sow1225

Hi Your essay is good. As you said, formatting has to be done. Apart from few grammar and spelling mistakes, your essay looks good.... Let me try correcting them.

Hi Melodylee, Thanks for your words. I never felt my essays were good. That makes me feel better. It is surprising to see that both of our total range match. I guess, I have to wait for the scores with anticipation added with stress and tension. I hope that crosses 250. Lets see how it goes....I will post my score here, and please do so..when you get yours...lets see, and compare what scores we both would get...looking forward to the official receipt to arrive...

Hi all, I just finished toefl. Here are the scores: Listening : 23 Structure/Writing: 12 to 29 Reading : 24 Total : 197 to 253. I guess, its with my preparation. I prepared only for 1 1/2 weeks. First thing I observed with practice tests is that my concentration on long conversations in listening section is very less. I was sure that this could be improved by practice(if only I had more time:(). Apart from that, while doing listening comprehension, they were other noises too. I was seated near window panes. As it is winter, legs were frozen...I just couldn't do any thing about it....(Wish I had very long sweater, which cover even my feet..). I couldn't concentrate or do my best in listening... Structure was good. I practiced all the grammar sections that were posted here in TestMagic. Believe me, they are tough to answer and gives lot of good suggestions. Thanks Erin!,...you do a wonderful job. I am happy that I could stumble on Test Magic website while browsing internet. Coming to reading comprehension....I see lot of difference. I mean, if they are compared to GRE reading comprehensions, these are very different. Passages given were very interesting and quiet informative. I did not know how the time flew...even though, my scores don't show how much I enjoyed reading them, ETS give pretty good stuff there.... Essay was ok...it was agree/disagree pattern and I was comfortable with that...so that's my story people!. Now, I have few questions.... The University I am targetting needs 250. Since the total given is just a range...would my score fall less than 253?. I hate this idea of taking toefl again, but it can not be avoided if that is the case. Do I need to make any calculations here to find out the right toefl score?. Please reply. I guess that's it for now. Thanks to all the Test magic members and ofcourse to Erin whose karma(record of good and bad deeds) is overflowing with positive points as he does a great job day in and day out!. Thanks Erin, I will try to help other memebers. I always felt that I should help others, but I am not sure if I am right in suggesting others. I guess, I can make a start by correcting few mistakes...so toefl discussion forum would be a good place for me to work... Subject edited by Erin for new change/utility.

:):):):):),that was very interesting. I couldn't myself from laughing...I will remember this one!.

86.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. Traveling to the past would be the most precious gift to anyone. If I were given that chance, I would go to the times when Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders in the world, was constructed on banks of yamuna river, in the suburbs of the capital of India, Delhi. It would be amazing to see how the king shah jhan felt the desire to build Taj Mahal, to see the real cause behind his wife's death and how such a huge monument was constructed manually. Since childhood, I was always fascinated towards the monument. Though I had a chance to read so much about it, I never got a chance to see it until recently. The legend behind this huge monument goes long way back. The king shah jhan loves his beautiful wife very dearly. Unfortunately, an unknown disease took his wife's life. After her death, king was distressed and could not forget her for a long time. He thought that whole world should remember his love he has for his wife. Then, he came up with this idea of constructing a huge monument on the banks of river yamuna, which is located in the suburbans of the capital city of India, Delhi. I can go back to those times, It would be amazing to see how this whole process of constructing Taj Mahal got started. Taj Mahal was constructed manually. Many laborers died during its construction. But, the king could not stop the work. He wanted to have it constructed as soon as possible. Those days there were no cranes or sophisticated machinery as it exists today. People had to hang with ropes. If the monument is observed closely, it has beautiful carvings, and colorful mosaics ornamented with flowers and other decoration. Some say that, those days the same decorations were filled with different gem stones and daimonds. Basic architecture and layout of the structure was very well planned. It would be very interesting to learn how people in those days could implement such ideas of architectural designs. In summary, Stories of Taj Mahal are cherished even today. It has become very famous popular tourist spot in India. If a person has to visit for a day, people would suggest him to visit Taj Mahal before he leaves the coutry. Hence, I would like to visit historic monument. Even though, I can not be the part of the great history that took place, I would have the immense satisfaction that I could get a chance to see while history is taking place as a real time event.

