یک فنجان انگلیسی ، دورِ همی ... English Learners

269

What can we learn from religious / spiritual people ?i

They have a deep understanding . They are wonderfully tranquil and pass this tranquility to those around them . We can learn from these people virtues such as forbearance, patience and not rushing into judgments.

270

Here are some common questions that people ask about the listening test, with my answers below each one.

What is the best way to write a date?i

There is no best way, and all normal ways of writing dates are accepted e.g. 7th April, 7 April, April 7th etc.

What is the best way to write a time?i

Again, as long as the time is correct, it shouldn't matter too much how you write it. You can write 9am, 9.00am, 9:00 am etc.

Do we need to include articles ('a' or 'the') before nouns?i

Usually you don't need the article. If the answer is a noun, just write that word. However, if you need to fill a gap in a sentence, the grammar should be correct, so you may need an article. If you're unsure, write the article that you hear.

271

Here are two common questions about the IELTS listening test:

1. Is it acceptable to use lower case instead of upper case e.g. "central station" when the answer is "Central Station"?i
2. Will you lose marks if you miss the "s" when the answer should be plural?i

Here are my answers:

1. Using lower case is fine, so "central station" would be correct. You can even write everything in capital letters if you want.
2. Missing the "s" is sometimes acceptable and sometimes not. It's not acceptable when the grammar requires a plural e.g. "the journey takes three hour" would be wrong. Some answers can be singular or plural. Check the context of the question and the sentence grammar carefully.

Is it acceptable to write words like "bookshop" or "seafood" as two words (book shop, sea food)?i

To answer this question, you need to look at the question instructions.

• If the instruction says that you can use more than one word, "book shop" and "sea food" would be accepted.
• However, if the instruction tells you to use only one word, you must write "bookshop" or "seafood". If you write two words, it's wrong!i

When doing practice tests, use a dictionary to find out whether we normally write one word or two.

• مترادف فارسی: «اول خویش، سپس درویش»
• مترادف فارسي: "چراغي را كه به خانه رواست، به مسجد حرام است"

Thank you my friend .. :ok::Gol:i

273

"strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents"

This phrase is completely correct:khaneh:, so it must mean that the "rule" was wrong! You can put 'to' with 'ing' in many situations. Here are some examples:

• The key to being more productive is...
• I look forward to seeing you.
• He admitted to taking the money.
• Scientists are closer to being able to...
• Seven steps to reaching your goals!

• - preconditions to : ex. There are basic preconditions to achieving happiness.
• Advantages to : ex. There are several advantages to studying abroad.
• Benefits to : ex. There are many benefits to using mobile phones.
• Drawbacks/ disadvantages : ex. The drawbacks/ disadvantages to playing video games outweigh the benefits.

[SPOILER]
:khandeh!:
1-be unaccustomed/unused to doing something
2-commit yourself to doing something
3-go/get back to doing something
4-stress your commitment to doing something
5-confine yourself to doing something
6-be averse to doing something
7-disincentive to doing something
8-bar to doing something
9-drawback to doing something
10-with a view to doing something
11-be/get used to doing something
12-be given to doing something
13-turn your hand to doing something
14-lay claim to doing something
15-object to doing something
16-own up to doing something
17-preferable to doing something
18-be resigned/resign yourself to doing something
19-restrict somebody to doing something
20-the secret to doing something
21-with a eye to doing something
22-be understood to be doing something
23-be thought to be doing something
24-be seen to be doing something
[/SPOILER]

274

[h=3]IELTS Speaking Part 3: long answer technique[/h] Here's the technique that I recommend for giving long answers in part 3:

1. Answer the question directly
2. Explain why
3. Give an example
4. Explain the alternative / opposite

Here's an example using a question :

Do you think that it's better to have clear aims for the future, or is it best to take each day as it comes?i

(Answer) I think it’s best to have a good idea of what you want to do with your life, especially in terms of studies and career. (Why) Having aims allows you to plan what you need to do today and tomorrow in order to achieve longer-term objectives. (Example) For example, if you want to become a doctor, you need to choose the right subjects at school, get the right exam results, and work hard at university. (Opposite) Without a clear aim, it would be impossible to take the necessary steps towards a career in medicine, or any other profession.

