یک فنجان انگلیسی ، دورِ همی ... English Learners

292

What qualities or skills are required to become a good librarian ?i

In Iran , there is a librarian's course taught at the university . I think a good librarian must have a considerable knowledge of books and literature . He/She must also be familiar with the use of the latest technology .

293

294

What is the difference between urban and rural areas?i

A rural area is peaceful and quiet . The weather is good and everything and everybody is simple . An urban area takes the advantages of modern technology and communication devices .

295

What are urban people's perception of countryside people ?1

Some urban people consider people from countryside as inferior fellows . They usually mock their dialect and clothes . They think that people from the countryside are not smart.

296

What are the consequences of more people migrating to cities from villages ?i

More migration from villages to cities will result in erosion of agriculture because no farmers are left in the villages to produce people's required products . As a result the rate of importing will increase . Most rural people are simple and plain fellows unaware of dangers in cities . They are easily deceived and lose their capital .

297

[h=3]IELTS Writing Task 1: shows, compares, illustrates[/h] I often meet students who have learnt ten different ways to paraphrase "the graph shows". If you look in a dictionary, you'll find many synonyms for the word "show" (e.g. display, exhibit, parade, depict, convey). But is it a good idea to use these synonyms?

The answer is no.

First, most synonyms of the word "show" are not appropriate for descriptions of a graph or chart. The phrase "the graph exhibits" will look very strange to the examiner.

Second, if you learn ten synonyms, you'll probably waste time deciding which one to use.

Remember just two synonyms for "shows": compares and illustrates (e.g. the bar chart compares; the diagram illustrates). It won't help your score if you use a strange synonym that you found in a dictionary.

298

[h=3]IELTS Writing Task 1: don't use these phrases[/h]

Can you see what's wrong with the phrases below? Try to explain the problem with each phrase, and suggest a better alternative.

1. The bar chart displays the percentage of...
2. A glance at the bar chart provided reveals...
3. From an overall perspective, it is clear from the evidence that...
4. Looking at the pie chart, it is noticed that...
5. As can be seen, the figures show that...

[SPOILER]

:Gol:

First, it's important to point out that there were no grammar mistakes in the phrases. In each case, the problem is that there is something 'unnatural', unnecessary, or inappropriate in the phrase. Here are my suggestions.

1. I wouldn't use "displays". "The bar chart displays" seems strange to a native speaker. Just stick with "shows", "compares" or "illustrates".l

2. "A glance at the bar chart reveals" is very strange - no native speaker would write this. Although the meaning of "glance" is to look quickly, this word isn't appropriate in this context. Just use: "It is clear that" or "it is noticeable that".

3. Just write: "Overall, it is clear that...". Adding the words "perspective" and "evidence" just make the phrase seem forced and unnatural. The examiner won't be impressed.

4. Don't write "it is noticed that". Change it to "it is noticeable that".

5. "As can be seen" and "the figures show" seems like unnecessary repetition - too many words for such a simple job. Just write "we can see that..." OR "the chart shows". Don't write both phrases together.

NOTE:

The overall problem that I'm highlighting in this lesson is that so many students think that "difficult" linking phrases are the key to a high score. They are not!l

Remember: the examiner wants to read your description of the information shown on the chart. Use short, simple linking phrases, and spend more time describing the information in detail. This is the key to a high score..

[/SPOILER]

299

Why do people want to study / settle in other countries?i

Some people want to experience a new life in a new country. Others are looking for a new start, and there is a group of people who are fond of excitement and adventures.

300

What are the effects on host countries of many people coming to study/settle there?i

An increase in the rate of population , decreasing job opportunities even for the natives and increased import rate on host countries . These effects lead the country to the verge of economic stagnation.

301

Will this trend continue in the future as well ?i

It seems very likely . With the advancement in science and technology , more and more people are inclined to migrate from villages to the cities.

302

What developments in agriculture have you observed in your country?i

There has been significant and ongoing development with regard to production of rice and wheat . Farmers have been successful in farming mushrooms in greenhouses in recent years.

303

How can fertilizers be harmful to us ?i

Since they are made of manure , they are harmful . We must carefully wash fruits and vegetables before consumption .

Farmers usually add some neutral substances to lower the negative effects of fertilizers and lengthen the life of their products .

