Personal opinion:

In my opinion/view, To my mind, To my way of thinking, I am convinced that, It strikes me that, It is my firm belief that, I am inclined to believe that, It seems to me that, As far as I concerned, I think that theeconomic recession of the previous decade was foreseeable.

One advantage of, Another advantage of, one other advantage of, A further advantage of, The main advantage of, The greatest advantage of, The first To list advantages and advantage of riding motorbike in a large metropolis is disadvantages: that of not getting caught in major congestion. One disadvantage of, Another disadvantage of, One other disadvantage of, A further disadvantage of, The main disadvantage of, The greatest disadvantage of, The first disadvantage of driving car in large metropolis is that of finding a parking space. Firstly, First of all, In the first place, secondly, Thirdly, Finally, To start/begin with, we have to address the inadequacies within the education system before we can tackle unemployment fully.

To list points:

BEGINNING- First, To start/begin with, First of all, the a home secretary will make an introductory speech. CONTINUING-Secondly, After this/that, Afterward, Then, Next, the Prime Minister will speak. CONCLUDING-Finally, Lastly, Last but not least, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce the new budget. What is more, Furthermore, Apart from this/that, In addition (to this), Moreover, Besides (this), not to To add more points to mention the fact that your choice of career is a the same topic: fundamental decision which will influence the rest of your life. Not only is your choice of career a fundamental decision, but it is also one that will influence the rest of your life. Your choice of career is both a fundamental decision and something that will influence the rest of your life. With reference to, According to the latest scientific To refer to other research, the use of mobile phones can be damaging to ones health in the long run. sources: To list point in specific sequence: There was a sudden deluge; thus, therefore, so, consequently, as a result, as a consequent, he sprinted home.

To express effect:

To express purpose:

Due to the storm, the polite decided to turn back, so that the flight would not be jeopardized. Due to the storm, the polite decided to turn back, so as to / in order to avoid jeopardizing the flight. Due to the storm, the polite decided to turn back, in case the flight was jeopardized. They purchased the old mansion with the purpose/intention of converting it into a luxury hotel.

To emphasize a point:

Indeed, naturally, clearly, obviously, of course, needless to say, the scheme was bound to fail due to insufficient funds. It is the fact that, In effect, In fact, As a matter of fact, The fact of the matter is (that),actually, In practice, Indeed, smoking over a long period of time will seriously increase the risk of heart disease.

To express reality:

To express the Initially, At first, the proposal was viewed with suspicion difference between but after much deliberation it was finally accepted. appearance and reality: To give examples: For instance, For example, by establishing day-care centers across the country, working mothers can be encouraged to resume their careers. By providing incentive such as , like day-care centers working mothers encouraged to resume their careers. If working mothers are to resume their careers then the provision of incentive particularly, in particular, especially day-care centers are essential. general As a (general) rule, By and large, Generally, In general, on the whole, countries nearer the equator have warmer climates.

To make statements:

To make partially Up to a point, To a certain extent/degree, To some correct statements: extent/degree, In a sense, In a way, To a limited extent, this is true but computers will always need human input. To express knowledge: limit of To the best of my knowledge, As far as I know, Canary Wharf is the tallest building in London.

To state other peoples It is popularly believed that, people often claim that, It opinion: is often alleged that, Some people argue that, Many argue that, Most people feel that, Some people point out that wealth will bring happiness. Contrary to popular belief; wealth does not necessarily bring happiness. To make contrasting It is a well-known fact that living in the city is harmful to points: ones health yet, however, nevertheless, but, even so, still, nonetheless, a lot of people move to the city every year in search of a better future. Although, Even though, Regardless of the fact that, In spite of the fact that, Despite the fact that, While it is a well-known fact that living in the city is harmful to ones health, a lot people move to city every year in search of a better future. Task 2 Essay: Teaching 'Finance' at School Financial education should be a mandatory component of the school program. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Grammar Corrected Version: In present circumstances,At the present time, there is a debate thatas to whether school programs should include compulsory financial education or studing should be freeor not. However,Free education system, in my opinion, is the best techniquepolicy in developed societies. Firstly, Free education is the effective way of teaching everyone. In some countries, however, financial education is compulsory, therefore 20 or 30 percent of its population issemi - literate. For example, in the USA, nowadays 30 or 45 percent of its young generation cannot afford to study in universities or colleges. They think that despite paying huge tuition fees, we can find a job and earn money. It is proven that if a country's education system faces like this thesekind of problems, development of the country will decreasedecline. It means this country cannot connect with the world. Moreover, there is another factor we need to consider about. In my opinion, the role of financial education is getting more important but the parents are also important and have responsibility to teach their child to learn how to manage the money. More than 70% of young peoples money are comes from their parents. In addition, it has to be considered that a student might become a money-mind person, talking about money all the time in class or even in a public place. It can be harmful for some students and affect their normal social life. In conclusion, free education is the best approach for students to get good lessons and save their money for their future career.

Home page / Discursive Essays In most parts of the world people are living longer. What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development?

First of all, life and participate within it, I my opinion it is a great gift. Living longer, to have good, strong health is each persons own decision . Existing effective, for a long period of time of human being, in each case depends on the environment ,what you eat, all in all what is injected to your body. In my view the main success of people on conquering the less living theory consists of two parts: researching on different known and unknown viruses, diseases moreover exploring perhaps inventing new anti-dotes and in other hand discovering new methods of how to keep food for a long by the same time fresh. Furthermore especially on developed countries the life-style of new generation affected very intensive on their life-plane, their health. Additionally good medical services show their profit on people. From my point of view, I do not agree with that this kind of development of humankind is a negative growth. Consequently after these type of victories on the facts that could damage or perhaps totally destroy our body, I think will come another establishments of new triumphs Summarizing all my detailed ideas, based on my own experience, I could declare with all surety that, good conditions of medical services moreover health, fresh foods, vegetables and other substances those are necessary for our body are the guarantee of long living. For the end, it will be pretty pleasant live longer instead die young. Many young people nowadays graduate from schools with negative attitude. Why do you think this happens What can be done to solve or reduce this problem

Today its very important to study and become educated person in order to earn life and to live in good conditions. Foundation of education starts from school which is compulsory all over the world. However some reasons make people to be aggressive about school. First of all the worst thing about schools is uneducated teachers who are not able to make child study and love studied subject. Teachers have to know psychology and pedagogical knowledge, also their own subject in order to grow intelligent people. The other negative attitude proceeds from the first mentioned above. Occasionally people think that school is wasting their time, so they go to tutors in order to get high scores from exams. In my opinion the main reason of aggression may be bribe which is taken from children as a gift for holiday. People ought to think that school only takes money, and doesnt give instead of it. There can be several ways in order to lessen these problems. Initially, government can make such kind of tests and interview which will be leaded by professionals that can easily determine knowledge of teachers fully. From my point of view the other important solution is high salary. This factor makes people love their work and job and it makes them feel more liable about pupils future.

All in all, government, school and parents have to cooperate to do their best in order to make progress in education and leave better attitude on pupils. Some people believe that long imprisonment of criminals is the only way to reduce crime rate. Others believe there should be alternative ways. Discuss and state your opinion. (1)

Even though the world is getting developing by new technologic trends, civilization improvements and social standards government can not prevent the crime rate of imprisonment of criminals. However, government does some preventative actions to decrease shrink the degree of crimes, such as attracting people to responsibility for long imprisonment, who break the law. Initially, one of the obvious factor observed about criminal events is imprisonment time depending on the degree of crime. To say in details, criminals are judged according to the crime category in an appreciate way. Criminals are punished by selected government organization in their mentioned boundaries. Flowingly, government has a sufficient power to prevent such problem from the beginning. Thus, government organizations or non-government organizations ought to do some projects as informing people about their rights and delicts. Each member of society needs such informing materials to be able to improve their mind with legal activities. In contrast nobody denies upcoming illegal activities will not be able in near future. Although, there will be a chance to access lessons at universities like human rights, it would not change the depending on. On the other hand, another alternative ways to prevent this inevitable problem is against long imprisonment, such as giving the tasks to criminals by government. Mentioned tendency will be more productive for both considered subjects. The problem that we faced will pay the demand of government in a sufficient way to restrict the long imprisonment rate. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that even though the long imprisonment decrease the crime rate, further other mentioned ways can change the depending Police in some countries like England dont carry guns. Some people dont approve of this because they think that police with guns gives them security. Others think that police carrying guns decreases crimes. What is your opinion?

Undoubtedly, in the world we live today, increasing intensity of crimes day by day poses numerous instances of challenges which are appeared murderer and pressing in accordance with current circumstance. Obviously, the visible divergence is demonstrated in enumerated situation as, however some individuals support police have to carry guns in order to ensure security systems, other groups consider it is much more secure without guns. As a matter of fact, the factor to be clarified first the police with guns can break the public order as causing fight of tensions which are deemed to end up with undesirable consequences. As it is apparently visible, such kind of action lead to poses devastating problems which brings unavoidable disorders. Another occurrence which is presumed inevitable is the police can make errors while forgetting the selected criminal. Admittedly, such kind of failure is deemed

inexcusable because targeting wrong person brings violate human rights as breaching fundamental rules according to the codex on a regular basis. Subsequently, the police with guns may be terrify people , particularly children less than so. Following this issue, this kind of action may have a direct influence on childrens psychology, which can be a base for future unconscious faults. According to submitted situation, the police have to supervise the public order and preserve all the right without guns, considering all the conclusions, which may occur in a equal basis, in order to achieve a goal in the actual process. On the other hand, another factor to be outlined is the police with guns may cause a temptation such as be reason for criminals to commit a crime not deliberately. To say in details, in the current case the criminals dont want to shoot someone, but situation can lead them to shoot individuals without purpose, unconsciously, considering the psychology of criminals. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that the police without guns can strengthen the public order with application of its provision. In many countries schools have severe problems with student behavior. What do you think are the causes of this? What solution can you suggest? Nobody denies in the world we live today, in many countries schools face the challenges such as increasing intensity of problems day by day arising from student behavior on a regular basis. In order to achieve a goal in the current process, people have to do frought of actions to diminish the future problems or make the reduction as preventing the application of its provision property. The factor to be clarified first is the problem is causing young individuals to pose devastating problems in schools can be disorders linked with their parents. To ay in details, mostly, such kind of substantial behaviors is a consequence of insufficient and inadequate care shown by parents as a deficiency of desire. Flowingly, another reason to be outlined is some strict restrictions held by schools or parents to put a stop on young individuals to commit a mistake. Moreover, considering the actual problem, it is not a n essential way to regulate student behavior, even it has significant influence on temptating students to do prohibited actions, as they appear further desirable than others probably. Undoubtedly, some effective ways appear to eliminate the problem to a sufficient degree such as materializing invisible supervision on student behaviors. In other words, to preserve each young individuals without any restrictions or limitations held by and to secure them from fundamental errors and unconscious faults. Furthermore, another productive solution for the actual condition can be organization projects as basing psychological consultants who listens to each individuals problems in order to direct the student to make the right decision without any pressure. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that each part of society has to contribute to shrink the problems connected to student behaviors. Successful sports professionals can earn great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think its unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Nobody denies, in the world we live today, it is a clear-cut evidence that, successful sports professionals have a great income rather than plenty of people in other high

positions according their profession on a regular basis. Some individuals consider that it is irrelevant to display such kind of care, while others regard it utterly justified. Initially, the factor to be clarified first is requirements such as physical labor is deemed as a demand for each sports professionals in order to execute their own profession. To say in details, fraught of labor is needed to fulfill the tasks properly according to the appropriate sports. One of and most reasonable pace of this issue is people do not have to confuse the physical labor required jobs with mental required jobs. Admittedly, both of the aspects can obtain the similar salary. Following this issue, another factor to be outlined is some sportsmen assume hazards in order to achieve a goal in the process to execute their responsibility and to introduce their country in international platform as well. Furthermore, other occurrence which is presumed is unavoidable is some sportsmen professionals have to put further limitation, such as restricting their activity zones, usage of alcohol for internal use to preserve their body shape and to increase their performance for current circumstance. Moreover, these category individuals have to arrange their casual schedule corresponding to their sport managements. In other words, they have to survive according to the approved diets and relevant system to continue as sports professional as well. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that government have t be sensitive as supporting them on a financial way to levitate the indicators and none linked disruptive effects are accounted for important professions. Lectures were traditional way to teach large number of students in the past. Now new technology is being used to teach students. Negative or positive development?

