iBT TOEFL 复习笔记：speaking 机经 & my practice

根据计划进行口语复习，每天4-6个口语练习

07.07.07口语机经

口语：
一 你最喜欢的学科？
二 在城市还是乡下度假？
三 一个写作兴趣小组项目要增加面试。第一个理由说要求沟通，第二个说要有团队写作能力。女生不以为然，说自己知道很多人会写东西但是不会说话，而且协作能力可以慢慢锻炼。
四 一种奖励的方式，给一个象征性的奖励，但是要针对每个人不同的要求，给他们不同的奖励。讲座中间，P说自己本来奖励阅读课上不说小话的学生到操场上玩15分钟，但是有些孩子甚至不愿意去。于是他换成给硬币，每到周五用硬币交换大家想要的东西。
五 MM在图书馆，有一个学生很吵闹，没办法安心准备历史的paper。男生建议说，要不然跟管理员说，MM说那个男生也许就会被惩罚，会生气；又建议换个地方，然而所有的历史参考书都在那一片，换了地方，就要来回走动拿书。
六 两种形式的戏剧 一种，不给观众这种这是戏剧的感觉，而要有现实感。比如吃晚饭，就是几个演员在那里吃。另一种，给观众一种这就是戏的感觉，会有互动，比如晚饭，会跟观众讲话，甚至邀请观众上去共进晚餐。

my favorate subject is biology.because i love animals and palnts very much. since i was a boy, i was interested in animals, insects, birds and fish.i could stare at a butterfly for over two hours to know how did it change. and i caught many insects to observe them. another reason  is biology is very useful. it explained many phenomenons around us . biology also provides new methods for producing food and others.

 

 

07.06.30

 

1  描述你最喜欢的一种运动
2  网上资料好还是纸制资料好
3  学校要建新athletic stadium,说两点好处：吸引好学生；与镇子结合更紧――大家来看比赛
   女生反对，说：好学生不会因为新馆而来，实验室太老，图书馆书太少；与镇子不会更紧密，因为他们镇子的队很烂，大家不看比赛；而且他们以前从不来看比赛，就算场子大了也不会来看比赛
4   记不清楚了……
     男生的问题，女生给俩建议……谁想起来帮忙补充下，谢拉~~

5   透视法
   教授举俩例子：1  一个盘子，举起来看是圆的，放下来是椭圆，但是是一个盘子
                        2  大教室，从第一排和最后一排看，教授大小不一样，但是是一个教授
6  海洋生物拟态  1  海马（leafy sea dragon） 绿色，象海藻
                        2  cuttlefish   不能变形，可变色，海藻中绿色，brown sea floor中棕色

my favourote sport is basketball.because it is a popular sport in our country. and i often saw the game of the famous NBA star michale jordan before. his technic of basketball make me fall in love with this game. another reason is that playing basketball is very good for my health. i will be full of energey after playing basketball one or two hours.

07.06.24

第一题：你喜欢跟谁聊天，聊什么？
第二题：在课堂中积极参与好不好？
第三题：有个家伙写了一封信说想让一年级新生在校园里能够有车……要去工作，或者回家……
女生表示了强烈的反对，声称说大一课程紧，没时间回家或者工作……而且那样的话，不容易融入大学的社会圈子……
第四题：关于一种感觉在刺激物不存在之后仍然可以存留一段时间的理论，教授给出的实验是关于字母的，受众可以记住一些字母，即使已经没有看见了……
第五题：
学校舞会，有一个很流行的band因为当晚有两场演出，要把约定取消了，订金也要退……两个解决方案，第一换乐队，但是其他的没有那么popular……第二改时间，但是延期一星期的话，就到了期末考试的前一周了……
第六题，商品的两种用途……
第一个是使用用途，就是那种特质，人们要的特质……比如冬天的衣服，要保暖……第二个是正确的地点，比如在阿拉斯加卖冬衣，就比在热带地区销量好的多

070616

口语

1.       Describe good news for you

2.       把大一的和高年级的混住
  支持or反对

3.       某人写信建议：1 把食堂改了
   2.把student center改造的好点适合学习

Woman的意见：不喜欢

Reasons 1.有其他的地方可以吃饭啊
  比如她自己如果天气好的话就在outdoors吃
   and other great and expensive restaurant out campus

2.没必要改student center 反而是图书馆（因为很安静适合学习）位置不够most of the seats have been taken.

