یک فنجان انگلیسی ، دورِ همی ... English Learners

468

IELTS Reading is a vocabulary test

[h=3][/h] You can't get a high score in the IELTS reading test without learning a lot of vocabulary.

For example, here are some words and phrases that my students needed to know for a reading test :

• remained = stayed
• took a long time = slow
  
• of varying (size, price etc) = of different (size, price)l
• virtually any = almost any
• non-stop = continuous
• unblemished = perfect, without a mark or scratch
• molten (glass or metal) = in liquid form due to heat
• instant commercial success = made a profit straight away
• flaws = faults, mistakes, weaknesses
• detecting = locating, finding, discovering

Write the new words and phrases that you read or hear in a notebook - that's the best way to improve your vocabulary knowledge.

469

[h=3][/h]
IELTS Grammar : Mistake with the passive

In which of these sentences is the passive used correctly?i

1. The amount of rainfall was increased last month.
2. An increase in rainfall was seen last month.
3. The UK was experienced an increase in rainfall.
4. Rainfall has been reduced this year.
5. Income tax has been reduced this year.

[SPOILER]

CORRECT ANSWERS

2and 5 are correct.

The others should be:

1. The amount of rainfall INCREASED last month.

3. The UK EXPERIENCED an increase in rainfall.

4. Rainfall HAS DECREASED / HAS REDUCED this year. (I prefer 'decreased' because I normally use 'reduce' when someone is responsible for the reduction).

OR: There has been less rainfall this year.

NOTE:

We use 'is reduced' when someone is responsible for the reduction. So, 'taxes are reduced by a government' is correct, but 'rainfall is reduced' is impossible.

[/SPOILER]

470

Use more natural collocations:

1. Banks always motivates their customers for availing various types of credit cards.
2. As a credit card has become prevalent for which it is easy to apply and gain this, there are several problems that people undergo.
3. Credit cards do have both pros and cons but it depends on the inevitability of user and their attitude to know purposely that determines the usage of mostly worth of it.

Answer :

1. . Banks encourage their customers to apply for credit cards . As it has become easier to obtain a credit card, more people have experienced problems
   There are both benefits and drawbacks of credit cards, and it is important that people learn to use them responsibly.
   

So long
خداحافظ / قربانت (صمیمانه و غیر رسمی )ا

Say hello to (your dad) for me
سلام مرا به (پدرت) برسان (دوستانه)

471

Describe a situation where you received important advice from others.

There are times you can't make up your mind concerning a very big issue . At these times you feel that you need someone wiser and more competent to give you advice and help because they have more knowledge about various aspects of life and thus can have an objective view on the issue in question .

Everyone has certainly experienced it more than once in his/her entire life . I encountered such a situation once . When I was 19 . I couldn't decide about my field of study at the university and the day of the entrance exam was approaching .

I was in a real dilemma because it was the second time I was to sit the exam . I called one of my teachers at high school and asked him for guidance . Mr.Momeni gave me some excellent piece of advice . He recommended that I choose English as my major because , as he said , it could offer me good job opportunities in the future .

I thought deeply about his recommendation and realized that I had always liked that subject . It was one of the most important decisions I have ever made . It influenced my future and I avoided wasting one more year wondering what major to choose for the university .

I can say the advice that I received from my teacher was invaluable for me and gave a new direction to my life . I owe him a great deal.

472

Describe the process of getting a driver's license in your country.

Well , as far as I know , the process of getting a driver's license in Iran used to be shorter and easier , but nowadays , there are many strict rules that make the process a little lengthy and difficult .

First , you must enroll in a driving school to pass theoretical and practical parts of the test . The theoretical course which is offered in such schools includes learning driving rules and regulations .

You are supposed to be well aware of traffic signs and regulations if you want to get a license , otherwise , you have little chance of passing the relevant theoretical test . After that , your practical lessons will start . You choose your instructor who will teach you the skills you need to develop in driving such as how to start the car , use the pedals , adjust the mirrors ; turn around and so on .