Undoubtedly, in the world we live today, it is a clear-cut evidence that, lifeenhancing technology contribute to numerous instances as multiple purposes such as virtual source of information without attending any lectures on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, new kinds technological improvements rule the ordinary lectures out according to the leading developing process. Mainly, the factor to be clarified first is further contemporary technological trends provide people to obtain materials and proper skills via internet even at home conditions without going to any libraries or lectures. Following this issue, such kind of new technological applications lead to gain the needed or related information much more easier than past as it is obvious. Admittedly, further universities strengthen the application of such kind of provisions. As it is apparently visible, some universities show essential ways to obtain materials from current source via technological trends. Furthermore, the occurrence which is presumed unavoidable is nonmistakable and precise information provided by internet sources in order to sustain individuals. Moreover, teachers are not able to share their attention to student separately. Obviously, it is deemed a bit impossible to display all the materials by teachers in the lecture. Assuredly, another issued to be highlighted is about socio-economic background of enumerated problem. To say in details, it is accounted much more beneficial to get course information via internet rather than going to lectures because of the transportation fees.

As a nutshell I put it down saying that virtual lectures as a source from technology contribute to gain materials easily and to share it rapidly in order to facilitate the life conditions. Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others however think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your own opinion

Nobody denies in the world we live in today, it is a clear-cut evidence that. Each individual has an own lifestyle in order to survive and construct the routines. As a matter of fact some people are in a need of experience new and contemporary trends to taste and to feel the distinction, however some of them are highly motivated to not break the casual chain and do stick to the habits on a regular basis. Initially, the factor to be clarified in current issue is prevention by people to face the bad consequences while changing the customs and daily routines as well. Each number of this enumerated category of people is hard even to attempt to change the future occurrence which can be constructed by mentioned individual. Following this issue, another factor to be outlined is impact on lack of the time on actual problem. Admittedly, according to the mentioned reason, people do not have a further time to think about modifications and the scale of its sections to change the depending on. Moreover, another occurrence which is presumed to be unavoidable is other category people who gives a preference for changing to improve and enlighten themselves with wide range of innovations. Assuredly, some individuals are supposed to refrain distinctions in order to stretching their outlooks properly. Obviously, this category people are more likely to develop and to implement new skills into their life styles. Furthermore, these kinds of people are much more brave to confront all the consequences which may occur. Admittedly, the are deemed more accessible to modification rather than others. As a nutshell, I put down saying that, regardless of the time or management each individual has to arrange their schedule correctly in order to stay loyal to their skills and change he routines properly. Home page / Discursive Essays Some people thing that there should be fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that circumstances of an individual crime and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment, Dis

Arguments about punishing criminals have been a matter of great debates. Some people take the view that, each criminal should get a fixed punishment without considering the reason why a certain crime was committed. Others, however absolutely disagree with that opinion. Nowadays crimes rates are on increase, especially in urban cities. Studies have shown that quite frequently people are driven to the edge to kill somebody. Those people are mentally unstable and in some unfair circumstances they are being affected and end up committing a crime. The one who commits it is himself or herself

a victim of somebodys unacceptable behavior. That person may be a family person who never does anything that is considered malevolent. Due to those reasons it is undesirable for some people the idea of punishing everyone in the same way. Nevertheless, there is a contradicting idea which is also spread widely. The idea is usually based on the grounds of action which are merely directed to minimize the rate of crime. People believe that this is the only way to stop culprits from killing. They argue that in order to found a country with no criminals, government should take vigorous measures and direct them to any one without making exceptions. As for my opinion, I honestly believe that it is utterly impossible for a government to stop crime. People who admit crimes are human beings, they sometimes are being irrational and act on instinct. In that respect, I think government should take into account the circumstances under which a crime has been committed. In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong. While others consider it as a valuable work experience, important for lacking and taking responsibilities. What are your opinions?

Nobody denies in the modern world employee market, it is impossible to see a lot of children working in some kind of law paid works. At this situation for estimating this case the main focus is based on considerations by different subjects living in nonequal life conditions. Additionally, the supporters who are against the usage of childrens labor in such kind of works suggest that this kinds of activities have great impact on psychological, educational, social position of juveniles. Clearly, shown situation lead to non educational feature generation which have spent all their childhood by being engaged to work. In the other hand parents of those juveniles ought to take physical weakness of children in to account as well. Point in fact International Human Rights declaration of UNO limit the ability effort of juvenile with 15 years. Use of childrens labor is the perfect way evasion from taxes and labor insurance of employees. Following this further, as a result of cheap workforce of children, owners try to benefit and increase their income by such illegal ways. However in the opposite side of this scene above the main foundation of the idea is based on practical and material benefits of working at early ages. All over the world there are a lot of families with lower incomes which doesnt meet living expenses of whole family. As the matter of fact young members of family tend to work and earn their living. In compare with the other criminal or illegal methods like burglary, foul or robbery, working is better for instant situation of children. Moreover, in certain areas like creativity or other availability of special capacity, it is safe and useful type of engaging to paid work by selling their own handworkings or masterpieces. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that paid work is completely wrong activity for juvenile which have unformed cognitive ability to get to know themselves. Nowadays, some organizations and charities publicize their activities by introducing special days every year such as National Childrens Day and Non-smoking Day. Why do they introduce special days and what effects does this have?

The priority aim of these kind of activities, associations based on informing,developing,revealing to people,community,government about the visible or invisible facts those are able cause in profitable perhaps evil results. First of all, from my point of view, i assume, the introductions are serving to inform human beings of some social organizations, to take some effective efforts for defeating,destroying probablu neutralizing the threat. Moreover, in my view, I consider special days taking all this actions from backstage to the front vision to a large quantity of people. Additionally, i am able to declare with all my surety who this machine works. For instance: announcements of the international day of women, make males,females think about the problems with those facing the women all over the world. Furthermore, in my view, these motion are in connection with various problems or the achievements. Carrying on, the last special occurrence was about problem. Nevertheless there some positive days, as an example:the international day of lefthanders, 27 august . Therefore, the difference in goals of the social acitivites, creating various essential aspects of viewing for the mansion on other side. Consequently, there is days of honor with loss feelings. For example; the day of victory, 9 may. Actually, some people are able consider why people do have celebrate this day, the day of the plenty human loss. Nonetheless, this is the day of history, from what we should take moral lessons. For me, these special dates, are able to increase,improve our reciprocal respect, adequacy,humanity to other nations,.religion,beliefs. For the conclusion,as a nutshell I put down saying that, in parallel, I approve and disapprove these actions. That is true that there are beneficial parts of in lots of ways however it can be adapted in community as a unnecessary,harmful commercial advertisement ,such as international smoking day,what reminds to non might smokers gave-up before about cigarettes. Some companies and organizations require their employees to wear uniform. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing uniform?

Undoubtedly, one of the clear-cut evidences we face up in our daily life is obligation of wearing uniforms in some companies and organizations. As a result of constant measurements of employers, this situation leads to a number of merits and demerits from the subjective approach of workers. In a more exacting way, existing case of wearing uniforms claims to positive and negative drawbacks. As it can be seen, not only in some companies or organizations, but also at schools this policy is applied in order to construct balance in social status elimination. In the other hand employees working at the same department or position fell the spirit of teamwork which have a great immense on future career of each worker. Additionally, another advantaged drawback is based on the mind that uniform is the symbol of authority . In certain areas its true that like police officers or workers of any important company by wearing their uniform show their authority of their occupation. Moreover, wearing uniform reduce distraction among workers and by the way of economicing increase the productivity of company or association. Simultaneously, another obvious reason referring to the requirement of wearing uniform is the case of clothing expenses. Moreover, wearing uniform consider not only factical advantages, but also visual advantages, like this trend appear to make professional look of each individual worker.

On the contrary another background conception standing marked contrast to the issue is based on some disadvantages. Point in fact, wearing uniform cause the loss of self expression and individualism which most likely to be shown with ht e clothing patterns. Just in the same way the workers usually appear to be bored from wearing the same clothes everyday. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that final consideration lead to the outweight of advantages of wearing uniform. Some groups of people in the world are taking advantage of modern communication technology, yet some groups are not. To what extent do you agree or disagree? In U.S there is a group of people called Amishes. They definitely deny any kind of technologic devices working with electric energy power. They are like community inside society. They have resemblances with homeless people in way of long beard,hair and lack of information about modern world.Some people think they have mental problems, other consider they are afraid of destructive features of up-to-date life style. Generally based on my experience all sort of innovative novel gadgets,machines perhaps methods of being online with various subjects aimed to serve us moreover to ease our life. It therefore in comparing with previous last 2 decades we obtain in brief time period different type of information from a number of substances .Nowadays,it is not so complicated process to find,get some articles which you are curious to read or share with others. Up-to-date appliances give a plenty of opportunities forscientist,investigators probably for researcher to reveal facts those they discovered might are going to clearly prove. Nevertheless, for pros and cons in parallel there are vast recognizable threats,hindrances created due to modern linking methods. It is not secret that some virtual robbers or so called hackers demolish many web addresses for satisfying their personal profits. Furthermore, another big obstacle with what humankind faces, is internet addiction and time wasting barrier in improvement of young individuals. Recently , scientists from UK demonstrated real evidence of decreasing brain thought process because of relying on internet data. They declare that, web searching sites are transformed into our external brain. All in all, thus for above given ideas, from my point of view, i approve utilizing modern communication technologies for beneficial meaning not only to individuals meanwhile for the society by the same time running away,completely destroying their harsh consequences. News is a source of knowledge about the world. How much can we trust the journalists? What are the qualities a good journalist should have?

From my point of view, i actually agree definitely with the statement that daily information we gain from different ways are the knowledge about the world we live in. However, everyone curious on what to believe, each person is flactuating on to trust to the information obtained or not. First of all, to me the occupation of journalism is an important, priceless profession. To my way of thinking the base characteristics of a good journalist are divided into two main parts. Firstly to be honesty,tolerant always being on finding the truth and on

the second part not depended on fame might reputation of thyself. Model journalist, have to have speech,spokesman skills, must know about everything with thy could be faced in future. Bacause, if one man do not know anything about the processes acting around him, how he could obtain, figure out and deliver maybe precious information to others. Secondly, to what extent we can believe the journalists or not is depending on our insight. If there is some suspicions about the adequacy of the information, it might well to go and look for it in the different sources of information. It is possible to give a search on internet probably find books relatively to that topic. In summarizing all these detailed ideas, i want express my thoughts in such a way, that journalist and journalism could be placed in an essential spot of our daily life. Without them it could be irritable to understand processes. Nevertheless, nobody is perfect. The inequality between rich and poor nations is now wider than it has been before. What do you think are the main causes of this difference and what do you think can be done to reduce the gap?

The great difference in material meaning between two groups of society has always been and always will until the end. Poor and rich, in other words, less supported section of people and good enough supported level. In modern world there is a likelihood in situation both inside and outside countries. The resemblance is on the chasm, the chasm between wealthy and poor. In my view the roots of this disorder coming from the quantity of underground and surface natural resources those spread in various parts of mother earth. The major cities are growing and it causes problems. What problems are these? How are young people affected by them? What can be done to improve the situation?

From my point of view, the developing major cities associate a number of benefits with their problems, influencing on the inhabitants of those places. Based on my own experience, pollution and environment with worthless conditions for living are the main roots of the problem. High constructed buildings are hindrance for people to be in connection with nature. Moreover intensity of increasing population day by day in buses,trams,traffic download residents into depressive perhaps aggressive mood. Lack of free time for relaxing, competitive spirit in working areas those forcing people to do their best, ends with totally exhausting in both physically and mentally. To me, initially , young people affecting enough negatively of the given problems above. Adults,teenagers,children are having the obstacle of being in harmony with mother nature. Young individuals from their birth are in an endless cycle of monotone existing process. It begins with getting up,doingbreakfast,going to some social activities, returning back home,havingdinner,supper, laying on bed,and again again start from the beginning. Furthermore, the lack quantity of fresh edible

food,vegetables impacting on young persons melancholic in sufficient level. Pollution additionally burns fire of morally voltage in an immense extent. Nonetheless, there is always ways out of situations. I mean,for me it is not impossible to reduce this problem. First of all, each individual have to understand the case. The process occurring around by its own. Healthy food, spending a little more time on doing morning probably evening exercises, as an example running,riding bicycle are able to diminish problem to an efficient degree. Decreasing working hours also would help to reduce this disorder in our community. All in all, improving characteristics of the big industrialized cities surfaces probably are being able to turn for the better of life circumstances millions of people.

