Learn English

Pancakes

2011-12-26T14:03:00.001+11:00

Violent Video Games

2011-12-22T12:02:00.005+11:00

It is a fact that more and more young boys and girls play violent video games nowadays. Parents buy video games for their children sometimes without knowing how bad these games are. It is clear that violent video games badly affect our children. They can increase children’s aggression. Children get into fights at school and sometimes they fight with their own brothers and sisters inside the home. This is all because children are too young to understand the dangers.

One mother said she stopped buying violent video games for her children because she saw that they started to fight more. They also spent hours and hours playing and not doing any homework for school. Video games taught children that the more people you attack, the more points you get. You don’t win if you don’t attack others. This is wrong.

One man says that video games teach children to become selfish. They don’t share things with other children. Video games teach children it is OK to attack or kill others. It is also OK to use bad language when you talk to others. You don’t go to prison if you kill or attack someone. There is no punishment.

One doctor says parents need to do something to stop their children from using violent video games. Parents should limit the time their children play video games. They should stop them from using bad language. They should punish children if they become aggressive towards others. Parents should know their children better and spend more time with them. They should help their children when they choose video games and see if they are good for them or not. Parents should talk to other parents and see what they think about video games. They can learn from others’ experiences. Parents should put the games in a public family place and not in the children’s bedroom.

One mother says that video games are good for children. Video games make her children learn new skills. They are inside the home when they play so she can make sure they are safe. She says that children’s fighting is part of growing up. No one can stop it. Children should learn to defend themselves if anyone attacks them. Children know that the killing is not real. A video game is like a cartoon that children enjoy watching. She also says that playing violent video games is OK because everyone loves it. Parents will not pay up to $100 per game if it will teach their kids bad things. What do you think? Do you think this woman’s opinion is good or bad?

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
It is a fact that more and more young boys and .................... play violent video games nowadays. Parents buy video games for their ........................... sometimes without knowing how bad these games are. It is clear that violent video ...........................badly affect our children. They can increase children’s aggression. Children ............................ into fights at school and sometimes they fight with their own brothers ...................... sisters inside the home. This is all because children are too ...................... to understand the dangers.

One mother said she stopped buying violent ..................... games for her children because she saw that they started to fight more. They also spent hours and ....................... playing and not doing any homework ................... school. Video games taught children that the more people you attack, the more points you get. You don’t win if you don’t ...................... others. This is wrong.
One man says that video games teach children to ....................... selfish. They don’t share things with other children. Video games ..................... children it is OK to attack or kill others. It is also OK to use bad language when you ..................... to others. You don’t go to prison if you kill or attack someone. There is ............... punishment.

One doctor says parents need to ................... something to stop their children from using violent video games. Parents should limit the time their children play .................. games. They should stop them from using bad language. They .................... punish children if they become aggressive towards others. Parents should know their children better and spend more time with them. They should ..................... their children when they choose video games and see if they are good for them or not. Parents ...................... talk to other parents and see what they think about video games. They can learn ........................ others’ experiences. Parents should put the games in a public family place and not in the children’s bedroom.

One mother says that video games ............................ good for children. Video games make her children learn new skills. They are inside .......................... home when they play so she can make sure they are safe. She says that children’s fighting is ........................ of growing up. No one can stop it. Children should learn to defend themselves if .......................... attacks them. Children know that the killing is not real. A video game is like a cartoon that children .................... watching. She also says that playing violent video ..................... is OK because everyone loves it. Parents will not ..................... up to $100 per game if it will teach their kids bad things.What ....................... you think? Do you think ......................... woman’s opinion is good or bad?

Change Oil Filter

2011-12-20T19:55:00.000+11:00

Presents

2011-12-20T10:08:00.009+11:00

Buying Christmas presents can cause you a lot of headache if you have three children like mine. Now shops advertise everywhere and say they offer big discounts. My kids have chosen their own presents and all I have to do is pay for them. Year after year, their presents get more and more expensive. You just need to work harder and harder to be able to afford buying them.

My daughter wants a new Apple computer. The one she chose will cost me more than $2000. She has already got a computer but she says it is too old. I say it is less than two years old but she wouldn’t listen to me. She wants a new Apple computer and that is it. Her school gave her a new lab top but she says it is very slow.

My son wants a new Samsung Galaxy S II smart phone. The Samsung Galaxy S II smart phone is the best in the world. It is better than the iPhone and he wants one. He already has a smart phone but he says it is too old. I say it is less than one year old but he wouldn’t listen to me. He just wants a new smart phone and I have to pay for it. With his smart phone, he can go online and visit the web sites that he likes. It is slim and it has a good design. It comes in two different colours; black and white. My son wants a black one. He thinks black smart phones look cool. Why do I have to pay for 4 mobile phones in the family? I don't know.

My youngest daughter wants an iPod. She wants to have an iPod because she wants to listen to her favourite music. She also wants to take pictures and videos with it. She has already got an iPod but she thinks hers is too old. She wants to upgrade to a new iPod. She wants to get the latest one. She says that most of her friends have got new iPods and she can see no reason why she can’t have one. Again I need to work harder and harder to get more money to afford to pay for her iPod.

I have to buy a lot of presents every year. For example, I buy presents on their birthdays. I buy a present on Valentine’s Day. I buy a present on my wedding anniversary. I buy presents when my children’s friends have birthdays. I spend a couple of thousands of dollars each year on presents. This is too much if you live on a teacher’s salary in Australia.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Buying Christmas presents can cause ................. a lot of headache if you have three children like mine. Now shops advertise everywhere and say they offer ......................... discounts. My kids have chosen their own presents and all I have to do is pay for them. Year ..................... year, their presents get more and more expensive. You just need to work harder ........................ harder to be able to afford buying them.

My daughter wants a new Apple computer. The one she chose ..................... cost me more than $2000. She has already got a computer but she says it is ..................... old. I say it is less than two years old but she wouldn’t listen to me. She wants a ....................... Apple computer and that is it. Her school gave her a new lab top but she says it is very slow.

My son wants a new Samsung Galaxy S II smart ....................... . The Samsung Galaxy S II smart phone is the best in the world. It is better than the iPhone and .................... wants one. He already has a smart phone but he says it is too old. I say it is less than ..................... year old but he wouldn’t listen to me. He just wants a new smart phone and I have to pay for it. With .................... smart phone, he can go online and visit the web sites that he likes. It is slim and it has a good design. It .................... in two different colours; black and white. My son wants a ....................... one. He thinks black smart phones look cool. Why do I have to pay for 4 mobile phones in ........................ family? I don't know.

My youngest daughter wants an iPod. She wants to ......................... an iPod because she wants to listen to her favourite music. She also wants to take pictures ........................ videos with it. She has already got an iPod but she thinks hers is too old. She wants .......................... upgrade to a new iPod. She wants to get the latest one. She says that most of her friends have ........................ new iPods and she can see no reason why she can’t have one. Again I need to work harder and harder to get ...................... money to afford to pay for her iPod.

I have to buy a lot of presents every year. For example, I ....................... presents on their birthdays. I buy a present on Valentine’s Day. I buy a present on ....................... wedding anniversary. I buy presents when my children’s friends have birthdays. I spend a couple .................... thousands of dollars each year on presents. This is too much if you live on a teacher’s salary .................... Australia.

Ask your classmate these questions:

Do you have to buy Christmas presents for your family members?
Are there any other occasions when you need to buy presents for others?
What sort of presents do you get on your birthday?
Do you need to work hard to afford to pay for these presents?
What sort of presents do you buy for your children?
How do you pay for your presents? Do you use your credit card when you buy presents?
What kind of presents do people in your country get when they get married?
What was the worst present that you got?
What was the most expensive present that you got?
Why do people buy presents for others?
Do you think buying flowers as a present is a good idea?
Do you give gift vouchers to your family members and friends?

My Country and Australia

2011-12-19T12:37:00.003+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Thadee Kananura and today I will be talking about the differences between my country and Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about roads in Rwanda. After that I will talk about roads in Australia. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now let’s get started.

As you know, we have different roads in Rwanda. Rwanda has two big roads and many different small roads. The main roads have traffic lights but there are accidents happening, especially the big ones which cause injury and damage. Small roads and streets in Rwanda are very bad in wet and dry conditions.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. I is clear that Australia is a very big country and it has many different safe roads. Australian roads have automatic traffic lights. In Australia the roads are in good conditions and most people drive cars on roads safely.

Now I would like to thank everyone for listening for my presentation and for coming here today. Now feel free on asking any questions you have I’m happy to answer your questions.

The Environment

2011-12-19T12:02:00.003+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Di Feng and today I will be talking about the differences between the environment in China and in Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about some Chinese environment issues. After that I will talk about Australia. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know I originally come from China and I used to live in Beijing which is the capital city. China has a strong and powerful economical system, but the environment has been greatly affected. China has the largest population in the world. People need more oxygen, water, space and other things. In many cities there are lots of factories. They release toxic gases in the air constantly. Therefore, the air quality is poor. China also has bad weather and less fresh air.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. I will give you some information about Australia. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world but it doesn’t have a big population. You can see clean streets and smell fresh air everywhere. Generally speaking, large factories are usually not found in cities and are placed in suburbs. Most people have good habits and help to protect the environment. They do different things such as garbage recycling and using tanks to store rain water.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

My Company

2011-12-19T11:45:00.002+11:00

This text is a presentation by my student Sara about the company she started in Australia.

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Sara Huang. Today I will be talking about my company. My presentation is divided into three parts.

First of all, I will talk about the background information of my company. Its name is Dian & Di International PTY LTD. The name is from my daughters. My old daughter is 8 years old and her petname is Diandian. My little daughter is 2 years old and her petname is Didi. I love them. I hope Dian & Di grow older like my daughters. My company is an international trade link between Australia and China.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. As you know Australia wine is the representative of the New World Wine and French wine is the representative of the Old World Wine. We think the greatest feature of Australian wines is a rich fruit aroma and high performance-price ratio. South Australia is the largest wine producing area and about 60% of Australian wines are produced there. One of Australia's most famous Penfolds comes from there. So, our agent, a five-star Chateau of South Australia, exports to China. The feedback of customs is very good.

Now let’s begin the third part. It is clear that China has become the one of the largest countriesimporting Australian wines . The needs of imported wine will increase in China. We want to look for characteristic wine in Victoria for our Chinese customs.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Buying a Washing Machine

2011-12-15T16:38:00.005+11:00

Everyone needs to have a washing machine in his or her house. No one wants to wash clothes by hand nowadays. It is a hard job and it can take a long time to finish. People now are too busy to finish housework in a short time. There are certain things you need to know before you buy a new washing machine for your house.

First of all, you need to consider how much money you can spend on a new washing machine. The more money you spend, the better the quality of the washing machine. You also need to see how big you want the new washing machine to be. If you have a small family or you live by yourself, it is not a good idea to buy a very big washing machine. Also if you have more than four people living in your house, you will surely need to have a big one.

You need to choose between a top-loader or a front-loader. Front-loading waching machines are the best choise if you want to have a wachine machine that you can use for many years. They don’t use much water and they do a good job. They are very heavy because they have two big concrete blocks. Be careful when you buy a front-loading washing machine because you will not be able to lift it alone. You will need at least one more person to help you move it.

You always get a warranty for one year when you buy a new washing machine. You can ask for an extended warranty for more than one year but this will cost you more money. If anything goes wrong during the first year, the company will send someone to fix the washing machine for you. If your washing machine is not under warranty, you will need to pay money to the mechanic who will fix it. They normally charge a lot of money for their services.

You need to choose a good-quality detergent. A detergent is also called a washing powder. If you buy a poor-quality detergent, you will not get good results when you do your washing. Poor-quality detergents can cause mechanical problems too.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Everyone needs to have a washing machine in ............ or her house. No one wants to wash clothes by hand nowadays. It is a hard job and it can take a long time to finish. People .............. are too busy to finish housework in a short time. There are certain things you ................ to know before you buy a new washing machine for your house.

First of all, you need to consider how much money you can spend ................... a new washing machine. The more money you spend, the better the quality of the washing machine. You .................. need to see how big you want the new washing machine to be. If you have a small ..................... or you live by yourself, it is not a good idea to buy a very big washing machine. Also if .................... have more than four people living in your house, you will surely need to ...................... a big one.

You need to .................... between a top-loader or a front-loader. Front-loading waching machines are the best choise if you want to have a wachine machine .................... you can use for many years. They don’t use much water and they do a good job. They are very heavy because they ..................... two big concrete blocks. Be careful when you buy a front-loading washing machine because ..................... will not be able to lift it alone. You will need at least one more person to ........................ you move it.

You always get a warranty for one year when you buy a .................. washing machine. You can ask for an extended warranty for more than one year but this will cost you ....................... money. If anything goes wrong during the first year, the company will send someone to fix ..................... washing machine for you. If your washing machine is not under warranty, you will ...................... to pay money to the mechanic who will fix it. They normally charge a lot of money for ....................... services.

You need to choose a good-quality detergent. A detergent is also ..................... a washing powder. If you buy a poor-quality detergent, you will not get good results when ..................... do your washing. Poor-quality detergents can cause mechanical .......................... too.

Goals

2011-12-15T14:52:00.011+11:00

My short-term goals in attending the English class are:
to improve my grammar
to learn some vocabulary
to improve my writing skill
to make friends in Australia
to improve my computer skills
to improve my handwriting
to learn to use blogs and podcasts
to meet people from my own culture
to learn about Australia
to learn about health
to learn how to get a job
to learn how to pass a job interview
to learn about the law in Australia

My long-term goals in attending the English class are:
to go to Certificate III in Spoken and Written English
to go to TAFe and study there
to go to university
to get a job
to be able to speak to native speakers
to learn about Australia
to be able to speak faster
to stop making mistakes when I speak or write
to be able to help my kids with their school work in Australia
to be able to get an apprenticeship in Australia
to be able to start my own business
to have the same job I used to do in my own country

Computer Glitch

2011-12-15T10:07:00.009+11:00

Tom woke up early in the morning. He had a very busy day ahead of him. There were some Japanese business people coming to his company to do business. He wanted to pay his rent in the afternoon. When he had his lunch break, he went to an ATM machine to withdraw some money. He wanted to withdraw 1800 dollars to give to pay the rent. He inserted his card into the ATM machine and entered his PIN number. Nothing appeared on the screen. Tom pressed a few buttons but nothing happened. No money came out of the machine. He couldn’t get his card back either. Other people were lining up behind him and they saw what happened.

Tom rang the bank to tell them about the problem. One man from the bank told Tom on the phone that there was a computer problem. Other people could not withdraw money out because of the computer glitch. Computer experts were trying to solve the problem. The man said it was safe for Tom to leave the card inside the machine. The bank would contact him as soon as possible once the problem was solved. Tom didn’t feel happy about that. He rang his real estate agent and explained the situation to them. One woman from the real estate agency said she would contact the owner of the property to tell him about the problem. She thanked Tom for his phone call. Tom hanged up the phone. He was thinking how he would be able to get money to buy a present for his wife. It was her birthday that same day. His wife would be angry if she didn't get a present.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Tom woke up early in the morning. He had a very ................. day ahead of him. There were some Japanese business people coming to ..................... company to do business. He wanted to pay his rent in the afternoon. When he had his lunch break, he went to an ATM ........................ to withdraw some money. He wanted to withdraw 1800 dollars to give to pay the rent. He inserted his ................. into the ATM machine and entered his PIN number. Nothing appeared on the screen. Tom pressed a .................. buttons but nothing happened. No money came out of the machine. He .......................... get his card back either. Other people were lining up behind him and they saw .......................... happened.

Tom rang the ....................... to tell them about the problem. One man ................. the bank told Tom on the phone that there was a computer problem. Other people could not withdraw money ................ because of the computer glitch. Computer experts ...................... trying to solve the problem. The man said it was safe for Tom to ..................... the card inside the machine. The bank would contact him as soon as possible ..................... the problem was solved. Tom didn’t feel happy about that. He rang his real estate agent and explained the situation to them. One ......................... from the real estate agency said she would contact the owner of the property to tell him ....................... the problem. She thanked Tom for his phone call. Tom hanged up ..................... phone. He was thinking how he would be able to get money to buy a present for his wife. It was ...................... birthday that same day. His wife would be angry if ................... didn't get a present.

Learning English Presentation

2011-12-14T14:58:00.003+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is John Li and today I will be talking about how to learn English by yourself. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about good ways to study English. After that I will talk about what you need to do on your own to improve your language. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, we all need to learn English when we come to live in Australia. If you can’t afford to go to English classes, there are other options for you to choose from. The cheapest thing to do is to go to your local library. Get a membership card and ask the librarian for help. He or she can show you the ESL books that they have. You can borrow some of these books and start your learning journey. You can also go online and find some web sites to help you learn the language. Nowadays there are hundreds of good sites that you can choose from. Find one or two that you like and spend some time on the net every day. In English they always say there is no gain without pain. Another good idea to help you learn the new language is to make friends with others whose English is good and talk to them in English only.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that it may take some time before you can understand everything that you hear in the new language. Just be patient. It will happen one day but you need to keep learning every day. You need to improve your listening. You can do so by watching TV in English. Watching the news in English on TV will help you a lot. In a few months, your English will improve and you will understand most of what you see on TV. Download audio lessons on your mobile phone or your MP3 player. Keep listening to these lessons when you have the time. You just need to practise and practise every day.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name is John Li and .................. I will be talking about how to learn English by yourself. My presentation .................. divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about good ways to ................. English. After that I will talk about what you need to do on your own to improve your language. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, we all need to learn English when we .................. to live in Australia. If you can’t afford to go to English classes, there .................. other options for you to choose from. The cheapest thing to do is to go to your ................... library. Get a membership card and ask the librarian for help. He or she can show you the ESL books that they have. You can ................... some of these books and start your learning journey. You can also ................ online and find some web sites to help you learn the language. Nowadays there are hundreds of good sites that you can choose from. Find ................. or two that you like and .................... some time on the net every day. In English they always say there is no gain without pain. Another ...................... idea to help you learn the new language is to ................... friends with others whose English is good and talk to them ..................... English only.

Now let’s move on to the .................... part of the presentation. It is clear that it may take some time before you .................. understand everything that you hear in the new language. Just be patient. It will happen ..................... day but you need to keep learning every day. You need to improve your listening. You .............. do so by watching TV in English. Watching the news in English on TV will help ....................... a lot. In a few months, your English will improve and you will understand most ....................... what you see on TV. Download audio lessons ................ your mobile phone or your MP3 player. Keep listening to these .................... when you have the time. You just need to practise and practise every day.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would ................. to thank you for coming here today. Now if .................... have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

First Day in Australia

2011-12-14T12:00:00.005+11:00

When I arrived at Melbourne Airport in 1985, it was nearly two o'clock in the morning. I collected my luggage and went through customs. There was no one waiting for me. I needed to find a hotel because I needed to get some sleep. My flight took more than eleven hours. I took a bus to the city and asked the driver if he could recommend one good hotel where I could stay. He told me about a small hotel not far away from the bus stop in the city. I thanked the driver.

I checked in at the hotel and paid some money before I went into the room. As soon as I was inside the room, I went to bed and slept for about ten hours because I was really tired.

In the afternoon, I started looking for a place to live. I didn't want to stay at my hotel for a long time becuause hotels are expensive. I went to a real estate agent and talked to a lady there. She helped me find a place to live but said it would be ready after a few days. I explained to her that I needed to move in as soon as I could. She rang the landlord and in two days, I was able to pay the rent and the bond. I left my hotel and moved in soon after that.

I met a few people who are from my country. They helped me learn about Australia. They showed me how to buy a train ticket and validate it. They also gave me a lot of advice on how to look for work.

When I was walking in one street in the city one day, I saw a job advertisement on the windwo. They wanted a kitchen hand to work in the evening. I went inside and asked if I could get the job. The owner of the restaurant asked if I would like to start immediately. He showed me the kitchen and introduced me to the chef there. I was astonished but was happy to find my first job in Australia.

The money was not enough and I depended on the money I brought with me from my country. A few months later, I got my qualifications accredited in Australia and started working at a bank in Doncaster. Because I worked hard and had a pleasant manner with the customers, I got a promotion. Not long after that, I became a branch manager and got a good salary. I started to send money to help my family back home. I helped pay the school fees for my younger brother and he graduated from university after a few years.

I always tell my children and friends that it was really hard for me when I first came. They admire what I've done.

Invitation

2011-12-14T10:39:00.004+11:00

Dear John,
How are you? I am sending this letter to invite you to come to my house. We will have a party because my daughter has finished her university studies. She will become a doctor. She has worked very hard. She is a very smart girl.

We have also invited other friends. Some of them are from China. Others are from Iran. Please don’t bring any food with you. We will have plenty of food to eat.

There will be about thirty people in my house to celebrate. We will start the party at 7 o’clock. We will listen to music and dance. The party will finish at about 11 o’clock at night.

If you don’t have a car, I can pick you up from your house. I can also drop you off after we finish.

You don’t need to buy a present. We just want you to come. I am sure you will spend a lovely time in our party. I hope you see you on Wednesday. Our address is 34 Prospect Street, Box Hill.

If you can’t come, please ring me on my mobile. My mobile number is 041234567878889.

Regards,
Albert

The Local Library

2011-12-09T17:25:00.003+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Maria Thomas and today I will be talking about services you can find at your local library. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about the things you can do there. After that I will talk about how to get the most out of your local library. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, reading is very important for everyone. The local library is the ideal place where you find many of the books that interest you. You can make friends there as well. Reading is not the only thing you can do in the local library these days. You can also use any of the computers they have there. You can also job any of the activity groups they have. Young children can go and enjoy reading too. They can learn how to draw and do supervised activities. You can use the interent at your local library if you don’t have internet connection at your home or if your computer has decided not to work. We are lucky because we don’t have to pay any money to join the local library. There are friendly staff members who work there and they can help you with any question you have.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that reading is one of the things we can do there. You can do short courses at the local library. If you lose your card, one of the people working there can help you get a new one. You may be asked to pay a few dollars for the service. You can borrow books, DVDs or even CDs if you go to the local library. You can borrow them online too. If you are late and not return them on time, you will be asked to pay a fine. Make sure you return items borrowed from the local library on time so others can enjoy them too. The library is an ideal place to enjoy quiet time. If your children are noisy or drive you mad any time, consider going to your local library.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Maria Thomas .......... today I will be talking about services you can find at your local library. My presentation is divided into ............. parts. First of all, I will talk about the things you can do there. After that I will talk about how to get the .................. out of your local library. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of ................. presentation. Now, let’s get started.
As you know, reading is very important for everyone. The ................... library is the ideal place where you find many of the books that interest you. You can make friends there ............... well. Reading is not the only thing you can do in the local library these days. You .................. also use any of the computers they have there. You can also job any of the activity ...................... they have. Young children can go and enjoy reading too. They can learn how to draw .................. do supervised activities. You can use the interent at your local library if you don’t have internet connection at your home or if ............... computer has decided not to work. We are lucky because we don’t ................... to pay any money to join the local library. There are friendly staff members who work there and ................... can help you with any question you have.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is ................. that reading is one of the things we can do there. You can do short courses at the ................... library. If you lose your card, one of the people working there can help you get a ................ one. You may be asked to pay a few dollars for the service. You can borrow books, DVDs or even CDs if you .................. to the local library. You can borrow them online too. If you are late and not return them on time, you will ............... asked to pay a fine. Make sure you return items borrowed from the local library on time so ................. can enjoy them too. The library is an ideal place to enjoy quiet time. If your children are noisy or drive ................ mad any time, consider going to your local library.

It’s nearly time for me to ................... the presentation. I would like to ................. you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be ..................... to answer them.

TV and Learning English

2011-12-09T13:58:00.006+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Nancy McDonald and today I will be talking about how watching TV in Australia can help you learn English. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about the importance of watching TV for a new immigrant to Australia. After that I will talk about what you need to be careful about when you watch TV programs. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, English can be the biggest problem for new arrivals in Australia. Most of the people who immigrate to Australia are adults. Learning a new language when you are an adult can be very difficult. One of the most cost-effective ways to learn English is to watch TV as much as you can. It is a fun way to learn the language too because nearly everyone likes watching TV programs. Watching TV in English can be very difficult at the beginning but it will become easier as time goes by. Some people prefer to watch TV programs in their own languages but this is not a good idea if you want to learn English. Watching children TV programs can be a good start for new arrivals. Children programs use easy sentences for them to understand. They start to learn songs and do dance moves. Luckily, you don’t need to do the dance moves but you can if you like. You only need to keep watching these programs and you will see a big improvement in your language learning. Also when you watch Australian TV programs, you will learn about the Australian culture.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that not all TV programs are suitable for everyone. You need to be careful if your children want to watch TV after 8.30 at night. Many of the programs are for adults. Some of these programs can be different from the ones you used to watch on TV in your own country. They may make you become alarmed. If you don’t like to watch a particular program, select a different channel. Press one button on your remote control to turn off the TV if you like. Watching the news on TV in English will help you improve your language too. Also using TV to learn English can take some time. It will never happen in a short time. You just need to be patient.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name is ...................... McDonald and today I will be talking about how watching TV in Australia can help ..................... learn English. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will ....................... about the importance of watching TV ............... a new immigrant to Australia. After .................. I will talk about what you need to be careful about when you ...................... TV programs. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, ................... get started.
As you know, English can be the biggest problem ..................... new arrivals in Australia. Most of the people who immigrate to Australia are adults. Learning a ................... language when you are an adult can be very difficult. One of the most cost-effective ................... to learn English is to watch TV as much as you can. It is a fun way to learn the language ................. because nearly everyone likes watching TV programs. Watching TV in English can be ................. difficult at the beginning but it will become easier as time goes by. Some people ................. to watch TV programs in their own languages but this is not a good idea if you want ............... learn English. Watching children TV programs can be a good start for new arrivals. Children programs use easy sentences for them to understand. They start ................ learn songs and do dance moves. Luckily, you don’t need to do the ................... moves but you can if you like. You only need to keep watching these programs .................. you will see a big improvement in your language learning. Also when you watch Australian TV ........................... , you will learn about the Australian culture.