Next , you have to be examined by an oculist and if he/she prescribes glasses , you'll have to wear them . Finally , there will be the driving test on a specific day . This phase is the most difficult one and many people fail the test at least once .

It consists of two parts ; theory and practice . The theoretical part is easy , but the practical part , which requires that you drive while an officer is observing you , is difficult . You can pass the test if you have already benefited from good instructions and practice .

473

IELTS Grammar: be careful with 's'

Notice where we put the "s" on the end of a word and where we don't:

• Thousands of people watched the show.
• Fifty thousand people watched the show.
• over a period of ten years
• over a ten-year period
• The fish weighed 5 kilos.
• It was a five-kilo fish.
• The boy is three years old.
• He is a three-year-old boy.

474

Describe a memorable event of your life.

One of the most memorable moments of my life was when I found a job and started working in a company for the first time . I had always wanted to be independent since I was a little boy . When I saw that my brother finished his studies and got a job , I wished I would finish university sooner so that I could work and become the pride of my family .

But my dream came true sooner than I expected , and I found a job when I was still a student . Last summer , when I was busy with final exams , my mother told me that she had found a job for me and I could start working as soon as my exams were over .

I was truly happy . I went to that company with my brother . I filled in a few forms and someone interviewed me . I started my job the following day . I did my best and worked very hard . Although I was a student and did not have extensive experience , I did such a great job that the manager of the company offered me a better position within a few months .

It was a trade company and I was in charge of the clerical section . I was so determined , motivated and enthusiastic that I overcame all my problems . This event caused a noticeable change in my life . I celebrated my birthday with my first salary . It was a big party and I invited a large number of my friends . This was one of the most memorable events of my life.

475

Should college students do part-time jobs ? Why ?i

Well , besides the fact that it will pay for their expenses , it will be very useful if it is related to their field of study . It can be considered a job experience .

476

Should there be any age limit for retirement ?1

I think there should be such a limit . The human body can work up to a certain age and retirement paves the way for youngsters to get a job .

477

Describe your favorite day of the week .

I personally think that all days of the week are beautiful and I can think of each as my favorite day as long as I am healthy and don't have any worries , but if I am to choose one of these beautiful days . I should say I like Thursdays best .

Although I have to get up early and go to work like the other days , I feel great all day long because the next day is Friday and I can rest and have an enjoyable time with my family at home . Generally , I don't have to work very hard on Thursdays . Most people prefer to do their jobs on the first days of the week because most of the companies and organizations are either off or close early on Thursdays .

On Thursdays after I finish my job at the office , I go to a restaurant with my wife . Since we can eat lunch together only on Thursdays , we try to spend much more time talking to each other . After that , we go to a park and take a short walk and then we go back home . We take a short nap in the afternoon and then we pay a visit to our parents and dine with them .

I think the best positive point about Thursdays is that since the next day , Friday , is a public holiday in Iran , we stay up late and spend time at parties on Thursday evenings and the next morning , on Friday , we can sleep late or stay in bed as long as we wish . It is not just me who likes Thursdays most ; my wife and all my family members like this day and we all look forward to it as soon as the new week starts .

IELTS Reading : 6 tips

How can you improve your reading? Here are 6 tips:

1. If you want to improve your reading, the first thing to do is read a lot. There are no shortcuts or secret techniques; you will only improve with time and practice.
2. Anything you read in English is good practice, so read about subjects that interest you. Try to enjoy reading in English.
3. English is the most used language on the Internet. Whenever you search for information on the net, try searching in English first.
4. Remember that "understanding is not the same as using". Keep a notebook with useful words and phrases that you find when you're reading, and try using them in your own sentences.
5. Apart from reading things that interest you, you also need to read lots of IELTS passages. If you've done all of the tests in the Cambridge books, read the passages again without doing the questions. Use a dictionary, take notes, and try to fully understand each passage.
6. Another way to use the Cambridge tests is to look at the correct answers to each question first. Then, your task is to find out why those answers are correct by analysing the passage carefully and finding the 'keywords'.

