TWE Essays 150/292 150 favorites among tourists, experts and locals alike. There you can bargain with the shop owners and buy good quality cloths with a very low price, you can even see plenty of pirated software- ironically, within sight of the US Embassy. So, there you have it. I encourage anyone to spend at least a few days in Beijing, because there are so much to see. (Essay ID: 174 ) Topic: 85 If a foreign visitor has only one day to spend in my country - China, I will recommend him to live in an average Chinese family for that special day. There is no denying that the one-day experience with a average Chinese family will be invaluable for his life and future career, if given a chance to work or live in China in the foreseeable future! As is known to all, to live with an average Chinese family for only one day, the foreign visitor could not get an overall picture of the average Chinese's life style and their culture; but in another way, even at the very beginning of being enthusiastically welcomed at the threshold of the house, he must be overwhelmed by the enthusiasm delivered by Chinese people who are famous for their hospitality; so that he is given a vivid lesson about the characteristics of the Chinese people. Of course, hospitality is merely one of the virtues Chinese people possess, but it is of vital importance to get familiar with the natives, to read the thoughts of the natives through their manners, or even their gestures, and finally be emerged into the life of the native Chinese more harmoniously than those who do not have such an experience! Besides, to live with an average Chinese family, a foreigner will get first-hand information about the situation of the common Chinese people's the life quality, their main expenses, and their hobbies in their spare time and so on. This first-hand information is of preliminary importance if he wants to get an insider’s view of this country. The third reason is that it is the best way for a foreigner to confirm whether he has read or heard in his own country is true or not is to look into the average Chinese people's life in person. If a foreigner is also a well-informed person, he must be buried with bulks of information all shouting about the so-called "insider's view" about the circumstances of the life of the Chinese people in today's China; and if he is a critical reader, he should not swallow all that without even asking "is that true?" Accordingly, I would say to the foreigner that to live with an average Chinese family will deserve all your endeavour and it is the perfect way to spend your one-day tour in China! (Essay ID: 405 ) Topic: 86 Back to January 19th,2002 Till now, there is only one thing that makes me feel repentant of. My girlfriend died in Japan, and at that time I was doing my TOEFL test. If I could go back to some time and place in the past, I choose to go back to January 19th 2002 I will use a story to show the reasons for choosing this time in the past. My girlfriend's was Christina. Her father is Japanese, and her mother is Chinese. That is why she looks as beautiful as an angel. Last winter vacation, I was preparing for the TOEFL test. Of course, I did not pay enough time for her as usual. I only saw her for twice a month. The night before the TOEFL test, TWE Essays 151/292 151 she came to my house. I enjoyed her cooking, and everything looked fine as usual. The next morning, she cooked the breakfast for me. Before I left, she kissed me and said " Jackey, good luck. I love you!" I replied: "Thanks, honey! I love you, too." The test goes fine. After the test, my cell phone rang as I turned it on. It is one of my best friends Moon. He said " Jackey, Christina went back to Japan. She tried to kill herself. Now she is in the hospital and she is in danger period. You must arrive to the airport in three minutes. The visa, passport and the air ticket are in the car. You have to come to Japan right now. We will see you in Japan!" When I saw her, she said, " I think your business is more important than me. I do not think you need me any more! Goodbye, forever." She sleeps forever. If I go back to the time, I will stay with her and spend much more time on her. I even can drop my business. In fact, it is impossible for backing that time! Christina is died. There is not another Christina for me, but will have four times per year for the TOEFL test. The lost would never be back. (Essay ID: 376 ) Topic: 86 If I were afforded the opportunity to go back to a specific time and place in the past, I would venture back to ancient Greece. During the 5th century B.C., the Greeks were in the process of developing and reforming a wide range of cultural, social, and scientific pursuits which still have a significant impact on the world today. In the arts, Greece excelled in many fields, particularly dramatic literature. The works of Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes have had a tremendous influence not only on western literature, but also western thought in general. The works of these playwrights are still performed on stages around the world today. However, it would be a rare and exciting opportunity to see these plays performed for the first time. The ancient Greeks also excelled in the social