Hi Erin, I did not set any time limit for this answer. Please do suggest and comment about this one. Thanks. 69.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. I were given an opportunity to study a subject that I never had to a chance to study before, I would choose archeology. Archeology is about prehistoric people and their culture. It is a very interesting subject to pursue, as it would take people to the past times. Let’s evaluate the reasons for giving my preference to archeology. Chief reason is, one gets to travel a lot. For instance, archeologists go to many different inaccessible destinations throughout the world to discover about past people. Beautiful places all the over world could be explored. Many new things about different places could be learnt. Such journeys would be very educative, and quiet informative. Another reason that can be given is, one gets a chance to peek in the prehistoric people’s life. For example, the tools, utensils, or any other accessories left by the past people could reveal so much about their life style and their struggle for existence. It not only reveals such intricate details but also, information like how culture is formed, preserved and could successfully pass such society values to their future generations. Another reason is, appreciation for human race increases, as humans struggled for years to be in the place where they are now. For example, such discoveries increases the appreciation, as it shows with evidence how people in those old days with great determination, intelligence and creativity tried their best to adapt themselves to the fast changing environment and climatic conditions. In conclusion, if I have an opportunity to study a subject, which never pursued before, I would opt archeology because this subject has all features that can satisfy me at the same time carries me away with its various different interesting things.

Hi, I have my exam on 23rd. I did not write this answer with time limit as I did not know how to answer this one. I agree with 'ciquita0'. I guess adaptability can be considered skill, but I am still not very sure. I took self-discipline and framed my answer, Erin, Please do suggest. Can self-discipline be considered as a skill?. Thanks. 42.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. In this fast paced era, people’s awareness towards the world is changing. Accordingly, many new developments are occurring in every other field within a blink of the eye in a society. An individual has to catch up with fast changing world to survive and be successful. Self-discipline is the important skill needed to be successful in the new developing world. Self-discipline can teach many skills to an individual in the journey of life. Skills like determination to survive, adaptability, and confidence that any kind of issue could be handled in no time. An individual cannot learn as how to be self-disciplined. It should come from within. A person without self-discipline since he was a kid would remain without one throughout his life. He can manage to survive in the world. But, it is not something that can be initiated or inculcated in an individual. It should come naturally from an individual’s actions. Only then such skill would be beneficial in becoming successful in the real world. For instance, my father was born in a small village, in a family, whose main occupation was agriculture. People around used to speak abusive language. But, had the determination to survive, to come out of that village and explore the real world. Even today, he still says, self-discipline is the most important one needs to have. It gives tremendous determination to survive. Another reason that can be cited is, skill like self-discipline can take one’s life into many turns. For example, an Indian family who got migrated to United States in 60’s had to go through so much. Initially, it was a big culture shock to them. They only had one skill in their hands and it was self-discipline. The lady of the family did not even know how to speak good English. With self-discipline, she understood the necessity of educating herself. She took many classes in English. After all those years of hard work she ended up working as an English teacher in school. Another example is, self-discipline also teaches confidence. For example, first thing that is taught in many schools is self-discipline. If kids get used to self-discipline and work hard, they would get the confidence, that any kind of exam or an issue, in the real world could be handled. In summary, the most important skill a person needs to be successful in the real world is self-discipline. Self-discipline is the foundation for any individual’s personality. With out self-discipline, though many can manage to survive, it is tough succeed. It is like the foundation of a large building. If the foundation is not laid out correctly in a proper form, there high possibilities that the huge structure could collapse anytime.

Hi, I tried my best to complete answering this topic in 30 mins. I could complete but there were too many mistakes...I ended up correcting them for another 3 mins;). Anyways, I am not sure if I am writing it with good structure. Structure that I maintained here is, First para- Knowledge from books. 1 advantage, 1 disadvantage Second para- knowledge from experience. 1 advantage, 1 disadvantage. Finally third para- my opinion. Is this the right way to answer questions?. Please suggest. Thanks. sow1225. 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? develop your essay. An individual is very receptive to any kind of knowledge or information that one gains in the process of learning. Knowledge gained from book and experience is equally is weighed and given equal importance. Let’s evaluate the reasons below, which explains both sides with advantages and disadvantages. Knowledge gained from books is extensive, enormous and in detail. For instance, lets consider a person who does not know anything about gardening. He would want to try learning. He could go to a near by library to get all the books that can teach him about gardening. In no time he will have information about how to grow complete garden. Therefore, knowledge, which is complete, can be obtained from books. But, major drawback would be if that person does not implement any of his ideas. Learning process would not be complete if he does not implement. Furthermore, if he implements his ideas in growing gardens, he might discover something new or get to learn something by himself, which is not written in the books. Knowledge gained from experience has its own advantages and disadvantages. Experience teaches a lot because learning from observation could be more valuable than gaining from books sometimes. For instance, lets take a person, who is street smart, and works as a security guard in a community college, also very good in math. If a chance of polishing his talents and abilities in mathematics is not given, he might remain as a security guard throughout his life. He needs knowledge from books to make his life better. Hence, experience gained needs knowledge from books to strike a balance and make it complete. In my experience, I would value knowledge from source like books. Lets take my father as an example. He was born in a small village, back in India. When he was kid, he used to love reading lot of books, newspapers. Now, he is a famous cardiologist in our city. He could become one, with sheer diligence and determination. But, he is not good in improving assets or finance. Even today, he does not how stocks are invested or how such operations work. Even though, he lacks experience in such details, he thirst for knowledge made him survive. His knowledge helps him in every way of life. Therefore, I would prefer knowledge from books.