4.       shaping of children: 就是说通过一步步的鼓励孩子
  来让他们学习某种skill 教授以教他女儿color picture 为例具体解释，
  题目就是根据教授的例子没，解释
   how does shaping work

points: 1.女儿刚开始不会拿marker涂色
  当她拿着笔涂的时候
  他就鼓励她
  "well done"尽管她可能是乱涂一气

2.然后进一步引导她给特定的部分涂色
   eg a tree 只要她在tree上涂了
  就鼓励
  否则不鼓励但也不批评

3.最后，教她按照形状和线条涂合适的颜色
   eg树的底部
  如果她涂的是咖啡色
  就鼓励
  否则不鼓励但也不批评

5.man's problem: job as an editor for newspaper and a important major course politics 冲突

Woman的意见：1. resign the job―man says "it needs a lot of adjustment for a new editor

               2.等夏天在修这门课-- man says夏天答应朋友要去旅游

6.教授讲的是植物利用昆虫传播花粉的两种方式：

1.通过颜色
  因为某些昆虫对颜色很敏感
   eg蝴蝶对红色和黄色很敏感
  某种雏菊就是亮黄和红色的花
  所以可以吸引蝴蝶

2.通过气味
  因为某些昆虫are not able to see eg 蛾子
  和茉莉花
  茉莉花
   send sweet smell specifically at night to attract moths

问题是用例子来解释这两种方法

 

070609

口语

1 what is the most important in your life: computer, TV, telephone

2 Do you agree or disagree: "The most important lesson can't be learned in class."

3 passage通知某大学的dormitory police 要改变，新生老生不再混寝，原因：１．新生有更多机会加强了解２．吸引更多学生。ｌｉｓｔｅｎｉｎｇ中ｗｏｍｅｎ觉得没必要改１．新生有很多机会了解：ｏｒｉｔｅｎｔｉｏｎ　ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ，　ａｔｔｅｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｓａｍｅ　ｌｅｃｔｕｒｅ．２．混合寝室吸引学生，他们可以从老生那里得到帮助。

４．关于ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔ　ｌｏｃａｔｉｏｎ，ｐａｓｓａｇｅ所了两个途径１．研究市场知道目标客户最需要的２让customer脑子里将图画与product的某个feature联系起来. lecture中举例说有个car的marketing是教授自己经历的,原来car 销售状况不好.car是为那些在郊区生活的人设计的,非常省油.所以广告公司就这样策划广告.让一个人开着这个牌子的车从suburban到city, 一路上从一个又一个gas station呼啸而过,之间station那里都是排队的等待加油的车. 这样,这种car成功地在2年里销量triple了
5、对话：一个学生办的即将到来的performance票已经卖光了，她是director,但是主唱的人临时不能唱了,喉咙不好甚至不能讲话。要next weekend才能好. 解决方案一：换人，但是那人虽然知道lines, 太nervous，且刚开始学, 尤其因为明晚是opening night, 她希望保证质量.方案二：退票，或是给买了票的人换一个演出时间的票, 她觉得这样会使有些人disappointed
6、讲座：用化石判断古代气候的题。举例说shellfish, ，某种物质是ｓｈｅｌｌ中都有的东西,然后它的level可以反映气温,如果level high说明气温高,反之气温低.于是科学家可以利用这点,比如想要研究10,000年前的海洋气候,就可以拿那个时候的化石,将其中物质的level和现在比较,看和现在那个气候带的level等同,就可以判断了