sciences. Perhaps their greatest contribution in this area came in the form of democracy. The Greek words "Demo" and "Cracy" mean "People" and "Rule" respectively. Today, many of the world's great nations have adopted, and to a certain extent, modified the ancient Greek system. Yet, its birth and early maturation period all took place in ancient Greece. Academic subjects such as Philosophy, Astronomy, Physics and Biology also received a great deal of attention in the ancient Greek world. The philosophical writings of Heraclitus, Plato, and Aristotle have had a profound influence on western scholarship for well over two thousand years. The Mathematical theories of Pythagoras and Euclid, combined with theories from other great ancient civilizations, provided a foundation upon which later mathematicians such as Newton and Einstein based their work. The world of the Ancient Greeks would most certainly be an exciting and stimulating place to go back to. Politics, Drama, Physics, and a number of other subjects were still in their infancy, and all were being fiercely debated and examined. It would undoubtedly be and enriching experience to observe and take part in such a fascinating civilization. (Essay ID: 175 ) Topic: 87 TWE Essays 152/292 152 I think the most important discovery that has been the most beneficial for people in my country is the invention of Internet. So far as I can tell, the Internet has been beneficial to people around the globe. My view is a commonsense one, based on the fact that the Web is a vast storehouse of information and opinion, which can be scientific, literary, political, sporting or sexual. Anyone with access to a computer and a dialup connection can unlock the door and trawl through its offerings. The Internet can be used as a broad base of knowledge that contributes to the educational system. Students and teachers benefit from the use of the Internet, as well as administrators and others outside of formal education. Students benefit because the Internet provides a resource to supplemental information for any subject. Educators benefit because the Internet provides a vast knowledge base to prepare for topics. People are not only learning from the Internet, they are contributing and sharing knowledge through networked communities. The Internet is the advancement of education for all its users. Internet can deliver better customer services to people. The Internet is changing the way we do business. Using Internet broadcasting, we are able to target the right audience, prepare and present a technical presentation on a popular topic, interact with new customers, and collect hundreds of highly qualified leads. As Internet companies continue to find innovative ways to leverage the capabilities of the Internet for businesses, the more we will learn how to provide optimal solutions for customers. Which in turn, will greatly benefit people. The Internet today is a way to transfer and share information. On the whole, it is a benefit to individuals of all kinds. We do have problems surrounding the Internet that need to be solved, but as with all new technologies there are debates and opinions. Since the Internet technology is spreading, it will soon become as popular as all other forms of communication. If you have not tried it, do so. (Essay ID: 490 ) Topic: 88 At first glance, this statement may sound plausible because except from personal contact, every other forms of communication, including telephones and emails, are indirect ways of communication. But shall we get a conclusion that telephones and email have made communication between people less personal? To answer this question, we should look at the following points: First, telephone and email are more efficient ways of communication. Telephones and email are becoming more and more important for us today. We use telephones for conversations to our friends and family; we use email to transfer important information and documents, even photo and multi-media files. With a phone, we can order services and make enquires regarding a service without physically present in the place, this will save us so much time and energy. In time of emergencies, when it is impossible for us to physically go to a police station or a hospital, we can simply call 911, a emergency vehicle will come to us in ten minutes. Imagine how hard it will be for us if we do not have access to a telephone under emergency situations. Second, telephones and email increase the chances that people communicate. Although face-to- face personal contact is more close and intimate than making phone calls or sending emails, we actually do not have much time to visit each other. Furthermore, people have their own private life. Sometimes they do not want to be disturbed by visitors. A phone call or an email message is always the most proper and courteous way to make contact with people, and are not restrained by time or occasions. For example, during the Chinese New Years, more and more people make TWE Essays 153/292 153 phone calls to our friends and folks, or send electronic cards through email, wishing them a happy new year, instead of actually travel to their friends’ house to make a visit. In conclusion, telephones and email are convenient ways to communicate