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?

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?

Smoking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do cigarettes have harmful chemicals in them?

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

What about children, how are they affected by smoking?

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

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

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

Are there medicines to help people stop smoking?

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

Finally what do you advise people to do?

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

BBC

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

Work contracts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchenhand

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

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

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

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

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps: 

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

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

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

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

Answer these questions: 

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

Telemarketing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

Answer these questions: 

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

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps: 

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

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

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

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

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

Teachers' Work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

high - the - buy - good - not - ask

books - them - work - afford - ideas - schools

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

Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to your classmate and fill in the gaps:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email

From: James (James0178625@hostname.com)

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

Date: 07/08/2011

Subject: First day on the job.

Hi Alex,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where does Alex work?

What is his job at work called?

What does he do for his job?

Who does all the cooking?

How many other people work at Alex’s workplace?

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

Hi James,

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

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

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

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

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

Regards,

Alex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Your First Job

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

Thank you very much.

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

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

Can you give us some examples, please?

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

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

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

Are there some jobs that people can get quickly?

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

Can you give us examples of these jobs?

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

And how long does it take?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there things that prevent people from getting jobs?

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

What is good about working in Australia?

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

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

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

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

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

Help Your Child Learn

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

Daily News

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

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

Differences

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

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

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

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

5. Different foods/meals?

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

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

8. Is your country very religious?

9. How religious is Australia?

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

11. How are they the same?

12. Have you ever experienced culture shock?

13. What other cultures have you met people from?

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

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

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

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

18. How is education different in Australia?

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

20. Do family members live together in your country?

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

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

23. Is it easy to make friends in Australia?

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

A Bank Loan

Conversation Questions

What bank do you bank with?

Why did you choose that bank?

How many bank cards do you have?

Why do people like to have credit cards?

Do you shop online?

Why do some people do their shopping online?

Have you ever had a loan from a bank?

What sort of loans can people apply to have?

Do you think banks are good or bad?

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

Why do some people not like to deal with banks?

Do you know how to use an ATM machine?

Did you use to use ATM machines in your country?

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

Do you do online banking?

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

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

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

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

Have you had a bad experience with any bank before?

Have you ever borrowed money from your friends or family?

Have you ever lent money to anyone before?

Have you had any money problems before?

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

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

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

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

Do you have an accountant who looks after your finances?

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

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

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

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

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

Fill in the gaps:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeing a Doctor in Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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