First of all there is simple math calculation in proportion. Carrying on, countries who have the access to the quite profitable energy sources for instance, gold,oil,nuclear power, guarantee their future stable economic power meantime supporting their citizens with well-constructed life conditions. Nonetheless in other hand, the governments whose do not have any kind of these gifts in their territories are laid to failure. Secondly , the main source that causes this problem,is collapsing the equality between population and amount of food,soil,place reserves. Consequently, more and more nations are not being able to give to their citizens sufficient advantegous,productive landscape for the building houses and doing some agricultural works.As an example China has the most powerful economy system in the world but because a high rate of population it is impossible for them to develop the life plain of Chinese people to the recognizable level. From my own experience I assume, to reducing perhaps to solving this problem is possibly long time need process . However it does not mean that it is almost unrealizable. The first important action should be done,is to transform all financial operates in one money unit. In parallel to create more and more donation funds,those would help to the non-developed might developing countries. For the conclusion,as a nutshell I put down saying that,I am sure all this innovations will show motion in case realization

Every year rare languages disappear from the world. Some people say this is not important, because it is better to have fewer languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Language is a method of communication between people. Languages spread in our world could be divided for their nationality into two types: mother tongue and foreign language. Additionally languages can be categorized as a two kinds for their

popularity: international and regional utilized ones. Nevertheless, there are the ones who have not any relationship neither to the first group nor to the second. Such an example: the Latin language. First off all, in my opinion i am not satisfied with such a stereotypes. Based on information that i have got,i can declare with all my surety that, disappearing languages it is not the process that is going to be ended with good results for humankind and for development of history,archeology. Because , i recently were watching one intellectually knowledge grounding TV show and there was a conversation of three investigators about evanescence of different languages in south-west of Africa. What i can say about that, this conducted research demonstrated that, the dominant languages over the world influencing on few territory used languages in recognizable intensity. Consequently, this kind of acts indicate the loss of speech habits of habitants. Moreover, it therefore building a number of obstacles on the way of scientist to discover,explore ancient civilizations. For what, the investigations of old cultures could give us a chance to do some innovations in our modern world. Nevertheless, the poor developed countries especially in Africa continent are taking opportunity of rarely spread languages existence. According to the idea given in the topic, these sort of behaves could result with mayhem. I do not mind to learn foreign languages. Because it opens a lot of advantages to obtain new information rapidly. Furthermore it might as well to know international used languages for the success in working, studying process probably in personal life. All in all, in my view it is beneficial to learn other languages but it is not affordable to destroy other ones. Some people say that modern childrens games affect negatively the development of their skills compared to traditional games. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (1)

Obviously, appearing of new designed modern games rule out the traditional old games which are the preference of previous generation. Negative and positive trends of mentioned case leads to debatable difference of opinion among the subjects of this circumstances.

To take development of modern technology in account, a scale of new computers and video games are enlarged. Moreover, it is possible to mention that modern games that scientific based has a direct influence on reflecting IQ skills of any young individuals. As it is obvious, IQ skills takes irreplaceable part in the improvement of potential perception skills. Following, games of this sequence is a perfect methodology to increase their encouragement in educational training system. In addition games such as sudoku facilitate mathematical calculating skills of beginners at school. From this point of view it refers to create strong mathematical foundation at the early ages. On the other hand, contemporary games which are played with teams, affect to socializing and keep pace with society in a rapid way. As a result of this factor young peoples behavior skills are upgraded according to their contacting capacity. Another factor is observed influencing of positive game characters in social life any children in psychological point of view. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that contemporary games play easiest way to improve mathematical, social, scientific, linguistic and other skills even though the main source of this case is traditional games. Some people believe that children should do organized activities in their free time while others believe that children should be free to choose what they want to do in their free time. Do you agree or disagree?

Unquestionably, in the world we live today, new generations such as children are able to face challenges on the way how to grade their spare time whether organized by parent or accessible to modification by young individuals. As a matter of fact, both subjected views are accounted more beneficial than another one, according to their supporters. Initially, it is ought to be clarified first that main purposes of activities have to reflect the comprehension in a relaxing way. The activity doesnt have to make individuals totally exhausted in mentally and physically. Following this issue , the occurrence of such indication can lead to undesired complications to achieve a goal in the process. Another factor to be

outlined is the young generations under 10 years have to be regulated by parental secure systems in order to select the appropriate free time activities. As a result of current circumstance people have to direct the young children to activities which can reflect children capability and comprehension on according facility. In brief, submitted activities have to encourage and contribute to step social life confidently without posing any challenges from earlier ages. Moreover, this kind of movements diminishes the psychological disorder, such as shyness and depressive features to a sufficient degree or make reduction on a regular basis. Subsequently, one of and most reasonable pace of this issue is helping to conduct relations and to fulfill the social behaviors particularly. On the other hand, another substantial reason observed is revealing childrens individualistic specialized features found by parents. As it is obvious, it is accounted an essential tool to reflect the hidden potential. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that, there always have to be a non-visual supervision on children in order to construct the future they own. IELTS Cambridge Book 3, Test 4

In the world we live today, the scale of sections such as health, education and trade are considered the main tools in order to develop the country. No doubts, all developed countries have achieved the goals mentioned above. Generally, for improvement of countries, which are considered poorer nations, richer governments takes some actions to make a big deal for poorer countries development. For instance, such actions to be outlined are being a subject of international contracts. Thus, this kind of moves leads to significant consequences. Moreover, cooperations headed by rich countries are effective way to solve the actual problem. Furthermore, rich governments organize plenty of programs such as student exchange programs and scholarship projects to force people to improve the educational skills. In addition, this type of projects prepares a group of perspective employees as well. As it can be seen it is a further essential way to reach the desined conclusion.

On the other hand, developed rich countries holding responsibility in order to support the programs of poorer nations. As it can be seen, it is a great way of diminishing the problem to sufficient degree or making reduction. One of and most reasonable pace in this issue is to help the poorer countries to improve their strategy and relevant use of the national resources as well. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that against the intensity of mentioned problem, rich countries ought to be more sensitive for preventing actual situation. Cooperation of both subjects is inevitable. As computer and technology develop, they can be used to teach children and teachers wont be necessary soon. Do you agree or disagree

Undoubtedly, in the world we live in today, intensity of increasing development of life enhancing technology day by day contribute to numerous instances as multiple purposes such as virtual teachers created by computer technology. As a matter of fact, the new kind of technological trends nominated to substitute teacher is an inevitable fact that occurs in the mentioned process. Firstly, the usage of computers is accounted much more sophisticated in order to teach individuals proper directions to eliminate the irrelevant revisions. To say in details, people may use only needed information related to the material. Another factor ought to be outlined is non-restricted utilization of computer technology, such as proficiency of not needing any classroom to study. In addition, current circumstance leads to contribute individual development of individuals without sharing classroom or time that can be shared by ordinary teachers on a regular basis. As it is appearantly visible, teachers on a basic situation have to share the attention and execute the responsibility on a student separately. Another occurrence which is presumed unavoidable is computer based exact materials and information being able to keep pace teachers and distinguish from them for being understanding and non-error. Following this issue economical background of mentioned condition is tent to be more profitable to peoples budget. Obviously, according to the situation, there is no need for supplementary charges observed.

As a nutshell, I put it down saying that corresponding to the growing time of new technologic trends, the news computer-based programs as assisting to learn the course rule the ordinary teacher out. As it can be observed, nowadays people give preference to such kind of contemporary applications. Some people say that to solve todays global problems every nation should have a good relationship with other nations. To what extend do u agree or disagree with this statement?

It is a clear-cut fact that global problems are tremendous source of danger for whole world habitants. Obviously, as a result of considered problem a number of solutions are offered by different nations governments. Moreover, some of them put over proposals in the way of co-operating to solve environmental and other global problems like air pollution, water pollution. However the occurring problem is based on question- is relationship with the other nations the only way or each nation need to apply its individual program. As it can be seen from the name of the case, global problems are referring to the international interest of whole world population. The result of constant situation observes that international organizations overcome more efficiency in this way. Common policy in global problems leads to parallel and impressive methods of dealing with this issue. Furthermore other effective way to overcome is co-operating not only in international level, but also in regional position. Regional co-operation agreements and contracts are based on local environmental, ecological problems connected with objects which are situated in this region. Following this, further, in order to gain global approach to the case it is possible to see that preparing general defence programs of environment is important factor. Additionally, the objects of global problems are not in the properly of one nation. As an example, nowadays in the ozan layer there are a lot of holes which are dangerous for all humanity. As the matter of fact this object is on the property of all world habitants. So it leads to acting together to a common purpose. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that in certain areas its true that each nation is observed to apply national measurements to solve the global problem in this level,

while in others it is possible to see the gap among them o establishing relationship with other nations is the most likely way of solution. There are parents who decide to stay at home and look after their families, mostly mothers. Some argue that the government should pay stay at home parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Undoubtedly it is impossible to count a number of reasons connected with children which make parents stay at home. Mostly, females are main subjects of this case, as an example decree period is significant out of time for each child need existence of matter. So, according circumstance lead to unemployment of that parents. In order to get rid of current lack of material income, government fulfill some social help programs for those mothers. As it can be see modern life conditions do not suit stay-at-home parents not only materially, but also from career side it cause great minus result. As the result of fact the salary of 1 working person with average salary in the family is not enough for family budget as well. Another background problem based on this case is the shortness of decree period set by authorized government social guarantee organizations. Following this further 6 months is not enough maternity leave for absolute care of a newborn baby. Additionally, the other solution of existing problem is connected with babysitting. After the period maternity leave government may provide that parents with a new babysitter or special fee to meet the expenses for a babysitter. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that in order to construct healthy generation with careful mothers and well-paid families the government is observed to accompany ne legislative rules. Reducing the global environmental damage should be handled by the government rather than individuals. To what extend do you agree or disagree.

Unquestionable, in the world we live in today, it is a clear-cut evidence that, increasing intensity of global environmental damage should be avoided by further subjects properly in order to prevent future occurrences on a regular basis.

Generally, some people consider the problems ought to be handles by the government, whether other supports it can be diminished to sufficient degree by each individual. Initially, the factor to be clarified first in order to achieve a goal in the actual process is being a subject of global environmental defence projects nominated by several governmental organizations. To say in details, it is deemed a real solution to inform people for not making fundamental errors and unconscious faults, so executing their responsibilities properly. Flowingly, another factor to be outlined is injection of recycling habits to get accustomed for the current circumstance. Moreover, as it is apparently visible some people do not have any customs and such as recycling. Thus, enumerated function leads to strengthen the application of its provision to succeed in the most pressing and mundane problem. Flowing this issue, to make reduction or descent the situation to a sufficient degree authorized governmental organizations can found a budget to contribute to solve the submitted disorders. In the other words, government has an authority to prevent the actual reason or presumed occurrence. Furthermore, another factor which is assumed unavoidable is individualistic approach considering each people as a part of current society. Obviously, it is an prominence reason for individuals forcing them to do further actions to eliminate the leading discrepancy. As a nutshell I put it down saying that, to reduce the global environment damage is supposed to face some challenges by merely putting it individual hands, thus governmental organizations contribution is inevitable. Some people think that government should support artists (poets, musicians) financially, other argue that money should be spent on other, more important, issues. Do you agree or disagree?