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宁波

2007-07-10

iBT TOEFL 复习笔记：writing practice：分类练习 Qualities

 

3. Personal Qualities (Parents, sons and daughters, neighbors, boss, colleagues, roommates etc.) (26-31) （个人品质类）

26) Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer. (Topic 15) 27) What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important. (Topic 18) 28) What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 46) 29) What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 179) 30) Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important. (Topic 93) 31) We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important. (Topic 22)

都是讲人品的qualities，characteristics

好的人品都有那些呢，诚实，善良，礼貌，勇敢，幽默，尊重

这些题里有的是选择几个，或者说最重要的几个，就从上面几个中选择三个可以通用的吧

选择诚实，礼貌，幽默

honesty, politeness and humor

 

  people often pay attention to others' qualities or characteristics for many reasons, such as living together, working together or  being a parent. neighbors are people who live near us. A neighbor(roommate, parent, son or daughter, leader,  supervisor,boss, ) with good qualities could take care of what you need and give support when you are in truble.

  one of the most important quality,i think, of a good neighbor is that he is honest. people could affect others around them by their behavior gradually. so a ... with lies will make your life awful. a good example is your children, they will copy your bad neighbor and tell lies.can you image a boy did not tell the truth when he broke the glasses?

  another important characteristic of a good neighbor is that he could talk to you politely. if someone speaks with a peace and soft tone, he is more acceptable by others who are listening to him. in this way, it is easier for us to communicate with the neighbor. for instance, when you invite your friends to your house and take a party, maybe there is too much noise made by you. the polite neighbor will knock the door and tell you about the noise instead of calling 911.

  the third important quality of a good neighbor is that he is humorous. humor is an expression of intelligence. humorous persons are so popular that people around his like to talk with him.when you come off work, you could talk with your humorous neighbor. a funny story that he told can make you happy and relax.

  in conclusion, when you choose a neighbor, he must be honest, polite and humorous. the one with these qualities will make your relationship better and help your life(work) easier to deal with. you will like to live there with your honest, polite and humorous neighbor.

 

 

中间的内容，涉及neighbor的都可以改成别的，比如leader, roomate, supervisor.... 举的例子略加改动

宁波

2007-07-11

解决flickr图片无法显示

最近发现自己用scribefire 发布的blog 图片都看不见了，重新上传也显示是上传成功，但就是看不见图片。上了flickr才发现，所有的图片都显示xx~~~~~郁闷。这么方便的工具用不了可咋办。百度一下，终于知道这回和厦门的PX事件有关。唉`・~~~~~相关文章：Flickr：全球最大的看不到图片的图片分享社区

当然，百度也有以外的发现。和我们有着同样遭遇的伊朗兄弟，开发了firefox插件，可以使用flickr的图片功能，不用设置又慢又烦琐的代理

下载地址：Access Flickr!
什么都不用设置，当然前提是得用firefox，试了一下，速度还挺快

另外，blogger也是被封的，我这篇文章似乎起不到宣传的作用。。。。。

scribefire的编辑功能还是有点烂，最近都是用foxmail发的

 

 

