TOEFL Speaking Video-28 Describe a resource that helped you.

Which place has fond memories for you? Describe this place and explain why it is memorable to you.

A country side village Bijainagar in District Ajmer, Rajasthan, India is my birth place and has my fond memories. I did my schooling here, so all the fun and merrymaking that I had with my classmates and friends are the memories that I cherish. In and around Bijainagar there used to be number of Religious Fairs. I with my friends, invariably use to attend those fairs popularly called “Mela” in Marwari and Hindi.  There use to be various entertainments like magic shows, acrobatics shows, merry-go-round etc together with ice cream and cold drinks and some fast food stalls. We use to have lot of fun and amusement there. In Bijainagar mode of transport was only bicycle, bullock carts and camel carts.   I had been using bicycle for attending school. We use to go on picnic and excursion trips to nearby places and use to enjoy ride in bullock carts, camel carts. Also sometimes I had chance for horse ride, camel ride and elephant ride. Now in this fast age era of computerization whatever I enjoyed is nothing more than a dream. Hence I fondly cherish memories of my good old days of Bijainagar. 

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -40- What is your favourite way of getting around? Describe it and explain why it is your favourite means of transportation.

What is your favourite way of getting around? Describe it and explain why it is your favourite means of transportation.
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My favourite way of getting around is my motorbike. I can use my motorbike for going to school or college, attending office or business, shopping or socializing and numerous daily activities. The life has become very fast and time is extremely scarce. We have to cope with the work and the business for which a motorbike is a great help. Motorbike is compact and less expensive because it consumes less gasoline (Petrol). It emits less exhaust gas and heat as compared to three and four wheelers. This helps in conservation of resources and protects environment from pollution and global warming. Hence motorbike is my favourite means of transportation.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -39- Talk about an event from the past that you would like to relive. Describe the original event and say why you would like to relive it.

Talk about an event from the past that you would like to relive. Describe the original event and say why you would like to relive it.
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I would like to relive in my College days of the year 1957-58. I was a student of Government College Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. I am a Harmonica Player and I use to be invited to give Harmonica recitals during Social Week Celebration Events in three Girl’s Colleges namely Sophia, Convent and Savitri and two others namely Mayo and DAV. I use to play at least three to four songs accompanied by my college Music Club Orchestra comprising of Accordion, Guitar, Drums, Maracas, Castanets, Harp and many more. My performance use to be always a HIT. The loud ovation by the audience on each song use to be my thrill and greatest delight. Hence I would love to relive those unforgettable and lovely moments of my college days.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -38- Name a place in your country you would recommend others to visit. Describe this place and explain why you would recommend it.

Name a place in your country you would recommend others to visit. Describe this place and explain why you would recommend it.
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My country side village Chandod is on the bank of holy river Narmada. This is a very religious place and people from all over India including many NRI also come here and take holy dip in Narmada river. The visitors shall have a privilege to visit the famous temples with ancient sculpture and have a holy dip in the river Narmada. Also the visitors shall have an opportunity to taste Indian village food that has a unique taste. Visitors may have a chance to have a bullock-cart ride and move through the cultivated farms and watch scenery. The kind of hospitality the visitors shall get in this village would be second to none in the world and he or she would be delighted to receive such a warm welcome. Hence I would recommend Chandod for a visit by foreign nationals.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -37- Which person are you most likely to go to with a personal problem? Describe this person and say why you would go to him/her in particular.

Which person are you most likely to go to with a personal problem? Describe this person and say why you would go to him/her in particular.
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Mostly I like to share my personal problems with my wife. She is quite a sober and matured person. She possesses Masters Degree in Human Psychology and can handle any difficult situation very easily. She is very caring and loving. She specializes in Child Psychology and Behaviour too. It is by now 33 years since we got married. In the past many of my problems related to finance, health, social relations, business etc, she has always guided and helped me overcome those. Because of these qualities in my wife I would particularly like to go to her in the event of any problem. Needless to say discussing personal problems with strangers can be disastrous.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -36- What custom from your home country are you most fond of? Describe the custom and explain why you are fond of it.

