Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a bar exam
    • ex. Diane passed the bar exam and became an attorney.
  2. an attorney
    • ex. Mike is an attorney, and he works in a law firm.
  3. a law clerk
    • ex. I work as a law clerk. I do some research for judges.
  4. hail
    • ex. Critics hailed the actor for his excellent performance in the movie.
  5. extraordinary
    • ex. Sarah can speak five languages. That’s truly extraordinary.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Peter Park passed the bar exam of California at age 17. Park took the exam in July and got the results on November 9. Then, he officially became an attorney in December. According to Park, “It was not easy, but it was worth it.” He was a law clerk for the Tulare County District Attorney‘s Office when he took the exam.

The district attorney’s office said that Park was the youngest to pass the exam. The State Bar of California said it could not confirm that. However, it hailed his achievement. “Passing the California Bar exam is a major accomplishment at any age, and for someone as young as Mr. Park, it is quite extraordinary and must be celebrated,” Executive Director Leah Wilson said.

In 2019, Park started high school at Oxford Academy in California when he was 13. At the same time, he also started a four-year law program at Northwestern California University School of Law after passing college-level exams. In 2021, Park finished high school by passing the state’s high school exam. He then focused on law school and graduated in 2023.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Park’s Accomplishment

  • How do you feel about Peter Park passing the State Bar of California at the age of 17 (ex. it’s extraordinary, he is inspiring)? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think that Park's accomplishment is a result of hard work or natural talents? Why? Discuss.
  • Park said that becoming an attorney “was not easy, but it was worth it.” What situation in your life was not easy but worth it in the end (ex. studying at the university, training for my job)? Discuss.

Dream Job or Career

  • What is your dream job? Why? Discuss.
  • Aside from your dream job, what kind of career do you think is extraordinary? Why? Discuss.
  • What are some things you hope to achieve soon (ex. passing a government exam, becoming a CEO)? Why? Discuss.