275

[h=3]IELTS Grammar: 'by/in contrast' and 'on the contrary'[/h]
Do they have the same meaning? When is each one used?i

By contrast / In contrast

I often use these two phrases in both writing task 1 and 2. They are exactly the same, and are used in a similar way to "however" or "on the other hand" to introduce a contrast / comparison. Put "By / In contrast" at the beginning of a sentence, with a comma after "contrast".

Example
Unemployment rose in the UK. By contrast, the number of unemployed people in Canada fell.

On the contrary
I don't think you'll need this phrase for any part of the IELTS test. It doesn't mean the same thing as "by / in contrast". We use "on the contrary" to deny that something is true, and to explain that the opposite is true.

Example
- Person 1: "You had some problems with your hotel, didn't you?"
- Person 2: "On the contrary, the hotel was great, but the airline lost my suitcase."

276

[h=3]IELTS Grammar: 'future perfect' tense[/h]
Here's some sentences

- By 2024, a third building will have been constructed.
In fact, this is a 'future perfect passive' sentence. Another option was to write:

- In 2024, a third building will be constructed. (simple future, passive)

There's a small difference in meaning between these two sentences. The future perfect sentence suggests that construction of the building will already be finished in 2024, whereas the simple future sentence suggests that the construction work will happen in the year 2024.

277

Are birthdays important in our life ?i

It is our birthday , anyway. Regardless of parties and presents , it is a good opportunity to think about what we have done and what we have not . To think about how much we have really grown up . Have we just grown up physically or with the increased number of candles , how mature have we become ?i

278

At what age , do you think , one should celebrate his/her birthday and why?i

I think the best age is when the child is able to understand what birthdays and celebrations actually mean . He/She must be old enough to remember all the details and events of the birthday .

279

What changes have you observed in the ways of celebrating birthdays in your city ?i

In the past , parents gave a small but friendly party at home , bought a small cake and made some sandwiches . These days , people hold birthday parties in a restaurant or coffee shop and invite many guests .

to do very well; to go very fast

To proceed or perform with great speed, skill, or success.

Hi ... :Gol:TNX

These all can be used :

It's my treat.
I'll treat you.
It's on me.
Let me treat you.

280

People who marry late have greater opportunity for professional success than those who marry early . Is there any truth in this statement? Use personal examples to illustrate your position .

Marriage patterns vary around the world . However , a trend that appears to be common among most countries is the decision couples are making to wed at progressively later points in their lives.It is believed that marrying later provides greater opportunities for professional success. This will be proven by analyzing the ease with which single people co-ordinate career changes and the freedom they have from family responsibilities.

In most cases , individuals who are not married enjoy much more flexible lives than their married counterparts . For example , as a unmarried professional in Canada , I was free to travel to any country for the purpose of furthering my career . For my married friends this lifestyle was difficult for them to follow as it involved coordinating career changes with their spouses. As my experience shows , marrying late provides more room for career development.

In addition to this , those who marry early also tend to start families early and these responsibilities are usually extremely time-consuming . For instance , married colleagues of mine in Dubai decided to have the first baby when they were in their mid-twenties . Although very happy with their new family , what they did not realize was that they could no longer commit the extra working hours needed to advance their professions rapidly. This example makes it clear marrying later typically provides people with the time they need to grow professionally .

The above points make it clear that there is a definite relationship between career growth and marriage . Thus , although marriage and children are blessing , family planning is a necessary step serious professionals need to consider .

281

Traffic clogs up the main street.

• The main street suffers from traffic congestion.

• There is a traffic jam on the main street.

• People get caught in a heavy-loaded traffic on the main street.
• The major street is blocked by traffic.
• Traffic obstructs the main street.
• The main street is congested with traffic.

• The main street is full of traffic congestion.
• Continual bustle of cars coming and going in the main roads.

• The main street has be overcrowded with traffic.

• The main street blocked by traffic congestion.

• the main street is jammed by traffic.

• Traffic in the main street is really heavy.

• -the street is almost blocked by traffic up to the main street.
• -there is a traffic jam up to the main road.
• The main street is often stuck by the traffic.