What custom from your home country are you most fond of? Describe the custom and explain why you are fond of it.
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The colourful festival of Holi falls in February end or early March every year. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colourful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. On this day, people hug each other and wish 'Happy Holi'. Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'dry red powder' and 'white red powder' on each others' faces and cheer up saying, " "बुरा ना मानो होली है " means don’t mind anything today is HOLI. This custom gives us chance to hug our friends and contacts and tender apology for the past misunderstandings if any and start cordial relations afresh. Hence I am fond of it.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -35- What is your favourite season of the year? Describe the season and explain why you like it so much.

What is your favourite season of the year? Describe the season and explain why you like it so much.
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My favourite season of the year is winters. Winters in Gujarat are mild, pleasant and dry. The day temperature in winter is around 28° C and at night is 12° C. Summers are extremely hot, with the day time temperature being 46° C, and the night temperature being 32° C. Global Warming has further worsened the climatic condition here during summer. Gujarat, monsoon is generally hot and utterly humid. The temperature at day is 38° C but at night it falls down to 27° C. Sometimes severe flood also occurs in some parts of the region during monsoon. No significant effect is felt of autumn in Gujarat. Because winters in Gujarat are mild, pleasant and dry I like winters the most and winter is my most favourite season of the year.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -34- Where would you most like to live? Describe this place and explain why you would like to live there.

Where would you most like to live? Describe this place and explain why you would like to live there.
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I would most like to live in Las Vegas the most populous city in the U.S. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its consolidated casino–hotels and associated entertainment. The city's tolerance for various forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of Sin City, and this image has made Las Vegas a popular setting for films and television programs. There are numerous outdoor lighting displays on Fremont Street, as well as elsewhere in the city. I am a fun lover having hobbies of Music and Dance also I am a merry-maker and party lover hence I feel nothing to compete Las-Vegas and I would like to stay there.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft - 33 - Who is the most intelligent person you know? Describe the person and say why you think he/she is intelligent.

Who is the most intelligent person you know? Describe the person and say why you think he/she is intelligent.
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I have read about Kim Ung-Yong: as one of the most intelligent personalities in the world. Born on 8th March, 1962, this Korean super-genius was a child prodigy. He could speak at the age of 2 months, could converse fluently at 6 months; was a guest student of Physics at ‘Hanyang University’ at 3 and by 4 he was able to read Japanese, Korean, German and English. At his fifth birthday, he could solve complicated differential and integral calculus problems. At the age of 7 he was invited to America by NASA. He worked there for 10 years. This 49-year old man has the “Highest IQ” of 210, as recorded by “Guinness Book of World Records”.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -32- What is your favourite recreational activity? Describe it and say why you enjoy doing it.

What is your favourite recreational activity? Describe it and say why you enjoy doing it.
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My favourite recreational activity is playing Harmonica. This is also called Mouth-Organ. I play film songs and tunes. Everyone needs music for recreation. Music is a very creative hobby. Many good musicians play music as a part of their profession but I play for the sake of hobby and recreation. Harmonica is a very handy, light weight and mobile instrument. It can be carried even in pocket. It is capable of playing all types of music. For recreation I try to play new tunes and songs that add to my list. Music refreshes, elevates moods and creates enthusiasm that is why playing harmonica is my favourite activity.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -31- Talk about something you and your family enjoy doing together. Describe it and explain why you all enjoy it.

Talk about something you and your family enjoy doing together. Describe it and explain why you all enjoy it.
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Something that I enjoy with my family is watching Television shows. We prefer to watch live telecast of games and sports mainly Cricket and Tennis. In addition we prefer Laughter Shows that is a very good amusement after the day’s monotonous and tiring jobs. Also TV is a means of mass communication. It is a mode of information and entertainment too. So we get latest information through TV and can keep pace with the time. Besides there are many exclusive business channels that give minute-by-minute information on Stock Markets & the Business World. Educational, Training & Developmental programs aired on TV. These are pretty beneficial for the community and especially students. Many awareness programs on Health & Environment play very important role in our lives. Hence I prefer and enjoy watching TV Programs with my family.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -30- Where would you like to go to spend a vacation? Describe this place and say why you would like to holiday there.