As it is inevitable fact that poverty is soreness truth of whole mankind. Even today it is possible to meet thousands of people living in lack of basic lifedemandings. Such kind of developing countries receive different kinds of international aid from powerful subjects like organizations, funds, governments. However, it is claimed that financial

support doesnt lead to solution of actual case. Republished types of aids should be looked for. Initially, the basis of above mentioned problem in all cases is structured on material assistance foundation. As an example, here can be enumerated over hundreds of aid types like social, educative development programs sending human expertise to needy areas. Assuredly, economic or political institutions have set guidance programs in determining economic success. Anyhow, in order to provide even educational help the subject investigate for teachers, books and other lacked materials. The prior default refers to in which direction this financial aid is forwarded. Additionally, attaching great importance to first approach , it is inevitable to mention alternative transfers in order to plunge the poverty rate of developing countries. The access to the world market or the involvement of such countries to join world circulation may be proposed as outpacing method of poverty for long term. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that if each member of society with average income would present a little monetary assistance the balancing of economic stability will be earn. In this response another factor I would like to underline is the necessity of sensitive approach by governments and organizations. Even though developing countries receive financial help, poverty is still an issue. Some say they should be receiving other kind of help, to eliminate poverty. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give examples and suggest what other form of help can

As it is inevitable fact that poverty is soreness truth of whole mankind. Even today it is possible to meet thousands of people living in lack of basic lifedemandings. Such kind of developing countries receive different kinds of international aid from powerful subjects like organizations, funds, governments. However, it is claimed that financial support doesnt lead to solution of actual case. Republished types of aids should be looked for. Initially, the basis of above mentioned problem in all cases is structured on material assistance foundation. As an example, here can be enumerated over hundreds of aid types like social, educative development programs sending human expertise to

needy areas. Assuredly, economic or political institutions have set guidance programs in determining economic success. Anyhow, in order to provide even educational help the subject investigate for teachers, books and other lacked materials. The prior default refers to in which direction this financial aid is forwarded. Additionally, attaching great importance to first approach , it is inevitable to mention alternative transfers in order to plunge the poverty rate of developing countries. The access to the world market or the involvement of such countries to join world circulation may be proposed as outpacing method of poverty for long term. As a nutshell, I put it down saying that if each member of society with average income would present a little monetary assistance the balancing of economic stability will be earn. In this response another factor I would like to underline is the necessity of sensitive approach by governments and organizations. It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports or musician

Today there are numerous people who are talented in a particular field and perform better than other ones involved in the same field. There is an argument in regards of those talented. Some people consider that talent is something an individual is born with no one is able to learn it. However, there are people who utterly disagree. Talented people generally, demonstrate their skills in early ages. It is not common with other young children, who need more time and more experience. For instance, Amadens Mozart achieved a great goal by the age of 9. he performed his skills in playing the piano in a concert and astonishing adults who gathered there. That is not something that average boy or girl do. In that respect, come people believe that talent is unlikely to be taught. At the other end of scale, there are a wide range of people who are qualified as the best professionals and most importantly, they obtained those skills after a considerable period of time. In other words they were not born talented. According to the biography of Bruce Lee, a prominent Eastern master of martial arts and an actor, used to be a weak young boy, who frequently got bullied by children of his age.

However, he started to attend a martial arts school. After a short period of time, it became a remarkable sports person. This shows that putting great efforts is the key of being talented. As for my opinion, I agree with the second statement, however I also take the view that there are a few people who have not been taught and yet they perform unbelievable skills. Every year rare languages disappear from the world. Some people say this is not important, because it is better to have fewer languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Language is a method of communication between people. Languages spread in our world could be divided for their nationality into two types: mother tongue and foreign language. Additionally languages can be categorized as a two kinds for their popularity: international and regional utilized ones. Nevertheless, there are the ones who have not any relationship neither to the first group nor to the second. Such an example: the Latin language. First off all, in my opinion i am not satisfied with such a stereotypes. Based on information that i have got,i can declare with all my surety that, disappearing languages it is not the process that is going to be ended with good results for humankind and for development of history,archeology. Because , i recently were watching one intellectually knowledge grounding TV show and there was a conversation of three investigators about evanescence of different languages in south-west of Africa. What i can say about that, this conducted research demonstrated that, the dominant languages over the world influencing on few territory used languages in recognizable intensity. Consequently, this kind of acts indicate the loss of speech habits of habitants. Moreover, it therefore building a number of obstacles on the way of scientist to discover,explore ancient civilizations. For what, the investigations of old cultures could give us a chance to do some innovations in our modern world. Nevertheless, the poor developed countries especially in Africa continent are taking opportunity of rarely spread languages existence.

According to the idea given in the topic, these sort of behaves could result with mayhem. I do not mind to learn foreign languages. Because it opens a lot of advantages to obtain new information rapidly. Furthermore it might as well to know international used languages for the success in working, studying process probably in personal life. All in all, in my view it is beneficial to learn other languages but it is not affordable to destroy other ones. Why do you think some people prefer to buy products from their own countries rather than imported items? (idea) I suppose its because those people want to support the economy of the country they live in. (explain) If they buy something that was made in their own country, they know that they are contributing to the salaries of workers within the same country, (alternative) whereas if they buy imported items, a foreign company and its employees will benefit. (example) For example, if I buy some meat that originates from a local farm rather than a farm in another country, Im helping one of my fellow citizens to carry on in business. (another idea) Also, I think that trust is an issue; people might feel that they can trust domestically produced items more than imported ones. Family Do you have a small or large family? My family is a very small one. I have my wife and daughter. My wife is a nurse and daughter is studying in high school. In fact, I have a large family. Both my parents are alive. My father is engaged in agriculture. My mother is a housewife. I have two elder brothers, who are working. The eldest one is married and stays with my family. The younger one is working in Bangalore as a software engineer. I also have a younger brother, who is studying in school. How much time do you spend with your family? Whenever I am at home, I try to spend a few hours with my family. Since I have a lot to study these days, they let me alone most of the time. I usually have food together

with my family. We spend some time watching television together, especially in the evenings. We also pray together. Since I stay away from home, it is only during holidays that I can be with my family. Whenever I am at home I make it a point, to be with the members of my family. We sometimes go for a trip or eat out often. I really love being with them. I always cherish the memories of childhood, when I was always at home. What things do you do together? There are a lot of things that we do together. One of the important things that we do as a group is to cook, especially during the weekends, when I have a lot of free time. We also do our gardening together, watering, manuring and weeding the plants. Another important activity that we do is to pray in the evenings. Apart from that, we shop together and go to the movie together.

Language Learning Let us talk about learning English. How long have you been learning English? Where did you learn? What is easy / difficult? Is English important in your job? I have been learning English ever since I was about 10 years old, when I was studying in my fifth grade. I learned the alphabets and basic words at that time. I studies in a vernacular medium school, but English was a subject throughout my school years. I did not take English very seriously during my school days, and I scored comparatively poor marks for it. Well, English was the hardest subject for me; and to be frank, I hated this subject at that time. One of the reasons that I did not like English was that we did not have any good teachers. It was after I joined college, I started studying English seriously. I had a wonderful English teacher who laid a sound foundation in English grammar. Since then, I

started loving this subject and started reading books in English. Now I am in my forties and the more I study English the better I love it. Since I am an English teacher, I need to improve my English all the time, learning new vocabulary and reading more and more books. I make sure that I update my knowledge of English all the time. A gift that you presented What the gift was What the occasion was Whom you gave it to Why this gift was very special My youngest brother was getting married and I wanted to give him a special gift. A couple of days before the marriage my wife and I went to Ernakulam for some shopping. As we were about to return we just went to my favourite store, Wills Life Store. In fact, this particular shop has the trendiest and the most fashionable clothes for both men and women. I had the gift in my mind when I went into the shop. After spending a few minutes in the store I spotted an off-white linen casual shirt. It was a designer wear and I put it on, to see how it looked. My wife said, it was the best shirt that had ever decorated my body. I was very happy. It was an expensive shirt but it gave me a great sense of satisfaction. On the eve of the marriage we had a party and my brother put this shirt on. Everybody was very appreciative of the shirt and my brother was very happy about it. This gift was very special to me because I really liked the colour, material and the design of the shirt. Apart from that, it was first gift that I ever presented to my youngest brother. I was extremely happy that he really liked the shirt. It was the right occasion that I gave him this present.

Discussion:

Would you like to receive the same kind of gift yourself? I definitely would like to receive the same kind of a gift. The reason is that I love good clothes, especially linen shirts. For example, two of my brothers work abroad and when they come to India, they present me shirts. I always look forward to it.

What are the positive/negative aspects of giving and receiving gifts? Giving and receiving gifts have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it is an expression of ones love or appreciation for someone. It can strengthen relationships. It can also create a good feeling in the minds of people. On the other hand, giving and receiving today has become a commercial activity. Sometimes we are forced give and receive gifts. A lot of time and money is involved in buying gifts. For example, if someone calls you for a birthday, you are compelled to give a gift. Sometimes, it can become a burden on your budget. What are the different types of gifts that women, men and childrenwould like to receive? Women are usually fond of ornaments and clothes. They also like to receive household appliances and handicrafts. For special occasions like birthdays they receive a lot of such gifts. Children are usually attracted to toys and dolls. They love chocolates and sweets too. What changes have taken place in giving and receiving gifts in the last 50 years? A number of changes have taken place in the way people give and receive gifts, over the last 50 years. In the olden days gifts were not very common and it was exchanged only during rare occasions like marriages and housewarming. Today, giving and receiving gifts has become a very frequent affair. Exchanging gifts has

become very common on a number of occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and success in an exam. Whose gifts do you treasure most? I treasure the gifts of my loved ones. For instance, I always cherish the gifts that my wife has given me. In fact, she gives them to me with great love. I greatly value gifts from my parents too. Gifts from close friends or colleagues also can give me great pleasure. What may be the type of gifts that children will receive in future? I think we should wait to see the type of gifts that children will receive in the future. If I make a guess, I think, mostly it will be electronic gadgets or games. They are also likely to receive a lot of good chocolates. PO S TE D B Y G EORG E ANDREW S MO O LEKA RY AT 1: 4 8 PM1 9 CO MME NT S: LI NKS T O T HI S PO ST THURSD AY, APRIL 14, 2011 A gift or article your treasure most

1.

Where do you come from?

I am from a small and beautiful town called Athirampuzha. In fact, this place is in the district of Kottayam in central Kerala. 2. What kind of place is it?

Basically, it is a trading place. People from the surrounding areas come to my place to buy vegetables, fish and grocery. We have a large pool in the heart of the town which is connected to other places by a network of canals. When I was a small boy, water transport was very popular and country boats would come in large numbers for trading purposes. It was wonderful to see trading boats crowd in the large body of

water for loading and unloading goods. But today, you can hardly see any water transport and such boats have disappeared for ever, and large trucks have replaced them. 3. What would you suggest a visitor your hometown should see or do?

It is difficult to suggest a particular place, but I think, the pool and the canals are an interesting site. You can also go for a boating through the canal. On your way you have beautiful paddy fields, on either side. Another important place that a visitor can see is our church which was built a few centuries ago. It has got an ancient alter ornamented with wooden carvings of saints and angels. Another attraction is a large church bell, which was imported from Germany in the 18th century. There is also a famous Siva Temple in our neighbouring town of Ettumanoor. This is a well-known pilgrim centre. 4. What is the most interesting part of your home area?

Again, I would say it is the pool. Most of the activities of the town take place around this area. There is a fish market on one side and a vegetable market on the other. Especially on market days, that is Mondays and Thursdays, the whole place is full of activity. 5. What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?

Although it is basically a trading place, majority of people are not engaged in business. My town is thickly populated and the people are quite educated. So many of them have jobs, especially in the district headquarters of Kottayam, either in the government or private sector. There are teachers, lawyers, nurses, doctors and other professionals. A few of them are also engaged in agricultural activities. Certainly, there are a number of businessmen as well.

1.

A gift or article your treasure most

What the article was Where you got it

How you preserve it Why it is very precious to you Something that I treasure most is my IBM laptop, which was not actually a gift. Although it is quiet old it never had any serious technical problems, except a few software crashes, ever since I bought it about 8 years ago. Well, I bought it from a friend of mine who has a computer business. He suggested the brand and I think I made the right choice by buying an IBM lap top. Technically, the components of my computer are of very superior quality and therefore, in spite of my constant use, I have never changed any parts. Although I have a leather laptop container, I rarely use it now. I used to put it in a leather bag initially, but later, due to my laziness, I just leave it on my study table. Sometimes it gathers a lot dust and occasionally I wipe it with a towel. I would say my laptop is very untidily kept but by Gods grace it keeps working. My laptop is very precious to me because I type my notes in it and use it for presentations in my class and meetings. Sometimes I watch movies in it. I also have stored a lot of data and personal information in my computer. After my office hours I spend long hours in front of my computer either browsing the net or studying. Discussion: 1. Do you think if people have become more or less materialistic in the last 25 years? What I feel is, peoples attitude towards material things have not changed over the last 25 years. The only difference is that today we have greater access to comforts and luxuries unlike in the past, and we have enough money to buy them and so we enjoy them. For this reason, many people tend to say that materialism is on the increase. Actually, that is not the case. If people in the past had access to such things and if they had as much money as we have today, they would have definitely enjoyed luxuries. The only difference is the economic progress that we have made. The attitude towards materialism remains the same always.