Now let’s move on to the second .................. of the presentation. It is clear that not all TV programs are suitable for everyone. You need to .................... careful if your children want to watch TV after 8.30 at night. Many of ..................... programs are for adults. Some of these programs can be different from ...................... ones you used to watch on TV in your own country. They may make you become alarmed. If ................... don’t like to watch a particular program, select a different channel. Press ................. button on your remote control to turn off the TV if you like. Watching the .................... on TV in English will help you improve your language too. Also using TV to .................. English can take some time. It will never happen in a short time. You just .................... to be patient.

It’s nearly .................. for me to finish the presentation. I would like to ................... you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I ................... be happy to answer them.

Rice Pudding

2011-12-09T09:52:00.005+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Ibarahim Mohamed and today I will be talking about rice pudding. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about why rice pudding is good for you. After that I will talk about how you can prepare it. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, we love to have desserts from time to time. Rice pudding is a popular dessert in different cultures. It is something that young children love. If you have a young child who does not eat enough, you can prepare rice pudding and I am sure he or she will love it. I know two people who got married because the young man liked the rice pudding that the young girl made. Rice pudding has natural ingredients in it. There are no chemicals used at all. It is also easy to prepare. If you get your children to help you in the kitchen when you prepare it, I am sure they will ask you to serve it a few times a week.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. You will need one cup of rice. Wash it well and add a little bit more than one cup of water with one cup of sugar. Put them on the cooker and the water will start to boil in a short time. After a few minutes, you can add a little milk and keep stirring. When the pudding becomes thick, turn the cooker off. Serve in small plates and wait until they cool down. You can add coconut and sultanas to the pudding. Put the plates in the fridge and keep them there for about one hour. Call your children and serve give them a plate each. Don’t forget to keep one for yourself.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Good afternoon everyone. My name ................... Ibarahim Mohamed and today I will be talking about rice pudding. My presentation is divided into ................... parts. First of all, I will talk about why rice pudding is good for you. After that I will talk about how you can prepare it. Please ...................... free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s ...................... started.

As you know, we love to have desserts from ...................... to time. Rice pudding is a popular dessert in different cultures. It is something that young children love. If you have a .................... child who does not eat enough, you can prepare rice pudding and I am sure he or she will ...................... it. I know two people who got married because the young man liked the rice pudding that the young ...................... made. Rice pudding has natural ingredients in it. There are no chemicals used at all. It is .................... easy to prepare. If you get your children to help you in the kitchen when you prepare it, I am sure ...................... will ask you to serve it a few times a week.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. You will need .................... cup of rice. Wash it well and add a little bit more than one cup of water with one cup of sugar. Put them .................. the cooker and the water will start to boil in a short time. After a few minutes, you can ................... a little milk and keep stirring. When the pudding becomes thick, turn the cooker off. Serve in .................... plates and wait until they cool down. You can add coconut and sultanas to the pudding. Put the ......................... in the fridge and keep them there for about one hour. Call your children ........................ serve give them a plate each. Don’t forget to keep one for yourself.

It’s nearly ....................... for me to finish the presentation. I would .................. to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be ........................ to answer them.

Teaching Science in the UK

2011-12-08T16:23:00.001+11:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/7629862.stm

China and Australia

2011-12-08T15:10:00.004+11:00

Good afternoon everyone, my name is Liu Bin, I come from China. Today I will be talking about the difference of architecture market between China and Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts, first of all, I will talk about background information about China. After that I will talk about Australia as I knew it. Please free ask questions at the end of presentation. Now let’s get started.

As you know I come from China. It is one of the largest countries in the world (over than one billion population). There is huge population and requirements of living market, the government and estate businesses build a lot of apartments and houses to satisfy the requirements of market. At the same time, the developing of architecture market can drive the developing of relative industry and provide many opportunities of work for the people.

Now, let’s move on the second part of presentation about Australia. Australia is very big country, too (the land is very large).There are lots of minerals and resources in Australia but the population isn’t more than 23 millions. Owing to the small population, Australia hasn’t bigger requirement of market, the people have enough houses to live. These will influence the developing of architecture market and there are not many opportunities of work.

It is nearly time for me to finish the presentation, I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

School robbery

2011-12-08T14:25:00.002+11:00

This robbery took place at Chatham Primary School in Melbourne.

In the early hours of last Tuesday morning we had a break in to our new building. At 4:00am a group of thieves in a white Mitsubishi van cut the padlocks to the main gate and drove in close to the new building. They attempted to force a number of doors around the school but decided to smash some windows on the downstairs classrooms of this new building. They quickly entered and stole 9 of the newer Apple computers from 3 of our classrooms. They timed their getaway well, narrowly missing the arrival of the police and school security.

It is very upsetting to think that people could do this. Breaking into a school and taking things that belong to our students is something that we are all pretty upset about.

We will certainly be reviewing our security arrangements in light of this disappointing act.

Malaria

2011-12-08T12:56:00.007+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Michael Norman and today I will be talking about malaria. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about how bad the disease is. After that I will talk about malaria today. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, malaria kills nearly one million people a year. It is found in poor countries in Africa and Asia. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. When mosquitoes bite a person, he or she can get malaria. There is no medicine that can cure people from malaria. The problem is really big in poor countries where people don't have good doctors or hospitals. The disease kills one child every 30 seconds in Africa. Big medicine companies don’t spend a lot of money on research to find a cure for malaria.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that we need to do a lot of things to control malaria. Some poor countries in Africa started getting help from some rich people to control the disease. People started to use nets to protect them from mosquitoes. Students in poor countries started learning about the dangers of mosquitoes and how malaria can affect their health badly. Scientists need to study malaria more and try to find a solution to the problem so people can be healthy.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name ................ Michael Norman and today I will be talking about malaria. My presentation is divided ................. two parts. First of all, I will talk about how bad the disease is. After that I will ................. about malaria today. Please feel free to ask questions .......... the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, malaria kills nearly one million .................... a year. It is found in poor countries in Africa and Asia. Malaria .............. spread by mosquitoes. When mosquitoes bite a person, he or she can get malaria. There is ............... medicine that can cure people from malaria. The problem is really ................ in poor countries where people don't have good doctors or hospitals. The disease kills ................. child every 30 seconds in Africa. Big medicine companies don’t spend a ............... of money on research to find a cure for malaria.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is .................. that we need to do a lot of things to control malaria. Some ................... countries in Africa started getting help from some rich people to control the disease. People .................. to use nets to protect them from mosquitoes. Students in poor countries started learning about the dangers of mosquitoes and how malaria can ..................... their health badly. Scientists need to study malaria .................... and try to find a solution to the problem so people can .................. healthy.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I ................ like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I ................. be happy to answer them.

Banks

2011-12-08T09:14:00.011+11:00

Most people go to the bank to borrow money if they want to start a business or buy new cars. They also go to the bank when they want to buy homes in Australia. Homes in Australia are very expensive to buy. One person can spend all his or her life paying the money back to the bank. House prices are very high because labour costs a lot of money. People who have low incomes feel that they will never be able to buy their dream homes. Also if there is one person in the family who goes to work, things can get more difficult. In some cultures, women prefer to stay at home even when their children grow up. Most women who were born in Australia get jobs to help raise a family. This does not happen in all cultures.

When people borrow money from the bank, they have to pay interest. This means that they have to pay more than the amount they have borrowed. Banks make tens of billions of dollars in profit each year. Some people can’t pay the money back to the bank. The bank takes the homes that those people bought to get its money back. All the bank is interested in is money and more money.

In some countries like Saudi Arabia, banks don’t charge interests because it is against the religion of the people who live in that country. If you borrow one million dollars for ten years, all you have to pay back is one million dollars. You don’t need to pay one cent more. It is against the law of that country.

In Australia there are four big banks. They have many clients and they also make a lot of money. There are also some small banks but they can’t compete with the big four. People need to shop around before they sign up for a home loan because this may make them able to save some money.

Online Quiz

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Most people go to the bank to borrow ................ if they want to start a business or buy new cars. They also go to the bank when they want to buy homes in Australia. Homes ................... Australia are very expensive to buy. One person can spend all his or her life paying the money back .................. the bank. House prices are very high because labour costs a lot of money. People who have ....................... incomes feel that they will never be able to buy their dream homes. Also if ....................... is one person in the family who goes to work, things can get more difficult. In some cultures, women prefer to ....................... at home even when their children grow up. Most women who were born in Australia get jobs to ..................... raise a family. This does not happen in all cultures.

When people borrow money from the bank, they have to pay interest. This ....................... that they have to pay more than the amount they have borrowed. Banks make tens of billions of ........................ in profit each year. Some people can’t pay the money ............................ to the bank. The bank takes the homes that those people bought to get its money back. All the bank is ......................... in is money and more money.

In some countries like Saudi Arabia, banks don’t charge ............................ because it is against the religion of the people who live in that country. If you borrow one million dollars ...................... ten years, all you have to pay back is one million dollars. You don’t ........................... to pay one cent more. It is against the law of that country.

In Australia there are four big banks. They have many clients and they also .................. a lot of money. There are also some small banks but they can’t compete with the ......................... four. People need to shop around before they sign up for a home loan because this may make them able to save ...................... money.

Greece Advanced Reading

2011-12-07T16:25:00.001+11:00

http://www.onestopenglish.com/skills/news-lessons/monthly-topical-news-lessons/pdf-content/greece-only-tourism-can-save-our-bankrupt-land-intermediate/551443.article

Li Goes Back to China

2011-12-07T15:53:00.010+11:00

Li is a student from China. He studies English in Melbourne because he wants to get a job. Li will finish his English class and in about three weeks' time he will travel with his wife and daughter to China. Li wants to spend Chinese New Year there with his extended family and his friends.

Li does not want to stop learning English. He can't come back to Australia when the new course starts. He asked his teacher for help. His teacher suggested that Li enrolled in distance learning. Li will get some CDs and a book to study English when he is overseas in China. He will contact his teacher via email. His teacher will use a computer program called Skype to talk to him. Li will be able to see his teacher's computer screen when he talks to her.

Li thinks that it is a good idea to use the internet to talk to his teacher in Australia. This will save him some time because he wants to improve his English fast. Also Li will tell his friends about the English classes they can do at his school. Li likes his English school because he thinks the teachers are very helpful.

Li knows that in order to improve his English, he has to attend classes every day. When Li has appointments to see his doctor or to go to Centrelink, he always asks to have these appointments outside class time. This really helps him be in class every day.

Li does not like tests. His teacher told him yesterday that she will give him some tests to see if he had made progress in his learning. Li will take the tests early next week. His teacher also told him to watch TV at home. She said that watching TV programs would help him learn the language. Li finds it difficult now to understand what people say on TV. It will surely take some time before Li understands what he watches on TV but he really likes it. He started to learn new words. Every now and then, Li looks words up in his dictionary. He likes using the dictionary because it was a present from his wife when they first met a few years ago.

Listen and fill in the gaps:
Li is a student from China. He studies .......................... in Melbourne because he wants to get a job. Li will finish his English class and in ................... three weeks' time he will travel with his wife ................. daughter to China. Li wants to spend Chinese New Year there with his extended ................... and his friends.

Li does not want to stop learning English. He can't ................... back to Australia when the new course starts. He asked his teacher ........................ help. His teacher suggested that Li enrolled in distance learning. Li will get some CDs and a book to ................... English when he is overseas in China. He will contact ....................... teacher via email. His teacher will use a computer program called Skype to .................... to him. Li will be able to see his teacher's computer screen when he talks to her.

Li thinks that it is a good idea to use the internet to talk to ................... teacher in Australia. This will save him some time because he wants to improve his English fast. Also Li will tell his friends about the English classes they can ................ at his school. Li likes his English school because he thinks the teachers are very helpful.

Li knows that in order to improve his English, he has to attend ..................... every day. When Li has appointments to see his .................... or to go to Centrelink, he always asks to have these appointments outside class time. This really helps ............... be in class every day.

Li does not like tests. His teacher told him ....................... that she will give him some tests to see if he had made progress in his learning. Li will take the ............... early next week. His teacher also told him to watch TV at home. She said .............. watching TV programs would help him learn the language. Li finds it difficult now to understand what people say on TV. It will surely take some time ........................ Li understands what he watches on TV but he really likes it. He started to ...................... new words. Every now and then, Li looks words up in his dictionary. He likes ...................... the dictionary because it was a present from his wife when .................... first met a few years ago.

Answer these questions:
What country does Li come from?
What does Li do if he doesn't know the meaning of an English word?
What does he do in order to improve his English language?
Why is he travelling back to China soon?
Why does he like using his dictionary?
Why is it good for Li to watch TV?
Why does Li book his appointments outside class time?
What are some of the things that Li can do to improve his English?

Presents for Children

2011-12-06T17:00:00.008+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Didi Ali and today I will be talking about presents you can buy for your children for Christmas. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about why presents are important for children. After that I will talk about presents for kids to use inside the house. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, children love to get presents every now and then. Presents make children happy. Parents spend money to show their kids that they love them. A birthday will not be a birthday without presents. When children do well at school, they expect parents to give them presents. Presents make them feel that they have done good things. Presents will make them work harder to get more presents in the future.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that you need to choose the right present for the right person. If you give your child a basketball, you will not want him to use it inside the house. He will destroy your furniture. You need to have a look before you buy. You may choose to buy your child a bike but he will not be able to use it inside the house. If you want your child to get a present and use it inside the house, you may consider buying a Playstation 3. The price of a new Playstation has come down and it is something that every child loves to have. You may also choose to buy your child a new computer or a table tennis set. He can use the table tennis set inside the house to play with his friends but this will cause a lot of noise for your family. Still a new table tennis set is a good choice because you will be able to make sure your child is safe. For a good present to use inside the house, you can choose to buy your daughter a new guitar or a piano. I am sure she would love to have a musical instrument that she likes. It is true that to make your children happy, you will need to spend money.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Didi Ali and ................. I will be talking about presents you can buy for your children for Christmas. My presentation is divided .................... two parts. First of all, I will talk about why presents .................... important for children. After that I .................... talk about presents for kids to use inside the house. Please feel free to ask questions at the .................... of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, children love to get presents .................... now and then. Presents make children happy. Parents spend money to show their kids ........................ they love them. A birthday will not be a birthday without presents. When children do well at school, they expect ....................... to give them presents. Presents make them feel that they have done good things. Presents ................... make them work harder to get more presents in the future.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that ...................... need to choose the right present for the right person. If you give your child a basketball, ........................ will not want him to use it inside the house. He will destroy your furniture. You need to have a .......................... before you buy. You may choose to buy your child a bike but .................... will not be able to use it inside the house. If you want your child to get a present and use it inside ....................... house, you may consider buying a Playstation 3. The price .................... a new Playstation has come down and it is something that every child loves to have. You may also choose ..................... buy your child a new computer or a table tennis set. He can use the table tennis set inside the house to play ..................... his friends but this will cause a lot of noise for your family. Still a new table tennis set is a good ....................... because you will be able to make sure your child is safe. For a good present to use inside the house, you ......................... choose to buy your daughter a new guitar or a piano. I am sure she would love to have a musical instrument that ......................... likes. It is true that to make your children happy, you will need to spend ........................................ .

It’s nearly time for me to finish ........................ presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will .................... happy to answer them.

Talk with a friend in class about presents:

What sort of presents do you buy for your children?
What was an expensive present that you bought one day?
What presents did you get for your birthday when you were a child?
What is a good shop to buy presents from in Melbourne?
What kind of presents can a young man buy for his girlfriend?
What kind of presents can a young woman buy for her boyfriend?
Do presents cost a lot of money these days?
What presents do you buy from Australia when you travel overseas?
What kind of present would you like to get one day?
Do you give money out as presents sometimes?
What is a good present to buy for a boy?
What is a good present to buy for a girl?
Did you use to buy presents for your teachers when you were a student in your country?
Did teachers use to give you presents when you were a student in your country?
Why are presents important in our lives?

Canada

2011-12-05T14:12:00.011+11:00

Canada is a very big country. It is the second largest country in the world after Russia. There are 34 million people who live there. It is to the north of the United States of America. Most people in Canada speak English. About 21% of the people in Canada speak French as their first language. There are many big cities in Canada like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

The government in Canada spends a lot of money on building hospitals. That is why it has some of the finest doctors in the world. People in Canada work hard and they pay a lot in taxes. 23% of the people who live in Canada are obese. All young children must go to school to learn until they are 17 years of age.

The capital city of Canada is called Ottawa. It is a lovely city to go to because there are a lot of places to see there. There is a very big Chinese population in Toronto and Vancouver. If you go there, you will be able to see a lot of Chinese restaurants and shops.

In Canada there are a lot of international airports. There are also fast trains and highways that people can use. Travelling by taxi in Canada can be very expensive. The people who live in Canada are called Canadians. Some of them have different cultural backgrounds. Many Canadians speak more than one language.

The Canadian school system is very good. Young students go to an elementary school first and stay there for six years. After that they go to a middle school. When they finish middle school, they go to high school. Canada also has some of the finest universities in the world. There are thousands of students who travel to study there. After they finish their courses, most of them go back to their countries and get jobs there using the skills they have learned while studying in Canada.

People in Canada like sports. The country has some of the best swimmers in the world. Many people like to play sports after work or on the weekend. They like to play hockey, rugby, soccer, baseball and golf.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Canada is a very big country. It is the second largest ...................... in the world after Russia. There are 34 million people who live there. It is to the north of ................. United States of America. Most people in Canada ......................... English. About 21% of the people in Canada speak French as their first language. There .................... many big cities in Canada like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

The government in Canada spends a lot of money ................... building hospitals. That is why it has some of the finest doctors in the world. People in ....................... work hard and they pay a lot in taxes. 23% of the people who live .................. Canada are obese. All young children must go to school to learn until they are 17 ................... of age.

The capital city of Canada is called Ottawa. It is a lovely city to ................... to because there are a lot of places to see there. There is a very ...................... Chinese population in Toronto and Vancouver. If you go there, you will be able to .................... a lot of Chinese restaurants and shops.

In Canada there are a lot ..................... international airports. There are also fast trains and highways that people can use. Travelling by taxi in Canada ..................... be very expensive. The people who live in Canada are called Canadians. Some of ..................... have different cultural backgrounds. Many Canadians speak more than .................... language.

The Canadian school system is very good. Young students go to an elementary school first and stay there for six years. After that they go to a ...................... school. When they finish middle school, they go to ................... school. Canada also has some of the finest universities in the world. There are thousands of students who travel to ...................... there. After they finish their courses, most of them ................. back to their countries and get jobs there using the skills they ......................... learned while studying in Canada.

People in Canada like sports. The country has .................. of the best swimmers in the world. Many people like to play sports after work or on the weekend. They ................... to play hockey, rugby, soccer, baseball ..................... golf.

Shopping Online

2011-12-05T13:34:00.007+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Sally Martin and today I will be talking about online shopping My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about things you need to know when you shop online. After that I will talk about safety when you do your shopping on the internet. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, many people now have computers and go online to do their shopping. Indeed, computers can make us lazy these days. When we go to a shopping centre, we need to drive our cars and we can only visit a few of the shops there. When we go online, we can visit millions of shops without leaving our homes. When you buy things on the internet, you need to be careful about many things. You need to buy from a trusted web site. You also need to be careful when you use your credit card on the internet. You need to make sure that you will not change your mind after you click on an item to buy. If you change your mind after you buy something online, it may be not so easy to get your money back or get a replacement for the item. Also if you buy a present for someone you know, make sure you know what colour they like. It will not be nice to buy a black shirt for your friend if he or she doesn't like the black colour. When you shop online, compare prices. It is common for people now to buy things from a different country and still pay a cheaper price than if they buy it from Australia.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that people have to be very careful when they use their credit cards to shop online. Your credit card details can get stolen. Other people might use your credit card details and you can get into trouble with your bank. Also don’t spend much time when you shop online. There are many things you would want to buy if you spend a lot of time on the interent. You will keep spending money and become broke. Also do not use a computer in a public place when you shop online. People who will use the same computer after you finish may be able to use your credit card details and you will lose money. Do not give your credit card details to your friends as they may use it to do their online shopping and you will pay for that. The company you buy from will have your address and contact details. Make sure you trust the company before you use your personal details.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name ............. Sally Martin and today I will be talking about online shopping My presentation is divided .................. two parts. First of all, I will talk about things you need to know when you shop online. After that I will talk about safety when you do ............... shopping on the internet. Please feel free to ask questions at the .......... of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, many people now have computers and ................ online to do their shopping. Indeed, computers can make us lazy these days. When we go to a shopping centre, we need to drive our cars and we .................. only visit a few of the shops there. When we go online, we can visit millions of shops without leaving our homes. When you buy things on ................... internet, you need to be careful about many things. You need to buy from a trusted web site. You also need to be careful when you use your .................... card on the internet. You need to make sure that you will not change your mind after you click on an item to buy. If you change your mind after ................. buy something online, it may be not so easy to get your money back or get a replacement for the item. Also if you buy a present .................. someone you know, make sure you know what colour they like. It will not .................. nice to buy a black shirt for your friend if he or she doesn't like the black colour. When you shop online, compare prices. It is common for people ................... to buy things from a different country and still pay a cheaper price than if they ................... it from Australia.

Now let’s move on to the second part of ..................... presentation. It is clear that people have to be very careful .................... they use their credit cards to shop online. Your credit card details can get stolen. Other ..................... might use your credit card details and you can get into trouble with your bank. Also don’t spend much time when you shop online. There are many things you would want to buy if you spend a lot of ............ on the interent. You will keep spending money and become broke. Also .............. not use a computer in a public ..................... when you shop online. People who will use the same computer after you finish may be able to use your credit ...................... details and you will lose money. Do not give your credit card details to your friends as they may use it to do their online shopping and you will pay for that. The ........................ you buy from will have your address and contact details. Make sure you trust the company before you use your personal details.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would ................. to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I ................... be happy to answer them.

Answer these questions in pairs:

Do you do your shopping online?

What are the good things about doing your shopping online?

What are the disadvantages about online shopping?

Do you know anyone who spends a lot of money doing their shopping?

Do you like going to the shops?

Do you borrow money to buy things sometimes?

What was the most expensive thing that you bought one day?

Is it always cheap to buy stuff from companies overseas?

Do you buy expensive presents for your friends?

When do you do your shopping online?
Do you think it is safe to shop online?
How many credit cards do you have?
Do you know anyone who has had his or her credit card details stolen?

What are some of the web sites that you visit when you do your shopping online?

What is Your Hobby?

2011-12-02T13:57:00.009+11:00

Four people are talking about the things they like doing in their free time. They all have different hobbies. Read on to find out what each of them likes to do in his or her free time.

Rod
I am 26 years old and my hobby is singing. I like singing very much. I have a group of friends who come to my house and we sing together. We download music from the internet and sing along. I have a microphone that I connect to my TV and I start singing. I think singing is a good hobby because it makes me relax. I forget about my work problems. When I go to friends’ houses, we sometimes sing. People say I have a good voice and I can make a lot of money if I want to be a professional singer. I am not sure about that. I am not doing it for the money. It is something that I like doing in my free time.

Martha
I am 41 years of age and I am a mother of three. I don’t have a lot of free time but I like working in the garden. I plant flowers and do small jobs every now and then. I don’t cut the grass because it is a big job for me. I get my husband to do it. People say I can make money from my hobby. I sometimes sell flowers and plants to my friends and neighbours but I don’t charge them much. I only charge a few dollars and I save them money. I like flowers because they are very beautiful. They make my garden smell nice. I am lucky I have a big garden so I can practise my hobby whenever I want.

Sally
I am 15 years old and I like to collect stamps. I have a big stamp collection. I spend nearly all my pocket money on buying stamps. I have got stamps from different countries around the world. I started my hobby a few years ago when my father’s friend gave me some stamps to look at. He told me some stories about those stamps and I decided to start my own collection. I get stamps from Australia from the letters we get at home. I also go to the post office and buy stamps there. I have some friends on the internet and they send me stamps from their countries. I don’t have any old stamps because I don’t like them. I only have new stamps and I look after them very well.

John
I am 56 years old and I have a dangerous hobby. I have 21 snakes in my house. I keep them in a safe place in one of the rooms I have. I never allow my children inside that room. I make sure my snakes can't escape because they can be really dangerous. I’ve had snakes for many years. I visited China one day and went to a village where people keep snakes in their homes. I liked snakes and decided to have some of them. I get the poison of the snakes and sell it to a company that makes medicine. I get money for the poison and this is how I can afford to feed them. I think snakes are lovely creatures. I have a digital camera and I take pictures of my snakes.

Answer these questions:

Do you have a hobby?
How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?
Do you have other friends who have the same hobby?
Can your hobby make you rich one day?
Is it easy for housewives to have hobbies?
Is it easy for a man or a woman to have a hobby?
Did you have any hobbies when you were young?
Why do people have hobbies?
What would our life be if we didn't have hobbies?
What are some hobbies that are good for women?
What are some hobbies that some men have?
What are some dangerous hobbies you've heard of?

