Speaking Practice Test 3

Kate needs to decide how she is going to spend her summer break. She can either work in her mom’s friend’s real estate office making good money and honoring her previous commitment to work there or she can participate in an unpaid school internship at the medical school that she was just accepted into. It’s a difficult decision because she is more interested in becoming a doctor than becoming a real estate agent, but she has already committed to her mom’s friend and she’d like to honor that commitment. Additionally, the finances of the two decisions are vastly different. She will have no expenses if she takes the real estate job because she will live at home. She also will be well-paid for her work.

In contrast, the internship costs $1000 and she will incur expenses for housing and food on campus. I would still recommend that she participates in the medical internship. She can explain to her mom’s friend about the significance of this opportunity, attributable to both the fact that it’s a prestigious program, but also that she really wants to go to medical school eventually to become a doctor in her own right. This internship may help facilitate that path. I imagine that her mom’s friend will want what’s best for her and as long as Kate notifies her soon, the woman can probably hire another summer employee. I think it’s more important that Kate follow her passion and do something that will prepare her for a career she will enjoy. She can research loans or scholarships for the internship to help cover costs. Additionally, pursuing a career in medicine should eventually be lucrative so it is also a practical choice.