I feel that people have definitely become more materialistic during the last 25 years. Formerly, comforts and luxuries were not available to people as much as we have today. May be, people were little more idealistic and they had better human relationships. Especially in rural communities, you know, people maintained traditional values in families and social life. Whereas, today the situation has changed. Urbanisation has forced people to be more individualistic and achievement oriented. Material achievement has become a major purpose in life and therefore, I think, other values of life have taken a back seat. 2. What kind of gifts children usually like? Children usually like chocolates, toys and electronic games. You know, for example, if you go to a shop with your children, you will see them running to the toy corner or the chocolate rack. These days, a lot of children have a great liking towards electronic games. There are many children who like, cartoons and story books too. So when if you plan to give a gift to a child next time, think of these things. 3. What kinds of things give a sense of prestige to people today? From my personal experience, I feel, material possessions can give a great deal of prestige to people today. For example, if you have a luxurious car or a beautifully designed house it can give you a sense of pride. Another important criterion for prestige is political power at different levels, which can make you popular and accepted by the society. Superior positions in government services can also definitely give you prominence in the society. What I mean is, senior police officers, judges and similar officials have great prestige in the society. Apart from that, superior education can give you a lot of honour among people. Certain professionals like doctors, engineers and teachers are respected in the society. 4. What kind of things were status symbols in your grandfathers time? Although I am not very sure, money and other material possessions were status symbols even in my grandparents time. I think, people who had a lot of land were considered honourable in the society. Superior education and political power were also considered status symbols at that time. I believe, basically, the status symbols people of all ages are generally the same.

5. What kind of things are women usually attracted to? Women are generally fond of good clothes and ornaments. If you go to a textile store or jewellery shop the majority of the shoppers are usually women. This means that there is a certain vanity in women and they love to flaunt their beauty. They are also attracted to cosmetics. Many women buy a lot of house hold appliances and crockery. 6. Do you think people purchase a lot of things for prestige and not because of genuine need? Certainly, today if you have money to spare, you certainly buy things that can show off your wealth. Although you may not need such luxurious items, you buy them because you want others to look upon you. For example, one of the considerations for many people, when they choose a car, is whether a particular car is used by the elite in the society. Or, even if the family is a small one, people build huge houses and many of the rooms are unused for years. Prestige is a serious consideration for many people these days. 7. What will be the kind of things that will give a sense of prestige to people in future? Even in the future wealth will be major determining factor that will a sense of prestige to people. Education, the expertise in technology and communication abilities also will give a sense of pride to people. PO S TE D B Y G EORG E ANDREW S MO O LEKA RY AT 1 1: 49 P M6 CO MME NT S: LI NKS T O T HI S PO ST SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009 Speaking 003 (The sports you enjoy) Speaking 003 (The sports you enjoy) Part 1

Traffic where you live How do most people travel to work where you live? Most people in my place travel to work using public transport system. We have both government and private bus services that are very efficient and frequent. The bus fares are also quiet moderate, and that makes it the favourite mode of travel for ordinary people to go to work. People, who go to longer distances to work, usually make use of trains. We have a number of short distance trains, which are very inexpensive. A lot of people also have their own private vehicles to go to work. Most young people have their own motor bikes. The more affluent go to work by car. What traffic problems are there in your area? Traffic problems are quite frequent in my area, especially during the peak hours of morning and evening, when people travel to work or study and back. Many roads are very narrow and cannot hold the increasing traffic volume at a time. So traffic moves at a snails pace, especially during the rush hours. There are also a lot of puddles on the roads especially during the rainy season and manoeuvring them would further slow the traffic down. There are constant repairs on the roads which are both slow and ineffective and traffic is often diverted through narrower roads making the situation still worse. How do traffic problems affect you? Traffic problems affect me very badly. I need to reach work on time and very often the unexpected traffic snarls and jams do not let me do it. I have made it a point that I start a bit earlier from home, so that these unexpected delays do not affect me much. Another problem is that driving in high gear in the traffic jam, exhausts your fuel tank very fast. How would you reduce the traffic problems in your area? The first thing that the government should do is to widen the roads with immediate effect and that can definitely reduce the problem tremendously. Another area that the authorities can look into is to engage a big company to construct roads that can last for a longer period of time. It would definitely reduce the constant repairs on roads. People also should be made to obey traffic rules very strictly.

Part 2 Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing. You should day: What kind of game or sport it is Who you play it with Where you play it And explain why you enjoy playing it.

In fact I dont play any games at the moment, because I dont have the time or opportunity for it. It is very difficult for you to play a game once you get out of your school or college. There are very few playgrounds for the public in our area. May be, I will talk about the game I played when I was in college. I was very interested in soccer, and I played in the forward line. It was usually played in the evening when the sun was not very warm and that preserved a lot of your energy. I hope you know that football requires a great deal of running and if it is very hot your steam will run out fast. I usually played with my college mates. We would break into two teams and sometimes the numbers would vary from seven to twelve, depending on the number of people who were interested in playing the game. It always used to be great fun to play with your mates in a very friendly atmosphere. Since everybody knew each other there were hardly any hard tackling or rough play. Everybody enjoyed the spirit of the game. We played in the football ground, just in front of our college. It was quite a big ground and so we had to run around a lot, but that gave us a lot of physical fitness. I enjoyed playing soccer because there was a thrill in scoring goals and winning. You kept improving with every game and that gave you a great deal of motivation and competitive spirit. Even during the day, when you were not playing you kept thinking about the game. So it was great fun and I always waited for the evenings to play soccer.

Discussion topics: Childrens games How have games changed from the time when you were a child? Games have changed tremendously over the years. When we were children the standard of the game or the players was not as good as it is today. Moreover, newer rules have been introduced to make it more appealing to television audiences. I think the speed of the game has considerably increased. There is much more money in sports and games today, so more and more young people are interested in making it a full time career. That was not the case when I was a child. Do you think this has been a positive change? Why? Yes, it has definitely been a positive change in all ways. Games have become more popular and players get much better rewards. Televised games have made it possible for people to watch games in the comfort of their homes rather than going to a stadium. Watching games has become a very easy affair. Overall, the standard of the game has improved. Why do you think children like playing games? Children are physically very active and you cant keep them idle for a long time. They always like to be with their friends, playing some games. Psychologically, at their age they cant think of engaging in a serious activity for a long time. Playing games would occupy them time in a very effective way; otherwise they are going to create some mischief at home.

PO S TE D B Y G EORG E ANDREW S MO O LEKA RY AT 4: 0 4 AM9 CO MME NT S: LI NKS T O T HI S PO ST SATURD AY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009 Speaking 002 (Healthy Lifestyle)

Part 1 Musical Instruments Which instrument do you like listening to most? (Why?) My favourite musical instrument is the flute. (I love listening to the flute, the most). I have always wondered why I like flute. May be, it is because of its simplicity or because of it sweet sound. Flute has a very soothing music and it goes directly into your heart. I think it is very easy to learn flute, but I am not sure. Anyway, I like it. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? Not really, I dont think I have the talent for it. So I have not seriously tried. When I was small, I just used to play with the harmonium, but actually, I could never play any proper notes. Even now, I love to press the keys of the electric keyboard and I like to hear the sound. But I have never learned to play any musical instrument. Yes I play the keyboard. I started leaning it at a very early age. My mother bought me a toy piano when I was a small kid. I started playing it on my own. Later, I went to a music school, where I leaned to play the electric organ. Now I play it quiet well. Do you think children should learn to play a musical instrument? It is good in one way. As children, you have the time and interest in learning a musical instrument. In think learning a musical instrument can give a lot of confidence to children. They will learn to perform before other people. They can be proud of the fact that they know how to play a musical instrument. It is the best way to know whether a child had the taste for it. However, we should not force a child into it, especially if he doesnt have the talent for it. No I dont think children should learn a musical instrument. It is the time for them to play and enjoy games. Playing a music instrument is a very serious job. It requires a lot of patience and discipline. So I think it is better not to force children into it at an early age. If they have the taste and talent they will learn it later. How easy would it be to learn to play an instrument without a teacher?

I think, it is not easy to learn a musical instrument without the help of a teacher, because you have no one to clear your doubts. Not only that, you can never learn it, systematically. There are people who learn musical instruments like guitar with the help of a book or through the internet. But, I dont think you go can very far, in this way. Why not! There are a lot of people who learn musical instruments without the help of a teacher. You can get books and lessons from the internet. The advantage is that you can learn at your own pace and convenience. Then why go for a teacher. Part 2

Describe something healthy you enjoy doing You should say: What you do Where you do it Who you do it with And explain why you think doing this is healthy. Playing sports, cycling, exercising I have been playing badminton for the last few years. This is something that I really enjoy. When I started I wasnt a good player. Over the years I have improved tremendously. Every day I wait for the evening to play badminton. I play it in our college campus. We have an indoor court and so the wind doesnt disturb our game. I play with my colleagues at work. There are about 6 to 8 people who play regularly and if you dont reach the court in time, you dont get to play the first game. After a game is over, usually the losers have to give chance to the other players, who wait outside.

I think this has definitely kept me fit. I have lost about 6 kilos in the last 2 years, just because I play this game. I have no other exercise and I dont need any. I can eat anything I like and I can burn my extra calories in the game. Now my body has become very flexible and I have improved my stamina. My movements have become easy and my body is much more flexible now. I can even run up steps without panting. My cholesterol and blood sugar levels are much lower than before. So this is something healthy that I enjoy doing. Part 3 Keeping fit and healthy What do most people do to keep fit your country? Most people, in my country do some kind of manual labour and that keeps them fit. They dont need any other exercise. The farmers work in the field and there are a lot of people who work in constructions and similar manual jobs. The middleclass white collar workers and the rich people are also very health conscious and do regular exercises like jogging, walking in the morning or playing some games. There are some people who work out in gyms to keep themselves fit. The most common exercise, that people in my country do, to keep themselves fit, is to go for a walk. If you get up early in the morning and look at the streets, especially in cities, you can see a lot of people walking by the side of the road. There are also a lot of evening walkers as well. Some jog or cycle or do some exercise or play some games. There are a lot of people who visit gyms to be fit. Yoga is another popular exercise that people are interested in. How important is it for people to do some regular physical exercise? It is extremely important for people to engage in some kind of regular exercise, especially after 30 or 35. Otherwise we will be prone to common lifestyle diseases like, high blood sugar or blood pressure. Heart ailments are very common among people who have no physical exercise. Regular exercise can give your body a lot of immunity against such diseases. It can burn your extra fat that causes all these ailments. So, regular exercise is essential for people to keep themselves fit.

Health and modern lifestyles Why do some people think that modern lifestyles are not healthy? See, people have a valid reason for thinking so. People today love comfort and luxury and they want to satisfy their appetites at any cost. Rather than cooking at home, they love to eat out, at restaurants and fast food joints. Fast food may be tasty but contains a lot of fat that is not good for health. Previously people used to walk or engage in some kind of manual work. That is not the case today. Personal vehicles and modern devices have made their life easy and people have great aversion towards sweating their body. This lifestyle naturally invites diseases. Why do some people choose to lead unhealthy lives? The simple answer is laziness. Today many people do not have the discipline to lead a healthy life. They love comfort and convenience in everything that they do. In fact, they dont realise that their comfort and luxury are going to end soon. They need to face the reality sooner than later. Should individuals or governments be responsible for making people lifestyles healthy? It is the individuals themselves who are responsible for making their lifestyles healthy. It is ones personal freedom to lead a healthy lifestyle. Government has nothing to do with it. No government can interfere into such personal affairs. Government cant ask people to eat this or that. The only thing that government can do is to spread awareness about this issue. Nothing more than that. What could be done to encourage people to live in a healthy way? The best way to encourage people to live in a healthy way is to spread awareness about the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. This can be done through the media like television and newspapers. At an early age, children should be given education about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It should also be included in the curriculum. Moreover, sports should be made compulsory in schools. Another effective way is to give gym and sports facilities in factories and offices.

