Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Importance of Homework

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

Listen to this text

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

Learning in Class

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

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.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Advantages of Owning a Car

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

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

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

http://www.atomiclearning.com/moviemaker2

Parking Fines

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.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

How to Pay a Compliment

Learn to Use Computers

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

http://www.mhelp4u.com

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Cat and Dog Presentation

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

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

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

How to Give a Presentation

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

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.


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

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Renting a Property

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.


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

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.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Australia

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 17th 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 17th 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. 

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Fire at a Friend's Place

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

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

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

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

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Citizenship

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

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