This post gives some useful expressions about the topic: Gaokao Memories and Beyond

Subquestion 1: Have you taken the Gaokao, or are you taking it this year? If you haven't taken it, what different path have you chosen or plan to choose?

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. take (the Gaokao): to take part in the college entrance exam.

2. graduate: to finish high school successfully.

3. choose: to pick one thing from several options.

4. path: a way or road in life.

5. plan: to think about future actions and decide.

6. prepare: to get ready for something.

7. go to college: to study at a university after high school.

8. look for a job: to try to find work.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I took the Gaokao in [year].

Explanation: Use this sentence to tell others the year you participated in the exam.

2. I am taking the Gaokao this year.

Explanation: Use this sentence to show you are currently sitting for the exam.

3. I haven't taken it because I chose a different path.

Explanation: Use this sentence to explain that you decided to do something else instead of the Gaokao.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. participate: to take part in an activity or event.

2. pursue: to try to achieve or follow a goal.

3. alternative: a different choice or option.

4. vocational: relating to learning practical job skills.

5. overseas: in or to another country across the sea.

6. pathway: a route or track to follow.

7. opt for: to choose something instead of something else.

8. instead of: in place of; as an alternative to.

Sentence Patterns:

1. Rather than taking the Gaokao, I decided to study abroad.

Explanation: You can use this to say you chose a different way, such as studying overseas.

2. I chose to enroll in a vocational school after graduation.

Explanation: This tells others you entered a school for specific job training.

3. My plan is to work for a few years and then apply to college.

Explanation: This explains a plan to delay entering university.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. forego: to give up or not do something that is usual.

2. undertake: to take on a task or responsibility.

3. venture: a new activity that involves some risk.

4. unconventional: not following usual or traditional ways.

5. tertiary: concerning education at the college or university level.

6. apprenticeship: a period of time spent learning a trade from a skilled person.

7. set one's sights on: to decide to try to achieve something.

8. carve out a path: to create your own way in life or career.

Sentence Patterns:

1. Had it not been for my decision to take the Gaokao, I would have missed the chance to enter university.

Explanation: Use this sentence to express an imagined result of not taking the exam.

2. I opted to deviate from the conventional path by starting a business instead of pursuing a degree.

Explanation: This explains the choice to do something non-traditional.

3. Reflecting on my choices, I realize that the Gaokao is but one of many routes to a meaningful life.

Explanation: This shares a mature thought on the Gaokao's role.

Subquestion 2: How did you feel on the morning of your first Gaokao test? (If you are taking it today, you can describe your current feelings.)

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. nervous: feeling worried and afraid about something.

2. excited: feeling happy and full of energy.

3. tired: feeling that you need rest or sleep.

4. worried: feeling unhappy because you are thinking about problems.

5. hope: to want something good to happen.

6. ready: fully prepared to do something.

7. calm down: to become less nervous or upset.

8. think about: to consider something in your mind.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I felt very nervous before my first Gaokao test.

Explanation: Use this to say you were afraid and worried.

2. I could not sleep well the night before.

Explanation: This tells others that you had trouble resting.

3. I woke up early and checked my things again and again.

Explanation: This shows you wanted to be sure everything was ready.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. anxious: feeling worried and not able to relax.

2. restless: unable to stay still because you are nervous.

3. confident: sure that you can succeed.

4. pressure: a feeling of stress from demands or expectations.

5. heartbeat: the beating of your heart, often felt strongly when nervous.

6. sweat: the water that comes out of your skin when you are hot or afraid.

7. take a deep breath: to slowly breathe in a lot of air to feel calm.

8. look forward to: to feel pleased about something that is going to happen.

Sentence Patterns:

1. My heart was pounding as I entered the exam hall.

Explanation: This describes a fast and strong heartbeat from nervousness.

2. I tried to push away the negative thoughts and focused on staying positive.

Explanation: This tells how you fought bad feelings and tried to think good things.

3. Looking back, I realize I was more prepared than I thought.

Explanation: This says that now you know you were ready, even if you doubted then.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. apprehensive: slightly worried or fearful about the future.

2. jittery: feeling nervous and unable to relax; jumpy.

3. composed: calm and in control of your emotions.

4. surge: a sudden strong feeling, such as energy or fear.

5. turmoil: a state of great confusion or upset in the mind.

6. anticipation: a feeling of excitement or worry about something that will happen.