Describe your favorite person in the family

Who is your favorite person in the family? My favorite person in my family is my brother. Is this person important for the family? He is very important for the family because he loves everyone and he also provides guidance to the family members. What impact does this person have on you? My brother has a great impact on my personality. My brother is a very honest person and after being inspired from him, I have also become an honest man. My brother is also a very soft hearted person. I have also started taking care of other people, and I have also started feeling the pain of other people.

Describe a character in a movie What was the name of the character, and who played it? I liked the character of Victor Novaski in the movie Terminal. The character was played by Tom Hanks. What impact did the character have on you? I liked the character in the movie very much. The character has made me a courageous person. What did you learn from this character? The character showed me that we as human beings should always do the right thing. The character in the movie went through very hard times, but still he did not leave the right way. I have learned that if a person stands up for the right thing then God gives him the courage to fight till the end.

How would you like to spend your ideal weekend (ideal means best weekend) With whom would you like to spend your ideal weekend? I would like to spend my ideal weekend with my cousins. What would you like to eat on your ideal weekend? I would like to eat pizza with my cousins. How much money would you be ready to spend on your ideal weekend?

I would be ready to spend $100 on my ideal weekend.

Construct your own house If you ever get a chance, would you make your own house? Right now I am living in my parents house, but if I ever get a chance of constructing my own house I will make a house which will consist of at least 10 rooms. What kind of interior would you use in the house? I would like to give a royal touch to the interior of my house. I am greatly impressed by the Mughals, so I would like to make my interior same as the Mughal did. What location would you choose for your dream house? I would select a location which is calm and peaceful. I am allergic to noise and pollution so I would most probably choose a location which is away from the downtown.

Describe a school you attended What was the name of the school and where was it located? My school was located in Lahore and the name of my school was International school of Choueifat. How many faculty members and pupils were there in the school? I studied in a very big school. There were about 5,000 students and 200 teachers in the school. Why did you like the school? I liked the school a lot. The foremost reason I liked the school was that the teachers were very polite. The teachers were soft hearted and they treated us very well. The teachers also motivated us to work hard and achieve good grades in exams.

Describe a day in your life you will never forget What happened on that day? I will never forget the day when I met with an accident. Why cant you forget it?

I cannot forget it because it was my birthday that day. I was coming back from my birthday party and my car was hit by a bus. I suffered severe injuries and my leg got fractured. What lesson did you learn from that day? After the accident I understood the meaning of life, I started loving my life.

Family event When was the event held? The family event occurred 2 months ago. Why was the family event held? It was the birthday party of my niece. Who attended the event? The event was attended by friends and family members. Did the people enjoy the event? People enjoyed the event very much because the event gave them the chance to meet their loved ones. Apart from that there was also food served on the event which was liked by everyone. Why do you remember this event? I remember this event because I was given the responsibility of arranging the entire event.

Enjoyable trip Where did you go? I went to an enjoyable trip last month. I went to Dubai. Why was this trip special? The good thing about the trip was that I was accompanied by my friends and cousins. Why do you consider it to be a enjoyable trip? I remember this trip a lot because I had a great time over there. I enjoyed every bit of the trip because I ate a lot and enjoyed a lot.

Your favorite book Which is your favorite book? My favorite book is Harry Porter. Why do you like this book? I like this book because I have always been a great fan of fantasies. I love the way the author describes the whole magical world. What influence did the book have on you? The book not only provided me entertainment, but it also gave me knowledge. Do you believe people should read book? Yes, I definitely believe that people should read books. I have two reasons for saying this, first the books give us tremendous amount of knowledge and the second reason is that we can improve language skills by reading books.

Describe means of transport What are the different means of transport in your country? There are many different means of transport available in my country. People in my country travel my land, water and air. In the rural area you can find bicycles, horses, and rich haws, Where as in the urban areas you can find motor cycles, cars and buses. It is very costly to travel on a car, but if you do not have the money you can travel on the bus or the rickshaws because they are relatively cheaper.

You favorite museum When was the last time you went to a museum? I went to a museum last week. What kind of museum was it? It was a science and technology museum.

What things did you see in the museum? I saw some great inventions of the century in that museum. I saw the first computer which was built in the world. I was really inspired by the great inventions. Why do people make museums? I think that people make museums to applaud the work of great people. They also want to show their present and future generations that their ancestors had to work very hard in order to give them the things which they have right now.

leisure time What do you do in your leisure time? I watch movies in my leisure time. How should people spend their leisure time? Leisure time is another word for free time, so I think that everyone in this world has a right to decide what they want to do in their free time. Why is leisure time important? Leisure time is very important because all of us spend our entire day working, and we deserve some free time in order to relax our mind and do something which we like.

Your favorite animal What is your favorite animal? My favorite animal is a horse What do you like about this animal? I like the horse very much because it is a very beautiful animal. I love it when the horse gallops. The horse is also a very a friendly animal. How do people use this animal? Nowadays the horses are mostly used for the purpose of horse riding, but in the older time horses were the primary means of transport for the human beings. Nowadays, the horses have lost their importance and they are ignored.

Importance of newspaper in your life What is the importance of newspaper in your life? Newspapers play a very important role in my life. How often do you read the newspaper? I read the newspaper every day. Why do you read the newspaper? I read the newspaper because I want to be well informed of the current situation of my country and the rest of the world. I also read the newspapers because I want to search for some jobs which are available in my city. Do you think that the importance of newspapers is decreasing? Yes, I think that the newspapers are facing tough competition by the news websites, but I still believe that many people still regard newspapers to be a very reliable source of information.

Favorite restaurant Which is your favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant is China town. Why do you like the place? I like the restaurant very much because it offers Chinese food. I love to eat Chinese food and the restaurants staff is also very amiable. Why do people eat food from restaurants? People eat food from the restaurants because they want to change their mood. Other than that some people eat food from restaurants because it is convenient for them.

Concert Describe a concert you recently attended? I recently attended a concert to hear my favorite band Crazy lovers What kind of music were they playing? The band was playing rock music.

Did you enjoy? Yes I enjoyed so much, as I told you earlier that the concert was performed by favorite band so I enjoyed a lot. I was accompanied by my friends so we danced, sang and ate a lot of food in the concert.

Favorite teacher Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Mr. John What subjects did he teach you? He taught me English and Social Studies. What did you like about him? Mr. John was a very polite teacher. He always motivated me to work harder and he also helped whenever I was unable to understand a concept. Why do people become teachers? I personally love this profession. I think that people become teachers because they want to help other people. Teachers play a very important role in the character development of a student. In my opinion they are serving the society in a very good way.

Internet How often do you use the internet? I use the internet every day. Why do people use the internet? People use the internet for communication, education, games, movies, news, and information. Why do you use the internet? I usually use the internet to communicate with my friends and family. I also use the internet to watch and download movies. Do you think internet is gaining more popularity than TV? Yes, I agree with you. I think that internet is gaining popularity day by day. I personally believe that internet is more convenient. For instance, if I want to watch a program on

internet then I can watch it at anytime. But if I want to watch a program on TV then I will have to wait for it.

Teacher Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Mr. John What subject did the teacher? Mr. John taught me Economics. Why do you consider him as your favorite teacher? I regard Mr. John as my favorite teacher because he was a very friendly teacher. He motivated me to work harder and he also taught very well. I used to enjoy his lectures because he made the lecture exciting and interesting. Why impact did the teacher have on you? Mr. John had a great impact on me. I was greatly impressed by his friendliness, and I have also started to behave in a similar manner with other people.

Which is your favorite book? My favorite book is Harry Porter.

Why do you like this book? I like this book because I have always been a great fan of fantasies. I love the way the author describes the whole magical world.

What influence did the book have on you? The book not only provided me entertainment, but it also gave me knowledge.

Do you believe people should read book? Yes, I definitely believe that people should read books. I have two reasons for saying this, first the books give us tremendous amount of knowledge and the second reason is that we can improve language skills by reading books.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'work' topic

Here are some example questions with short, direct answers. Remember that part 1 is like a warm-up; you are not expected to give long, complex answers for this part. 1. Do you work or are you a student? Im a qualified doctor, but at the moment Im studying English so that I can work in this country. 2. Do you enjoy your job? Yes, I really enjoy my job. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to be a doctor; Ive always wanted to be able to help people. 3. What's the best thing about your job? The best thing about my job is that I can make a difference in peoples lives. Its a great feeling to see someone recover after an illness because my colleagues and I were able to help. 4. Do you prefer working alone or with others? Why? In a hospital you have to work as part of a team. Ive got used to working with others, and I think you can achieve a lot more as a team than you would alone. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (28)

Friday, June 15, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 3: explain, alternative, example
In part 3 of the speaking test, you need to give longer, detailed answers. A good way to do this is by organising your answers according to the following steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Idea: answer the question directly. Explain: give a reason or explain your answer in more detail. Alternative: explain an alternative (e.g. the opposite) to your answer. Example: give an example to support your answer. Another idea: sometimes you think of another idea while you are speaking. Just add it on the end of your answer.

You can give a really good answer without including all five steps, but you might find it useful to practise including all five, as I've done here:

Why do you think some people prefer to buy products from their own countries rather than imported items? (idea) I suppose its because those people want to support the economy of the country they live in. (explain) If they buy something that was made in their own country, they know that they are contributing to the salaries of workers within the same country, (alternative) whereas if they buy imported items, a foreign company and its employees will benefit. (example) For example, if I buy some meat that originates from a local farm rather than a farm in another country, Im helping one of my fellow citizens to carry on in business. (another idea) Also, I think that trust is an issue; people might feel that they can trust domestically produced items more than imported ones. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (13)

Friday, June 08, 2012

IELTS Speaking Advice: record, transcribe, analyse
Here are some steps that you could follow when practising for the speaking test: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Choose a real speaking test from one of the Cambridge books. Record yourself answering one or all of the parts of the test. Listen to the recording and transcribe it (write down everything you said). Analyse the transcript. How could your answers be improved? Take some time to prepare better answers for the same questions. Try the same questions again! Record yourself, transcribe and analyse. Repeat the process a few times until you are happy.

Imagine if you did this kind of hard work every day for a month. I'm sure you'd be more confident and better prepared than you are now. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (26)

Friday, June 01, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: formula phrases
A student asked me whether the following formula is useful for speaking part 2:

I guess I could begin by saying something about (point 1) and I think I would have to choose... Going on to my next point which is (point 2), I really need to emphasise that (explain point 2). And now with reference to (point 3), the point I want to make here is that (explain point 3). And so finally, if I have time, in answer to the question of (point 4), really I should mention that...

So, are these 'formula phrases' a good idea? My answer is no!

As an English speaker and ex-examiner, I find these phrases annoying. It's obvious that they are memorised, and they do not address the question topic. Please don't expect the examiner to be impressed by this kind of thing. There are a couple of benefits to learning a formula: it gives your answer some structure, and it might make you feel more confident during the test. However, the disadvantages are greater: 1. Your focus is on the phrases you have memorised, when it should be on answering the question with relevant ideas. 2. The examiner thinks that you are using memorised phrases because you are unable to produce good language spontaneously. In other words, your use of long formula phrases suggests that your level of English is lower. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (21)

Friday, May 25, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: foreign culture
Here are some ideas for last week's question. 1. Which culture and how I know about it I'm going to talk about France and French culture. I know France quite well because it was the first foreign country that I visited as a child. I've been on several family holidays there, and I lived and worked in Paris for a while after finishing university. 2. Cultural differences The first thing that comes to mind when I think about France is the bread! I love the fact that French people buy fresh baguettes every morning, usually from small local bakeries or 'patisseries'; it makes a change from the loaves of sliced bread that most of us buy from the supermarket here in the UK. One slightly negative difference I noticed in Paris is that Parisians don't seem to make friends with their work colleagues to the same extent as we do here. 3. What I like about it I really like the caf culture in France. You can always find somewhere interesting to sit and have a coffee and chat to friends or just watch the world go by. I actually put on a bit of weight when I lived in France because I got into a habit of having a croissant or a cake in every nice caf that I found. Another thing I could mention is that the last time I went to France on holiday, I played a game called boules every day. The game consists in throwing metal balls as close to a target ball as possible. Its the perfect game for a relaxing afternoon when the weathers hot. Tip: Notice that I included personal examples or experiences in my answers. It's easy to talk for 2 minutes if you can tell a story or two. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (9)

Friday, May 18, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'foreign culture' topic
Describe a foreign culture that you like. You should say

what culture it is and how you know about it what differences there are between that culture and your own and why you like that foreign culture.