My Mobile Phone

2011-12-02T11:51:00.007+11:00

My name is Li and I come from China. I want to tell you about my mobile phone. My mobile phone is very important to me. I can’t leave my house without it. I love it so much. I can do almost anything I want using it. I’ve had my mobile phone for three months now. I paid $800 do buy it. I can use it inside my house and outside too. I can go on the internet using my mobile phone. I can send SMS messages to my friends and they can send me messages too. It has a big touch screen and this makes reading books easy.

I can download programs from the internet and use them on my mobile phone. These programs are not as expensive as those used on computers. I also use my mobile phone as a camera and take pictures of my children and family members. I upload these pictures to the internet and my friends who live in my country can see them.

I like watching movies on my mobile phone. I download them from the interent and watch them when I travel on the train on my way to work in the morning. I can also watch TV shows. I like downloading music from the internet and listening to it using my mobile phone.

Technology gets better and better every day. Mobile phones get more and more powerful while prices come down. I can use my mobile phone for five hours before I charge it. It is not heavy. It weighs 133 grams only. I don’t know how people used to live without having mobile phones many years ago. Life must have been boring then. I love my mobile phone.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
My name is Li and I come from China. I want to ............... you about my mobile phone. My mobile phone is very important to me. I can’t ................. my house without it. I love it so much. I can do almost anything I want using it. I’ve ................. my mobile phone for three months now. I paid $800 do ................... it. I can use it inside my house and outside too. I can go on the internet using my .................. phone. I can send SMS messages to my friends and they can send ............. messages too. It has a big touch screen and this makes reading books easy.

I can download programs from ................ internet and use them on my mobile phone. These programs are not as expensive as .................. used on computers. I also use my mobile phone as a camera and take pictures of ................. children and family members. I upload these pictures to the internet and my friends who live in my country can .............. them.

I like watching movies on ..................... mobile phone. I download them from the interent and watch them when I travel on the ................. on my way to work in the morning. I can also watch TV shows. I ................... downloading music from the internet and listening to it using ....................... mobile phone.

Technology gets better and better ................... day. Mobile phones get more and more powerful while prices come .................. . I can use my mobile phone for five hours before I charge it. It is ................... heavy. It weighs 133 grams only. I don’t know how people used to live without having mobile phones ................... years ago. Life must have been boring then. I love my mobile phone.

Mobile Phones

2011-12-02T10:45:00.006+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Mohamed Alam and today I will be talking about mobiles phones. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about the advantages of having a mobile phone. After that I will talk about their disadvantages. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, mobile phones are very important. We can’t do without them. We need them to keep in touch with others. We can use mobile phones to talk to family members and friends. We also use them to do business. I can use my mobile phone for example to let the people in the office know that I will be late for a meeting. We can use mobile phones to access the internet. We can use them if we drive cars to get directions. We can also use them to listen to music and take digital pictures. In fact we depend on mobile phones a lot in our modern life.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that mobile phones have some disadvantages. First of all, they are not cheap. People can spend hundreds of dollars to get the mobile phone they like. If you don’t pay your mobile phone bill on time, you will get a fine. When a new model comes out, you will be thinking of buying it. This will cost you money of course. We need to remember that mobile phones are small and are easy to lose. Thieves can stop you while you walk in the street and steal your mobile phone and run away. In addition to that, mobile phones can put your life in danger if you go to the wrong place. Using your mobile phone while you drive your car can cause danger. You can kill someone if you don’t pay attention while you drive your car. It is a fact that mobile phones can sometimes be dangerous.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Mohamed Alam ................. today I will be talking about mobiles phones. My presentation is divided into .................. parts. First of all, I will talk about ....................... advantages of having a mobile phone. After ................ I will talk about their disadvantages. Please feel .................... to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s ................... started.

As you know, mobile phones are very important. We can’t do ................... them. We need them to keep in touch with others. We can use mobile .......................... to talk to family members and friends. We also use them to ....................... business. I can use my mobile phone for example to let the .......................... in the office know that I will be late for a meeting. We can use mobile phones to .......................the internet. We can use them if we drive cars to get directions. We can also ....................... them to listen to music and take digital pictures. In fact we ....................... on mobile phones a lot in our modern life.

Now let’s move on to the second ........................ of the presentation. It is clear that mobile phones have some disadvantages. First of all, they are ....................... cheap. People can spend hundreds of dollars to get the mobile phone they like. If you don’t ........................ your mobile phone bill on time, you will get a fine. When a new model comes ....................... , you will be thinking of buying it. This will cost you money of course. We need to ....................... that mobile phones are small and are easy to lose. Thieves can ........................ you while you walk in the street and steal your mobile phone and run ........................ . In addition to that, mobile phones can put your life in danger if you go to the wrong place. Using ..................... mobile phone while you drive your car can cause danger. You can kill someone if ......................... don’t pay attention while you drive your car. It is a fact that mobile phones ....................... sometimes be dangerous.

It’s nearly time for me to .................... the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be ................... to answer them.

Answer these questions in pairs:
How many mobile phones have you had so far?
What is the best mobile phone that money can buy today?
What can you do with a smart phone?
How much money do you normally pay for your mobile phone per month?
Why do some people have more than one mobile phone?
Is it a good idea to buy a mobile phone for your child who is in year five?
Why do some children need to have a mobile phone?
How many mobile phones have you lost?
How many mobile phones do your family members have?
Do you think people need to have mobile phones or can they do without them?
What are some of the bad things about having a mobile phone?

When Visiting the Doctor

2011-12-02T09:29:00.009+11:00

You can go to see the GP if you feel sick. Before you go there, you pick up the phone and make an appointment. When you get an appointment to see your GP, make sure you arrive in time. You may need to wait for some time before the doctor is able to see you. You need to tell your doctor about the symptoms. He or she will examine you and may write a prescription for you.

You can ask your doctor any questions you have in your mind about your illness. Here are some of the questions you may ask your GP:

Do I need to take medicine for my illness?

How many times a day do I need to have this medicine?

Must I have an injection? Isn’t there any other way?

Do I need to do a blood test?

How long will it take me before I start to feel better?

Can this illness kill me? Is this life threatening?

Do I need to be isolated from other people in my house so they don't fall ill?

Do I need to see a specialist?

Will I need to be admitted to hospital?

Can my illness affect the health of my family?

Will the medicine you have prescribed to me have any side effects?

What do I need to do if my health gets worse?

I don’t like taking tablets. Can I have the medicine as a solution to drink?

Will I have to pay any money when I go to see the specialist?

Do you bulk bill or do I need to pay money after the visit?

Are there any written instructions that I can read and follow?

Will this medicine make me feel OK or will I have to have an operation in hospital in the future?

When I buy the medicine, can I use my Health care card or will I need to pay the full price?

Can I buy the medicine you want me to take over the counter or will you write a prescription for me?

The medicine you want me to take will cost me a lot of money. Is there any other medicine I can buy instead?

When would you like me to come and see you again?

Renting a House Presentation

2011-12-01T16:40:00.003+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Jack Smith and today I will be talking about renting a house in Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about finding a house to rent in Australia. After that I will talk about living in a rented house. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, most people can look for a place to live by going to a real estate agent. They can tell a real estate agent how much they want to pay. After that they tell him or her how many rooms they need. They fill in an application form. They provide their names, address and phone numbers. They read a lease contract and sign it. After that they pay one month in advance. They also pay a bond. They get the keys to the house and move in.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that you must look after the house and the garden. You need to keep the carpet clean. You must not use nails on the walls. You are not allowed to change the colour of the the walls. You can’t break anything or cause damage inside the house. Every six months, the real estate agent will come to inspect the house and have a look at the garden. Before you finish your contract, you must give a notice to the agent to tell him or her that you want to leave the house. This must take place four weeks before you move out. You will be able to get all the bond money back if you don’t damage anything in the house.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Looking After the Environment

2011-12-01T15:58:00.007+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Nicole Smith and today I will be talking about ways to look after the environment. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about why we need to look after our environment. After that I will talk about the good changes that will take place in our life when we look after it. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, we need air, water and other things to be able to live. In our modern life we use a lot of electricity. We also build many factories. We also make the air contaminated. We throw our rubbish in the sea. We kill a lot of fishes and the much of the water we drink is not fresh because it has a lot of chemicals. These chemicals are harmful to our health. If we don’t look after the environment, we will have many health problems. More and more people will need to go to hospitals or see doctors. Also if we don't look after the environment, many of the birds that are alive today will die out. There will not be many parks or green areas to visit because we cut a lot of trees. We cut trees to make furniture. When we cut trees, we also destroy the places where animals live.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that everyone wants to do something to help the environment. There are different ways to do so. We can drive our cars less. We can recycle our rubbish. We can help clean streets by not throwing rubbish in them. We need to look after the fish in the oceans. We can walk to work and not drive cars. If we need to buy cars, we can choose small ones. Big cars use a lot of petrol. Small cars use less petrol. We can also use public transport. We can turn the light off when we leave a room in the house.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Bad Day for Tom

2011-12-01T15:20:00.007+11:00

Tom had a job interview last week. He got up early and had breakfast. He got dressed and made himself ready for the job interview. He drove his car and headed for the freeway. When he entered the freeway, it was busy because everyone was going to work. After driving for ten minutes along the freeway, Tom remembered that he had left an important envelope that he needed for the interview. The envelop contained some important documents. It had a copy of his university degree and a certificate from the company he used to work at in China.

Tom was worried because he needed to go back home to get the important documents. Tom went back home along the freeway. He arrived home and ran towards the door. He got the envelope and went back to the car. He started driving and went along the freeway again. This time he drove too fast. He was doing more than 100 kilometres per hour when a police car started to follow him. Soon after that, Tom stopped his car and the policeman gave him a fine. The policeman said to him it was illegal to do more than 100 kilometres when you travel along the freeway.

Tom was not happy to get the fine. After talking to the policeman for a few minutes, he started driving along the freeway once more. This time he made sure he was driving within the speed limit.

When Tom arrived at the company, they told him that his interview was to be the following day. Tom got the wrong date for the interview. He was not happy at all.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Tom had a job interview last week. He got up ....................... and had breakfast. He got dressed and made himself ready for the job interview. He ..................... his car and headed for the freeway. When he entered the freeway, it was busy ..................... everyone was going to work. After driving for ten minutes along the ....................... , Tom remembered that he had left an important envelope that he needed for the interview. The envelop contained some important documents. It had a copy of ....................... university degree and a certificate from the company he used to work at in China.

Tom was worried because he ...................... to go back home to get the important documents. Tom went back home along .................... freeway. He arrived home and ran towards the door. He got the envelope ........................ went back to the car. He started driving and went along the freeway again. This time he ....................... too fast. He was doing more than 100 kilometres per hour when a police car started ............... follow him. Soon after that, Tom stopped his car and the policeman gave him a fine. The policeman said to him it was illegal to do more ................... 100 kilometres when you travel along the freeway.

Tom was not happy to get the fine. After talking to ................... policeman for a few minutes, he started driving along the freeway once more. This time ................... made sure he was driving within the speed limit.

When Tom arrived at the company, they told him ....................... his interview was to be the following day. Tom got the wrong date for .................... interview. He was not happy at all.

Stop TV Programs After 9 PM

2011-12-01T10:23:00.007+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is William Bernard and today I will be talking about why TV channels should stop broadcasting after 9 o’clock at night. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about how bad watching TV programs after 9 pm can be. After that I will talk about the good things we will start to feel when we don’t watch TV until late at night. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, we have many TV channels and they produce hundreds of programs that everyone likes to watch. We have a big variety of programs that some of us stay up late till the early hours of the morning watching TV. In the morning when a person wakes up, he or she still feels tired because they haven’t got enough sleep. Also late TV shows are all about violence. We need to protect our young children who don’t go to bed early because they want to watch these programs. In addition to that, watching too much TV can make a person have very few friends. People don’t go out to have dinner with friends and family members because they wait to watch their favourite TV programs. They don’t have enough time to sit down and help their children who need to finish their homework. Children don’t study as hard as before because TV programs distract them. The lazy students in class say they spend more time watching TV than studying.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear we still need TV in our life during the day but if we don’t have TV programs after 9 pm, things will be better for everyone. People will have more time to spend with their family. Children will study harder. Those who go to work early in the morning will not feel tired. People will have more social life. TV will not tell us how to think. We will also start using our own brains.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Take a Test Online

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Good afternoon everyone. My name is William Bernard ..................... today I will be talking about why TV channels should stop broadcasting after 9 o’clock at night. My presentation is divided .................... two parts. First of all, I will talk about how bad watching TV programs ................... 9 pm can be. After that I will talk about the good things we will start to feel when .................. don’t watch TV until late at night. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s .................... started.

As you know, we have many TV channels and they produce hundreds ...................... programs that everyone likes to watch. We have a big variety of programs that some of us .................... up late till the early hours of the morning watching TV. In the morning when a person ..................... up, he or she still feels tired because they haven’t got enough sleep. Also late TV shows are all ................... violence. We need to protect our young children who don’t go to bed early because they want to watch these programs. In addition to that, watching too much TV can ........................ a person have very few friends. People don’t go out to have dinner ........................ friends and family members because they wait to watch their favourite TV programs. They don’t have enough time to sit down and help ...................... children who need to finish their homework. Children don’t ......................... as hard as before because TV programs distract them. The lazy students in class say they spend ....................... time watching TV than studying.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear we still ...................... TV in our life during the day but if we don’t have TV programs after 9 pm, things will be .................... for everyone. People will have more time to spend with their family. Children will ....................... harder. Those who go to work early in the morning will not feel tired. People will have ....................... social life. TV will not tell us how to think. We will also start using our ......................... brains.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would .......................... to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to ........................... them.

Answer these questions:

Do you have a TV at home?
When did you start watching TV?
Do you think having a TV set at home is good or bad?
What are your favourite TV programs?
Do you like watching sports on TV?
How much time do you allow your children to watch TV a day?
Is TV bad for students?
Can TV programs be used in useful ways?
Do you think TV makes people stupid?
Why are there some people who don't like TV?
Is TV good for learning a new language?
Can you live without TV?

Importance of Homework

2011-11-30T13:54:00.001+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Li Ping and today I will be talking about why it is important for school children to do homework every day. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about how important homework is for school children. After that I will talk about what can happen if students don’t do any homework. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, students spend a lot of time at schools. They learn a lot during the day but they don’t have enough practice on their own. Doing homework helps them develop their skills. Also when students do homework, they can sometimes get help from their parents or private tutors. They gain more knowledge by listening to others at home. It helps them to bond with their parents and learn from their experience. Students soon realize that the teacher in the classroom is not the only source of information. Students go on the internet and try to find answers to their homework questions. They learn by doing things and by answering questions. Also students become smart when they answer questions. They learn a new thing every day. When they grow up, they will have learned millions of things. When students do their homework, they don’t mix with bad people. They are under supervision at home. When they grow up, they get good jobs and this makes their future better.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that if students do any homework at home, they forget what they have learned at school. They also become lazy and start to fail their tests. Sometimes teachers don’t have enough time to let their students answer enough questions on the topics they teach. In addition to that, learning from school books is not enough sometimes to pass exams. Students who want to have high marks need to do extra work when they go home. Those who don’t do their homework get low marks in their exams. Their knowledge is limited and they don’t know anything outside school books. They only know what the teacher tells them in class. So if the teacher does not tell them some important information, they never know about it because they don’t do their homework.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Madeline

2011-11-30T13:02:00.002+11:00

Listen to this text

http://www.listen-to-english.com/index.php?id=306

Learning in Class

2011-11-30T11:40:00.003+11:00

Welcome to our crtificate II English class. My name is Ibrahim Mohamed and I will be your teacher this term. I would like to give you some information about studying English at AMES. It is really important for you to come to class every day to learn English. If you need to see your doctor or have another appointment, you can ask to have your appointment outside class time. In our class we do a lot of work in pairs and in small groups. Also we have some volunteers who come to our class and help you speak English better. Some of the volunteers were teachers. They have had long experience teaching students and they do a wonderful job to help you learn the language.

In our classroom, we learn grammar, vocabulary and we do a lot of reading. We also use the internet a lot. There are some web sites that I would like you to visit daily. We have a class blog. A blog is like a web site. I always post new lessons on the blog every week. The address for the blog is www.imohamed1.blogspot.com. The web sites I would like you to visit are:

• www.eslyes.com

• www. listenaminute.com

• www.cdlponline.org

If you are unable to come to class, it is nice to call reception and tell the person who answers the phone to advise Ibrahim that you are not coming.

The students in our class come from different countries. This is your chance to learn about other cultures and let other students learn about yours. In our lessons we work together and it is important to show respect for others and their cultures. Some people in the classroom may follow a different religion than yours. Others may not be following any religion at all. It is important for everyone to show respect for others religions.

If you have any problem in class, talk to your teacher. Do NOT go to the manager before you talk to your teacher. If you are not happy with what the teacher says, you can talk to the manager. If you are still not happy, you may choose to go to the city and meet another manager there. I am sure all your problems can be solved if you talk to the teacher first.

Teachers in Australia are busy doing a million things at the same time. I will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have to make your learning experience in the class enjoyable. In the class you will learn new skills. You will learn to use the internet.

From time to time, students have different celebrations. If there is an occasion to celebrate from your culture, it is good to let others know about it and how people celebrate it in your country. Some Chinese students celebrate Chinese New Year. It is a very important celebration in Chinese culture. Others celebrate Christmas. Still others celebrate Eid. It is good to know about these celebrations as Australia is a muliticultural country.

The journy to learn English can take you some time but I am sure if you work on improving your language day after day, you will get there. I wish you enjoy your English class and make new friends.

How to make money in Australia

2011-11-30T09:38:00.001+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is John Martin and today I will be talking about how to become rich in Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about how to start a business here. After that I will talk about how to spend the money you have made. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, in Australia there are many businesses. Anyone can start a business or a company. You need to look for the kind of business you want. You will need a big amount of money to start your own business. You can also buy a business that is already running. You can go to the bank and borrow some money. You will need to pay interest. When you have the money, you will be able to start. You can rent a shop in the city. You can give jobs to workers. You can advertise your business in the local newspaper. You can also use the internet to advertise your business. You will need a good accountant. You will also need an ABN number when you start your company. You need to register your Tax File Number too. It is very easy to start a business in Australia. You can do it online. You can also use an agent to do the paperwork for you. You need to smile when you meet the customers. You need to learn how to talk to them. You will need to buy a car to help you when you start your busniess.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that when you have a business, you will get a lot of money. You can buy anything you want. You will need to pay tax to the government. You will need to spend more money to make your business bigger and bigger. You will need to pay the workers who work in your company their salaries. You will need to pay insurance for your business. You will also need to pay your bills. You can spend money to look after your family. You can buy a house for your family. You can also buy a helicopter for your wife. You can take your family on holiday overseas. You can buy your daughter a daimond ring on her birthday. You can buy your son a new car or a motorbike. You can buy yourself a new shirt from the two dollar shop. You can go to Crown Casino and lose all your money there. You may have to go to prison at the end of the day because you will lose all your money.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentaion. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Advantages of Owning a Car

2011-11-28T16:06:00.005+11:00

A Sample Presentation

Good afternoon everyone. My name is George Antonio and today I will be talking about the advantages of owning a car. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about how cars changed the way we live. After that I will talk about the good things about having a car. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, life keeps changing. Every now and then, something new comes up. Before cars, people used camels and horses to move from one place to another. They used them to travel everywhere. Now people don't normally use animals to move or carry things. They use cars. People go to work and go shopping by car. A lot of students go to their schools in their parents' cars. Cars became part and parcel of our modern life.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. In fact, there are many good things about owning a car. I can give you some examples now. A car gives you freedom. You are free to go anywhere you like. When you first start to drive, you learn new skills. You also don't have to wait to use public transport and waste half your day waiting for a train or a bus to arrive. You can use your car any time of the day or at night. It is easy to plan for your holidays if you have a car. You can choose where to spend your holiday. You can use your car in case of an emergency. You can transfer a sick person to hospital or to see a doctor any time you need to.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Good afternoon everyone. My name ................ George Antonio and today I will be talking about the advantages of owning a car. My presentation is ..................... into two parts. First of all, I will talk about how cars changed the way we live. After ........................ I will talk about the good things about having a car. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s ............................ started.

As you know, life keeps changing. Every now and ...................... , something new comes up. Before cars, people used camels and horses to move from one ....................... to another. They used them to travel everywhere. Now people ........................ normally use animals to move or carry things. They use cars. People go to work and go shopping ..................... car. A lot of students go to their schools in their parents' cars. Cars became part and parcel of our modern life.

Now let’s move on to the second part ..................... the presentation. In fact, there are many good things about owning a car. I can give you some examples now. A car ..................... you freedom. You are free to go anywhere you like. When you first start to drive, you ................... new skills. You also don't have to wait to use public transport and waste half your day ..................... for a train or a bus to arrive. You can use your car any time of the day or at night. It is easy to plan for your holidays if you have a car. You can choose where to spend your holiday. You can use your .................... in case of an emergency. You can transfer a sick person to hospital or to ..................... a doctor any time you need to.

It’s nearly ....................... for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you ....................... coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to ........................ them.

Learning English in Australia

2011-11-28T15:05:00.004+11:00

Learning English in a classroom in Australia can be different. In almost all adult English classes there are no set books for the students to use. Teachers photocopy lessons for the students according to their needs. Most adult students have a lot of commitments outside classes. They have families to look after and appointments to go to.

Teachers use technology in teaching adults to help them speak English. All classes at AMES have computers connected to the internet. They also have projectors and students can learn by watching videos and listening to audio lessons. There are also a number of interactive whiteboards for students and teachers to use. Interactive whiteboards make learning a language exciting.

In adult classes students normally come on time. If they come late, then there is a good reason for them to do so. They don’t need to ask for permission to leave the classroom. They call their teachers by their first names. They don’t need to use formal titles like Mr or Mrs. Teachers may choose to email their students from time to time so they don't miss out on any lessons if they are absent from school.
Teachers are happy to help their students any time they need a hand. Also they try to make their classes enjoyable for students. They sometimes go on excursions with their students. They go to visit different places and this can help students enjoy their new life.
Many of the students in adult English classes also use mobile phone applications to learn. They can use an electronic dictionary that gives the meaning of new words in their own language. They use their fingers a lot to learn these days. They also spend a couple of hours in the computer room and choose a program that they like. This makes them independent learners. They don't need help from their teacher most of the time.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Learning English in a classroom in Australia .................... be different. In almost all adult English classes there are no set books for the students to use. Teachers photocopy lessons ..................... the students according to their needs. Most adult students have a lot of commitments outside classes. They ........................ families to look after and appointments to go to.

Teachers use technology in teaching adults to help them speak English. All classes ........................ AMES have computers connected to the internet. They ..................... have projectors and students can learn by watching videos and listening to audio lessons. There are also a number ................... interactive whiteboards for students and teachers to use. Interactive whiteboards ....................... learning a language exciting.

In adult classes students normally come on time. If they come late, then there is a ..................... reason for them to do so. They don’t need to ask for permission to leave ......................... classroom. They call their teachers by their first names. They don’t need to use formal titles like Mr or Mrs. Teachers ...................... choose to email their students from time to time so they don't miss out on any lessons if they are absent from school.
Teachers are happy to help their students any time they need a hand. Also ...................... try to make their classes enjoyable for students. They sometimes go on excursions with their students. They .................... to visit different places and this can help students enjoy their new life.
Many of the students in adult English classes also use mobile ........................ applications to learn. They can use an electronic dictionary that gives the meaning of new words in their ........................... language. They use their fingers a lot to learn these days. They also spend a couple of hours in the .......................... room and choose a program that they like. This makes them independent learners. They don't need ....................... from their teacher most of the time.

Learn Movie Maker

2011-11-28T12:49:00.001+11:00

Here is a link to help you learn Movie Maker. A great way to get students engaged.

http://www.atomiclearning.com/moviemaker2

Parking Fines

2011-11-28T12:35:00.002+11:00

Good morning, listeners. Welcome to our radio program “Information for New Immigrants”. Today we have Mr Julian Markos and he will talk to us about parking in the city of Whitehorse. Mr Markos, welcome to our program.

Thank you very much.

First of all, we’d like to know why many people get parking fines in the city of Whitehorse.

It’s true that many people get fines in the city of Whitehorse but this can happen anywhere in Australia if you don’t read the signs in the street where you want to park. In the city of Whitehorse, there are more than fifty people who get parking fines every day.

Why can’t they read the signs?

Some people don’t care about reading them. They know they are breaking the law but they don’t care. Most of them are young people. Others don’t have good English to understand what the signs say. Or they may have come from countries that have a different parking system.

What do we need to be careful about when we park our cars in the city of Whitehorse?

We need to look at the sign carefully and understand what it says. If you read a red sign , then you must be careful before you leave your car there. Sometimes people get parking fines because the sign says you are not allowed to park your car in this spot after four o’clock. This is normally written in red so people be careful. At other times, a driver sometimes parks his or her car in a loading zone.

What is a loading zone?

A loading zone is not for a family car. It is for a truck or a van. A driver is normally allowed to leave his van or truck for between fifteen and thirty minutes. A loading zone is used to deliver goods to shops and businesses. It is not to be used by people who want to leave their car to do the shopping. Of course after they come back they find that they have got a fine.

Why do we have metres in the city of whitehorse? I believe that people like to park their cars for free.

Yes, everyone likes to park their cars for free. There are metre machies in the city of Whitehorse near the shopping centre and the hospital in Box Hill and in other spots. This is to make sure the biggest number of people can use the spots there. The money goes to to help the council provide services for the people. Just be careful not to park for more than the time that you are allowed. Check your ticket when you park in a metred place.

Do some people leave their cars in metred areas without buying tickets?

Yes. Some people leave their cars. They think it will be OK if they leave their cars for a few minutes only. Sadly, this is the time when they get fines. I saw a lady who parked her car in a wrong spot without buying a ticket. She went to the supermarket to buy milk quickly. When she went back to her car, she saw a fine on her windscreen. She nearly cried. She was not happy and she was very angry. She said something out loud in a language I didn’t undrestand.

And how do they feel when they get these fines?

Of course they feel sad. They feel angry because they will have to pay the fine.

How long does it take for a person to pay his or her fine?

It normally takes 28 days to pay a fine. A person can pay it online these days using a credit card. If you don’t pay the fine, you will get another one.

What about the 40 kilometre speed limit during school times?

Yes, early in the morning when students go to school, there are areas where you are not allowed to drive your car more than 40 kilometres per hour. If you drive faster than that, you may get a fine.

Who gives these fines?

The police give these fines. You may have seen policemen carrying radars in their hands. A radar tells a policeman how fast a driver is going. If a driver is doing more than 40 kilometres, he or she will get a fine. We need to look after school children. We don’t want them to get run over by fast cars.

Are there areas for people with disabilities to park their cars?

Yes, you see them everywhere. You see them near the library, the shopping centre and the hospital. A person with a disability has a card to say that he or she is allwed to park in these spots. If another person wants to park his or her car there without having such a card, they will get a fine.

Can people park their cars on a naturestrip?

No, they can’t. If you park your car on a nature strip, you may get a fine. Also you can cause damage to the grass and the water pipes underground. Please, everyone, do not park your cars on a naturestrip. It is wrong. Council in the city of Whitehorse spends a lot of money every year to repair the damage caused by carelss drivers who park their cars on naturestrips.

What can people do if they think they have got a fine by mistake?

They can complain. On the back of the fine, there is information to tell you where to complain. You can write a letter and say why you think your fine is not correct and why you think you shouldn’t pay the money.

What can they do if they are not happy about the result?

They can go to the Magistrates’ Court. They can tell a judge why they think the fine is not right. It is a good idea to seek legal advice before you do so.

Well, Mr Markos. The information you’ve given us today is really important for all of us. Not only new immigrants. We are running out of time and have to stop here. I would like to thank you for coming her today and giving the information.

Not at all. I can make myself available if anyone has got further questions to ask about parking in the city of Whitehorse. They can contact me through your program.

Thank you very much.

How to Pay a Compliment

2011-11-27T20:46:00.002+11:00

Learn to Use Computers

2011-11-27T19:15:00.000+11:00

Here is a link to help you learn to use Microsoft programs. It is also good for your English.

http://www.mhelp4u.com

Cat and Dog Presentation

2011-11-24T16:46:00.006+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is John Smith and today I will be talking about animals we keep in the house. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about my dog at home. After that I will talk about my daughter’s cat. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.
As you know, dogs are very friendly animals. They are very smart and lovely. My dog’s name is Domino. She has a brown colour. She is a good dog. She is five years old. I bought her at a pet shop in Box Hill. I paid $200 to buy her. Dogs in Australia are normal expensive. In the morning I take Domino for a walk in the park. Domino plays with other dogs. I give her a shower every week. I take photos of Domino and keep them on my computer. When I travel I take her with me. She likes playing with me and my kids. She eats special dog food. I buy the food from Coles. I pay a lot of money to buy her food. I buy her toys too. She likes playing with toys.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. My daughter has a cat. Her name is Lucy. She is two years old. She is very cute and lovely. She likes to catch mice in the garden. She fights with Domino. She doesn’t like him. When she was young, she always went outside the house to see her boyfriend at night. She scratched some people in the street.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Buying a House Presentation

2011-11-24T16:33:00.004+11:00

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Aminullah and today I will be talking about buying properties in Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about the high prices of houses in Australia. After that I will talk about how to borrow money from the bank to buy a house. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, houses in Australia are very expensive. You need to work very hard to buy a house. You can spend one million dollars to buy one house in Melbourne or any other big city. If you don't have enough money, you can rent a house. Just go to a real estate agent and fill in a form to rent a house. You will need to pay your rent on time. Many people don't like to rent. They say rent money is dead money. They prefer to buy their own houses.

Now let’s move on the the second part of the presentation. You know that many people go to banks to borrow money. They have to sign a contract with the bank. It is not easy to borrow money in Australia. You need to get a good job to borrow a lot of money. After you borrow the money, you need to work hard many years to pay the money off.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Family Holiday

2011-11-24T14:42:00.005+11:00

Alan is an engineer who lives in Melbourne. He has been working for a big company in Doncaster for the past twenty years. This year he will take a long holiday. He will travel to see different countries in Europe. Beofre he goes to Europe, he will visit his daughter who works in Hong Kong. Alan is very happy because he has never been to Hong Kong before. He will spend one week there with his wife and son.

After leaving Hong Kong, the fmily will fly to Paris. Paris is the capital of France. It is a big city. Alan is nervous about travelling to France because he doesn't speak French. He has never been to France but has heard many good things about it. His friends told him that Paris has many places to visit. He would like to take pictures of the different sites there. He will rent a car for one week to travel around France.

After visiting France, Alan wants to take his family and go to Germany. He has a good friend who lives there. They went to the same primary school when they were kids. They have been good friends for so many years. Alan is not nervous about visiting Germany because he will stay at his friend's house. His friend is very rich and has a very good position at a German company.

After visiting Germany, Alan and his family will go to Greece. Greece is a small country in Europe. Greece has rich history. Alan likes history. He read a lot about Greece when he was at school. He doesn't speak Greek but hopes to meet people who speak good English there. In Greece, Alan wants to visit the capital city there. He wants to taste Greek food. He wants to visit Greek beaches and enjoy himself.

After visiting Greece, Alan wants to fly to London. London is the capital city of England. Alan has never been to London before. He is not nervouse about visiting London because people who live in England speak English. They have a different accent from the Australian one. Alan wants to take pictues of different buildings in London. He is worried about the weather there. The weather in London can sometimes be very cold. He doesn't want the rain to spoil his holiday. The holiday will cost him a lot of money for flight tickets and hotel bookings. He doesn't want anything to go wrong while he is in Europe.

Alan will not rent a car while he is in London. He intends to use public transport. He will take buses, trains and trams. He read a lot about traffic jams in London. Alan doesn't like to get stuck in traffic jams. He just wants to enjoy his holiday with his family.

While he is on holiday, Alan will keep in touch with his friends in Melbourne by email. He will check his email every day. He will send pictues to his friends on the interent. Alan has many friends who live in Australia. Ae will send email messages to many of them.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Alan is an engineer who lives ..................... Melbourne. He has been working for a big company in Doncaster for the past twenty years. This year ..................... will take a long holiday. He will travel to see different countries .......................... Europe. Beofre he goes to Europe, he will ...................... his daughter who works in Hong Kong. Alan is very happy because he has ....................... been to Hong Kong before. He will spend one week there with his wife and son.

After leaving Hong Kong, the fmily will ........................... to Paris. Paris is the capital of France. It is a big city. Alan is nervous about travelling ...................... France because he doesn't speak French. He has never been to France but has heard many ...................... things about it. His friends told him that Paris has many places to visit. He ........................ like to take pictures of the different sites there. He will rent a car for one week to travel around France.

After visiting France, Alan wants ...................... take his family and go to Germany. He has a good friend who lives there. They went to the ..................... primary school when they were kids. They have been good friends for so many ..................... . Alan is not nervous about visiting Germany because he will stay at his friend's house. His friend is very rich and has a very good position at a German company.

After visiting Germany, Alan and his family will ................... to Greece. Greece is a small country in Europe. Greece has rich history. Alan .................... history. He read a lot about Greece when he was at school. He doesn't speak Greek but hopes .................... meet people who speak good English there. In Greece, Alan wants to visit the capital .................... there. He wants to taste Greek food. He wants to visit Greek beaches and enjoy himself.

After visiting Greece, Alan wants to fly to London. London ................. the capital city of England. Alan has never been to London before. He is .................... nervouse about visiting London because people who live in England speak English. They have a different accent from the Australian one. Alan wants to take pictues ................ different buildings in London. He is worried about the weather there. The weather .................. London can sometimes be very cold. He doesn't want the rain to spoil his holiday. The holiday will cost him a lot of money for flight tickets and hotel bookings. He doesn't ...................... anything to go wrong while he is in Europe.

Alan will not rent a car while he is in London. He intends to ................... public transport. He will take buses, trains .................... trams. He read a lot about traffic jams in London. Alan doesn't like to get stuck in traffic jams. He just wants ......................... enjoy his holiday with his family.

While he is on holiday, Alan will keep in touch ...................... his friends in Melbourne by email. He will check his email every day. He will .................... pictues to his friends on the interent. Alan has many friends who live ................ Australia. Ae will send email messages to many of them.

Answer the following questions:

What is Alan's job?
Where has he been working for the past twenty years?
How many countries will Alan visit when he goes overseas?
Who will Alan take with him when he goes overseas?
Who will Alan meet in Hong Kong?
Why is Alan not nervous about visiting London?
Where will Alan stay when he goes to Germany?
Does Alan have to pay for accommodation when he goes to Germany?
What is the first country in Europe that Alan will visit?
Will Alan rent a car in London? Why/why not?
What will Alan do in Greece?
How many times has Alan been to France?

How to Give a Presentation

2011-11-24T13:46:00.009+11:00

This is a sample presentation. This will help students achieve module D - LO 2.

Good afternoon everyone. My name is …...................................…… and today I will be talking about ………………………………. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about …………….............………….. After that I will talk about ……...................................… Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, ……………………………..........................................................................

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. It is clear that ........................

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentation. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

=============================
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Li Zhand and today I will be talking about the differences between my country and Australia. My presentation is divided into two parts. First of all, I will talk about background information about my country. After that I will talk about Australia. Please feel free to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Now, let’s get started.

As you know, I come from China. China is a very big country. It is in Asia. Is has a population of more than one billion people. It has many big cities and in these cities there are many facories. China has a good education system. People like to ride bikes when they go to work. In big cities in China, property prices are very high. People work hard and each family is allowed to have one child only.

Now let’s move on to the second part of the presentation. I will give you some information about Australia. Australia is a very big country. It is the sixth largest country in the world but it doesn't have a big population. There are less than 23 million people living in Australia. Australia doesn't have a lot of rain. It has a very good education system. People who live in Australia don't work as hard as Chinese people but they get more money. There are good roads and hospitals in Australia. You can eat food from different cultures here. Everyone is free to say what he or she thinks.

It’s nearly time for me to finish the presentaion. I would like to thank you for coming here today. Now if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

The City or the Country

2011-11-24T10:38:00.005+11:00

Tom and his sister Mary are high school students. They always talk about the places they want to live in when they grow up. They have different opinions. Tom likes to live in a city. He doesn’t like to live in the country. He thinks it is boring. He thinks that people who live the city enjoy themselves more. He thinks that in the city a person can enjoy many things. There are many shops to go to and do your shopping. In the city most people have cars and they can go anywhere they like. If they don’t have a car, they can use public transport. They can take a bus, a tram or a train to move around. They can take a taxi any time during the day or at night.

In the city there are many cinemas, shopping centres and swimming pools to go to. There are also many restaurants to eat foods from different cultures. If you are sick, you can do to a doctor in his or her surgery. You can also go to hospital. To buy medicine, you can go to a pharmacy near your home. In the city it is easy to get a job. There are many companies where you can apply for work. Also in the city there are many good schools to choose from. You see many people in the streets. If you are bored at night, you can go out and visit your friends. You can play sports with them. You can enjoy your time.

Mary listens to what Tom says carefully. She does not have the same opinion. She does not agree with her brother. She thinks he is wrong. She likes to live in the country when she grows up. She thinks living in a city is not a good choice. Here are some of the things she tells her brother. Living in the country is better than living in the city. In the city the air is not clean. There are many cars, buses and trucks. They cause a lot of noise too. If you don’t have a car, you can’t move. You need to be rich to buy a car. If you wait for public transport, you waste a lot of time and you always arrive late for your appointments. Country life is simple. You enjoy fresh air. You see animals and you can have your meals outside in the fresh air. You work in a place that you like. You listen to the birds singing in the early morning and in the evening.

If you live in the city, you get sick more. It is not easy to get a job. You need to rush in the morning to go to work. You eat your lunch quickly because you have a short break from work. You have more stress when you live in the city. In the country you have less problems. In the country you can sleep on the grass. Life in the country is not boring. You can watch TV in your room. You can go on the internet and chat with your friends online. If you live in the city, you need a lot of money to rent a house. You need to work hard all your life if you want to buy one. This can put you under pressure. You don’t enjoy your life because you need to pay a lot of money to the bank. In the country you can find a cheap house to rent. You will not have noisy neighbours. You can milk the cow in the morning and spend the day looking after animals on a farm.

Take a Test Online

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Tom and his sister Mary are high school children. They always talk about the places they want to live in when they grow up. They ..................... different opinions. Tom likes to live in a city. He doesn’t like to live in the country. He thinks it is boring. He thinks ..................... people who live the city enjoy themselves more. He thinks that ......................... the city a person can enjoy many things. There are many shops to go to and do your shopping. In the city most people have cars ....................... they can go anywhere they like. If they don’t have a car, they can use public transport. They can ........................... a bus, a tram or a train to move around. They can take a taxi any time during the day or at night.

In the city there are many cinemas, shopping centres and swimming pools to ........................ to. There are also many restaurants to eat foods from different cultures. If you are sick, you can do to a doctor in his or her surgery. You can also go to hospital. To buy medicine, you can ..................... to a pharmacy near your home. In the city it is easy to get a job. There are many companies where you can apply ........................ work. Also in the city there are many good schools to choose from. You see many people in the streets. If you are bored at night, you can go out and visit your friends. You can play sports ................................ them. You can enjoy your time.

Mary listens to what Tom says carefully. She does not have the same opinion. She does not agree with her brother. She thinks he is wrong. She likes to live in the country when ........................... grows up. She thinks living in a city is not a good choice. Here are some of the things she tells her brother. Living in the country is better than living in the city. In the city the air is not clean. There are many ........................ , buses and trucks. They cause a lot of noise too. If you don’t have a car, you can’t move. You need to be rich to ........................ a car. If you wait for public transport, you waste a lot of time and you always arrive late for your appointments. Country life is simple. You enjoy fresh air. You ............................ animals and you can have your meals outside in the fresh air. You work in a place that you like. You listen to ........................... birds singing in the early morning and in the evening.

If you live in the city, you ........................... sick more. It is not easy to get a job. You need to rush in the morning to go to work. You eat your lunch quickly because you have a short break from ........................... . You have more stress when you live in the city. In the country you have less problems. In the country you can sleep on the grass. Life in the country is not boring. You can watch TV in ............................ room. You can go on the internet and chat with your friends online. If you live ................................. the city, you need a lot of money to rent a house. You need to work hard all your life if you want to buy one. This can put you ............................ pressure. You don’t enjoy your life because you need to pay a lot of money to the bank. In the country you can find a cheap house to rent. You will ........................ have noisy neighbours. You can milk the ............................ in the morning and spend the day looking after animals on a farm.

Answer these questions:

Who do you agree with; Tom or his sister?
Is it easy to use public transport in the country?
What do you think of the air quality in the city?
What are some of the things that Tom likes about living in the city?
What are some of the things that Mary likes about living in the country?
What did Mary say about house prices in the city?
What sort of jobs can people get if they work in the country?
What did Tom say you could do if you feel bored at night in the city?
Where would you like your children to live when they grow up?
What are some disadvantages about living in the city?
Do you need to have a car if you live in the country?
What are some diadvantages about living in the country?
Is it easy to buy a house if you live in the city? Why/why not?
Where is a good place to live in if someone needs to see a doctor quite often?
In the country you always have noisy neighbours. Ture or false?

Renting a Property

2011-11-22T13:30:00.007+11:00

There are different things you need to know before you rent a home in Australia. First of all, rent is normally expensive in big cities. If you choose to live near the city centre, expect to pay more money than if you live further away. In most cases, people shop around before they find a place to rent. This can depend on the price or the location of the property.

Most people go on the internet and try to find a suitable place to rent. They visit different web sites where they see pictures of houses so they can make a good choice. They contact a real estate agent who arranges for them to visit the place they want to rent. A person must read the tenancy agreement before signing it. He or she must keep a copy of the agreement in a safe place. The person renting the place must sign the condition report to say if there was any damage in the property.

The person who wants to rent the property needs to pay one month rent. He or she also needs to pay a bond. A bond is normally equal to the amount they will pay to rent the property for one month. A person gets the money for the bond back after they move out of the property.

Some people who can’t afford to rent a house may choose to share accommodation with others. This means that more than one person live and pay their rent, electricity and gas and phone bills together. This can be good enough for young people but not for a family.

Many people take photos or videos of the property when they move in. They can use these pictures or videos later on when they leave the property to show if any damage was there.

When you start living in a house that you rent, you need to keep it in a clean condition. You are not allowed to use nails on the walls to hang pictures. You are not allowed to paint any wall. Check with your real estate agent if it is OK for you to keep a pet in the property. You also need to cut the grass and not cause any damage inside.

Your real estate agent will come for an inspection to see if any damage has been done or if there is anything that needs to be fixed. It is important to keep the carpet in the house clean. Most people hire a steam cleaning machine to clean their carpet. If they get a professional cleaner to do the job, they will pay more money.

Make sure to pay your rent in time. You can pay early if you want but do not pay late. Your real estate agent needs to have time to send the money to the owner’s bank account. The owner may need to pay his loan on time. If he or she doesn’t pay the money to the bank on time, they will get a fine from the bank. Your real estate agent and your owner will not feel happy if you pay your rent late.

You will need to give your real estate agent a notice before you move out of the property. Normally, people give a written notice to the real estate agent to say that they want to leave four weeks before they do. Your real estate agent will arrange for a final inspection of the property. Someone will come from the office to see if you have caused any damage to the property while you have been living there. If you have done any damage, you will be asked to pay for it. The money will be taken from your bond. If you are not happy, you can use the pictures you took when you started living there.

Take a Test Online

Listen to a classmate and fill in the gaps:

There are different things you need to know before .................... rent a home in Australia. First of all, rent is normally expensive in big cities. If you choose to live near the ........................... centre, expect to pay more money than if you live further away. In most cases, people shop around before they ...................... a place to rent. This can depend on the price or the location of the property.

Most people go on the internet and try to find a suitable place to rent. They visit different ................... sites where they see pictures of houses so they can make a good choice. They contact a real estate agent who arranges for them to visit the place they want to rent. A person must read ...................... tenancy agreement before signing it. He or she must keep a copy of the agreement in a .......................... place. The person renting the place must sign the condition report to say if there was any damage in the property.

The person who wants to rent the property needs to pay ............................. month rent. He or she also needs to pay a bond. A bond is normally equal to the amount they will ........................... to rent the property for one month. A person gets the money for the bond back after they move out .......................... the property.

Some people who can’t afford to rent a house may choose .......................... share accommodation with others. This means that more than one person live and pay their rent, electricity and ........................... and phone bills together. This can be good enough for young people but not for a family.

Many people take photos or videos of the property .................................. they move in. They can use these pictures or videos later on when they leave the property to show if any damage .............................. there.

When you start living in a house that you rent, you need to keep it in a .......................... condition. You are not allowed to use nails on the walls to hang pictures. You are not allowed to paint any wall. Check with your real estate agent if it is OK for you to keep a pet in the property. You .......................... need to cut the grass and not cause any damage inside.

Your real estate agent will come for an inspection ........................... see if any damage has been done or if there is anything that needs to be fixed. It is important to keep the carpet in the .............................. clean. Most people hire a steam cleaning machine to clean their carpet. If they get a professional cleaner to do ........................... job, they will pay more money.

Make sure to pay your rent in time. You can pay early if you want but ......................... not pay late. Your real estate agent needs to have time to send the money to the owner’s bank account. The owner .......................... need to pay his loan on time. If he or she doesn’t pay the money to the bank on time, they .............................. get a fine from the bank. Your real estate agent and your owner will not feel happy if you pay your rent late.

You will need to give your real estate agent a notice ............................. you move out of the property. Normally, people give a written notice to the real estate agent to ............................... that they want to leave four weeks before they do. Your real estate agent will arrange for a final inspection of the property. Someone ........................ come from the office to see if you have caused any damage to the property .......................... you have been living there. If you have done any damage, you will be asked to pay for it. The money will be taken ........................... your bond. If you are not happy, you can use the pictures you took when you started living there.

Protection from the Sun

2011-11-22T10:01:00.002+11:00

Good morning, listeners. Welcome to our radio program “Information for New Immigrants”. Today we have a skin doctor who will talk to us about how to protect ourselves from the harms of the sun. I would like to welcome Dr Reda Ali to our studios. Dr Ali, thanks for coming today.

Not at all. I believe that everyone should know about the harms of the sun in Australia, especially new immigrants.

Let me begin by asking why we have to be careful not to spend a lot of time in the sun.

First of all, the sun is important. It makes us feel worm. It gives us light so we can see. But it can be harmful. There are many people in Australia who suffer from skin cancer. Most of those people have spent a lot of time in the sun. They did not have enough protection.

Are there times when it is not good to be outside the house in the sun?

Yes, the period between ten o’clock in the morning and two o’clock in the afternoon. We need to be careful if we go outside our houses during that time.

I see. What can people do if they have to leave their homes during that time?

There are simple things they can do. For example, if you are going to spend some time in the sun, choose what to wear carefully. Wear a shirt that has long sleeves. Put a hat on to prevent the sun from burning your face. If you go to the beach, use sunscreen.

What is sunscreen?

It is a cream. People use it to protect their skin from the sun. It is really important to use it. It is not expensive by the way. Only a few dollars. You can use one bottle for the whole family. There are different brands and they do the same job. So you don’t need to spend much money on buying sunscreen.

Are there other things that people need to be careful about?

Yes, it is good to seek shade most of the time you are outside your house. Don’t stay in the sun. You can stay under a tree. When you buy a car, you can choose one that has dark windows so you protect yourself and your family from direct sunlight when you travel.

Is it good to wear sunglasses?

Yes, it is a good idea to wear sunglasses, of course. You don’t need to buy very expensive sunglasses. Also a pair of sunglasses can make people look cool. You will look cool and you will protect yourself from the sun.

Are there any months during the year when we need to be extra careful about the harms of the sun?

Yes, the months of December, January and February. We need to be extra careful when we go out.

What about using an umbrella? Do you think it is a good idea to use an umbrella?

Yes, using an umbrella will help protect you from the sun. The only problem is that you lose it easily. Some umbrellas are not of good quality. You buy them and can't use them for long. They get broken. In some countries like Taiwan, you see many people using them to protect themselves from the sun. You don't see many people in Australia carrying umbrellas.

Well, that is interesting to know. Now let me ask you do children need to be careful too?

Yes, everyone needs to be careful about the harms of the sun. We need to know that we need the sun. It makes our bones and our teeth strong. It gives us vitamin D. What we don’t need is too much sun. This means that children who go to school need to be careful about spending too much time playing in the sun, especially at noon.

Do they need to wear hats?

Yes, in term four at school, children in primary schools must wear hats. There are teachers who supervise these kids during play time and they know that.

What about workers who work outside? What can they do?

If it is too hot, they should stop working. The sun can be very dangerous when it is very hot. They need to wear clothes that protect them from the sun. They should use sunscreen creams and drink enough water.

What do we need to do when the temperature is high?

We need to drink enough water. We also need to make sure that we have enough cold drinks in the fridge. If you know anyone old living alone, make sure they are safe. Give them a phone call to see if they are OK. Have a cool bath or a shower. This will make you feel fresh. Close the windows and draw your curtains to keep the cool air inside.

Well, doctor Ali. This information is really important. I would like to thank you for coming today and for making the information simple for our listeners to understand.

Not at all. It’s been a pleasure coming here and talking to your listeners. I am an immigrant myself and I know that most immigrants don’t know many of the things that they really should.

We are running out of time now. Dear listeners, this brings us to the end of our program. We will meet at the same time next week in your program “Information for New Immigrants”. Till then, I wish you all the best and goodbye.

Australia

2011-11-21T16:28:00.005+11:00

Australia is a very big country. English is the official language and the Australian dollar is the currency that we use. It has a rich history. Aboriginals have been living in Australia for the past 40,000 years. Europeans arrived in Australia in the 17^th century. Captain James Cook arrived in Sydney in 1770. In 1829, Australia was claimed as British territory. There used to be six colonies in Australia but they became one country in 1901.

Australia is a rich country. It has a strong economy. It also has a lot of farm land. It also has a lot of minerals. Australia exports minerals to countries like China and India. When Britain went to war in the first and the second world wars, Australia went to war too. When America went to war in Iraq, Australia went to war too. Iraq is a third-world country that has a lot of oil. Today, many people there live a miserable life. Australia has a very strong army. It is not a must for citizens to join the army. This means that you can choose to go to the army or not. Women can join the army in non-combat roles.

In Australia there are many people who follow different religions. There is also a big number of people who don’t follow any religion. This number has been growing over the years.

Some of the problems that face Australia include droughts, a low birth rate and an aging population. More than %16 of the population is obese. This is because there are many fast food restaurants everywhere.