7. have butterflies in one's stomach: to feel very nervous or excited, like a fluttering feeling inside.

8. feel the weight of expectation: to sense heavy pressure from what others hope you will achieve.

Sentence Patterns:

1. A wave of anxiety washed over me the moment I woke up.

Explanation: This expresses a sudden strong feeling of worry.

2. Despite the flurry of emotions, I managed to keep my composure before the test.

Explanation: This tells that you stayed calm even though you had many feelings.

3. In hindsight, the overwhelming anticipation I felt was a natural response to such a pivotal moment.

Explanation: This shares a mature understanding that the strong feeling was normal for an important event.

Subquestion 3: What was the weather like during your Gaokao days? Does any weather remind you of the exam?

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. sunny: having bright light from the sun.

2. rainy: having a lot of rain falling.

3. cloudy: covered with clouds; not sunny.

4. hot: having a high temperature; very warm.

5. cool: slightly cold but not too cold.

6. warm: a little hot; comfortable temperature.

7. weather: the condition of the air outside, such as rain or sun.

8. remember: to bring a past event back into your mind.

9. on that day: during that specific day in the past.

10. think of: to have something come into your mind.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The weather on my Gaokao day was very hot.

Explanation: Use this to tell people the temperature was high.

2. It rained heavily during the exam.

Explanation: This says there was a lot of rain while you were taking the test.

3. Sunny days always remind me of my Gaokao.

Explanation: This expresses that bright sun makes you remember the exam.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. humid: warm and wet; the air feels sticky.

2. breeze: a light and gentle wind.

3. shower: a short period of rain.

4. thunderstorm: a storm with rain, thunder, and lightning.

5. gentle: soft and not strong.

6. mild: not too hot or too cold; pleasant.

7. overcast: when the sky is completely covered with clouds.

8. damp: slightly wet, especially in a way that is not comfortable.

9. bring back memories: to make you remember past events.

10. associate with: to connect one thing with another in your mind.

Sentence Patterns:

1. A gentle breeze blew through the open window during the test.

Explanation: This describes a soft wind that made the room comfortable.

2. Whenever there is a thunderstorm, I recall those nervous Gaokao mornings.

Explanation: This shows how stormy weather triggers your memory.

3. The overcast sky matched my heavy mood before the exam.

Explanation: This links the cloudy weather to your feelings.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. scorching: very hot; burning.

2. sweltering: extremely hot and making you feel uncomfortable.

3. drizzle: light rain falling in very small drops.

4. downpour: a lot of rain falling quickly and strongly.

5. brisk: cold but fresh and pleasant.

6. crisp: cold, dry, and fresh, often used for autumn weather.

7. oppressive: making you feel uncomfortable and heavy, often used for heat.

8. reminiscent: making you think of the past.

9. conjure up images: to make pictures or memories appear in your mind.

10. be etched in memory: to be remembered very clearly and never forgotten.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The sweltering heat made it hard to concentrate on the exam.

Explanation: This expresses that extreme heat affected your ability to focus.

2. Drizzly weather invariably transports me back to those tense Gaokao afternoons.

Explanation: This says light rain always makes you feel like you are back in that time.

3. A brisk morning breeze on exam day is forever etched in my memory.

Explanation: This tells that the cool wind is a clear and lasting memory.

4. The oppressive humidity that day seemed to mirror the weight of expectation.

Explanation: This compares the uncomfortable air to the heavy pressure you felt.

Subquestion 4: Which subject left the deepest impression on you? Why does it stand out?

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. subject: a branch of knowledge studied in school, like math or English.

2. favorite: the one you like the most among all.

3. difficult: hard to do or understand.

4. easy: not hard; simple to do.

5. interesting: holding your attention; not boring.

6. boring: not interesting; making you feel tired.

7. exam: a formal test of knowledge.

8. score: the number or grade you get on a test.

9. stand out: to be easily noticed or better than others.

10. in my eyes: in my opinion or from my point of view.

Sentence Patterns:

1. My favorite subject in high school was English.

Explanation: Use this to tell others which subject you liked most.

2. I found math very difficult, but it left a deep impression on me.

Explanation: This says math was hard for you, yet you remember it well.

3. The subject that impressed me most was Chinese because of the stories.

Explanation: This tells which subject impressed you and gives a simple reason.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. memorable: worth remembering; easy to remember.

2. challenging: difficult in a way that tests your ability.

