Part I of TOEFL Speaking Samples for Personal ExperienceW-August 7, 20101.1 Person1.1.1 Family memberIn my family, my mother has influenced me greatly because she has so many good qualities.First of all, my mother is very diligent. She always organizes her schedule very well. Not only does she always work hard to earn enough money for my college tuition but also she uses her leisure time to do enough housework. I really appreciate her.And then, she is well educated and keeps an open mind. She is able to understand people from different generations. So she often gives me many useful suggestions about my study and encourages me to make decisions by myself.What’s more, my mother is also very humorous. She has a magic to keep our family full of la ughing, and this gives me many wonderful memories during my childhood.So, her personal values set a good example for me to follow in my own life and this is why I think my mother has influenced me the most in my life.1.1.2 A person that you admireThe person I admire is my father.He is a petroleum engineer in a big Oil company. He is very professional in his working area and has strong background of petroleum engineering. He has highly sense of responsibility toward every project and has solved many technical problems for his team.Also, my father always keeps an open mind. He is able to understand people from different generations. So he often gives me many useful suggestions about my study and encourages me to make decisions by myself.What’s more, my father is also very humorous. He has a magic to keep our family full of laughing, and even in his workplace, he can use his sense of humor to motive colleague working with passion.1.1.3 A good teacherAs far as I am concerned, a good teacher should have several different characteristics.First of all, he should be knowledgeable. That is to say, he should have a wide range of knowledge to share with us. Of course, it does not mean that every teacher should be a walking dictionary we can look up anytime.And then, he should be humorous because I want to hear funny stories from him. I certainly don't want to doze off in the class. So some funny stories and encouraging stories can attract our attention.What’s more, he should be patient to his students as i t is an essential quality of a teacher. He should never lose his patience in class when students ask questions repeatedly. A teacher should explain each and every aspect of the topic in the easiest way.1.1.4 A famous person I want to meetIf I have a cha nce to meet someone famous, I’ll choose Bill Gates.First of all, because he is one of the billionaires in the world, I would like to ask him how he can earn so much money and what he will plan to do in the future.And then, you know, Bill Gates is pretty charitable as well as his wife and they started the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They havedonated a large fortune to help those people in developing countries over recent years.What’s more, he set up Microsoft successfully. I really want to know how he could do this, since I also want to set up my own business. I am sure he can help me one way or another.1.1.5 A famous star I want to meetThe famous star that I really want to visit is Yao Ming. You know, Yao Ming is the best Chinese basketball star who plays basketball in NBA.First reason why I want to visit him is that I want to get some advice about how to improve my basketball skills. Maybe I could watch one of his matches on the spot and talk with him about my problems. One of my goals is to become a skillful basketball player and I am sure he can help me one way or another.Another reason is that he is a model in my life as well because he is pretty warm-hearted. He often donates his money to help those poor children to go school and realize their dreams. Another example I could remember clearly is that he advocates people to donate blood to others who need. And he did it first.That’s why I admire him most and like to visit him immediately.1.1.6 A good friendI think what makes a good friends is someone who is honest, supportive and humorous.First of all, a good friend should be honest to me no matter what. He should tell me my short-comings in front of me rather than tell stories behind my back.And then, it is a well known saying that “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Therefore, a good friend should help me immediately whenever I need and care for me whenever the times are bad or the times are great.What’s more, a friend should have a sense of humor. I just love to spend more tim e with someone who can tell interesting jokes for me and make me laugh.Of course, I will try my best to become a good partner for my friends.1.1.7 A good marriage partnerAs I am a young man, I think what makes a good wife should have some essential characteristics.First of all, compatibility is very important because spending the rest of my life with some one is a huge commitment, and without compatibility in values and interests, and goals, it could be a struggle rather than a partnership.And then, I think a good wife should fit into my family. Without acceptance and affection for me as a couple, I could risk the relationships I have with family members.What’s more, an ideal marriage partner should have a sense of humor. I just love to spend more ti me with someone who can tell me interesting jokes and make me laugh. I guess that would be the biggest attraction for me.1.1.8 Description of a personAppearance:A. freckles, black spot, pimples, dimples, acne 痤疮, a pointed chin 尖下巴, double chinB. tall, short, fat, slim, slender, hot, sexy, gorgeous, charming, elegantC. lean, strong, muscled, sun-tanned, masculineD. weird (weirdo), a big pain, troublemakerPersonality:Good qualities: extroverted, sociable, open-minded, outgoing, easy-going (easy to get along), warm-hearted, a heart of gold, tolerant, as cool as cucumber, honest, considerate, optimisticOther characteristics:introverted, stubborn, keep one’s opinion s/ideas to oneself, shy, unsociable, uncommunicative, self-conscious, considerate/thoughtful, emotional, enthusiastic, friendly, generous, gentle, helpful, honest, humorous, kind, patient, affectionate关爱的, amicable和蔼的, caring, frank, ideal, intimate, sociable, sympathetic, talkative/gossip /expressive富于表情的，有表现力的, eloquent 雄辩的,有口才的, trustworthy, etc.Regarding friendship:A. an easy-going/ understanding/broad-minded /warm-hearted person,B. be friendly with, be on intimate terms with sb., keep friendly relations, keep/lose contact with sb., make friends with,C. ask for help, help sb. out, a shoulder to cry on, cheer sb. up, turn to one’s friend when in difficulty,D. for the sake of friendship, cherish friendship, have a bosom friend, understand each other,reach an understanding, seek common ground while reserving differences 求同存异1.2 Place1.2.1 A foreign countryA place that I have always wanted to go but have never been to is America.First of all, you know, America is a vast and developed country and it’s also a place where if you work hard you will be succ essful. I would love to personally see how American people earn their everyday lives and learn more about American culture.And then, I would like to visit some natural places like Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls and some cities like New York and Miami, where there is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.What’s more, I would try my best to do my further study in the United States if I had a chance. As is known to all, USA has t he most prestigious universities and colleges all over the world and I guess that would be the biggest attraction for me. In addition, I would have many chances to communicate with native people and improve my speaking English.1.2.2 A cityA city I would like to live in is Beijing, the capital of China.First reason is that anyone living in Beijing has innumerable choices for tourism. You know, Beijing has lots of places of historical interest you could choose to have a look, such as the Imperial Palace and the Great Wall. And also there are some parks like Beihai Park. Boating on the lake of the park, admiring the fantastic scenery around the lake, and feeling the lovely breeze upon the water, you will be very enjoyable and restful.Another aspect of Beijing I would like is the plethora of wonderful restaurants, of every size, design and taste. One of the most delicious foods I always love to eat is Beijing Roast Duck.What’s more, Beijing is also an ideal destination where you can go on a shopping spree (n.欢闹).1.2.3 A public areaWhen I have spare time to kill, I usually go to Beihai Park near my university.First of all, I can go for a stroll in the park to relax. The park has many trees and interesting paths where I can wander listlessly andcontemplate my own thoughtsAnd then, there is a large lake where I can go boating. Boating on the lake of the park, admiring the fantastic scenery around the lake, and feeling the lovely breeze upon the water, I would feel pretty enjoyable and restful.What’s more, there are always many people roaming in the park. It gives me a chance to communicate with them and make friends with them. Maybe I could be lucky enough to meet my better half.1.2.4 A schoolI am now studying in China University of Petroleum. It gives me much impression which I would love to treasure for ever.First, it’s one of the most beautiful universities in China just like a fantastic park. There are lines of trees along which I can go for a stroll and also there is a lake where I can feel the lovely breeze upon the water. Often, I can find some pretty college girls who are talking and laughing around the lake. That’s very pleasing.And then, teachers in my college are very excellent. They are all knowledgeable just like a walking dictionary that we can look up anytime. Also they are all very patient. Whenever I have something to ask, they always explain each and every aspect of the topic in the easiest way.What’s more, the school canteen in China University of Petroleum is one of the best. Students there can enjoy very excellent food service and eat a variety of delicious foods.1.2.5 A favorite roomMy favorite room is my living room.First, it’s very large and harmonious. There are a large digital TV on the wall, a glass-made tea table, a soft couch and several beautiful plants. Also there is lots of spare space which gives me a sense of expansiveness and freedom.And then, it’s a place where I can watch TV or chat with my family. Sharing my experience with my dad and mum in my living ro om, I feel good no matter how much pressure I have.What’s more, it’s also at times a place for me to contemplate and at times a place to share with my friends. Sometimes I can sing songs or play my guitar with my best friends if there is a small party prepared in m y living room. That’s very interesting.1.2.6 A historic building in your townThere is not doubt that the most famous historic building in my town Beijing is Tian’anmen.First, Tian’anmen certainly is an ancient architecture. It is located in the center of Beijing and was first built in 1417. Two hundreds years later, because it was seriously damaged by war, it was rebuilt in 1651 and served as the main entrance