Healthy Food

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

Thank you very much.

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

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

Is that all?

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

Can you give us an example, please?

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

Is there anything else they can do?

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

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

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

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

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

And are there any foods that people should eat more?

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

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

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

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

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

Are there any foods that people should avoid?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not at all. A pleasure to be here.

The Library

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


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

Do you have an AMES library card?

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

Did your high school have a library?

Did the university have more than one library?

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

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

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

What kinds of books does your local library have?

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

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

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

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

Do you borrow books to help you study English?

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

Does your local library offer services to high school students?

Why is it good to visit the library quite often?

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

How many library cards do you have?

Do you take your children to visit the library?

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

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

Tell me about the biggest library you visited one day.

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

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

How many books do you read a month?

What books do you like reading in your own language?

Can you read newspapers in English in the local library?

Can you find old newspapers in the local library?

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

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

Your Childhood

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

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

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

Was high school hard for you?

Did you go to a childcare centre in your country?

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

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

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

Did you have naughty friends when you were a child?

Are your kids naughty?

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

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

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

What was your dream job when you were young?

Was it easy or hard for you to learn to ride a bike?

Did you have a car when you were in your country?

Do you have a car in Australia now?

How did you feel on your first day in primary school?

Do you want to name your children after your parents?

What was a very special toy you used to have when you were young?

Did you use to get expensive presents when you had a birthday party?

Were you a very good student when you went to high school?

Who was the smartest students in your class in high school? What does he/she do now?

What are some of the differences between children in Australia and those in your country?

Are there many parents who are strict in your country?

Did you parents always pnish you when you made mistakes?

How do parents punish children when they make mistakes in your country?

What was your favourit candy when you were a child?

What sort of house did you live in in your country?

What sort of house would you like to have in Australia?

What are some of the differences between young children who live in Africa and those who live in rich countries?

What do you think of parents who prefer to have only one child?

Do your children speak your language at home or do they speak English only?

Do you tell your children about your country and your hometown?

Presents

Tell me about a really nice present you got one day.

What was the worst present you have ever had?

What was the most expensive present you have ever bought?

When do people give out presents in your country?

Do you have to give policemen presents in your country?

Where do you buy your presents from?

Why do people buy presents?

Do you send Christmas cards to your friends and family members every year?

What happens if you go to a birthday party and you don’t take a present with you?

Do you sometimes give money as a present to people you know?

What sort of presents do students in your country give to their teachers after finishing a school year?

Do some people force others to buy them presents?

What sort of presents do you like to buy to your husband/wife?

Does a bride in your country get a lot of presents?

Does a present have to be expensive to be good?

Do some people borrow money to buy presents?

What sort of presents do you buy for your children?

What was the strangest present that someone got one day?

When you travel back to your country, do you have to buy presents for your family and friends?

Do you know someone who got into trouble for buying a bad present?

What sort of present will you buy to your boyfriend/girlfriend?

Have you ever bought roses as a present for someone?

Do you know anyone who gets presents but never buys any to give to others?

Do you know anyone who got a smart phone as a present?

How do you feel if you buy someone an expensive present for his or her birthday and they buy you nothing for your birthday?

What was one nice present that you got from your parents one day?

Learning English in Australia

When you go to learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to buy a book before you start the course. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use every day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone or with your colleagues. You will need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You need to come on time so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important mobile phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your teacher and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same class, you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Also if you have a problem in class, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be able to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, then you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning English and settling down in Australia. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who come from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher does not have to keep talking for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not take place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you learn the language faster. When you go out and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you talk to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening and speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t get any money for the work they do when they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other people. They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They may have a different religion. They may have a different skin colour. They may have had little or no education because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by what you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people who come from that country, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the radio was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.
Activities to be used in the classroom:

Learning English in Australia           Student 1

When you go to learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to buy a book before you start the course. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use every day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone or with your colleagues. You will need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You need ............. come on time so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t ............ to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to ................. an important mobile phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your teacher and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same class, you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Also if you have a problem in class, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be able to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, then you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a .............. times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice ............. help you with learning English and settling down in Australia. You will need to book an appointment before you ............. an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can ............. your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand ............. Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who come from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher does not have to keep talking for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not take place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you learn the language faster. When you go out and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you talk to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening and speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You ................ be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell .................. information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t get any money ................ the work they do when they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming ................. for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has .................. coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other people. They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They may have a different religion. They may have a different skin colour. They may have had little or no education because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by what you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the ................. information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people who come ................... that country, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you .................. on the radio was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or ............... religion, culture or race.