There are some parts of Australia that don’t get enough rain. Crops can’t grow there. These parts are in the central part of the country. Temperatures in these areas are very high. That is why a lot of cities are found along the coast.

There are some big cities in Australia. Sydney is the biggest city. It has more than four and a half million people living there. Melbourne is the second-biggest city. It has nearly four million people. Brisbane is another big city. It has nearly two million people. The capital city of Australia is Canberra. It has less than half a million people living there.

Australia has a good education system. Students start going to school at the age of five. It is compulsory for a student to go to school until he or she finishes year ten. There are many good universities too. Hundreds of thousands of international students come to study in Australia because of the high quality of its education. They mainly come from China, South East Asia and rich countries in the Middle East.

Australia also welcomes skilled immigrants to live and work here. One in four Australians was born overseas. Millions of Australians speak more than one language. This is good for the country because it makes our ties with different parts of the world stronger.

There are more than four hundred airports in Australia. Some of them are big but many of them are small. Australia has a big network of roads and railways. You can travel from one city to another by car, train, bus or plane.

Australians love sports. Australian sports champions get gold medals in different competitions. There are different sports championships held in Australia each year in cricket, tennis and swimming. Students play their favourite sports at schools, parks or leisure centres.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Australia is a very big country. English is .................... official language and the Australian dollar is the currency that we use. It has a rich history. Aboriginals have been living in Australia ..................... the past 40,000 years. Europeans arrived in Australia in the 17^th century. Captain James Cook .......................... in Sydney in 1770. In 1829, Australia was claimed as British territory. There used to ....................... six colonies in Australia but they became one country in 1901.

Australia is a rich country. It has a strong economy. It also has a lot of farm land. It ......................... has a lot of minerals. Australia exports minerals to countries like China and India. When Britain ....................... to war in the first and the second world wars, Australia went to war too. When America went to ........................... in Iraq, Australia went to war too. Iraq is a third-world country that has a ...................... of oil. Today, many people there live a miserable life. Australia has a very strong army. It is not a must ..................... citizens to join the army. This means that you can choose to go to the army or not. Women can join the army ..................... non-combat roles.

In Australia there are many people who follow different religions. There is also a big number of people who don’t follow any religion. This number has been growing ................................ the years.

Some of the problems that face Australia include droughts, a low birth rate and an aging population. More than %16 of the population is obese. This is because there are many fast ......................... restaurants everywhere.

There are some parts of Australia that don’t get enough rain. Crops can’t ......................... there. These parts are in the central part of the country. Temperatures in these areas are very high. That is why a lot of ........................... are found along the coast.

There are some big cities in Australia. Sydney is the biggest city. It has ...................... than four and a half million people living there. Melbourne is the second-biggest city. It has nearly ......................... million people. Brisbane is another big city. It has nearly two million people. The capital city ...................... Australia is Canberra. It has less than half a million people .......................... there.

Australia has a good education system. Students start going to school ......................... the age of five. It is compulsory for a student to go to school until he or ......................... finishes year ten. There are many good universities too. Hundreds of thousands of international students come ....................... study in Australia because of the high quality of its education. They mainly ........................ from China, South East Asia and rich countries in the Middle East.

Australia also welcomes skilled immigrants to live and work here. One in .................. Australians was born overseas. Millions of Australians speak more than one language. This is good for the ...................... because it makes our ties with different parts of the world stronger.

There are more than four hundred airports in Australia. Some of them .................... big but many of them are small. Australia has a big network of roads and railways. You can travel from one city to another by car, train, bus or plane.

Australians love sports. Australian sports champions ............................. gold medals in different competitions. There are different sports championships held in Australia each year in cricket, tennis ....................... swimming. Students play their favourite sports ............................ schools, parks or leisure centres.

A Fire at a Friend's Place

2011-11-18T13:54:00.002+11:00

From: Stewart
To: José
Date: 12/11/2011
Subject: Fire at Markos’ place

Hi José,

Did you know that there was a fire at Markos’s place last night? I only heard this morning. It didn’t get on the news but I heard from Jance that it was pretty bad. Jance said that most of the front of the house had burned down. Markos’ house was made of timber so that probably didn’t help much either. Because the fire burned down the front of the house it ruined Markos’ room and the living room too, ruined the flower garden just under the front windows as well.

I talked to Markos’ girlfriend Mary and she told me that the fire probably started around 3:00 am. This would have been bad if Markos was actually at home. He was at Mary’s place staying the night over. That’s why he didn’t get hurt at all. But his room’s gone and so that’s the guitar, his new bed, his PC and his radio gone too. And that’s just from his room. It gets worse when you add in what got burnt down in his living room, like his wide screen TV, DVD movie collection and tables, chairs and the coach.

The good news is that the kitchen, bathroom and the rest of his house is ok. But with the front of his house gone it could mean that he has to rebuild the whole house. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

The main reason the whole house didn’t get burnt down’s thanks to the neighbour who woke up because his fire alarm went off. The smoke from Markos’ house fire set them off. Markos’ fire alarms went off too. So the neighbour, Mr Tam, called in the MFB and they came around and put the fire out by 3:30 in the morning.

Also I heard from Mary and Jance that the arson squads looking into it. They say the circumstances of the fire were suspicious, how does a fire start from the front of a house with no real fire source around? It really sounds like arson to me.

Anyway, it’s a good thing that Markos had insurance for house and contents against fire. So he shouldn’t have too much trouble getting his house back together. But you know how insurance companies are, its going to take time for Markos to get his house back in one piece.

That’s why he’s going to be staying at Mary’s place for a bit, but her place is a small apartment and it gets a bit cramped with Mary’s sister living there as well. That’s why we’re thinking about having Markos stay at our places for a bit. So next week he’ll be at Jance’s place and after Jance’s he’ll stay at my place for a bit. If it’s ok will you let Markos stay at your place for maybe a week if he needs to? Markos will probably ask you himself if he needs to.

Your friend,
Stuart

====================

From: Stewart
To: José
Date: 12/11/2011
Subject: Fire at Markos’ place

Hi José,

Did you ……………. that there was a fire at Markos’s …………. last night? I only heard this morning. It didn’t get on the news but I heard from Jance that it was pretty bad. Jance said that most of the front of the house had burned down. Markos’ house was made of timber so that ………….. didn’t help much either. ………………… the fire burned down the front of the house it ruined Markos’ room and the living room too, ruined the flower garden just under the front windows as well.

I talked to Markos’ girlfriend Mary and she …………… me that the fire probably started around 3:00 am. This would have been bad if Markos was actually at home. He was at Mary’s place staying the night over. That’s ………….. he didn’t get hurt at all. But his room’s gone and so that’s the guitar, his new bed, his PC and his radio gone too. And that’s just from his room. It gets worse when you add in what got burnt down in his living room, …………… his wide screen TV, DVD movie collection and tables, chairs and the coach.

The good news is that the …………… , bathroom and the rest of his house is ok. But with the front of his house gone it could mean that he has to ………….. the whole house. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

The main reason the whole ……….. didn’t get burnt down’s thanks to the neighbour who woke up because his fire alarm went off. The smoke from Markos’ house fire set them off. Markos’ fire alarms went off too. So the ………….., Mr Tam, called in the MFB and they came around and put the fire out by 3:30 in the morning.

Also I ……….. from Mary and Jance that the arson squads looking into it. They say the circumstances of the fire were …………., how does a fire start from the front of a house with no real fire source around? It really sounds like arson to me.

Anyway, it’s a good thing that Markos had …………… for house and contents against fire. So he shouldn’t have too much trouble getting his house back together. But you know how insurance companies are, its ………….. to take time for Markos to get his house back in one piece.

That’s why he’s going to be ………… at Mary’s place for a bit, but her place is a small apartment and it gets a bit cramped with Mary’s sister living there as well. That’s why we’re …………. about having Markos stay at our places for a bit. So next week he’ll be at Jance’s place and after Jance’s he’ll stay at my ………….. for a bit. If it’s ok will you let Markos stay at your place for maybe a week if he needs to? Markos will probably ask you himself if he needs to.

Your friend,
Stuart

======================

From: Stewart
To: José
Date: 12/11/2011
Subject: Fire at Markos’ place

Hi José,

……………… you know that there was a fire at Markos’s place last night? I only heard this morning. It didn’t get on the news but I heard from Jance that it was pretty bad. Jance said that most of the front of the house had ………… down. Markos’ house was made of ………… so that probably didn’t help much either. Because the fire burned down the front of the house it ruined Markos’ room and the ……………… too, ruined the flower garden just under the front windows as well.

I talked to Markos’ girlfriend Mary and she told me that the fire probably started around 3:00 am. This would have been …………. if Markos was actually at home. He ……….. at Mary’s place staying the night over. That’s why he didn’t get hurt at all. But his room’s gone and so that’s the guitar, his new bed, his PC and his radio gone too. And that’s just from his room. It gets ………… when you add in what got burnt down in his living room, like his wide screen TV, DVD movie …………… and tables, chairs and the coach.

The good news is that the kitchen, bathroom and the …………. of his house is ok. But with the front of his house gone it could mean that he has to rebuild the whole house. Let’s …………… it doesn’t come to that.

The main reason the …………….. house didn’t get burnt down’s thanks to the neighbour who woke up because his fire alarm went off. The ……………. from Markos’ house fire set them off. Markos’ fire alarms went off too. So the neighbour, Mr Tam, called in the MFB and they came ………………….. and put the fire out by 3:30 in the morning.

Also I heard from Mary and Jance that the ……………. squads looking into it. They say the circumstances of the fire were suspicious, how does a fire start from the front of a house with no real fire source around? It really ………….. like arson to me.

Anyway, it’s a …………… thing that Markos had insurance for house and contents against fire. So he shouldn’t have too much trouble getting his house back together. But you know how insurance companies are, its going to take time for Markos to get his house back in one ………….. .

That’s why he’s going to be staying at Mary’s place for a bit, but her place is a small apartment and it gets a bit ……………. with Mary’s sister living there as well. That’s why we’re ……………. about having Markos stay at our places for a bit. So next week he’ll be at Jance’s place and after Jance’s he’ll stay at my place for a bit. If it’s ok will you let Markos stay at your place for ………….. a week if he needs to? Markos will probably ask you himself if he needs to.

Your friend,
Stuart

My son's VCE study

2011-11-18T13:47:00.001+11:00

From: Margery (margery-12@hostname.com.au)
To: Laura (laura@isp.com.au)
Date: 27/10/2011
Subject: My son's VCE study

Dear Laura,

I think you know that my son Mark is in his final year at high school. The VCE exams have just started and I’m getting very worried about him. He decided to study maths methods, chemistry, physics, business management, accounting and English. I’m sure you know that it’s compulsory to study English in the VCE. He said that he was thinking about studying business management or a science or maybe engineering at university. But I’m not so sure.

I don’t think he’s the science or commerce type. His results for maths weren’t bad at year ten and eleven but they weren’t really that good either. He dropped geography to study accounting and that’s made me more worried. Like I said he’s not the maths type.

Recently he’s been studying all night and early into the morning. He has big black patches under his eyes and I think his getting really stressed. His studying long and hard and I’m worried that his studying too hard. The exams are very important to him and he really wants to get into university. I’m just not sure if I should be telling him to take it easy or to just stay quiet and let him do what he wants. I don’t want him to have any regrets about the exams after they’re finished.

Laura, you have a daughter who finished VCE exams a couple of years ago. Do you have any advice for me? Is there something I should do or maybe shouldn’t do? I’d really appreciate any advice you can give me to help my son get through his exams without getting stressed out.
Your friend,
Margery

==============================

From: Margery (margery-12@hostname.com.au)
To: Laura (laura@isp.com.au)
Date: 27/10/2011
Subject: My son's VCE study

Dear Laura,

I think you …………. that my son Mark is in his final year at high school. The VCE …………… have just started and I’m getting very worried about him. He ………….. to study maths, chemistry, physics, business management, accounting and English. I’m sure you know that it’s compulsory to study English in the VCE. He said that he was ………….. about studying business management or a science or maybe engineering at university. But I’m not so sure.

I don’t think he’s the ………….. or commerce type. His results for maths weren’t bad at year ten and eleven but …… weren’t really that good either. He dropped geography to study accounting and that’s made me more worried. Like I said he’s not the ……. type.

Recently he’s been …………. all night and early into the morning. He has big black patches under his eyes and I think his getting really stressed. His ………………. long and hard and I’m worried that his studying too hard. The exams are very ………………... to him and he really ………….. to get into university. I’m just not sure if I should be telling him to take it easy or to …………. stay quiet and let him do what he wants. I don’t want him to have any regrets about the exams after they’re finished.

Laura, you have a ………………… who finished VCE exams a couple of years ago. Do you have any advice for me? Is ………. something I should do or maybe shouldn’t do? I’d really appreciate any advice you can give me to ………… my son get through his exams without getting stressed out.

Your friend,
Margery

=========================================

From: Margery (margery-12@hostname.com.au)
To: Laura (laura@isp.com.au)
Date: 27/10/2011
Subject: My son's VCE study
Dear Laura,
I ……………. you know that my son Mark is in his ………... year at high school. The VCE exams have just started and I’m getting very ……………….. about him. He decided to study …………... , chemistry, physics, business management, accounting and …………………. . I’m sure you know that it’s ………………….. to study English in the VCE. He said that he was thinking about studying Business Management or a Science or maybe engineering at university. But I’m not so …………… .

I don’t think he’s the …………………….. or commerce type. His results for maths weren’t bad at year ten and eleven but they weren’t really that good either. He ………………… geography to study accounting and that’s made …….. more worried. Like I said he’s not the maths type.

Recently he’s been studying all ……………. and early into the morning. He has ………….. black patches under his …………. and I think his getting really stressed. His studying long and hard and I’m worried that his studying too hard. The exams …………. very important to him and he really wants to get into university. I’m ……………. not sure if I should be telling him to take it easy or to just stay quiet and let him do what he wants. I don’t ……………. him to have any regrets about the exams after they’re finished.

………………. , you have a daughter who finished VCE exams a couple of years ago. Do you have any advice for me? Is there something I should do or maybe shouldn’t do? I’d really appreciate any advice you can give me to help my son get …………………. his exams without getting stressed out.

Your …………… ,
Margery

===============================

Comprehension Questions

Who wrote the email?

Who is the email to?

What is the subject of the email?

Who is Mark?

List the subjects that Mark is studying for VCE?

What has Mark been doing recently?

What does Mark want to study at university?

Who is worried? Why is this person worried?

What is the email about?

________________________________________

 What kind of advice would you give to Margery?
Write a short response to this email giving some advice to Margery.

Divide into groups, each group is to write Margery some advice based on the following topics.
 Don’t worry everything will be ok

 Tell Mark to stop studying hard and why

 Tell Margery to just let Mark do what he wants to

 Tell Margery to get some help, hire a tutor to help Mark study and not get stressed.

 Tell Margery to tell Mark about alternatives to university.

________________________________________

 What do you think of tests and exams?

 What do you do when you have to do a test or an exam? Do you study a lot before the test/exam?

Write a short piece of writing describing what you do when you need to do a test/exam.
You do not need to be truthful, feel free to make up a story of what someone would do if they have to take an exam/text.

Marriage/Divorce

2011-11-18T11:58:00.002+11:00

At what aged did you get married?

Do you know someone who was in love for a long time?

How long does it normally take for a couple to get married in your country?

At what age do young men and young women marry in your country?

Does it cost a lot of money for people to get married in your country?

Do you have a high divorce rate in your culture?

Do most people from your country stick to their culture when they come to Australia or do they change?

Have you ever met someone who got married at a very young age?

What sort of presents did you get when you get married?

What was your wedding like?

Do you have a nice mother in law?

Are problems part of everyone’s married life?

Do you know anyone whose husband/wife jealous?

When your kids grow up, do you want them to live near you?

Do you raise your kids in Australia the same way you were raised in your own country?

What makes a successful marriage?

What are the duties for a husband/a wife in your culture?

Does lack of money affect love?

How many days was your wedding?

What happens if two married people from your culture want to get a divorce?

Do people in your country go to court to have a divorce?

Fire in a Hotel

2011-11-18T10:41:00.010+11:00

A fire broke out in the early hours of the morning in a hotel in the city of Melbourne. The fire started at 2:55 am and two fire trucks rushed to the scene. Nearly all the hotel residents were asleep at the time of the fire. Police and emergency services arrived at the scene four minutes after the fire was reported.

Police later announced that one person was dead and three others wounded. The wounded were taken to a nearby hospital. They are still in the emergency department. Doctors said that their lives were not in danger and they were expected to be discharged from hospital in a few days. Police are still trying to contact the family of the person who died.

Police have started investigating the cause of the fire. A worker said that the fire started when one of the residents fell asleep while smoking a cigarette. The bed mattress imediately caught fire. The resident rushed out of his room to warn others who were still asleep. The police will interview the hotel worker and the resident who was smoking in bed. They refused to give any more comments to journalists outside the building.

One police officer said that workers in the hotel were helping residents get out of the building. They all had fire training one week ago. The owner of the hotel said that there were fire alarms and extinguishers in every floor of the hotel. The damage to the hotel has been estimated to be over one million dollars.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
A fire broke out in the early hours of the ................... in a hotel in the city of Melbourne. The fire started at 2:55 am and two fire trucks ..................... to the scene. Nearly all the hotel residents were asleep at the time of the fire. Police ................... emergency services arrived at the scene four minutes after .................. fire was reported.

Police later announced that one person was dead and ..................... others wounded. The wounded were taken to a nearby hospital. They are still ................... the emergency department. Doctors said that their lives were not .................. danger and they were expected to be discharged from hospital in a few days. Police ................. still trying to contact the family of the person who died.

Police have started investigating the cause of the fire. A ...................... said that the fire started when one of the residents fell asleep while smoking a cigarette. The bed mattress imediately caught fire. The resident rushed out of his room to .................... others who were still asleep. The police will interview the ...................... worker and the resident who was smoking in bed. They refused to give any .......................... comments to journalists outside the building.

One police officer said that workers in ......................... hotel were helping residents get out of the building. They all had fire training one week ago. The owner .......................... the hotel said that there were fire alarms and extinguishers in every floor of the ....................... . The damage to the hotel has been estimated to be over .............................. million dollars.

Answer these questions:

Where did the fire break out?
At what time did the fire start?
Where were most of the residents at the time of the fire?
Who rushed to the fire scene?
How long did it take the fire brigade to arrive at the scene?
What did one hotel worker say?
Who will the police interview?
How many people died in the fire?
What did doctors at the emergency department say about the wounded?
How much is the damage expected to cost the hotel owner?
What did all workers in the hotel have a week ago?

Citizenship

2011-11-17T15:17:00.001+11:00

You can learn how to become an Australian citizen by clicking this link here. You can read texts in your own language too. You can order the book and the DVD. You will not have to pay any money.
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/cit_test/test_resource/

Maradona

2011-11-17T15:03:00.007+11:00

Millions of people who love soccer love one player whose name is Maradona. Maradona does not play soccer now but works as a coach for a football team in the Middle East. Some people say that Maradona was the best player of all time. Millions of young boys had his pictures on their bedroom walls. Many of them wanted to be famous football players like him.

Maradona was born in Argentina. He started his football career in a small football club and moved to play in Spain for a famous football team called Barcelona. After playing for Barcelona, he moved to Italy and played for Naples. He helped Naples win the championship two times.

Maradona became the best player in the world and he helped his country’s team win the World Cup in 1986. In the final match Argentina played against West Germany. He scored a goal with his hand against England. Maradona told people that it was not his hand that scored the goal, it was the hand of God.

In 1992, Maradona was not allowed to play soccer because he failed a drug test. In 1994, Maradona started taking drugs and was kicked out of the World Cup. After he stopped playing soccer, he gained weight. He also went to hospital two times because of drugs.

Wherever he goes, there are journalists and cameramen following him. He told reporters a few years ago that he would run naked if his team won the World Cup. Today, he still likes to be in the spot light. You can see his pictures in different sports newspaper and on TV.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Millions of people who love soccer ............. one player whose name is Maradona. Maradona does not play soccer now but works ................ a coach for a football team in the Middle East. Some people say that Maradona ................. the best player of all time. Millions of young boys had his pictures ............... their bedroom walls. Many of them wanted to be famous football players ................. him.

Maradona was born in Argentina. He started ................. football career in a small football club and moved to play in Spain for a ................. football team called Barcelona. After playing for Barcelona, he moved to Italy ................... played for Naples. He helped Naples win the championship two times.

Maradona became the best player in the ......................... and he helped his country’s team win the World Cup in 1986. In the final match Argentina played ...................... West Germany. He scored a goal with his hand against England. Maradona told people that it was not his hand that scored the goal, it was the .................... of God.

In 1992, Maradona was not allowed to play soccer because ................. failed a drug test. In 1994, Maradona started taking drugs and .................... kicked out of the World Cup. After he stopped playing soccer, he gained weight. He also went to hospital two times because ....................... drugs.

Wherever he goes, there ..................... journalists and cameramen following him. He told reporters a few years ago that he would ..................... naked if his team won the World Cup. Today, he still likes to be in the spot light. You ................... see his pictures in different sports newspaper and ..................... TV.

Answer these questions:

What country was Maradona born in?
What was the first team that Maradona played for?
What did he do when he went to live in Spain?
Whose hand did Maradona say scored the goal against England?
What happened in 1994?
What does Maradona do today?
Why did many young boys have Maradona's pictures on their wall?
What country did Argentina play against in the World Cup final match in 1986?

Smoking

2011-11-17T12:57:00.003+11:00

Good morning, listeners and welcome to our radio program “Information for New Immigrants”. Our guest today is Dr May Allen and she will talk to us about the dangers of smoking, especially for women. Dr Allen, welcome to our program.

Thank you very much. It is a really important thing to talk to people and let them know how dangerous smoking is.

First of all, doctor. Let me ask you an important question. We all know that smoking is both bad and dangerous for people, but why is it very dangerous for women to smoke?

Smoking is bad for both men and women. It can harm both of them. It reduces a woman’s chances of having babies by %40. It also badly affects the baby before it is born. We need to tell women that they must stop smoking if they fall pregnant. They inhale poisons like nicotine and carbon monoxide. This will surely affect the unborn baby. The baby will not get enough oxygen. Babies of mothers who smoke normally weigh less than normal babies.

So if a woman loves her baby, she should stop smoking. Is that what you are trying to say to our listeners today?

Yes, I think a woman must stop smoking to protect her baby. A woman can lose her baby because she smokes. This is a fact.

I often hear people talking about passive smoking or second-hand smoking and I don’t understand what they are trying to say.

Second-hand smoking and passive smoking are the same thing. If I smoke and you set down in the same room, this means that you smoke too. I will get more harm of course but you will not be safe.

What do you say to a person who smokes a packet a day?

I say to them that you are killing yourself. You are wasting your money and you don’t care about anyone else. If you have children, they deserve your money more than the cigarette company.

Do cigarettes have harmful chemicals in them?

Yes, they do. There are different chemicals that are very bad for health. I will give you an example. One of the chemicals we use to kill rats is used to make cigarettes. Do you see now how dangerous smoking is? People need to stop and think before they smoke. There are more than 400 bad chemicals that are used in making cigarettes. Some of them cause cancer.

What about children, how are they affected by smoking?

If I grow up in a family where the father and the mother smoke, I will feel that it is OK to smoke when I am older. There is nothing wrong with that. Children get into fights because of cigarettes. Some of them steal money to buy cigarettes. You need to give a good example to your children so they don’t become smokers in the future.

What are some of the reason why people should stop smoking?

Well, if they want to lead a healthy life, they should stop smoking. Smoking causes cancer. People can die at any age because of cancer. They can have heart attacks. If they want to heave healthy lungs, they should stop smoking. It is really bad for your teeth. People live shorter if they smoke.

Are there medicines to help people stop smoking?

We have to know that quitting smoking is not easy. It is hard but you can do it if you want to. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. A doctor is trained to give medical advice. He can discuss the best thing for you to do. A person can go to a pharmacy and buy a patch to put on his or her arm. This patch can help a person stop smoking. There are other things a person can buy from the pharmacy too.

Finally what do you advise people to do?

I advise everyone, especially young children, to stay away from cigarettes. Cigarettes can kill you. They will make you go to hospital more. You will feel much better if you stop smoking. You are burning your money if you smoke.

BBC

2011-11-16T12:23:00.000+11:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15701959

Work contracts

2011-11-16T10:52:00.005+11:00

You need to sign a contract before you start working in Australia. A work contract has a lot of information that you need to know. It tells you how much money you will get per hour. It tells you about any overtime and penalty rates. This is information about the additional hours you may be asked to do. For example, if you are asked to work on the weekend, you will be paid more money. The contract will tell you about the type of employment you will have. People can work full time, part time or as casuals. The contract also has information about who your supervisor will be.

The contract will tell you about the work arrangements. This means that you may be asked to do shift work. You may be asked to work in the morning, in the afternoon or at night. Your contract will also tell you about the amount of hours you will do per week. If you work full time, you are expected to work 36 hours per week. Your contract will tell you about your annual leave. Most people who work full time in Australia get four weeks annual leave each year. If you work part time, you will get less than that. If you work as a casual, you will not get any annual leave. Some people prefer to travel overseas when they get their annual leave.