3. fascinating: very interesting; attracting your attention completely.

4. struggle: to try very hard to do something difficult.

5. overcome: to succeed in dealing with a problem.

6. inspire: to make someone want to do something good or creative.

7. focus: to give all your attention to something.

8. effort: the physical or mental energy needed to do something.

9. leave an impression: to cause someone to notice and remember you or something.

10. make a difference: to have an effect or change something.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The reason this subject stands out is that I had an excellent teacher.

Explanation: This says a good teacher made the subject memorable.

2. Despite my initial struggle with physics, I eventually developed a love for it.

Explanation: This expresses that you first found it hard but later liked it.

3. Looking back, I realize that the challenge of chemistry shaped my thinking.

Explanation: This reflects on how the subject influenced you.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. profound: having a strong and deep effect on a person.

2. pivotal: very important and affecting the way something develops.

3. resonate: to bring up memories or emotions; to connect with something strongly.

4. adversity: a difficult or unpleasant situation.

5. tenacity: the quality of continuing to try even when it is hard.

6. epiphany: a sudden moment of understanding something important.

7. retrospect: thinking about a past event or situation.

8. transformative: causing a major change in someone or something.

9. leave an indelible mark: to have a lasting and strong effect that cannot be forgotten.

10. strike a chord: to be similar to what someone thinks or feels, making them feel a connection.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The subject that left the most profound impression on me was history, for it altered my worldview.

Explanation: This says history changed how you see the world.

2. In retrospect, the grueling preparation for the math exam taught me resilience.

Explanation: This reflects on how hard preparation gave you strength.

3. It was not the content itself but the teacher's passion that resonated deeply with me.

Explanation: This emphasizes that the teacher's love, not the subject matter, made an impact.

Subquestion 5: Did you or your family have any special habits for good luck before the exam? For example, did you wear certain colors or eat special foods?

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. luck: good things that happen by chance, not by effort.

2. habit: an action that you repeat often, sometimes without thinking.

3. wear: to put clothing, shoes, or accessories on your body.

4. color: the appearance of something as red, blue, green, and so on.

5. food: items you eat to live and grow.

6. special: different from what is usual; important or unusual.

7. wish for: to strongly want something to happen.

8. believe in: to think that something is true or can work.

Sentence Patterns:

1. Before the Gaokao, my parents made a special meal for me.

Explanation: Tell others about a special food your family prepared.

2. I wore something red because people say it brings good luck.

Explanation: Share a clothing habit you followed.

3. I did not follow any special habits; I just tried to stay relaxed.

Explanation: Say that you did not do anything unusual and tried to be calm.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. tradition: a custom or way of doing something that has continued for a long time.

2. superstition: a belief not based on reason, often about luck or magic.

3. ritual: a set of actions performed for a reason, usually in the same way each time.

4. auspicious: showing a sign that success or good luck is likely.

5. charm: a small item kept because it is thought to bring luck.

6. fortune: luck or chance, especially about wealth or success.

7. keep fingers crossed: to wish for good luck by crossing two fingers.

8. good luck charm: a special object that is believed to bring good fortune.

Sentence Patterns:

1. My mother insisted on preparing a traditional dish that was supposed to bring good energy.

Explanation: Describe a food custom that your mother believed in.

2. Wearing a red bracelet during the exam was a common superstitious practice in my family.

Explanation: Tell about a piece of jewelry worn for luck.

3. I carried a small charm in my pocket as a way to feel more secure.

Explanation: Explain that you kept a lucky object close to you.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. talisman: a lucky object believed to have magical powers.

2. omen: a sign that something good or bad will happen in the future.

3. harbinger: something that signals a future event; often a sign of good luck.

4. propitiate: to do something to gain favor or goodwill, often through rituals.

5. abate: to become less strong or extreme, often used for anxiety.

6. fortuitous: happening by chance in a lucky way.

7. touch wood: to touch something wooden to avoid bad luck after speaking of good fortune.

8. leave nothing to chance: to plan everything carefully so that luck is unnecessary.

Sentence Patterns:

1. My family adhered to a set of pre-exam rituals, believing they would propitiate unseen forces for a favorable outcome.

Explanation: Describe following family customs to gain luck from supernatural forces.

2. Though I am not superstitious by nature, I found myself clutching a talisman as a psychological anchor during those tense hours.

Explanation: Explain that even a non-superstitious person used a lucky charm for comfort.