• There is chaotic traffic on the main street.

• The main street is always choked with many means of transportation.

• Traffic jam pours down to the prime road.

• .There is a traffic congestion up the main street.

282

A very simple conversation ...:ok2: Download and listen

Transcript:

Waiter: Hello
Jamie: Hi. A table for two, please.
Waiter: Of course. Over here, please. Here’s the menu.
Sally: Thank you.
(pause)
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Sally: Yes, we are.
Waiter: What would you like for your starter?
Jamie: I’d like French onion soup, please.
Sally: And I’ll have a tomato salad, please.
Waiter: And for your main course?
Jamie: Mmm, I’m not sure. I don’t know whether to have the steak or Thai chicken.
Sally: Oh, I’d like the Thai chicken and rice please.
Jamie: OK, me too.
Waiter: So that’s two Thai chicken and rice. What would you like to drink?
Jamie: I’ll have a fresh orange juice and ...
Sally: I’d like some mineral water, please.
Waiter: OK, thank you

283

Local citizens should reveal the problem.
The problem needs to be exposed to the public.
There is a need for local residents to uncover the problem.
The problem should be brought to the light by local residents.
The local residents ought to make the problem clear.
Local people should open up on issues.
Local people should discuss the problem in public.
Residential individuals should cast fascinated light on solving problems.
the local citizen should report the problem.
Local citizens need to highlight the problem in order to bring it to the awareness to the council.
Local residents need to shed light on the problem.
The local people should project this problem.
This problem has to make public to get the support of improvement.
The problem should be settled in the region.
The residents need to tackle with the problem immediately.
the problem needs to be discussed on the round table.
- Local people need to come up with solutions to the problem.

284

Download and listen :ok3:

A (Girl)
She lives next door and she’s always been really important in my life. When we were little and my mum was working she used to look after us. She’d tell us stories about her childhood. It was like listening to fairy stories, life was so different when she was a child. In her kitchen she used to keep a special dish with sweets for us, and she was always baking cakes and pies. Now she doesn’t bake so much. She’s started eating more healthily in her old age, salads and vegetables and things. It’s funny how she’s changed. She also goes to this special gym class for old people, it’s amazing. I don’t see her so often now, but she’s always the same person however much her lifestyle changes.

285

IELTS Grammar: subject + verb

Question: Which of the following is a correct sentence?i

1. Learning a foreign language.
2. Firstly, learning a foreign language in order to improve your career prospects.
3. For example, learning a foreign language by living in a country where that language is spoken, and communicating with native speakers on a daily basis.

Answer: None of these are correct sentences. None of them has a main verb.

To make a sentence, you need a subject (noun/noun phrase) and a verb:

1. I am learning a foreign language. OR, Learning a foreign language is useful.
2. Firstly, many people learn a foreign language in order to improve their career prospects.
3. For example, some people learn a foreign language by living in a country where that language is spoken and communicating with native speakers on a daily basis.

Some students really need to work on writing correct "subject + verb" sentences. Missing the verb in a sentence is a serious mistake that will definitely affect your score.

Hey guys

There are some websites and forums which IELTS candidates put the questions they have been asked recently. Definitely before taking exams , practicing plays a huge role . So , these links ( 1 , 2 ) may help . :Gol:l

286

They need to think of some other potential layouts.
They should put/bring forward a range of feasible layouts.
Some other designs need to be introduced.
There would be some potential designs for the new road system.
Some probable designs would be submitted by architects.
they should come forward with possible designs.
they should bring up feasible designs.
Some workable initiatives should be hired to wipe out any problems.
They should provide some workable design.
They should afford some actionable designs.
they have to find out some applicable suggestions.
they are supposed to find a way out from this problem.
They would make some layout proposals.
They may come up with some ideas of improvement.
They should propose some reasonable designs.
They should bring forth some operational designs.
They should supply some practical designs.
They should come up with some possible designs.
They have to contrive probable designs.
They must find some way to make possible designs.
They are required to find some likely designs.
A number of drawings should be introduced.
They should present some acceptable designs.