For this question, you don't need to discuss 'deep' cultural issues. Just choose a foreign country that you have visited, and talk about anything that is different from your own culture (language, food, customs, behaviour, typical activities etc.). Feel free to share your descriptions in the comments area below this lesson. I'll post my description (or I'll use the best one of yours) next week. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (33)

Friday, May 11, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'accommodation' topic
Here are some questions that I found on the official IELTS website, ielts.org. The answers below are my examples. Remember to keep your part 1 answers short and simple. You don't need to show off in part 1. 1. Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in. I live in a house that has a living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a small garden. It's not a very big house, but it's just right for me. 2. How long have you lived there? I've lived there for about five years. It's the first house that I've owned; before that I was renting an apartment. 3. What do you like about living there? I like living there because I think the house reflects my personality: I decorated it myself, I chose all the furniture, and everything is where I want it to be. 4. What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in? If I could, I'd buy a bigger house near a beach or in the mountains, preferably somewhere with a warm climate. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (13)

Friday, May 04, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: take ideas from other topics
Describe a time when you received some money as a gift. You should say:

who gave it to you what the occasion was how you felt and explain what you did with the money.

If you think about some of the topics we have already prepared, the question above should be quite easy. Some ideas: 1. You could say that you received money for your birthday and took your friends out for a meal. Take some ideas from this lesson. 2. You could say that you bought yourself a new phone (see this lesson). 3. You could say that you used the money to pay for a holiday or trip, and use ideas from this lesson. Note: I'm not recommending that you learn my answers word-for-word. Just try to take some of my ideas and adapt them to your own answers. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (24)

Friday, April 27, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a website
In Part 2 of IELTS Speaking, you might be asked to describe a website that you use: Describe a website that you often use. You should say:

what type of website it is how you found out about it what it allows you to do, and why you find it useful.

Here are some ideas, with some of the band 7-9 vocabulary underlined: 1. Facebook is a social networking website. It's a free website that allows you to keep in contact with friends or find people you've lost touch with. It's one of the most popular websites in the world, with millions of users in different countries. 2. All of my friends use Facebook. One of my friends sent me an email inviting me to join. I signed up and I've been using it ever since. 3. Facebook allows you to keep up to date with what friends are doing. You have a profile page with information and status updates so that you can tell everyone what

you're doing. You can post messages to other people's pages. You can upload photos and videos. I find Facebook most useful for organising my life, keeping in touch with friends and storing photos. I think social networking websites have become part of everyday life. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (23)

Friday, April 20, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: three tips
Here are three quick tips for IELTS speaking part 2 (the short speech): 1. Use the 1 minute preparation time well Think about how you would answer the question in your own language, then write down as many ideas as possible in English. 2. Give real examples Say what you really think, talk about your real life, and give real examples. Examples are really important; whenever you don't know what to say, give an example from your own experience. 3. Don't worry about grammar You haven't got time to think about passives or conditionals. Focus on answering the question - ideas and vocabulary. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (18)

Friday, April 13, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 3: common question types
Here are 3 common question types that the examiner could ask you: 1. Compare and contrast. 2. Give an opinion. 3. Imagine. If the topic is 'cities', the examiner could ask: 1. How is life different in cities compared to rural areas? 2. How do you think life in big cities could be made easier? 3. What do you think cities will be like in 50 years time? In my answers below I've underlined a few 'markers' that show comparisons, opinions and future predictions. 1. Firstly, the cost of living in cities is much higher. Housing is much more expensive in cities compared to rural areas; everything costs more. I think life in cities is more

difficult. There are more people, so there's more competition for jobs. Life is a lot slower in rural areas, everyone knows each other and there's a sense of community. I don't think rural areas experience the social problems that you find in cities, like crime and homelessness. 2. In my opinion cities need to be well-planned. Good public transport can definitely make life easier because there are so many people and it can be really stressful just to move around. Public areas like parks are also important because people need space to relax, and I think cities should be made into healthier places to live and work. 3. I imagine cities will be less polluted because we'll have electric cars and better public transport. More people might work from home so maybe cities won't be so busy. But I think there will probably still be problems because more and more people are migrating to cities. So I'm not so optimistic about issues like crime, homelessness and unemployment. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (14)

Friday, April 06, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 1: home town
Here are some part 1 questions and answers on the topic of 'home town'. Remember to keep your part 1 answers short and direct. 1. Where are you from? I'm from Manchester, which is a city in the north west of England. 2. Do you like your home town? (Why?) Yes, I like living in Manchester because it's where most of my friends live, and because there are plenty of things to do there. The only thing I don't like is the weather. 3. Would you prefer to live somewhere else? (Why?) For the moment I'm happy living here, but at some point I'd like to live in a country with a warmer climate, and I'd like to live near a beach! 4. Do you think your home town is a good place for young people? (Why?) Yes, Manchester has lots of things for young people, such as sports, music and cinemas. They can watch a football match, go to one of the free museums, or even go indoor skiing. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (18)

Friday, March 30, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: which tense?

- Can you use the past tense when describing a person who is still alive? - Which tense should you use when describing a person? The answer to the first question is yes. You can say: "My father was always a good role model for me when I was growing up." This doesn't mean that your father is no longer alive; it just means that you are no longer growing up! The answer to the second question is it depends. As we saw above, you can use the past tense, but it would also be easy to add the present and/or future tense: "My father was always kind to me when I was a child, and he still helps me whenever I need something. I'm sure he will always be there for me." Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (10)

Friday, March 23, 2012

IELTS Speaking: use real examples!
To improve your IELTS speaking score, use good examples to extend your answers. Real examples or stories about yourself are the best. Use examples in part 2 when you need to make your presentation longer. Use them in part 3 to support your opinions. Here's an example that helps me to extend a part 2 presentation about my mobile phone: "For example, yesterday I used my phone to call some friends to arrange a get-together this weekend. Some of them didn't answer, so I either left a message in their voicemail or I sent them a text. I also replied to a few emails while I was waiting in a queue at the bank." Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (9)

Friday, March 16, 2012

IELTS Speaking: which part is the most important?
Do the 3 parts of the speaking test carry equal weighting when your score is calculated, or is one part more important? The simple answer is that the 3 parts are not scored separately; the examiner rates the student's performance as a whole. In this sense, neither part is more important. However, it's useful to think about the 3 parts like this:

Part 1 is supposed to be quite easy (like a warm-up), so you won't get a high score if you only do well in this part. Part 2 is when the examiner really gets a chance assess how good you are. He/she will now have an idea of what scores to give you.

During part 3, the examiner is making his/her final decision. A good performance here can boost your score.

When preparing for the exam, my advice is to spend most of your time on part 2. This is the part that you can really work on in terms of topics and techniques. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (20)

Friday, March 09, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 1: short, simple answers
The first part of the IELTS Speaking Test lasts around 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about 10 questions related to you, your daily life and your interests. Common topics are hobbies, family, friends, food, music etc. Part 1 questions are supposed to be easy, and the examiner must get through all of the questions in 5 minutes or less. That's only about 30 seconds per question. If you try to give long answers, the examiner will interrupt you. My advice is to keep Part 1 answers very simple: Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from restaurants? I prefer home-cooked food because I think it's healthier and you know exactly what you're eating. I also enjoy cooking for family and friends. You don't need to say any more than this. Just answer the question with a full sentence, give a reason, and maybe add one extra piece of information. Then stop speaking. Stop with confidence and look at the examiner, ready for the next question. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (16)

Friday, March 02, 2012

IELTS Speaking: how to talk for 2 minutes
Students often ask whether it's necessary to speak for the full 2 minutes in part 2 of the speaking test. The instruction is: speak for between 1 and 2 minutes, so it's not strictly necessary to speak for the full 2 minutes. However, my advice is that you should try to keep speaking until the examiner stops you. Here are some tips to help you keep talking: 1. Go through the bullet points on the task card in order. 2. Try to develop each point, even easy ones. For example, if the first bullet point for the topic "describe a person" is "who is it?", don't just say "I'm going to describe my father". Add more information, such as your father's name, age, what he looks like, where he is now, how often you speak to him... 3. Give examples and tell stories (click here for more advice about this).

Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (19)

Friday, February 24, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: easier than you think
Sometimes a question seems difficult, but you might be able to turn it into a different topic. Take these questions for example: 1. Describe a photo that you like. 2. Describe an important letter you received. Many students panic when I ask them these two questions, but they are much easier than you think. Here are some ideas: 1. You could describe a photo of your family on a special occasion (e.g. a birthday party). This would allow you to talk about the members of your family and tell the story of what happened at the party when the photo was taken. Alternatively, you could describe a holiday photo of a place you visited. Then you can talk about the place and what you did there. 2. If you have a job, you could describe the letter you received telling you that you got the job. You could talk about the job interview, how you felt when you received the letter, and what you now do in your job. On the other hand, if you are a student, you could say that you received a letter confirming your place on your degree course. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (23)

Saturday, February 18, 2012

IELTS Speaking Advice: tell stories
At the end of yesterday's lesson I mentioned that you could prepare some examples or stories to make your descriptions more interesting (for speaking part 2, and maybe part 3). When speaking in our own languages, we tell stories all the time. For example, you might tell a member of your family about what happened at work today, or you might tell your friends about a film you saw last night. The ability to tell a story in English is a sign that you are becoming a proficient user of the language. Test yourself: try telling a story in English now! Start with something easy, like "what I did yesterday". Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking, Questions/Advice | Permalink | Comments (20)

Friday, February 17, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: essential preparation

It's impossible to prepare for every question that you might get in the speaking test, but what are the essential things to prepare for? Here's my list of essentials: 1. Favourites: Don't go into the test without knowing what your favourites are. Prepare to talk about your favourite book, film, music, and website. 2. People: Be ready to talk about a famous person and a member of your family. 3. Activities: Have you prepared some ideas about a hobby? Can you describe a typical day in your life? Try to remember some special moments in your life, such as birthdays, festivals and weddings. 4. Places: You need to be able to talk about where you live. Also, think about the places you have visited, what you did there, and why you liked or didn't like them. 5. Things: Can you talk about the things you use every day, something you would like to buy, or a present that you received? Remember that in part 2 you are always asked to "describe". Make sure you prepare some good adjectives for each topic, make sure you can talk about your opinions and feelings, and think about some examples or stories to make your descriptions more interesting. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (28)

Friday, February 10, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a business
It would be a good idea to prepare some ideas for this question: Describe a business that you would like to own or set up. It doesn't matter what business you choose, and you don't need to tell the truth. Here are some ideas:

Choose something that you know about. For example, if you like buying clothes, say that you would like to own a clothes shop. If you're a football fan, say that you'd like to own a football club! Do some online research. Find the websites of companies you like, and take some notes about what they do and why they are successful. Imagine what a typical day would be like if you worked in the business you have chosen. What would you do in the morning, during the day, and in the evening? Telling a story is a great way to extend your answer.

Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (26)

Friday, February 03, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 1: emails and handwriting
At work or in your studies, do you often write things?