When you get your wages, some of the money goes into paying taxes. The government collects taxes to build new schools, hospitals, roads and do other things to serve the people of Australia. Another part of your wages will go to your superannuation. Superannuation is an amount of money that you get when you stop working at an old age. The final part of your work contract tells you about dispute settlement. It gives you information on what to do if you have a problem with the company you work at.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
You need to sign a contract before you .................working in Australia. A work contract has a lot of information .................. you need to know. It tells you how much money you will get per hour. It tells you about any overtime and ................... rates. This is information about the additional .................. you may be asked to do. For example, if you are asked to work on the weekend, you will be paid more money. The contract will tell you about the type of employment you will have. People can work ................ time, part time or as casuals. The contract also has information about who your supervisor will be.

The contract will tell you about .................. work arrangements. This means that you may be asked to do shift work. You may be asked ............... work in the morning, in the afternoon or at night. Your contract will also tell you ................. the amount of hours you will do per week. If you work full time, you are expected .............. work 36 hours per week. Your contract will tell you about your annual leave. Most people .................. work full time in Australia get four weeks annual leave each year. If you work .................... time, you will get less than that. If you work as a casual, you will ..................... get any annual leave. Some people prefer to travel overseas when they ......................... their annual leave.

When you get your wages, some of ..................... money goes into paying taxes. The government collects taxes to build new schools, hospitals, ................... and do other things to serve the people of Australia. Another part of your wages will go ................. your superannuation. Superannuation is an amount of money that you ................... when you stop working at an old age. The final part of your work contract tells .................... about dispute settlement. It gives you information on what to do if you have a problem .............. the company you work at.

Kitchenhand

2011-11-14T16:27:00.011+11:00

Maria is a new immigrant from Greece. She has been living in Australia for eleven months. She went to study at AMES because she needed to improve her English language. After finishing certificate three in English, Maria went to TAFE to do a short course in hospitality. She wanted to work as a kitchenhand.

At TAFE, Maria learned to assist cooks and chefs. She learned how to store food, wash dishes and clean the kitchen. Her teacher told her how important it was to wash her hands several times to protect the health of the people who will eat the food. The teacher taught her about the dangers of bacteria and how people become sick because of food poisoning.

Maria learned to prepare salads and desserts. She also learned to dispose of rubbish. The teacher told her about things in the kitchen that could be dangerous for her safety. Maria learned to work as a team. She improved her communication skills because most people who work in the kitchen come from different cultures.

After finishing the course, Maria got a job in a restaurant in Box Hill. She felt happy because the restaurant owner treated her very well. He thought that she was a good worker because she was always tidy and worked quickly and safely. Maria would like to make some money before she goes back to TAFE to do another course to work as a chef. Maria says that chefs get more money than kitchenhands.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Maria is a new immigrant from Greece. She ................. been living in Australia for eleven months. She went to study at AMES because she needed to improve her English language. After ...................... certificate three in English, Maria went to TAFE to ................. a short course in hospitality. She ....................... to work as a kitchenhand.

At TAFE, Maria learned to assist cooks ................... chefs. She learned how to store food, wash dishes and clean the kitchen. Her teacher told her how important it was to ................... her hands several times to protect the health of the people who will eat the food. The teacher taught her ..................... the dangers of bacteria and how people become sick because .................... food poisoning.

Maria learned to prepare salads and desserts. She also learned .................. dispose of rubbish. The teacher told her about things in the kitchen that could be dangerous for her safety. Maria ...................... to work as a team. She improved her communication skills because ........................ people who work in the kitchen come from different cultures.

After finishing the course, Maria got a job in a restaurant in Box Hill. She .................... happy because the restaurant owner treated her very well. He thought that she was a ..................... worker because she was always tidy and worked quickly and safely. Maria would like to make .................... money before she goes back to TAFE to do another course to work as a chef. Maria says that chefs ...................... more money than kitchenhands.

Answer these questions:

What country does Maria come from?
Why did she go to AMES?
Where did Maria do her hospitality course?
Why does Maria have to wash her hands several times?
What are some of the things that her teacher taught her at TAFE?
What was the first job that Maria got in Australia?
Why was the restaurant owner happy with Maria?
Why do you think many people get food poisoning?
Why does Maria want to go back to TAFE?

Telemarketing

2011-11-14T11:14:00.018+11:00

Sometimes people you don't know telephone you and ask you to buy something that they sell over the phone. They may ask you to change your electricity or phone company. They may tell you that the company you deal with now charges you more money. They say that if you sign up with them, you will save money. After you sign up with them over the phone, you may find out that you will pay more money. This can make you feel angry or upset.

Welcome to the world of telemarketing. Telemarketing is one way companies use to attract new customers. We get telemarketing phone calls while we are having dinner or when we are watching our favourite TV shows. We may be in the middle of doing something important and get distracted by a phone call from a marketing company. Some of the people who call you may be in a different country. Companies in Australia use them because they don't cost much money like TV and newspaper ads. Telemarketers may work odd hours to save the company a lot of money. Many companies in Australia use telemarketers from India.

People who do telemarketing try to get you to sign up for the service they sell in different ways. They push very hard because they get money from their company if they sign up new customers. They may take advantage of you if your English is not good enough. They may ask you to do a voice recording and keep saying "Yes" to what they say on the phone.

There is a web site that you can use to stop getting phone calls from companies that do telemarketing. The web site is called Do Not Call.You can use the service by visiting www.donotcall.gov.au. The web site has some information to help you stop getting calls from telemarketing companies.

There are other things you can do if you get a call from a telemarketing company. You can use one of the following tips:

Answer the person back in a language other than English.
Keep saying "Hello".
Say "I can't hear you" several times.
Ask them for their contact details.
Say "I don't understand your English".
Ask them to send you a hard copy of the contract they talk about so you can take a good look at it.
Tell them that you do not intend to change the company you are using at all.
Keep saying "No English".
Ask for their telephone number so you can call them back after you consider their offer.
Politely tell the person that you don't want the service they are offering.
Keep pressing buttons on your phone to get an annoying sound.
Say that you are really busy and can't take their phone call. Make it very short and hang up.
Do not insult them. They are trying to do their work.
If any of them starts insulting you, hang up at once. Do not insult them back.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

Sometimes people you don't know telephone you ................... ask you to buy something that they sell over the phone. They may ask you to change your electricity .................... phone company. They may tell you that the company you deal with now charges you more money. They say ....................... if you sign up with them, you will save money. After you sign up with them over the phone, you .................. find out that you will pay more money. This can make you feel angry or upset.

Welcome to the world of telemarketing. Telemarketing is .................. way companies use to attract new customers. We get telemarketing phone calls while .................. are having dinner or when we are watching our favourite TV shows. We may be in the middle ................. doing something important and get distracted by a phone call from a marketing company. Some of the people who call you ................. be in a different country. Companies in Australia use them because they don't cost much money like TV .................. newspaper ads. Telemarketers may work odd hours to save the company a lot of money. Many companies .................... Australia use telemarketers from India.

People who do telemarketing try to get you to sign up .................. the service they sell in different ways. They push very hard because they get money from their company if they ................... up new customers. They may take advantage of you if your English is not good enough. They ................... ask you to do a voice recording and keep saying "Yes" to what they say on the phone.

There is a web site that you can use to ..................... getting phone calls from companies that do telemarketing. The web site is called Do Not Call.You ................... use the service by visiting www.donotcall.gov.au. The web site has some information to help you ..................... getting calls from telemarketing companies.

There are other things you can ................... if you get a call from a telemarketing company. You can use one of the following tips:

Answer the person back .................. a language other than English.
Keep saying "Hello".
Say "I can't .................. you" several times.
Ask them ..................... their contact details.
Say "I don't understand ..................... English".
Ask them to send you a hard copy .................. the contract they talk about so you can take a good look at it.
Tell them that you do not intend to .................... the company you are using at all.
Keep saying "No English".
Ask for their telephone number so you ................ call them back after you consider their offer.
Politely tell the person that you don't .................. the service they are offering.
Keep pressing buttons on your phone .............. get an annoying sound.
Say that you are really busy and can't ................... their phone call. Make it very short and hang up.
Do not insult them. They are trying to .............. their work.
If any of them starts insulting you, hang up at once. Do .......... insult them back.

My Weekend

2011-11-14T10:14:00.010+11:00

On Saturday, it was sunny and there was no rain. I woke up at nine o'clock in the morning and I took a shower. I went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast. I had breakfast in front of my TV. I tried to find something interesting but it was all boring. I switched off my TV and drove my car to the shopping centre in Box Hill. I arrived at the shopping centre at eleven o'clock. I walked to the supermarket and bought some food for the cat. There were so many things on special. I bought tomato paste and noodles.

I left the supermarket and went to the news agency. I bought two computer magazines and a newspaper. I bought the Age newspaper because it had an employment section. The employment section has hundreds of job ads. My sister is looking for work and I want to help her find a good one. She goes on the internet and tries to find a job as a nurse.

I drove my car and went to visit a friend. I stayed at my friend’s house for about one hour. After leaving my friend’s house, I went to the gym. I always go to the gym on the weekend. I did some exercises at the gym for one hour. After that I took a shower and went with a couple of friends to the cinema. We watched a new movie. It was funny and we all liked it.

After leaving the cinema, we went to a restaurant in Camberwell and had a meal. The restaurant we chose was not expensive. We stayed at the restaurant for nearly one hour and then I drove my car back home. At home, I played with my cat for some time then I went on the internet. I have a business that I run on the internet. I sell plastic toys online and my customers buy my products and send me money. I do online banking to see how much money I have every day. I go to the post office every day during the week to send the toys to my customers. I make good money because the plastic toys that I sell are really good.

Many children like them and they ask their parents to buy them. They feel happy when they get them. On Sunday, I sleep for a long time. I leave bed at eleven o'clock in the morning and then go out with my friends. We do different things. Sometimes we go outside Melbourne and spend a nice time in the country or at the beach. Sometimes we take our bikes and ride a few kilometres. I usually come back home before midnight. When I come home on Sunday, I always feel tired.

Answer these questions:

What was the weather like on Saturday?
Does the writer go to the bank every day to do her banking?
Why do you think the writer sells a lot of plastic toys?
How does the writer sell her toys?
Why did the writer go to the Box Hill shopping centre on Saturday?
What sort of pet does the writer have?
What sort of business does the writer have?
Where was the restaurant that the writer went to?
What did the writer buy at the news agency?
How long did the writer spend at the gym?
Does the writer ride her bike on Saturday or on Sunday?
Does the writer ride her bike alone or with friends?
Why did the writer buy the Age newspaper?
What does the employment section have?
Did the writer go to the cinema before or after leaving the restaurant ?
What sort of job does the writer's sister want to do?

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

On Saturday, it was sunny and there ............ no rain. I woke up at nine o'clock in the morning and I took a shower. I went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast. I had breakfast ................. front of my TV. I tried to find something interesting but it was all boring. I switched off my TV and .................. my car to the shopping centre in Box Hill. I arrived at the shopping centre ................ eleven o'clock. I walked to the supermarket and bought some food for the cat. There were so many things on special. I bought tomato .................... and noodles.

I left the supermarket and went to the news agency. I bought ................. computer magazines and a newspaper. I bought the Age newspaper because it ................... an employment section. The employment section has hundreds of job ads. My sister is looking for work and I want to .................... her find a good one. She goes on the internet and tries to find a job ................. a nurse.

I drove my car and went to visit a friend. I stayed at ................... friend’s house for about one hour. After leaving my friend’s house, I went to the gym. I always go ................... the gym on the weekend. I did some exercises at the gym for one hour. After that I took a shower and ...................... with a couple of friends to the cinema. We watched a new movie. It was funny and .................... all liked it.

After leaving the cinema, we ..................... to a restaurant in Camberwell and had a meal. The restaurant we chose was not expensive. We stayed at the restaurant for nearly one hour .................... then I drove my car back home. At home, I played with my cat for some time then I went on the internet. I ....................... a business that I run on the internet. I sell plastic toys online and my customers buy my products ................... send me money. I do online banking to see how much money I have every day. I go to the post office every ................... during the week to send the toys to my customers. I make good money because the plastic toys that I sell .................... really good.

Many children like them and they ask their parents to buy them. They ............... happy when they get them. On Sunday, I sleep for a long time. I leave bed at eleven o'clock in ................ morning and then go out with my friends. We do different things. Sometimes we go outside Melbourne .................... spend a nice time in the country or at the beach. Sometimes we take our bikes and ride a few kilometres. I usually ................. back home before midnight. When I come home on Sunday, I always ...................... tired.

Teachers' Work

2011-11-10T16:31:00.009+11:00

Working as a teacher is very interesting. Most teachers keep their jobs for a long time because they like what they do. Teachers read a lot because students can ask them questions any time. Teachers spend a lot of time preparing lessons for their students. They mark exam papers and let students know their mistakes.

Some teachers decided to do that job because they had good role model teachers teaching them when they were young. Teachers always look for good ideas to make their classes interesting for students. They use computers and read a lot online. There are some teachers’ forums on the internet to share ideas. Teachers can meet other teachers from different countries. They share their ideas online.

Teachers never stop learning. They learn from books and they also learn on the job. They learn from their co-teachers and from their students in class. Teachers also spend a lot of money on books. They buy books to learn how to teach better in class. They also do a lot of training. This training can be inside or outside school. When they finish their training, they come back to class and start using what they have learned.

A good teacher is a good actor. A good teacher makes up stories in class, so learning can be more interesting for students who have to spend long hours in class. Teachers who work in primary and high schools meet parents from time to time. They inform them about the progress of their children. They phone parents if there is anything they should know about their children.

In most courtiers around the world, working as a teacher is a rewarding thing. Teachers are respected by students and parents. Most teachers are not rich. They can not afford to live in expensive houses or buy expensive cars but they like what they do for a living. When a student says “thankyou” to a teacher, he or she feels rewarded for the work they do.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Working as a teacher is ................... interesting. Most teachers keep their jobs for a long time because they like what they do. Teachers .................... a lot because students can ask them questions any time. Teachers spend a ................ of time preparing lessons for their students. They mark exam papers and ................. students know their mistakes.

Some teachers decided to do that job because they had ............... role model teachers teaching them when they were young. Teachers always look .............. good ideas to make their classes interesting for students. They use computers .............. read a lot online. There are some teachers’ forums on the internet to share ideas. Teachers can meet other teachers ............... different countries. They share their ideas online.

Teachers never stop learning. They ............... from books and they also learn on the job. They learn from their co-teachers ............... from their students in class. Teachers also spend a lot of money on books. They buy ............... to learn how to teach better in class. They also do a lot of training. This training ................ be inside or outside school. When they finish their training, they come back to class and start ................ what they have learned.

A good teacher is a good actor. A good teacher .................. up stories in class, so learning can be more interesting for students ................ have to spend long hours in class. Teachers who work in primary and high schools ............... parents from time to time. They inform them about .................. progress of their children. They phone parents if there is anything they should know ................... their children.

In most courtiers around the world, working .............. a teacher is a rewarding thing. Teachers are respected by students and parents. Most teachers are not rich. They can not afford to live in expensive houses or buy expensive ............... but they like what they do for a living. When a student says “thankyou” ................ a teacher, he or she feels rewarded for the work they .................. .

Use words from both sides of the table to complete the sentences:

high - the - buy - good - not - ask

books - them - work - afford - ideas - schools

Working as a teacher is very interesting. Most teachers keep their jobs for a long time because they like what they do. Teachers read a lot because students can ________ _______ questions any time. Teachers spend a lot of time preparing lessons for their students. They mark exam papers and let students know their mistakes. Some teachers decided to do that job because they had good role model teachers teaching them when they were young. Teachers always look for _______ ________ to make their classes interesting for students. They use computers and read a lot online. There are some teachers’ forums on the internet to share ideas. Teachers can meet other teachers from different countries. They share their ideas online. Teachers never stop learning. They learn from books and they also learn on the job. They learn from their co-teachers and from their students in class. Teachers also spend a lot of money on books. They _______ _______ to learn how to teach better in class. They also do a lot of training. This training can be inside or outside school. When they finish their training, they come back to class and start using what they have learned. A good teacher is a good actor. A good teacher makes up stories in class, so learning can be more interesting for students who have to spend long hours in class. Teachers who work in primary and ________ _______ meet parents from time to time. They inform them about the progress of their children. They phone parents if there is anything they should know about their children. In most courtiers around the world, working as a teacher is a rewarding thing. Teachers are respected by students and parents. Most teachers are not rich. They can ________ _______ to live in expensive houses or buy expensive cars but they like what they do for a living. When a student says “thankyou” to a teacher, he or she feels rewarded for _______ _______ they do.

Resume

2011-11-10T10:28:00.009+11:00

When you start looking for work in Australia, you need to have a good resume. A resume is a document that has some information about you. It has your name, address, telephone number and email address. It also has some information about your education and the types of jobs you have had. The resume should include the names and contact details of at least two people who know you and your work.

You can type your own resume using a computer. There are many web sites on the internet to help you get started. There are also some videos on the net to give you good tips on how to type a good resume. You can ask your friends for help because if you don’t have a good resume, there will be little chance a company will call you to come for an interview.

If you don’t know how to type a resume, you can try to find samples of resumes in your career on the net and edit one for yourself. Of course you will need to have some computer skills to do so. If you don’t have good computer skills, you can ask a resume professional to make one for you. Resume professionals charge money for their work. This can cost you about one hundred dollars. Some of them charge a few hundred dollars depending on the time they spend preparing it.

In many situations, you will not be able to use one resume to apply for different jobs. Make sure you read the ad for the job very well before you start typing your resume. If a company wants someone who can handle cash, you can mention in your resume that you can do so. If a shop wants someone who can deal with customers, you can mention in your resume that you have good people skills.

Your resume is the first thing an employer sees. They will have a picture of you before seeing you in person when they read your resume. Make sure you say all the good things about yourself and ask other people to have a good look on it before you send it. They can check your resume for spelling mistakes. If you have spelling mistakes in your resume, this can show that you don’t pay attention to the things you do.

You will need to ask the people you will use as references for permission before you use their names in your resume. Make sure they know that you are applying for work so they can be ready to answer questions about you and your work. You can’t use your family members as references in your resume. Your references have to know about your work.

Your resume can be one page or a few pages long. If you have worked in different positions or if you have many things to mention, your resume can be long. The employer can use your resume to ask you questions during the job interview.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

When you start looking for work in Australia, ................need to have a good resume. A resume is a document that has some information about you. It has your name, address, telephone ..................and email address. It also has some information about .................. education and the types of jobs you have had. The resume should include the names and contact details of at least two people ....................know you and your work.

You can type your own resume using a computer. There are many ...................sites on the internet to help you get started. There are also some videos on the net to give .....................good tips on how to type a good resume. You can ask your friends for help because if you don’t ......................a good resume, there will be little chance a company will call you to come for an interview.

If you don’t know how to type a resume, you can ...................... to find samples of resumes in your career on the net and edit one for yourself. Of course you will need to have ...........................computer skills to do so. If you don’t have good computer skills, you can ask a ............................professional to make one for you. Resume professionals charge money ........................their work. This can cost you about one hundred dollars. Some of them charge a few hundred dollars depending on the .........................they spend preparing it.

In many situations, you will not be able to use .............................resume to apply for different jobs. Make sure you read the ad for the job very ..........................before you start typing your resume. If a company wants someone who can handle cash, you can mention in your resume that you .....................do so. If a shop wants someone who can deal with customers, you .............mention in your resume that you have good people skills.

Your resume is the first ................ an employer sees. They will have a picture of you before seeing you in person when they read your resume. Make sure you say all the ..................things about yourself and ask other people to have a good look on it before ...................send it. They can check your resume for spelling mistakes. If you have spelling mistakes in your resume, this can show that you don’t ............................attention to the things you do.

You will need to ask the people you will .........................as references for permission before you use their names in your resume. Make sure they know that you .............................applying for work so they can be ready to answer questions about you and your work. You can’t use your .............................members as references in your resume. Your references have to know about your work.

Your resume can be one page or a ..................pages long. If you have worked in different positions or if you have many things to mention, your resume can be long. The employer .....................use your resume to ask you questions during the job interview.

Email

2011-11-09T12:30:00.002+11:00

From: James (James0178625@hostname.com)

To: Alex Chan (A-CHAN@isp.com.au)

Date: 07/08/2011

Subject: First day on the job.

Hi Alex,

I just finished my first day at my new job. It was very busy and new for me. This is the first time I’ve worked at a real restaurant.

I’m a kitchen hand at the restaurant. There are two other kitchen hands and three apprentice chefs. The boss of the kitchen is the head chef and the two assistant chefs.

I’m not doing anything very hard yet. Today it was my job to peel the potatoes and the carrots. The other two kitchen hands, Jack and Lily, were chopping vegetables and meat. My other big job is cleaning the kitchen with the other two kitchen hands.

I don’t cook anything yet. All I do is help get the food ready for cooking. All the cooking is done by the chefs. You learn lots about cooking just watching them cook.

Once I finish my TAFE certificate I’m going to try and find a job for an apprentice chef.

Best wishes,
James
=================================
Comprehension Questions

Where does Alex work?

What is his job at work called?

What does he do for his job?

Who does all the cooking?

How many other people work at Alex’s workplace?

What does Alex plan to do in the future?
===============================
Write a reply

Hi James,

Good luck at your new work, my first job was very busy. I worked in a coffee shop in Shanghai, China. I started work at 11 o’clock and finished at 3 o’clock in the morning. I worked six days a week. I made a lot of money and managed to buy a house. At work I met a lot of customers from everywhere in the world. I made a lot of friends at work as well. I worked with different people and I learned to speak English and Japanese.

I liked my job because my boss was friendly. She gave me good money. My job was not hard. I learned to make coffee, serve customers and handle cash.

Going to work was easy. I rode a bike every day because I lived nearby.

The hardest day for me was when I first started work. I didn’t know how to make coffee, serve customers or handle cash. After some time, I stopped feeling nervous. My friends at work taught me a lot.

In the future, I plan to open my own coffee shop in the city of Melbourne. I want go to TAFE and study hospitality. I want to get a certificate to become a chef. It will take one year to do the course. I will need a lot of money to open the coffee shop. I want you to come to Australia so you can help me run the business. We can make a lot of money together. Australia is a big country and I am sure you will like it.

Regards,

Alex

Neither........ nor....

2011-11-09T10:41:00.005+11:00

My father doesn’t like boxing.
Neither do I.
This means that my father doesn’t like boxing and I don’t like boxing either.

She didn’t catch the early train.
Neither did I.

My friend does not live in Paris.
My friend does not live in London.
My friend lives neither in Paris nor in Lodon.

I don't like Lebanese food.
I don't like Vietnamese food.
I like neither Lebanese nor Vietnamese food.

Tom doesn’t like tennis. He doesn’t like football.
Tom likes neither tennis nor football.

Toyota cars are not cheap.
Honda cars are not cheap.
Neither Toyota cars nor Honda cars are cheap.

My sister didn’t get a job.
She didn’t buy a car.
My sister neither got a job nor bought a car.

Tom didn’t go to the party.
Alan didn’t go to the party.
Neither Tom nor Alan went to the party.

I don’t speak Japanese.
My sister doesn’t speak Japanese.
Neither I nor my sister speaks Japanese.

I don't have American dollars.
I don't have English pounds.
I have neither American dollars nor English pounds.

Alan doesn't like noisy parties.
Nancy doesn't like noisy parties.
Neither Alan nor Nancy likes noisy parties.

Sally can't use a computer.
She can't drive a car.
Sally can neither use a computer nor drive a car.

Getting Your First Job

2011-11-08T13:07:00.001+11:00

Good morning, listeners and welcome to your radio program “Information for New Immigrants”. Our guest today is Mr John Allan and he is an employment consultant. He has helped thousands of people get jobs. Mr Allan, welcome to our program.

Thank you very much.

First of all, how easy or how hard is it for a new immigrant to get their first job?

Well, there is not an easy answer for this question. There are many things that we need to consider. We need to look at the education the person has had and what sort of job they have done before and what they would like to do in Australia.

Can you give us some examples, please?

Yes, for someone who has been working as a doctor in his or her country, it is not easy to say that they can work as doctors in Australia. There are many things that need to be done before they can start working as doctors here. They have to take some tests and pass them. Another person may have worked as a manager in a factory in China, for example. This does not mean that he or she can get the same job here. We need to see if that person can speak English well because in most workplaces in Australia, everyone speaks English.

Why is it sometimes very hard to get the first job?

There can be different reasons for that. English can be the biggest problem for the person. If you want to work in a shop, you need to have good English. Also if you don’t have a car, this can make it hard for you to go to work on time or do weekend shifts.

Are there some jobs that people can get quickly?

Yes, there are some jobs that don’t need a lot of experience. You just need to show that you have good work skills and can work well in a team. If you wash cars, you need a very short training before you start. There are some jobs where you can learn while you work.

Can you give us examples of these jobs?

Yes, if you want to work in a coffee shop, you will need to be able to deal with customers. You need to show that you are friendly to staff as well. There are some quick courses that people can do and get a job fast like the security guard course.

And how long does it take?

It used to take two weeks of training but now it is nearly a month. People need to study some subjects and do some tests but everything is easy once you speak English well. There are some immigrants who were engineers, teachers or accountants in their own countries and they work as security guards in Australia. They also work as taxi drivers or do other types of jobs.

And is it easy to get a job as a security guard in Australia?

Yes, it is. Look around you when you go shopping. Security guards are everywhere. I believe it is easy to get a job as a security guard.

Do people need to go to TAFE and study there? Will this help them get jobs too?

Of course. If you don’t think you will get the same job that you had in your country, it will be really good to go to TAFE and do a course there. Just be careful what course you choose to do.