Learning English in Australia            Student 2

When you go .......... learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to ............ a book before you start the course. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use ................ day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone ............... with your colleagues. You will need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile .................. or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You need to come on time so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important mobile phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your ...................... and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same ..................., you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with ....................... teacher. Also if you have a problem in class, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be ................. to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, .................. you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning English and settling down in Australia. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who ............... from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher ................. not have to keep talking for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not ............... place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you learn the language faster. When you go ............. and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you ................... to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening ............................ speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t get any money for the work they do when they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other .................... They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They .................... have a different religion. They may have a different skin colour. They may ...................... had little or no education because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by ........................ you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people who come from that country, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the radio was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.

when-  come - able – mobile – education - will – English - radio - learn

When you go to learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to buy a book before you start the course. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use every day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone or with your colleagues. You ................. need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You need to come on time so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important .................. phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your teacher and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same class, you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Also if you have a problem in class, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be ..................... to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, then you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning ................... and settling down in Australia. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who ................. from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher does not have to keep talking for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not take place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you ............... the language faster. When you go out and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you talk to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening and speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t get any money for the work they do .................. they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other people. They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They may have a different religion. They may have a different skin colour. They may have had little or no ................. because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by what you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people who come from that country, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the .................. was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.

Put the underlined parts in the correct order:
When you go to learn English in a language school, you will meet the teacher and other students in the class. Some language schools ask you to buy a book course before you the start. Others don’t ask you to buy any books. Teachers there give you worksheets to use every day. They photocopy lessons for you and give them to you to work alone or with your colleagues. You will need to bring a pen and an exercise book to use in class. Make sure you turn off your mobile phone or put it on silent.

Coming to a class every day is important. You time need to on come so the teacher does not have to stop talking when you enter the classroom. You don’t have to ask the teacher for permission if you want to leave the classroom to go to the toilet or to answer an important mobile phone call on your mobile.

If you think that the class is too easy for you, talk to your teacher and he or she may decide to send you to a different class. If you stay in the same class, you may think it is boring. Don’t waste much time before you discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Also if class you problem have a in, don’t go to the manager straight away. Talk to your teacher and he or she will be able to help you. If the teacher can’t help you, then you can go and talk to the manager.

You can meet with an educational counsellor a few times during your course. Educational counsellors are trained to give you advice and help you with learning English and Australia settling in down. You will need to book an appointment before you see an educational counsellor first. Some of them speak more than one language. You may find a counsellor who can speak your language. They will not only help you with the questions you have but also help you understand the Australian culture more.

When you come to class, you will work with other students who come from different countries. You will work in small groups or in pairs. The teacher does not talking keep have to for four hours a day so you can learn the language. Learning English does not take place inside the classroom only. When you watch TV in English, this will help you learn the language faster. When you go out and read the signs on the shops, this will help you learn faster. When you talk to your neighbour over the fence, this will improve your listening and speaking.

Learning English in an Australian language school is fun. You will be able to talk to volunteer tutors who come here to help you. They can tell you information you can use to get your first job or rent a house. Volunteer tutors don’t for get money any the work they do when they come to help you learn the language. At AMES we have some volunteers who have been coming here for many years. In fact, we have one volunteer who has been coming to help students for the past 38 years.

It is important to show respect when you talk to other people. They may come from a different country and have different cultures than yours. They may a religion have different. They may have a different skin colour. They may have had little or no education because there was a war in their country. Be careful not to offend them by what you say.

Sometimes newspapers and TV stations tell us the wrong information about a certain country or a certain religion. When you meet people that who country come from, you will find out for yourself that what you have been told by newspapers and what you heard on the radio was all wrong. It is against the law in Australia to treat someone badly because of his or her religion, culture or race.

Bookshops Close Down

Many bookshops have had to close down in Australia and in many courtiers around the world during the past few years. Many of these bookshops have been in business for tens of years. The reason for that is not because people read less. In fact, people read more now but most of their reading is done on computers or mobile phones. Most people who buy books buy them online now because they can get them for cheaper prices than if they go to a local bookshop.

Some bookshop owners say that they have to spend a lot of money on rent. They also have to hire people to work there but it is getting harder and harder nowadays to cover the costs. One customer who buys books online says that everything is changing nowadays. It will be sad to see many bookshops closing down but it can really save money if you shop around online. It is surprising how much money you can save if you buy a book from a company in Hong Kong if you have a look at the price of the same book in different bookshops in Melbourne.

When bookshops close, thousands of people who work there lose their jobs. Modern technology has badly affected the publishing industry. People now can download a whole book in a few seconds and start reading it and not have to leave the chair they set on. It is as easy as that. You go online, search for a book that you want, pay on the internet and start downloading it. There are also hundreds of thousands of books that you can download for free. Most of these books are old but people still enjoy reading them.

On the other hand, some companies are making a lot of money by selling digital books. A digital book is a book that you can read on a computer or a mobile phone. They don’t use paper to print these books. The biggest company that sells digital books is called Amazon. Amazon sells digital books for cheaper prices.

Many people believe that in about five years, there will be a very small number of bookshops still operating in Australia. There will still be books printed on paper but most books will be digital.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Many bookshops have had to close ............. in Australia and in many courtiers around the world during the past few years. Many ............... these bookshops have been in business for tens of years. The reason ................ that is not because people read less. In fact, people read more now .............. most of their reading is done on computers or mobile phones. Most people who buy books ................ them online now because they can .................. them for cheaper prices than if they go to a local bookshop.

Some bookshop owners say ................ they have to spend a lot of money on rent. They also have to hire people to work there but ................ is getting harder and harder nowadays to cover the costs. One customer who buys books online .................... that everything is changing nowadays. It will be sad to ............... many bookshops closing down but it can really save money if you shop around online. It is surprising ............... much money you can save if you buy a book from a company in Hong Kong if you have a look at the price of the same book in different bookshops in Melbourne.

