e) READING
64. Do you like reading? ( 5 - 6 )
No I don’t like reading. I do not have the patience. For example, I have never been able to read a book from start to finish. Maybe the books I have tried were not interesting enough.
64. Do you like reading? ( 7 - 8 )
Yes. I like reading very much. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I believe that all of us should read a lot. For example, when you read you acquire new knowledge, which in turn will broaden your views on important matters. In addition I also like reading ‘Crazy English’. The topics are interesting and short, and the translations ensure that I don’t waste time looking up unfamiliar words.
65. What kinds of books do you like best? ( 5 - 6 )
I like cartoons. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I believe cartoons are a special form of art. For example, the Japanese cartoons that are common in China, have excellent illustrations.
65. What kinds of books do you like best? ( 7 - 8 )
I like novels. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I like to read a storyline that is full of intrigue and suspense. For example, many love stories have characters who are involved in all sorts of conflicts amongst them. The most common one known all over the world since ancient times is the so-called ‘love triangle’.
66. Describe a book that you have read recently. ( 5 - 6 )
I have read a book about the life of Michael Jordan. I am sorry, but I have forgotten the name of the book. I also like to read Japanese cartoons.
66. Describe a book that you have read recently. ( 7 - 8 )
I have recently read a book about the history of South Africa. It is called ‘The Covenant’, and was written by a famous American author called James Mitchener. It describes the history from the very first days, up to the present. It covers all aspects of the country, but focuses on the people of the country. For example, he looks at the political situation over the past fifty years, which was based on racial discrimination and had become known to the world as ‘apartheid’.
67. Do you often read the newspapers? ( 5 - 6 )
No, I never read a newspaper. I watch TV if I want to know what is happening in China and the world. Newspapers take to much time to read. For example, the news on TV is short and to the point, and that's all I want to know.
67. Do you often read the newspapers? ( 7 - 8 )
No. Allow me to explain the reasons by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, I use the Internet these days if I want to know what's happening in China and the world. For example, websites like CNN contain all the latest news on world events. Secondly, I like to read about stories in depth, and this I cannot find in newspapers. For example, I often would like to know the history behind a story. On the Internet I can do some research right away, and so gain a broader perspective on the subject at hand.
f）HOBBIES
68. Do you have a hobby? ( 5 - 8 )
Yes. My hobby is stamp collecting. I have been collecting stamps for the past two years now. That is to say, for two years I have chosen stamp collecting to be my only hobby. I regularly spend time working on my collection. I guess I spend about two hours every week on my hobby. This is mainly over weekends, as I do not have time during the week.
69. Why have you chosen this hobby? ( 5 - 6 )
That's an interesting question. Allow me to explain myself/my personal views by shortly mentioning the following points: First of all, it's a very interesting hobby. For example, the stamps from other countries often say something about that country and it's people.
69. Why have you chosen this hobby? ( 7 - 8 )
First of all, when you collect stamps, you are able to learn more about the world, and you will not be bored easily. What I mean to say is that you can get stamps from every country in the world, and the stamps often say something about that country and it's people. Secondly, you are able to meet new friends through your hobby. For instance, you have a common interest with someone else, and you can discuss your collections together for many hours. Lastly, the hobby will teach you some self-discipline and how to be very systematic. That is to say, you have to tend to your collection regularly, and you have to sort the stamps according to internationally recognized systems.
70. What are good hobbies, and what are bad hobbies? ( 5 - 8 )
In my opinion, good hobbies are those ones that give you the opportunity to develop a new skill. For example, collecting stamps teaches you to be systematic. Bad hobbies on the other hand may result in you acquiring bad habits. For example, TV and computer games will result in you neglecting your studies.