304

What are the causes of overpopulation ?i

Fine weather , great geographical and economical conditions , good job opportunities , developed technology , opportunities for advancement and excellent welfare facilities are some of the reasons for overpopulation.

305

What are the consequences of riots on individuals and society ?i

Riots deteriorate government funds and people's capitals . Riots are a real threat to both society and individuals . People do not feel safe and job opportunities vanish . People will be wasting their time doing nothing useful either for themselves or for the society .

306

What factors are responsible for the occurrence of riots?i

Government shows disregard for people's expectations , a group of powerful people put the weaker group under pressure , government puts people under pressure , lack of security and political reasons are some factors responsible for the occurrence of riots .

307

Do you think noise pollution is increasing in the world ?i

With the increasing number of cars in the streets and developing industries and production of more powerful devices that make loud noise , the noise pollution is certainly increasing in the world and no solution has been put forward yet .

308

"I'm not one for...". If you search for this phrase on Google, you'll see examples like:l

• I'm not one for complaining, but...
• I'm not one for writing reviews, but...
• I'm not one for settling for mediocrity.
• I'm not one for love songs.
• I'm not one for celeb news.
• I'm not one for too much structure.
• I'm not much for jokes...but this one cracked me up.

309

IELTS Grammar: correct the mistakes

Can you correct the small mistake(s) in each of the following sentences, or change the sentences to make them more natural?i

1) Global film making companies have more budget for action, special effects and spectacular locations.

2) Governments should support local film industries by financially support the film makers.

3) If governments help local movie industry, it would create employment opportunities.

4) There are several reasons why locally made films lose popularity to foreign films.

5) The following essay will discuss in details about the issue.

[SPOILER]

First, I'll try to explain the problems:i

1. 'budget' is usually a countable noun, so instead of 'more budget', we can write 'bigger budgets' or 'more money' ('money' is uncountable and therefore 'more money' is fine).

2. We need an "ING" form after "by". So, we should write "by financially supportING".

3. This is a 'second conditional' sentence. We need to write "If governments helpED".

4. "lose popularity to" seems strange. Let's just make a normal comparison e.g. "are less popular than".

5. "in details" should be "in detail". I would also change "discuss in detail about this issue" to "discuss this issue in detail"

[/SPOILER]

400

Take this information for example :i

• year 1999
• Switzerland
• highest sales of Fairtrade coffee and bananas
• Fairtrade coffee sales: 3 million Euros
• Fairtrade banana sales: 15 million Euros

[SPOILER]

Here's the sentence :i


In 1999, Switzerland had the highest figures for sales of both Fairtrade coffee and Fairtrade bananas, with 3 million and 15 million Euros of sales for the two respective products.

401

[h=1]Adjective - Noun English Grammar Writing Exercises[/h]

2. It is a (ADJECTIVES CARD 10) (NOUNS CARD 42) that the earth goes around the sun.

3. It was a (ADJECTIVES CARD 41) (NOUNS CARD 2) in July.

4. I have to make a (ADJECTIVES CARD 46) (NOUNS CARD25) for him.

5. She had the (ADJECTIVES CARD 39) (NOUNS CARD 96) of studying hard but failing the exam.

Answers

[SPOILER]

[=Verdana]1. (average) (life)

2. (common) (knowledge)

3. (sticky) (day)

4. (cruel) (decision)

5. (bitter) (experience)

[/SPOILER]

402

What should people do to save birds?i

Assigning more guarded areas and employing more forest rangers is one way to save birds . Another way is that government should pass more strict rules and observe their implementation carefully.

403

What are the harmful effects of smoking ?i

It causes various kinds of disorders such as lung cancer , gullet cancer , stomach cancer and brain tumors . Smoking causes our teeth to become darker . But smoking is more harmful to those who do not smoke themselves but are around smokers.

404

Should celebrities endorse tobacco or cigarettes ? Yes or no and why?i

They shouldn't . Teenagers and youngsters are the major fans . They follow every step celebrities take to be like them someday . If celebrities endorse tobacco and cigarettes , they will lead those young groups astray .

More people are traveling today than ever before.Why do you think this is?i

Today , the number of people engaging in international travel is swelling rapidly.This is a trend that does not appear to be slowing at all .Although many factors have contributed to this growth , trade opportunities and tourism are thought to be the main triggers. Both will be examined in this essay .