Yes, I write a lot of emails as part of my job. I work for a company that has offices in several countries, so we use email to communicate. How often do you send e-mails? I probably write between 5 and 10 work emails every day, and I send emails to friends or family a few times a week. Do you prefer to write by hand or on a computer? It depends what Im doing. I prefer the computer for most things because its faster and you can save or copy things, but I still like making notes or writing ideas down by hand. Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting? No, I think we will always write by hand as well. I think its an important skill, and schools will continue to teach children to write by hand before they learn to type. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (29)

Friday, January 27, 2012

IELTS Speaking part 3: rivers, lakes, sea
1. What do you think are the functions of rivers nowadays? Rivers have various functions. In the UK, they were probably more important in the past because they were used for the transportation of goods, but I suppose this is still the case in many parts of the world. Rivers can be used as a source of renewable energy in the production of hydro-electric power, and they are also a source of fresh water for drinking and irrigation. Leisure activities are another function: fishing, canoeing, swimming, bathing... I'm sure there are many other things I haven't thought of. 2. What do you think of boats and ships as forms of transportation? I'm not really a fan of boats and ships. If I'm going abroad, I like to get to my destination quickly, so I prefer travelling by plane. Of course, ships are vital for the transportation of oil and other heavy cargo. 3. Why do some people like to live near rivers, lakes or the sea? Well, the view is probably a major factor; most people like to look out to sea, or across a river or lake. I'd much prefer to look out of my window onto a natural landscape than an apartment building in a city. Then there's the lifestyle: if you live by the sea, for example, you can lie on the beach, go for a swim, or do water sports like surfing or waterskiing. I definitely wouldn't mind living near a beach at some point in my life!

Note: These answers are less formal than the essays I write for the writing test, and I say things like "probably" or "I suppose" when I'm not sure about the facts. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (21)

Friday, January 20, 2012

IELTS Speaking: linking phrases don't impress
A student asked me a really useful (and common) question the other day. Student's question: I've gone through your speaking answers, and I rarely found linking phrases like "I suppose I should begin by highlighting the fact that..." or "the point I'd like to begin with is that...". Don't you think such phrases are the sign of a high score? Here's my answer: Good question. No, I don't use those phrases because examiners are not impressed by them. Even a beginner can learn linking phrases, and if it were that easy, everyone would get band 9. The sign of a high score is 'real content' (topic-specific vocabulary), not memorised phrases. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (13)

Friday, January 13, 2012

IELTS Speaking: another garden description
Last week I described a famous garden. Martin, an IELTS teacher who often contributes to the comments on this site, sent me a description of his own garden. You might find it more useful than my famous garden description! Martin's description: Today I'd like to describe my home garden, which I think is a beautiful one and which I like very much. The garden is part of my home's backyard, and my house is located in the suburbs, about a 1-hour drive from the city of San Francisco. There is a big tree right in the middle of my garden, which is surrounded by a hot tub, a small water fountain, several bushes, a section for vegetables, and different kinds of flowers. This garden was actually one of the reasons why my wife and I chose to buy our house because it had been beautifully maintained by the previous owners gardener and landscaper. Its been only 1 year since we bought the house and now we are taking care of the garden ourselves. Even though we are not experts in gardening, we still try our best to plant things that we like, such as roses and tulips, and we even grow our own tomatoes.

Whenever family and friends come to visit us, we invite them to have a relaxing time in our hot tub, and enjoy the view. So in other words, our garden has also become a kind of resort! It definitely requires lots of hard work to properly maintain the garden, but it gives us a great sense of accomplishment to decorate it the way we like. All in all, the garden is one of the best features of my home and it is a place where I can relax after a long day of work or during the weekends. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (31)

Friday, January 06, 2012

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a garden
Describe a beautiful garden that you like. You should say - where it is - what you can see there - what people do there and explain why you like it. Here are some ideas: 1. The garden I'm going to describe is famous because it belonged to the French painter Claude Monet. It's in a place called Giverny, which is in northern France, about an hour away from Paris in the province of Normandy. 2. There are actually two gardens at the Monet house in Giverny: a flower garden, and a Japanese inspired water garden. Apparently, Monet designed the gardens himself; he even had the pond and the famous Japanese bridge made. After creating the gardens, Monet painted some of the most well-known paintings in the world, such as those of the waterlilies below the bridge on his pond. 3. Thousands of people visit the gardens at Giverny to see the magnificent scenes that inspired Monet's paintings. Visitors can walk around the gardens and take pictures, which is what I did when I went there. 4. I like Monet's gardens because they are such beautiful creations, and it's amazing to see the 'real thing' having seen the famous paintings so many times. To learn more about Monet's gardens, have a look at this site. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (30)

Friday, December 30, 2011

IELTS Speaking Part 1: sport
Some students worry about the 'sport' topic because they don't do any sports. Today's example answers are for those students. Remember to give short, direct answers. 1. What sports or physical activities do you regularly do?

Unfortunately, I don't have time to do any sports or physical activities because of my work commitments. I'd like to find more time for regular exercise. 2. Which sport or game would you like to be good at? I'd like to be good at tennis. It must be great to be able to hit the ball as hard as you can and watch it land exactly where you wanted it to. 3. Do you prefer watching or playing sports? I don't watch much sport on TV and I'm not a big sports fan, so I think I would probably enjoy doing sports more than watching them. 4. Do you think children should be encouraged to do more sport? Yes, I think that sport is really important for children. Sports and games teach children to play together and try their best. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (18)

Friday, December 23, 2011

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a meal
Describe a popular meal from your country that you like to eat. You should say - what the meal is - why it's popular in your country - and why you like it. Here's some advice: 1. Your choice of meal is important because you need to be able to say a lot about it. For example, you could choose a dish that people eat during a particular festival. 2. Spend some time on each of the 3 parts of the question. For the first part, don't just give the name of the meal; explain what it consists of and how it is made. 3. For the last part (why you like it), use some good adjectives, then tell a story about when you last ate that meal. Explain where you were and what the occasion was. Prepare some ideas and try recording yourself. Keep practising until you are confident that you would be able to answer this question in an exam situation.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: five simple rules

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is supposed to be easy. You don't need to give 'difficult' answers, and you should try to avoid making mistakes. Here are five simple rules for Speaking Part 1:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Keep your answers short, then stop with confidence. Answer the questions using full sentences. Use words from the examiner's question in your answer. If possible, give a reason for your answer. Don't forget to say "yes" or "no" when necessary.

Here's an example to illustrate these points: Do you like parks? Yes, I like parks because they are great places to relax. If you live in a city, a park is often the only place where you can escape from the noise and the traffic. Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking | Permalink | Comments (18)

Friday, December 09, 2011

IELTS Speaking Part 3: competitions
The following questions come from Cambridge IELTS 7. I've underlined some of the good words and phrases in my answers. 1. Why do you think some school teachers use competitions as class activities? I think teachers use competitions to motivate the children in their classes. I'm sure that teachers try all kinds of activities to engage their pupils, and competitions might be one of the best ways to keep children interested or get them excited. Children love winning things. 2. Is it a good thing to give prizes to children who do well at school? Why? It might be a good idea to encourage children to do well in games or sports, but I don't think we should give children prizes for their academic work. Children need to learn that the reason for studying is to learn useful things that will help them in their lives. I don't like the idea of children thinking that they will only work hard if there is a prize. 3. Would you say that schools for young children have become more or less competitive since you were that age? Why? I'd say that they have become more competitive since I was young. Children now have to take exams from a much younger age, so I think there is more of a focus on doing well in tests. Parents also seem to be getting more competitive; I think that many parents push their children to do extra homework rather than letting them play with friends.

Friday, December 02, 2011

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a film/movie

In part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you might have to describe your favourite film ('movie' is American English). My advice is to look for your film on amazon.com. You will find reviews of almost any film, from The Godfather to Titanic. The only problem is that the reviews are often quite difficult or too detailed. I recommend stealing a few ideas or a few bits of good vocabulary. For example, here is some good vocabulary from a review of The Godfather: - one of the greatest films ever made - a masterpiece - a brilliant story - the actors' performances are outstanding - it's compelling to watch Make sure you can summarise the film's plot (the story). Try to remember where and when you first saw the film. Explain how it made you feel and why you like it.

Hello Everyone, Good news - I got great results. L-8.5, R-7.0, W-7.5, S-8.5. This is what i wrote for task 2. Hope this helps someone. Full time university students spend most of the time studying. They should be doing other activities too. To what extent do you agree or disagree. In todays world, majority of the prospective full-time university students are spending most of their time studying. As such, I completely agree that they need to spend time doing other activities too. This will be shown by looking at how physical wellbeing and family life is important along with education. For one, pupils need to spend time on physical activities. Take Shanghai, for example. Students in Shanghai are well known for their high education. This is demonstrated by the economic contribution they make to their countrys benefit. The drawback here is that, these pupils are becoming obese by spending most of their time on studying, and not doing any sport. Thus, as can be clearly seen from my example there is a need of physical exercise as well. In addition to this, Students need to concentrate on family relations. To illustrate, in America, pupils often traverse longer distances and live at student residences in order to commit to fulltime studies. This leads to a strain in their family relations. Living with family allows them to have a sense of empathy and makes them a responsible person. This makes it clear why pupils need to indulge in other activities as well as in education.

In conclusion, after looking at how important physical health and relations are in students lives; it has now been een proven that pupils need to spend time on other activities as well. It is predicted that this continues to be followed into the foreseeable future

model answer: This diagram provides an overview of a domestic central heating system. It shows how the tank, boiler and pipes ensure a constant flow of hot waterto both the radiators and the taps. The cold water enters the house and is stored in a water storage tank in the roof. From there flows down to the boiler, located on the ground floor of the house. hous The boiler, which is fuelled by gas or oil, heats up the water as it passes through it. The hot water is then pumped round the house through a system of pipes and flows into the radiators, located in different rooms. The water circulates through the radiators, radiators, which have small tubes inside them to help distribute the heat, and this warms each of the rooms. Some of the water is directed to the taps

to provide hot water for the house. Once the water has been through the pipes and radiators, it is returned to the boiler to be re-heated and circulated round the house again.

Introduction: First sentence. Overview: Second sentence. Key features: Entry of cold water into boiler; circulation of hot waterto radiators and taps; return of waterto boiler. Supporting information: direction of flow; types of boiler; location of radiators; radiator tubes Paragraph breaks: The paragraph breaks mark stages in the process. Linkers: and, from there, then, once, again Reference words: it, both, there, which, this Topic vocabulary: enters, stored, roof, flows, ground floor, located, passes, pumped, system, circulates, heat, directed, returned, re-heated Less common vocabulary: ensure, fuelled by, heats up, distribute the heat, warms Structures: An appropriate mix of active and passive structures and a range of sentence types are used.

IELTS Writing - Academic Task 1 Vocabulary

The following words and phrases will help you describe trends:

a rise an increase a surge a growth a peak a fluctuation a variation a period of stability a plateau a fall a decrease a decline a dip Verbs to rise to increase to surge

Nouns

to grow to peak to skyrocket to fluctuate to vary to fall to decrease to decline to dip to dive to plunge to show an upward trend to show a downward trend to hit the highest point to hit the lowest point to reach a peak to show some fluctuation to fluctuate wildly to remain stable to remain static to remain unchanged to stay constant to reach a plateau to level off to flatten out the highest the lowest the second highest the third highest compared to compared with relative to sharply suddenly rapidly abruptly dramatically

Phrases

Adverbs

significantly steadily considerably markedly slightly gently gradually wildly sharp sudden rapid abrupt dramatic steep significant steady considerable marked slight gentle gradual

Adjectives

SAMPLE SENTENCES

There was a substantial increase in the value of stocks on March 15th. House prices rose dramatically in July. The number of tourists visiting New York fell sharply in October. The percentage of students walking to school continued to rise gradually over the ten year period from 2000-2010. There was a sharp increase in employee turnover after the strike. Interest in environmental issues has risen steadily over the last 10 years.

MORE USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES 1. Percent the word percent comes after a number Examples: More than 25% of the students are from Brazil. More than 25 percent of the students come from Brazil. 2. Percentage - The word percentage comes after words like the, a, this and that. Often, it is preceded by an adjective. Examples: A small percentage of residents have lived in the building for more than 20 years. The percentage of students who live on campus has fallen sharply since the fire. 3. For numbers up to ten, write the numbers in words. For numbers over 10, you can write the numbers in numbers. Examples: Five percent of the employees were late this month. More than 50 percent of the students handed in their assignments late after the long weekend.

4. If the sentence starts with a number, always write it in words. Examples: Wrong: 25 students were from China. Right: Twenty-five students were from China. GRAMMAR Take note of the following prepositions which you will need to describe dates, numbers and comparisons: Dates In In From By Between 1965-1969 Numbers Increase Decreased Fell from 200 in July to 150 in August Comparison Compared Compared Relative to

December, 2005, 2001-2010, 1998,

of by

25% 10%

to with