When bookshops close, thousands of people who ..................... there lose their jobs. Modern technology has badly affected ................... publishing industry. People now can download a whole book in a few seconds ................start reading it and not have to leave the chair they set on. It is as easy as that. You go online, search for a ................ that you want, pay on the internet and start downloading it. There are also hundreds of thousands of books that you ................. download for free. Most of these books are old but people still .................... reading them.

On the other hand, some companies .................. making a lot of money by selling digital books. A digital book is a book that you can read ................. a computer or a mobile phone. They don’t use paper to print ................. books. The biggest company that sells digital books is called Amazon. Amazon sells digital books ............... cheaper prices.

Many people believe that in about five years, there .................. be a very small number of bookshops still operating in Australia. There ............... still be books printed on paper but most books will ................. digital.

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

work - search - read - of – save - digital - on

less – for - money - paper - books - money - there

Many bookshops have had to close down in Australia and in many courtiers around the world during the past few years. Many of these bookshops have been in business for tens of years. The reason for that is not because people _______ _________. In fact, people read more now but most of their reading is done on computers or mobile phones. Most people who buy books buy them online now because they can get them for cheaper prices than if they go to a local bookshop. Some bookshop owners say that they have to spend a lot _______ ________ on rent. They also have to hire people to work there but it is getting harder and harder nowadays to cover the costs. One customer who buys books online says that everything is changing nowadays. It will be sad to see many bookshops closing down but it can really _______ __________ if you shop around online. It is surprising how much money you can save if you buy a book from a company in Hong Kong if you have a look at the price of the same book in different bookshops in Melbourne. When bookshops close, thousands of people who ________ ________ lose their jobs. Modern technology has badly affected the publishing industry. People now can download a whole book in a few seconds and start reading it and not have to leave the chair they set on. It is as easy as that. You go online, _______ _________ a book that you want, pay on the internet and start downloading it. There are also hundreds of thousands of books that you can download for free. Most of these books are old but people still enjoy reading them. On the other hand, some companies are making a lot of money by selling digital books. A digital book is a book that you can read on a computer or a mobile phone. They don’t use paper to print these books. The biggest company that sells ________ _________ is called Amazon. Amazon sells digital books for cheaper prices. Many people believe that in about five years, there will be a very small number of bookshops still operating in Australia. There will still be books printed _______ ________ but most books will be digital.

New Bank Account

Moving to a different country can be very hard. The language can be different from your own language. When you start living in Australia, you will need to open a bank account. You can open a bank account before you move to live in Australia. You can go online and fill in a form to have a bank account.

Some banks in Australia have been in business for more than 100 years. You can go to any bank branch near your home and fill in a simple form. Give the form to the person who helps you in the bank and he or she will have a look to see that everything is OK. Don’t forget to sign the form before you give it to that person.

You can start a new bank account when you deposit only $5. There are many people who work for banks that can speak more than one language. It will be good for you if you talk to someone who can speak your language because that person will be able to help you more. That person can answer any questions you may have about your new bank account.

After you open a bank account, the bank will send you a bank card. You will need to sign the back of that card before you start using it. You will be able to use ATM machines if you don’t have cash in your pocket. ATM machines can be used any time you need money. Be careful to use your bank’s ATM machines. If you use another bank’s ATM machine, you will pay $2 more.

You can transfer money from your country to your new bank account in Australia. You can also send money to your family members and friends anywhere in the world from your bank account in Australia. It is really easy to do so.

You can use your new bank card to do your shopping or buy cinema tickets. You can also pay the taxi driver with your bank card. Bank cards are very easy to use. Just make sure you don’t forget your PIN number.

Fill in the gaps:
Moving to a different country can ...............very hard. The language can be different from your own language. When you start .............in Australia, you will need to open a bank account. You can ...................a bank account before you move to live in Australia. You can go online and fill in a form to have a ...............account.

Some banks in Australia have been in business ................more than 100 years. You can go to any bank branch near your home and fill in a ................form. Give the form to the person who helps you in the .................and he or she will have a look to see that everything is OK. Don’t forget to sign the form ...............you give it to that person.

You can start a new bank account ..............you deposit only $5. There are many people who work for banks that can speak more ...............one language. It will be good for you if you talk to someone who ................speak your language because that person will be able to help you more. That person can answer ...............questions you may have about your new bank account.

After you open a bank account, the bank will send you a bank card. You will need to sign the back of that card before you start using it. You will be able to use ATM machines if you don’t have cash in your pocket. ATM machines can be used any time you need money. Be careful to use your bank’s ATM machines. If you use another bank’s ATM machine, you will pay $2 more.

You can transfer money from your country to ..............new bank account in Australia. You can also send money to your family members ................friends anywhere in the world from your .................account in Australia. It is really easy to do so.

You can use your new bank card to ..................your shopping or buy cinema tickets. You can also pay the taxi driver with your bank card. Bank cards ..................very easy to use. Just make sure ................don’t forget your PIN number.

