Pancakes

Violent Video Games

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

Presents

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:

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

My Country and Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

China and Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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

Canada

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

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?

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:

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

My Mobile Phone

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.