This what I thought about this topic. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer. Since past centuries, there have been tremendous changes and improvements in every field in the society. Changes in this new century would mean more progress in all the fields. Lets evaluate taking examples from fields that brought changes in lives of humans. A new century reminds the endeavors in the past and how successful they were. If we look into the past, many developments were made, which brought so many changes to the world. For example, cloning of sheep was achieved and scientists are now trying to concentrate on cloning of human beings. Such research programs brought changes in scientists thinking and if not this century, they are sure that one day cloning of human beings can definitely be achieved. Another reason is, all the countries in the world have been trying to protect themselves from the threats and biological wars from other countries. Fear from the attacks brought changes in people thinking. It led each country to improve in their own way to protect themselves from such attacks. It not only gives people in the country a safe feeling but also, gives an indication to the world to stop doing such attacks. Hence, such changes can be observed in every country all over the world. Another example is, if we look into science and technology field, cell phones are widely used since past century. These days cell phones can even transfer images from one phone to the other. Each small development or success gives new way of inspiration. Technologists are now confident in this new century, phones, which show the other person’s image while speaking can be developed in no time. To conclude, a new century may bring in many changes. But, it basically changes the way the humans think, inspiring and making them to improve to bring new developments to the world and to the future progeny.

Hi, this is my version for the same topic. Please grade and comment!. Thanks, 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. In this fast paced era, there are many different ways available to get entertained. Even though, both reading fiction books and watching movies have their own advantages, I would prefer reading fiction books such as novels and short stories for enjoyment. Chief reason to support my view is, there are different people in the society. For instance, people who work for five days a week need a break from stress. Triggering factors for their stress could be traffic or work. For such people, fiction books like Harry potter would be a good one to read as they not only work like stress relievers but also refreshes mind and body. If people, who come from work, stick to comedy prime time shows, they exhaust themselves more, by continuously sticking to the T.V. screens. It makes them couch potatoes and more sluggish people. Another example that can be given is, when people talk about hobbies, they say that, I read fiction books more. People mention about watching T.V. or movies, as a hobby is less likely, because every one gets to see a movie now and then. So, even if it were mentioned, it would be a very casual hobby. Reading such books is not only enjoyable, but also helps in increasing writing vocabulary. It is good education to any one including adults. Another reason is, fiction stories can take an individual into imaginative, fantasy and creative world. It would show everything that is not humanly possible, which would amuse and entertain an individual thoroughly. It would also increase one’s creative mind. On the other hand, people are more restricted to what is shown on the T.V. By the time they finish watching, people would be too exhausted to increase whatever creative ability they have. To conclude, I agree that reading books with fiction stories are more enjoyable than watching T.V. or movies. It is not only informative, but also improves one’s imagination and creative ability. Additionally, it works as the best stress reliever.