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

your - bank  - taxi - family - fill - the – can

driver - form - account  - in – members - speak - pocket

Moving to a different country can be very hard. The language can be different from your own language. When you start living in Australia, you will need to open a bank account. You can open a _______ _________ before you move to live in Australia. You can go online and fill in a form to have a bank account.
Some banks in Australia have been in business for more than 100 years. You can go to any bank branch near your home and ______ _______ a simple form. Give the form to the person who helps you in the bank and he or she will have a look to see that everything is OK. Don’t forget to sign ______ _______ before you give it to that person.
You can start a new bank account when you deposit only $5. There are many people who work for banks that can speak more than one language. It will be good for you if you talk to someone who ______ ________ your language because that person will be able to help you more. That person can answer any questions you may have about your new bank account.
After you open a bank account, the bank will send you a bank card. You will need to sign the back of that card before you start using it. You will be able to use ATM machines if you don’t have cash in _________ _________. ATM machines can be used any time you need money. Be careful to use your bank’s ATM machines. If you use another bank’s ATM machine, you will pay $2 more.
You can transfer money from your country to your new bank account in Australia. You can also send money to your _________ _________ and friends anywhere in the world from your bank account in Australia. It is really easy to do so.
You can use your new bank card to do your shopping or buy cinema tickets. You can also pay the _______ _________ with your bank card. Bank cards are very easy to use. Just make sure you don’t forget your PIN number.

Sarah's Dreams

When Sarah was young, she always dreamed of marrying a rich man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to have a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive car and have a party with her friends at least once a week. She wanted to be able to travel overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She wanted to have a chef to cook her nice food. She wanted a hairdresser to come to her house and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing every time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if she concentrated on her study and worked harder to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family did not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car was 8 years old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not rich either but Sarah always dreamed about having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high school, she went to university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come from a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she liked him a lot. She always felt very happy every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in love with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of marrying someone who was really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided that to be happy was much more important than to be rich. Sarah had big dreams to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows how real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of her own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice to have dreams about the future but they need to work hard to make their dreams come true. Now when Sarah remembers what she used to say to her friends when she was young she has a big smile on her face.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
When Sarah was young, she always dreamed ........... marrying a rich man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to .............. a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive car and have a party with .............. friends at least once a week. She wanted to be able to ................. overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She ................. to have a chef to cook her nice food. She wanted a hairdresser to come to her ................. and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing .............. time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if she concentrated ................ her study and worked harder to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family ................ not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car was 8 .............. old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not ............... either but Sarah always dreamed about having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high school, she went .............. university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come ............... a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she .................... him a lot. She always felt very happy every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in ................. with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of marrying someone who ............... really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided ................. to be happy was much more important than to be rich. Sarah had big dreams to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows ................. real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of ............. own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice ............... have dreams about the future but they need to work hard to make their dreams come true. Now when .................... remembers what she used to say to her friends when she was young she has a big smile on ................ face.

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

work - worked - very - her  - nice – dreamed - used - big -

friends – about - food - to - harder - happy – dreams - hard

When Sarah was young, she always dreamed of marrying a rich man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to have a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive car and have a party with _________ ___________ at least once a week. She wanted to be able to travel overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She wanted to have a chef to cook her _________ __________. She wanted a hairdresser to come to her house and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing every time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if she concentrated on her study and _______ _________ to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family did not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car was 8 years old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not rich either but Sarah always __________ __________ having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high school, she went to university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come from a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she liked him a lot. She always felt _________ __________ every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in love with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of marrying someone who was really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided that to be happy was much more important than to be rich. Sarah had ________ __________ to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows how real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of her own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice to have dreams about the future but they need to ________ _________ to make their dreams come true. Now when Sarah remembers what she _________ _________ say to her friends when she was young she has a big smile on her face.

Fill in the gaps:

liked – was – come – future – school - car – marrying – she – big – rich – important

When Sarah was young, she always dreamed of marrying a ................ man. She wanted to have the best of everything. She wanted to have a double-storey house overlooking the beach. She wanted to buy a very expensive ................ and have a party with her friends at least once a week. She wanted to be able to travel overseas and visit many countries. She wanted to stay at five-star hotels and have people cleaning her house for her. She wanted to have a chef to cook her nice food. She wanted a hairdresser to ............... to her house and do her hair. She always wanted to look beautiful.

Her friends at school kept laughing every time she spoke about her dreams for the future. They told her it would be better if ................ concentrated on her study and worked harder to learn at school. Sarah was really beautiful but her family was not very rich. Her family did not have a beach house or a modern car. Their car .................. 8 years old. In fact, she came from an average family. Her father was not rich. Her mother was not rich either but Sarah always dreamed about having lots and lots of money.

When Sarah finished high ................, she went to university to study to become a nurse. At university, she met a handsome young man who did not come from a rich family. He did not have a house by the beach. He was smart and she ............... him a lot. She always felt very happy every time that young man was around. Sarah fell in love with that young man and she decided to forget about her dreams of .................... someone who was really rich. When he asked her to marry him, she didn’t take much time to say yes. She decided that to be happy was much more .................... than to be rich. Sarah had big dreams to be rich and wealthy when she was young. Now she is older and knows how real life is like.