3. In retrospect, these superstitious acts served less to influence fate than to ease the overwhelming uncertainty we faced.

Explanation: Say that the rituals helped more with managing anxiety than actually changing luck.

Subquestion 6: Who helped you the most during your Gaokao preparation? Tell us a short story about this person.

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. help: to do something that makes it easier for someone to do a job or to deal with a problem.

2. person: a human being; a man, woman, or child.

3. parent: a mother or father of a person.

4. teacher: a person who teaches in a school.

5. friend: a person you know well and like, who is not a family member.

6. support: to give help or encouragement to someone.

7. tell a story: to describe a set of real or imagined events to someone.

8. give a hand: to help someone.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The person who helped me most was my mother.

Explanation: Use this to name the person who helped you.

2. I want to tell you a story about my father.

Explanation: This introduces a story you are going to share.

3. My teacher gave me a lot of support during that time.

Explanation: This says your teacher helped you greatly.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. encourage: to give someone confidence or hope to do something.

2. guidance: help and advice about how to do something.

3. comfort: to make someone feel less worried or unhappy.

4. influence: to have an effect on someone's behavior or decisions.

5. grateful: feeling or showing thanks for something good.

6. motivation: the reason or enthusiasm for doing something.

7. share a memory: to tell someone about a past event that you remember.

8. play a role: to be involved in something and have an important effect.

Sentence Patterns:

1. My older brother encouraged me whenever I felt like giving up.

Explanation: This shows how a family member gave you courage.

2. I am deeply grateful for the guidance my teacher provided throughout the preparation.

Explanation: This expresses thanks for a teacher's help.

3. The story I remember most clearly is about how my mother stayed up late with me every night.

Explanation: This begins a short story about a specific memory.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. mentor: an experienced person who gives advice and help to a less experienced person.

2. guardian: a person who protects or is legally responsible for someone.

3. unwavering: continuing in a strong and steady way; not changing.

4. consolation: comfort received by a person when they are disappointed or sad.

5. indebted: owing thanks or gratitude for help received.

6. persevere: to continue trying to do something difficult in spite of obstacles.

7. pillar of strength: a person who can be relied upon to give a lot of support during difficult times.

8. owe a debt of gratitude: to feel that you should be very thankful to someone.

Sentence Patterns:

1. Had it not been for my father's unwavering support, I might not have persevered through those grueling months.

Explanation: This expresses how essential the person's support was for you to continue.

2. My English teacher served not only as an educator but also as a mentor who shaped my character.

Explanation: This says the teacher helped you grow as a person, not just academically.

3. I feel forever indebted to my grandmother, whose quiet presence was a source of immense consolation during setbacks.

Explanation: This shares a story about an elderly relative who gave comfort.

Subquestion 7: What was the first thing you did after your last exam? (If you are still in the middle of the exams, what do you most want to do when they are over?)

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. sleep: to rest with your eyes closed, usually at night.

2. eat: to take food into your mouth and swallow it.

3. celebrate: to do something enjoyable on a special occasion.

4. rest: to stop working or moving to get your energy back.

5. laugh: to make sounds and smile that show you are happy.

6. cry: to have tears fall from your eyes, often when feeling strong emotions.

7. hang out with: to spend time with friends in a relaxed way.

8. throw away: to put something in the trash; to get rid of it.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I slept for a long time after my last exam.

Explanation: Use this to say you slept many hours.

2. I ate a big dinner with my family to celebrate.

Explanation: This tells others you shared a special meal after the test.

3. I threw away my textbooks and shouted with joy.

Explanation: This expresses the action of discarding study materials happily.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. unwind: to relax after a period of work or stress.

2. recharge: to get back your energy and strength.

3. binge-watch: to watch many episodes of a TV show one after another.

4. socialize: to meet and spend time with other people in a friendly way.

5. embrace: to hug someone tightly with your arms.

6. exhale: to breathe out slowly, often from relief.

7. let off steam: to do something that helps you release stress or strong feelings.

8. splash out: to spend a lot of money on something enjoyable, especially for a celebration.

Sentence Patterns:

1. After the exam, I binge-watched my favorite TV series all night long.

Explanation: Explain that you watched many episodes without stopping.

2. I met up with friends to let off steam at a karaoke bar.

Explanation: Tell that you spent time with friends singing to relax.