宁波

2007-07-10

iBT TOEFL 复习笔记：barron listening test 1 - audio script analyze

还好barron的practice mode里有一些地方高亮显示了，虽然不能选出来复制粘贴，但是好在不多。 1.conversation m: so you need some tutoring in english? w: yeah 明显是表明来意的，这样的开头一定要听懂，八成都有题 w:oh, but would that be extra? you know, would i need to pay you for the extra session? m:we both sign in ,then i'll get paid if you don't show up and sign in for a session, then i don't get paid 对话中的疑问，和解释 m:some of my student in the past...they expected me to write their essay for them.but that's not what a tutor is supposed to do. my job is to help you be a better writer. 提到的特殊情况，举例。体会其目的 2.lecture today, we are going to discuss the four major types of drainage patterns. i trust you 've already read the chapter so you will recall that a drainage pattern is the arrangement of channels that carry water in an area 也是开始会有目的性的陈述，we are going to discuss 这里还有个细节，就是后半句，暗示学生曾经preview this is a stream that looks like the branches of a tree. here's an example of a dendritic pattern. as you can see, it's similar to many system in nature. in addition to the structure of a tree, it also resembles the human circulation system. 一般对话都会分成几部分，尤其是学术lecture，分段介绍同一主题的不同类型，这几个类型的开头一定要听懂，是说明个类型的特征，不管是细节还是总结类题都可能考到 this drainage pattern is referred to as a radial pattern. 第二种类型的开头，定义 it kind of looks like the spokes that radiate out fro, the hub of a wheel. 比喻时要注意，会考目的，为什么这样做比喻 tributaries of almost parallel structure alternating bands of variable resistance, and by that i mean that the bands of rock that are very strong and resistant to erosion alternate with bands of rock that are very strong and resistant to erosion alternate with bands of rock that are weak and easily eroded. 叙述一个过程，最难听懂的部分，应该试着画流程图，不知道是否可行，因为口语中可能也会考 horizontal plain folds and outcroppings appear. 发生条件 but i'm interested in your understanding the basic draninage system. so i don't plan to trick you with test questions about execpional patterns, but i expect you to know that execption to the patterns can occur when geological events influence them. 当有特殊的语气时要注意，目的题　 　　　　　　　 　　　　　　 宁波 2007-07-10

iBT TOEFL 复习笔记 ：barron test listening 1

喝下一口浓咖啡，继续自己的iBT之路 计划上的日期一天天过去，不敢去想这条路的尽头，只有低着头走下去。 　　　　　　　  今天做了barron 的listening感觉只有一个，变态~~~~iBT不是白叫的，头一个set就长达90分钟，让我这个还没经过摧残的菜鸟像被拔光了毛，冷。 但是不管做的怎么样，还是把心得写下来吧，我不要身上不留伤疤，那不是我，我要记住这些伤疤。 barron 的题都很长，原文不好弄出来，我也就只能写写感受。 文章长，需要认真，集中注意力听，当有不懂的词出现，尤其是学术文章开始的时候，不能慌，继续听下去否则结果可能就是全糊涂。我的办法是不懂装懂，装作知道什么意思，继续去听，千万别去想它是什么意思，到后面其实是有不少提示的，可惜的是我到第6，7篇文章的时候才领悟，前面的都稀里糊涂了，最后51个题对了30个。有一篇文章中间差点就睡着了 语速比较快，必须跟紧 笔记还是要做的，幸亏做了其他题，OG 的test太简单了，声音也太熟，所以不记也能作对，但是长文章（超过5分钟）出现就玩完了。根本记不住。问题又来了，该记些什么的呢，我还是没有拿好主意 决定再受一次折磨，精听~~~~~，找到该记笔记的点，记尽量少的词，不影响下面的内容，尤其是涉及过程的时候 Barron 软件设计的也不够人性化，summary只有在全做完以后才能看见，当我按下main menu时，刚才做过的都不见了，再按summary report也没有了               　　　　　　            宁波                       2007-07-10

iBT TOEFL 复习资料 TOEFL写作题材分类

TOEFL写作题材分类

摘自肖锁章老师《机考托福写作讲义》：原文链接

今天下午在整理TWE185的话题，发现好多都是类似的，或者想想能联系到一块的，什么花钱啊，朋友啊，品质啊，所以先放弃了挨个写提纲，把他们归归类，然后写一些相似的话题，以不变应万变。上网一搜，已经有前辈做过了，我也就不费事弄，按照分好的写写就是了