She always tells her friends that when she has children of her own, she will tell them one important lesson. It is nice to have dreams about the ................. but they need to work hard to make their dreams come true. Now when Sarah remembers what she used to say to her friends when she was young she has a .............. smile on her face.

Buying a House

If you are looking for a house to buy, there are many things you should know before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you have now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some time before you get the right house. You can do different things to find the house you like. You can go on the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real estate agents and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a lot of money if you are good with buying and selling.

 You need to go to a bank and ask for a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several banks you can choose from. If you have saved some money over some years, this will be great. This money will make it easy to buy the house you want.

You can buy a house in an auction. The house will be sold to the person who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even if you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in an auction. When you have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your dream home.

If you want to buy a house near the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay less money. Also if you buy an old house, you may pay less money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them and build a number of units on the land. They make good money.

If you work and your wife doesn’t work, this can make things hard for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will need to do your shopping too. The best thing to do then is to buy a small house or a unit. You will not be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income.

After you buy the house you want, you may want to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some new trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much money you want to spend. Buying a house in Australia is not easy because you will spend many years paying it off. Good luck.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps: 

If you are looking for a house to ................, there are many things you should know before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you ................... now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some time before you get the right house. You ...............do different things to find the house you like. You can go ...................the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real estate agents and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a ............... of money if you are good with buying and selling.

 You need to go to a bank and ask ..................a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several ..................you can choose from. If you have saved some money over .....................years, this will be great. This money will make it easy to buy the house .......................want.

You can buy a house in an auction. The house will be sold to the ........................ who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even ...............you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in an auction. When ....................have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your ...................... home.

If you want to buy a house .....................the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay ...................money. Also if you buy an old house, you may pay ........................ money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them .......................... build a number of units on the land. They make good money.

If you work and your wife doesn’t work, this can make things .........................for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will ........................... to do your shopping too. The best thing to do then is to buy a small house or a unit. You will ...................... be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income.

After you buy the house you want, you may ......................... to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some ..................... trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much ....................... you want to spend. Buying a house in Australia is not easy because you will spend many ...................... paying it off. Good luck.

Fill in the gaps: 

money - you - will - know - saved - house - spend -shopping -time 

If you are looking for a house to buy, there are many things you should ......................... before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you have now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some .......................... before you get the right house. You can do different things to find the house you like. You can go on the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real estate agents and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a lot of ............................ if you are good with buying and selling. You need to go to a bank and ask for a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several banks you can choose from. If you have ............................ some money over some years, this will be great. This money will make it easy to buy the house you want.You can buy a house in an auction. The house ........................ be sold to the person who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even if you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in an auction. When you have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your dream home. If you want to buy a house near the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay less money. Also if ........................ buy an old house, you may pay less money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them and build a number of units on the land. They make good money. If you work and your wife doesn't work, this can make things hard for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will need to do your .......................... too. The best thing to do then is to buy a small house or a unit. You will not be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income. After you buy the ...................... you want, you may want to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some new trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much money you want to .......................... . Buying a house in Australia is not easy because you will spend many years paying it off. Good luck.

Choose two words from both parts of the table to fill in the gaps in the text

less – before – an - to - estate  - ask – small - not

you -  money - house – easy - buy - auction - agents - for

If you are looking for a house to buy, there are many things you should know before you sign any contracts. First of all, you need to know how much money you have now and how much you can pay in the future. You need to spend some time _________ _________ get the right house. You can do different things to find the house you like. You can go on the internet and look for a house to buy. You can also talk to real __________ ___________ and they will help you find the right house for you. You may save a lot of money if you are good with buying and selling.

 You need to go to a bank and _________ __________ a loan to buy a house. If you have had a full time job for some time, this will make it easy for you to get the loan from the bank. There are several banks you can choose from. If you have saved some money over some years, this will be great. This money will make it easy ___________ _________ the house you want.

You can buy a house in an auction. The house will be sold to the person who is willing to pay the highest price for it. It is a good idea to attend some auctions even if you are not ready to buy. You will learn how a house is sold in _________ ___________. When you have enough money, you can attend an auction and buy your dream home. 

If you want to buy a house near the city, you need to pay a lot of money. If you go further away from the city, you will pay _________ ____________. Also if you buy an old house, you may pay less money. Some rich people buy very old houses. They demolish them and build a number of units on the land. They make good money.

If you work and your wife doesn’t work, this can make things hard for you. Remember that you will still need money to buy food and pay for petrol for your car. You will need to do your shopping too. The best thing to do then is to buy a ________ __________ or a unit. You will not be able to afford to buy a big house on a single income.

After you buy the house you want, you may want to do some work inside it or in the garden. Maybe you will choose to plant some new trees. Maybe you will need to put a new kitchen because the one you have is old or you don’t like it. Again it depends on how much money you want to spend. Buying a house in Australia is ________ ___________ because you will spend many years paying it off. Good luck.

Studying in Australia

Very young children can go to childcare in the city they live in. Parents may choose to send their babies to a childcare centre near their home or anywhere they like. Children may stay at a childcare centre until they are five years old. When a child is 4 years old, he or she can go to a kindergarten. It is NOT compulsory to send your child to childcare before he or she starts primary school.