What are some of the TAFE courses that people can do at TAFE?

There are hundreds of courses to choose from at TAFE. Most of them lead to good jobs in Australia. Visit the TAFE web site and you will find all the information you need. People need to know that a person worked as an electrician in his country for many years, this does not mean that he can work as an electrician in Australia. He needs to get a licence. It will be easy to get a licence when you study at TAFE.

Do people have to pay a lot of money to study at TAFE?

No, they don’t. It is really to study at TAFE. If you choose to do a short course, it may cost you a few hundred dollars. You can pay the same amount of money to study a normal course that goes for six months at TAFE.

Are there things that prevent people from getting jobs?

Yes, there are cultures that say that men go to work and women stay at home and look after children. When people immigrate to Australia, they see a different culture. Some women may choose to stick to their culture and stay at home. I am not saying that this is wrong but it can affect their chances of getting work.

What is good about working in Australia?

There are many good things about getting work in Australia. You get to learn new things. You get to meet new people and learn the language. You also get money of course and this makes you able to afford to buy many things. Nobody can live without money of course.

And what do you need to do on the first day on the job?

You need to arrive on time and not be late. You also need take a pen and paper with you in case you need to write some important information. You need to be nice to other people because you will need their help to learn to do your job well. You need to know the names of the people who will work with you and the name of your supervisor. You need to avoid talking about religions or politics because these things upset many people.

Mr Allan, thank you very much for your information and we hope to have you soon on our program.

Not at all. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Help Your Child Learn

2011-11-05T15:30:00.002+11:00

http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Blog/January-2011/Help-your-child-ACHIEVE-this-year

Daily News

2011-11-05T09:49:00.000+11:00

Read this story. You will need to use a dictionary. It is about a cat that went missing for two months. Read the text to see how it went missing and how it was found. There are no questions to answer.

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3756693

Differences

2011-11-04T11:23:00.002+11:00

1. How do you greet other people in your country? Bowing? Shaking hands?

2. What do you do to show respect in your culture, when you talk to someone? In Australia it is considered respectful to look someone in the eyes when you speak to them?

3. In some culture it is respectful to not touch the other persons hand when paying for things, receiving/giving change.

4. What are some things that define a culture? For example, music, language, ...

5. Different foods/meals?

6. What time do you eat? Do you have supper?

7. What kinds of religions are there in your country?

8. Is your country very religious?

9. How religious is Australia?

10. How are your language teachers who are not from your country different from your other teachers?

11. How are they the same?

12. Have you ever experienced culture shock?

13. What other cultures have you met people from?

14. Have you ever felt confused by the actions of someone from another culture? If so, tell me about it.

15. Australia is multicultural. Do you know what this means?

16. What means of transport are common in your country?

17. What are things that are different about using transport in your country and Australia?

18. How is education different in Australia?

19. How are houses in Australia different from those in your country?

20. Do family members live together in your country?

21. What do you miss the most about your country?

22. How often do you go to visit your hometown?

23. Is it easy to make friends in Australia?

24. How do you keep in touch with your friends and family member who live in your country?

A Bank Loan

2011-11-03T11:29:00.006+11:00

Conversation Questions

What bank do you bank with?

Why did you choose that bank?

How many bank cards do you have?

Why do people like to have credit cards?

Do you shop online?

Why do some people do their shopping online?

Have you ever had a loan from a bank?

What sort of loans can people apply to have?

Do you think banks are good or bad?

Do you like keeping your money at home or at the bank?

Why do some people not like to deal with banks?

Do you know how to use an ATM machine?

Did you use to use ATM machines in your country?

Why do you think having a credit card can be a bad thing?

Do you do online banking?

What do you need to do to open a bank account in Australia?

Do you think it is easy to save money in Australia?

If you had a million dollars, what would you do?

What is the best bank to get a home loan from in Australia?

Have you had a bad experience with any bank before?

Have you ever borrowed money from your friends or family?

Have you ever lent money to anyone before?

Have you had any money problems before?

Have you ever lost money while you were outside your house?

Have you ever found money or anything valuable in the street?

What do you need to do if you find a purse full of money in the street in Australia?

In many schools there is a “Lost Property” place. What does this mean?

Do you have an accountant who looks after your finances?

Do you think it is easy to start a business in Australia?

What are some of the things needed for anyone to start a business in Australia?

Read this text:
Mr Zhang is a new immigrant in Australia. He originally comes from China. He wants to buy a new car because public transport takes a long time. He doesn’t have enough money to buy the car he wants. He goes to the bank to apply for a loan to buy a car. Mr Zhang telephones the bank and asks to have an appointment to apply for a car loan. He goes to the bank in time for his appointment. He meets with someone who works at the bank. The bank employee explains the different loans that Mr Zhang can apply for. Mr Zhang chooses a loan that he thinks is good enough for him. Mr Zhang tells the employee that he wants to borrow 50,000 dollars. Mr Zhang shows the bank employee some documents to prove that he’s got a job and can pay the money back. The bank employee sees that Mr Zhang will not have any problem paying the money back.

Mr Zhang signs some documents to get the loan. Mr Zhang agrees to pay the loan fortnightly. This means that Mr Zhang has to pay money every two weeks. The documents Mr Zhang signs say that if Mr Zhang does not pay the money on time, he will get a fine from the bank. Mr Zhang wants to pay more money so he can finish the loan faster. By the time Mr Zhang pays off the loan, he will have paid more than 60,000 dollars to the bank. The 10,000 dollars are called interest. When you borrow money from any bank, you have to pay interest. This is how banks make money.

Some people don’t like paying interest. They borrow money from their family and friends. They pay the money back and they don’t need to pay interest. In most cases, family and friends can’t lend too much money but banks can. That is why many people borrow money from banks. Banks not only ask people to pay interest, they ask them to pay monthly fees. These fees are to be paid each month. Banks make a lot of money from fees. Some banks ask people to pay exit fees if they pay off a loan early. Also some people don’t borrow money from banks because their religion doesn’t allow them to pay interest. There are some banks in Saudi Arabia that don’t charge interest. People need to pay back the same amount of money they have borrowed. They do not pay one dollar more. Other people don’t like borrowing money from banks because they are not sure about what can happen in the future.

Fill in the gaps:

Mr Zhang is a ........... immigrant in Australia. He originally comes from China. He wants to buy a new car because public transport takes a ................... time. He doesn’t have enough money to buy the car he wants. He goes to the bank to apply .................... a loan to buy a car. Mr Zhang telephones the bank and asks to have an appointment ........... apply for a car loan. He goes to the bank in time for his appointment. He meets ................ someone who works at the bank. The bank employee explains .................. different loans that Mr Zhang can apply for. Mr Zhang chooses a ................ that he thinks is good enough for him. Mr Zhang tells the employee that he wants ................ borrow 50,000 dollars. Mr Zhang shows the bank employee some documents to prove that he’s got a job and .................... pay the money back. The bank employee sees that Mr Zhang will not have any problem paying the money back.

Mr Zhang signs some documents to get .................. loan. Mr Zhang agrees to pay the loan fortnightly. This means that Mr Zhang has to ................... money every two weeks. The documents Mr Zhang signs say that if Mr Zhang ................. not pay the money on time, he will get a fine from the bank. Mr Zhang wants to pay more money ................. he can finish the loan faster. By the time Mr Zhang pays off the loan, he will have paid more than 60,000 dollars to the bank. The 10,000 dollars ............... called interest. When you borrow money from any bank, you have to pay interest. This is how banks ..................... money.

Some people don’t like paying interest. They borrow money from their family and friends. They pay the money back and they don’t need to ................. interest. In most cases, family and friends can’t lend too much money but banks can. That is why many people borrow money from banks. Banks not only ................. people to pay interest, they ask them to pay monthly fees. These fees are to be paid each month. Banks make a ................ of money from fees. Some banks ask people to pay exit fees if they pay off a loan early. Also some people don’t borrow money ................... banks because their religion doesn’t allow them to pay interest. There are some banks in Saudi Arabia ................. don’t charge interest. People need to pay back the same amount of money they .................. borrowed. They do not pay one dollar more. Other people don’t like borrowing money .................... banks because they are not sure about what can happen in the future.

Use both sides of the table to fill in the gaps:

paying - more – bank – each – long - meets - Saudi - two

Arabia – interest - weeks – money - employee – month – time - with

Mr Zhang is a new immigrant in Australia. He originally comes from China. He wants to buy a new car because public transport takes a ________ _________. He doesn’t have enough money to buy the car he wants. He goes to the bank to apply for a loan to buy a car. Mr Zhang telephones the bank and asks to have an appointment to apply for a car loan. He goes to the bank in time for his appointment. He _________ __________ someone who works at the bank. The bank employee explains the different loans that Mr Zhang can apply for. Mr Zhang chooses a loan that he thinks is good enough for him. Mr Zhang tells the employee that he wants to borrow 50,000 dollars. Mr Zhang shows the ___________ ____________ some documents to prove that he’s got a job and can pay the money back. The bank employee sees that Mr Zhang will not have any problem paying the money back. Mr Zhang signs some documents to get the loan. Mr Zhang agrees to pay the loan fortnightly. This means that Mr Zhang has to pay money every ________ _________. The documents Mr Zhang signs say that if Mr Zhang does not pay the money on time, he will get a fine from the bank. Mr Zhang wants to pay __________ _____________ so he can finish the loan faster. By the time Mr Zhang pays off the loan, he will have paid more than 60,000 dollars to the bank. The 10,000 dollars are called interest. When you borrow money from any bank, you have to pay interest. This is how banks make money. Some people don’t like __________ __________. They borrow money from their family and friends. They pay the money back and they don’t need to pay interest. In most cases, family and friends can’t lend too much money but banks can. That is why many people borrow money from banks. Banks not only ask people to pay interest, they ask them to pay monthly fees. These fees are to be paid ________ _______. Banks make a lot of money from fees. Some banks ask people to pay exit fees if they pay off a loan early. Also some people don’t borrow money from banks because their religion doesn’t allow them to pay interest. There are some banks in _________ __________ that don’t charge interest. People need to pay back the same amount of money they have borrowed. They do not pay one dollar more. Other people don’t like borrowing money from banks because they are not sure about what can happen in the future.

Seeing a Doctor in Australia

2011-11-02T15:30:00.009+11:00

Anyone born in Australia is covered by Medicare. You can use your Medicare card when you go to hospital or when you want to see a GP. You will not be asked to pay any money if you go to a public hospital. Sick people usually book an appointment before they go and see the GP. Sometimes the GP will send a patient to a specialist. The GP will write a letter to the specialist explaining the health condition of the patient.

In Australia people who have a Medicare card usually go to see a doctor who bulk bills. This doctor does not ask the patient to pay money after he or she examines them. There are some doctors who don’t bulk bill. You will need to pay money to see these doctors. After seeing a doctor who does not bulk bill, you can claim some of the money you have paid from Medicare.

Some people prefer to have a private health insurance. They pay money every year. They can choose the hospital or the doctor they want.

In an emergency, you may need to go to hospital and see a doctor in a very short time. You can call for an ambulance by dialling 000. An operator will talk to you on the phone and you can tell him or her about your health condition and why you think you need an ambulance. The ambulance service in Australia is really good. Paramedics will come to your place and treat you. They may transfer you to hospital if they think you will need more medical attention. You don’t need to pay for the ambulance service if you have a Healthcare card or if you have an ambulance membership. If you don’t have a Healthcare card of an ambulance membership, you can be asked to pay a lot of money.

A doctor can write a prescription and give it to you. You take this prescription and go to a pharmacy to get the medicine you need. If you have a Healthcare card, you will be asked to pay a small amount of money for each type of medicine that you want to buy. If you don’t have a Healthcare card, you will need to pay the full price of the medicine. You can NOT get medicine using your Healthcare card and send it overseas to your family members and friends. You can get a penalty for doing so.

Some medical services are not covered by Medicare. You need to pay a lot of money to see a dentist in Australia. You can be asked to pay thousands of dollars to get your teeth fixed. Medicare does NOT cover dental treatment. If you have a Healthcare card, you can go to the Dental Hospital. A dentist will treat one tooth problem and you will be asked to pay little money. Sometimes you will be put on a waitlist before you can see a dentist at the Dental Hospital. You can have an appointment to see a dentist after a few months. It will be a good idea to have your teeth problems fixed if you are visiting your country. You will save a lot of money by doing so.

When you see your doctor, he or she will normally spend about twenty minutes with you. The doctor will ask you some questions to find out the medical problem that you have. Make sure you take your Medicare Card when you go and visit your GP. If you have a Healthcare card, take it with you too. If you change your address or telephone number, ask the person who works at reception to enter your details on the computer for you. This will make it easy for the doctor to contact you any time he or she needs to. You can ask your GP any number of questions you like about your medical condition. You can ask about the medicine you are asked to buy. You can ask about any side effects the medicine may have on your health. You can ask if it is possible to buy a cheaper type of medicine. The GP will give you all the answers you want to get.

Fill in the gaps:
Anyone born in Australia is covered by Medicare. You ...........use your Medicare card when you go to hospital or when you want to see a GP. You will not ..............asked to pay any money if you go to a public hospital. Sick people usually book an appointment before they go and .............the GP. Sometimes the GP will send a patient to a specialist. The GP ................write a letter to the specialist explaining the health condition of the patient.

In Australia people who have a Medicare card usually ..............to see a doctor who bulk bills. This doctor does not ask the patient to pay ..............after he or she examines them. There are some doctors who don’t bulk bill. You will need to pay money to see ...................doctors. After seeing a doctor who does not bulk bill, you can claim some of .................money you have paid from Medicare.

Some people prefer to have a private ...................insurance. They pay money every year. They can choose the hospital or the ......................they want.

In an emergency, you may need to go to hospital ...............see a doctor in a very short time. You can call for an ambulance by dialling 000. An operator will ......................to you on the phone and you can tell him or her about your health condition and why you think you need ...........ambulance. The ambulance service in Australia is really good. Paramedics will come .....................your place and treat you. They may transfer you to hospital if they think you will ...................more medical attention. You don’t need to pay for the ambulance service if you have a Healthcare .................or if you have an ambulance membership. If you don’t have a Healthcare card of an ambulance membership, you ................be asked to pay a lot of money.

A doctor can write a prescription and give it to you. You take ...................prescription and go to a pharmacy to get the medicine you need. If you ...................a Healthcare card, you will be asked to pay a small amount of money for each type of medicine that you want to buy. If .................don’t have a Healthcare card, you will need to pay the full price of the medicine. You .................NOT get medicine using your Healthcare card and send it overseas to your ........................members and friends. You can get a penalty for doing so.

Some medical services are not covered by Medicare. You .....................to pay a lot of money to see a dentist in Australia. You can be asked to ..................thousands of dollars to get your teeth fixed. Medicare does NOT cover dental treatment. If you have a Healthcare ............................, you can go to the Dental Hospital. A dentist will treat ........................tooth problem and you will be asked to pay little money. Sometimes you will be put on a waitlist before you can .................a dentist at the Dental Hospital. You can have an appointment to see a dentist after a few months. It will be a good idea to have your teeth problems fixed if you are visiting your country. You will ....................a lot of money by doing so.

When you see your doctor, he or she will normally spend ....................twenty minutes with you. The doctor will ask you some questions to find out the medical problem that you have. Make sure you take your Medicare Card when you go and visit your GP. If you ...................a Healthcare card, take it with you too. If you change your address or telephone number, .................the person who works at reception to enter your details on the computer for you. This will make it easy for ..................doctor to contact you any time he or she needs to. You can ask your GP any number of questions you like about your medical condition. You can ask about the medicine you are asked to buy. You .....................ask about any side effects the medicine may have on your health. You can ask ....................it is possible to buy a cheaper type of medicine. The GP will give you all .........................answers you want to get.

Use words from both sides of the table to fill in the gaps:

Medicare – small - hospital - by – the - tooth - medical – contact - is - some

attention - card - problem - dialling - money – amount - you - public - possible - questions

Anyone born in Australia is covered by Medicare. You can use your Medicare card when you go to hospital or when you want to see a GP. You will not be asked to pay any money if you go to a ___________ ____________. Sick people usually book an appointment before they go and see the GP. Sometimes the GP will send a patient to a specialist. The GP will write a letter to the specialist explaining the health condition of the patient. In Australia people who have a ____________ _________ usually go to see a doctor who bulk bills. This doctor does not ask the patient to pay money after he or she examines them. There are some doctors who don’t bulk bill. You will need to pay money to see these doctors. After seeing a doctor who does not bulk bill, you can claim some of ________ _________ you have paid from Medicare. Some people prefer to have a private health insurance. They pay money every year. They can choose the hospital or the doctor they want. In an emergency, you may need to go to hospital and see a doctor in a very short time. You can call for an ambulance ________ _________ 000. An operator will talk to you on the phone and you can tell him or her about your health condition and why you think you need an ambulance. The ambulance service in Australia is really good. Paramedics will come to your place and treat you. They may transfer you to hospital if they think you will need more ___________ ____________. You don’t need to pay for the ambulance service if you have a Healthcare card or if you have an ambulance membership. If you don’t have a Healthcare card of an ambulance membership, you can be asked to pay a lot of money. A doctor can write a prescription and give it to you. You take this prescription and go to a pharmacy to get the medicine you need. If you have a Healthcare card, you will be asked to pay a ________ ___________ of money for each type of medicine that you want to buy. If you don’t have a Healthcare card, you will need to pay the full price of the medicine. You can NOT get medicine using your Healthcare card and send it overseas to your family members and friends. You can get a penalty for doing so. Some medical services are not covered by Medicare. You need to pay a lot of money to see a dentist in Australia. You can be asked to pay thousands of dollars to get your teeth fixed. Medicare does NOT cover dental treatment. If you have a Healthcare card, you can go to the Dental Hospital. A dentist will treat one ________ _____________ and you will be asked to pay little money. Sometimes you will be put on a waitlist before you can see a dentist at the Dental Hospital. You can have an appointment to see a dentist after a few months. It will be a good idea to have your teeth problems fixed if you are visiting your country. You will save a lot of money by doing so. When you see your doctor, he or she will normally spend about twenty minutes with you. The doctor will ask you ____________ ____________ to find out the medical problem that you have. Make sure you take your Medicare Card when you go and visit your GP. If you have a Healthcare card, take it with you too. If you change your address or telephone number, ask the person who works at reception to enter your details on the computer for you. This will make it easy for the doctor to __________ ____________ any time he or she needs to. You can ask your GP any number of questions you like about your medical condition. You can ask about the medicine you are asked to buy. You can ask about any side effects the medicine may have on your health. You can ask if it ___________ _____________ to buy a cheaper type of medicine. The GP will give you all the answers you want to get.

Extensive Reading

2011-11-01T15:35:00.001+11:00

http://strangenewsstories.eslreading.org/

Playing Sport

2011-10-31T13:28:00.007+11:00

Many Australians love sports. They like taking part in different games. They also watch different sports on TV during the weekend. Early in the morning, you may see some people running in the street before they go to work. You may see others going to work by bike. They do so because they want to be fit and healthy.

People who play sports do so for different reasons. They may want to look healthier or feel better about themselves. They want to control stress or live longer. They may want to lose weight and have a nice figure. They may want to do something they really like and get a chance to meet others. Many young boys and girls play sports because they would like to be like a famous sports champion. They would like to become sports champions in the future and make a lot of money. For example, a young boy may enjoy playing soccer because he wants to be a famous footballer like Maradonna.

Many people like going to the gym. They join different fitness classes and use different equipment there. They may have a personal trainer who tells them what exercises they need to do. Those people may go to the gym a few times a week or when they have free time. They need to pay some money to use become members and start to use equipment in the gym. They pay more money if they have a personal trainer.

You don’t need to pay money to enjoy sport. There are different things you can do if you can’t afford to go to the gym. You can go walking, running or swimming. You can walk alone or with friends. You can choose to walk a short distance or a long one. A good idea is to join a walking club in your area and meet new friends there. You can also play soccer, handball or any other game you like. You can take your family members with you and everyone can take part in a game. This can make you closer to your family members and have good memories to share with them later on.

Fill in the gaps:
Many Australians love sports. They like taking ................... in different games. They also watch different sports on TV during the weekend. Early in the morning, you ............ see some people running in the street before they go to work. You may see others going to work ............. bike. They do so because they want to be ................... and healthy.

People who play sports do so ................. different reasons. They may want to look healthier or feel better about themselves. They want ............... control stress or live longer. They may ................. to lose weight and have a nice figure. They may want to .................. something they really like and get a chance to meet others. Many young boys and girls play sports because they .................... like to be like a famous sports champion. They would like to become sports champions in .................. future and make a lot of money. For example, a young boy may enjoy playing soccer ..................... he wants to be a famous footballer like Maradonna.

Many people like going to the gym. They join different fitness ..................... and use different equipment there. They may have a personal trainer who tells them .................... exercises they need to do. Those people may go to the gym a few times a week or when they .................. free time. They need to pay some money to use become members and start to use equipment in ..................... gym. They pay more money if they have a personal trainer.

You don’t need to pay money to enjoy sport. There .................. different things you can do if you can’t afford to go to the gym. You can go walking, running .................. swimming. You can walk alone or with friends. You can choose to walk a short distance or a ................... one. A good idea is to join a walking club in your area and meet new friends there. You can .................... play soccer, handball or any other game you like. You can take your family members with you .................. everyone can take part in a game. This can make you closer to your family members and have good memories to ................... with them later on.

Use words from both sides of the table to finish the sentences:

walking - taking - sports - lose - good – pay - personal - by

money - bike - weight - club - trainer - part - memories - champions

Many Australians love sports. They like ________ ________ in different games. They also watch different sports on TV during the weekend. Early in the morning, you may see some people running in the street before they go to work. You may see others going to work _______ _______. They do so because they want to be fit and healthy. People who play sports do so for different reasons. They may want to look healthier or feel better about themselves. They want to control stress or live longer. They may want to _______ ________ and have a nice figure. They may want to do something they really like and get a chance to meet others. Many young boys and girls play sports because they would like to be like a famous sports champion. They would like to become _________ ___________ in the future and make a lot of money. For example, a young boy may enjoy playing soccer because he wants to be a famous footballer like Maradonna. Many people like going to the gym. They join different fitness classes and use different equipment there. They may have a ________ __________ who tells them what exercises they need to do. Those people may go to the gym a few times a week or when they have free time. They need to pay some money to use become members and start to use equipment in the gym. They pay more money if they have a personal trainer. You don’t need to ________ ________ to enjoy sport. There are different things you can do if you can’t afford to go to the gym. You can go walking, running or swimming. You can walk alone or with friends. You can choose to walk a short distance or a long one. A good idea is to join a _________ _________ in your area and meet new friends there. You can also play soccer, handball or any other game you like. You can take your family members with you and everyone can take part in a game. This can make you closer to your family members and have ________ ________ to share with them later on.

Healthy Food

2011-10-28T11:47:00.015+11:00

Good morning, listeners. Welcome to our radio program "Information for New Immigrants". Our guest today is Dr John Smith and he will talk to us about healty food. Welcome Dr Smith.

Thank you very much.

Now, can you tell our listeners why everyone should eat healthy food?

Well, there are many reasons why people should eat healthy food. The most important one is energy. When you eat healthy food and sleep enough, you have energy.

Is that all?

No, you can control your weight when you eat healthy food. People who are overweight always eat the wrong kinds of foods. Also if people eat healthy food, they are less likely to suffer from heart disease. Also people who are sick should watch what they eat.

Can you give us an example, please?

Yes, people who are diabetic should eat healthy food. They should have blood tests every now and then to see the blood sugar levels they have. If the blood sugar level is high, this can be dangerous for them. Also if it is low, they may need to see their doctor or even go to hospital.

Is there anything else they can do?

Yes, they can read about their health problem so they don't need to see their doctor or go to hospital quite often. If they have good information about their health problem, they will start to understand how important it is to eat healthy food.

So, eating healthy food is important for them. Is that what you are trying to say?

Exactly. If you eat healthy food and you are diabetic, you will have less health problems.

Are there any kinds of foods that we need to eat less of?

Yes, people should eat less chocolates and sweets. These things can affect their teeth badly. Also use less salt when you cook food at home. Too much salt can cause health problems.

And are there any foods that people should eat more?

Yes, people can eat fresh vegetables and fruits as much as they can. This can make them fit and healthy.

But many young children don't like eating vegetables. What can parents do to overcome this problem?

I know that many children do not like eating vegetables but you can talk to them about how important vegetables are for them. Give them a variety of vegetables to choose from. If you give them one kind of vegetable to eat, they may refuse. You can also tell them that vegetables are important for health. You can borrow books from the local library or buy them at bookshops and learn to cook them in different ways. I am sure your children will like vegetables if you cook them in a different way.

And are there things that people must not do to lead a healthy life?

Yes, everyone knows that smoking is bad for health. My advice is, if you don't smoke, don't start. there is nothing good about smoking. You lose your money and of course you lose your health.

Are there any foods that people should avoid?

Yes, there are some foods that make people fat like pizza. I know it is tastey but eating pizza a few times a year can affect the general health of the person. Also soft drinks like Pepsi and Coca Cola have a lot of sugar in them. I am talking about 16 spoons of sugar in one bottle. Do you understand how bad it will be if you consume 16 spoons of sugar in a minute or so? Soft drinks are really bad. I tell my children not to drink them.

So, what can people do if soft drinks are bad?