Hi Erin, Please help. I had two columns while preparing notes for this answer. 1. Friends who are different from you. 2. Who are similar to you. I wrote down two points on each side, and the rest as you can see, I gave two reasons(Only advantages as mentioned in the question) And the final para would state my preference. If a question like this appears, is this the right way to write?. Is the structure of the answer ok?. How are the reasons?. Does the content look very less?. Am I supposed to add more points. As I mentioned before my exam is 23rd. Please grade and comment as soon as you get a chance. Thanx. 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? Friends are the most precious people in life. Without friends, one’s life is not complete. However, a person chooses a friend in many different ways. Some people choose friends who are similar to them and others choose who are different from them. Let’s evaluate advantages that lie in both ways of choosing friends. Some people choose friends with different attitude and personality. For example, a person who has a friend with different character gets to know varied tastes, interests and hobbies. It would make life more interesting with such friends as they get to learn new stuff day in and out. On the other side, if a person has friends with similar tastes, interests and hobbies, there would be more happiness to explore such similar tastes every day. It comes as a surprise and would amuse a person who would be more excited to have such friends. Another reason that states the advantages in both ways of choosing friend is, when a person faces an issue, it would be more beneficial if different perspectives were presented to him for evaluation and analysis, which would further help him to use best judgment to take a decision. For example, if a person has a friend with different ideas and perspectives towards life than he has, it would give a big picture and clear vision of the issue, which would very helpful to solve the issue right away. On the contrary, a friend with similar views and ideas, can not only share one’s feelings and understand about what he/she is going through, but also be a big moral booster in the journey of life. Such friends are very much appreciated and valued. To conclude, I would prefer a friend who is different from me, as I would get to learn about new things everyday. I would have additional information about every issue. Even though, my friend sounds different to me, it would help me to look differently at an issue, which might help in increasing my critical thinking. Additionally, it would make my life more interesting.

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. Whether offering higher education in colleges or university may partially depend on college policies but mainly depends on the students and their career preferences. I personally agree that higher education should be available to good students only. Lets consider the reasons that are given below in supporting my view. If higher education is offered to all students in colleges or universities, students may get confused with their abilities or preferences towards their career. For example, a student who just finishes high school may not know what to do with his career and might decide enrolling to a program, which may not match to his skills or capabilities. Additionally, he might end up not completing that course, which would leave him nowhere. A student, who wants to pursue higher education, should have discipline, aptitude, commitment and passion to pursue one. Therefore, exams like GRE and TOEFL rightly measure a student’s ability to with stand such courses and give an idea to the student if he/she is capable enough for a higher degree. If pursuing higher education has no restrictions, some students may misuse it. For example, students who have rich parents may think that a higher degree from college or university would fetch reputation along with the degree. Such students would be filtered would college or university offers education only to good students. It not only gives students a new perspective towards life but also increases the university or college ranking. Another reason that can be cited is, a student who is capable enough may not have money to pay for such higher degree programs. In that case, the college or university policies play an important role. Such students should be given enough incentives, also give them strong encouragement in taking up a higher degree course. To conclude, I disagree to the point that, higher education in college or university should be allowed for all students.

Hi, My comments are in red. Conclusion is good. Hi, I just thought with the above corrections, your essay may look good. I may be wrong. I am posting mine below, Please take a look and comment when you get a chance. Thanks.

Hi guys, Please do help with your grading and comments. Thanks 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. In a school, there would be students with different learning capabilities. Salary payment for a teacher who teaches in school depends on many factors. It depends not only on the teacher’s level of education but also on the students. I would disagree to the above presented topic that teachers should be paid depending on how much a student can learn. Lets evaluate the reasons presented in supporting view. Chief reason is, learning capabilities of any two students will never be similar. Some students might have great grasping power and others may not. For example, a teacher may try his/her best way to teach a student who has zero grasping power or the ability to understand any issue, but student may end up not learning anything. If that is the case, then the teacher may not get paid for all the services or efforts he/she had put in teaching that particular student, which do not balance the fact that one should get paid good for their best services. Another reason that can be given is, it depends on many factors. It mainly depends on student’s behavioral psychology. For example, it could be that some students are mischievous and adamant to follow any kind of directions given to them. Even though, they have all the capabilities to learn and grasp quickly they may bluntly refuse listening to teacher. In that case, it is not teacher’s fault. If teachers are paid depending on how much a student learns, then it is not fair. A teacher may not get paid at all because of a notorious student. One more example that can be cited here is, if a class has students with good conduct and best learning capabilities, teacher who teaches to such classes would be paid very high with less efforts, even though, he/she offers same services like other teachers. If teachers are paid salaries this way, then some teachers may get away with less efforts and more money. Furthermore, some may remain without salaries. In summary, I disagree to the fact that teachers should be paid depending on how much a student learns from their class. Teacher’s salary should be paid depending on their experience or level of education. This would be creating a balance to the fact that salaries are paid to the services offered.

Hi all, I stumbled on this topic and I was about to write about telephone and its advantages. Suddenly it flashed through my mind that, discoveries are different from inventions. My husband was discussing about these two the other day. Then, I did not know how to start the answer. I checked TestMagic. Hats off to all of you!!. You guys are pretty good in research. Now, I have some ideas. I feel much better. Thanks to TestMagic!