to the Forbidden City and the most important place where state ceremonies took place.Furtherm ore, Tian’anmen is ingenious and complex in design. The whole building is totally 34.7meters high and the tower at the top of the gate is nine-room wide and five–room deep. In front of Tian'anmen there is a stream called Golden River with seven marble bridges spanning over it. In front of the gate stands a pair of marble columns called Huabiao. They are elaborately cut in bas-relief following the pattern of a legendary dragon. Behind the gate stands another pair of similar columns.On October 1, 1949, Chair man Mao Zedong proclaimed on Tian’anmen Rostrum the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Since then Tian’anmen has been the symbol of New Chine Today, the splendor of Tian’anmen attracts million of visitors from all over the world. Therefore, Tian’a nmen is the most significant and noticeable building in my town in Beijing.1.2.7 My dream houseMy dream house should look like this.First of all, the material of outside is glass so that my house could fill with (abundant) sunshine as much as possible. The sunshine brings light, so it makes the house bright and makes me vigor and passion.And then, the color of wall or wallpaper should be light green. Lying down on the couch and enjoying the sunshine and the soft light green, it’s just as if I am lying down on the grassland in a sunny spring afternoon. How comfortable and warm I will have!What’s more, I will keep several bonsai plants in my house and a big fish tank with some goldfishes as well. I like nature and I am willing to decorate my house with a spring nature style.1.3 Events & Experiences1.3.1 Your best time in a year & favorite festivalThe best time in a year for me is one of the traditional festivals in China: Spring Festival.First of all, it’s really a moment for family gathering. On ly at Spring Festival do I have a chance to be back to home and welcome the Chinese New Year together. Then I can meet my mum, dad, sister and so on. The moment with my parents is always warm and comfortable.And then, I can have some delicious food made by my mum who is a good cook. My favorite dish is Beijing Roast DuckWhat’s more, I can have a good rest in the Spring Festival because I don’t have to work or study. It’s really enjoyable and r estful.So the Spring Festival is the best time for me in a year.1.3.2 A goal to fulfill & A jobMy goal is to find an ideal job like/My ideal job is to work as a petroleum engineer in PetroChina Company Limited(PTR).First of all, now I am a graduate student in China University of Petroleum and my major is petrol eum engineering. Therefore, I’m very interested in the field of energy and I would like to focus on the most urgent energy nowadays.And then, I think it would be a meaningful career because the technology of exploring the oil field is very important for human beings to find more energy. You know, with not crude oil and natural gas, there will be so much convenience in our everyday life. And the most direct influence is that all cars will be broken down without any gasoline.What’s more, it’s also a job wi th good payment, which can enhance the quality of my life. So I would like to become a petroleum engineer.1.3.3 How birthdays are celebrated in your country.In my country, birthdays are celebrated every year (but the most important birthdays are one year old for a new baby, twelve years old for an adolescent, 36 years old for adults and 100 years old for the elderly). In general, celebrations may be performed like this. First, a birthday party is a must and we often invite our relatives and close friends to participate in. We may get together to dance, sing, and eat delicious foods. Happy laughter and cheerful voices would be drifting and flying. Everyone immerses totally in the great joy. And then, a big birthday cake is necessary for this ceremony and all participators would share the cake. In order to show their blessing, they may sing the song “Happy Birthday” and give there gifts to the birthday star.What’s more, there may be one professional photographer or cameraman who would record all happy times during the celebration which will bring fond memories to the birthday star in the future.1.3.4 Your challenging experiences and how you conquered this challengeThe most memorable challenging experience for me was that I prepared for a badminton competition.That badminton competition was held in our province for junior students in 2001 and I was one of the 36 contestants from the whole province. At that time, I was only thirteen years old but most of the competitors were fifteen or sixteen years old. So I had much pressure and felt very challenging.In order to achieve a good result, I practiced very hard and exercised almost all afternoon everyday. Three months later, I found that I had made a huge progress and could play badminton skillfully. Finally, like the saying, “No pains, no gains”, I won the badminton competition fortunately and conquered this challenge by my hard working.1.3.5 The most memorable event & the good news that made me happy & an enjoyable event in your childhoodThe most memorable event/The good news which made me very happy/The most enjoyable event in my childhood was that I won the championship of badminton competition. [ˈtʃæmpiənʃip]That badminton competition was held in our province for junior school students in 2000 and I was one of the 36 contestants from the whole province.