They can drink different sorts of drinks that don't have too much sugar. You can make your own drinks at home using water and fruits. You can also use milk to make these drinks. It really depends on what you like.

But making our own drinks at home can be difficult for some people.

No, it is an easy job to do. It is not rocket science. They can just put a banana in the blender and mis it with milk and add a little sugar. In less than a minute, you will have a healthy drink. The most important thing to know is that too much sugar is bad for you.

And what can people do to find more information about eating healthy food?

Well, they can talk to their doctor. He or she can help them and give them information on what to do. A doctor can also tell them about foods they should eat less from or not eat at all. They can talk to a dietitian. People can also go on the internet and read about healty eating.

Well, Dr Smith. The information you've given us is really imporant. We have to stop here because we are running out of time. Thank you very much for coming here today.

Not at all. A pleasure to be here.

The Library

2011-10-28T11:07:00.001+11:00

Are you a member of the local library in your suburb?

What do you need to do to get a library card?

Do you have an AMES library card?

Do you have to pay money in Australia to become a member in a library?

Did your high school have a library?

Did the university have more than one library?

Were you allowed to borrow from the university libraries if you weren’t a student there?

What happens if you don’t bring back a book in time? What happens when the book is overdue?

What kinds of books do you borrow from the library? Do you borrow the same kind of books in Australia as you did back home?

What kinds of books does your local library have?

How long can you borrow a book from the AMES library? Is it different to your local library or from libraries back home?

At Australian libraries you can also borrow music and DVDs/videos. Have you ever borrowed these?

Do the libraries from your home country also let you borrow CD’s and DVD’s?

How many books are there in a library? Have you ever tried finding out?

Do you borrow books to help you study English?

Do you know places where you can borrow books in your mother tongue?

Does your local library offer services to high school students?

Why is it good to visit the library quite often?

Do you need to take public transport when you go to the public library?

How many library cards do you have?

Do you take your children to visit the library?

Do you borrow books from the local library in your own language?

How are libraries in Australia different from those in your country?

Tell me about the biggest library you visited one day.

Would you like to get a job and work in a library one day?

What do you need to study before you work in a library in Australia?

How many books do you read a month?

What books do you like reading in your own language?

Can you read newspapers in English in the local library?

Can you find old newspapers in the local library?

Can you borrow books on the internet from your local library?

How long can you borrow books for from your local library?

Your Childhood

2011-10-27T16:45:00.002+11:00

Do you come from a big family or a small one?

Did you use to have a lot of friends when you were a child?

What was special about the primary school you attended in your country?

Was high school hard for you?

Did you go to a childcare centre in your country?

Who used to look after you when your parents were busy?

What was the difference between studying in your primary and high school in your country?

Did you use to play in the street with your friends when you were young?

Did you have naughty friends when you were a child?

Are your kids naughty?

What is one day you will always remember from your childhood?

Did you break an arm or a leg when you were young?

What did your parents do when you did naughty things in the house?

What was your dream job when you were young?

Was it easy or hard for you to learn to ride a bike?

Did you have a car when you were in your country?

Do you have a car in Australia now?

How did you feel on your first day in primary school?

Do you want to name your children after your parents?

What was a very special toy you used to have when you were young?

Did you use to get expensive presents when you had a birthday party?

Were you a very good student when you went to high school?

Who was the smartest students in your class in high school? What does he/she do now?

What are some of the differences between children in Australia and those in your country?

Are there many parents who are strict in your country?

Did you parents always pnish you when you made mistakes?

How do parents punish children when they make mistakes in your country?

What was your favourit candy when you were a child?

What sort of house did you live in in your country?

What sort of house would you like to have in Australia?

What are some of the differences between young children who live in Africa and those who live in rich countries?

What do you think of parents who prefer to have only one child?

Do your children speak your language at home or do they speak English only?

Do you tell your children about your country and your hometown?

Presents

2011-10-27T14:02:00.002+11:00

Tell me about a really nice present you got one day.

What was the worst present you have ever had?

What was the most expensive present you have ever bought?

When do people give out presents in your country?

Do you have to give policemen presents in your country?

Where do you buy your presents from?

Why do people buy presents?

Do you send Christmas cards to your friends and family members every year?

What happens if you go to a birthday party and you don’t take a present with you?

Do you sometimes give money as a present to people you know?

What sort of presents do students in your country give to their teachers after finishing a school year?

Do some people force others to buy them presents?

What sort of presents do you like to buy to your husband/wife?

Does a bride in your country get a lot of presents?

Does a present have to be expensive to be good?

Do some people borrow money to buy presents?

What sort of presents do you buy for your children?

What was the strangest present that someone got one day?

When you travel back to your country, do you have to buy presents for your family and friends?

Do you know someone who got into trouble for buying a bad present?

What sort of present will you buy to your boyfriend/girlfriend?

Have you ever bought roses as a present for someone?

Do you know anyone who gets presents but never buys any to give to others?

Do you know anyone who got a smart phone as a present?

How do you feel if you buy someone an expensive present for his or her birthday and they buy you nothing for your birthday?

What was one nice present that you got from your parents one day?

Learning English in Australia

2011-10-27T11:58:00.002+11:00

Learning English in Australia Student 1

Learning English in Australia Student 2

When you go .......... learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to ............ a book before you start the course. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use ................ day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone ............... with your colleagues. You will need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile .................. or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You need to come on time so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important mobile phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your ...................... and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same ..................., you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with ....................... teacher. Also if you have a problem in class, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be ................. to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, .................. you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning English and settling down in Australia. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who ............... from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher ................. not have to keep talking for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not ............... place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you learn the language faster. When you go ............. and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you ................... to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening ............................ speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t get any money for the work they do when they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other .................... They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They .................... have a different religion. They may have a different skin colour. They may ...................... had little or no education because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by ........................ you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people who come from that country, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the radio was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.

when- come - able – mobile – education - will – English - radio - learn

When you go to learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to buy a book before you start the course. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use every day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone or with your colleagues. You ................. need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You need to come on time so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important .................. phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your teacher and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same class, you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Also if you have a problem in class, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be ..................... to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, then you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning ................... and settling down in Australia. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who ................. from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher does not have to keep talking for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not take place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you ............... the language faster. When you go out and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you talk to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening and speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t get any money for the work they do .................. they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other people. They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They may have a different religion. They may have a different skin colour. They may have had little or no ................. because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by what you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people who come from that country, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the .................. was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.

Put the underlined parts in the correct order:
When you go to learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to buy a book course before you the start. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use every day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone or with your colleagues. You will need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You time need to on come so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important mobile phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your teacher and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same class, you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Also if class you problem have a in, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be able to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, then you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning English and Australia settling in down. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who come from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher does not talking keep have to for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not take place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you learn the language faster. When you go out and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you talk to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening and speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t for get money any the work they do when they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other people. They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They may a religion have different. They may have a different skin colour. They may have had little or no education because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by what you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people that who country come from, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the radio was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.

Bookshops Close Down

2011-10-26T11:53:00.012+11:00

Many bookshops have had to close down in Australia and in many courtiers around the world during the past few years. Many of these bookshops have been in business for tens of years. The reason for that is not because people read less. In fact, people read more now but most of their reading is done on computers or mobile phones. Most people who buy books buy them online now because they can get them for cheaper prices than if they go to a local bookshop.

Some bookshop owners say that they have to spend a lot of money on rent. They also have to hire people to work there but it is getting harder and harder nowadays to cover the costs. One customer who buys books online says that everything is changing nowadays. It will be sad to see many bookshops closing down but it can really save money if you shop around online. It is surprising how much money you can save if you buy a book from a company in Hong Kong if you have a look at the price of the same book in different bookshops in Melbourne.

When bookshops close, thousands of people who work there lose their jobs. Modern technology has badly affected the publishing industry. People now can download a whole book in a few seconds and start reading it and not have to leave the chair they set on. It is as easy as that. You go online, search for a book that you want, pay on the internet and start downloading it. There are also hundreds of thousands of books that you can download for free. Most of these books are old but people still enjoy reading them.

On the other hand, some companies are making a lot of money by selling digital books. A digital book is a book that you can read on a computer or a mobile phone. They don’t use paper to print these books. The biggest company that sells digital books is called Amazon. Amazon sells digital books for cheaper prices.

Many people believe that in about five years, there will be a very small number of bookshops still operating in Australia. There will still be books printed on paper but most books will be digital.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Many bookshops have had to close ............. in Australia and in many courtiers around the world during the past few years. Many ............... these bookshops have been in business for tens of years. The reason ................ that is not because people read less. In fact, people read more now .............. most of their reading is done on computers or mobile phones. Most people who buy books ................ them online now because they can .................. them for cheaper prices than if they go to a local bookshop.

Some bookshop owners say ................ they have to spend a lot of money on rent. They also have to hire people to work there but ................ is getting harder and harder nowadays to cover the costs. One customer who buys books online .................... that everything is changing nowadays. It will be sad to ............... many bookshops closing down but it can really save money if you shop around online. It is surprising ............... much money you can save if you buy a book from a company in Hong Kong if you have a look at the price of the same book in different bookshops in Melbourne.

When bookshops close, thousands of people who ..................... there lose their jobs. Modern technology has badly affected ................... publishing industry. People now can download a whole book in a few seconds ................start reading it and not have to leave the chair they set on. It is as easy as that. You go online, search for a ................ that you want, pay on the internet and start downloading it. There are also hundreds of thousands of books that you ................. download for free. Most of these books are old but people still .................... reading them.

On the other hand, some companies .................. making a lot of money by selling digital books. A digital book is a book that you can read ................. a computer or a mobile phone. They don’t use paper to print ................. books. The biggest company that sells digital books is called Amazon. Amazon sells digital books ............... cheaper prices.

Many people believe that in about five years, there .................. be a very small number of bookshops still operating in Australia. There ............... still be books printed on paper but most books will ................. digital.

Use words from both sides of the table to fill in the gaps:

work - search - read - of – save - digital - on

less – for - money - paper - books - money - there

New Bank Account

2011-10-26T09:41:00.010+11:00

Moving to a different country can be very hard. The language can be different from your own language. When you start living in Australia, you will need to open a bank account. You can open a bank account before you move to live in Australia. You can go online and fill in a form to have a bank account.

Some banks in Australia have been in business for more than 100 years. You can go to any bank branch near your home and fill in a simple form. Give the form to the person who helps you in the bank and he or she will have a look to see that everything is OK. Don’t forget to sign the form before you give it to that person.

You can start a new bank account when you deposit only $5. There are many people who work for banks that can speak more than one language. It will be good for you if you talk to someone who can speak your language because that person will be able to help you more. That person can answer any questions you may have about your new bank account.

After you open a bank account, the bank will send you a bank card. You will need to sign the back of that card before you start using it. You will be able to use ATM machines if you don’t have cash in your pocket. ATM machines can be used any time you need money. Be careful to use your bank’s ATM machines. If you use another bank’s ATM machine, you will pay $2 more.

You can transfer money from your country to your new bank account in Australia. You can also send money to your family members and friends anywhere in the world from your bank account in Australia. It is really easy to do so.

You can use your new bank card to do your shopping or buy cinema tickets. You can also pay the taxi driver with your bank card. Bank cards are very easy to use. Just make sure you don’t forget your PIN number.

Fill in the gaps:
Moving to a different country can ...............very hard. The language can be different from your own language. When you start .............in Australia, you will need to open a bank account. You can ...................a bank account before you move to live in Australia. You can go online and fill in a form to have a ...............account.

Some banks in Australia have been in business ................more than 100 years. You can go to any bank branch near your home and fill in a ................form. Give the form to the person who helps you in the .................and he or she will have a look to see that everything is OK. Don’t forget to sign the form ...............you give it to that person.

You can start a new bank account ..............you deposit only $5. There are many people who work for banks that can speak more ...............one language. It will be good for you if you talk to someone who ................speak your language because that person will be able to help you more. That person can answer ...............questions you may have about your new bank account.

After you open a bank account, the bank will send you a bank card. You will need to sign the back of that card before you start using it. You will be able to use ATM machines if you don’t have cash in your pocket. ATM machines can be used any time you need money. Be careful to use your bank’s ATM machines. If you use another bank’s ATM machine, you will pay $2 more.

You can transfer money from your country to ..............new bank account in Australia. You can also send money to your family members ................friends anywhere in the world from your .................account in Australia. It is really easy to do so.

You can use your new bank card to ..................your shopping or buy cinema tickets. You can also pay the taxi driver with your bank card. Bank cards ..................very easy to use. Just make sure ................don’t forget your PIN number.

Choose words from both sides of the table to fill in the gaps:

your - bank - taxi - family - fill - the – can

driver - form - account - in – members - speak - pocket

Sarah's Dreams

2011-10-24T14:34:00.007+11:00

When Sarah was young, she always dreamed of marrying a rich man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to have a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive car and have a party with her friends at least once a week. She wanted to be able to travel overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She wanted to have a chef to cook her nice food. She wanted a hairdresser to come to her house and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing every time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if she concentrated on her study and worked harder to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family did not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car was 8 years old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not rich either but Sarah always dreamed about having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high school, she went to university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come from a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she liked him a lot. She always felt very happy every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in love with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of marrying someone who was really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided that to be happy was much more important than to be rich. Sarah had big dreams to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows how real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of her own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice to have dreams about the future but they need to work hard to make their dreams come true. Now when Sarah remembers what she used to say to her friends when she was young she has a big smile on her face.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
When Sarah was young, she always dreamed ........... marrying a rich man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to .............. a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive car and have a party with .............. friends at least once a week. She wanted to be able to ................. overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She ................. to have a chef to cook her nice food. She wanted a hairdresser to come to her ................. and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing .............. time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if she concentrated ................ her study and worked harder to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family ................ not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car was 8 .............. old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not ............... either but Sarah always dreamed about having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high school, she went .............. university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come ............... a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she .................... him a lot. She always felt very happy every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in ................. with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of marrying someone who ............... really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided ................. to be happy was much more important than to be rich. Sarah had big dreams to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows ................. real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of ............. own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice ............... have dreams about the future but they need to work hard to make their dreams come true. Now when .................... remembers what she used to say to her friends when she was young she has a big smile on ................ face.

Use words from both sides of the table to fill in the gaps:

work - worked - very - her - nice – dreamed - used - big -

friends – about - food - to - harder - happy – dreams - hard

liked – was – come – future – school - car – marrying – she – big – rich – important

When Sarah was young, she always dreamed of marrying a ................ man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to have a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive ................ and have a party with her friends at least once a week. She wanted to be able to travel overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She wanted to have a chef to cook her nice food. She wanted a hairdresser to ............... to her house and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing every time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if ................ concentrated on her study and worked harder to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family did not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car .................. 8 years old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not rich either but Sarah always dreamed about having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high ................, she went to university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come from a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she ............... him a lot. She always felt very happy every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in love with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of .................... someone who was really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided that to be happy was much more .................... than to be rich. Sarah had big dreams to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows how real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of her own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice to have dreams about the ................. but they need to work hard to make their dreams come true. Now when Sarah remembers what she used to say to her friends when she was young she has a .............. smile on her face.

Buying a House

2011-10-24T10:00:00.006+11:00

If you are looking for a house to buy, there are many things you should know before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you have now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some time before you get the right house. You can do different things to find the house you like. You can go on the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real estate agents and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a lot of money if you are good with buying and selling.

You need to go to a bank and ask for a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several banks you can choose from. If you have saved some money over some years, this will be great. This money will make it easy to buy the house you want.

You can buy a house in an auction. The house will be sold to the person who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even if you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in an auction. When you have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your dream home.

If you want to buy a house near the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay less money. Also if you buy an old house, you may pay less money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them and build a number of units on the land. They make good money.

If you work and your wife doesn’t work, this can make things hard for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will need to do your shopping too. The best thing to do then is to buy a small house or a unit. You will not be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income.

After you buy the house you want, you may want to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some new trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much money you want to spend. Buying a house in Australia is not easy because you will spend many years paying it off. Good luck.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

If you are looking for a house to ................, there are many things you should know before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you ................... now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some time before you get the right house. You ...............do different things to find the house you like. You can go ...................the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real estate agents and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a ............... of money if you are good with buying and selling.

You need to go to a bank and ask ..................a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several ..................you can choose from. If you have saved some money over .....................years, this will be great. This money will make it easy to buy the house .......................want.

You can buy a house in an auction. The house will be sold to the ........................ who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even ...............you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in an auction. When ....................have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your ...................... home.

If you want to buy a house .....................the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay ...................money. Also if you buy an old house, you may pay ........................ money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them .......................... build a number of units on the land. They make good money.

If you work and your wife doesn’t work, this can make things .........................for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will ........................... to do your shopping too. The best thing to do then is to buy a small house or a unit. You will ...................... be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income.

After you buy the house you want, you may ......................... to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some ..................... trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much ....................... you want to spend. Buying a house in Australia is not easy because you will spend many ...................... paying it off. Good luck.

Fill in the gaps:

money - you - will - know - saved - house - spend -shopping -time

If you are looking for a house to buy, there are many things you should ......................... before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you have now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some .......................... before you get the right house. You can do different things to find the house you like. You can go on the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real estate agents and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a lot of ............................ if you are good with buying and selling. You need to go to a bank and ask for a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several banks you can choose from. If you have ............................ some money over some years, this will be great. This money will make it easy to buy the house you want.You can buy a house in an auction. The house ........................ be sold to the person who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even if you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in an auction. When you have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your dream home. If you want to buy a house near the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay less money. Also if ........................ buy an old house, you may pay less money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them and build a number of units on the land. They make good money. If you work and your wife doesn't work, this can make things hard for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will need to do your .......................... too. The best thing to do then is to buy a small house or a unit. You will not be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income. After you buy the ...................... you want, you may want to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some new trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much money you want to .......................... . Buying a house in Australia is not easy because you will spend many years paying it off. Good luck.

Choose two words from both parts of the table to fill in the gaps in the text

less – before – an - to - estate - ask – small - not

you - money - house – easy - buy - auction - agents - for

If you are looking for a house to buy, there are many things you should know before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you have now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some time _________ _________ get the right house. You can do different things to find the house you like. You can go on the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real __________ ___________ and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a lot of money if you are good with buying and selling.

You need to go to a bank and _________ __________ a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several banks you can choose from. If you have saved some money over some years, this will be great. This money will make it easy ___________ _________ the house you want.

You can buy a house in an auction. The house will be sold to the person who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even if you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in _________ ___________. When you have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your dream home.

If you want to buy a house near the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay _________ ____________. Also if you buy an old house, you may pay less money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them and build a number of units on the land. They make good money.

If you work and your wife doesn’t work, this can make things hard for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will need to do your shopping too. The best thing to do then is to buy a ________ __________ or a unit. You will not be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income.

After you buy the house you want, you may want to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some new trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much money you want to spend. Buying a house in Australia is ________ ___________ because you will spend many years paying it off. Good luck.

Studying in Australia

2011-10-21T10:42:00.009+11:00

Very young children can go to childcare in the city they live in. Parents may choose to send their babies to a childcare centre near their home or anywhere they like. Children may stay at a childcare centre until they are five years old. When a child is 4 years old, he or she can go to a kindergarten. It is NOT compulsory to send your child to childcare before he or she starts primary school.

In Australia, it is compulsory for you to send your children to school until they are seventeen years of age. Students normally go to a primary school at the age of five.

Sending a child to a childcare centre can be expensive. Parents normally have to pay about $70 a day to let their son or daughter stay there. At a childcare centre, children make friends and play with them. They also do activities and learn to read the alphabet.

When a child starts primary school, he or she may feel scared and starts to cry. This is normal for many kids. That is why they have a “buddy”. A buddy is a friend from another year level. The buddy is another student from year 5. The buddy looks after the new student and makes sure he or she does not feel scared or cries. The first year in a primary school is called “Prep”.

Students finish primary school when they finish year 6. In primary school, students go on different excursions each year. They sometimes go to the zoo and see the animals. They also go on camps and spend a few days away from home. Some teachers go with them to make sure they are safe. After finishing primary school, students go to study at a high school. Most students prefer to go to a local high school. There are many good high schools in Melbourne.

It is against the law in Australia not to send your child to school. Children must stay at school until they are 15~17, the age children must stay in high school till depends on what part of Australia they live in. You can send your child to a public school or a private one. Public schools are government schools. It is free to study in these schools but parents normally pay some money every year to help the school buy books, computers and other things that the children can use.

Students start high school in year 7 and stay there until they finish year 12. Studying in high school is different from studying in primary school. In high school, there is normally a lot of study and tests to be done. There is a teacher for each subject. There are excursions and camps in high schools. Parents always pay money for their children to go on camps.

If you choose to send your child to learn in a private school, you will need to pay a lot of money. Most private high schools charge up to $23,000 a year. If your child is very smart, he or she can take a scholarship test to be allowed to study in a private school. These tests are not easy. After scoring a high mark in the scholarship test, parents can be asked to pay half the fees only and not the $23,000. You need to call the private school you want your child to go to or visit the web site for that school to find out about the date for the scholarship test.

After finishing high school, the student can go to study at university or at TAFE. There are different universities that a student can choose from. Australian universities are well-known all over the world and tens of thousands of international students come here to study. A student can spend three years at uni and finish a degree. After that, he or she can choose to do a Masters degree or a PhD.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Very young children can go to childcare in the ...............they live in. Parents may choose to send their babies to a childcare centre near ..................home or anywhere they like. Children may stay at a childcare ....................until they are five years old. When a child is 4 years old, he or she can ...................to a kindergarten. It is NOT compulsory to send your ......................to childcare before he or she starts primary school.
In Australia, it is compulsory for you to send ..........................children to school until they are seventeen years of age. Students ...................go to a primary school at the age of five.

Sending a child to a childcare centre can be expensive. Parents normally have to pay about $70 a day to let their son or daughter stay there. At a childcare centre, children make friends and play with them. They also do activities and learn to read the alphabet.

When a child starts .................school, he or she may feel scared and starts to cry. This is normal for many kids. That is why they have a “buddy”. A buddy is a .....................from another year level. The .....................is another student from year 5. The buddy looks after the new student and makes sure he or ..................does not feel scared or cries. The first year in a primary school is called “Prep”.

Students finish primary school when ................finish year 6. In primary school, students go on different .......................each year. They sometimes go to the zoo and see the animals. They also go on camps and spend a few days away ..................home. Some teachers go with them to ...................sure they are safe. After finishing primary school, students go to ....................at a high school. Most students prefer to go to a local high school. There are many good high ....................in Melbourne.

It is against the law in Australia not to send your child to school. Children must stay at school until they are 15~17, the age children must stay in high school till depends on what part of Australia they live in. You ....................send your child to a public school or a private one. Public schools ....................government schools. It is free to study in these schools but parents normally pay some ...................every year to help the school buy books, computers and other things that the children can use.

Students start high school in year 7 and stay ....................until they finish year 12. Studying in high school is different from studying in primary school. In high school, there is normally a lot of study and tests to be done. There is a teacher for each subject. There are excursions and camps in high schools. Parents always pay money for their children to go on camps.

If you choose to send your child to learn in a private school, you will need to pay a lot of money. Most private high schools charge up to $23,000 a year. If your child is very smart, he or she can take a scholarship .....................to be allowed to study in a private school. These tests are not easy. After scoring a high mark ................the scholarship test, parents can be asked to pay half the fees only and not the $23,000. You need to call the private school you want your child ..................go to or visit the web site for that school to find out about the date for the scholarship test.

After finishing high school, the student can go to study at university or at TAFE. There are different universities that a student ...................choose from. Australian universities are well-known all over the world and .....................of thousands of international students come here to study. A student can spend three years at uni and finish a degree. After that, he or she can choose ...................do a Masters degree or a PhD.

My English Class

2011-10-21T10:02:00.000+11:00

Dear Maria,
How are you? I live now in Melbourne, Australia. I don't like it because I have great difficulty speaking the language. I go to AMES in Box Hill to study English five days a week. The teacher's name is Ibrahim and he is from Egypt. He speaks English fast and he helps me to learn English using the internet. He also speaks Arabic. Ibrahim teaches our class three days a week.

We also have a female teacher in class. Her name is Catherine. She is from New Zealand. She teaches me two days a week. She teaches me a lot of vocabulary and grammar. She helps me improve my reading and writing . Catherine speaks English fast too.

The students in the class work in groups. They come from different countries. Some students are from China. Others are from Africa. Two students are from Iran. One student is from Burma. All the students are friendly and help each other to learn English.

We also have a student teacher. He is from Australia. His name is Suguru. His parents are from Japan. He speaks fast English. He also speaks Japanese. He is 25 years old. He was born in Box Hill Hospital. He studies at Melbourne University. He is single. He lives in Box Hill with his parents. He helps students learn about Australia.

I have to go now. I will send you an email soon.

Regards,
Thadee

Email to John

2011-10-21T09:49:00.000+11:00

Dear John,
How are you? Thank you for your email. I read it only five minutes ago. I have got the report from Akmar. I read it and it is OK. I will make sure all key parts of the IT report for the next morning meeting are read on the next meeting's agenda.

I tried to catch Dianne too. It was not easy for me. I telephoned her two times yesterday but she didn't answer my phone calls. She is out of town too. Her brother tells me that she is in hospital in Sydney. She has been coughing for two days and she hasn't been feeling well. She will miss the meeting. I hope she will come back soon.

I remember we will have a new person coming. I will make sure that all the right paperwork is ready for that person.

I hope to see you tomorrow morning at the meeting.

Regards,
Adriana