Where would you like to go to spend a vacation? Describe this place and say why you would like to holiday there.
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I would like to go to Bangalore for spending vacations. Bangalore is in Karnataka State of India. I prefer this place mainly because this city is neat and clean and the climates are excellent here. All through the year it has very friendly climates. This is well known as air-conditioned city too. Bangalore is full of natural beauty and has numerous beautiful and well maintained gardens. Bangalore is popularly known as Garden city of India and this is one of the metro cities of India. I visit gardens and enjoy the greenery and the sight of beautiful colourful flowers blossoming, I love it the most. Bangalore is well connected with neighbouring tourist attractions like Mysore, Coonoor, Ooty, and a pilgrimage place Titupathi Balaji. My Bangalore to and fro flight journey is just 120 minutes it is quite enjoyable. Hence after a pleasant vacation, I return to my work afresh. Therefore Bangalore is my favourite place for spending holidays and vacations.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -29- Describe a person from your country’s history. Why do you think this person was important?

Describe a person from your country’s history. Why do you think this person was important?
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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar, in the Gujarat state of India. He had is education in London and thereafter he travelled to South Africa. Here he experienced Racism. Mahatma was totally against the beliefs of race, caste, creed, colour of skin and untouchables. Gandhi was the firm believer of power of truth, non-violence and independence. He led a very simple life with very high thinking. He took-up the rights of Indians and instituted first campaign of passive resistance. These days there is frequent terrorism. Instances of bombarding, riots, arson, vandalism, ransacking, burning of trains, buses, public property thereby killing, men, women and children is very frightening, painful and pathetic. Mahatma Gandhi won the independence for India against the British Rule, with his way of peace, harmony and non-violence. Hence I think him to be the most important person for India.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -28- Describe a resource that helped you to do something better than before. Describe it and explain why it was helpful to you.

Describe a resource that helped you to do something better than before. Describe it and explain why it was helpful to you.
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Internet is a resource that helped me to do various things better than before. Firstly the all letter correspondence is avoided and now I do all this on Email at a superfast speed. Secondly during my school and college days there was no computerization and internet. Hence all work was manual paperwork whether it is study or writing an exam but now I can study online, gather required information from websites and even appear for Online examinations. Thirdly because I am a Trainer I need a lot of latest data and information on various products and service, which I gather from internet. This makes my lectures most valid and interesting. This is why I consider resource of internet as the most helpful to me…

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -27- When have you been happily surprised by something? Describe the experience and say why the surprise was a happy one for you.

When have you been happily surprised by something? Describe the experience and say why the surprise was a happy one for you.
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I was happily surprised when I received my appointment order from reputed oil PSU. Prior to this, I had been for working for construction of an oil refinery. I was hired as a temporary workman on a meek daily wage of Rs.10.50 per day. Meanwhile I applied against the permanent post of Senior Electrician in other oil PSU and I was interviewed there. One fine afternoon, during a lunch break, the doorbell rang. I was pleasantly surprised to see postman waiting to deliver an envelope. He delivered me a letter from that oil PSU. I quickly opened the cover and read the letter. Wow! This was my appointment letter for permanent post of Senior Electrician in that PSU. I was happily surprised and flabbergasted with joy, fun and excitements to win this lucrative job. Because the remuneration, fringe benefits, scope of carrier and the job security were high, this surprise was a happy one for me...

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -26- Which place has fond memories for you? Describe this place and explain why it is memorable to you.

Which place has fond memories for you? Describe this place and explain why it is memorable to you.
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A country side village Bijainagar in District Ajmer, Rajasthan, India is my birth place and has my fond memories. I did my schooling here, so all the fun and merrymaking that I had with my classmates and friends are the memories that I cherish. In and around Bijainagar there used to be number of Religious Fairs. I with my friends, invariably use to attend those fairs popularly called “Mela” in Marwari and Hindi. There use to be various entertainments like magic shows, acrobatics shows, merry-go-round etc together with ice cream and cold drinks and some fast food stalls. We use to have lot of fun and amusement there. In Bijainagar mode of transport was only bicycle, bullock carts and camel carts. I had been using bicycle for attending school. We use to go on picnic and excursion trips to nearby places and use to enjoy ride in bullock carts, camel carts. Also sometimes I had chance for horse ride, camel ride and elephant ride. Now in this fast age era of computerization whatever I enjoyed is nothing more than a dream. Hence I fondly cherish memories of my good old days of Bijainagar.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -25- Name a famous or influential figure who has inspired you. Describe this person and say why he/she has been inspirational to you.