and can actually increase the communication between people. They maybe less personal, but they are surely more effective means of communication. (Essay ID: 177 . Sample essay provided by Erin Billy of www.TestMagic.com) Topic: 89 If I could travel back in time to meet a famous person, I would most like to meet and speak with Siddhartha Gautama: The Buddha. If by "enlightenment" one means a complete understanding of the universe, then Buddha, having achieved "enlightenment", would be fully capable of answering all questions relating to the origins, condition, and destiny of the universe. Perhaps the first thing I would like to discuss, upon meeting Buddha, would be the events surrounding the birth of the universe. How and why did the universe come into being? Are contemporary physicists correct in assuming that all matter emerged spontaneously from a single point beyond time and space? The Big Bang! And does this theory compliment or contradict the theories of other great religious thinkers who claimed that all life emerged from a primordial source. The "void" Following our discussion of the origins of the universe, I would like to ask Buddha a number of questions concerning the "human condition." Why are Mankind, the planet Earth and the universe structured the way they are? What is the purpose of life? Why does existence contain such drastic opposites: love and hate, good and evil, joy and suffering? Having gained an understanding of both the universe and the human condition, I would then like to move on to a discussion of Mankind's destiny. What is then ultimate fate of the universe, and in turn, life? Is it true, as some great thinkers have suggested, that the universe and everything in it return to the void from which it emerged? And what about God? Is God a personal entity, as some religions claim? Or is God the impersonal source of all that exists? The impersonal source of the void! Throughout history, intelligent men and women have thought deeply about God, fate, destiny, and the origins of the universe. The opportunity to have these questions answered by one who lived in the not too distant past, would truly be a remarkable experience. (Essay ID: 178 . Sample essay provided by Erin Billy of www.TestMagic.com) Topic: 90 Everyone dreams to be handsome, rich and happy. Famous actors and actresses, pop stars or athletes are so popular because they realized the dreams many ordinary people have. If I could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, this person will be Julia Roberts. Julia Roberts is a very talented actress. She can play many characters and each one is new and different. She seems to become the person she is portraying and gives a 100% to the performance. Pretty Women is my favorite because it was the first Julia movie that I saw and it was her big break. I still watch the movie to this day and enjoy it. Steel Magnolias is 2nd. Julia was in the company of a very talented cast and held her own. It’s a classic, something you always enjoy watching. TWE Essays 154/292 154 I loved Nottinghill because the movie was full of many emotions. It made you feel happy after seeing it. I enjoy all of her movies. I see them even if the critics dish the movie. If she is in a movie I know her performance will be worth seeing. Her Oscar was very worthy of her as she was of it. Her Oscar was a long time coming. I'm sure we can all look forward to many more great films to come and her always Oscar winning performance. Julia Roberts is not only beautiful, but she executes the characters she plays so well, that she can almost bring us to tears… almost. If I had a chance to meet Julia, I would also thank her for always thinking of the poor and the needed. After the disaster in New York and Pennsylvania, her face looked the sincerest of all of the stars. Also, I heard on the news that Julia gave $2 million as a tribute. Recently, you pleaded at US congress for money on a children’s disease. Thank Julia for helping with such a kind heart especially during a time when so many have lost so much! I know that they appreciate your support and thoughtfulness, Julia. Such is Julia Roberts, a pretty woman and America’s sweet heart, and she is the star that I definitely want to meet the most. (Essay ID: 179 ) Topic: 91 If I could ask a famous person one question, I would like to ask the world famous scientist Li Siguang if our city could build a statue or monument to honor him. Because I think that he definitely deserves to be honored in some methods for his great achievements and building a statue or monument to honor him is appropriate. Besides, to honor him will stimulate our children to model this famous scientist and push themselves to study hard. But I have to ask his permission. The famous geologist Zhao Siguang had made great achievements in geology. One of his famous discoveries is that he renewed the continental drift theory in China. By applying his new theory into practical use, protectors have been exploring a lot of crude oil wells and precious mineral sites in china. These discoveries have been promoting our industries greatly and therefore made him famous both in our country and in the world. we need to honor him for these achievements. There are a lot of ways to