478

Correct the mistakes :
[h=3][/h]

1. There are several disadvantages to do work at home.
2. In comparison with office, home is a relatively quiet and comfortable place to work at.
3. People's daily activity may be decreased.
4. Not everyone enjoy working and living at the same places.
5. Employee tend to put less important on work because there is no supervisor.

[SPOILER]

1. There are several disadvantages of doing work at home.
OR: There are several disadvantages to doing work at home.
OR: There are several disadvantages of/to working at home.

2. In comparison with AN office, (the) home is a relatively quiet and comfortable place to work.

3. People's daily activity may decrease. (not passive)
OR: People who work from home may become less active.

4. Not everyone enjoys working and living IN the same place.

5. Employees tend to place less importance on work because there is no supervisor.
OR: Employees may take work less seriously because they are not supervised.

[/SPOILER]

In today's world we are constantly surrounded by technology. It's true to say that technology makes our lives easier. However, increasingly scientists are saying that we need to give ourselves a break - otherwise we put ourselves at risk of developing hundreds of health problems. Over the summer the days are longer, sunnier and free from school. With all this free time, why not put it to good use and do something that doesn't involve technology?i

To start with, you could learn a new skill. There are hundreds of possibilities: crafts, cooking, learning a musical instrument or a new sport. Maybe you've always wanted to try out that recipe, but haven't had time? Perhaps you fancy learning how to knit, so you can have a new jumper for the autumn? You could use your free time to learn something new - and perhaps it'll lead to an exciting opportunity in the future.

If you just fancy relaxing, why not head to a beach? Take along your favourite book and relax on the sand, or go for a stroll along the coastline (just make sure you're aware of the tides!). If you don't live near a beach, you could go to your local park. Why not take along a picnic, or try and identify some of the local wildlife?

Little things, like challenging yourself to complete a crossword or a Sudoku, are a great place to start. You could even get involved in the latest craze: adult colouring books! Colouring is surprisingly therapeutic, and it can be a nice way to escape from the stress of modern life!i

Whatever you choose to do with your summer, try something new! You might surprise yourself and find a hidden talent within you; you might make new friends along the way. Next time you find yourself aimlessly channel-hopping, have a think at what else you could spend your time doing.

480

Space tourism is the term used to describe space travel for recreational or leisure purposes. What was once only a dream - described in books such as Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey - is now becoming a reality.

Futurologists are scientists who attempt to develop predictions of what life will be like in the future. After the first man landed on the moon in 1969, they thought that hotels would be built on the moon by the year 2000. Futurologists also considered the possibility that, in the 21st century, families might go for a holiday on the moon. Neither of these predictions have come true yet - but the rapid development of technology may mean these predictions are a possibility in the years to come.

Space Adventures is currently the only company to have succeeded in sending paying passengers into space. Space Adventures worked with the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation and Rocket and Space Corporation Energia to facilitate flights for the world's first private space explorers. Each person paid over $20 million for their 10-day trip to the International Space Station.

Following several successful explorations into space, several companies are now considering the possibility of enabling tourists to visit space. In order to make it more affordable, suborbital space travel is being considered by many companies, including Virgin Galactic. Passengers would be transported to a height of between 100-160km above earth, experience 3-6 minutes of weightlessness and a view of the stars before being taken back down to earth. This is expected to cost around $200,000 per person.

Whilst it could be an enriching experience, there are some disadvantages to space tourism. Many critics have commented that a huge growth in the spaceflight industry could drastically speed up the process of global warming. The ozone layer would be damaged further, and the polar regions would suffer. In addition, space travel is only really a possibility for the super-rich. Although Virgin Galactic claims to be "opening space to the rest of us", there are still millions of people worldwide who wouldn't be able to afford it.

480

[h=1]What is space tourism?i[/h]

Space tourism is the term used to describe space travel for recreational or leisure purposes. What was once only a dream - described in books such as Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey - is now becoming a reality.

Futurologists are scientists who attempt to develop predictions of what life will be like in the future. After the first man landed on the moon in 1969, they thought that hotels would be built on the moon by the year 2000. Futurologists also considered the possibility that, in the 21st century, families might go for a holiday on the moon. Neither of these predictions have come true yet - but the rapid development of technology may mean these predictions are a possibility in the years to come.

