Does this dialogue sound conversational/ natural to a native English speaker?

[tigre12345]

I'm practicing for the speaking part of TOEFL. Below is a practice answer for a sample question I made. I was wondering if it sounds conversational enough to a native English speaker. I hope you could help me:-D. Here it goes:

"Q: Do you think being a lawyer is still a good career choice, financially speaking?

No......Most people think that becoming a lawyer is a sure way to get rich, but I don't. Honestly, if there's one thing my country doesn't need more of, it's laywers. The market for lawyers is extremely competitive nowadays, at least in my country. Passing the bar exam isn't enough to land you a job in a prestigious law firm. Highly sought-after lawyers came from top-tier lawschools, graduated with Latin honors, and have friends in high places. If you don't have those things, don't expect a huge paycheck."

 

[Barb_D]

It sounds good except for "Latin honors" - I don't know what that means.
Also, don't use a random number of ... after No. Just say No. Or better yet, "No, I don't think being a lawyer is a good choice if your objective is a big paycheck."

 

[andrewg927]

Latin honors are cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude. They are like distinction. They are common among college graduates. Since this is a TOEFL test, chances are your teacher/grader knows what Latin honors are. But you could also say "graduated with honors or distinctions". Also remember to say what country you are from. They can't just know what your country is if you don't say it.

 

[Barb_D]

I'm certainly familiar with cum laude. I've never once heard it called "Latin honors."
Graduated with honors, yes.

 

[probus]

Nor have I. It is just not used.

 

[andrewg927]

I'm certainly familiar with cum laude. I've never once heard it called "Latin honors."
Graduated with honors, yes.

Actually I am not surprised. It is a term common among honors students as far as I know and the first time I heard it I didn't know what it meant. I realized I said earlier it was common among college students. My bad.

 

[andrewg927]

Nor have I. It is just not used.

It is certainly used. Where I went to school University of Denver, they have a section specifically for it. See the link.

http://www.du.edu/honors/opportunities/latin-honors.html