honor a famous scientist like Li Siguang, such as to establish an extra holiday, to name a street after his name besides building a statue or monument. However, establishing a new holiday will involve a series of legislative process and there is already a street that is called after his name in our city. The left choice is to build a statue or monument to honor him. Besides, he was born in our city. My city is his hometown. So, I think nothing can be more appropriate to honor him than to build a statue or monument. After the statue or monument having been built, our later generations of the city can model him more easily. Our children are usually to know this famous geologist from books and magazines, or hearing his name from their teachers. It is a little more difficult for our children to adore him because all the stories about the famous people are seemed to be similar to one another. From building a statue or monument to honor him, children can look up to him anytime and know that he was born in the city and just standing over there. This will stimulate them to study hard and hope themselves to be as famous as him in the future. Overall, if I had the opportunity to ask a famous person one question, I would really want to know if our city could build a statue or monument to honor Li Siguang. We really should honor him for his achievements and his potential positive effect upon our children. However, he is too modest a person. So, I have to ask him about this question and hope that he will say “yes” to me. TWE Essays 155/292 155 (Essay ID: 527. This is a 5 point essay) Topic: 91 If I had the opportunity to sit down and meet one of my idols or heroes, I could come up with hundreds of questions to find out what they did to get where they are, but in particular I like to have asked Helen Keller, what would she have made of the technology available today to blind and deafblind individuals? When Helen Keller was nineteen months old, a serious illness almost took her life. She survived the disease had left her both blind and deaf. Her education contributed to her first teacher, Anne Sullivan. Anne taught Helen to finger spell, and manage to let her understand the meaning of words. Imagine how hard it is for a person both blind and deaf to relate words with real world objects, although she never had a chance to see those objects! Another teacher Mary Swift Lamson who over the coming year was to try and teach Helen to speak. This was something that Helen desperately wanted and although she learned to understand what somebody else was saying by touching their lips and throat, her efforts to speak herself proved to be unsuccessful. However, Helen moved on to the Cambridge School for Young Ladies and later entered Radcliff College, becoming the first deaf blind person to have ever enrolled at an institution of higher learning. After World War Two, Helen spent years traveling the world fundraising for the American Foundation for the Overseas Blind. They visited Japan, Australia, South America, Europe and Africa. Her hard work and achievements was widely recognized throughout the world, and she was acknowledged as "the Miracle Worker". If Helen Keller were born today her life would undoubtedly have been completely different. Her life long dream was to be able to talk, something that she was never really able to master. Today the teaching methods exist that would have helped Helen to realize this dream. What would Helen have made of the technology available today to blind and deaf blind individuals? Technology of today has enabled blind and deaf blind people, like Helen, to communicate directly, and independently, with anybody in the world. (Essay ID: 180 ) Topic: 92 There is no denying the fact that whether to choose a place that have the same weather all year long, or a place where the weather changes several times a year is a popular topic which is much talked about. Although it seems that normally we cannot tell which one outweigh the other between these two kinds of places, they deserve some close examination. If three criteria were taken into account, I would prefer living in areas where the weather changes several times a year to living in places that have the same weather or climate all year long. There are no less than three advantages in this as rendered below. First, varied weather or climate broadens the range of our pastimes. For example, we can go swimming in summer and go skiing in winter. If the place we live in has only hot weather all year long, like Singapore, most of us can never go skiing in our lives. Secondly, the change of climate gives us opportunities to wear many kinds of clothes. Some say it . anybody in the world. (Essay ID: 18 0 ) Topic: 92 There is no denying the fact that whether to choose a place that have the same weather all year long, or a place where the weather changes. 17 5 ) Topic: 87 TWE Essays 15 2/292 15 2 I think the most important discovery that has been the most beneficial for people in my country is the invention of Internet. So far as I can tell, the. twice a month. The night before the TOEFL test, TWE Essays 15 1/292 15 1 she came to my house. I enjoyed her cooking, and everything looked fine as usual. The next morning, she cooked the breakfast