In Australia, it is compulsory for you to send your children to school until they are seventeen years of age. Students normally go to a primary school at the age of five.

Sending a child to a childcare centre can be expensive. Parents normally have to pay about $70 a day to let their son or daughter stay there. At a childcare centre, children make friends and play with them. They also do activities and learn to read the alphabet.

When a child starts primary school, he or she may feel scared and starts to cry. This is normal for many kids. That is why they have a “buddy”. A buddy is a friend from another year level. The buddy is another student from year 5. The buddy looks after the new student and makes sure he or she does not feel scared or cries. The first year in a primary school is called “Prep”.

Students finish primary school when they finish year 6. In primary school, students go on different excursions each year. They sometimes go to the zoo and see the animals. They also go on camps and spend a few days away from home. Some teachers go with them to make sure they are safe. After finishing primary school, students go to study at a high school. Most students prefer to go to a local high school. There are many good high schools in Melbourne.

It is against the law in Australia not to send your child to school. Children must stay at school until they are 15~17, the age children must stay in high school till depends on what part of Australia they live in. You can send your child to a public school or a private one. Public schools are government schools. It is free to study in these schools but parents normally pay some money every year to help the school buy books, computers and other things that the children can use.

Students start high school in year 7 and stay there until they finish year 12. Studying in high school is different from studying in primary school. In high school, there is normally a lot of study and tests to be done. There is a teacher for each subject. There are excursions and camps in high schools. Parents always pay money for their children to go on camps.

If you choose to send your child to learn in a private school, you will need to pay a lot of money. Most private high schools charge up to $23,000 a year. If your child is very smart, he or she can take a scholarship test to be allowed to study in a private school. These tests are not easy. After scoring a high mark in the scholarship test, parents can be asked to pay half the fees only and not the $23,000. You need to call the private school you want your child to go to or visit the web site for that school to find out about the date for the scholarship test.

After finishing high school, the student can go to study at university or at TAFE. There are different universities that a student can choose from. Australian universities are well-known all over the world and tens of thousands of international students come here to study. A student can spend three years at uni and finish a degree. After that, he or she can choose to do a Masters degree or a PhD.

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:
Very young children can go to childcare in the ...............they live in. Parents may choose to send their babies to a childcare centre near ..................home or anywhere they like. Children may stay at a childcare ....................until they are five years old. When a child is 4 years old, he or she can ...................to a kindergarten. It is NOT compulsory to send your ......................to childcare before he or she starts primary school.
In Australia, it is compulsory for you to send ..........................children to school until they are seventeen years of age. Students ...................go to a primary school at the age of five.

Sending a child to a childcare centre can be expensive. Parents normally have to pay about $70 a day to let their son or daughter stay there. At a childcare centre, children make friends and play with them. They also do activities and learn to read the alphabet.

When a child starts .................school, he or she may feel scared and starts to cry. This is normal for many kids. That is why they have a “buddy”. A buddy is a .....................from another year level. The .....................is another student from year 5. The buddy looks after the new student and makes sure he or ..................does not feel scared or cries. The first year in a primary school is called “Prep”.

Students finish primary school when ................finish year 6. In primary school, students go on different .......................each year. They sometimes go to the zoo and see the animals. They also go on camps and spend a few days away ..................home. Some teachers go with them to ...................sure they are safe. After finishing primary school, students go to ....................at a high school. Most students prefer to go to a local high school. There are many good high ....................in Melbourne.

It is against the law in Australia not to send your child to school. Children must stay at school until they are 15~17, the age children must stay in high school till depends on what part of Australia they live in. You ....................send your child to a public school or a private one. Public schools ....................government schools. It is free to study in these schools but parents normally pay some ...................every year to help the school buy books, computers and other things that the children can use.

Students start high school in year 7 and stay ....................until they finish year 12. Studying in high school is different from studying in primary school. In high school, there is normally a lot of study and tests to be done. There is a teacher for each subject. There are excursions and camps in high schools. Parents always pay money for their children to go on camps.

If you choose to send your child to learn in a private school, you will need to pay a lot of money. Most private high schools charge up to $23,000 a year. If your child is very smart, he or she can take a scholarship .....................to be allowed to study in a private school. These tests are not easy. After scoring a high mark ................the scholarship test, parents can be asked to pay half the fees only and not the $23,000. You need to call the private school you want your child ..................go to or visit the web site for that school to find out about the date for the scholarship test.

After finishing high school, the student can go to study at university or at TAFE. There are different universities that a student ...................choose from. Australian universities are well-known all over the world and .....................of thousands of international students come here to study. A student can spend three years at uni and finish a degree. After that, he or she can choose ...................do a Masters degree or a PhD.

My English Class

Dear Maria,
How are you? I live now in Melbourne, Australia. I don't like it because I have great difficulty speaking the language. I go to AMES in Box Hill to study English five days a week. The teacher's name is Ibrahim and he is from Egypt. He speaks English fast and he helps me to learn English using the internet. He also speaks Arabic. Ibrahim teaches our class three days a week.

We also have a female teacher in class. Her name is Catherine. She is from New Zealand. She teaches me two days a week. She teaches me a lot of vocabulary and grammar. She helps me improve my reading and writing . Catherine speaks English fast too.

The students in the class work in groups. They come from different countries. Some students are from China. Others are from Africa. Two students are from Iran. One student is from Burma. All the students are friendly and help each other to learn English.

We also have a student teacher. He is from Australia. His name is Suguru. His parents are from Japan. He speaks fast English. He also speaks Japanese. He is 25 years old. He was born in Box Hill Hospital. He studies at Melbourne University. He is single. He lives in Box Hill with his parents. He helps students learn about Australia.

I have to go now. I will send you an email soon.

Regards,
Thadee

Email to John

Dear John,
How are you? Thank you for your email. I read it only five minutes ago. I have got the report from Akmar. I read it and it is OK. I will make sure all key parts of the IT report for the next morning meeting are read on the next meeting's agenda.

I tried to catch Dianne too. It was not easy for me. I telephoned her two times yesterday but she didn't answer my phone calls. She is out of town too. Her brother tells me that she is in hospital in Sydney. She has been coughing for two days and she hasn't been feeling well. She will miss the meeting. I hope she will come back soon.

I remember we will have a new person coming. I will make sure that all the right paperwork is ready for that person.

I hope to see you tomorrow morning at the meeting.

Regards,
Adriana

My High School

When I had to go to school 10 years ago, we had to wear a uniform. The school uniform was blue, in year 11 and 12 you were allowed to wear a maroon coloured uniform. The maroon uniform showed everyone that you were in year 11 or 12.

School started at 8:50 in the morning and finished at 3:35 in the afternoon. There was a snack break at 10:30 and a lunch break at 1:15.

My school was not very big, it had about 800 students. Today it has about 1100 students. The school is co-educational, it teaches to both girls and boys. When I studied there it was compulsory to study a foreign language, I chose to study French. The other choices were Chinese or German.

We also had to study English, Geography, History, Maths, Science and PE. Once you were in year nine you were allowed to start choosing what subjects to study. The only compulsory subjects at year nine were English and maths.

We also had sports and clubs at school. I joined the chess club in year nine and for sports I did cross country and soccer.

Answer these questions:

What colours was the school uniform and why?

When was the lunch break?

How many students does the school have today?

How many foreign languages did the school teach and what were they?

What were you allowed to do in year nine?

What does co-educational mean?

What were the compulsory subjects in year nine?

Listen to the recording and fill in the blanks:

When I had to go to ______, 10 years ago, we had to wear a ______. The school uniform was _____, in year 11 and 12 you were allowed to wear a maroon coloured uniform. The maroon uniform _____ everyone that you were in year 11 or 12.

School started at 8:50 in the morning and finished at 3:35 in the afternoon. There was a ______ break at 10:30 and a lunch break at 1:15.

My school was not very ____, it had about 800 students. Today it has about 1100 students. The school is co-educational, it ________ to both girls and boys. When I studied there it was compulsory to study a foreign language, I chose to study French. The other choices were ________ or _______.

We also had to study English, ________, History, Maths, Science and PE. Once you ______ in year nine you were allowed to start choosing what subjects to study. The only __________ subjects at year nine were English and maths.

We also had sports and clubs at school. I ______ the chess club in year nine and for sports I did cross country and soccer.

Listen to the recording and cross out the differences:
When we had to go to America 12 years ago, we had to wear a uniform. The school uniform was blue, in year 11 and 12 you were allowed to wear a maroon coloured jacket. The maroon skirt showed everyone that you were in year 11 or 12.

School started at 4 o’clock in the morning and finished at 3:35 in the afternoon. There was a food break at 10:30 and a lunch break at 1:15.

My home was not very big, it had about 800 stores. Today it has about 1100 students. The school is co-educational, it teaches to both boys and girls. When I worked there it was compulsory to study a foreign language, I chose to study Farsi. The other choices were Cantonese or Greek.

We also had to study English, Geography, History, Maths, Science and PE. Once you were in year twelve you were forced to start choosing what books to study. The only compulsory subjects at year nine were English and maths.

We also had sports and clubs at school. I quit the chess club in year nine and for sports I played cross country and soccer.

Put the underlined parts in the correct order:

When I had to years to school go 10 ago, we had to wear a uniform. The school uniform was blue, in year 11 and 12 you were allowed to wear a maroon coloured uniform. The maroon uniform were showed that everyone you in year 11 or 12.

School started at 8:50 in finished the and morning at 3:35 in the afternoon. There was a at snack break 10:30 and a lunch break at 1:15.

My school was not very big, it students about had 800. Today it has about 1100 students. The school is co-educational, it teaches to both girls and boys. When I studied there it was compulsory foreign to a study language, I chose to study French. The other choices were Chinese or German.

We also had to study English, Geography, History, Maths, Science and PE. Once you year were were in nine you allowed to start choosing what subjects to study. The only compulsory were subjects year at nine English and maths.

We clubs also had and sports at school. I joined the chess club in year nine and for sports I cross did country and soccer.

Education

How old must new students be when they go to primary school in your country?

Do you like your English class at AMES?

How do teachers teach in your country?

What are the differences between learning in your country and in Australia?

How do you get into university in your country?

What do you need to do if you want to get into university in Australia?