[kənˈtestənt]At that time, I was only thirteen years old but most of the competitors were fifteen or sixteen years old. In order to achieve a good result, I practiced very hard and exercised almost all afternoon everyday. Three months later, I found that I had made a huge progress and could play badminton skillfully. Finally, just as the saying goes, “No pains, no gains”, I won the badminton competition fort unately.It’s really a challenging experience and I finally conquered it by hard working. So, when I won the championship, I felt so happy, so enjoyable.1.3.6 Your favorite methods to relaxWhen I eager to relax, I prefer to ride my bicycle and have a short trip near my city.First of all, it’s re ally relaxation. I usually ride along the country lane and admire the charming and gentle rurality scene. Birds are singing on the trees, wild flowers are smiling along the way. So beautiful it is! It gives me a sense of freedom.And then, you know, go out by riding a bicycle is very convenient. I don’t need to find a special parking place in the countryside. I can go where I want to go and stop whenever I want to stop. Maybe I would stop in order to keep my eyes on a pretty girl.What’s more, compared with a car or a taxi, going out for a short trip by bike doesn’t need to spend any money. I just need to hum a little song and enjoy the refreshing air. Also, compared with taking the cars, I don’t have to worry about the traffic jam. More importantly, riding a bicycle regularly can improve my health condition and keep me in good shape. So, i t’s definitely killing two birds with one stone.1.3.7 The best way for students to relax after working hardAs far as I am concerned, the best way for students to relax is to surf the Internet.First of all, it doesn’t need too much thinking. All you have to do is to click the mouse and keep our eyes focused. Maybe yo u could listen to your favorite music from the Internet. It is pretty relaxing.And then, when we students scan the websites, we can obtain much information whatever it is news for NBA or latest films or just some photographs about our favorite stars.What’s more, when we surf the Internet, we have a chance to chat with anyone anywhere and we can discuss every thing we interested.In a world, in my opinion, surf the Internet is the best way for students to relax.1.4 Transportation and Vehicles1.4 1 The most efficient transportation in your countryThe most efficient transportation in China is the train.First of all, it’s efficient because it can take lots of people at one time. Then it will save lots of energy compared with d riving private car. And then, the train transportation system in China has been advanced greatly and you can reach anywhere you want.What’s more, it also saves money by train. It only takes you 200 RMB from north to south. So I think the most efficient transportation in China is the train.Subway systemIn my point of view, subway is the most efficient transportation in our country.First of all, high speed is its obvious characteristic. It moves much faster than those buses and taxis etc because it doesn’t have any traffic jams in rush hours.Also, compared to other means of transportation, subway charges much less and the price is reasonable for most of the citizens What’s more, the subway system often covers the most important blocks and areas of each city so it’s very convenient for people to travel from one place to another.1.4.2 The worst invention in 20th century AutomobileAs far as I am concerned, the worst invention in the 20th century is automobile.First of all, a great many accidents caused by automobiles are injuring and killing thousands of people day after day. My cousin got hit by a car last year and he is still in hospital, I am sorry about him. None of these would have happened if cars were never invented in the first place.And then, the exhaust gas from all the cars and buses has caused severe pollution. We are seeing less blue sky and less bright stars, breathing less fresh air and drinking less clean water.What’s more, taking automobiles to work and school keeps people from walking and doing exercises, bringing bad effects to our health condition and making us more vulnerable to all kinds of diseases.1.5 Objects & Gift1.5.1 The most important gift of possession & An object which is of special value to youThe most important gift I have ever got is a portable computer. It was a reward from parents to congratulate my entrance to the college 3 years ago.First of all, it is a wonderful tool for my study and work. I spend at least 5 hours in front of my computer everyday. It can help me to finish my paper, make presentation slides, do the lab data analysis, or download some materials for study.And then, in my spare time, I use my computer to surf online (on the internet) to get latest news, to find some useful information I need, or sometimes I can chat with friends with the help of it. I can hardly imagine how my life would be like without my beloved laptop computer.Now, although its model is a little out of date, its performance is still in good conditions. So I still like it because it really gives me a lot of help and reminds me of my parents' thoughtfulness.1.5.2 The favorite toy when I was a childMy favorite toy was airplane models when I was a child.I collected hundreds of different types of model planes in my home. This hobby let me touch a bit history of aviation industry and I could imagine the adventure of the original flyers.Also, my huge fun of pane toy helped me make many friends who had the same interest. We shared our experience together talking about new type of plane. This was really the most wonderful memory in whole my life.What’s more, playing these toys indeed satisfied my desire of