Space Adventures is currently the only company to have succeeded in sending paying passengers into space. Space Adventures worked with the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation and Rocket and Space Corporation Energia to facilitate flights for the world's first private space explorers. Each person paid over $20 million for their 10-day trip to the International Space Station.

Following several successful explorations into space, several companies are now considering the possibility of enabling tourists to visit space. In order to make it more affordable, suborbital space travel is being considered by many companies, including Virgin Galactic. Passengers would be transported to a height of between 100-160km above earth, experience 3-6 minutes of weightlessness and a view of the stars before being taken back down to earth. This is expected to cost around $200,000 per person.

Whilst it could be an enriching experience, there are some disadvantages to space tourism. Many critics have commented that a huge growth in the spaceflight industry could drastically speed up the process of global warming. The ozone layer would be damaged further, and the polar regions would suffer. In addition, space travel is only really a possibility for the super-rich. Although Virgin Galactic claims to be "opening space to the rest of us", there are still millions of people worldwide who wouldn't be able to afford it.

Nice TedTalk ... Enjoy:Gol:l

481

What are the advantages of shift jobs?i

Flexibility of work hours and less stress and pressure on employees are the advantages of shift jobs.

482

What types of jobs are available in your city nowadays?i

There are people with different professions . They are employees , bakers , carpenters , butchers , ironsmiths, plumbers , shopkeepers , doctors , pilots , teachers , drivers and so many other professions .

483

How do the interior and infrastructure of the workplace influence the work efficiency of employees?i

The interior of workplace must be in accordance with the type of activity that is done . A spacious and nice interior will energize employees , while a gloomy interior has an adverse effect . Interior and infrastructure can affect productivity .

484

What problems do fresh graduates face in their first job?i

Most problems they face are associated with their lack of experience such as unfamiliarity with the workplace and types of relationships between employees and employers.

485

What do you prefer more , working in a team of colleagues or working alone , and why?i

It depends on the job . In some cases it needs great effort and I may not be able to do the job alone , but sometimes it may be a confidential project and I am not allowed to tell anyone about .

486

What problems do people face when they do a job in a foreign country?i

Most problems are due to the fact that they do not know the target language . There are other problems such as differences between the diploma in the native country and in the target country .

Hi .. Yes I agree . Dream interpretation is huge . To be honest , I can't rely on my own dreams and the reason is : I have no idea how to recognize truth and untruth while sleeping !!i Thus I hardly ever care about them ... Sadly.

It'll be my pleasure to become familiar with anything through the Quaran ... :ok:l

Gimme a hint ... How ?i

487

what are the advantages of learning a foreign language?i

A new language is a new identity . We learn about other people's customs and cultures . In order to cope with new advancements we need to know about different languages.

488

Can you be proficient in English without living in an English speaking country?i

It is difficult , but it can be possible . I think depending on how much you love English and are eager and determined to learn it . You can be proficient through working hard and continuous learning .

489

Why do you think so many people are learning English today ? i

There are several reasons why people learn English : some people want to emigrate to another country and need to be able to speak English ; for others , it is a means of becoming aware of the latest news and technology . Some others want to learn it so that they can boast about it . Some families force their children to learn it .

490

An English breakfast!!i

I'm really enjoying life in a foreign country, however there is always the odd home comfort I really miss (usually food). The other day I was craving nothing more than a good old English breakfast so I searched high and low in the French supermarket to stock up on ingredients to make one. A traditional full English breakfast, also commonly known as a fry up, consists of the following:

• Eggs (either fried or scrambled)
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Toast or fried bread
• Baked beans
• Hash browns
• Tomato
• Mushrooms

A standard breakfast in the UK really varies from person to person. As people have become much more health conscious in recent years, healthy breakfasts and brunches such as homemade smoothies and avocado on toast are becoming really popular. Of course, cereal will always remain a breakfast staple, along with toast and jam or marmalade. Porridge is also a popular breakfast dish, as it's healthy, cheap and really filling.

I am enjoying breakfasts in France, though - fresh bread and croissants from the bakery are a perfect start to my day!