Do you have TAFE schools in your country?

How many days per week do students have to go to school in your country?

Do you think schools in your country are better than the ones we have here in Australia?

What are your plans after you finish this course?

What do you like about studying at AMES?

Do students in your country have to wear uniforms?

What do you think should be done to improve the English class at AMES?

How many hours do you spend studying at home?

Were you a top student when you were young?

Do teachers get a lot of money in your country?

How many students are there in a normal class in your country?

Do you have any friends from school who became doctors?

How do you help your children when they have school homework?

What subjects did you like when you were young?

What teachers did you dislike when you were young? Why?

Do you like using computers when you were a student?

Do school prepare you for work in Australia?

What other courses are you interested in?

Do you use the internet to learn English?

How many years do students spend in high schools in Australia?

What are some of the differences between public and private schools?

How many students are normally there in an average school in your country?

Are teachers in your country very strict?

Do parents help children study at home in your country or do they send them to private tutors?

Do private schools in your country cost a lot of money?

Is it a good idea for parents to send their children to private schools?

Do children get free meals in your country when they go to school?

Do you think having good computer skills can make it easy for you to learn English?

What are the good things about speaking English well?

How many hours do you spend at home studying English per week?

A Horrible Interview

Mr X. Thanks for coming to the interview. Please have a seat.

OK. Thank you. I am really looking forward to working here in this company. It is like a 5-star hotel.

Before we start, can I ask you why you came late? It is nearly one hour.

Oh, really I didn’t want to come to this interview because I was still in bed and didn’t want to get up. I only started to move when my wife shouted at me to get up.

Oh, I see. Thank you for telling me that. You are very honest indeed.

Oh, not a problem.

OK. Now could you tell me why you are interested in working for our company?

I live not far away and thought if I got a job here, I wouldn’t have to buy a car. Every time I walked past here, the people didn't seem to work hard. So I said to myself why not get a job here.

Very well. Now can you tell me about your work history?

I worked in different jobs but didn’t like any of them. At school I didn’t like to study hard and wanted to be a photographer. I liked taking pictures of birds, you see. Now I can’t work as a photographer because I don’t have a good camera. They are very expensive these days. I worked in a pizza shop, at a supermarket and as a gardener for one day only. I got fired three times last year because other workers didn’t like me. I think it was because I worked harder than any of them.

May I ask how you can afford to live?

I get a pension. The government is very kind and that is why I vote for them. My wife has a full time job. So I don’t have to work that hard anyhow.

What are your plans for the next five years if I may ask you?

Well, I don’t have any plans. I just want to get a job where I don’t need to work very hard. I want a job where I can start at 11 o’clock in the morning.

Why 11 o'clock? Can’t you work before that?

No. I will be still in bed. You see I like watching TV and hate waking up early. I don’t know how so many people can do that. I also want a part-time job so I don’t need to pay much tax to the government. I think the government wastes tax money on lazy people in this country and this has to stop. I forgot to tell you that I need to finish work before 5 o’clock. I like watching the news on TV. I need to know what is happening in the world.

I see, Mr X. And what sort of education have you had?

I finished year 7 and left school after that. I had a teacher that was always shouting at me when I was asleep in class. I didn’t like the school and always ran away from my teachers because I didn’t want to sit down in class and study boring lessons. Don’t you think I was right?  

Well, of course you were right, Mr X. I think you are very honest. Now, how much money are you looking at?

Well, I want to have a good income. I need money to buy a new house and a new car. You see, my wife is expecting a baby and she will have to stop working. I have to take responsibility and gain money. I am a very good husband. I want 50 thousand dollars at least if I work here.

Don’t you think 50 thousand dollars a year is too much given that you didn't go to university?

I didn’t say 50 thousand dollars a year. You got me wrong. I meant 50 thousand dollars a month. I am sure the big boss here gets millions of dollars a year. Isn’t that right?

Oh, I will have to talk to my manager first and come back to you about that. Now, tell me about a difficult situation that you had at work before and what you did to solve the problem?

Well, I saw one worker at the pizza shop stealing money from the machine one night. He took $100.

And what did you do?

I took $50 from him and kept quiet about it.

I see. Now tell me. Are you a good team player?

Of course I am. I like giving orders to others and make them work as hard as they can. I am a leader. If they don’t do what I say, I shout at them. Some of them cry sometimes and leave work because of me. I don’t understand it. Anyhow, it will do your company a lot of good if you give me the job. I can be the big boss here in a very short time and get millions of dollars.
Mr X, we need someone who has advanced computer skills to do this job. Do you think you are the right person for the job?
Oh, any work on computers can be done easily. Tell me exactly what you what to have done and I will ask my next-door neighbours. They have a son who is on the internet all the time. I believe he can do anything for me. He always checks his email and is always on Facebook.

Now, Mr X. Do you have any questions that you would like to ask me?

I first need to say that I really enjoyed this interview. You are a nice man. The only question I would like to ask is when will I hear if I have got the job or not?

Well, there was a guy who used to do this job and he stole half a million dollars from our company and was fired. We will give him a call and beg him to come back. He can also keep the money he took. If he doesn’t want to work for us any more, we will surely give you a call to welcome you to our company.