flying, it maybe sounds a little wired but this really brought me a lot of fun in my childhood.1.5.3 My favorite food/dishMy favorite dish is the Chinese Hot pot, especially the hot pot in the restaurant named the Grand Mansion Gate.First of all, the Hot pot is a famous traditional Chinese food which is made by some special processes, and in this restaurant, they’ve got all kinds of flavors, beef flavor, pork flavor, chicken flavor and the like.And then, except its all kinds of delicious taste, the Hot pot has a wonderful color which can stimulate our appetite. This just reflects the most important characteristic of the Chinese dishes: healthy, well-balanced, and good in color, flavor and taste.What’s more, the view around the restaurant is amazing. It is a restful and old-fashioned three-storied house. Often in the restaurant we have the opportunity to enjoy a minor drama performance when we are having the Hot pot.(In addition, I met my girlfriend last year in this restaurant when we coincidently ordered the same flavor and sat next to each other. We share the same love for the tasty dish.)1.5.4 What would you like to do to welcome a foreigner to you familyIf a foreign friend comes to my place, I will treat him with my favorite food, dumpling.You see, dumpling is the traditional food that has a history of more than 1000 years. Every family will have it during the Lunar New Year. Actually it has become the best food in most of the Chinese families.What’s more, in order to make dumplings, one has to make the skin and the stuffing all by oneself. During the course of making dumplings, everybody in the family will chip in to help each other. It is always so fun for us to talk about our lives, crack jokes and exchange our plans for the future to come. So in a way of speaking the best part lies in making dumplings rather than eating them.1.5.5 My favorite animalAlthough most of my classmates would see there favorite animal are dogs, I love my cat very much.First of all, cat is one of the tamest animals in the world and it has a wonderful voice just like a beautiful song. It has a soft and glossy fur which gives a comfortable feel when pet it. And it always looks like an elegant princess because its footsteps are always silent.And then, it is definitely a good companion and my cat has accompanied with me for more than eight years. When I am happy, I love to bring my cat to the park near my house and play together. when I encounter some troubles, I like to hold my cat and pet it softly. It makes me feel better.What’s more, I met my girlfriend last year in a park when we each held our cats to enjoy the sunshine. So we shared the same lovely animal, cats, and soon we fell in love with each other.1.5.6 My favorite clothingPersonally, my favorite clothing is sportswear.First of all, in my spare time, when I am staying in a park, jogging and or playing games, I like to wear a sportswear, because it makes me feel relaxed and helps me relieve the pressure from work and study.Also, when I attend the badminton competition, I always wear a suitable sportswear which is loose, ventilated and comfortable. It is related to my success, because it helps me perform my best.What’s more, I met my girlfriend last year in a gymnasium when we coincidently wore the same brand of sweaters. We share the same love of playing badminton and wearing sportswear.1.5.7 My favorite jewelryMy favorite jewelry is a jade pendant (n.垂饰，悬挂物) my mom got in a temple.It looks amazing. At night, it will be gleaming beautifully. I can also use it as a small flashlight in dark.Also, it is a mascot (n.福神，吉祥的东西) to ward off evil and unpleasant things from me. One day last summer, a car was driving up towards me when I crossed the road. The driver didn’t see me and I nearly got hit by the car. That was really close! Believe it or not, I guess it’s got something to do with the jade pendant. I love it!1.6 Hobby & Favorite1.6.1 One of my favorite fruitI really like to eat banana and it is definitely my most favorite fruit.First of all, banana is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Bananas are full of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for our health. Its good taste and nutrition makes it the miracle food for infants and adults alike.And then, it is very convenient to eat bananas. What we need to do is only to peel off the skin and devour it. And we would never contaminate our fingers. However, when we eat an apple or a pear, we must need to use a peeling knife which is rather too much trouble.What’s more, banana is one kind of common fruit which is not expensive in my hometown.So, I really enjoy eating banana.1.6.2 My favorite sportMy favorite sport is badminton and I really enjoy it.I began to learn this sport when I was only ten years old. And three years later, I had made a huge progress and could play it skillfully. And then, I won the badminton competition fortunately, which was held in our province for junior students in 2000.These days, although my leisure time is limited, I often play two times every week with my friends in the badminton hall of our school. This sport gives me a sense of freedom and relaxation and I don’t need to think any other things when we are playing.Of course, it is also a wonderful opportunity for me to make friends with other players on the court. Now my best friend is also an excellent badminton player whom I acquainted when we both competed in another contest in 2005.1.6.3 My favorite game in your childhood timesIn the schoolyard I liked skipping as a child because everyone could be included in the same game at the same time.。