287

Here are some vocabulary ideas for the topic of money and consumerism. You could use these ideas to write an essay:

Many people say that we now live in 'consumer societies' where money and possessions are given too much importance. Others believe that consumer culture has played a vital role in improving our lives.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

General ideas:

a consumer society, materialistic, earn money, make money, make a profit, success, material possessions, connect wealth with happiness, status symbols, the power of advertising.

employment, income, salaries, products that we need, reduce poverty, better standard of living, quality of life, creativity and innovation, trade between countries.

create waste, use natural resources, damage to the environment, throw-away culture, people become greedy, selfish, money does not make us happy, loss of traditional values.

Yeah , exactly ... You're right ... Thank you for your participation .. Go on and share your valuable information plz ..:Gol:l

:Who are you is quick and to the point ,so it seems to be offensive !i Instead , These are some appropriate expressions as you mentioned

who is speaking?i

who am I speaking to?i

whom are you looking for?i

who is this?i

May I ask who this is?i

Sorry , can you remind me again whose number this belongs to?i

...

Dear Zahra
...
To my dearest sister ( friend ) Zahra
...
To my true love :Mohabbat:
...
To my one and only angel Zahra
...
خیلی چیزا میشه نوشت از همون Hello هم میشه استفاده کرد اگر نامه ی دوستانه و راحت میخوای بنویسی دستت بازه ... این لینک سمپل های خوبی داره

Dear Mr ... (Dear Ms ...)l
...
Dear Sir/Madam,
To Whom It May Concern, ...

288

Speak about the room of your house that is special to you

I have an affinity for each room of my house , but the room I have special attachment to is my bedroom . I like my bedroom more than any other room in the house . It's the place where I spend about 12 hours a day . The carpet area of the room is approximately 20 square feet . It has a window on the south and is neither too cold in winter nor too hot in summer .

It has pretty wallpaper with a very attractive design and color . Although it is my bedroom , I work , study and also receive my guests there . My desk with a computer system which connected to the Internet through a separate line is in the corner . There is also a fairly big bookcase with various educational and history books near my desk .

There are also some beautiful plants with green leaves which give a sense of relaxation to me and freshness to the whole room . My bed in next to the window and there is a TV stand and a big cassette player in front of the bed . I usually listen to light music or watch a film before I sleep . When I have guests , I turn the TV stand toward the armchairs so that my guests can watch TV , too . It's no exaggeration if I say this room is not only a part of my house but also an important part of my life . My bedroom is indeed very special to me .

289

Speak about a peaceful place you visit regularly .

Everyday at noon , I go to the Nasir-al-Molk Mosque on Lotf ali Khan Zand street to say my prayers . It is located near Shah Cheragh . When I enter this holy place , I immediately forget all of my problems . You can feel only peace and nothing else everywhere . This mosque was constructed during the Ghajar period and the construction took about 12 years .

It was repaired a few years ago in accordance with old monuments repair standards . It has a big yard with a big pool right in the center . On the north , there is the Pearl Arch Yard . On the east , there is the roofed part of the mosque with seven stone columns . On the west , there is the main roofed part of the mosque where there are windows with colorful glass .

Nasir-al-Molk Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran with respect to art of tiling . Its beautiful tiling design plays a significant role in creating peace . There is a big yard on the northern side of the mosque whose ceiling is full of colorful and pretty tiles . The roof is constructed on 12 spiral columns which symbolize twelve Imams .

It has seven wooden gates in all of which colorful glass has been used . The stone carving and design of this part is inspired by Vakil Mosque in Shiraz . The floor is covered with azure tiles and the ceiling is decorated with verses from the Quran .

As many as 500,000 people may have become infected with the virus
تعداد 500000 آدم تاالان ممکنه که به ویروس آلوده شده باشن . ( اینجا چون عدد زیاده As many as برای تاکید روی مقدار زیاد عدد هست )

290

Should uniforms be made compulsory in schools?i

I think uniformity in schools is a good idea . Children must wear uniforms so that they all look alike . Schools shouldn't be a place where children show off the latest fashions .

291

How is a library useful to teenagers ?i

Unfortunately , most teenagers go to the library only when they are forced to . They go there to study for exams or do their research projects . There are only few teenagers who are interested in books and reading books other than their school books.