Part A
Listen & Repeat
Listen to each sentence and repeat it out loud. Try to match the speaker’s pronunciation, rhythm, and speed.
Situation: Student ID card activation
You are a university staff member helping a student activate their new identification card.
Easy
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Answer
Welcome to the student service desk.
Easy
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Answer
I can help you activate your new card.
Medium
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Answer
Please place your card on the scanner to begin the process.
Medium
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Answer
You must enter your unique student number on the screen.
Medium
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Answer
Now look into the camera to take your official photo.
Hard
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Answer
Wait for the green light to blink before you remove your card from the scanner tray.
Hard
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Answer
You may now use this card for the library and to enter your dormitory building.
Part B
Take an Interview
Listen to each question and give a spoken response. Aim to speak for 20–30 seconds per answer.
Topic: Shopping Habits And Preferences
You are participating in a brief interview about your personal experiences and opinions regarding how you shop for goods and services.
Describe an Event
Thank you for joining me today. Please think back to the last time you went shopping for something special—such as a gift for a friend, a piece of clothing for an event, or a new item for your home. What did you buy, and what did you enjoy about the experience of finding it?
Start with: “I remember a time when…”
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Score 100 — Perfect
I remember a time when I went shopping for a birthday gift for my best friend, Sarah. She’s really into painting, so I decided to head to this local art supply store downtown. Honestly, I was kind of overwhelmed at first because there were just so many brushes and paints to choose from. It was a bit of a challenge to pick the right set, but I ended up talking to the clerk, who was incredibly helpful. He pointed me toward a professional-grade set of watercolors that he promised were top-tier quality. I felt really relieved after that. The best part was seeing her face light up when she opened it; it was such a rewarding experience. I’d say finding the perfect gift is genuinely exhilarating because you know you’ve made someone’s day truly special.
135 words
Score 80 — Good
I remember a time when I went shopping for a birthday gift for my best friend. I decided to get her a nice leather bag because she really loves fashion. I went to a big mall downtown, and I spent a few hours just walking around looking at different stores. I liked the experience because it was actually pretty relaxing to just take my time and look at all the items on the shelves. I didn’t feel any pressure, and I finally found the perfect bag in a small boutique. It was a great feeling to find something special, and she really loved it when I gave it to her.
110 words
Describe an Aspect
People have very different approaches to shopping; some people prefer to shop online for convenience, while others prefer visiting physical stores to see items in person. How do you usually prefer to shop for your daily needs, and why do you think you have that preference?
Start with: “In my daily life, I…”
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Score 100 — Perfect
In my daily life, I actually prefer shopping online for almost everything, especially for my daily needs. I think it’s just way more efficient. Like, for instance, last week I needed to restock on things like shampoo and laundry detergent, so I just used the Coupang app on my phone. It took me maybe two minutes, and everything arrived at my doorstep the very next morning. It’s honestly a game-changer because I don’t have to waste time commuting to a crowded store or waiting in long lines. I’d say the convenience is profound, especially when I’m busy with work or study. Not only that, but I can easily compare prices online to find the best deal. So, yeah, between the time I save and the ease of it all, online shopping is definitely my go-to choice.
136 words
Score 80 — Good
In my daily life, I actually prefer shopping at physical stores instead of buying things online. I know online shopping is super convenient, but I just like being able to see the products with my own eyes. For example, when I go to the grocery store, I want to pick out my own fresh fruit and vegetables because I want to make sure they look good. If I order online, sometimes the items aren’t as fresh as I expected, and that’s kind of annoying. Also, I enjoy the experience of walking around the store and looking at new items. So, for me, visiting a store is always a better choice than shopping from my computer.
115 words
Opinion / Preference
Now I’d like your opinion. Some people believe that shopping in person is a social activity that brings people together, while others think it is just a chore that should be done as quickly as possible. Do you agree that shopping is a social experience? Why or why not?
Start with: “Personally, I feel that…”
▶ Show Model Answers
Score 100 — Perfect
Personally, I feel that shopping is definitely a social experience, at least for me. I mean, it’s not just about grabbing items off a shelf; it’s really about spending quality time with friends. For instance, last Saturday, I went to the COEX Mall in Seoul with my best friend, Minji. We spent hours just browsing through different clothing stores and grabbing coffee afterward. It was such an exhilarating experience because we could actually get each other’s opinions on what looked good before making a purchase. If I were shopping online, it would feel pretty isolated, you know? But going in person turns a boring chore into a fun hangout. Because of this, I wholeheartedly believe that shopping is a great way to bond with others and build connections, rather than just a quick task.
134 words
Score 80 — Good
Personally, I feel that shopping is definitely a social experience, not just a chore. I mean, I really love going to the mall with my best friend on the weekends because it’s a great way for us to catch up. We usually walk around, look at clothes, and maybe grab a coffee together. It’s not just about buying things, but more about spending time with people I care about. If I shopped alone, it would be pretty boring and I would just finish as fast as I could. But when I’m with my friend, it’s actually fun. So, for me, shopping is a nice way to relax and hang out with friends.
112 words
Opinion / Preference
One last question. Do you think local governments should provide more support for small, independent shops to help them compete with large online retailers? For example, should they offer tax breaks or create special shopping districts? Why or why not?
Start with: “I think it would be…”
▶ Show Model Answers
Score 100 — Perfect
I think it would be a great idea for local governments to support small, independent shops. Honestly, it’s getting really hard for them to compete with giant online retailers. I mean, I have this favorite local bookstore in my neighborhood called ‘Book Nook,’ and they really struggle to keep their doors open. If the government offered tax breaks or created special shopping districts, it would provide a **pivotal** advantage for these business owners. Not only that, but small shops give our community a unique character that big websites just can’t replicate. It’s **profoundly** important to maintain that local charm instead of having the same generic stores everywhere. As a result, I think these policies would definitely help small businesses thrive and keep our downtown areas vibrant and interesting for everyone.
130 words
Score 80 — Good
I think it would be a really good idea for local governments to help small shops. You know, these days it’s just so hard for them to compete with giant online retailers because big companies have lower prices and faster shipping. So, I think tax breaks would be a great way to support them. If the government gives them a little bit of help, these small business owners can afford to keep their stores open. And honestly, I love going to local shops because they have unique items you just can’t find online. It makes our neighborhood much more interesting, so I definitely think they deserve more support from the city government.
112 words