3. I exhaled deeply and felt a wave of relief wash over me.

Explanation: Describe breathing out as a sign of letting go of tension.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. exhilaration: a feeling of great excitement and happiness.

2. catharsis: the release of strong emotions through an activity or experience.

3. decompress: to reduce pressure and relax after a difficult or stressful time.

4. revel: to enjoy yourself in a lively and noisy way.

5. savor: to fully enjoy and appreciate an experience or moment.

6. jubilation: a feeling of great joy and celebration.

7. bask in: to enjoy the warmth or good feeling of something happily.

8. cast off the burdens: to free yourself from heavy responsibilities or worries.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The moment I walked out of the exam hall, a rush of exhilaration surged through me.

Explanation: Express the sudden strong happiness you felt.

2. The catharsis of discarding my notes was far greater than I had anticipated.

Explanation: Describe the powerful emotional release of throwing away study materials.

3. I allowed myself to bask in the sheer relief of freedom, savoring every moment without obligation.

Explanation: Convey the joy of relaxing and enjoying freedom after responsibilities.

Subquestion 8: What advice would you give to your younger self before taking the Gaokao? (If you are taking it now, what advice would you give to someone who will take it next year?)

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. advice: helpful words about what to do or how to behave.

2. suggestion: an idea or plan for someone to think about.

3. study: to spend time learning something.

4. health: the condition of your body and mind.

5. mistake: something done wrong or not correct.

6. trust: to believe that someone is good and honest.

7. take care of: to look after someone or something.

8. learn from: to gain knowledge from an experience.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I would tell my younger self to take care of my health.

Explanation: Use this to express the importance of caring for your body.

2. Don't be afraid of making mistakes.

Explanation: This advises not to fear errors.

3. The most valuable suggestion is to stay positive.

Explanation: This says being hopeful is a very helpful tip.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. perspective: a particular way of considering something.

2. manage: to succeed in dealing with something.

3. stress: feelings of worry caused by difficult situations.

4. balance: a state where things are in the right proportions.

5. outcome: the result of an activity or process.

6. routine: a fixed order of doing things regularly.

7. keep a positive mindset: to try to think in a hopeful way.

8. stay on track: to continue doing something as planned.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I would advise my younger self to keep a long-term perspective.

Explanation: This suggests thinking beyond the exam to future life.

2. Learn to manage your stress through exercise or hobbies.

Explanation: This gives practical advice about handling pressure.

3. Remember that the Gaokao does not define your entire life.

Explanation: This reminds that the exam is not the only thing that matters.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. hindsight: the ability to understand an event after it has happened.

2. counsel: advice, especially given formally.

3. indispensable: too important to be without.

4. obsession: something that you think about all the time.

5. resilience: the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

6. composure: the feeling of being calm and in control.

7. let go of: to stop holding onto or worrying about something.

8. keep things in proportion: to judge the real importance of something.

Sentence Patterns:

1. In hindsight, I wish I had worried less about the outcome and focused more on the learning process.

Explanation: This expresses regret about past worries.

2. Cultivate resilience by viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Explanation: This advises building strength through challenges.

3. My counsel to anyone facing a pivotal exam is to embrace the journey rather than fixate on the destination.

Explanation: This suggests enjoying the process instead of obsessing over the result.

Subquestion 9: In your opinion, what are the good and bad points of the Gaokao system? Do you think it needs to be changed? How?

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. system: a set of rules or methods for doing something.

2. fair: treating everyone equally and in a right way.

3. unfair: not fair; treating people in a wrong way.

4. advantage: a good point that helps you.

5. disadvantage: a bad point that causes problems.

6. change: to make something different.

7. in my opinion: used to say what you think about something.

8. agree with: to have the same opinion as someone else.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I think the Gaokao is a fair system.

Explanation: Use this to say you believe the exam is just.

2. In my opinion, the Gaokao has both good and bad sides.

Explanation: Use this to introduce both aspects of the topic.

3. I believe we should change some parts of the Gaokao.

Explanation: Use this to express a need for improvement.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. benefit: a helpful or good result.

2. drawback: a negative point or problem.

3. pressure: the feeling of being forced to do well.

4. opportunity: a chance to do something important.

5. reform: to improve something by changing it.

6. evaluation: the act of judging the quality or importance of something.

7. take into account: to think about something when making a decision.

8. point of view: a particular way of thinking about something.

Sentence Patterns:

1. From my point of view, the Gaokao needs some reforms.

Explanation: Use this to give your opinion about the necessity of change.