On the one hand , the increasing international awareness of growth markets is spurring development in the travel sector. For example , knowledge of raw resources available in African countries has piqued the interest of manufacturing and consuming nations the world over . To capitalize on this interest, many are making expeditions to establish cross border connections with businesspeople in the African region.Thus , it is clear that trade is one of the core reasons international travel is growing .

In addition to this, growing affluence the world over has made it possible for increasing amounts of people to engage in recreational travel. For instance , Chinese tourist numbers are growing so quickly that major holiday destinations , such as the Eiffel tower in Paris , are choosing to display their public signs in French , English and Mandarin. Thus, the unshrinking need for tourist hot spots to accommodate travelers from various countries is clear evidence that a true link between tourism numbers and international travel exists . It can therefore be concluded that growing worldwide affluence is fueling a surge in international travel numbers.

Following this look , it is clear that global trade opportunities and tourism are altering humanity's need for international travel. It thus expected that rates of travel will only continue to climb into the foreseeable future .

405

Describe a change that you would like to see in your local area.
You should say
- what the change would be
- who would be involved in making the change
- how it would be done
- and why you would like to see the change happen.

Here's band 9 sample answer:

• The change that I’d like to see in my local neighborhood is the pedestrianisation of the main shopping street in the town center. I’d like to see traffic diverted around this area in order to make it safer and more attractive for visitors and shoppers. Most of the traffic that clogs up the main street is just passing through the town, but it’s the local people who have to put up with the congestion, noise and pollution.

• It’s the job of the local council to make changes like the one I’m suggesting. But before the council does anything, there usually needs to be some pressure from local people to bring a problem to light. So, perhaps we need a campaign by local residents who want to see this change. Then the council might contract a town planner or an architect to come up with some possible designs for a new road system.

• I’m not sure how exactly the process of creating a pedestrian street would work, but I imagine that it would require detailed planning. Perhaps a bypass would need to be built around the town centre first. This would give drivers a faster alternative to driving through the town, and it would allow the main shopping street to be blocked off and pedestrianised.

• I’d like to see this change because it would really improve the quality of life of residents in the town where I live. I can imagine the new pedestrian street having cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. It would be a safer and more pleasant place for families to go shopping, and I’m sure this would have a positive knock-on effect on local shops and businesses.

406

[h=3]IELTS Vocabulary[/h]

• I prefer to study alone so that I can concentrate, think deeply, and stay focused on the task.
• I like studying in the library because of its peaceful, studious and contemplative atmosphere.
• When someone disturbs me I feel frustrated, annoyed and impatient.
  

407

[h=3]IELTS Listening: gap-fill about happiness[/h]
Watch the presentation below, and fill the gaps in the following short summary of the first 2 minutes.

LINK ( TedTalk)l

Aristotle called happiness the ______ ______, the end towards which all other things aim. The reason we want a big house, a nice car or a good job isn’t that these things are intrinsically ______, it’s that we expect them to bring us happiness. The paradox of happiness is that even though the ______ conditions in our lives have improved ______, we haven’t actually gotten any happier. In the last few years there’s been an ______ in research on happiness; we’ve learnt how things like income, education, ______ and ______ relate to it.

CORRECT ANSWERS

[SPOILER]

1. chief good
2. valuable
3. objective
4. dramatically
5. explosion
6. gender
7. marriage

[/SPOILER]

408

[h=3]Students' questions[/h]
1. Will I lose marks for spelling mistakes like 'Appril' instead of 'April'?i

Yes, 'Appril' would be marked wrong in the listening and reading tests.

2. Can I suggest reasons for changes shown on graphs or charts?i

No, you shouldn't try to explain reasons for the data in writing task 1. Just describe what you can see.

3. When should I use 'the' in the phrase 'figure / figures for'?i

You can use 'the' with the singular and plural, but I often miss it with the plural (i.e. "the graph shows the figure for" but "the graph shows figures for")i

4. Is it a ok to start task 2 essays with a question?i

No, that would be more journalistic than academic style.

5. In writing task 2, is it possible to agree completely but still mention the other side?i

Yes, you can mention the other side of the argument too, but make sure it's clear that you disagree with it, and explain why.

:Gol: