You should say:
- What part it is
- Where you were then
- What memorable things you did
- And explain why this is the most enjoyable part / stage in your life.
Band 8 Sample
I want to talk about the time I was preparing for the university entrance exam, which until now is still the most important stage of my life. It actually happened 5 years ago, but the feeling was so intense that everything is still fresh in my memory.
As you know, in Vietnam, the university entrance exam has always been considered the most important examination in anybody’s life, and mine was no exception. In my time, all students were required to sit for an exam that covered the knowledge of 3 full years in high school. It was too much for anyone to handle; the amount of things to learn was so enormous that I remembered having to pull all-nighters almost every day. Of course, the competition was fierce, I mean you wouldn’t be admitted into the top schools unless your score were really high.
Besides the stress of studying, I was also faced with the question of which major to choose. For many, it was an easy pick, because they understood where their strengths and interest lied. For me, I had no idea whatsoever what I should do in the future, so I was feeling on edge during the entire period before the exam.
In hindsight, it was not an enjoyable time, but definitely a precious memory to me. It was the first time I was ever involved in something that had such a huge impact on my life. Through this, I had an opportunity to have a closer look at my career orientation as well as my ability. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I became an adult after this. That’s all I want to share about this topic.
Vocabulary highlights
- fresh in one’s memory: remember clearly
- pull all-nighters: to be awake all night long, especially to study or to complete something
- on edge: nervous or worried
- in hindsight: looking backward, reflecting on the past
