Without you" sung by Mariah Carey. If I'm not mistaken, it belongs to a

ballad. The first time I listened to the song traced back to middle school days. My best friend

whose name is Young-soon gave it to me as a birthday gift. When I received it, I felt exultant.

I have two reasons why I like it much. The first rationale is that it was the first English song that

I learned. It made me naturally interested in English. At first, it was not easy to listen to the

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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 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.

58. Describe an important festival in your country.

This time, I am going to illustrate a festival which plays an important role in Korean society.

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It is New Year's Day. But, it isn't celebrated on January 1st. This is because we follow the

calendar system based on a lunar calendar. Thus, the date we celebrate fully varies from year to

year.

On New Year's Day, we usually visit our ancestor's grave in order to express our deep gratitude.

Furthermore, we give a formal bow of respect to elderly people in the same period. Following

this, we receive money given as a gift. Hence, until now, I have commemorated New Year's

Day all the way I've explained so far.

To describe what I like and dislike about this festival, let me explain it further. The most

attractive thing is we can receive a lot of money from adults. But, in the case of the con, we

have to sometimes waste our time on the road because of traffic jams.

The rationale why New Year's Day is important to us is that it is conducive to family's union.

For example, in the case of my family, my eldest sister is now living in Pusan, my brother is

now living in Seoul, whereas my parents and I are living in Daejeon. So, except the big holiday,

such as New Year's Day, it's very difficult for us to meet one another. So, New Year's Day

motivates us to solidify our family's harmony and unification.

59. Describe the best person you have met until now.

This time, I am going to talk about my best person in my life.

Her name is Veronica. It has been approximately six months we have met. While we were

preparing for studying abroad and taking a GRE and TOEFL exam, we naturally became friends

first. But, as time passed, we fell in love with each other. I think meeting her is my best luck in

my life.

The reason why I like her is because she always cares about me. Every time I face a problem,

whether it is trivial or not, she becomes my mentor. Hence, her help always makes me cheerful.

For this reason, I consider her my best person in my life.