Name a famous or influential figure who has inspired you. Describe this person and say why he/she has been inspirational to you.
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I am greatly influenced and inspired by a noted film actor of India Mr., Amitabh Bachchan a legendary actor. He is one of the most prominent and influential figures in the Indian film industry. He received many major awards in his career, including three National Film Awards. His art of communication is marvellous.
He has numerous wonderful qualities. Firstly he leads a highly disciplined life and his self confidence is sky rocketing. He is admired for his punctuality. He has never been late on shooting rather he has always been ahead of schedule because of his wonderful time management ability. Though Amitabh suffers from Asthma, he never ever allowed this sickness to come in his way to perform and achieve goals. Instances are there when he continued to work even with high fever. He is now 70 and he still continues to work with very high enthusiasm; zeal and efficiency. This inspires me to be persistent regardless of hurdles and adversities.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -24- What is your favourite kind of food? Describe it and explain why it is your favourite.

What is your favourite kind of food? Describe it and explain why it is your favourite.
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I prefer homemade Indian Vegan Food. Vegetarian food comprising of green vegetables, salads, wheat and rice preparations contain all vitamins, carbohydrates etc needed for good health. I do like milk, curds, buttermilk and butter this white food gives enough calcium and some amount of fats. In difficult situations I may buy bread or bun and take it with butter, jam and milk. Those who want to lose weight can opt for toned milk. In addition pulses are a part of my dinner and lunch that give plenty of proteins. Foods made from animal products are too high in fats and result into obesity and overweight hence I avoid it. Nevertheless for a change I do take non-vegetarian food. Most importantly homemade food is a kind of custom made food that can be cooked according to individual’s taste and requirements under most hygienic conditions. Hence I prefer homemade vegan food for my regular diet.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -23- Talk about a positive experience with learning or using English. Describe the experience and say why it was a positive one.

Talk about a positive experience with learning or using English. Describe the experience and say why it was a positive one.
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I have a profound passion for English Language. Hence I acquired a good knowledge, fluency and command over reading, writing and speaking English. I enjoy learning more and more new words and expand my vocabulary. The positive aspect of my knowledge of English is that I have always been chosen for very important assignments of negotiating with Ministers and Collectors of various States. This has been highly motivating and giving me deep sense of satisfaction accomplishment. Besides I always have the opportunity of dealing with foreign experts and nationals regarding work of my company. Also I have been getting assignments of Training and Development. The positive aspect of my knowledge of English is that since I have been fulfilling these assignments successfully I have been rewarded by way of Promotions and Salary Increments. Today I run private coaching classes for IELTS, TOEFL and Spoken English and various organizations call me for imparting Training to their staff and officers.

TOEFL Speaking Practice Draft -22- Where is your favourite place to study? Describe this place and say why it is a good place for you to study.

Where is your favourite place to study? Describe this place and say why it is a good place for you to study.
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My study room is my favourite place for study. This room is on first floor and it is very well ventilated. I get plenty of daylight, and air here. I have my laptop with internet broadband and a telephone in this room. This is very convenient for my studies. In addition my study room is fully furnished and air-conditioned hence comfortable in all seasons. Sales persons and visitors who come to meet my other family members don’t disturb me. When tired, I can relax in my easy chair for a while and resume my studies. Also I can be master of my time barring lunch and supper session. Over the telephone I talk and discuss difficulties with my classmates pertaining to homework and other projects. Sometimes I even call my classmates for joint study sessions prior to tests and examinations. All these things make my study room an ideal place for my studies and this is my most favourite place for studies.