1. Construction (1-8) （建筑类）

2. Presumption // If ...... // Imagine...... (9-25) （条件类）

3. Personal Qualities (Parents, sons and daughters, neighbors, boss, colleagues, roommates etc.) (26-31) （个人品质类）

4. Money consumption (companies, government, schools, a person etc) (32-42) （花钱类）

5. Causes (43-53) （原因类）

6. Friends (54-60) （朋友类）

7. Study and Education (61-80) （学习教育类）

8. Parents, children education and their growth (81-95) （父母、孩子的教育及成长）

9. Personal success (95-104) （成功类）

10. Living and habits (105-132) （生活习惯）

11. Environment, Plants, Animals and Earth (133-141) （环保类）

12. Technology and Progress (142-154) （技术和进步类）

13. Advertisement, Movie and TV shows, Media and communication (155-165) （广告和传播媒体）

14. Games, Sports, Tourism, Customs(166-173) （体育运动旅游等）

15. Celebrities(174-175) （名人类）

16. Decision making (176-182) （做决定类）

17. History, Architecture, Culture and Arts (183-185) （历史、文化、艺术、建筑）

　

1.Construction

1) A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position. (Topic 5) 2) It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer (Topic 16) 3) It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 25) 4) It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 26) 5) It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer. (Topic 30) 6) Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice (Topic 79) 7) The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new university in your community. Use specific details in your discussion (Topic 113) 8) A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation. (128)

 

2. Presumption // If ... ... // Imagine ... ...

9) If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Topic 6) 10) You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice. (Topic 165) 11) What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 52) 12) If you were an employer, which kind of worker would you prefer to hire: an inexperienced worker at a lower salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 67) 13) If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 86) 14) If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details. (Topic 69) 15) If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 89) 16) If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 90) 17) If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 91) 18) If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice (Topic 98) 19) If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed. (Topic 132) 20) If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Topic 141) 21) Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 176) 22) You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice. (Topic 156) 23) Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific details to explain your answer. (Topic 149) 24) Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 171) 25) A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 84 )

3. Personal Qualities (Parents, sons and daughters, neighbors, boss, co-workers, roommates etc.)

　

26) Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer. (Topic 15) 27) What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important. (Topic 18) 28) What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 46) 29) What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 179) 30) Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important. (Topic 93) 31) We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important. (Topic 22)

4. Money consumption (companies, government, schools, a person etc)

32) A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 56) 33) You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 33) 34) Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 32) 35) A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either 1) to go on vacation 2) to buy a car Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend's two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (177) 36) You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice. (Topic 185) 37) Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 100) 38) Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 95) 39) Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay. (Topic 19) 40) Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 147) 41) Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy ? computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation. (Topic 167) 42) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students' sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 11)

5. Causes

　

43) People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 1) 44) In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay. (Topic 21 ) 45) Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. (Topic 168) 46) Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 12) 47) Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 43) 48) People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer. (Topic 48) 49) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 53) 50) People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 169) 51) People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 161) 52) Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 163) 53) Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Topic 180)

　6. Friends

54) What do you want most in a friend ? Someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice. (Topic 62) 55) Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer. (Topic 110) 56) Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer. (Topic 111) 57) Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why? (Topic 117) 58) It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer. (Topic 173) 59) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 54) 60) Some people trust their first impressions about a person's character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person's character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples. (Topic 121)

7. Study and Education

61) It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books." Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why? (Topic 4) 62) Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. (Topic 14) 63) Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay. (Topic 17) 64) Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 68) 65) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 72) 66) Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 75) 67) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Boys and girls should attend separate schools. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 77) 68) Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why. (Topic 107) 69) Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference. (Topic 108) 70) People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice. (Topic 116) 71) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion. (Topic 123) 72) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 124) 73) It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer. (Topic 104) 74) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school. Use specific reasons to support your answer. (Topic 125) 75) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 137) 76) In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific details to explain your choice. (Topic 157) 77) Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 175) 78) Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 184 ) 79) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. (Topic 76) 80) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child's success in school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 66)