2. One major drawback is the intense pressure it puts on students.

Explanation: Use this to point out a serious problem with the system.

3. The government should take into account the voices of students.

Explanation: Use this to suggest that student opinions matter.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. merit: a good quality that deserves praise.

2. flaw: a weakness or mistake in something.

3. standardized: made the same for everyone according to a set of rules.

4. holistic: considering the whole person or situation, not just parts.

5. implement: to put a plan or system into action.

6. overhaul: to completely change a system in order to improve it.

7. weigh the pros and cons: to compare the good and bad points before deciding.

8. call for reform: to publicly ask for changes to be made.

Sentence Patterns:

1. The system's primary merit lies in its objectivity.

Explanation: Use this to say the main good point is that it treats everyone the same way.

2. A comprehensive overhaul is necessary to address its inherent flaws.

Explanation: Use this to argue that big changes are needed to fix built-in problems.

3. We must weigh the pros and cons before implementing any reform.

Explanation: Use this to suggest that careful thought is needed before taking action.

Subquestion 10: Some people say "Gaokao is not the only path to success." Do you agree or disagree? What other paths can lead to a meaningful life?

🟢 Elementary Level (High School Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. success: the achieving of something desired, planned, or attempted.

2. future: the time that will come after the present.

3. goal: something you want to achieve in your life or work.

4. dream: something you hope to do or become in the future.

5. skill: the ability to do something well, usually from practice.

6. experience: knowledge or skill that you get from doing something.

7. hard work: a lot of effort put into doing something.

8. try your best: to do as well as you possibly can.

9. never give up: to continue trying and not stop when things are hard.

10. life: the period of time when a person is alive and the things that happen during it.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I agree that Gaokao is not the only path to success.

Explanation: Use this to say you have the same opinion as the statement.

2. A meaningful life can be found in many different ways.

Explanation: Use this to express that there are multiple roads to a good and happy life.

3. You can learn a skill and find a good job even without college.

Explanation: Use this to give an example of an alternative route to a career.

🟡 Intermediate Level (CET-4 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. achievement: something done successfully, often through effort and courage.

2. determination: the quality of continuing to try to do something, even when it is very difficult.

3. self-worth: the sense of your own value as a person, not based on outside things.

4. passion: a very strong feeling of liking something and wanting to do it.

5. career: a job or profession that you do for a long period of your life.

6. entrepreneurship: the activity of starting and running new businesses.

7. courage: the ability to do things that frighten you; bravery.

8. journey: an act of traveling from one place to another, also used for the experience of life.

9. start from scratch: to begin from nothing, without any advantages.

10. think outside the box: to think in a new and different way, not following old rules.

Sentence Patterns:

1. From my point of view, exam results alone do not define a person's worth.

Explanation: Use this to say that test scores are not the only measure of a person's value.

2. People can achieve success through entrepreneurship or creative careers.

Explanation: Use this to give examples of paths that do not depend on Gaokao scores.

3. What matters most is the determination to pursue your passion, no matter what others say.

Explanation: Use this to emphasize the importance of hard work and love for what you do.

🔴 Advanced Level (CET-6 Difficulty)

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. fulfillment: a feeling of happiness and satisfaction because you are doing something worthwhile with your life.

2. conventional: following the usual or accepted ways of doing things; traditional.

3. diverge: to go in different directions; to differ from a typical or expected pattern.

4. thriving: growing, developing, and being very successful and happy.

5. ingenuity: the skill of thinking of new and clever ideas; creativity.

6. vocation: a strong inner feeling that you are meant to do a particular job, especially one that helps others.

7. multifaceted: having many different aspects, sides, or parts.

8. self-actualization: the realization of your own full potential and abilities as a person.

9. go against the grain: to do something that is different from what is usual, normal, or expected by society.

10. forge one's own path: to create a unique way of life or career for yourself, not following others.

Sentence Patterns:

1. I firmly believe that a test score can never define one's potential or the depth of a meaningful life.

Explanation: Use this to express that exam marks cannot capture what a person can truly become.

2. Individuals who diverge from the conventional academic path often find fulfillment in vocations that spark their passion.

Explanation: Use this to say that people who choose unusual careers are often very satisfied.

3. True success is multifaceted, encompassing personal growth, meaningful relationships, and contribution to society.

Explanation: Use this to define success as a broad idea including many parts of life beyond work.