Hi .. I took you advice for sure .. Bonne chance !i

491

Do you think that we are ignoring our mother tongue in a rush to learn English?i

I do not agree. The mother tongue is the first and most frequently used language in every country . As long as people in that country speak their mother tongue , it cannot be ignored . Learning English is a must . not an alternative or replacement .

492

Who plays a vital role in learning our first / second language ? Teachers or parents and why ?i

I think the role of parents is more influential . The can help their children learn their first language and persuade them to try to learn a second language as well .

493

Should we enroll our children in an English medium school or our 1st language school , and why?i

In English medium schools , learning English is the natural by-product of education . I think it is a good idea to enroll children in such schools because they learn the school subjects and English simultaneously .

494

My favourite film

Download the audio & then listen carefully:ok2:

A (girl)
I really like The Notebook; it’s a romantic classic. The story is about a poor boy, called Noah, who meets a rich girl, called Allie, and theyfall in love over one summer. But of course there are problems. Allie’s parents don’t approve of Noah because he’s poor and they get separated, then a lot of time passes before they can get together again. She goes away to college and he writes to her every day, but she doesn’t get the letters. Then after quite a long time, Noah buys an old house which he promised to restore for Allie. He does it up and she sees a newspaper article about it and goes to find him again. You can probably guess the rest, but it’s a bit complicated because she is engaged to another man. Noah is played by Ryan Gosling, who’s my favourite actor, and he stops the film being too soppy – but you still cry a lot at the end. Rachel McAdams is really good too, as Allie.

495

Can you correct and improve the following sentences?i

1. We were looking for a place to gathering and we found it through an adds published on a newspaper.
2. Because it has good rating in the app, my friends and I went to your restaurant.
3. My husband and me visited there to celebrate it. All people around us are looking happy and cheerful.
4. We love to gather, grab a beer and watch some sport every Friday.
5. Keep up with your good work.
6. I couldn't thank enough to make this even more better.

[SPOILER]

First I'll explain the problems:

1. "to gathering" is wrong, and I wouldn't use the verb "gather" at all. Also, "an adds" mixes singular and plural, and it should be "ad" or "advert", not "add". Finally, we don't say "published on a newspaper", we say "published in".

2. "it has A good rating ON...l"

3. "My husband and I" (not "me"). We also need to change "all people" and "are looking".

4. "Gather" is the problem again. I wouldn't use this word in this context.

5. This is a fixed phrase: "keep up the good work" (not "with your good work")l.

6. We need the (fixed) phrase "I can't thank you enough". We also need to change "make this even more better" - this part is wrong.

[/SPOILER]

[SPOILER]

Now here are my corrected sentences:

1. We were looking for a place to MEET / GET TOGETHER / HAVE DINNER / CELEBRATE, and we found YOUR RESTAURANT through an ad / advert published IN a newspaper.

2. Because it has A good rating ON the (name of app) app, my friends and I went to your restaurant.

3. My husband and I visited YOUR RESTAURANT to celebrate (name of occasion e.g. "his birthday"). EVERYONE around us LOOKED happy.

4. We love to MEET UP / GET TOGETHER, grab a beer and watch some sport every Friday.

5. Keep up THE good work.

6. I CAN't thank YOU enough FOR MAKING IT SUCH A SPECIAL EVENING

[/SPOILER]

496

Do you ever feel offended when someone laughs at you?i

There is a saying " Let's laugh together , not laugh at each other " . It is a reprehensible behavior that reduces self-confidence.

497

What are the sources available to laugh nowadays?i

Funny clowns in circuses , comedy shows on TV , and comedy magazines are some sources available to make us laugh.

498

Tell me the circumstances in which you laugh , Is there any negative impact of laughing?i

When I hear or see something funny , I laugh . Sometimes I remember something funny and I laugh . If we do not laugh at others , there is no negative impact of laughing .

499

Do you believe that laughter therapy is a useful way to treat people with some chronic psychotic disorders or diseases?i

Yes , laughter causes the secretion of an enzyme in the human body which helps cure certain psychological disorders.