8. Children's education & growth

81) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 2) 82) It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay? (Topic 20) 83) In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details? (Topic 23) 84) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 61) 85) Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why? (Topic 112) 86) Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position. (Topic 114) 87) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person's childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person's life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 133) 88) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 134) 89) People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 166) 90) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. (Topic 126) 91) Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents' generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 174) 92) A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child's development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice. (Topic 142) 93) Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 130) 94) Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 135)

9. Personal success

95) "When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success." Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position. (Topic 10) 96) The expression "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 40) 97) Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 51) 98) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support our answer. (Topic 63) 99) In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question. (Topic 103) 100) Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer ? planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice. (Topic 115) 101) Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 143) 102) People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 164) 103) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 131) 104) What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 42)

　10. Living and habits

105) Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 9) 106) Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 44) 107) Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 13) 108) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 27) 109) Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion. (Topic 31) 110) Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day's work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 45) 111) Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 50) 112) Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 59) 113) Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-employed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice. (Topic 64) 114) Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details. (Topic 71) 115) Some people prefer to live in places that have the same weather or climate all year long. Others like to live in areas where the weather changes several times a year. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 92) 116) Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors. Would you prefer to be outside or would you prefer to be inside for your leisure activities? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice. (Topic 146) 117) Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 101) 118) Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why. (Topic 118) 119) Some items (such as clothes or furniture) can be made by hand or by machine. Which do you prefer ? items made by hand or items made by machine? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice. (Topic 140) 120) Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 144) 121) A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay. (Topic 24) 122) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer. (Topic 119) 123) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 97) 124) Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 102) 125) You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. (Topic 99) 126) Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference. (Topic 105) 127) What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 139) 128) When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 172) 129) People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer. (Topic 96) 130) Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. (Topic 47) 131) When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 160) 132) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer. (Topic 122)

　11. Environment, Plants, Animals and Earth

133) Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 29) 134) Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 41) 135) What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer. (Topic 151) 136) Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 152) 137) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 153) 138) In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position. (Topic 154) 139) In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 181) 140) Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 182) 141) Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice. (Topic 155)

　12. Technology and Progress

142) Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 70) 143) Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 73) 144) Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 84) 145) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Telephones and email have made communication between people less personal. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 88) 146) Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 3) 147) Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people's lives: 1) automobiles 2) bicycles 3) airplanes. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 36) 148) Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 37) 149) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 39) 150) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 81) 151) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Modern technology is creating a single world culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 83) 152) What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. (Topic 87) 153) The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer. What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 178) 154) The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice. (Topic 159)

13 Advertisement, Movie and TV shows, Media and communication

155) How do movies or television influence people's behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Topic 7) 156) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 8) 157) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 35 ) 158) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion. (Topic 28) 159) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 49) 160) Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 57) 161) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Advertising can tell you a lot about a country. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 82) 162) Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 145) 163) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position. (Topic 127) 164) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching television is bad for children. Use specific details and examples to support your answer. (Topic 150) 165) Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response. (Topic 183)

14. Games, Sports, Tourism, Customs

166) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 60) 167) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 148) 168) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 136) 169) Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. (Topic 128) 170) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The best way to travel is in a group led by a tour guide. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 74) 171) You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice. (Topic 106) 172) Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples. (Topic 80) 173) When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details. (Topic 109)

15. Celebrities

174) When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 158) 175) Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 162)

16. Decision making

176) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 55) 177) Decisions can be made quickly, or they can be made after careful thought. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion. (Topic 120) 178) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of a group. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 138) 179) Is it more important to be able to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. (Topic 78) 180) Groups or organizations are an important part of some people's lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. (Topic 170) 181) Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 34) 182) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. (Topic 58)

17. History, Architecture, Culture and Arts

183) Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 38) 184) Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. (Topic 65) 185) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Topic 94)

 

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宁波

2007-07-09